Top 10 Reasons Why Pitbulls Are Awesome!

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259 Views Top 10 Reasons Why Pitbulls Are Awesome! by Mary Simpson (IC: ) Published: October 28th, 2017 Lovable, affectionate, goofy, loyal – these are just a few of the awesome things that come standard with a Pitbull. Why stick with just one great reason when we can give you 10 reasons why Pitbulls are awesome.

Pitbulls have had a bum rap for the past few decades. In spite of research that proves otherwise, cities continue to introduce bans of this popular pooch out of fear and ignorance.

Recently, the American Veterinary Medicine Association shared the results of a controlled study of 30,000 dogs that ranked their skittishness, aggression and ability to differentiate between threatening and non-threatening humans. The study showed that while 83% of all dogs passed the test, Pitbulls showed an above-average temperament with a score of 86% – just below that of the Golden Retriever.

The United Kennel Club notes that the American Pitbull: “is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable.”

And while we’re at it… Pitbulls do not have “locking jaws” that make them lethal weapons. Their jaws are the same as any other breed of dog. In fact, a survey by National Geographic showed that the Pitbull actually exerts less bite-force than a German Shepherd Dog.

So there you have it… wonderful owners = wonderful dogs, which leads us to the top 10 reasons Pitbulls are awesome and make a great addition to any family. (Photo credit: Crystal Alba/Shutterstock.com)

1. Love Bugs

These pooches with the great big smile are highly demonstrative and love to welcome you home with a wiggly butt and a big wet kiss. (Photo credit: Crystal Alba/Shutterstock.com)

2. Easy-Peasy Maintenance

Short coats with the usual shedding means you don’t need to spend money at the groomers. Brushing two to three times a week keeps him looking his best and gives you some quality one-on-one time. (Photo credit: Sonsedska Yuliia/Shutterstock.com)

3. Compact

They’re a medium sized dog who does well in smaller quarters as long as he gets some active playtime and a good walk each day. They don’t need a long, marathon walk to stay fit and happy. (Photo credit: Crystal Alba/Shutterstock.com)

4. People-Pleasers

As the United Kennel Club said, these pooches are friendly and love to be with people. They can become a little enthusiastic in their “happy to meet you” greetings, but this you can address through training and socialization. (Photo credit: dogboxstudio/Shutterstock.com)

5. Great with Kids

Pitbulls love being part of an active family and this includes playtime with the kids. He likes nothing better than catching and (hopefully) returning a ball or Frisbee thrown for him out in your yard or local dog park. (Photo credit: Barbara Sauder/Shutterstock.com)

6. Healthy

This is a pretty healthy dog who may suffer from the normal dog ailments such as hip and joint issues as he gets older, but none of the debilitating or fatal health issues often found in other breeds. (Photo credit: Monica Click/Shutterstock.com)

7. Loyal

This boy is loyal to his human pack for life. For a companion that wants nothing more than to be by your side – whether hiking on the trails or channel-surfing on the sofa – this is the boy for you. (Photo credit: HTWE/Shutterstock.com)

8. Eager to Get Involved

Pitbulls thrive on giving back to their family and love to have a role to play. He follows instruction readily and is always willing to step up to the plate to keep you happy. (Photo credit: Irina Bg/Shutterstock.com)

9. Goofball Personality

This silly pooch’s playful nature really comes out when he’s interacting with his human pack and vying for attention. His silly grin, lolling tongue and tenacious approach to having fun is contagious. (Photo credit: Victoria Rak/Shutterstock.com)

10. Work Out Buddy

While he isn’t obsessive about exercise, this powerful pooch is only too happy to accompany you on any outing – whether a quick walk around the block or lengthy training for a marathon. (Photo credit: Grigorita Ko/Shutterstock.com)

WOW Print Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Published October 28th, 2017 12:00 AM

