Clicker training takes over the world!

.....well, we think it would be amazing if it was the predominate method used to teach dogs, anyway. And RPB does its part to promote clicker training as a humane, effective method for teaching dogs new behaviors. It is our method of choice, what we use in our classes, and all of our foster dogs are clicker trained before being placed into new homes. One of our goals is to create a wide network of clicker-trained Pit Bulls - we call them Click Bulls ;-) - and Pit Bull parents who spread the word that positive, gentle training WORKS on even our big, burly, butchy dogs. Not only is clicker training a kind, progressive training method, it is also a new way of relating to the world at large. It fosters an attitude of patience, positivity and respect, as well as cultivates communication between species. It's truly a lovely way of interacting with and training your dog and has the power to positively impact our human world as well.

Clicker training: let's break it down! It starts with a small plastic "clicker". The clicker makes a fun sound that the dog learns to associate with food. In a very short time (usually only a few sessions of 5 minutes) the dog learns that "CLICK!" means "TREAT". (Training treats are small, pea-sized healthy and delicious foods that cannot be resisted. Bits of boiled chicken or liver, cheese, many natural dog training snacks that are on the market, baby carrots, Cheerios, anything the dog loves and is willing to accept as "pay".)

CLICK = TREAT

Once the dog begins to anticipate that a click means a treat is on the way, it's time to start teaching some new behaviors!

There are two ways to use the clicker to teach dogs behaviors - 1) the dog is "set-up" for success. We create an environment where the behavior is likely to occur (i.e. a quiet room with minimal distractions) and wait for the dog to perform the behavior or some approximation of that behavior. For instance, let's say we want to teach the dog to SIT. If we are hanging out in a boring room, where nothing interesting is going on, we can wait for the dog to get bored and say, "Hey, what gives?! Let's do something!" and happens to SIT. Once the dog SITS, we click and treat (toss the treat so the dog gets up, and then wait for the dog to sit again - watch how fast that dog is sitting like crazy waiting for clicks and treats!)

IMPORTANT! CLICK first ALWAYS, then offer the treat!

Concept: Click = GOOD JOB, that's RIGHT! and Treat = PAYDAY!

The second way to use the clicker, is to use your body to gently guide the dog into position. A food lure in your hand is the most common, efficient way of using your body to get the behavior to happen. A small piece of food, held in your hand, lured over the dog's head (close to his nose) so he sits, followed immediately by a CLICK then treat, is one way to teach a SIT with the clicker.

After the dog "gets" what he's supposed to be doing (i.e. SIT = ka-CHING! payday!) you can start cuing the behavior - saying the word SIT, THEN clicking and treating. The next steps involve working on the behavior in various locations, teaching the dog that he won't get paid after EVERY single performance of the behavior, but that he WILL always at some point get paid, then weaning the dog off the clicker.

Clicker training gives you a way of efficiently communicating with your dog. Once your dog knows what the clicker means ("Good job!") you can effectively use it to "talk" to him. It is also a hands-off method. We can teach complex behaviors without ever having touched the dog!

People might be surprised at how fast clicker-trained dogs learn, how eager they are, and how much fun they seem to have while engaged in training sessions. One reason clicker-trained dogs pick up new behaviors so fast may be explained by the relationship between the click and the oldest part of the brain, the amygdala. From ClickerTraining.com,"Research in neurophysiology has identified the kinds of stimuli—bright lights, sudden sharp sounds—that reach the amygdala first, before reaching the cortex or thinking part of the brain. The click is that kind of stimulus. Other research, on conditioned fear responses in humans, shows that these also are established via the amygdala, and are characterized by a pattern of very rapid learning, often on a single trial, long-term retention, and a big surge of concomitant emotions. The New York Times Sunday Magazine ran a cover story surveying this research in 1999."

Clicker-trained dogs are enthusiastic and willing participants in training because they are given choices (which creates a fast-learning environment as opposed to FORCING behavior), set-up to succeed in training, and provided with LOTS of positive feedback. They know immediately when they are doing something "right", provided with quick "pay" for a job well done, and allowed the opportunity to use their brains. Clicker training isn't about forcing dogs into position (where us humans do the work) or jerking them into compliance (imagine if YOUR boss taught you new tasks at work by pushing you around the office hallways all day, or smacking your hands with a ruler when you typed incorrect information). It's all about working WITH your dog, in a team capacity. You are both exploring, interacting, learning about each other. People who clicker train seem to get as attached to the clicker as the dogs do! It is an enjoyable, positive thing to do with your dog.

