Today we are very excited to share an article written exclusively for us by Penny Martin of Furever Friend.
Penny has owned pets her entire life and has used the benefits of her vast experience to help other pet owners, both personally and through her site.
We hope you will enjoy the article and will also check out her site for lots of other helpful tips.
Thank you Penny for choosing our site as a platform to share your knowledge with others.
Penny has owned pets her entire life and has used the benefits of her vast experience to help other pet owners, both personally and through her site.
We hope you will enjoy the article and will also check out her site for lots of other helpful tips.
Thank you Penny for choosing our site as a platform to share your knowledge with others.
How a First-Time Dog Owner Can Prepare to Bring Home a Pit Bull
If you are a first-time pet owner preparing to adopt a pit bull, it’s important to be well educated about how to offer your new canine companion the best possible care. Even if you have spent a lot of time working or playing with dogs in the past, owning your own pup involves added responsibilities and considerations. And you should be aware, too, of the unique needs and characteristics of this often misunderstood dog. Here are some steps to take to prepare you to welcome your new pit bull pal into your home.
Spend some time learning about pit bulls and pit bull types.
Did you know there’s not only one kind of pit bull? In fact, “pit bull” is not, in itself, a breed, but rather a general term for four different breeds that are often lumped together under the name. These breeds are the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully – and all four of these breeds have different characteristics, including size, temperament, and appearance.
Decide which type is right for you.
Pit bulls in general are athletic, strong, and energetic, which is why they were used as fighting dogs and for bull baiting in the past – part of the reason for their negative reputation, unfortunately. But they are also loyal and affectionate. If you have a smaller home, you should opt for a smaller pit bull type, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Bully. However, both these breeds are still highly energetic and need a lot of exercise as well as regular human interaction. If you’re looking for an athletic working dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a good choice. Whichever type of pit bull you choose, be prepared to spend time on their care and training; these are not dogs that can just be left to amuse themselves.
Prepare your home for your new pet.
You should have an area of your home indoors specifically set aside for your dog, especially when they first arrive, so they can settle in more easily. Once they are used to their new space they can get comfortable roaming, but it’s preferable to let them adjust to a single room initially. Dog-proof the room and the entire house so your new pet won’t have access to toxic plants or foods, chew on wires, or be able to damage household items. Also prepare an outdoor area for them where they can run and play easily and burn off some of that famous pit bull energy. Your outdoor area should be safely fenced so your dog can’t escape or wander onto others’ property.
Purchase pet supplies.
Make a shopping list of everything you will need to care for and entertain your pit bull. This includes food and feeding dishes, a bed or crate, a collar and leash, dog toys, and grooming supplies. Also make sure your dog is licensed and that you have an ID tag with your contact information securely attached to their collar.
Be prepared to clean up after your pit bull.
No matter how careful you are and how well-groomed your pet, the reality is there will be messes – indoor and out. You will need to clean up after your dog regularly when they’ve done their business outdoors so your lawn doesn’t become stinky and unhygienic. Also be prepared to deal with the occasional mess indoors, especially if you bring home a puppy who is not house trained yet. Stock up on odor neutralizers and safe cleaning supplies. If your pup ends up soiling furniture, look for the best upholstery cleaning service near me, and compare rates, customer reviews, and deals being offered by local companies. Avoid those with an all-in-one cleaning approach; companies that depend solely on a steam cleaner don’t have the tools or expertise needed to ensure your furniture is truly sanitized.
Owning a pit bull may not be for everyone, but pit bull owners who are willing to put in the time to care for these intelligent and athletic dogs will be rewarded with their lifelong devotion and affection. Loyal Pit Bull Love can provide you with further information as well as useful resources on caring for pit bulls.
Image via Pixabay
If you are a first-time pet owner preparing to adopt a pit bull, it’s important to be well educated about how to offer your new canine companion the best possible care. Even if you have spent a lot of time working or playing with dogs in the past, owning your own pup involves added responsibilities and considerations. And you should be aware, too, of the unique needs and characteristics of this often misunderstood dog. Here are some steps to take to prepare you to welcome your new pit bull pal into your home.
Spend some time learning about pit bulls and pit bull types.
Did you know there’s not only one kind of pit bull? In fact, “pit bull” is not, in itself, a breed, but rather a general term for four different breeds that are often lumped together under the name. These breeds are the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully – and all four of these breeds have different characteristics, including size, temperament, and appearance.
Decide which type is right for you.
Pit bulls in general are athletic, strong, and energetic, which is why they were used as fighting dogs and for bull baiting in the past – part of the reason for their negative reputation, unfortunately. But they are also loyal and affectionate. If you have a smaller home, you should opt for a smaller pit bull type, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Bully. However, both these breeds are still highly energetic and need a lot of exercise as well as regular human interaction. If you’re looking for an athletic working dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a good choice. Whichever type of pit bull you choose, be prepared to spend time on their care and training; these are not dogs that can just be left to amuse themselves.
Prepare your home for your new pet.
You should have an area of your home indoors specifically set aside for your dog, especially when they first arrive, so they can settle in more easily. Once they are used to their new space they can get comfortable roaming, but it’s preferable to let them adjust to a single room initially. Dog-proof the room and the entire house so your new pet won’t have access to toxic plants or foods, chew on wires, or be able to damage household items. Also prepare an outdoor area for them where they can run and play easily and burn off some of that famous pit bull energy. Your outdoor area should be safely fenced so your dog can’t escape or wander onto others’ property.
Purchase pet supplies.
Make a shopping list of everything you will need to care for and entertain your pit bull. This includes food and feeding dishes, a bed or crate, a collar and leash, dog toys, and grooming supplies. Also make sure your dog is licensed and that you have an ID tag with your contact information securely attached to their collar.
Be prepared to clean up after your pit bull.
No matter how careful you are and how well-groomed your pet, the reality is there will be messes – indoor and out. You will need to clean up after your dog regularly when they’ve done their business outdoors so your lawn doesn’t become stinky and unhygienic. Also be prepared to deal with the occasional mess indoors, especially if you bring home a puppy who is not house trained yet. Stock up on odor neutralizers and safe cleaning supplies. If your pup ends up soiling furniture, look for the best upholstery cleaning service near me, and compare rates, customer reviews, and deals being offered by local companies. Avoid those with an all-in-one cleaning approach; companies that depend solely on a steam cleaner don’t have the tools or expertise needed to ensure your furniture is truly sanitized.
Owning a pit bull may not be for everyone, but pit bull owners who are willing to put in the time to care for these intelligent and athletic dogs will be rewarded with their lifelong devotion and affection. Loyal Pit Bull Love can provide you with further information as well as useful resources on caring for pit bulls.
Image via Pixabay
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