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"All About Pitbulls"
All About Pitbulls: Page 4
of 28
5 tips on improving your Pit Bull's image
Pit Bulls attract attention wherever they go, and most of the
responses they get are not on the positive side. You have a dog that
often times undergoes so much discrimination and misconception because
of his strength and the origin of his breed. You have a special
responsibility as his owner and leader to make sure that your Pit Bull
is an example of why this breed can be wonderful pets. Below are
some tips for you to help you gain a more positive image for your Pit
Bull.
1. Teach your dog good manners for his sake as well as the sake of
his breed's reputation. To formally recognize his outstanding manner,
the AKC offers the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate. Use this
certificate to convince your landlord, your friends and neighbors, or
insurance agents that your dog is well behaved and a model canine
citizen. Your dog does not have to be a purebred or an AKC-registered
do in order to enroll. The test evaluates several behaviors such as
his ability to accept strangers, remain calm and friendly, sit
politely, and walk politely on a loose leash.
2. Have your dog pass an official temperament test. This ten part
series of testing is being offered by the American Temperament Test
Association. The test evaluates all aspects of a dog's temperament
including his friendliness, shyness, aggressiveness, and stability.
Dogs who pass this test earn the Temperament Tested (TT) title after
their names. The association keeps records of how many dogs in each
breed pass or fail. Based on their record, Pit Bulls score among the
best of breeds, a fact that is very helpful to the breed's reputation.
3. You have a very strong, tough, intelligent, courageous,
enthusiastic, agile, and obedient dog. These qualifications are
exactly what the American Rescue Dog Association is looking for to
become one of their Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs. See if your dog is
up for the challenge!
4. Many people are surprised to learn that there are a lot of Pit
Bulls out there that act as therapy dogs. These dogs bring
entertainment, companionship, affection, and unconditional love to
people in nursing homes, mental health facilities, hospitals, and
prisons. Therapy Dogs are very stable, friendly, and well-trained.
Your dog needs to complete a short program to be certified as a
Therapy Dog.
5. Create a good example for other Pit Bull owners to follow. Do not
let your Pit Bull wander around the neighborhood. Obey all leash
laws in public. Have him sit at your side or heel in a crowded place.
Never let him jump on or scare people, chase cats, fight other dogs,
bark hysterically, or behave aggressively.
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