Clicker training uses positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors, fix behavior problems, and simply communicate with your dog. It fosters an attitude of trust between participants - there is no fear or intimidation involved in this sort of training. It focuses on the positive, what's RIGHT, instead of what's "wrong". This eliminates frustration and resentment, and "acting out" behavior. What would happen in our daily lives if we focused on catching each other doing something right? How about focusing on the good in the world each day, thanking the Universe for what you've been gifted with, instead of wasting emotional energy on what you hate about your life? The whole idea of clicker training is that by focusing on what's RIGHT, we get more of it; the "wrong" gets pushed out by default.

Before we end this post, let's talk a moment about methods that perpetuate the myth that Pit Bulls are "tough, aggressive, hard-headed, unresponsive to kindness/positivity and difficult to control": those that utilize prong or choke collars, physical punishment, and electric shock. Pit Bulls are intelligent, gentle, emotional dogs that do oh-so-well with training methods that are respectful of them as feeling, sentient creatures. Clicker training gives them the opportunity to learn and perform behaviors without threat or coercion. It is a respectful, KIND method of training that doesn't hurt the dog OR the image of the breed - it showcases just how intelligent and EASY to control Pit Bulls are. Harsh methods that rely on pain to train showcase only the unwillingness of the trainer to expand his or her mind and extend compassion to a weaker creature that is at the mercy of the human at the end of the leash.

This post is only a very basic introduction to clicker training. Although this method of training is remarkably simple, it has endless applications and this post should be seen as only a brief glimpse into the world of clicker training. A gateway into that world is Karen Pryor's ClickerTraining.com. Karen Pryor is the pioneer of clicker training and her site is THE source to begin your journey into clicker training. Please go have a look around her site!

No pinching or poking - saying no to prong collars.

There are lots of great reasons to avoid use of prong (aka 'pinch') collars. There are just as many reasons offered up from those who insist on using them. The bottom line is, if someone is married to the idea of prong use and has experienced success with one, it will be very difficult to convince that person to stop using one and move onto something more dog-friendly. Humans are not immune to the laws of learning and the reinforcement one receives from successful application of a prong can be very powerful and drive continued use, even after valid intellectual arguments are presented.

I'd like to talk about my transition away from prongs - a collar I had a lot of success using for a while.

I'll preface this blog by stating that I as a professional trainer specializing in Pit Bulls and aggression have not used prong collars in many years. My tools of choice are flat buckle collars, martingale collars, front-connect harnesses and as a last resort, head collars like the Gentle Leader. The Real Pit Bull uses these same tools on all of our foster dogs and in our classes. RPB never ever uses prong collars.

There was a time in my dog training adventures when I transitioned from choke collars to prong collars. They were "more humane", or so I thought. Hey, at least they weren't a tool with the word "choke" in the name. The trainers who introduced me to this collar would call it "power steering", because so many dogs would almost instantly stop pulling on leash with just a few little wrist-flicks from their handlers, following along easily and becoming almost magically well-behaved. It was pretty easy to control dogs with these scary-looking but supposedly-harmless collars.

It didn't take long before I started questioning WHY prong collars worked - or DIDN'T work, as the case may be. Especially when I ran into trouble with my personal dog - a 70 lbs AmStaff who developed extreme dog-directed aggression. Not only did prong collar "corrections" (jerks on the leash) not seem to help his behavioral problems, my dog seemed to be getting progressively worse. He'd see a dog, freak out, I'd jerk the leash, and he'd double his efforts to get at the other dog. This went on for ages. What was the problem, here?

After some trial and error, I tossed that stupid prong collar away, never to pick it up again. I discovered the Gentle Leader headcollar, then gradually weaned my dog off that collar and onto a front connect harness and martingale collar. My dog was MUCH happier. Who wouldn't be? Who likes prongs poking into their neck, amirite? The damage was already done, however: the time spent in a prong collar had only made my poor dog's behavioral issues worse and it would be a long road to undo that damage.

The success I had with the newer, humane training tools convinced me - and I'll never, ever go back to prong collars, not for my own dogs, not for clients' dogs, and not for RPB dogs.

