ONLY THE EXCEPTIONAL NEED APPLY
Chances are, if you are checking out this website, you already have the desire to be an educated and responsible APBT owner. Maybe you have been blessed to receive a stray on your doorstep, or perhaps you are already an experienced owner and want to help people in your neighborhood to better understand the breed.
Here are some things APBT owners must do:
CONFINEMENT: If an APBT is left outside all day with nothing to think about but escaping, he will succeed. He also has a high probability of being stolen from the yard and becoming a victim of abuse. A chain link fence is NOT adequate. A kennel with a solid floor and a top, located within a fenced and locked yard is. Tethering should only be used with the utmost precautions against entanglements, and only if there is a way to keep other dogs and people out. Dogs that will tolerate it may be crated inside the house when the owner is not at home.
These are fencing suggestions, and we do not believe in breed or sized-based fencing laws, because every dog is different — an elderly APBT is much less likely to escape than a 90 lb. Lab. People need to use common sense to protect their dogs from accidents and protect the public.
Proper confinement includes using a secure 4-6 foot leash and buckle-type collar or harness while going for walks.
Dogs running at large are the number one reason why our dogs and other large breeds are being banned.
TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION: The training and socialization should begin immediately and never stop. APBTs respond well to positive, upbeat training and they love to please. They should be friendly and outgoing with strangers.
BE A GOOD “PACK LEADER”: Offer a consistent routine, training and discipline. Everyone in the household, including little ones, should be on the same page.
EXERCISE: A tired APBT is a happy APBT. She needs to release the energy that might otherwise be spent on chasing cats, barking, digging, eating the couch… etc.
NEVER, EVER TRUST A BULL BREED NOT TO FIGHT. This means that the dog park, where dogs are hyper-excited and owners are out to lunch, is no place for an adult APBT. Most APBTs should be separated from other pets while not supervised.
HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE and routine vaccinations. Spay and Neuter your pets – don’t add to the overpopulation problem. These services can all be obtained at reduced cost (see the rescue page).
It’s simple: A dog who is healthy, well-trained, tired out, and properly supervised or confined doesn’t bite or annoy humans or other animals.