How to Care for an American Pit Bull Terrier

The American pit bull terrier is friendly and eager to please by nature. Though it is known for its aggression with other dogs due to a fighting background, the pit bull is generally very gentle with humans. Be prepared to spend a lot of time socializing your dog to be with people and other animals. Any signs of aggression toward people should be dealt with immediately by a professional trainer.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Tags
• Dog Toys
• Dog Training Aids
• Dog Training Leashes/collars
• Muzzles
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Pinch Collars

1. Vaccinate your American pit bull terrier when you first get him, and see that he gets yearly booster vaccinations to maintain his immunity to disease. Consult your veterinarian about flea control products and worming your dog.

2. Feed your American pit bull terrier high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

3. Socialize your pit bull when he's young to be with people and other animals. Establish your authority over your dog and be sure to take him to public areas, giving strangers the opportunity to pet and play with him. This will help the dog develop an even temper.

4. Start obedience training early. Because this is a dominant breed, it's important to be able to control your pit bull by voice alone. Positive reinforcement will go further than physical, as this breed is eager to please.

5. Give your pit bull vigorous exercise for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes a day. This is an active breed, and the dog will require much activity. Keep him on leash when out in public to avoid fighting with other dogs.

6. Brush your dog's coat daily with a firm-bristle brush. Shampoo as needed. American pit bull terriers are medium shedders.

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).

8. Expect male and female American pit bull terriers to grow to 18 to 22 inches and weigh between 30 and 80 lbs.

9. Know that the American pit bull terrier will live about 12 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Early socialization with other animals will help minimize a pit bull's aggressive tendencies but is no guarantee.
• This breed does better in warmer climates.
• Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (see Related Sites) for more information about hip dysplasia.
• Choke chains do little to control an American pit bull terrier due to its high pain tolerance. A pinch collar works better.

[beth1307]

on 5/19/2009 My boy named Sue is so smart and wonderful with my son and I - although not so much with other people and dogs. He was not socialized when he was a pup and was beat up on by another pit. Although he can be very difficult - he is absolutely worth it. He is my best friend and I will defend him and the breed to my end. Bless all of you who love and cherish your pits.

[maurawho]

on 4/22/2009 It may not require a change in diet and may be something as simple as bug bites from mosquitos. Rule that out with your vet as well as rule out Flea allergies. Ask about trying some prednisone (exactly as the vet prescribes as you can hurt or kill your dog by not dosing exactly as prescribed) and see if the problem improves. If it does it is allergy or immunology. If so -- try a diet change and get rid of soy, wheat and corn. Go to http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2750422 - this is an awesome hypoallergenic food and so good - they love it -- do not offer anything but this for at least 2 weeks. See if the problem diminishes or stays away. If good results -- stay on the diet or start adding back small amounts of suspects (ie soy, then wheat, then corn) until you have the offender. Almost all pet foods have Soy Protein and wheat or corn and wheat/corn gluten and o

[maurawho]

on 4/22/2009 Ask you vet if you can rule out flea allergy. If no, follow his instructions. If yes --- and only then, ask your vet to give you a couple of days of prednisone for your dog and follow the instructions religiously. See if the problem starts to diminish. Do not skip a dose and do exactly as prescribed or you can hurt your dog - it should be for only 4-7 days and no more - give every single dose exactly as the vet says. If results are good - you know it is allergy or immune dysfunction of some kind. It may not require a change in diet and may be something as simple as bug bites from mosquitos. Rule that out next. If not bug bites ... Next start the dog on a HYPERALLERGENIC food that is FREE OF ANY SOY PROTEIN and GLUTENS - WHEAT and CORN. I firmly recommend http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2750422 for training treats and as meal. This is an awesome product. Do

[dianamlastra]

on 4/1/2009 My Pit Bull is the best dog I ever had. He is so kind and very smart. Right now I'm trying to teach him how to smile. :) I'm thinking about finding him a brother or sister.

[Monalisa70]

on 11/19/2008 My 18month Old Pit Bull terrier is so smart and intelligent. When I was pregnant she became very protective of me. She was not mean/aggressive to anyone but followed me around all day. I had a miscarriage at 9 weeks and did not even know. When looking back and remembering her actions I believe she knew. Because one night she came on the couch and laid her head on my stomach and made a crying sound. It is incredible how she is so smart. She is excellent with all our house guests and if anything she she showers them with kisses and licking. The only downside is the shedding. Other than that she's incredible.