Why?

Let's just look at the design of the prong collar for starters. WHAT is it designed to do?

Prong collars are made up of a series of interlocking links, with little blunt-edged prongs facing and laying up against the dog's neck when the collar is placed on the animal. When tightened, those prongs push into the dog's neck and towards each other causing a "pinching" action. The prongs don't actually puncture the dog's skin, but they DO cause discomfort at the very least, and pain at worst. Even when used correctly, prong collars are DESIGNED TO CAUSE DISCOMFORT - that is how they work and how they get a dog to "stop" doing whatever behavior you'd like them to stop doing (usually pulling).

(Ever have a trainer tell you that screech the dog makes when hitting the end of a leash on a prong collar for the first time was just the dog being "startled"? Uh huh. Right - the dog's just "startled". And to those who insist on denying the fact that prong collars work because they are aversive - i.e. uncomfortbale or painful - I only wish you'd have someone put a prong collar on your neck and without saying a word, guide you around on a leash. See if you follow because the collar feels like a soft, pleasureable massage you'd like more of, or instead is causing discomfort you're trying to avoid/get away from by following.)

Behaviorally, these collars can cause all sorts of problems. Here're the three biggies to worry about:

Dog parents can become highly dependent on the prong collar, with the dog ONLY behaving while wearing one (dog gets collar-wise)

They can cause heightened arousal and aggression

They can cause unintentional negative associations in the dog's mind (i.e. "Other dog = painful neck = other dog causes neck pain so I must work even HARDER [more aggressively] to get that scary dog away!")

Pat Miller, a noted trainer, lecturer and author, has this to say about the use of prong and other aversive collars and resultant behavior problems: "Choke chains, prong collars and shock collars utilize mild to severe punishment, called ‘corrections’ by trainers who use them, to let the dog know when she has done something wrong. I don`t recommend their use. Punishment can be difficult to administer effectively- timing and severity of the correction are critical to effective punishment training - and even when done properly there is a high risk of unintended and undesirable side effects, including aggression..."

In addition to behavioral issues, there is evidence that prong collars can cause physical problems for dogs, as well.

Dr. Peter Dobias has this to say about prong collar usage: "For years, I have observed the relationships between [the use of prong collars] and the neck injuries and health of dogs. I have learned that if the flow of energy in the neck is interrupted or restricted, a whole array of problems may arise including lameness, skin issues, allergies, lung and heart problems, digestive issues, ear and eye conditions, thyroid gland dysfunctions to name a few. I also suspect that the patients that have severe energy flow congestion in the neck area have a higher cancer rates."

So prong collars can make behavior problems they supposedly remedy even worse. And maybe even cause health issues. This is when being used correctly. Many people will say, "Ok, sure, but they've always worked GREAT for me, and my dog is wonderful on a prong! And he's totally fine!" Well, I cannot force anyone to stop using prong collars. I can hope dog parents give them up and switch to more dog-friendly tools that were NOT designed to cause discomfort. But that is just a hope. What I CAN do is present some reasons why I personally, as a professional, and why RPB, do not use them. I've found way more reason to NOT use them, then to use them. Here's hoping you will too!

In another blog entry, I'll talk about the tools RPB uses in its classes and on its foster dogs. There are plenty of alternatives to prong collars; tools that when used properly along with positive reinforcement training and behavior modification, can make a real difference in your dog's life, as well as yours. ~Mary Director - RPB

Our Favorite Dog Books - Pt 1

There are so many wonderful books out now on a variety of topics that will help you be the best dog parent you can be, while also helping you understand the fascinating creature in your living room, the dog!

