Pit Bulls for Dummies

Pit Bulls have an image problem. If you’ve never been around Pit Bulls, you may think they are bloodthirsty man-eaters on the prowl for their next meal. If you’ve lived with one you know they are, indeed, on the prowl for their next meal – but they plan to get it by conning you out of your meal by doing something irresistibly cute! A breed of satin and steel, Pit Bulls are a mixture of softness and strength, an uncanny canine combination of fun, foolishness, and serious business.

If you think Pit Bulls should be purged from the face of the earth, Pit Bulls For Dummies will enlighten you. Perhaps you're curious about this breed and want to know what Pit Bulls are really like; if so, this book is for you. Who else needs this handy reference?

• Smart people who realize that all breeds have good and bad points
• New (and not so new) owners who need help with training
• Owners looking for just the right veterinarian
• Potential owners looking to adopt from a breed-rescue group
• Pit Bull owners who need help identifying Pit Bull health problems

Too many dog care books are filled with unrealistic scare tactics that would cause anyone to just give up, while others are filled with hand-me-down dog lore that has no basis in reality. You won't find any of that in Pit Bulls For Dummies. Here's a sampling of the handy information you'll find in this essential guide:

• Understanding the Pit Bull's origins and characteristics
• Caring for a puppy or older Pit Bull
• Keeping your dog healthy with diet and exercise
• Dealing with bad behavior: Biting, barking, jumping, and more
• Training your Pit Bull in the basics such as sit, stay, heel, and come
• Understanding Pit Bull body language
• Helping your dog become a social animal

Owning a Pit Bull isn’t easy, but that’s not because of the dogs. A special commitment to the breed and a special dog owner are needed. Pit Bulls are pretty special dogs, and they have to prove it every day.

Instructs readers on how to care for the pit bull terrier, including advice on finding a breeder, proper nutrition and health issues, and behavior and training.

"Filled with quick wit and accurate information, this is a Must for any Pit Bull enthusiast." Tia Maria Torres, Villalobos Rescue Center

A no-bull guide to a great life with your Pit Bull

Get the lowdown on keeping your Pit Bull healthy and content Contrary to popular belief, the Pit Bull is an affectionate, pleasant-natured breed and can be a great family pet. This fun and friendly guide provides insights into the Pit Bull temperament, tips on taking care of your dog, sensible advice on training your Pit Bull to be a reliable companion, and much more.

Discover how to: Choose the right Pit Bull for you Socialize your new puppy Maintain good health and diet Exercise your dog Solve common behavioral problems

The Dummies Way^™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com Attention pet owners Get a free Dummies Daily^™ for dogs e-mail newsletter Sign up for tips on dogs, cats, or birds Keep your pet healthy and content — the Dummies Way

D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., is an enthusiastic dog breeder and exhibitor. She is the author of 18 dog books and is a winner of the Dog Writers Association of America's Maxwell and Denlinger awards.

Introduction.

PART I: Tough Love.

Chapter 1: Pitting and Petting: The Pit Bull's Past.

Chapter 2: Sizing Up the Pit Bull.

Chapter 3: Deciding If It's Bully for You.

Chapter 4: Shopping the Bull Market.

PART II: Your Pet Bull.

Chapter 5: Pit Projects.

Chapter 6: Living with Your Pit Bull.

PART III: Good Bull!

Chapter 7: Coping with a Pit Bull Terrorist.

Chapter 8: Training the Teacher's Pit.

Chapter 9: Going Out to the Bull Games.

PART IV: The Fit Pit.

Chapter 10: Feeding a Bottomless Pit Bull.

Chapter 11: Primping Your Pit Bull.

Chapter 12: A Clean Bull of Health.

Chapter 13: Sick as a Dog.

Chapter 14: Pit Bull First Aid.

Chapter 15: Staying Well Up in Years.

PART V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 16: More Than Ten Pit Bull Resources.

Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Help the Pit Bull's Reputation.

Index.

Book Registration Information.