Don't Get A Pit Bull
Don’t Get A Pit Bull
Yes I’m saying it...
I who own two bully breeds.
... don’t get a Pit Bull, a mix of such or any bully breed.
Unless you can advocate for your dog the right way!
And advocating doesn’t mean telling people that these are nanny dogs and Pet Bulls and that all that matters is TLC and how they are raised.
That is bullshit!
If you get a Pit Bull, know what you’re handling. Know that you’re getting a dog with certain genetics and you should be in love with these genetics before making the choice to acquire such a dog.
Know that some of these dogs who are often just mutts may have more softer traits and are couch potatoes that could potentially be a really good fit for a soft owner and others are high drive agile working dogs with high prey drive that in the “nanny dog owner” hands can cause great damage.
Instead you should be in love with the other traits that can also come with the breed because unless you get a registered America Pit Bull Terrier (which there are very few of) or any other pure bred dog of any bully breed you have no clue what you’re getting.
So you better be in love with all possible traits including incredible agility, high need of exercise and stimulation but also that unbreakable commitment of task that could come in form of high prey drive, aggression towards small or other animals and more.
They’re not all lovey dovey, they are amazing dogs with amazing work ethics that need to be challenged or it goes sideways.
And screaming “Nanny Dog” sure doesn’t drive them into the right hands of owners who are willing to challenge these dogs the right way.
Another reason why I say “Don’t Get A Pit Bull, unless you’re prepared for all sides” is that most of the shelter pitties are terribly bred.
They are unpredictable when it comes to genetics because back yard breeders bred any kind of temperament and breeds together and it’s fucking dangerous.
Some are really unpredictable mixes that love people but have no tolerance for handling (a trait that a well bred pittie should have). Or that are great with most dogs until they get challenged (cause hey, it’s a pittie) etc.
Don’t get one if you’re not prepared to deal with the exact personality that it may come with.
Be prepared for potential dog aggression or reactivity (especially if you don’t give them proper outlets)
Be prepared to having to bike and hike (or else) with this dog more than you had expected.
Be prepared that the temperament can switch from one side drastically to another at the age of maturity.
Be prepared.
If you want to get a Pit Bull or any type of bully breed, do it for the love of the real breed and not because you just think they deserve love too.
Do it because you appreciate and understand the background and history of these dogs and understand what they come with and enjoy it.
Do it because you are committed to let your dog become an amazing advocate for the breed because you’re not too lazy or dismissive to put in the work.
Because these are the dog owners Pit Bulls really need to shine through. People who love them to the core for their true genetics!
So if you love the true Pit Bull at its core, not the distorted view of them, get a Pit Bull by all means and let’s make sure together that you’re growing into the most amazing team you can be.
About the author:
Simone Krebser - CPDT: Owner and head dog trainer of K9 Possible Dog Training. Certified dog trainer, certified pet first aid instructor, member of the IACP, dog crazy and chocolate/cheese addict. “My life revolves around dog’s day in and out and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is my goal to help enhance the lives of all the adventurous and outdoorsy dog owners that crave no limits”
