By Karen Delise - Anubis Pub (2007)
First it was the Bloodhound, sensationalized in the dramatizations of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Then it was the Doberman, symbol of the Nazi menace. Today, it is the Pit bull that is vilified for the depravity of his masters. Today, police chase down fleeing Pit bulls in the street, firing dozens of wild shots in response to media-fed rumors of supernatural Pit bull abilities. Politicians coach and nurture this fear with their own brand of rhetoric used to assist in the passing of quick and ineffective legislation created to pacify communities ignorant of the real cause for dog attacks. Hundreds of animal shelters throughout the country kill all unclaimed Pit bull-looking dogs, as they are deemed "unadoptable" solely on their physical appearance. This has occurred because the human/dog bond, the most complex and profound inter-species relationship in the history of mankind, has been reduced to a simple axiom: Breed of dog = degree of dangerousness. We have come to accept that hanging entire breeds of dogs in effigy for the sins of their owners is an acceptable solution to canine aggression because we have been placated by a Pit Bull Placebo. Like the pharmacologically inactive sugar pill dispensed to pacify a patient who supposes it to be medicine, eradication of the Pit bull is the placebo administered to ease the public's anxiety about dog attacks. The book, The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression, explores how our views and beliefs about canine aggression have changed over the last 150 years and how our perceptions about the nature and behavior of dogs has been influenced by persons and organizations who often times disseminate information about dog attacks which is tailored to further an agenda unrelated to the improvement of the human/dog bond. We are in the midst of a social hysteria about Pit bulls because we have abandoned centuries-old common-sense and have been duped by inaccurate reporting from the "Pit Bull Paparazzi" and by politicians who traffic in rumors, myths and pseudoscience in their efforts to pass legislation that demonizes dogs while exonerating criminal and abusive owners. If we truly believe that the extremely rare cases of fatal dog attacks merit extreme measures in the management of dogs, if our concern and shock is genuine, then we must be equally genuine and sincere in seeking out and addressing the real causes for these incidents. Only by stepping back from the swirl of present-day hysteria surrounding isolated cases of severe canine aggression and examining the problem from a broader and more objective perspective can we hope to understand and address the human and canine behaviors which contribute to these incidents.
By Cynthia P. Gallagher - T.F.H. Publications (2006)
Discover a whole new world of dogs with these revolutionary, breed-specific guides accompanied by a free DVD. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a working breed. This book includes an extensive chapter on activities and sports that are especially appropriate for this breed's energetic nature.
By D. Caroline Coile - John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated (2001)
Pit Bulls have an image problem. If you’ve never been around Pit Bulls, you may think they are bloodthirsty man-eaters on the prowl for their next meal. If you’ve lived with one you know they are, indeed, on the prowl for their next meal – but they plan to get it by conning you out of your meal by doing something irresistibly cute! A breed of satin and steel, Pit Bulls are a mixture of softness and strength, an uncanny canine combination of fun, foolishness, and serious business. If you think Pit Bulls should be purged from the face of the earth, Pit Bulls For Dummies will enlighten you. Perhaps you're curious about this breed and want to know what Pit Bulls are really like; if so, this book is for you. Who else needs this handy reference li>Smart people who realize that all breeds have good and bad point New (and not so new) owners who need help with trainin Owners looking for just the right veterinaria Potential owners looking to adopt from a breed-rescue grou Pit Bull owners who need help identifying Pit Bull health problem Too many dog care books are filled with unrealistic scare tactics that would cause anyone to just give up, while others are filled with hand-me-down dog lore that has no basis in reality. You won't find any of that in Pit Bulls For Dummies. Here's a sampling of the handy information you'll find in this essential guide li>Understanding the Pit Bull's origins and characteristic Caring for a puppy or older Pit Bul Keeping your dog healthy with diet and exercis Dealing with bad behavior: Biting, barking, jumping, and mor Training your Pit Bull in the basics such as sit, stay, heel, and com Understanding Pit Bull body languag Helping your dog become a social anima Owning a Pit Bull isn’t easy, but that’s not because of the dogs. A special commitment to the breed and a special dog owner are needed. Pit Bulls are pretty special dogs, and they have to prove it every day
By Todd Fenstermacher - TFH Publications (1996)
This book brings the commonsense advice of long-time breeder Todd Fenstermacher to your doorstep. This book, illustrated with more than 150 color photos, explains in simple language everything you need to know about selecting a Pit Bull, preparing for and training the puppy, daily care as well as health and dental hygiene. The author dispels common misconceptions about the Pit Bull and reveals the truth about this versatile, stable and multi-talented canine that ranks among the most loyal of all breeds of dog. Through the author's firsthand experience, this book is designed to help the new owner enjoy a long and happy life with his American Pit Bull Terrier.
By Dianne Jessup - T.F.H. (1996)
Details the working skills of the American Pit, in legitimate arenas not including dog fights.
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