Here are some of our favorite fundamentals that we think NO dog parent should pass up (we'll post more blogs featuring our fave books on different topics to help you build your dog library!):

The subtitle of this book is "A New Understanding of Canine Origins, Behavior & Evolution". If you want the truth about where dogs come from, this book cannot be missed. Think you know the story? Pick up this book, then think again. DOGS A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF CANINE ORIGIN, BEHAVIOR, AND EVOLUTION

One of the most important and influential dog books of recent years, On Talking Terms With Dogs will take you into a whole new world of reading dog body language. This book is a triumph and has influenced many trainers. Finally, when your dog speaks, you'll be able to listen. ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS - CALMING SIGNALS, 2ND EDITION

An absolutely imperative read, this book will help you understand not only how your dog learns, but also how all organisms (including YOU) learn. Use positive reinforcement to influence your dog's behavior - and that of other animals, human and non-human - in a meaningful, respectful way. DON'T SHOOT THE DOG

This book is a kick in the pants towards a better understanding of dogs, how to train them, and how NOT to. Really, this is a book every single person who has ever shared their life with a dog, who handles dogs in any capacity, or who is thinking about getting a dog, NEEDS TO READ NOW! CULTURE CLASH

Break free from the old, outdated mindset of "dominance and control", and learn how you can enter into a more harmonious, mutually-respectful relationship with your dog. It's not about control - it's about communication. And with better communication comes a better behaved dog. PLENTY IN LIFE IS FREE - REFLECTIONS ON DOGS, TRAINING AND FINDING GRACE

Happy Gotcha Day, Sedona!

Sedona’s Gotcha Day is April 30th.  One year ago The REAL Pit Bull brought this scared little dog to meet Rocky and Lola at our home and see how she fit in before leaving her with us.  Having come to RPB six months earlier through the HSUS and Hello Bully from the Ohio 200 bust, Sedona is one of approximately 200 dogs found penned or tied out on stakes on the property of Sherman Bell, whom has since been convicted of one felony count of possessing and training dogs for dog fighting.

Sedona is afflicted with some serious fear and anxiety issues from being "raised" in a terribly isolated situation, but this is not about the negative aspects of her life. This is a celebration of an innocent victim's journey to healing.  In a surprisingly short time Sedona has grown into one of the best dogs I have ever known.  Even though her fear of the outdoors is still very strong, she tries to overcome it, and has made great strides in accepting her new environment. She is healthy and happy, fun and funny, her temperament is rock solid, and she shows her love of life in her exuberance for the little pleasures.  If I were to interview her, I imagine it would go something like this…

Me:           So, it’s been a year since The REAL Pit Bull staff sent you to live with us.  How do you like it here so far?

Sedona:     I like it fine, I guess.  Better than a barrel in the woods, fer sher.

Me:           What’s the best part?

Sedona:     I eat TWO TIMES a day!!  YAY!!

Me:           Yes, I know that makes you VERY happy!  What don’t you like?              

Sedona:     Going outside. It’s very scary out there.

Me:           What scares you?           

Sedona:     Noises.  I don’t know where they come from, or what’s coming.  And the kids.  They are so scary, I can't even deal with it sometimes. I'm glad you are there with me.

Me:           Yes, I can see how they could frighten you.  But they’re just small people, give it time.

Sedona:     Yeah LOTS of time!

Me:           I know there’s one thing you like to do outside!               

Sedona:     I like the walks on Sunday morning with all my friends.  The car ride is okay, but I get nervous, a little.

Me:           Tell me a little about the walks.

Sedona:     Duh, you’re there, too!

Me:           Okay, tell the folks about it who are reading this.

Sedona:     Well, we drive a long time to the mountains and meet my friends to go hiking.  I like them, they make me feel good, they have dogs, too, and they are really cool.  Nobody wants to hurt me, or make me fight, or do mean things.  Everybody really likes me! At first I was scared of them, I didn't want to leave the car and I just wanted to go home to my bed. I tried to make friends with the dogs, but not all of them liked me. The people were WAY scary! I didn’t know why you made me do this. It was very hard, and I didn’t like you after.

Me:           But you got used to it.

Sedona:     Not all at once.  I got used to the people and even made friends with some, and I forgot the dogs sometimes. I was still scared of the car ride.  But once I saw that my friends were there at the end, I got happy.  Now I just jump in the back seat when we go.

Me:           Sometimes you're too happy! You get a little rude, too.

Sedona:     (blushing) Maybe, a little. So sue me! I like my friends a lot!

Me:           What do you think of Rocky and Lola?

Sedona:     Now, they are a couple of cool dogs!  Lola can be a little bitc...

Me:            Careful! 

Sedona:     ... snob, though.  But she’s okay with me bugging her.  And Rocky, he’s funny.  He makes me laugh.

Me:           Yeah, he makes me laugh, too, all the time.  Do you have any plans for the future?

Sedona:     What’s “the future?”

