With all of the bad press the Pit Bull gets I just love finding amazing stories of this wonderful breed. If you are still on the back burner about the Pitbull breed check out these pit bull myths. 
Elsie, a Pit Bull whom called the Western PA. Humane Society home for seven months has not only found a wonderful home. When Becky saw Elsie, she said it was love at firsts site. Herb, Becky’s husband was not so accepting of the new addition to the family being a pitbull.
Shortly after Elsie move into her new home, Herb was diagnosed with cancer. It did not take long for Herb to change his mind about his new pitbull dog member. Elsie was the only one that he actually wanted to be close to him while he was receiving his chemo treatments. Becky said, “She lay across his chest as he slept on the couch and was the best medicine he could’ve asked for,” Herb is now in remission and doing well, and is nuts about Elsie.
After Elsie shows off for people, she acts as the perfect ambassador for the Pit Bull breed. Many claim “Meeting this sweet dog has completely changed my perception of pit bulls.”
Not only that, Elsie and her dog-mom have been selected as the third-quarter winners of the ASPCA Adopt-a Bull contest. The contest features successful adoptions of Pit Bull terriers made at shelters which are made by using the Meet Your Match™ program. Her win gave the Western PA. Humane Society a $4,000 grant and Elsie and her “mom” and the shelter are eligible to compete for the grand prize in the “Vote for Your Favorite Match” online contest to be held in February, 2009.
It is always nice to hear stories of Pit Bulls being placed into good homes. As a Pit Bull lover myself, it brings me much joy to hear stories of these dogs and how they really are amazing pets and companions! Stories like this one are great for changing the perceive many people have of Pit Bull dogs.
Do you know of any Pit Bulls that have been adopted and changed the mind of others?
This award takes certain labeled breeds and with the award can become an example for quelling the myths and becoming assists dogs and such.
Therapy Dogs Many dog owners complete CGC training and testing as a prerequisite to therapy dog certification. While the AKC does not certify therapy dogs, we are very proud that so many CGC dogs and their owners volunteer their time to improve the lives of other people. There are national therapy dog groups (and in some cities local groups) that certify therapy dogs. Therapy Dogs International (TDI) uses the AKC Canine Good Citizen test as a key component of its therapy dog assessment. TDI can be reached at www.tdi-dog.org
American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test
The Canine Good Citizen Test (CGCT) encourages owner responsibility. To earn this award a dog must pass a ten-part test. The dog must also show good overall behavior at the test site, and his/her owner must sign a written pledge of responsible dog ownership.
Sponsored by clubs and trainers across the country, you could probably be tested right in your own town. Your dog must be licensed, vaccinated, well mannered, and show no signs of fearful or aggressive behavior. While it may be frightening to "get your feet wet," this could be a good entry-level introduction to the world of AKC events.
The Canine Good Citizen Award is not a title but a certificate, and it is awarded to those dogs who pass the test. It involves:
1. Accepting the approach of a friendly stranger.
2. Sitting politely for petting.
3. Appearance and grooming will be checked by observing how the dog accepts a person such as a
groomer touching his/her feet and ears.
4. Walking beside you without straining on the leash.
5. Walking quietly through a crowd of people.
6. Sit on Command and Down (No physical force) and Staying in Place while the owner goes 20 feet away
and comes right back.
7. Holding position while the owner goes out 10 feet then calls the dog to come.
8. While two persons and dogs approach each other and shake hands, the dogs will be tested on his/her
reaction to another dog.
9. Reactions to distractions may include a jogger or bicyclist going past or unusual noises, and the dog
should exhibit no panic nor aggression.
10. Supervised separation is tested by the handler going out of sight for 3 minutes while the dog is held by an evaluator.
If you and your dog pass all ten parts of the test, you will earn a certificate. If "needs more training" is checked on your score sheet, today wasn't your day. Don't despair! It's fun to work with your dog regularly and you'll probably find a passing score the next time you take the test.
Owners should make sure their dogs' shots and licensing are current, and tags should be kept on the dog. Avoid using corrections on the dog during the test. Dogs should potty at home before arriving at the test site to help keep the test ring clean and avoid distraction.
Trainers can prepare you and your dog for the test so that you can exhibit the good manners required. An added bonus is that your vet will appreciate your well-behaved dog. Get involved!
