Working Pit Bull Terriers

April 9th, 2010

The American Pit Bull Terrier, that is the purebred Pit Bull is first and foremost a working dog. People who have these dogs as “pets” should consider this. I receive thousands of emails on a weekly basis asking questions from health to training and the vast majority of these people fail to realize they have a working canine breed.

Do Pit Bull Terriers make good house dogs? Personally I say no. They are not suppose to be “house dogs” or “pets.” They are supposed to be working dogs that do work.

How you define work is your own personal preference. I define work as some type of activity they engage in on an almost daily basis (between resting periods) and that requires the dog to be clear headed and athletic.

Protection sports, weight pull, Search and Rescue, agility, herding, dock dog, disc dog,
hog hunting, and stock work are all things I consider “work.”

These are all things a working Pit Bull Terrier excels at. They are highly athletic, intelligent working
dogs that need mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis.

I will say this one more time for the cheap seats, Pit Bull Terriers are not supposed to be pets.

Some animal right whack job might try to spin my statement into supporting their anti-pit bull
argument. Before you attempt to do that let me clarify.

I am not saying they cannot make good pets. I am saying they shouldn’t be pets because
they are working dogs. It’s like keeping Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle
dogs, or any other working breed as a house pet. These breeds were designed to get out
in the world and do something. Not sit in the apartment watching Judge Judy with their
twinkie eating owners.

I’m writing this today because it never ceases to amaze me when people email or call
or come by and want help with their dogs “issues.” Why is my dog so hyper Jason!
Help! My puppy is aggressive! Oh God! Help!

It kills me. You have a working breed of dog. They need to work. Without it they will
take that energy and turn into destroying the couch, the carpet, the backyard,
the blinds, and so and so forth.

Next time your Pit Bull Terrier tears a hole through your leather love seat remind
yourself that you have a working breed of canine that needs real work to thrive.

Best Regards,
Jason Mann
PitBullLovers.com
Top Dog K9 Training Solutions
ProjectPitBull.org
The Working Pit Bull Terrier Club of America

Categories: Pit Bull Blog | Tags: , , , , | No Comments