Me:           Sorry, my bad.  Any last thoughts?

Sedona:     When can we play?  When we eatin’? Where’s my new bone?  You said I could have cheese, where is it? What about…

Me:           Okay, that’s enough. I get it.  Say good-bye to the readers…

Sedona:     Wooo wooooo!!

* * * * *

Here is a short video of Sedona before one of her walks, and some random shots of what she loves best.  She really does love her friends!

Sedona with Dee Broton, organizer of Meetup.com's Sussex County Dog Walking Group. 

 Dee is one of Sedona's favorite people, and the Group has been her saving grace!

6 more weeks of winter = an excuse for a new sweater

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow but Staten Island Chuck didn't. Regardless of which ground hog you believe, we think these chilly February days call for new sweaters for Pit Bulls!

Dress A Bull is a canine clothing shop which caters to Bull Breeds and mixes. Through Valentine's Day, 10% of the purchase price of your order will be donated to The Real Pit Bull. Please give 'em a visit - they have some really cute sweaters, along with super nice coats and shirts that we're sure your Pit Bull will just luv!

Tragedy in Brooklyn: Nick Santino & Rocco

A few days ago we read about Nick Santino, a struggling actor in New York City, who committed suicide last Tuesday, an overdose on pills. This story was brought to our attention by a Pit Bull advocate. In fact Pit Bull advocates, bloggers, and Facebook pages devoted to Pit Bulls are all talking about this story. Why? Because Nick Santino had a healthy Pit Bull named Rocco who he euthanized just prior to killing himself.

The building Santino lived in enacted a breed specific policy in 2010, but Pit Bulls living in the building prior to that time were grandfathered in. Santino was not required to move, nor was he required to get rid of his dog. However, it is reported that Santino experienced some harassment and was being pressured by the condo board to get rid of Rocco. Under that pressure, Santino euthanized his dog. Wracked with guilt over having had killed his dog, Santino wrote a suicide letter, then killed himself on January 25th.

There are many vigils being held for Santino and Rocco, by Pit Bull organizations and advocates, in their memory and for "victims of discrimination" everywhere. It was surprising and a bit disheartening to see that many people seem to be allowing the issues of breed specific legislation and breed discriminatory policies to take center stage, the "story" being presented as such that Santino killed himself as a direct result of the breed discriminatory policy in his building and harassment he was experiencing because of his breed of choice.

Harassment or hardship experienced due to breed is something we, as Pit Bull parents, can all surely identify with; many of us have had to experience discrimination ourselves simply because we choose to share our lives with Pit Bulls. Dog parents in general often are subjected to rules and regulations in apartment buildings or condos. According to a story in The New York Post, Santino and other dog owners in the building received harassment. Rules that Santino was subjected to - such as no dogs in elevators, and no dogs to be left alone for longer than a 9 hour period at a time - were rules all dog owners, regardless of breed, were subjected to. The new policy in Santino's building prevented new Pit Bulls from coming in as residents, but it DID allow for him to keep Rocco. Santino chose to euthanize his dog. Then, according to the suicide note, Santino killed himself because he felt he betrayed his best friend.

It would be hard to doubt that the harassment Santino was experiencing was a stressor that contributed to first the euthanization of his dog and then the taking of his own life. However, was breed discrimination the sole cause of Rocco and Santino's deaths; is breed discrimination the real story here?

The National Institute of Mental Health's website states, "...suicide and suicidal behavior are not normal responses to stress; many people have these risk factors, but are not suicidal."

While Rocco and Santino's deaths may be an opportunity to educate the public about the impact breed discriminatory policies can have, it is important not to allow the issue of breed discrimination to overshadow the issue of suicide, and mental illness in general, which RPB feels is the REAL issue at the core of this story.

Many people experience the effects of breed discrimination as well as a plehthora of other stressful, upsetting, and life-altering events. Most of these people will not kill themselves. NIMH's website explains a huge risk factor for suicide is "depression and other mental disorders, or a substance-abuse disorder (often in combination with other mental disorders). More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have these risk factors." Surely Santino was experiencing a myriad of internal pressures no one will ever know the full scope of.

