What Pit Bulls Would Say if They Could Speak for Themselves

Pit Bulls have been struggling with a terrible reputation in the past decade. It is estimated that 33 percent of shelter dogs are Pit Bulls or Pit Bull mixes, making them the most prevalent breed to be euthanized. As many of 75 percent of municipal shelters will euthanize these dogs on intake, regardless of demeanor and disposition. Constantly being rescued from dog fighting rings, these dogs are associated with many of the negatives qualities dog guardians fear.

Unfortunately, people tend to forget that much of a dog’s behavior is a result of how it is treated. If you are a responsible pet guardian, you socialize your pet with people, children and other animals at an early age. You don’t hit or abuse your dog and you encourage good behavior. You don’t have to have your dog at an early age to successfully socialize them, however. If you adopt an older dog from a shelter, there are many ways to help them adapt to their new home. Patience and positive reinforcement is the answer to almost any dog-related behavior. By introducing new animals and people slowly and in a relaxing and positive way, you can help shape the behavior of even the most fearful dog. Saving an older Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix can be a rewarding way to help their cause and find a friend for life. Just remember, you should always be prepared with enough time, money, and space when considering bringing home a dog.  When adopting a pet, you are taking them in with the goal of helping them and providing them a loving home. Some adopted pets will need more work and patience than others.

The Pit Bulls in the news for negative reasons, sadly, were not raised by responsible pet guardians. Due to the exploitation of the breed by some irresponsible humans, these dogs have been subject to bad breeding practices as well as negative treatment. This dangerous combination is what would make any dog, regardless of breed, a “bad” animal.

There is good news on the Pit Bull front, however! More and more rescue groups are getting active to help this breed. Many of the organizations and rescue groups have Pit Bulls that not only work as service or therapy dogs, but also act as representatives for the breed’s cause.

As it turns out, Pit Bulls are highly intelligent, eager-to-please and fun dogs. For purebred dogs, they are incredibly healthy and require very little time on grooming. If raised and treated properly, these dogs are great with children and other animals. If you want a pet who is loyal, energetic and truly loving you should highly consider adopting a Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix from a local shelter. In doing so, you would be saving a dog’s life. If you want more information about Pit Bulls, their adoption information and their fight for life, visit Bad Rap’s website or search for a local Pittie rescue group in your area. It is time more people stood together to protect this wonderful breed and stop the cruel cycle of over-breeding, abuse, and death.

These Pit Bulls got together to tell everyone something about their breed.

TC-Torres/Pixabay

They want everyone to know, first of all, just how adorable they are!

JussyD/Pixabay

And that it isn’t their fault they have a bad stereotype.

Jason Bacon/Flickr

They love each other and other animals too.

Melgupta/Flickr

This breed has a long history of being great with kids.

Jim Pennucci/Flickr

Cuddling is a definite Pittie favorite.

This Year’s Love/Flickr

These Pit Bulls want you to take a stand and help protect them.

Image source: Matthew Roth/Flickr

They want to be treated like other breeds of dog.

But most of all, they just want loving homes where they are free to live happy, puppy lives!

Lead image source: Matthew Roth/Flickr