Making the decision to add a Pit Bull terrier to your household can be difficult. There are several things that should be taken into account before you go buy your puppy. You should do some research into the breed, so that you can learn all about the personality traits characteristic of Pit Bull terriers. It would also be beneficial to learn about behavior traits, and proper care of the dog so that you can be prepared before you bring your new puppy home. And of course, you must decide if you want a male or female.

There are many places that one can purchase Pit Bull terriers from. Probably the best way to find a reputable source would be through the American Pit Bill Terrier Club. By attending some of their meetings, and talking to some of the members there, you can get information on different breeders, and their opinions on who is the best to purchase from. They are probably already Pit Bull terrier owners, and should be a good source of information not only on the best breeder to purchase from, but general tips about raising a Pit Bull terrier puppy as well.

Your local veterinarian can also be a good source for selecting a Pit Bull terrier breeder to purchase your puppy from. They most likely have a lot of contact with local breeders, as they probably care for their puppies.

If you are interested in a puppy with a pure bloodline, for example, a dog for breeding purposes, you should probably not buy your puppy from a pet store. The puppies there are gotten from several different sources, and it would be very hard to trace their bloodlines for that reason. The prices at pet shops are usually higher, and it would be easy for the unsuspecting shopper to be taken advantage of.

The breeder listings in dog magazines and some newspapers could also be a good resource. They will help you get in contact with different breeders so that you can try to make the best decision. It is important to interview the breeders so that you can compare them and make the best purchase. You should find out how long they have been breeding Pit Bulls, what kind of conditions the puppies are kept in, how they are fed, what kind of contact they have with other dogs and people, and how they are cared for in general. If buying from a breeder that has a business of breeding dogs, you could also check with the Better Business Bureau to see what kind of complaints have been made against them if any.

Dont buy the first Pit Bull terrier puppy you see from the first breeder you meet. Spend time with several breeders and puppies so that you can see for yourself the puppys individual personality. You will be much happier in the end by making a well informed decision in purchasing your Pit Bull terrier puppy.

To learn all about raising an American Pitbull Terrier and training Pitbulls, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

More articles at articles database

Your dog is probably stronger and healthier than most humans that you know. However, by taking him from his natural environment, where only the strongest survive, to the artificial one in which most pet dogs live, we have exposed him to an entirely new set of dangers which their instincts are not designed to cope with.

A dogs health is influenced by the genes inherited from his parents and by the care given to his mother during the prenatal period, as well as to the puppy during his first 2 or 3 months of life. A puppy, whose mother was properly cared for during pregnancy, will be more able to handle the hazards of growing up.

The majority of dogs lead perfectly healthy, normal lives. They overcome occasional skin rashes, chills, and upset stomachs, recover from cuts and bruises with ordinary care, sensible first aid when necessary, and professional diagnosis and treatment of serious ailments. Chances are that if you give you dog a normal diet, a healthy home environment, a well balanced life, you will only need to see the vet for check-ups and vaccinations.

A healthy dogs temperature, taken rectally when he is rested, is about 101.2 degrees in an adult dog, 102 in small breeds, and 102.5 in a puppy. It can fluctuate one way or the other, being lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon. Long-coated breeds have a slightly higher normal temperature than short-coated ones. His pulse is taken at the femoral artery, high inside the thigh. There is no normal pulse rate for dogs. It can range from 120 beats per minute in a young puppy, to 70 or 80 in an older dog. Count the beats during 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Normal respiration ranges from 20 or 30 respirations per minute for a puppy to 16 per minute in an older dog.

A normal eye is bright and clear, although the lens becomes pale blue as he ages. His nose is moist and cool most of the time, but a dry, warm nose doesnt always mean a fever or illness. His tail wags and he carries himself normally. His coat is shiny and sheds normally. He eats his meals without gulping compulsively and without being coaxed, drinks a normal amount of water after meals and exercise, and more during hot weather. His bowel movements are regular and well-formed, his urine is clear and both processs are painless. As a puppy he sleeps most of the time, but as an adult only about half the time, and he is generally friendly, alert, and inquisitive.

A sick or ailing dog will have a temperature over 102 degrees, a sign of fever, or under a 100, a sign of weakness. If it does not return to normal within 24 hours, call the vet. If his temperature is as low as 99, or as high as 104, call the vet immediately. His pulse may be weak or irregular, his respiration at rest may be irregular or labored, panting or weak. His eye may appear dull, red or yellow with a sticky discharge. His nose may be dry and hot, also with a discharge.

