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If you're thinking about owning a Pit Bull terrier, it is important to understand the characteristics of the breed as well as your current lifestyle.  Caring for a Pit Bull is a long-term commitment that needs to be taken seriously, not just a simple hobby that you participate in when time permits. 

The Pit Bull terrier is an amazing dog and is very active and can certainly turn out to be a handful if not properly trained. American Pit Bulls are extremely faithful and when a relationship is formed, it lasts for evermore. If you are a new Pit Bull owner, you actually need to understand how demanding these dogs can be and realize that they require a large amount of attention and training to recognize their full potential as pets. Pits are very perceptive dogs and this can work to your advantage as you're going through the training process.

Unfortunately it is very difficult for many dogs to find a second home in the event that their owners change their minds and decide they don't want a dog after all. The situation is even worse for Pit Bulls due to their reputation in today's society.

Do you have the time and the energy to commit to a high energy breed such as a Pit Bull? Pit Bull terriers have very high exercise requirements and are happiest when they get plenty of play time.

If you are interested in owning a Pit Bull, you should possess a similar sense of adventure. A day at the beach, a park, or just playing frisbee in the backyard are all excellent things to do with your four-legged friend. These activities will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog and make ownership even more rewarding.

If you're more of an inside person however and don't enjoy exercising daily, you should seriously rethink your idea of Pit Bull ownership. There are many other excellent dog breeds that will probably be more suitable to your lifestyle and it isn't fair to penalize your dog simply because you are too selfish to get an alternative breed.

If you still are set on owning a Pit Bull, it is important that you begin training your dog as soon as you bring him home.  Pit Bulls who aren't properly trained can become more than a handful.  On the other hand, a well-trained Pit can regularly impress others with good behavior.

Because of their high intelligence, Pit Bulls can have determined streak in them but don't let this shock you when it comes to obedience training time. You as the owner must remember that there will be occasions when you ask him to do something and he�s not going to obey, even though he knows what you forecast him to do. Remember to remain patient in these times and don�t get exasperated. The earlier you are being training your Pit, the better. At eight weeks of age, you can begin basic training and socializing your Pit Bull puppy. Remember; make efforts to keep the training activities fun and use positive reinforcements to help desired behavior.

Socialization is one of the key areas of focus for Pit Bull training. Pits can be very friendly and loving animals but they can be dog assertive if not properly socialized. The best way to socialize your puppy is to sign up for training classes. Training classes permit your Pit to be trained side-by-side with other dogs.

When your Pit Bull puppy reaches the age of 13-16 weeks, you can begin a much more serious training routine. In this age, your Pit will possibly test his boundaries with you and explore the area of dominance. He may nip and try and think the alpha dog role. It is important to be strong during this time and maintain the dominant role in the relationship.

Pit Bulls are genuinely adorable family dogs that if properly trained; make a great pet for anybody. They are fantastic dogs that love being around their "people". Be certain to train your Pit Bull as early as possible and do not forget to stay consistent.

Is a Pit Bull / Bully right for you? (ask yourself these questions):

• Am I an experienced Dog Owner, or a Natural Leader?
• Am I firmly committed to socializing and training a dog for the rest of their life?
• Do I tend to be calm and quiet rather then short fused and hyper?
• Will I train my dog with kindness, consistency and patience?
• Am I a physically active person? Can I match my dog's energy?
• Am I willing to exercise this dog everyday?
• Am I informed about the misconceptions and the biases against this breed?
• Do I understand that this dog must be a part of the family?
• Can I provide a warm home for this dog and not keep him chained outside?
• Am I eager to convince the public that Bully Breeds make great Family Pets?
• Am I up for fighting BSL and Negative Breed Profiling?
• Do I want to rescue or go to a breeder? And what to look for in either one?
• Am I aware of my community and know if I can have a Bully Breed in it?

What Makes a Pit Bull Turn Bad?: (read this study)

1. POOR BREEDING PRACTICES. Breeders must be aware of how genetics work and must consciously breed to produce dogs that are physically and emotionally sound. Ignorant breeding practices can produce unsafe, dangerous dogs.
2. POOR SOCIALIZATION. They need to be socialized with other dogs more then any other breed because of their past. Start this as soon as possible, and never stop. It is important to socialize them with all walks of life at a young age. The more they experience, the more it will help them cope with the world around them.
3. BAD TRAINING. If you train your dog to be aggressive and do not know what you are doing (not a professional) bad things can happen and you can have a dangerous dog.
4. HARSH TRAINING. Very harsh, forceful training techniques can cause a dog to resent his training and trainer. Unfair or overly hard corrections or punishments can cause a dog to fight back.
5. CHAINING THE DOG. Pit Bulls that live their life chained in the backyard are prone to develop problem behaviors. A chained dog is vulnerable and feels tormented, by everything passing by him. (Every child who wishes to tease or torment the dog, stray animals that pass by freely, etc.) These dogs often are bored, frustrated, depressed, angry and lack needed exercise.

The majority of Pit Bull Attacks that are in the news are from dogs who live life secluded (chained up, caged, etc.) and never got a chance to be a dog and explore the outside world.