- I pledge to never make excuses for my dog. If my dog exhibits any behavioral issues, I will address them quickly and consult professionals when needed.
- I pledge to not breed my dog because he/she is “cute”, “nice”, “has a big head”, because I need to pay bills, or any other reason commonly cited by irresponsible breeders. If my dog does not work, compete, or show, I understand that my dog cannot be proven to be worthy of breeding and will take steps to ensure that my dog does not produce any litters.
- I pledge to always make sure my dog is properly, safely, and humanely contained. If my dog ever gets loose, I will figure out how and why and make sure that it cannot happen again.
- I pledge to promote all that is good about this breed without demonizing another because I understand that making claims such as, “x breed bites more than a Pit Bull” only serve to undermine the fact that BSL is wrong because there is NO breed of dog inherently more dangerous than another.
- I pledge to volunteer whenever possible for organizations that are working to protect and preserve our breed and to foster a Pit Bull in need if I am able to.
- I pledge to take seriously the fact that all other American Pit Bull Terriers (and mixes) are often judged on the actions of a few. I pledge to not be one of those owners that causes the rest of us to fear breed bans.
- I pledge to support companies and organizations when I am able that support positive Pit Bull portrayals, such as Land’s End, Woman’s Day Magazine, and R.M. Palmer Candy Company. Conversely, I will not support companies and organizations that have anti-Pit Bull policies, such as PeTA and PetSmart.
- I pledge to set my dog up for success by learning about breed traits.
- I pledge to recognize that there is so much ingrained misinformation about the APBT that I should be open to challenges to things that I think I know and should always research and verify information for myself rather than simply repeating what a few organizations, websites, or “experts” claim to be true.
- I pledge to be an advocate not only for my dog, but for the humans on the other end of the leash as well. As an owner of a Targeted Breed, I realize that we are judged more harshly than other dog owners by an uneducated public. I will view other Pit Bull owners with an open mind so that we can all work together in harmony and unity against those that try on a daily basis to cause the extinction of our beloved American Pit Bull Terriers.
Our Responsible Pit Bull Owner’s Pledge
January 5, 2021
