I know I have already written about some of these pit bull myths before but I think it is a very important topic, so I wanted to talk about a few more false assumptions as well as some truths about this wonderful breed.

Here are 10 things you may not know about Pit Bulls that are either true or false…

1) Pit Bulls Often Serve as Therapy and Service Dogs.

This is true.

Pit Bulls have long served as therapy dogs for people in need. In fact, Helen Keller had a Pit Bull for her canine helper. Organizations such as the Chako Rescue Association have Pit Bull therapy dogs all across the country.

2) American Pit Bull Terriers Can Lock Their Jaws.

This is false.

Expert scientific studies prove that the jaws of Pit Bulls are no different than any other breed of dog. There is no evidence that any kind of locking mechanism exists in the American Pit Bull Terrier or any other related dog breed.

3) Pit Bulls Brains Swell and Never Stop Growing Until they Go Crazy.

This is false.

This is a myth that began a long time ago with the Doberman Pinscher and has now grown to include many game-bred dog breeds. The assumption of a dog’s brain continuing to grow or swell until they become violent is a complete myth.

4) Many Well-Known Celebrities Own Pit Bulls.

This is true.

Here are just some of the known celebrities who own or have owned at least one pit bull…

Madonna, Brad Pitt, Humphrey Bogart, Pink, Jessica Biel, Jon Stewart, Ken Howard, Alicia Silverstone, Adam Brody, Jamie Foxx, Rachael Ray, Joey Porter, Jessica Alba, President Theodore Roosevelt, President Woodrow Wilson, Kevin Federline, Ira Glass, Fred Astaire, General George Patton, Michael J. Fox, Jan Michael Vincent, Jack Dempsy, Thomas Edison, Bernadette Peters, Sinbad, Linda Blair, Usher, Mel Brooks, Ann Bancroft, Jan Michael Vincent, Eliza Dushku, Kelli Williams, and Rachel Bilson.

5) Pit Bulls are Mean and Violent.

This is false.

According to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS), Pit Bulls pass their test with flying colors. In fact, the Pit Bull scores a little over 85% which is better than many dog breeds that people consider to be friendly or nice.

To put that score into perspective, it is better than the Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Golden Retriever, Pointer, Pomeranian, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Vizsla, and most other dog breeds actually. The average score of the general dog breed population is only around 77% so the Pit Bull scores much better than the average.

The ATTS test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog’s instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat. The success of Pit Bulls in this series of tests proves they are not naturally mean or violent.

6) America’s First War Dog Was a Pit Bull.

This is true.

The first official war dog in the United States was a Pit Bull named Stubby. He served in World War I and was honored with medals and even got to visit the White House. He then went on to inspire the United States Military K-9 Corp.

7) You Shouldn’t Adopt a Pit Bull from a Shelter.

This is false.

When looking to adopt a dog, you definitely should not exclude the Pit Bull. Reputable shelters and animal rescues will not adopt out any dog that shows signs of aggression. It’s always a good idea to bring your entire family to the shelter when considering adopting a dog of any breed. Talk to the rescue organization about your concerns and ask questions before adopting any dog. Most Pit Bull adoptions are very successful. An adoptable Pit Bull will make a wonderful pet and companion for you and your family.

8) Pit Bulls Have Made Many TV, Movie and Print Appearances.

This is true.

The faithful dog on the TV show “The Little Rascals” was a Pit Bull named Petey. He spent countless hours with children day after day on the set of the show. It has been said that he was one of the most intelligent dogs in Hollywood. Pit Bulls have also been in many other television shows, movies, and music videos over the years.

Also, the Pit Bull was so respected in the early 1900’s that the military chose an image of a dignified pit bull to represent the country on WWI propaganda posters.

The pit bull is also the only dog breed to have graced the cover of Life Magazine three different times.

9) Treadmills are Only Used to Train Pit Bulls for Dog Fighting.

This is false.

Many responsible dog owners, especially those in cities, use treadmills to help exercise their dogs, regardless of breed. Pit Bulls are naturally athletic dogs and responsible use of a pet treadmill is a great option for having a happy and healthy dog.

10) Banning Pit Bulls Will Cure the World of Dog Biting Incidents.

This is false.

The United Kingdom banned pit bulls in the 1990’s and afterward a study showed that the number of dog bite cases remained the same even though the number of pit bulls in the country had steeply declined.

11) A Pit Bull named Weela saved 30 people, several dogs, horses and a cat during a flood in Southern California.

This is true.

After a dam broke on the Tijuana River stranding several dogs and a cat on an island, Weela crossed the river to take food to them for an entire month until they could be rescued. She also led a rescue team to a bunch of stranded horses and ran back and forth barking to warn a group of 30 people of the deep water they were attempting to cross. For her bravery, Weela was award the Ken-L-Ration Dog Hero of the Year in 1993.