His tail may be immobile, carried stiffly or between the legs, his coat may be dry and stand up when it should lay flat, the skin may be itchy and flaky and there may be bald spots, or red patches. He may eat with a good appetite but usually doesnt want food at all, and is usually reluctant to swallow any water. His bowel movements may be abnormal in form or color, have a bad odor, and contain blood or mucus, or he may be constipated with no movement at all. The urine may be dark, cloudy, or painfully produced.

He may sleep all of the time and hide in dark corners; his breath may have a bad odor and be labored. He may show very obvious symptoms of disorder such as swellings, protuberances, lameness, pain, prolonged wheezing or coughing, and unusual sensitivity in some part of his body. His overall general behavior will be lethargic and unresponsive when he is normally friendly and active, or nervous and excitable when he is the quite type with snapping or snarling for no apparent reason.

The symptoms offered here which are fairly obvious and not too far from our own human symptoms, (good and bad). Its the severity of the symptoms for an ailing dog that will determine whether you should call the vet. Far sighted dog and cat owners select a veterinarian as soon as they become a pet parent, for sooner or later they get sick to some degree, and your chances of prompt attention are better if the vet already knows your pet.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest fancy dog collars, dog dresses, fancy dog beds, and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://www.joncopets.com

More articles at database for articles

If you are contemplating breeding Pit Bull puppies, it is important that you take the steps necessary to become a responsible breeder. There is more to being a breeder than just creating puppies. It is important to be a breeder that really cares for the dogs, not just one that is doing it only for monetary purposes. You should always have the best interest of your Pit Bulls at heart.

Before considering breeding any dog, it is imperative that it be up to date on all vaccinations, and should have a full physical exam to diagnose and treat any potential medical problems. You want the breeding dogs to be in the best health possible to ensure that the pups will be equally healthy. You should also ensure routine medical exams throughout the pregnancy and after delivery. It is important not to over breed the dogs, to give them a break between litters. Health tends to decline with higher numbers of pregnancies.

Part of being a responsible breeder is ensuring the safety of the Pit Bulls you breed. You should always be certain you are sending your animals to a loving caring home. Try to find out about the buyers lifestyle to determine if they will have time to pay adequate attention to the Pit Bull puppy, and that it will be a good fit with children or animals already in the household. Be certain that the person purchasing the Pit Bull is knowledgeable on how to care for it, training, exercise, feeding, etc. In the event the buyer isnt familiar with how to care of the dog, or has questions, you should be more than willing to help, or recommend her to resources that can. Inform the buyer of the specific needs of the dog, so that they can be prepared before taking the Pit Bull puppy home. Be up front about any suspected health problems, or any hereditary issues. Advise that all Pit Bulls need preventative care and vaccinations, and that they should obtain a good veterinarian to do this. Also, give any grooming or special care information as needed.

Caring breeders should be willing to help in any way necessary, even years after the dog has been purchased. Advise the buyer of how they can reach you if there is any problem with the Pit Bull puppy, or if they have any questions.

It is important to inform potential buyers about the aggressive nature that most Pit Bulls tend to have. Let them know that they are dogs that require a lot of love, attention, and training in order to thrive.

Most of all, love the animals that you breed. Yes, you may make money from selling your Pit Bull puppies, but in the end, it is about matching loving pet with loving owner. That is your ultimate responsibility as a Pit Bull breeder.

To learn all about American Pitbull Terriers and training a Pitbull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

More articles at articles on database

There are several things one should consider before adding a Pit Bull terrier to your household. As with any and all breeds of dogs, Pit Bulls have their own individual quirks and personalities that should be researched and considered thoroughly before adding a Pit Bull puppy to your family. You also will need to make sure that you have time for a puppy in your life, as they crave lots of love and attention, and dont do as well in busy families where they arent able to get that. You definitely do not want to add a new pet if it isnt going to fit in with your family or other pets you may already have. Pit Bull terriers usually do better in homes with older children, than those with babies or toddlers.

Once you have made the decision that a Pit Bull puppy would be a good addition to your household, you will need to ready your house for him before you bring the puppy home. Preparing your home beforehand will make your first few days at home with your new puppy much easier. Puppies are naturally curious about their surroundings, so you definitely should take precaution with household products, plants, poisons, etc. Puppies also tend to be destructive sometimes, so you will also need to consider that as well. They like to chew a lot, so you will want to purchase toys for them to have, and keep anything you dont want damaged out of the puppys area.

