Pit Bulls Aren’t Scary

What do you picture when you hear the term "pit bull"? In today's culture, it seems those words have come to represent an aggressive, bad-tempered dog, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The dog breeds that can be considered "pit bulls" (as there is no single "pit bull" breed) represent some of the hardest working, most loyal animals in the dog world. Here are some common misconceptions about pit bulls and the real story about these dogs.

Myth: Pit Bulls Have Locking Jaws That Give Them Stronger Bites

Truth: The mouth and jaw structure of a pit bull is no different than that of other dog breeds, and a pit bull's jaw cannot "lock." In fact, in a study that compared the biting pressure produced by a German Shepherd, a Rottweiler and an American Pit Bull Terrier, the bully breed actually produced the least amount of bite pressure.

Myth: Pit Bulls Can't Get Along with Other Animals

Truth: Yes, some pit bull breeds were traditionally raised to view other animals as prey. The same holds true for other breeds, including some hounds and terriers. When trained and socialized properly in a loving home, almost any pit bull breed can live harmoniously with other animals, from other dogs to cats, rabbits, and even baby chicks.

Myth: Pit Bulls Don't Like Children

Truth: All dogs--no matter what their breed--have personalities and characteristics that make them unique. As almost any dog owner will tell you, the vast majority of dogs love children of all ages. And pit bull breeds are no different. Responsible owners of any type of dog, pit bull or not, should always supervise interactions with their dogs and any children. In turn, children should be taught to treat all types of dogs with respect and affection.

Myth: All Pit Bulls Are Fighting Dogs

Truth: While it is certainly true that some individuals have bred pit bulls to be fighting dogs, these breeds have a number of other traits that make them excellent pets. The many pit bull breeds regularly shine at obedience trials, dog shows, agility, tracking, herding, and even search and rescue work. Above all, the pit bull excels at being an affectionate member of the family.

Myth: Pit Bulls Are Mean and Vicious

Truth: A dog from one of the pit bull breeds is no meaner than any other breed of dog. In fact, according to the American Temperament Test Society (atts.org), pit bull breeds consistently score as well or better than the majority of the 240 breeds tested by the organization. In fact, most pit bull breeds undergo the test more frequently than any other breeds--and continue to score well. When raised in loving homes by conscientious owners, the dogs that make up the category of pit bull breeds make affectionate, loyal pets.

What's a Pit Bull?

Some of the breeds commonly considered to be "pit bulls" include:

American Bulldog
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Bulldog
Bullmastiff
Bull Terrier
English Bulldog
French Bulldog
Mastiff
Miniature Bull Terrier
Olde English Bulldogge
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Bull Terrier

Source by: http://www.petsafe.net/learn/pit-bulls-arent-scary

Caring For the Health of a Dog

1. Make sure you have a good, reliable veterinarian. A good way to choose a vet is to see if he or she answers your questions promptly and knowledgeably and to see how they interact with your pet. You will need to bring your dog for regular check-ups, so if your vet is too booked up you may want to look for a new one. Feel free to change veterinarians even after you take your dog to one.[5]
Remember, you should also know of an emergency vet that's open 24 hours a day and on weekends.

2.Get your dog vaccinated. Your veterinarian will advise you as to which diseases are common in the area and so which diseases it is necessary to vaccinate against. Typically, vaccinations are kept up to date with regular booster injections, which may either be yearly or three-yearly, depending on the disease.
Most states require you to vaccinate the dog against rabies. Even if this isn't a legal requirement, it is a good idea in order to protect your pet (and you) from this deadly disease.

3. Consider fitting the dog with an ID chip. This is a small microchip that is injected under the skin over the shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number that is registered on a data base with your contact details. In the event of the pet being lost or stolen, the chip is a means of matching you with the dog and proving your ownership.[6]

4. Use regular parasite preventative treatments. It important to treat regularly with basic worming against roundworms. Exactly how often depends on your pet's lifestyle. An indoor dog is at lower risk than a hunting dog of picking up worms, and this will influence your vet's advice about how often to deworm. A low risk dog may only need a round worming treatment two or three times a year, whereas a high risk dog may need monthly treatments.
Also consider other risks such as heartworm.
Also use flea preventative treatments and, if you live in a tick area, use a product that also kills ticks.

5. Desex your dog. This reduces the risk of certain health disorders, such as mammary cancer (if spey performed before the second season) and pyometra (pus in the womb) in females, and aggression and prostatic disease in the male. It is also the responsible thing to do, as it reduces the problem of accidental breeding and pet overpopulation.[7]

6. Get pet health insurance. If you would struggle to meet the cost of veterinary treatment then take out a pet insurance policy. In exchange for a monthly premium, if the pet is sick or injured the insurance company will cover the majority of the costs involved up to a certain limit. The exact nature of policies and the amount they cover varies widely.

Source by: http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Dog