1. DOG PARKS - be a responsible owner and just say NO!
Dog Parks rank highest on the list of the BIG NO! NO's! because this is the most common place where dogs of all breeds run into conflict.
Many owners feel that the dog park is a great place to have Their dogs play and burn off some energy while they rest, socialize with other owners, are on their cell phones, laptops and some take naps. They are doing everything but watching their dogs and or other dogs behavior and body language. Like people, dogs have different personalities and that many different personalities mixed with high energy is just a disaster waiting to happen.
The difference between dogs and humans are that humans can remove themselves from certain situations and away from people that they feel uncomfortable with..dogs on the other can not do this so they nip or bite another dog to let them know to back off which in turn can lead to an all out brawl.
Excitement runs high at dog parks and the ever changing packs of dogs, their energy and temperament is just too much for even the most passive dogs. If a scuffle breaks out and your Pit Bull is in the mix , you can best believe that your dog will be labeled the instigator even if he/she wasn't . It also gives the public another chance to label our dogs "viscous". Another bad press release is not needed and can be avoided
Dog parks are not only a breeding ground for bad manners (owners and dogs) but it is also very unhealthy. Many dogs are not properly vaccinated and have communicable diseases that can be transferred to your dog. Many of times a clueless owner will have an unaltered female who is in the beginning stages of heat and this in itself can cause a fight to break out.
For More Info, Read: PIT BULLS & DOG PARKS
2. HARNESS' be a responsible owner and just say NO!
PBPP strongly discourages all breed owners from the use of a harness, especially Pit Bull owners. The harness encourages the dog to pull. Harness' may look nice but they were not meant for the use by average dog owners. The Harness was made for working dogs whose main purpose is to "pull" such as sleigh dogs, farming dogs and weight pull dogs.
Unless your dog is properly trained to follow all voice commands then the harness is just another way you are setting your dog for failure. The leash is attached to the back of your dog and you can not properly control you dog in certain situations. Many dogs will flip flop, pull, twist and do moves that would make a contortionist envious and it causes the the leash to tangle which makes it very hard to handle for the owner. PBPP likes to call it the "Wild and Funky Harness Dance"
PBPP advocates the use of collars as you can control your dog with one slight pull on the leash which will get your dog attention, the dog will look at you and you can divert their attention else where. The Harness does not afford you this opportunity.
Please see PBPP's blog spot on Harness' at PBPP BLOG SPOT
3.RETRACTABLE LEASHES- , FLEXI-LEASHES what ever you call them JUST SAY NO !! This is another tool used by so many unknowing owners. These leashes were invented for use by professionals only and used for working dogs such as K-9 patrol and search & rescue dogs in order for those dogs to cover more ground during their searches and so the handler not have to carry a 20 foot leather leash.
Some how the public has gotten their hands on them and the lack of dog safety and owner sensibility's has been thrown out the window. You simply can not control you dogs actions on retractable leash. This type of leash allows your dog to walk 10 feet in front of you. You can not control you dog when they are that far in front. You should never let your dog walk in front of you anyways...WHose leading who? WHose bossing who? Whose really in charge the human or the dog...in this situation THE DOG.
Another issue with these leashes is that of their lack of durablity. These leashes tend to break and come lose from it's housing. This can be very dangerous for your dog as there you are standing with the housing in your hand while your dog is no longer attached. He is now off leash and bad things can happen such as being hit by a car.
PBPP advocates a sturdy 4 foot leash so that your dog remains next to you while walking. Not in front of you but next to you as a properly trained Pit Bull should be and a responsible owner should demand.