When you bring your new puppy home, you should ensure that there will be someone at home most of the time. The puppy should be taken outside often, at least until he is house-broken. It is also important that your puppy get a lot of exercise, which will help in getting rid of any pent up energy he may have, making the puppy easier to deal with.

It is very important to try to have a routine for your new puppy, as puppies tend to do better when things are kept consistent. Many puppies dont respond well to change, so it is important to establish a routine and keep it up.

Owning a Pit Bull terrier comes with a lot of responsibility, as with owning any pet. Pit Bulls thrive in homes with loving and attentive owners. They are very loving and devoted when cared for and treated well.

To learn all about American Pit Bull Terriers and training a Pit Bull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

More articles at articles database

Being well prepared before traveling with your Pit Bull is crucial to having a good trip, especially if he will be going on an airplane with you. There are several things you will need so that your Pit Bull is allowed to board the plane, and many things you should take care of before leaving.

When you call the airline to arrange your flight, you should go ahead and let them know then that your Pit Bull will be traveling with you. Different countries have different guidelines for pets, so your airline should be able to give you specific instructions depending on where you are planning to go. At this time, you should also find out what the airlines rules and regulations are, so that you can be prepared in advance. It is a good idea to call back around two weeks before your scheduled flight to make sure you have everything taken care of. Surprises at the last minute can delay your plans, or stop you from going altogether.

It is not required usually that your pet have a medical exam before flying with you, but it is a good idea, so that any potential problems can be taken care of by your own veterinarian. You will also need to get a certificate from your veterinarian regarding the health of your Pit Bull. There are different guidelines for these depending on where you are traveling to and what the airline mandates. Most require the certificate be dated no more than ten days before the flight. You shouldnt pack this paperwork, but rather keep it with you while on the plane.

To make sure you dont lose your Pit Bull, make sure he wears a collar and tag. The tag should have all of your contact information, the date of his last rabies vaccine, and his license. It is a good idea to also have a tag with the contact information for a friend that can be reached, just in case. Purchase a kennel that meets the airlines requirements, and make sure that you have identification on both the inside and outside of it, just as an extra precaution.

Anything that you put inside your Pit Bulls crate should be firmly attached to it. You should check with your airline to find out exactly what is allowed. Feed your Pit Bull around four hours before your estimated departure time, and take extra food and water with you, just in case you are late leaving the terminal.

If you take all the necessary precautions, and follow your airlines recommendations, traveling by airplane with your Pit Bull should be easy and enjoyable for you both.

To learn all about raising an American Pit Bull Terrier and training Pit Bulls, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

More articles at articles database

People say a lot of things about Pit Bulls, but you never hear them talk much about the intelligence of this particular breed. Fact is youll never hear anything about the intelligence of this animal, unless you are in the company of Pit bull owners. Anyone who has owned one of these fascinating dogs will tell you straight up that the Pit bull is a very smart dog indeed.

Pit Bulls are fairly quick to learn, but they also have a certain stubborn streak which is a direct result of their intelligence. These dogs have a definite will of their own, and they like to get their way, but then again most humans do as well!

This stubborn behavior which shows from time to time tends to make the Pit Bull breed slightly harder to train than other breeds. Some people mistake the dogs independent will as the dog not being trainable, but nothing could be further from the truth! These highly intelligent dogs can be trained.

The problems in training arise from owners who have no knowledge about the Pit Bull breed. As with any breed, prospective owners should always invest a little of their time into getting to know the particular quirks that all dog breeds have. Owners who get a Pit Bull then whine about the training of them simply did not do their homework. Thats not the dogs fault, now is it?

As the owner of a Pit Bull, you should understand that his stubbornness comes from his intelligence, and that you shouldnt take it personally. Just because he doesnt want to do what you want him to do at a specific time doesnt mean he doesnt love you. If you can simply treat it for what it truly is, stubbornness, then youll both make out just fine.

Always meet their hard headed ways with patience and understanding. Certainly dont give up on their training, just be a little more stubborn than they are!

You may want to consider using a type of training called play training. This type of training appeals to Pit Bulls because they absolutely love to play. When a training task is presented as a fun game, the task will appeal to the dogs inner desire for play. With this technique, you can outwit the stubbornness you may have encountered with any other type of training.

