Pit Bulls For Dummies

The good, the bad, and the snugly about your new best friend No breed of dog is the subject of more extreme feelings—both good and bad—than the Pit Bull. Man-eating monster or heroic nanny-dog: What's the real story? Are Pit Bulls the very best breed for kids? (Not always.) Is it all in how you raise them? (Not totally). Will they lick you to death? (Absolutely!) In the fully updated 2nd Edition of Pit Bulls For Dummies, Dr. Caroline Coile—Dog Writer's Association of America Hall of Famer and former Pit Bull owner—sniffs out the reality behind the myth, rips through the dogma that both vilifies and sanctifies this unique family of dogs, helps you find the best source for your new family member, and shows you the latest and greatest ways to raise, train, and live with your own partying Pit Bull and reap the rewards of happy canine companionship for years to come. Understand your Pit Bull’s origins and characteristics Decide if a Pit Bull is for you Evaluate Pit Bull sources, whether adopting, rescuing, or buying Care for all ages, from puppies to older dogs Deal with bad behavior Socialize your new dog Follow the advice in this book and help show the world that well-brought-up Pit Bulls are some of the most charming, companionable, and fun-to-be-around dogs out there—enjoy!

The hugely illuminating story of how a popular breed of dog became the most demonized and supposedly the most dangerous of dogs—and what role humans have played in the transformation. When Bronwen Dickey brought her new dog home, she saw no traces of the infamous viciousness in her affectionate, timid pit bull. Which made her wonder: How had the breed—beloved by Teddy Roosevelt, Helen Keller, and Hollywood’s “Little Rascals”—come to be known as a brutal fighter? Her search for answers takes her from nineteenth-century New York City dogfighting pits—the cruelty of which drew the attention of the recently formed ASPCA—to early twentieth‑century movie sets, where pit bulls cavorted with Fatty Arbuckle and Buster Keaton; from the battlefields of Gettysburg and the Marne, where pit bulls earned presidential recognition, to desolate urban neighborhoods where the dogs were loved, prized—and sometimes brutalized. Whether through love or fear, hatred or devotion, humans are bound to the history of the pit bull. With unfailing thoughtfulness, compassion, and a firm grasp of scientific fact, Dickey offers us a clear-eyed portrait of this extraordinary breed, and an insightful view of Americans’ relationship with their dogs.

Pit Bulls are an often misunderstood breed because of their strong physique and history of poor treatment. These dogs are commonly believed to be aggressive watchdogs when their true temperament is the complete opposite. Pitbulls are sweet, gentle dogs that make excellent family pets. They love to play and have fun, and with proper care, would never have a reason to hurt the humans in their life. In fact, Pitbulls are frequently referred to as “nanny dogs” because of how great they are with kids. Once you get to know a Pitbull, you’ll find that they are a perfect addition to your family. The Complete Guide to Pit Bulls is written for the busy new owner who needs to quickly and easily learn everything they NEED to know as they embark on their ownership journey. This comprehensive guide answers every question you may have including: Is a Pit Bull the right dog for me? I brought my Pit Bull home. What now? How can I best train my Pit Bull? What are some common mistakes should I avoid? No matter how fun and easy-going this breed is, there’s a lot you’ll need to know about Pitbulls before you bring your new best friend home. The first few chapters will introduce you to the breed and help you find the perfect pup. You’ll continue on reading to find out everything you'll need to know as a new owner, including: Choosing a Pit Bull Preparing your Household for your Pit Bull Bringing Your Pit Bull Home Puppy Parenting Housetraining Socializing with People and Animals Pit Bulls and Your Other Pets Exercise Training your Pit Bull Dealing With Unwanted Behaviors Basic Commands Advanced Commands Traveling with Pit Bulls Grooming your Pit Bull Nutrition and Healthcare If you’ve never owned a Pit Bull before, this book will guide you through every life stage. Bringing a new dog into your home can be a lot of work, but this book is full of tips and tricks for creating a great relationship between owner and dog. Before long, you’ll become confident in your ability to be the best owner to your new Pit Bull, and this sweet dog will show you so much affection in return!

Filled with inspiring stories and photographs, this heartfelt tribute to the pit bull celebrates one of America’s most popular yet misunderstood dogs. Perhaps more than any other breed, the pit bull has been dogged by negative stereotypes. In truth, pit bulls are innately wonderful family pets, as capable of love and good deeds as any other type of dog. Setting the record straight, Ken Foster sings the praises of pit bulls in I’m a Good Dog, a gorgeously illustrated, tenderly written tribute to this most misunderstood of canines. Founder of the Sula Foundation, which promotes responsible pit bull ownership in New Orleans, and the author of two acclaimed books about abandoned dogs, Foster has made it his mission to bring overlooked canines into the limelight. I’m a Good Dog traces the fascinating history of this particularly maligned breed. A century ago, the pit bull was considered a family dog, featured in family photos and trusted as loving companions for children. More recently, pit bulls have been portrayed by the media as stereotypes of everything they are not. Foster shatters that reputation through moving profiles of pit bulls that serve as therapy dogs, athletic heroes, search-and-rescue dogs, and educators, not to mention as loving pets. Foster also profiles many pit bull lovers, from Helen Keller and Dr. Seuss to actor Todd Cerveris, who took his pit bull on tour with him for the musical Spring Awakening. Proving that there’s much to love and nothing to fear, I’m a Good Dog restores the pit bull to its rightful place as friend, family member, athlete and entertainer.

