The Pit Bull Terror?

For many years I have heard the vicious, simple minded, accusations, and stereotypes thrown at Pit Bulls and I have always defended them. Cruel people create cruel dogs, no matter what the breed, to prove my point, I take you to the Philippines.

March 1, 2007 “Chief” a four year old American Pit Bull Terrier laid down his own life for the life of an 87 year old grandmother and her granddaughter, when a cobra was found in their home. Startled the cobra did what startled snakes do and fanned its hood. Chief quickly put himself in between the cobra and the two women serving as a shield when the cobra struck.

Click Here for the entire article.

Now how many people would see this Pittie on the street and think immediately that it would tear them to shreds? Too many. I see it even in my own family, “Stupid bastard’s, everyone of them needs to be killed,” one person said to me. People do not see that it is not in the dogs heart to be a killer. It must be taught and by who? Man. It is by no fault of his own that the Pit Bull got its reputation and it is through no fault of his own that cruel men continue to torture and mentally break dogs until their only will is to fight.

The Pit Bull was first introduced into the Americas in the 1800's by Boston-Irish immigrants when bull baiting was outlawed in England. Since then American breeders have bred more muscle and stronger jaws into them, making them a formidable breed, but what breeders couldn’t do was breed out the loyalty and kindness of these dogs.

Don’t blame the breed blame the deed.

Introducing Quinn!

Quinn is a beautiful young boy who I have limited background information on. However I have spent a lot of time with Quinn as he has been in the shelter since before September 2009! Quinn loves people, he loves to play and needs a home that will give him lots of time to play and have fun. Quinn enjoys walks through the woods at the shelter but can get a little over excited and will pull on the leash. Quinn is a solid strong dog and knows what he can get away with, this is what we will be working on for the end of January, so be sure to check back to see his story and others!

Trainer: Ashley Hastings

Quinn is currently adoptable at the Huron Humane Society!

Blue Ribbons Training: The Trainer

Blue Ribbons Training is a small training collaboration of people who love animals. Between us we have more than 12 years training experience. From abused and neglected dogs to puppies who are just starting their training we have experienced it all. I, Julia Fish, strive to educate the public on responsible and reasonable care and training of all dogs. Working for five months with a well known German Shepherd rescue in California, and with animal shelters for years before that, I have over ten years of training experience with shelter dogs, dogs that have been abused, problem dogs, and puppies. I have trained an expanse of breeds from Pit Bulls and Rottweiler’s to Toy Poodles and Chihuahua’s.
My training techniques vary from dog to dog, what may work with one dog may not work with another. That is why I spend time with each dog I train and get to know their personality. For example, a dog that is rough and pulls hard on a leash may not respond to just the simple vocal correction and a gentle pull on the lead while other milder dogs will. For the dog that would not respond to the first correction, a stronger correction is needed, such as a choke chain or a head collar.
This is true also with puppies, not all puppies will potty train the same. Some will pick it up immediately while others will not. No matter the dog or the situation the technique will vary, but I have yet to find a dog I could not train with Time and Patience.
Now, I have started volunteering my time, when not at college, to the Huron Humane Society where I train some of the long term residents there. This blog will mostly be about those dogs and their advancements in training, they will also be recognized when they are adopted along with their new owners.