Having the Perfect Pit Bull

Most people who own pit bulls will inevitably face that moment where your dog does something undesirable in public and suddenly you're faced with the "oh no, my dog just spoke for all pit bulls moment." Responsible owners do everything in their power to avoid this, but the fact is it might happen at some point. For us, these moments have happened when our dogs have been leash reactive in public. Even my dog pulling on their leash in a direction of a passing dog can be very intimidating to a stranger who maybe hasn't had any exposure to pit bulls, and as my dog pulls in their direction with a serious face, headlines from sensationalist news stories scroll through their head. Many pit bull owners feel the pressure to train and work tirelessly with their dogs so they can be "breed ambassadors" and help change people's minds. Training is fantastic-- there is nothing negative about consistent training, in fact all dog owners should aspire to continual training with their dogs.

Taking a moment to rest that big head

But then you have owners like me. I love and adore my dogs endlessly to the world and back. We set them up for success, abide by leash laws, embrace "teachable" moments with skeptical but interested strangers, and are aware of their triggers. However, when it comes to formal training our dogs are seriously lacking. We haven't always had the money or resources to seek professional training. In place of this, we educate ourselves and provide them with the best opportunities we can for socialization. We take them into a variety of public settings, they get regular exercise, and their dog-dog socialization has occurred primarily through fostering and play dates with boarded rescue dogs so we can make a difference for another dog at the same time.

Braylon and foster sister Kylie relaxing in the afternoon sun

We know our dogs aren't perfect, we know there is ample room for improvement, we know we could be doing more, but I think we are doing well. 

I read so many amazing stories about pit bulls who are certified therapy dogs, Canine Good Citizens, pit bulls who have performed heroic acts and excel in various jobs. I love reading these stories, I think they are inspiring and can do nothing but good things for the breed. But there are other pit bull owners, too. Pit bull owners like me. Jay and I have raised two happy adult pit bulls who generally behave wonderfully in a variety of settings, but they aren't perfect. Our dogs aren't the ideal example. However, when it comes to being a member of our family, there isn't a single area for improvement.

to me, this face is perfection

We are normal pit bull owners who try very hard, who love our dogs unconditionally, who continually educate ourselves and others. The example of the Perfect Pit Bull is great to aspire to, but sometimes I think, can't my dog just be a dog without all the pressure? I will defend their right to exist in society with the same privileges as any breed, but why should I have to prove myself more than someone with any other breed of dog? I commend anyone who advocates for pit bulls or any other targeted breed. All dogs deserve the right to exist peacefully in society without being scrutinized or discriminated against based on their looks.

He Just Wants to Play

Managing various forms of leash reactivity has been one of my biggest struggles with the dogs I have cared for. Madden struggled with it, Braylon had a period of time where she went through it, and with Hades it has been an ongoing battle. I have experienced the varying degrees of it as well. There's the leash reactive dog who you better hope a dog never gets in their face and there's the leash reactive dog who is totally fine once he is allowed to meet the dog who is causing him to react. Hades is the latter. While I am happy that he is a friendly awesome boy who is fighting the leash and not the dog, it can be discouraging. Sometimes after a reaction I just tell him, "You're not doing yourself any favors, son. We are supposed to show people how sweet you really are." I can't tell you how many times we have used the, "He just wants to play," line of explanation, knowing it sounds ridiculous.

 The second Hades sees a dog approaching he fixates. And if you can't get him to break it the second he notices the approaching dog, forget it. He gets so in the moment he can't calm down. Usually this means loud exaggerated whining that echoes through the neighborhood, getting up on his leash, frantically trying to run in place, etc. It doesn't embarrass me, but I know that when he first started these behaviors I was worried it meant he wasn't dog friendly, so how should I expect anyone else who hasn't gone through it to understand it either?

I've been working harder than ever with him and his reactions have actually subsided remarkably. I can get him to sit and wait while the dog passes and he rarely vocalizes anymore. The second he whines he gets a quick tug on his leash accompanied by a "Ahh" noise and he stops. I'm very pleased with myself because it's the first time he has shown improvement with the issue in a long time. All along the key has been one simple thing: stopping him before it even happens. Before I used to wait to correct once the "big" reaction started, now I get his attention just when he starts to focus even if he isn't reacting. This has been key in his training, and probably an obvious component I should have realized all along. I can't wait until we get to the point where I don't have to manage each reaction and he can just calmly pass a dog.

