My Bullies

When choosing a dog initially as a young single woman I went to the local animal shelter and was looking for a puppy. I didnt do any research, just wanted something cute. I found a super fuzzy, floppy eared pup (6 months old) and said, "This is the one"

Zoe - a 6 month old German Shepard Chow mix. 

I learned and I learned Quickly, Chows are stubborn and both breeds are strong. BUT I also learned she was loyal and ready to learn and please me. I also learned that renters insurance can be tricky with "Breeds". I then learned the "Bully Breeds". What a name, a nemesis really at no fault of their own. 

I took Zoe through puppy training, then graduated to Adult dog training. Puppy training = socialization, very important with all dogs and breeds. Adult Dog training = Training the owner to be in charge. Dogs are pack animals and they need to know you are the pack leader.

I learned to be a pack leader. Zoe now after these classes. A "Mean vicious Chow Shepard" as all Bully breeds are of course was able to walk off leash by my side, dogs running up to her in her face and she would play off how i felt and how i reacted. Zoe wagged her tail, (side to side at body level, relaxed - the tail wag is very important) and keep going with me. 

Now at 37 i have a family, and 3 "Bully Breeds" My Zoe still, another Shepard mix, a pittbull and then a little terrier mix. All very well behaved, they have their moments. (Like we all do) They ALL know that my husband and I are the pack leaders and they also are to listen to my daughter. (She is 5) 

We also foster. Our favorite breed to foster. The great american staffordshire bull terrier. I know you are all shaking in your seats now. A PITTBULL and she HAS A CHILD.. 

Yes. A pittbull and i have a child and my resident dogs too! Mind you i chose carefully. I have fostered over 23 dogs in the last year. We understand dogs. We are not "Web masters" that base our bias on what the media portrays. 

What is a Pittbull? The staffordshire bull terrier.. Code name.. Pittbull. This breed needs a strong owner that will be a pack leader. This breed does well as a working dog. They love to run and play, they also can be very lazy and sleep the day away. They are extremely misunderstood due to the ignorance of some owners. Some owners buy them to fight.. That is that, they are not by any means a GOOD owners. Look at Micheal Vick.. We also know that some of his dogs have been able to rehabilitated and adopted to families. Those mean fighting dogs, with training and with a confident owner have a family pet now.

Anyone looking to adopt a dog needs to know their family, the families energy level and also what they are looking for. Research. Research Research. Meet a few dogs. If you have a dog, let your dog meet the new dog. And through this blog I will never stress enough ADOPT, DONT SHOP.

There are so many great Rescues in the Boston area, look for one, they will be more than willing to help you find the right Furever friend. It might just be a Pittbull ♥ (Could be a lab mix too, lol) The key is be educated and dont fall prey to the ignorance. The media loves to post stories of dog attacks, pitt attacks, remember in the 80s and 90s it was Dobermans and Rottweilers. Who will be next?? Not you. Be educated!

Here are some great photos on doggy signals and how to read them!