When purchasing toys for your Pit Bull, keep in mind those strong jaws this breed is famous for. Youll want to purchase toys that are geared to survive for the long haul. Be sure to get toys which will not break apart easily and injure your Pit Bull. Above all, enjoy your new found friend!

To learn all about raising an American Pitbull Terrier and training Pitbulls, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

More articles at articles database

Part of being a loving, responsible Pit Bull owner is providing him with the proper diet to ensure he stays healthy. Many owners believe just because they purchase the most expensive brands of dog food for their Pit Bull that he is getting all of the vitamins and nutrients he needs, but often times, that is not the case. Humans cant meet all of their nutritional requirements by eating one particular food, and neither can your Pit Bull. You are the one who is in control of this day to day aspect of your Pit Bulls life, so essentially his health is up to you.

It is important to try to make sure your Pit Bulls diet consists of all the vitamins and nutrients he needs to be healthy. A lack of vital vitamins and nutrients can cause your Pit Bull to have stomach problems, bones that break easily, and have weight problems. You can take the best care of your Pit Bull, but if he doesnt have a proper diet, it isnt going to make any difference. Diet also plays a role in your dogs ability to fight off disease and infection, much the same as it does with humans. Your veterinarian can help made recommendations to help you provide the best diet possible for your Pit Bull.

When purchasing food for your Pit Bull, you should get a variety. Mixing up dry food and canned food will help give you a good mixture of ingredients and nutritional value that should help you to cover all the bases. Your dog will also enjoy the different textures of the food. They also enjoy bones and meant flavored treats.

Pit Bulls prefer dog foods made of meat, as they are primarily carnivores. Meat is a good source of energy and helps your Pit Bull grow, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to help with food absorption.

Many Pit Bulls also love to eat vegetables, hard to believe, huh? Check with your veterinarian first to make sure it is okay, then try it out. If your Pit Bull likes them, he will be getting plenty of additional vitamins and nutrients that dog food alone may not offer. It will also help to add some variety into his diet.

Making certain your Pit Bulls diet is up to par is one of your responsibilities as a loving owner. It is important to talk to your veterinarian to see what his thoughts are and what he recommends, but whatever you decide, your Pit Bulls health depends on you making smart choices on his behalf.

To learn all about American Pitbull Terriers and training a Pitbull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

More articles at articles database

Housebreaking any new pet can often be a daunting challenge, and housebreaking your Pit Bull puppy will be no exception. It is a necessary step that you as a dog owner must take if you intend your Pit Bull to be an indoor pet, but one that many owners dread. The earlier you start training your dog the better, and many veterinarians recommend starting housebreaking at around eight weeks old.

Pit Bulls tend to learn well by repetition, so it is important to develop a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. They also crave lots and lots of attention, which will help them to feel more secure in their new home and possibly make training easier. It is best if someone is at home at all times with the Pit Bull during housebreaking, as it will definitely make the process much faster. It is important that you have a designated area for your Pit Bull that is to be considered his individual space. Ideally, his space should be somewhere easy to clean up, like a tiled floor for example, because accidents are likely to happen, especially in the beginning. The area will need to have his bed, chew toys, and food and water since this is the area he will spend a lot of time in, especially if you are away. Make sure the area can be closed off so that the dog cannot get out and gain access to other areas of the house when no one is home. Baby gates tend to work well, because the dog can still see you and wont feel as though he is shut in.

During your time at home, try to give your Pit Bull puppy as much of your attention as possible. Try to go outside with him at least every thirty minutes or so, and make sure you praise or reward him for relieving himself outside. Praise and rewards will help him learn that it is good to potty outside, and he will catch on quick.

Expect your puppy to have accidents in the house. It is just something that is going to happen no matter how diligent you are in training him. Punishing your puppy for this will only lead to more setbacks. The best way to handle housebreaking is to be patient, and remember that it is a long process for both of you that wont happen overnight. The more attention you give your new Pit Bull puppy, the more he will thrive and do well. During all of the time you devote to training your puppy, you are building a good relationship with him as well, hopefully one that will last a lifetime.

To learn all about American Pit Bull Terriers and training a Pit Bull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com today.

More articles at articles database

Most modern Pit Bulls are believed to be descended from European bull dogs and different breeds of mastiffs that were once used in farm work. The mastiffs were known for their strength and power, so they were primarily used to help farmers with their bulls when it was time to bring them in from the fields.