We have tried a million and one leash training tools as well and nothing has made much of a difference until we tried a choke/prong collar. I had been hesitating to try one because I didn't want to make him appear more intimidating, but the fact of the matter is, it is the only tool that works for him.

The one we are using right now is borrowed so it may not be the exact right fit, but it seems to do the trick

 

Interesting enough, Hades is absolutely leash reactive and nothing else. He walks like a dream off leash. He checks back with us for approval, he ignores barking dogs and any distractions (even the rabbits that he chases in our backyard,) and he walks nicely at our side. While I love that we didn't train him to be that way-- he just was off-leash obedient it is very important to me that he continues to develop his leash skills. After all, it's the law and that's how he has to appear in public so he better be good at it.

totally free without restrictions

Have you ever dealt with a leash reactive dog? What helped you break the "habit," or is it something you are still working on?

Dirty Girl

We do our best to take care of our pups in every way. We find them the best quality food we can afford, we exercise them by giving twice daily walks, we give supplements and bathe them on a regular basis, but not too often. And of course we give them tons and tons of love.

However, some things are a little out of our control.

"Oh mom, you act like it's a bad thing..."

Braylon loves to roll. When she plays she spends 75% of the time on her back. We do allow the dogs to play inside but if they're playing rough I like them to move outside so nothing gets knocked over. In the picture above you can see a little grass on her back from rolling. That's just the beginning.

Thank god for puppy wipes. Braylon gets wiped down a couple times a day with several puppy wipes. They're a quick solution since it would be insane to bathe her as often as she gets dirty.

Taking a breather

In Braylon's days as a foster pup she had the same habits. Jen, a human friend of Braylon's during her rescue days, sent me a picture of her playing with a foster sister where she is totally filthy. Jay and I laughed and laughed when we saw the picture--the girl just loves to be dirty!

Covered in dirty, just how she likes it

You can see that physically Braylon has changed a little since that picture!

If I were the strict type of dog parent I might discourage her from rolling around on the ground and letting her get so dirty day after day. But why would I ruin the fun for her?

Watch Braylon in action-- not only does she spend most of the time on her back, she loves to run and roll. (Excuse the phone quality video.)

Do your dogs love to be dirty, or are they more the type who prefer to appear always in pristine condition?

Dedicated to Mama Dogs

I am someone who was lucky enough to grow up with a mom who set an amazing example for motherhood. She was attentive, nurturing, accepting and she never gave up. My mom, who did foster care for human children, showed me how to live your life to help others and make a difference. 

Loving motherhood

This last January my sister became a mother and I can see how our mom's example set her up to be a great parent--that and she has wonderful instincts.

Me with my first nephew and godson, Jackson Claude

And then there's the other kind of mom in my life, and that's my mama dog, Miss Braylon. Braylon's resilience and willingness to trust amazes me every day. I have the biggest soft spot for mama dogs after adopting Braylon. 

Oh, you mean today is about ME too??

And then there's our foster, Kylie, who had puppies herself, well before the age of one.

Kylie doing one of her favorite things, curling up in the rocks to relax. Comfortable!

My post is a tribute to mama dogs, especially those who are over-bred and forced to have puppies in unfit conditions. My post is dedicated to mama dogs who were mistreated by their previous owners and then flourished under the love and support in their true homes.

And my post is also dedicated to my mother who isn't even a dog person herself, but taught me the skills to be an great mother to my furry kids.

You Probably Shouldn't Have Kids

I've known for quite awhile that I didn't want to have kids. However, anyone who talks to me for more than thirty minutes ends up knowing my pups are my babies. Recent bold comments that have been made to me are, "You probably shouldn't have kids, I think you'd like them more than your dogs," and "Do you ever think that maybe the reason you foster is because your maternal instincts are kicking in and you actually want to have children?" I'm sure some kind of maternal instinct is kicking in, but I am more than content with channeling those instincts through my dogs. I'm an awesome dog mama, we don't need to find out what kind of children I could raise.

Kylie and me after my day at work

I get plenty of the joys and the less than glamorous experiences of parenthood. I prepare meals, do their laundry, pick them out new toys and presents, try to stay up on all the latest dog gadgets and accessories, share parenting tips with other dog owners, pick up poo, rub tummies, get and give kisses, sneak in cuddle sessions, walk, hike and simply share the couch. While sometimes I know I could make more time for social outings, spending time with my family has become wonderfully satisfying.

