Things You'll Need:
- Dog Leashes
- Dog Collars
- Dog Balls
- Dog Shampoo
- Electric Dog Clippers
- Dog Bones
- Dog Beds
- Dog Dishes
- High-quality Dog Food
- Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
- Dog Tags
- Dog Training Aids
- Dog Bristle Brushes
- Pinch Collars
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Step 1
Know that the American pit bull terrier is not for everyone. This breed is extremely dominant and aggressive by nature and will need much time and training to subdue it.
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Step 2
Reconsider getting a pit bull if you have another dog in the house or other pets. This breed will attack other dogs and dominate animals in the house.
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Step 3
Consider a pit bull if you're looking for a vigilant guard dog and watchdog. This breed is known for its fierce protectiveness of its property, fighting to the death to safeguard its home.
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Step 4
Note that the American pit bull terrier makes a great companion as well as a guard dog. It is very friendly with people. If correctly trained, it can be very sweet and watchful with children and won't mind if they play rough.
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Step 5
Note that pit bulls do well living in an apartment. However, they do need daily exercise.
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Step 6
Look at the American pit bull terrier's features when choosing yours. The dog will have the trademark brick-shaped head that is wide through the cheeks, strong jaws and a dense neck. It should have a powerful and muscular body with a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors.
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Step 7
Understand that American pit bull terriers are prone to certain health conditions such as cataracts (cloudy eye lens) and hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint).
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Step 8
Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill and that they screen for health problems before they breed.
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Step 9
Expect male and female American pit bull terriers to grow to 18 to 22 inches and weigh between 30 and 80 lbs.
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Step 10
Realize that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred American pit bull terrier.
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Step 11
Know that this dog's life expectancy is 12 years.
Comments
Asch said
on 7/30/2008 This article is completely rediculous. All pit bulls are not "agressive" or "fiercely protective".Many of them do extremely well with other dogs. My adopted pit bull is actually a Therapy Dog, who works beside other dogs and with small children. This article was written by someone who needs to do some serious research before posting someting like this on the internet. Please take a look at www.badrap.org for some truthful information about this horribly misunderstood breed; also given the fact that almost every animal shelter in the United States is overwhelmed with Pit Bulls in need of homes, it would be a true shame to purchase one from a breeder.
bolodog said
on 10/26/2007 oh and something else, do not use negative reinforcement on these dogs. you want a pet and friend, not a slave. google clicker training folks...your dog will thank you.
bolodog said
on 10/26/2007 this article bipassed a major issue that being the vast and largely ignored population of homeless american pit bull terriers, the vast population of people breeding for spurious reasons who are uninformed or ignorant of the standards of the breed. these people produce puppies for profit. look for breeders who do health checks and put their dogs in performance testing such as shutzhund and weight pull, look for ofa certified dogs with comprehensive pedigrees, learn the standard, ask the breeder questions like how many times a year do you breed? if the answer is more than once, say goodbye and continue the search. a breeder who does not recognize the pit bull overpopulation problem does not truly care for the breed. and finally if you are considering a pit bull check your local legislation concerning bsl. and please don't get a pit bull if you want a protection dog. your (sound) pit bull
unleashed said
on 5/22/2007 I own a red-nose pitbull,and i love and trust that dog w/ all my heart!He's very protective of my kids and property!I hate it when people judge these dogs based on the media!Yes my dog has a rough exterior but is so loving inside!Remember punish the deed not the breed!!
dlc593 said
on 4/14/2007 AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Iths irritates me to NO end. Please to anyone reading this, DO NOT get a Pitt Bull if you are looking for a guard dog, because what you will get is a loving dog that had been breed to respect and obey humans. So unless you plan on training them to be a guard dog, which if that case please do not get one, you will ruin the breed. They are the biggest babies you will ever meet, but also dont be ignorant and think for a second that they cant hurt someone. Be an adult and be responsible