[ATTILAGLIC]

Most of what you will hear is myths like about locking jaw, ect.

Read up and educate yourself so you in turn can educate others.
http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthread.php?t=607

[cristmiff]

I try to be as nice as humanly possible, because we have reputation of being more "vicious" than our dogs. I try to educate as much as possible, but if I keep hitting a wall, I just politely excuse myself, because otherwise, I'd probably stop being Nice. lol.

[intisgunkas]

I just tell them he is a yorkie.... JK, JK.

CoolHandJean has an excellent point. We as APBT owners have the responsibility to live down the "inconsiderate mean dog owner" label as well.

[Sillaycheg]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice and i will control what i say and do to others

[Lorionasodi]

Oh also you can email, msg me anytime if you have any questions Ive been around the breed since I was about 5yrs old so about 14yrs Ive learned how to handle, train and be a responsible owner when a bully breed is in my care. (Ive also rehabilitated ex fight dogs to live with other dogs) which is work but I know the breed.

Wow that is very impressive for your age, and very responsible as well!

[Lorionasodi]

This is such a good thread, as altho I've only owned Barney a couple of days now...thru out the whole adoption process, as we've told ppl we were getting a Pit Bull we had neg. feedback from everyone. Just today my Mom came over and admitted she cried when she found out about it and was hysterical about Lexie (3yo daugher). Today she came over and at 1st said some rather offensive comments and imo was just being stupid about it asking if he was about to attack and just going rather overboard etc etc. Well long story short....she was petting him and talking to him by the time she left and even left a message on the phone concerning him later on. lol

To be perfectly honest w/ you this is doing something for my self esteem...in a good way I mean. It was me who got into this whole Pitbull notion in the 1st place, decided to admit I know nothing and educate myself....turns out that everyone, in the end (in my situation) sees them the way I do, & not only that...they really Like him!! I have to try my damnest to hold my tounge and Not say "I Told ya so!" lol

[Nikitka]

Give them the facts

[Sillaycheg]

I just got a 8 week old female pit, the people who gave her to me said they wanted to see her go to a good home, they had seen me with my 4 year old dingo and thought I would make a good owner. But ever since I got her I feel all I am doing is defending her and getting frustrated with people, I have been reading up on the breed and personally don't feel I have a lot too worry about, I am not the type of person to keep my mouth shut what can I tell these people?

[mr.memo]

Just make sure you educate yourself before you attempt to instruct someone. If they are rude, just ignore them completely...if they seem receptive, then tell them only things you are sure of.

[Sillaycheg]

I guess it just gets old hearing about how vicious they are, I have been educating myself a lot between the vet, the neighbor who gave her to me and a lot of articles I think I will know what to say.

[mr.memo]

Always take extra care to protect your dog from situations he/she should not be in...take care to not let your guard down and endanger your dog by letting him/her getting out of reach...watch how those "rude" people act around your dog and stay clear of them (some are trying to get stuff started)...try not to act like the "pitbull" they "think" our dogs are. When in doubt...Get out!

[Sillaycheg]

yeah I have pretty much made it a rule for myself as well as others that I do not want any rough housing with her, right now she is really a sweet puppy and I hope to keep it that way, but never letting my guard down.

[Neitteloxesia]

You came on THIS site to ask THAT question??? lol
(just joking, everyone, don't freak out...)

[sesIgnose]

I deal with a rude human daily about pits. Ive ran into the issue before when It comes to strangers n such. it is difficult. Never make your dog look big and tough with a spike collar, Basic Obedience train for SURE. ALWAYS supervise your dog and your (dingo?) socialization is critical when there puppies but NEVER assume your dog will never be DA. Dont bring her to dog parks, as it can either trigger DA from a bad incident or you'll become comfortable thinking your dog is safe when...honestly a pit is a pit the wrong dog can trigger the wrong response. Always leash her when in public. Getting her through to be a CGC is a BIG step. Basically be a responsible owner, and let people think what they may, its pointless defending your dog to the general public with all the media press they'll believe what they want as long as people who know the dog, knows its a good dog it will be ok. Id also recommend never saying if someone (stranger) asks what breed she is to flat out say pit bull, If you say something like boxer mix etc people in the neighborhood is less likely to cause extra trouble for you. For example, my I was walking one of my pits and this women came up to the dog and was all over her, (my dog thrived on human attention) but when she said oh is she a boxer mix and I said shes a pit bull the women instently pushed her kids away and quickly hurried to the other side of the street. The word Pit/ Pit bull scares people and will encourage negitive attention.