According to the CDC, in 2009 there were 36,909 suicides in the United States, and 666,000 emergency room visits for self-inflicted injury. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says, every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide. But suicide can be prevented. Being aware of warning signs loved ones may be exhibiting, making the public aware of the myriad sources for education on suicide , and knowing where to go to seek help if one is experiencing symptoms of depression or having thoughts of suicide, are just some of the ways to lessen its occurance.

We surely hope the tragic story of Nick Santino and Rocco will help shed light on the problematic nature of breed discriminatory policies and anti-Pit Bull legislation, but also, more pressingly, the serious problem of suicide and mental illnesses such as depression which are the leading cause of suicide.

If you are considering making a donation to an organization in memory of Nick Santino and Rocco, in order to help fight breed discrimination, please also consider making a donation to an organization that works to prevent suicide.

Our hearts go out to Nick Santino, Rocco, and their friends and family. Rest in peace.

"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and...."

Last week we posed this fill-in-the-blank question on Facebook: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and...."

We got such a wide variety of responses from all sorts of people whose lives are enriched by their Pit Bulls in all sorts of ways. Below is a compilation of those responses.


Lovemybully76: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and proud of it!"

Fureverywhere: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I learn something new from my Ophie every day!"

CA Puzio: "I am a Pit Bull Parent and it has changed my life, for together we have learned to self realize and cope with the anxiety within."

Catstina: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I'm studying to be a Psychologist."

JohnR: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and am typical of MANY people who work professionally with animals: Pit Bulls are my favorite breed of dog!"

Dlester: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and grateful every day."

Pitbullmamaliz: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and through her I've had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people with the biggest hearts."

Wannabeowner: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and have the cuddliest, snuggliest, silliest dog EVER!"

Daves: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and my only regret is that I didn't become one sooner."

Erins66: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I vote."

Barbara Cooper: ‎"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and Terrojax is God's gift to me. He came to me as an owner surrender and found out the next day he had parvo. I nursed him back to health and now he is an awesome 6 year old. I am hard of hearing and he is my ears. He is my best friend and companion. I love my hairy son. I was not sure of him at first because of all the publicity you hear. You just have to live with him to know. Thank you for my best friend. Terrojax momma loves you bunches."

Thérése Weiner: "I teach children with multiple disabilities and I'm a proud American Pit Bull Terrier parent. Several of my dogs are certified working therapy dogs. So you can say, we put the pits in the hos'pit'al & the bull in the reading programs at the li-bull-ary among the other venues we work."

Patti Deschaine: "I'm a pit bull parent of two of the most fantastic, loving animals I have ever known. More like four legged, speech challenged children. So connected to my pitties!"

Cheryl Clauss: "I am a pitbull parent to 9 month old Sapphira, a blue fawn, and aunt to 5 yr old Knucklehead. The depth of love this breed shows to their humans is amazing! We don't "own" pitbulls, we are their people!"

Meghan Ridings Cabalar: "I am a Pit Bull parent and my 2 Pits live with my 4 children and are around the children I babysit and provide excellent love and companionship to us all!"

Will Rice: ‎"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and a foster parent to children in need, and an adoptive parent to a son I love, and a United Methodist Pastor."

Kelly Andrews: ‎"I am a Pit Pull parent to a special needs Pit Bull who loves to be the surrogate momma to orphan kittens!"

Kevin Knabe: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and proud to have such a loving, smart, American breed of dog(APBT that is!)"

Julia Fabiani: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I am a responsible owner who takes time to educate people who either don't know about them, or have misconceptions."

Julie Strader: ‎"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and every day is a gift of love, cuddling, butt wiggles, and clownish fun!"

Talia Miller: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and I couldnt imagine not being one ever."

Adrea Garcia-Smith: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and our boys Roscoe & Hendrix are just the sweetest, goofiest Pits around and are very smart!! They love my 3 girls and cuddling in bed with them!! They're big babies."

Stacey Allen Suazo: "I am a Pit Bull parent, an attorney, a professional dog trainer, a business owner, a wife and a mother. I am a responsible parent who teaches my dogs and children how to behave responsibly around others. After 30+ years of having multiple dogs in my life, my Pit Bull has been the best behaved and easiest to train pet I've ever had. He rewards me and my family each day with boundless devotion and love. My Pit Bull is neutered, well-socialized, and lives inside with our family."

