| "Hey, Dad, I've just adopted a Pit Bull and I'm bringing | | | | matter of yelling, beating, or threatening your Pit Bull. |
| him home." Jim's heart sank. Aren't they the most | | | | In fact, those actions will make you look weak and |
| dangerous dog in the world? After all, Pit Bulls are | | | | turn your dog into a neurotic mess. Those are the Pit |
| killers, right? | | | | Bulls who attack people and other dogs. |
| Actually, Pit Bulls are not natural-born killers. They are | | | | Being dominant is a matter of internal strength, of |
| one of the powerful dog breeds, along with German | | | | confidence, and what Cesar Millan calls |
| Shepherds, Rottweilers, and a few others. Powerful | | | | "calm-assertive". He believes there is a shortage of |
| breeds need an owner who has a lot of energy. If | | | | people with that character quality. |
| the owner or handler has low energy, the dog knows | | | | Calm-assertive means relaxed but in control. It takes |
| it and tries to assume the role of pack leader, the | | | | energy, but it's much better than the alternative - |
| dominant role. | | | | letting the dog become the one in control. If you |
| With some dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, it | | | | don't have the energy to maintain dominance over a |
| will not matter so much if the owner lets the dog | | | | powerful breed like a Pit Bull, you need to consider |
| take over as leader. The dog will not be as happy | | | | getting a different breed that doesn't require as |
| and content, but no one's life will be in jeopardy. | | | | much energy. |
| Powerful dog breeds, however, require a strong, | | | | When a Pit Bull is with an owner who has learned |
| high-energy handler. If the dog becomes the leader, | | | | how to lead, he will feel at ease and be happy to |
| he could become a threat to other dogs and even to | | | | follow. Dogs need to be in the submissive role to be |
| people. | | | | happy. That does not mean he needs to be beaten |
| If you are more of a submissive type, don't despair. | | | | and broken. It means he needs an owner who can |
| You can learn to be dominant. To start, hold your | | | | assume the position of leader with a calm-assertive, |
| head up and walk like you own the world. Project a | | | | self-confident energy. |
| feeling of energy, believing you are in control. | | | | Pit Bulls want and need a strong leader. They will not |
| Consistently maintain that stance of having | | | | be happy with an owner who does not assume the |
| confidence, energy, and leadership. You don't want to | | | | role of leader. They also need a lot of attention, and |
| appear weak, even for a minute, and with Pit Bulls | | | | someone with the time to thoroughly exercise them |
| and other powerful breeds, it is even more important | | | | every day. A dog worn out from a good run is a |
| that you maintain that leadership position. | | | | happy and content dog. |
| Some Pit Bulls, as with all dogs, are born submissive. | | | | It's sad when Pit Bull attacks happen. The attacks |
| These will be easier for you to dominate. Others, | | | | could have been easily prevented if Pit Bulls and |
| though, are born dominant, and these dogs will | | | | other powerful breeds were handled by people who |
| require more effort on your part. You will have to | | | | knew how to take over as leader and exhibit a |
| take the dominant role as soon as the dog comes to | | | | calm-assertive energy. There is no need to ban |
| live with you, and be ready to defend that role at all | | | | certain dog breeds. There is only a need to train |
| times. | | | | people to be leaders. |
| How do you assume that dominant role? It's not a | | | | |