The mastiff became known as the bulldog. The dogs main purpose was to protect the farmer from being gored by an enraged bull. The dog usually accomplished this task by biting onto the bull and hanging on until the bull relented. Since these dogs were used for protection from angry bulls, they had to have tremendous strength in their jaws and bodies. They also had to be stubborn enough to hang onto a stampeding bull, no matter what the bull did to them, to protect the farmer they worked for.

As time passed, these dogs started being used in bull and bear baiting. During this time it is believed some bulldogs were also bred with terriers to help make them better suited for these sports. By mixing with the terrier breed, the dogs were smaller and a great deal more agile than the regular bulldog. They also had more muscular bodies, which helped to enhance their damage producing ability. These sports were most popular in England around the early nineteenth century. In the year 1835, English Parliament banned the sports of bull and bear baiting, stating that it was much too cruel to the animals involved. The sport lost popularity, and eventually died completely out after a few years.

Dog fighting soon took the place of the previously banned bull and bear baiting sports. Breeders began trying to produce dogs that were geared to be excellent fighters. They tried to enhance the dogs agility, strength, and musculature to make them more formidable opponents. Breeders also tried to breed the most intelligent dogs, so they would be less likely to make mistakes in fighting, and also so they would only be aggressive toward other dogs, not humans they may encounter. One of the rules of dog fighting was that the owner of the dog had to be able to enter the ring during a fight, pick his dog up, and take it completely out of the fighting ring without the dog biting him. If the dog bit the owner during this time, the dog was immediately killed.

Also in the 1800s Pit Bulls started becoming popular pets, not just for dog fighting and farming. The dog became a mascot during World War 1 and could be seen on many war posters, which helped to increase its popularity. They were popular because of their high intelligence and devotion to their masters. In the early 1900s pit bulls began being used in movies as well.

The Pit Bull is a dog with a very detailed history, and is still quite popular today. The breed does receive a lot of negative criticism, but with the right owners, still make terrific pets.

To learn all about raising an American Pit Bull Terrier and training Pit Bulls, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com today.

More articles at articles database

One of the most devastating parasites which may threaten your Pit Bull is the heartworm. These nasty creatures can linger in your pet for years before dealing a death blow to your Pit Bull. Heartworms are treatable, but it is best to use a protective stance rather than wait for infection to occur.

This disease is not spread from pet to pet via contact, but by another nasty creature we all know as the mosquito. The mosquito is a necessary link in the transfer of the disease. The number of dogs infected with heartworms always increases during the height of mosquito season. Long mosquito seasons will increase the rate of infections rapidly.

Once heartworms are transmitted by the mosquito into the dog’s blood stream, they travel through the blood into the heart and the major pulmonary blood vessels. The heartworms are in the immature stage and are called microfilaria.

Upon arriving in the heart, the microfilaria will set up residence and grow into adult heartworms. These fully grown parasites cause heart blockage and damage to surrounding tissues by clogging the heart and the major blood vessels leading from the heart. Adult heartworms will also interfere with the valve action within the heart.

When the heart and main blood vessels get clogged, the blood flow to other critical organs is reduced, which can cause problems for the liver, kidneys and lungs, resulting in organ failure.

Most dogs which are infected with heartworms will not show any outward signs of disease for as long as up to two years. Sadly, by the time the disease starts to show signs in the dog, it is in the advanced stage. These signs depend on several factors, such as the number of adult worms and microfilariae present, as well as their location. The length of time the infection has been present, and the amount of damage already done to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are all essential factors.

Signs of Heartworm Infestation

The most obvious outward signs of heartworms are:

Unexplained weight loss.

A dry almost constant cough with labored breathing.

Shortness of breath.

Sudden weakness.

A sudden show of nervousness or listlessness, accompanied by a loss of stamina.

The signs of heartworms are most noticeable after the dog has been engaged in exercise or play. Some dogs with heartworms may even faint or drop dead suddenly right after engaging in rigorous play or exercise.

Treatment for heartworms is available but it is costly and in some cases may prove fatal to the dog itself. To prevent this horrible disease in your Pit Bull, be sure to keep your dogs regular vet appointments. Heartworms can be prevented easily by administering heartworm medication to your pet each month.

As always, talk to your vet if you have any concerns that your dog may have heartworms, and never try to treat the disease on your own. Always consult a properly qualified professional before starting any type of treatments on your dog.

To learn all about Pitbull dogs and training a Pitbull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

More articles at articles database