Yajaira Rivera: "I am a Pit Bull parent and I am blessed with such a breed. Smart, beautiful, loving, loyal and goofy :) Diesel is his name and love him so much.... we are inseparable."

Alexandra Beck: "I am a Pit Bull parent, teacher, and guardian, and veterinary nurse. I wished and waited for a dog exactly like my Luna: sweet, smart, affectionate, loyal and kind - a true best friend. It was worth the wait!"

Cindy Tierney: "I am a Pit Bull parent and proud of it, would never get a different breed."

Tammy Gravely Townsend: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and advocate for the breed I love the most. I am a mother, a grandmother and Pit Bulls are a part of my family. Can't imagine life without Pit Bulls."

Sarah Edewaard Hamilton: "I am a Pit Bull parent w/two spoiled rotten extremely lovable pits that make me so happy when I come home and just want to be loved on and cuddled. They are sweet, extremely smart and very loyal. Oh and the most important, they LOVE children."

Maggie Van Etten: "I am a Pit Bull parent of Nina the Elderbull and volunteer for a Pit Bull focused rescue and have never met a Pit Bull I didn't fall in love with, LOL! But then again, that's easy to do!"

Brooke Watkins: "I am a Pit Bull parent to a wonderful sweet Pit Bull whom is very intelligent, smart, and loving. She is easy to train and picks stuff up quickly. She loves my boyfriend's kids and shows enormous amounts of Affection by giving tons of kisses as often as we let her. I wouldn't give her up for anything, and I love taking her everywhere with me and showing people how well behaved she is and all of the tricks and commands she knows."

Sarah Edewaard Hamilton: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and our dogs' names are Angel (she lives up to that name) & Rebel (he's 5 mo. and so much fun)."

Nola-And Tom Petty: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and wouldn't have it any other way & enjoy filling people in of the FACTS instead of all the Pit Pull myths!"

Emily Sieger: "I am a Pit Bull parent, whose rescued gamebred APBT was the favorite therapy dog of all the residents at my mom's nursing home because of his loving gentle nature."

Carol Brown Hunt: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I have never met a sweeter or more loyal dog....It all depends on how they are raised and taken care of....and loved by their family."

Jennifer Swensen: :I am a Pit Bull parent, and I am responsible and proud to be owned by a Pit Bull."

Claudia Chain: "I am a Pit Bull parent and I am glad I didn't listen to the people who said that my dog was going to eat me in my sleep."

Ana Beck: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I will NEVER apologize for it!! My Pit is a sweet, loving, loyal, and irreplaceable member of my family. I challenge anyone who doesn't like Pit Bulls to come spend an afternoon with mine. Watch my nephew cuddle and take naps with him, watch him play with other dogs, and watch him try to give his chew toys to my dad's Cockatiel and then say they aren't trustworthy pets. I love my Pit and I won't apologize for it!!"

Sue Stiely: "I am a Pit Bull parent of 6 girls over the years and will never be without one. I try to educate to the best of my abililty and two of my girls were certified tehrapy dogs. I have had dogs who were quite dog friendly, and some that were not so dog friendly, but I knew their behaviors, stayed aware and have never had one incident involving my dogs or others. I don't ever want to lose the oppurtunity to own the breed and do my best to improve thier reputation."

Victory Plumbing: "I'm a Pit Bull grandparent! After losing my own dog Buddy after 16 yrs, my son's dog Bailie has filled the void of the loss. I don't want anything but a Pit Bull for my next dog."

Nicholas Overturf: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I have never had such a loving, obedient and beautiful animal in all my life. I miss you Baby Grrr..."

Susan Grattan: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and my baby girl Halo is my life. She is always there when I cry, laugh, or just need a hug or high five."

Melissa Long Truempy: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I have a 56 pound lap dog/teddy bear/lover boy/and playmate for my seven year old daughter. He is 1 year old today, and has a 10 1/2 year old Pittie sister-who happens to be the smartest dog I've ever known! Both rescue pups, both unique, both irreplaceable."

Chelsey Johnson: "I'm a Pit Bull parent & she is the most loving and loyal dog I could ever ask for."

Amy Hendrickson: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and my dogs both have their CGC, one has his TT and he's doing great in both agility and flyball."

Perfectpit: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I am blessed every day with his unconditional love and devotion."

Kenzie Smith: "I am a Pit Bull parent and proud of it!!"