American Pit Bull Terrier: Your Happy Healthy Pet

by Liz Palika

Overview

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!
Powerful, but affectionate. Enthusiastic and fun, but hard working. Playful, yet provocative. Exceptionally intelligent, but sometimes comical. American Pit Bull Terriers are among the most beloved dogs as well as the most misunderstood, feared, and despised. This guide fills you in on the breed's needs and attributes, covering:

• The distinction between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the "generic" pit bull
• Traits to look for in choosing your pet
• Things you'll need to make your pup feel at home
• Feeding, grooming, and healthcare
• The importance of positive yet firm training, socialization, and supervision around kids

Provide guidance for American Pit Bull Terrier and you will have a loyal companion for life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780471748229
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	01/01/2006
Series:	Happy Healthy Pet , #32
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.58(w) x 8.54(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Liz Palika is an award-winning author and a well-respected dog trainer. Her work has been published in all the major pet magazines, including DogWorld, Dog Fancy, AKC Gazette, Cats, Cat Fancy, Dogs USA, Puppies USA, and others. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as Newsweek, the Saturday Evening Post, and Women First. She is the author of more than forty-five books, including Save That Dog!, which won a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America and the first ASPCA Pet Overpopulation Award. Her dog training book, All Dogs Need Some Training, was named one of the ten best training books available to dog owners by Pet Life magazine.
Liz is the owner of Kindred Spirits Dog Training in southern California, where she teaches family pet obedience classes, as well as noncompetitive agility and therapy dog training. She was a founding member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Table of Contents

Part I: The World of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Chapter 1: What Is an American Pit Bull Terrier?

The Bull Breeds.

The APBT’s Physical Appearance.

The APBT’s Character.

Mythology.

Chapter 2: The APBT Yesterday and Today.

Origins of the APBT.

The Ancient Bulldog.

The Blood Sports.

The Bull-and-Terrier.

Arrival in America.

The Dog of the Day.

Media Monster.

Breed-Specific Legislation.

The APBT Today.

Chapter 3: Why Choose an APBT?

Are You Ready for a Dog?

The Pet APBT.

Working APBTs.

Defective Dogs.

If APBTs Could Choose Their Owners.

Chapter 4: Choosing Your APBT.

Breeder, Rescue, Shelter, or Free?

Finding the Right APBT.

Choosing the APBT Puppy for You.

The Puppy Temperament Test.

Choosing an APBT Adult.

Part II: Caring for Your American Pit Bull Terrier.

Chapter 5: Getting Ready for Your APBT.

A Secure Yard.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home.

Basic Supplies.

The Great Crate.

Puppy Essentials.

Pet Professionals.

Chapter 6: Feeding Your APBT.

Commercial Dog Foods.

Homemade Diets.

Nutrition Throughout Your Dog’s Life.

Changing Foods.

Reading Dog Food Labels.

Seven Mistakes to Avoid.

Chapter 7: Grooming Your APBT.

Brushing.

Bathing Your APBT.

Trimming Toenails.

Cleaning Those Pearly Whites.

Making Your Environment Flea Free.

Cleaning Ears.

Chapter 8: Keeping Your APBT Healthy.

Internal Parasites.

External Parasites.

Health Problems.

Handling Common Problems.

Emergency How-To’s.

When to Call the Veterinarian.

How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit.

Spaying and Neutering for a Happier, Healthier Dog.

Part III: Enjoying Your American Pit Bull Terrier.

Chapter 9: Training Your ABPT.

Understanding Builds the Bond.

Practical Commands for Family Pets.

Training for Attention.

Teaching Cooperation.

Chapter 10: Housetraining Your APBT.

Your Housetraining Shopping List.

The First Day.

Confine Your Pup.

Watch Your Pup.

Accidents Happen.

Scheduling Basics.

Appendix: Learning More About Your APBT.

Some Good Books.

Magazines.

On the Internet.

Organizations.

Index.