Caring for your American Pitt Bull Terrier

The nature of the American Pitt Bull Terrier is friendly and always eager to please. This dog is usually known for its aggression especially with other dogs because of its fighting background, but the pit bull in general is gentle with people. While the dog is young, you should spend a lot of time with them and have them around other dogs a lot. Immediately, gain authority over your dog and take them to public areas such as dog parks to give them the chance to meet other people. Let strangers pet your dog as it gives them the opportunity to get used to various types of smell and personalities. This is a great way for your dog to develop a good temperament. If any signs of aggression appear, they must be dealt with as soon as possible preferably by a professional trainer.

An American Pit Bull Terrier needs to have rigorous exercise for at least 30 to 45 minutes every day. This breed has a lot of energy and loves to be active so give your dog a lot of activity on a daily basis. When walking with your dog or you have them in public, keep them on a leash. This way they will not fight with other dogs when they encounter them.

Keep your pitt bull up to date on their vaccinations especially when you first get them. Yearly vaccinations should be maintained to prevent diseases including flea shots and prevention against worms. Take care enough to make sure the food you choose is of a high grade. The main ingredient should always be meat with the appropriate amount of crude protein, crude fat, and fiber content.

Pit bulls do not shed very much so a daily brushing with a brush that has firm bristles should do the trick to get out any lose hair. Shampoo your dog no more than once a week to keep the oil balance in check. Shampooing them more frequently could dry out their skin.

There are certain health problems that pit bulls are prone to such as hip dysplasia and cataracts so consult your vet regularly to detect these problems as soon as possible. Breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia can be diagnosed as puppies so that early treatment will be effective. If the dysplasia is not diagnosed and you intend on breeding your pit bull, there is the possibility the condition can be passed on to the puppies.

Joint problems are a common for pit bulls due to them being so active by nature. The constant pulling and twisting from daily playing and other activities often results in injury to joints.

Before your daily play time with your dog take them on a brisk walk for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to get the joints limber. This prevents sprains, strains, and tearing of muscles.

When walking your dog try avoiding making them walk on asphalt or concrete and instead make them walk on grass, dirt and other soft surfaces to lessen the impact on joints. Walking or any type of exercise is important to a pit bull, however, over doing it can be just as damaging to joints. In addition, do not make workouts and playtime too rough keep it light and remember to let them cool down afterwards to avoid sprains and cramps.

Keep your dog on a strict diet limiting snacks and human food. Obesity can cause unnecessary weight that burdens and strains the joints. The average weight of a pit bull whether male or female should be around 60 pounds. Always maintain this weight to keep joints as healthy as possible.

These are only a few suggestions in the prevention of hip dysplasia. However with the exception of surgery, there is no known cure.