Happy Pit Bull: How You Can Help

How You Can Help Pit Bulls

We should all do our part, however large or small, to help pit bulls. Many people are unsure what to do or where to start, so I've compiled a list of suggestions. Of course, it's not possible to do everything I've suggested. But we all have something to offer, and I'm sure there's something here for everyone.

Tackling the Overpopulation Problem

Do not breed pit bulls.
Adopt a pit bull - do not buy from a breeder.
If you know someone who is thinking about buying a pit bull, encourage him or her to adopt a pit bull instead.
Spay or neuter your pit bull.
Support your local pit bull rescue or animal shelter. Donate your time as a volunteer, buy an item on their wish list, or send them money. (You may need to do a little research first - some shelters do not adopt out pit bulls at all.)

Education and Communication

Teach a dog bite safety class.
If you are a dog trainer, offer low-cost training classes or special classes for pit bull owners. If you are a pit bull owner, ask local dog trainers if they would be willing to hold special classes just for pit bull owners.
Donate money to a local low-cost, non-profit dog training program.
If you are a pit bull owner, take your dog through as many training classes as you can. Frame the graduation certificates.
If you are a pit bull owner, get your dog an ATTS Temperament Tested title or an AKC Canine Good Citizen title.
Do as much research about pit bulls as you can, and share your findings with others. Start a website, write articles for the media, and make your voice heard.
Understand the arguments of people who fear pit bulls - and how to counter those arguments effectively.
Train your pit bull to be a therapy dog.

Breed-Specific Legislation

Stay on top of your local animal control legislation and speak out strongly against breed-specific legislation. There are many good mailing lists that can help you monitor BSL around the country. Write letters and speak out at public meetings.
Make friends with your local government representatives. Make sure they know how you feel about breed-specific legislation. If you have a pit bull, send your representatives holiday cards with your dogs' pictures enclosed. They need to know that pit bull owners are their constituents.
Do not vote for or support a candidate or incumbent that supports BSL.
Do not support PETA (or any other organization that supports BSL).
Do not compromise or accept BSL in any form, even mandatory spay/neuter for certain breeds. BSL in any form still requires breed identification, something that is not possible to do in a scientific, objective manner.

Media and Society Portrayals

When you see inaccuracies, stereotyping, bias, sensationalism, or fear mongering about pit bulls in the media, express your concerns to the article author. Write a Letter to the Editor. Post your comments on an online discussion board.
If you see an irresponsible or stereotypical portrayal of a pit bull in popular culture, do not support the company that produces or sells products tied to the image. Write to them and explain why you cannot support them.
If your pit bull, or a pit bull you know, does a good deed, make sure you report it to the news media immediately.
If you are a writer, artist, singer, or anyone with any sort of standing in popular culture, use your clout to publicly express your support for pit bulls and responsible pit bull ownership.
If you see a positive portrayal of pit bulls in the media or popular culture, write to the creator of the work and thank them.

Animal Abuse and Neglect

Support initiatives and laws that strengthen current animal abuse statutes.
Support laws that strengthen current anti-dogfighting laws. Make sure it is a felony in your state to participate in or attend a dogfight, or to breed or keep dogs used for fighting.
Report suspected animal abuse or neglect to your local authorities immediately. Keep detailed records about the incident. Take pictures if possible. Retaliation is a legitimate concern; you should be able to report anonymously if necessary.
Never leave your pit bull outside unsupervised. Your pit bull could easily be stolen, poisoned, or shot. Your pit bull could get loose. Plus, you have no way of countering any accusations against you if you don't know where your dog is at all times.

Site Map
•What is a "pit bull"? •Pit bull myths and facts •The pit bull (over)population problem •Obtaining a pit bull •Ownership issues •Photo album •Aggression •Breed-specific legislation •Dog bites / Dog safety •Friends and enemies •How you can help •Positive pit bull stories •FAQs •Bookstore •Merchandise for pit bull lovers •Toys •Links •About the author •Felanie and Dozer		How You Can Help Pit Bulls We should all do our part, however large or small, to help pit bulls. Many people are unsure what to do or where to start, so I've compiled a list of suggestions. Of course, it's not possible to do everything I've suggested. But we all have something to offer, and I'm sure there's something here for everyone. Tackling the Overpopulation Problem Do not breed pit bulls. Adopt a pit bull - do not buy from a breeder. If you know someone who is thinking about buying a pit bull, encourage him or her to adopt a pit bull instead. Spay or neuter your pit bull. Support your local pit bull rescue or animal shelter. Donate your time as a volunteer, buy an item on their wish list, or send them money. (You may need to do a little research first - some shelters do not adopt out pit bulls at all.) Education and Communication Teach a dog bite safety class. If you are a dog trainer, offer low-cost training classes or special classes for pit bull owners. If you are a pit bull owner, ask local dog trainers if they would be willing to hold special classes just for pit bull owners. Donate money to a local low-cost, non-profit dog training program. If you are a pit bull owner, take your dog through as many training classes as you can. Frame the graduation certificates. If you are a pit bull owner, get your dog an ATTS Temperament Tested title or an AKC Canine Good Citizen title. Do as much research about pit bulls as you can, and share your findings with others. Start a website, write articles for the media, and make your voice heard. Understand the arguments of people who fear pit bulls - and how to counter those arguments effectively. Train your pit bull to be a therapy dog. Breed-Specific Legislation Stay on top of your local animal control legislation and speak out strongly against breed-specific legislation. There are many good mailing lists that can help you monitor BSL around the country. Write letters and speak out at public meetings. Make friends with your local government representatives. Make sure they know how you feel about breed-specific legislation. If you have a pit bull, send your representatives holiday cards with your dogs' pictures enclosed. They need to know that pit bull owners are their constituents. Do not vote for or support a candidate or incumbent that supports BSL. Do not support PETA (or any other organization that supports BSL). Do not compromise or accept BSL in any form, even mandatory spay/neuter for certain breeds. BSL in any form still requires breed identification, something that is not possible to do in a scientific, objective manner. Media and Society Portrayals When you see inaccuracies, stereotyping, bias, sensationalism, or fear mongering about pit bulls in the media, express your concerns to the article author. Write a Letter to the Editor. Post your comments on an online discussion board. If you see an irresponsible or stereotypical portrayal of a pit bull in popular culture, do not support the company that produces or sells products tied to the image. Write to them and explain why you cannot support them. If your pit bull, or a pit bull you know, does a good deed, make sure you report it to the news media immediately. If you are a writer, artist, singer, or anyone with any sort of standing in popular culture, use your clout to publicly express your support for pit bulls and responsible pit bull ownership. If you see a positive portrayal of pit bulls in the media or popular culture, write to the creator of the work and thank them. Animal Abuse and Neglect Support initiatives and laws that strengthen current animal abuse statutes. Support laws that strengthen current anti-dogfighting laws. Make sure it is a felony in your state to participate in or attend a dogfight, or to breed or keep dogs used for fighting. Report suspected animal abuse or neglect to your local authorities immediately. Keep detailed records about the incident. Take pictures if possible. Retaliation is a legitimate concern; you should be able to report anonymously if necessary. Never leave your pit bull outside unsupervised. Your pit bull could easily be stolen, poisoned, or shot. Your pit bull could get loose. Plus, you have no way of countering any accusations against you if you don't know where your dog is at all times.

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