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Dogs are amazing – it’s a wonder that anyone would bias a pooch based on his breed. But this does happen, and it’s called breed bias. According to the dictionary of google, the word bias refers to a prejudice either for or against, a specific issue. With dogs, the bias is against certain breeds including not only Pit Bull terriers but a number of other large breed dogs such as Chows, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans to name but a few. Over time, these classes of dog have been labelled as unpredictable and volatile, with the result being a breed bias. We all know that breeds big and small have the potential to get testy if mistreated, frightened or provoked. In fact, we’ve probably witnessed that type of behavior in our own pooch when they sense stranger danger, or another dog wants to eat from their bowl or tries to play with their toys. All breeds possess the ability to act out when trying to communicate the “back off” message. And they can as quickly be calmed by a patient owner who has built a stable, trusting relationship with that dog. Related: Top 10 Reasons Why Pitbulls are Awesome! Unfortunately, when broad-brushing reports are made about a certain breed of dog, they often take a position that ignores contributing factors such as prior abuse, improper socialization, neglect – all which factor in humans. Sweeping statements and sensationalistic reporting practices simply put it down to being the nature of that particular beast. The problem with building a breed bias is that it unfairly categorizes an entire class of dog as being volatile and untrustworthy. When supported by media stories that aim to reinforce this prejudice, you generate a fear within the public that is unwarranted. From fear comes rules and regulations and that’s where Breed Discriminatory Legislation (BDL) enters the picture. It targets certain breeds (including those that resemble any of the designated breeds) and introduces outright bans or restrictions that require continual muzzling, spaying, or neutering to prevent reproduction. In Canada, it’s called Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and its in place in Ontario as it relates to Pit Bull terriers. By building and reinforcing a negative perception of a breed, it also condemns many loving animals to death because they are considered unadoptable. These dogs languish in a shelter waiting for a family or they are euthanized. And for a nation that’s seeking a no-kill policy in animal shelters, the BDL is a thoroughly counter-productive approach that can essentially wipes out an entire strain of dog. Supporting the absurdity of BDL is a study conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. that indicates dogs such as Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Scottish terriers are much more volatile and easily provoked when out for a typical walk with their owner. When the American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the American Staffordshire terrier (kissin’ cousin to the Pit Bull terrier) as being smart, confident and good-natured and you learn that this “lovable, personality dog” (again, AKC descriptor) is considered less reactive than a Chihuahua, maybe a review of this legislation is due. And that elected officials be required to take a harder look at penalties for abusers including an all-out ban from owning animals.

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If your dog’s coat feels rough, brittle, or noticeably less soft than usual, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right. Changes in diet, environment, grooming routines, or overall health can all affect the condition of their fur. By understanding the most common causes, you can help restore your dog’s coat to its usual healthy shine. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Minnesota Gets Its First Pet-Friendly College Campus

