Almost Two Million You-Tube hitz: "Happy, Go Staffy!"

Since June, 2007:

"The SBT has been copping a bit of flack in the media, being targeted as dangerous and 'statisticaly' rating as one of the highest biters/attackers.

The trouble is, how are these statistics gathered? Who decides the difference between a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, An American Staffordshire Terrier, A Pit Bull, or any Cross Breeds for that matter?

A recent article reported that an SBT was the offender, when in actual fact the picture they used for an example of the breed was an AmStaff... this highlights precisely that the media are pretty slap happy when preparing their articles and don't research these cases completely. They are looking for BIG headlines, and a quick blame solution.. Unfortunately it is ultimately the dogs that end up suffering.

This video is not about shifting blame from one breed to the next, its about recognising that it is not the dog or the breed that are the problem, but the OWNERS. Afterall, who do the dogs learn from?

We need to 're-educate' the public, our families, and even the media. Its about promoting "Responsible Ownership" - choosing the 'right' dog for your lifestyle, being dedicated to providing training and guidance, and learning how to be a strong leader.

As you will see in the video, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the most loving and kindest of breeds, they are a family dog, who need to be included, loved and treated with respect... give them this and they will be your friend for life...

Thank you to all at Bull Breeds Online & Petbizzo who generously donated pictures for this video, even if we can reach just a few people with our message, it will have been worth it.

Brits LOVE their "Staffy" Dogs, Still (Reprise)

There was Spanky, and Alfalfa, and Buckwheat, And Darla ...and PETEY!

Our Gang's Petey, the Pibble Pup, one of the MOST recognizable dogs in all American film lore:

On The Theory That One Cannot HAVE Too Many BULL-Dog Videos

Okay, they're not PIT-bulls, but the English variety. Still AWESOME DAWGS!

Am Staffs, Westminster, 2010

"Tia" Torres Goes The Extra Mile For A Homeless Guy & His Dogs

Tia is the founder/proprietress and main mover behind Villalobos Pit-bull Rescue in Santa Clarita, CA, on the spine of California, near Tehachapi. She is the originator of "Parolees & Pitbulls," a rehab program for both people and dogs. I admire her tremendously, support Villalobos any way I can, and urge you to do so too.. There's a link to the VRC in the resources in the left-hand column of this blog.

Me and the Pibbles of the World Wish All Y'all A Glad Day!@

Thye OTHER "Jaws," On Maui, Firing on Tuesday!

Bully-breeds Are Some Of The FRIENDLIEST Dogs, EVAR!

Pit bulls score better on temperament tests than the general dog population

If you are thinking of adopting a dog or a puppy, consider a pit bull. Despite the stereotype that many prospective adopters have, pit bulls make very gentle and loyal family dogs. In fact, the pit bull is considered one of the friendliest dogs.

There is no such thing as a bad breed. Pit bulls get a bad response from many people, but more often than not, they are the victims of irresponsible and abusive ownership.
Bully breeds score better on temperament tests than the general dog population.


In December 2010, the American Temperament Test Society showed the American pit bull terrier scored an overall temperament rating of 83.9%, compared to the 77% score of the general dog population.

Pit bulls are actually bred to be affectionate towards people. They have been bred for hundreds of years for strength, agility, high pain tolerance and absence of aggression toward humans. Pit bulls are extremely intelligent dogs and take their cues from the humans who raise them.

Only humans are capable of knowing the difference between “right and wrong,” and all dogs are bred, raised and trained to behave the way they do.



There are many pit bulls in shelters. This is partly due to over-breeding and the misconceptions and misinformation that the general public has about the breed.
Here are some helpful tips to take note of when adopting a pit bull, part of a vast array of information that is available both in your local library and on the Internet.

Socialization is the key to a happy and confident pit bull. All pit puppies should be enrolled in a puppy class where part of the time is devoted to off-leash play with other dogs. 



Pit bulls are enthusiastic learners. They enjoy trick training, and many graduate at the head of their obedience classes. There are many pit bull rescue groups that can recommend training classes. 
 

It’s play time! Pits are moderately active indoors and extremely active outdoors — be prepared to spend a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes twice a day engaged in aerobic-level activities with your dog. 



You may experience breed discrimination. Legislation may prohibit you from living in certain communities, and homeowners insurance may be harder to find. Before you adopt, call your local city hall or animal shelter to find out about your local laws. 
 

Do your research. Are your neighbors the kind who might get concerned about a pit bull in the community? Bringing home a pit bull may be tough, because many people wrongly associate them with being aggressive. Be prepared with breed facts and history to let people know that it’s bad ownership that causes pit bulls to be aggressive.