[Sillaycheg]

You came on THIS site to ask THAT question??? lol
(just joking, everyone, don't freak out...)

Sense of humor I like that

[Sillaycheg]

I deal with a rude human daily about pits. Ive ran into the issue before when It comes to strangers n such. it is difficult. Never make your dog look big and tough with a spike collar, Basic Obedience train for SURE. ALWAYS supervise your dog and your (dingo?) socialization is critical when there puppies but NEVER assume your dog will never be DA. Dont bring her to dog parks, as it can either trigger DA from a bad incident or you'll become comfortable thinking your dog is safe when...honestly a pit is a pit the wrong dog can trigger the wrong response. Always leash her when in public. Getting her through to be a CGC is a BIG step. Basically be a responsible owner, and let people think what they may, its pointless defending your dog to the general public with all the media press they'll believe what they want as long as people who know the dog, knows its a good dog it will be ok. Id also recommend never saying if someone (stranger) asks what breed she is to flat out say pit bull, If you say something like boxer mix etc people in the neighborhood is less likely to cause extra trouble for you. For example, my I was walking one of my pits and this women came up to the dog and was all over her, (my dog thrived on human attention) but when she said oh is she a boxer mix and I said shes a pit bull the women instently pushed her kids away and quickly hurried to the other side of the street. The word Pit/ Pit bull scares people and will encourage negitive attention.

Good advice thanks, and yes I have a dingo red healer mix she is a big baby. Spiked collar not ever going to happen. LOL

[TheReallyBest]

As much as you wanna throw a middle finger and tell em to f$ck off it's best to remain a respectable breed Ambassador. CGC is a great thing to accomplish with your dog for many reasons. Mainly to have beaurocratic proof of your dog's good nature and it also sometimes serves purpose in fighting local BSL. Patience is always a good key ultimately to better yourself and what you exhude to your dog. Educate those that are willing and it's best to ignore the rest.

[sesIgnose]

Also when you leave your dogs unattended be sure to start now and keep them seperate! I dont think youd want to come home after work or something to a bloody mess. Pit bulls are in my mind the best dogs in the world, but just like any breed, any human they can have there days. Like I mentioned in another post, 99 times they can be just fine around a dog there familar with etc but that 1 time is something you need to prevent being a new pit owner. I also would make sure you play with her feet (so nail trimming is easy as she grows), play with her food while she eats (to prevent food aggression & take toys away/play with them) etc etc... When you own a pit try to remember they are dogs after all and dont baby them (not saying dont love them and stuff like that) but they need structure, they need LOTS of exersize for there outlit. Also try to keep toys/chew bones etc to isolated areas, one of the main fight triggers in most pits is when there "space" is being rudely invaded by another dog, this might not show up til your girl is much bigger but to be safe and structured from the start helps a BUNCH! BTW your girl is ABSOULUTLY adorable!!! But over all prevention is the MAIN key in owning this breed, if you get used to the steps to prevent DA and bad images now its much easier as the doggy grows bigger and stronger. They are not a breed for everyone or anyone so RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH, badrap.org is a good site.

A Happy Pit bull is a Tired Pit bull! LOL

[sesIgnose]

Oh also you can email, msg me anytime if you have any questions Ive been around the breed since I was about 5yrs old so about 14yrs Ive learned how to handle, train and be a responsible owner when a bully breed is in my care. (Ive also rehabilitated ex fight dogs to live with other dogs) which is work but I know the breed.

[TCjwwhcY]

She also has a pink (not red, skin colored) nose, so I like to combine that with a pink bandana. I also purposely named her something cutesy (liliana/lily) so she didn't SOUND tough (ie kujo, bullet, killer, etc).
It's like driving, you get further if you go about it defensively.

Still, I want to punch people sometimes. Woosah.

lol we think alike! my girl sounds a lot like yours, and i too put her in dresses, pink sparkly bandanas, pink t-shirts... and her name is Babygirl. i did a mild unscientific study, and found that when she was wearing something - even if just a bandana - ppl were more receptive to approaching her/us to pet her.

as to the OP there has been a ton of great advice on here and i hope you know you can always come back for any little question. there's nothing bad about not knowing and asking, it's not knowing and NOT asking that gets our dogs into trouble.

good luck with your new baby.