DETROIT – Last week, I visited a Michigan Humane Society adoption center and was surprised to see dogs of every size, shape and color! However, I left alone. Why? Because of Alexander, a 4-year-old pit bull. His soulful brown eyes met mine, and I fell for him. The thing is, he didn’t look anything like the dog I had planned to bring home. So, I took the MHS Right Dog quiz on my phone and it confirmed that Alexander and I were a good match. Everything the staff told me about him made me love him even more, but I couldn’t get past what I’ve heard about pit bulls. I want a cuddly dog to curl up with on the couch and to snuggle with at night; I did not picture a gray pit bull. I shouldn’t adopt a pit bull, right?
We understand your dilemma. Let’s see what we can do to help. We always aim to make a great match, so why don’t we take a minute to walk through what life can really be like with a pit bull. Then, when we’re finished, if you think a pit bull like Alexander is right for you, you can sprint on over to MHS and take him home, OK?
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I think one of the most important things to know about pit bulls is that they usually are a work-hard, play-hard kind of dog. They love life and typically live it large. What that means to you is:
THEY LOVE TO PLAY AND PLAY AND PLAY
If you live an active lifestyle and want a hiking partner, a jogging pal, a dog who will run around your yard and bring you toys while you garden…yep, that’s a pit bull!
THEY ARE SOCIAL AND WANT TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND
If you want a dog who understands you and who wants you to understand him…yep, that’s a pit bull.
THEY ARE QUITE SMART
If you want a dog you can – and should – train to be polite and attentive…yep, that’s a pit bull.
THEY ARE SENSITIVE
If you want a dog that will respond to kindness and cannot handle being treated roughly…yep, that’s a pit bull. MHS always recommends positive, reward-based dog training rather than punishment-based techniques, which can make an animal fearful. Like most any dog, the highly sensitive and intelligent pit bull will respond enthusiastically to praise or treats, and the time you spend together will create an even stronger bond.
THEY CAN BE PICKY
It is true that, sometimes, pit bulls don’t like other dogs. And because of their strength, this can be a struggle. You might not get to take him to a dog park, but he will not mind. You may have to work a bit harder than other dog owners to get him to walk past other dogs politely on a leash. But, if you love him for who he is and only place him in situations he can handle, the love you get back will be unmatched. If you are OK with a dog that may or may not like every new dog he meets… yep, that’s a pit bull.
THEY NEED YOU
If you want a dog that desperately needs someone to be his advocate, look out for his needs and provide him with a safe and appropriate environment…YEP, THAT’S A PIT BULL.
What does all of this mean, exactly? It means sharing your life with a pit bull is not for everyone, but it could be right for you! While Alexander is not the dog you imagined, he is very likely to hog all your covers and lay across your lap while you are watching TV. And yes, his breed may scare some people.
But if you’re willing to really get to know him and work with him, he will be more loyal than you can imagine.
Certainly, you might decide that the aspects surrounding pit bull “parenthood” aren’t for you. And that’s all right. What’s most important is that you make your decision based on the individual dog and not on the evening news. Thank you for giving Alexander a second look.
Even if you don’t take him home, he will always have a place in your heart, which is something that every dog deserves.