What resources do you recommend about stereotypes or temperament?

Hey Levi,

I’ve been a fan of the rescue force for a while and the Pitbull breed.

My wife and 2 sons are looking at getting a dog and I would love to rescue a pitbull, however my wife seems to fall into the trap of pitbull stereotypes. Are there good resources you would recommend about these stereotypes or temperament in general? Is there a way to have her spend time with these animals and hopefully change her view of them?

Thanks for your help :)

-Dave

 

Hi Dave,

I’m so excited you asked this question! I myself am a dog bred to look like a big, mean brute, but I’m just the opposite! I love nothing more than to educate people about my breed. My suggestion is to expose your wife and kids to as many Pitbulls as you can in the next while and let them experience for themselves how wonderful we are! And guess what, you’re in luck! We are taking part in an Adoptathon THIS Saturday at BowDog in Calgary. Hopefully you are in the area and can make it out! Come meet some of our dogs and talk to people who volunteer their time to help my wonderful breed. It’s 11am-3pm, Saturday March 10th at 6909 Farrell Road SE Calgary.

If you’re unable to attend this weekend there are tons of other options to gain exposure. Go to the local shelter, volunteer with us, ask anyone you know with a Pit and just spend some time with us. I’m always available and love to meet new people, especially kids

Here are some tips for your family on how to properly say hi to an unfamiliar dog:

1.      Always ask the owner first! Make eye contact and ask if it’s okay you (or the kids) say hi to the dog.

2.      It’s a good rule of thumb to only say hi to a dog that is in a calm, submissive state. If the dog is jumping up everywhere, pulling on the leash, barking, etc. I recommend thanking them and saying “maybe another time” or something of the sort. You should only say hi to an unfamiliar dog when they are showing you proper manners (sometimes I have a hard time with this myself, we get excited to meet new people)!

3.      Step to the side of the dog so you are not approaching the dog head on – a head on approach can sometimes be imitating. Make a fist with your hand, get to the same level of the dog and offer your closed hand. Let the dog sniff away. If all goes well you are more than welcome to pet the dog and show affection all you want! I recommend chest rubs! Beware – pitties love to give kisses!

There are a ton of great resources out there to learn about the Pitbull as well. I recommend:

http://www.badrap.org/breed-history

http://www.ourpack.org/truthaboutpitbulls.html

http://www.cesarsway.com/dogbehavior/basics/How-Did-Pit-Bulls-Get-a-Bad-Rap

http://www.pbrc.net/breedinfo.html

This is a great online “book” depending on how much you want to read.

http://www.pitbullproject.ca/placebo.pdf

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

Licks & Wags

~Levi


I am looking for a trainer….

Hello Levi, I am looking for a personal trainer to work with me and my two dogs, so I can better understand them and train them to the best of their ability. I need someone who is comfortable with pit bull X. I enjoy my pups, I have a 20mo. old Male neutered, and 8 mo. old Female spayed. They are both rescued from a young age.

Thank you,
Andrea

Hi Andrea!!

Thanks so much for your question! If you are in the Calgary area I recommend Clever Canines (www.clevercanines.ca). I was in their Jumpstart & CORE program with a bunch of other dogs, it was so fun! I got to do everything from sit-stays to riding the c-train! My mom says she learned lots too, she participated in a few seminars they hosted on dog behaviour, nutrition, etc. They also offer one-on-one training!

-Levi

This is me practicing a sit-stay while in a Clever Canines class!

 


What collar do you recommend for my new rescue dog?

I recommend Martingale Collars!

Martingale collars are the safest collars on the market and are known as a “no slip collar”. For a standard collar to be tight enough that your dog can never slip out, the collar must be uncomfortably tight all the time. The martingale collar allows your pooch to wear a collar that is only tight when it needs to be. When fitted properly the dog is never choked, but the collar stays snug around your dog’s neck, just behind the ears, until the tension is released.

How a Martingale Collar Works – The martingale collar is made with two loops; the large loop is placed around the dog’s neck, and the D ring on the smaller loop is where the leash is clipped. When the dog pulls on the leash the smaller loop tightens ensuring the dog cannot pull out of the collar. When the leash is pulled, the two rings connecting the smaller and larger loop should NOT touch; there should be 1-2 finger widths in-between the rings.

There are lots of martingale options available, from standard chain martingales to strictly fabric ones.

-Levi

*Martingale information provided by BowDog Canine Specialists*


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