Before Adopting a Pit Bull

Pit bull breeds have been bred to excel at specific tasks just like other breeds. Labs retrieve, terriers dig, shelties herd, and greyhounds run. Pit bull breeds were bred for extreme loyalty to humans; a pit bull that aggresses towards a human for any reason is not temperamentally-correct and must never, ever be in the position of harming a person.

Dog aggression is also not uncommon in pit bull breeds, although many can be very friendly and get along well with their canine pals. Pit bulls should be introduced to doggy friends under close supervision. If you have a pit bull, it is your responsibility to know that she or he may never be a dog park dog. Pit bulls play rough with their well-matched doggy friends, but shouldn't be allowed to play that way with dogs it does not know.

All of the dogs at the East Bay SPCA have been temperament tested for aggression towards people and dogs. Dogs, including pit bulls, that pass our temperament test begin a structured “good manners” and obedience training program before becoming available for adoption. Pit bulls adopted from the East Bay SPCA make wonderful companions and usually go on to excel in our public dog training classes.

When considering adopting a pit bull one must be willing to provide him or her with daily love and attention as well as a structured environment with fair rules, and consequences to breaking those rules. Providing regular exercise, play, obedience training, and plenty of opportunities for socialization with people and dogs is essential in being an effective pit bull caregiver.

Temperamentally-correct pit bulls are very affectionate with people! Pit bulls love people, and thrive with daily attention and interaction. They are social and will do just about anything to be stroked, cuddled, and loved. Pit bulls are loyal to their human companions, bonding quickly to those who love them, and make a wonderful addition to the right, structured household. It can be difficult to encounter folks who don’t understand your dog’s loving nature. With its friendly smile your pit bull can be the “Ambassador” that helps people see these love bugs in a new light.

Pit Bulls are extremely athletic and energetic! They live to run, swim, and hike, and are great activity partners since they love games like fetch, fly ball, and Frisbee. Pit bulls need time each day to burn off their energy. Frequent walks, training classes, and small playgroups keep these guys social and happy. Visit www.badrap.org hosted by Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls for information on training, events and social groups specific to pit bull caregivers.

Pit Bulls are very intelligent and determined. Pit bulls are smart and require constant mental stimulation. Eager to learn, pit bulls are usually top performers in obedience and agility classes. But this can sometimes translate into trouble when they use their skills to escape a yard or snitch an extra treat.

Pit bulls are very strong-willed and can become pushy and dominant if they do not have a human companion that is as equally strong-willed, and establishes and fairly enforces the house rules. Do not get a pit bull if you are not prepared to be the boss, and to acquire the skills you need to do so.

Pit Bulls are great inside dogs. Pit bulls are either teeming with energy or oozing relaxation. We will give you a step-by-step procedure for introducing your new pit bull to the home--too much initial freedom can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to house rules and boundaries. “Full confinement” for one month will ensure your new dog learns that their job when inside the home is to lie down, be mellow, and chew on (appropriate!) toys. This will help ensure they become excellent inside dogs.