“Pit Bull 101” traces the loveable Pitbull from its historic ancestry to today. The dog’s pedigree, genealogy, and temperament are illustrated. Pitbulls have been the subject of adverse legislation illegal operations, and public disquiet. By learning about the Pitbull, you will find that they are not dangerous, vicious, or difficult to train. Pitbulls have a varied history. They are not fighting dogs but rescue dogs, police dogs, dogs used for care, and support dogs. They will love you, unconditionally and be your most loyal friend. At one time in America’s history, Pitbulls were known as America’s dog. They were on war posters for WWI and WWII, the face of Buster Brown shoes, and known as nanny dogs. You have seen the Pitbull running with the Little Rascals and as a part of Rachael Ray’s dog food commercial. The Pitbulls reputation was horribly damaged by magazine articles, media prejudice, and the story of Michael Vick and his dogfighting project. Yet, these dogs that were horribly abused and tortured became happy and loving family pets and mascots. The Michael Vick tragedy changed the face of dog rescue. Fighting dogs are no longer indiscriminately “put down.” The care and feeding of a Pitbull are outlined in the book. These same training techniques, feeding, and scheduling tips can be used for any dog, and if you are diligent and consistent, these tips will provide you with a Pitbull who will outlive any other breed. Now there are rescue societies and groups who understand what a Pitbull is, and they are working diligently to repair this breed’s reputation. Own a Pitbull, and you will find that they are awesome dogs. About the Expert Catherine Thompson holds a Masters' Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on grant writing. She has written thousands of articles that include natural health, drug rehab, dog training, investing and the metals industry, recipes, and how to cook organically. I do love to research, and if she does not know a subject, she will research, read, and summarize. Fun items include gardening, dog training, education, childcare, sports interests. Catherine loves to review books! Catherine holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and 20+ years of experience in editing, teaching English, office management, collections, and customer service. Willing to do research on any topic and write about these topics. Catherine prides herself on meeting deadlines and giving the best work. Currently, Catherine is writing blogs and dog books on Pitbulls and malamutes. Her free time is spent gardening, hiking and camping, and cheering on baseball, soccer, and basketball games for little people. Catherine lives in Utah with her husband and Pitbull, Penny. HowExpert publishes quick ‘how to’ guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

Fifty-plus years of media fearmongering coupled with targeted breed bans have produced what could be called “America’s Most Wanted” dog: the pit bull. However, at the turn of the twenty-first century, competing narratives began to change the meaning of “pit bull.” Increasingly represented as loving members of mostly white, middle-class, heteronormative families, pit bulls and pit bull–type dogs are now frequently seen as victims rather than perpetrators, beings deserving not fear or scorn but rather care and compassion. Drawing from the increasingly contentious world of human/dog politics and featuring rich ethnographic research among dogs and their advocates, Bad Dog explores how relationships between humans and animals not only reflect but actively shape experiences of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, nation, breed, and species. Harlan Weaver proposes a critical and queer reading of pit bull politics and animal advocacy, challenging the zero-sum logic through which care for animals is seen as detracting from care for humans. Introducing understandings rooted in examinations of what it means for humans to touch, feel, sense, and think with and through relationships with nonhuman animals, Weaver suggests powerful ways to seek justice for marginalized humans and animals together.

Dedicated to the American Pit Bull Terrier, one of the world's most loyal, intelligent, and versatile breeds, this Smart Owner's Guide, created by the editors at Dog Fancy magazine, offers the most up-to-date and accurate information every dog owner needs to become a well-informed caregiver for his dog. Illustrated with color photographs of adorable puppies and handsome adults, this easy-to-read primer is designed in a modern, lively manner that readers will find user-friendly and entertaining.Each Smart Owner's Guide offers a description of the breed's character and physical conformation, historical overview, and its attributes as a companion dog. The reader will find informative chapters on everything he or she needs to know about acquiring, raising, and training this remarkable purebred dog, including: finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy; preparing for the puppy's homecoming, shopping for supplies, and puppy-proofing the home; house-training; veterinary and home health maintenance; feeding and nutrition; and grooming. Obedience training for basic cues (sit, stay, heel, come, etc.) and solving potential problem behaviors (barking, chewing, aggression, jumping up, etc.) are addressed in separate chapters, as are activities to enjoy with the dog, including showing, agility, therapy work, and more.Entertaining tidbits and smart advice fill up colorful sidebars in every chapter, which the editors call "It's a Fact," "Smart Tip," "Notable & Quotable," and "Did You Know?" Real-life heroes and rescue stories are retold in full-page features called "Pop Pups" and "True Tails." Recipes, training, and care tips are highlighted in the "Try This" feature pages.The Smart Owner's Guide series is the only series that offers readers an online component in which dog owners can join a breed-specific online club hosted by dogchannel.com. At Club APBT, owners of the breed can find forums, blogs, and profiles to connect with other breed owners, as well as charts and checklists that can be downloaded. More than just 20,000 pages of solid information, there's a host of fun to be had at the club in the form of downloadable breed-specific e-cards, screensavers, games, and quizzes.The Resources section of the book includes contact information for breed-related organizations and rescues, as well as practical guidance on traveling with dogs, identification, and locating qualified professionals to assist the dog owner, such as pet sitters, trainers, and boarding facilities. This information-packed Smart Owner's Guide is fully indexed.

Features a new 8-page color section The bestselling guide to making the most of puppy's first year Bringing home a puppy? This fun, friendly guide to puppyhood prepares you for this tough but terrific time. From the basics -- housebreaking, feeding, training -- to the latest on doggie day care, traveling with a puppy, and the new designer breeds, you get everything you need to help your puppy grow up to be a healthy, playful, well-mannered dog. Discover how to * Choose the perfect puppy for you * Socialize your puppy * Stimulate your puppy's growing mind * Use the latest training tools * Keep peace between kids and puppies