For many of us, the bond we share with our pets is truly special. They are our companions, confidants, therapists, playmates, emotional anchors, and daily entertainment. Studies have even shown that living with a pet benefits our physical and mental health.  However, for young adults heading off to college, that bond has historically been severed at the dormitory door. That is officially changing in Minnesota. Gustavus Adolphus College, a private liberal arts college in St. Peter, recently announced a landmark shift in their campus policy. Starting this fall, Gustavus will become the first pet-friendly campus in the state, launching a pilot program that allows students to bring their dogs and cats to live with them in a designated residence hall. This move comes on the heels of a growing understanding of the “human-animal bond” in our modern society. For students navigating the high-pressure environment of college life, having a beloved pet with them can lower cortisol levels, reduce feelings of loneliness, help open doors to new social interactions and relationships, and encourage a more consistent daily routine. The program is currently limited to students in their second year or beyond who are in good academic standing. To prevent potential challenges before they arise, the college has established specific criteria that reflect the high standards of responsible pet parenting and rules to ensure pets fit well into the college lifestyle. Size and Behavior: Dogs must weigh 40 pounds or less, be fully housebroken, and have no history of aggression. Health and Wellness: Both cats and dogs must be at least one year old, spayed or neutered, and current on all vaccinations. Stability: To ensure the pet is well-adjusted, the college requires proof that the animal has lived with the student or their family for at least six months prior to moving onto campus. Financial responsibilities include a $300 annual pet fee and a $200 refundable deposit. Additionally, students must identify an emergency caretaker within 350 miles of campus, ensuring the animal has a safety net if the student is ever unable to care for them. For parents of college-bound students, this policy change represents a significant shift in the way we integrate pets into our lives. Beyond emotional comfort, living with a pet teaches students a high level of responsibility. Managing a pet’s schedule alongside a demanding course load requires exceptional time management and a dedication to the health and happiness of another living being. By requiring veterinary records and health certifications, the college reinforces the importance of preventive care. This helps spark conversations and spread awareness about this important topic. Gustavus Adolphus plans to evaluate the program over the next three years to determine its long-term viability. As pet parents, we know that our animals aren’t just “extras” in our lives. They are family. Seeing higher education institutions recognize this value is a promising step toward a society that fully embraces the benefits of our furry companions in every stage of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here. 

Virtual Dog Therapy Opens New Doors for Mental Wellbeing

For those of us who share our homes and our lives with a dog, we already know the truth: just a few short minutes spent with our pet can melt away the day’s stress. It’s a special connection that defines the human-animal bond. Now, new scientific research is not only validating the power of this bond but also proving that the benefits it offers are so strong they can be shared through a screen. In a recent study conducted by UBC Okanagan (UBCO), researchers found that even a virtual session with a therapy dog can significantly reduce a person’s stress. It’s a discovery that has big implications for our mental health and well-being. The study, led by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, Director of UBCO’s Building Academic Retention through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program, and Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams, builds on earlier work that examined the impact of dog-assisted mental health interventions. The goal was to find a way to make the benefits of spending time with a therapy dog more accessible to the public, especially after the increased isolation and demand for virtual medical appointments seen during the pandemic. The findings, published in Human-Animal Interactions, were really promising. Over 1000 participants (including both students and community members) watched a five-minute pre-recorded video featuring a therapy dog and a handler. The videos featured key aspects of the in-person therapy dog experience, including calm conversations and guided reflection. Each participant completed a short stress survey before and after the session.  After comparing the surveys, researchers determined that participants experienced a noticeable drop in their stress levels simply by watching the short clip. “The results suggest that virtual therapy dog interventions can also benefit the broader public, particularly those who face barriers to accessing in-person mental health support, such as access to outside of normal operating hours or from a remote location,” explained Binfet. With the growing interest in telehealth services and similar alternatives in our lives, both for us and for pet care, the availability of virtual therapy dog appointments could be a game-changer for many who need it. It’s also a clear validation for those of us who have been saying that sharing our lives with our pets has a positive overall impact on our health and well-being. If a pre-recorded five-minute video of a dog can effectively lower stress, imagine the impact of spending your life with the warm, breathing, loving presence of a pet right next to you. When we interact positively with an animal, whether through petting, playing, or even just looking at them, it directly impacts our brain chemistry. The interaction triggers a release of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which makes us feel happy and connected. At the same time, it lowers the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Combined, this shift leaves us feeling happier, less stressed, and more content. Ultimately, this research is a reminder that the best therapy is often sitting right beside you, waiting for a belly rub. The discoveries in this study highlight an excellent opportunity for greater accessibility for everyone to benefit from the healing power of therapy dogs, even when an in-person appointment isn’t possible. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Signs of Anxiety in Cats

Cats develop anxiety for various reasons. Some experience separation anxiety, while others might be fine until they go through a sudden change in routine or move to a new home. Anxiety can also occur if a cat is traumatized, sick or in pain, or stressed by other pets or loud noises. Even being poorly socialized can lead to anxiousness.

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