Caring For Your Pit Bull

Step 1) Vaccinate your pitbull terrier when you first get him, and see that he gets yearly booster vaccinations to maintain his immunity to disease. Consult your veterinarian about flea control products and worming your dog.

Step 2) Feed your pitbull terrier high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

Step 3) Socialize your pitbull when he's young to be with people and other animals. Establish your authority over your dog and be sure to take him to public areas, giving strangers the opportunity to pet and play with him. This will help the dog develop an even temper.

Step 4) Start obedience training early. Because this is a dominant breed, it's important to be able to control your pitbull by voice alone. Positive reinforcement will go further than physical, as this breed is eager to please.

Step 5) Give your pitbull vigorous exercise for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes a day. This is an active breed, and the dog will require much activity. Keep him on leash when out in public to avoid fighting with other dogs.

Step 6) Brush your dog's coat daily with a firm-bristle brush. Shampoo as needed. Pitbull terriers are medium shedders.

Step 7) Understand that pitbull terriers are prone to certain health conditions such as cataracts (cloudy eye lens) and hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint).

Step 8) Expect male and female pitbull terriers to grow to 18 to 22 inches and weigh between 30 and 80 lbs.

Step 9) Know that the pitbull terrier will live about 12 years. So spend lots of time with him/her as much as possible.

Step 10) Check your pitbull for cuts and wounds everyday! If your pitbull got injured take immediate action to treat your pitbull.