 

Adoption is the best option. By rescuing a pit bull, you are saving a dog that needs a home and family. Adopting a pit from a shelter means that the dog will have had an initial health evaluation and should also have already been vaccinated and spayed or neutered for you. More and more shelters use a standardized evaluation to assess the behavior of their dogs. If the dog you’re interested in has been evaluated, ask to see the results so you can get a more complete picture of the dog’s typical reactions to things.

 

Consider adopting an older pit bull. With an adult dog, what you see is what you get. Their personality is already developed, and you'll be able to spot the characteristics you're looking for much more easily than with a puppy. 
 

Establish house rules for your new pit that everyone will stick to. Consistency is the key to training pit bulls. Decide on the behaviors you find acceptable and those that you wish to discourage, such as:


• Is she/he allowed on the furniture?

• Is it okay for her/him to bark in the backyard?

• Can she/he play with toys in the house? 

• How do you want her/him to behave when guests come into the home?

Set a good example for others. Become a proud owner — be sure to show your pit bull the love and care it deserves. And always let others know what great companions they make! 



Understand that pit bulls are large and strong dogs. If they aren’t used to being around small children, they may unwittingly knock them over while playing. Some pit bulls do best in a home with children 12 and older.

Awaiting "Eddie" Waves at Wiamea Bay

The "window" is open until Feb. 28.
They won't hold the contest/meet unless it's over 20 feet, Hawai'ian. Then the call goes out, and all the gnarliest, hardiest, bravest big-wave surfers in the world descend on the Bay, to relive the cry "Eddie would go!" in memory of legendary surfer/waterman Eddie Aikau, who disappeared at sea, in 1978.
When you get right to that hair-ball lip, and it's 15 or 50 feet straight down, and you start to think, that's when you wanna hear "Eddie would go..." inside your head, and you kick it and drop...

In Memory of Sergeant Stubby, the Dough-boys' Dog

Website: http://www.stubbydog.org

Mission: Our mission is to help people rediscover pit bulls as lifelong friends.

StubbyDog is working to bring an end to prejudice and discrimination against pit bulls.

Just a few decades ago, pit bulls were celebrated as “America’s Family Pet.” They were the most beloved of dogs. But their blessing – true loyalty and dedication – has become their curse. That natural loyalty toward humans has led pit bulls to be easily exploited by gangs, dog-fighting rings and their associated gambling industries.

Many local governments, instead of cracking down on criminal, abusive and irresponsible owners, reacted by simply banning any dogs with a pit bull appearance. Family pets were soon being literally dragged away from their homes to be killed. More pit bulls – over a million every year – are being killed at “shelters” every Year.

Humane societies and rescue groups are doing valiant work to shut down dog fighting rings, rescue dogs and bring an end to breed discrimination laws. However, myths and fallacies abound, and they continue to fuel fears about these dogs.

The StubbyDog Project is a media and communications organization with 501c3 status, whose purpose is to disseminate content that will help change public perceptions of pit bulls.

Our goal is a world where people view pit bulls like any other dog, with their own characteristics, to be seen and respected just like a Labrador, shepherd, etc., all of whom require responsible guardianship. (read less)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/stubbydogs

Wandering Pittie Interfere's in Robbery, Saves Woman & Child

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her “guardian angel.”

The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon.

The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as “Angela,” was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements.

Angela didn’t have to do either to protect herself and her child — a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled.

“I don’t think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman,” Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse.

“I don’t know what this man’s intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life.”

The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend.

“You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid,” Jones said. “He was like her guardian angel.”

After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene.

The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners don’t step forward within five days, Jones said, Angela and her family plan to adopt the savior she named “Angel.”

Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament.

“It’s funny, that someone’s irresponsibility could have saved someone’s life,” Jones said of Angel’s possible owners.

For Angela, it doesn’t matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most.

“I don’t know what his [the thief's] intentions were — I don’t know why he did it, but I’m glad that — we call him Angel — I’m glad that Angel showed up because I don’t know what would have happened,” Angela told NBC2 News.

There's was/is no news about the ultimate fate of the Guardian Pit. I hope he was adopted.

Pibbles Prepare For National Security Details

Thanks to the FBers at BadRap for this one:

Several of BR members have gone hardcore nuts for K9 Nosework. In this video are a bunch of survivors showing their stuff: One Katrina dog (Leroy) and two bust dogs (Mikey - MO500 dog and Audie - Vick dog), as well as some of their friends. Pit bulls are naturals at this sport. It develops a dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their hunt and toy drive. Thanks for the video, Sara Scott (with Mikey and Leroy).