Pit Bull Ambassdor: Gwena's tale

Here at the sanctuary we have quite a few pit bull and pit bull mixes that were rescued from hurricane Katrina. These high energy and lovable dogs have a bad rap as breed due to unfortunate occurrences between ill trained and aggressive pit bulls and humans. I believe that most of these incidents occur due to the negligence of the pit bulls primary care giver. I believe that as a pit bull caregiver/owner that it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about the breed and their special needs and to ensure that our dogs get the proper training exercise and care they need. Though Pit bulls were breed to fight other dogs and have some natural aggression towards other animals and the tendency to get caught in "battle rage", with proper training and socialization they can learn to co exist with other dogs. This best started when they are young.
Case in point is my pit bull companion Gwena. Rescued as a puppy from Hurricane Katrina, she is a golden red nose pit bull with cute pointed upright ears. Naturally playful with other dogs she has an alpha type personality though she is not normally aggressive to other dogs. Because of her personality and high energy it was and is crucial for me to establish myself as pack leader with clear boundaries. She is highly intelligent and eager to learn as is most pit bulls are . Pit bulls and other high energy breeds need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and training. Giving them a job helps this breed to channel their energy. After lots of training and socialization with other friendly dogs,I decided to give Gwena the job as ambassador dog to the feral dogs we have here. What that means is that through interaction with Gwena and I the feral dogs learn by example to behave as a pack and respond to care and training from their human caregivers. Gwena and I have had a lot of success with this process most notably with a feral chow who bonded with us so much he became one of our pack. (see Wong Chong's story on this blog) . I take many special steps to ensure that this process is safe for all and to check and stop any aggression between the dogs. Gwena may be a special pit bull but I believe that through proper training and care pit bulls can learn to co exist with other dogs. In closing I urge all pit bull caregiver/owners and those considering a pit bull as part of their life to educate themselves about the breed and to ensure that their dogs get the proper training exercise and care they need.