I love the peaceful way my dogs enjoy my company.

Then there are times when my pups don't return the love with as much enthusiasm. At night before we go to bed we ask everyone for a kiss, Hades likes to sniff my breath and turn his head like he is checking if I brushed and flossed and he's not satisfied with what he is noticing.

Will beg for ice cubes, will not kiss before bedtime

The other morning I was singing a song and Braylon glances over at  me like, "Really mom?"

Even Bray knows that I am a bad singer

 Kylie is usually all smiles and goofy bouncing energy, but after enough mom time she might start to pout in my direction, too.  ;)

"Don't you leave for work soon?"

Sometimes I think my pups can't stand to be a minute without me, but of course I realize they're actually fine when I'm not around as well. This weekend Jay has the house to himself while I am dog sitting for a friend. My weekend is being spent with three sweet pups and one cat. So far it's been incredibly peaceful and I'm enjoying the company of kids that are not my own. I always look forward to coming home to incredibly enthusiastic greetings. Even being gone for a bit grocery shopping earns me an excited welcome.

Having this blog is a great way for me to share all the joys of pup parenthood without boring to death everyone I know who doesn't think dogs are the most interesting topic of conversation. If your blog is primarily about the furry loves of your life, do people who know you blog understand it, or do they think you are "that crazy dog person?" I have earned a few raised eyebrows myself when I mention I have a "dog blog."

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Hello, my name is Kylie

Kylie has made her way into our family has our second foster dog. In choosing our next foster, Kylie sealed the deal by being such a great match for our pups. She plays hard but gentle, and she tolerates their goofy play and ambushing.

Yep, I put up with them and they put up with me.

Kylie came from Show Low, Arizona, where she had been living in animal control for two whole months. All her paperwork says "pit bull mix" but we see boxer and who knows what else. Adorable? Not much is known about her past, but we know she had been tied in a yard and had a litter of puppies, all before she had her first birthday. Kylie's manners make it seem like she had lived in a house before, she isn't disruptive or destructive, and has good manners. She isn't fully house trained, but I think we will be there soon.

She does amazing in her crate, and she alternates between sleeping in our bed or her own. She is very much a puppy and has puppy energy, but she is also content to curl up with her head in my lap.

AND she loves to sun bathe, just like our babies

Kylie is obviously new to a leash, and you can tell by the way she tries to weave side to side, but she doesn't pull and it's a pleasure to walk her.

Relaxing on the morning walk

Yesterday was her first day out at adoptions and she did amazing. She was happy to greet any person or pup who wanted to meet her and she was wonderfully well-behaved for the four hours that can often be very boring and stressful for dogs.

I imagine Kylie won't be with us for long, but you never know how it will happen. In the meantime we are enjoying having her in our home and showing her what she has been missing out on.

"You say this is a Nylabone? I like it!"

Kylie is available for adoption through Little Rascals Rescue.

A Reminder to Myself

Like anyone, I have bad days.

Too many bills, not enough money, bad day at work, headache, bad news-- it doesn't matter, we are bound to have some days we just want to forget about.

Sometimes I feel like my day was so bad I have to be reminded of all the love I have waiting for me at home. I have an endless amount of photos on my phone to remind me of how lucky I am.

Have you ever seen such an adorable face in your whole life?

 I have Braylon's big beautiful smile to look forward to seeing when I walk in the door. The way she wiggles her way up to me and kisses my face so hard she could practically knock me over.

Mr. Hades

I know I am coming home to Hades who is constantly wagging. All you have to do is look in his direction and his tail starts thumping loudly against the couch or floor.

I know I will be coming home to two beautiful pups who always make me laugh. I don't think I will ever get tired of laughing at Braylon's comical ears and adorable pout. This is the face that gets me to give into sharing scraps of fruit and cheese, the face I fall more in love with every day.

I know my dogs wait at home for me at the end of every day, good or bad, waiting for the part of the day where I fulfill their needs for exercise, food, attention and love.

And I know that Jay is there for me, too, as he has been for the last six years, as I know he will be for the rest of our life together. The love of my life and "the father of my children." Together our family is complete and I can never really feel unlucky.

This post is a reminder to myself, when I feel life is truly terrible, that things aren't so bad after all.