12) Here are a few more facts about some various Pit Bulls that you might want to know:

* A pit bull named Dakota is a search and rescue dog that searched for the remains of the astronauts who lost their lives in explosion of the space shuttle Columbia.

* A pit bull named Popsicle, who police found in a freezer during a drug raid, is now famous for sniffing out drugs for the DEA.

* A rescued pit bull in South Los Angeles was County Fire Station 14’s mascot for years.

So, as you can see, pit bulls are not the evil beasts they have been portrayed as being in recent years. If you ask any dog expert or knowledgeable dog breeder they will tell you that the American Pit Bull Terrier is a wonderful dog breed that does not deserve the bad reputation it has been given.

Yes, I know this is a dog blog and it’s obvious that I love dogs so my opinion might be a little biased. And I’ll admit if I had to choose between the two I would almost always choose a dog. However, I do own a cat that I love very much and I think she is amazing! I couldn’t imagine not having her.

Anyway, here is my opinion on the cats vs. dogs battle…

1) Dogs can protect you as well as your home and family, and usually will if the situation arises. Even a small dog that can’t do much against an intruder will at least alert you to possible danger by barking. Cats have nothing on dogs when it comes to this. Dogs get 1 point for this.

2) Dogs are great companions because you can take them just about anywhere and they love it. Cats will usually freak out if you take them anywhere. Give 1 point to dogs for this.

3) Dogs go to the bathroom outside so you never have to smell it in the house or clean a litter box. But the fact that cats go in the litter box is nice because you never have to worry about letting them out or cleaning up accidents. I’ll give them both a point for this.

4) I don’t know if dogs really do love their owners more than cats but they definitely tend to show the love more. My cat is actually one of the most loving cats I have ever seen in my life and she still doesn’t seem to care about me as much as any dog I’ve ever owned. Another point for dogs.

5) Cats don’t listen to what you say like dogs do. Some people like the independent nature of cats but I would much rather they listen to my commands like dogs do. They might do some things you say but for the most part they really don’t give a crap. It’s pretty easy to see that dog training is a lot easier than cat training. One point for dogs.

6) One big argument for each side is which one is smarter. I think both cat people and dog people have very valid points for why their respective side is smarter. Personally I think they are equally smart in their own ways, which are very different. However, dogs appear to be smarter due to their trainability. Dogs are used all over the world for many different things by the military and police. They are also used as guide dogs, guard dogs, working dogs, hunting dogs, and many other things due to their trainability. You don’t see cats doing any of this. Because of that I am giving dogs another point here.

7) When it comes which is more fun to own, I think a lot can be said for both sides. On one hand dogs can be really funny and cute all by themselves plus they can be taken on walks and a lot of other places as well as playing fetch and other games. On the other hand cats can be very entertaining to watch when they are playing with their toys or running around the house, and you can play quite a few games with them too. Weighing it as evenly as possible overall I would say that dogs are just a little more fun to own. Give dogs another point for this.

8) Cats are certainly easier to take care of considering they are very self-sufficient. Give them food, water, and clean the litter box every few days and they pretty much handle the rest themselves. Definitely a point for cats.

9) In my experience cats are a lot cheaper than dogs. They require less food and supplies, and don’t need to go to the vet as often. They usually don’t cost as much to actually buy either. Another point for cats.

10) Cats aren’t as destructive as dogs for the most part. They don’t typically chew things up like puppies and some adult dogs do. They also don’t ruin your carpet with their muddy paws every time they come inside after it rains. Their claws can be very destructive but those can be removed, thus taking away most of their ability to destroy your house. I say cats get a point for this one also.

Add up the points = Dogs 7, Cats 4

The results are in and dogs win the “better pet” battle. I guess there’s a reason they call Dogs “Man’s Best Friend” and not cats.

If this convinced you to get a dog then I recommend adopting a pit bull from your local shelter. If you still aren’t convinced and you want to buy a cat then I recommend russian blue kittens.

Okay, I’ve given my analysis of cats versus dogs. What do you think?

Crate training is a popular dog training method which provides your furry friend with his own special den and establishes acceptable behaviors for life in your home, including housebreaking. Dog crates are also a safe place to keep your pet in the house while you are gone if they aren’t allowed roam the house without supervision. But crate training a dog is not only useful for potty training; it can be useful for many things.

Here are 5 important tips for crate training your puppy or adult dog…

1) Never send your dog to his crate as a punishment and don’t ever put your dog in the crate when you are angry at him for any reason. You want your dog to associate the crate with good things. If your dog misbehaves, simply lead him to the cage with encouraging words. Think of it as a happy place for your puppy to go for a break when needed. Try to sit with your dog for a while until he is used to the crate and reassure him that you are not angry.

2) Make your dogs crate comfortable and homey for them. Put blankets, chew toys, treats, and a pillow to rest upon. However, you shouldn’t put your dog’s food or water in the crate with him unless you will be away for several hours. It should be a place for them rest, not live.

3) Do not put your dog/puppy in the cage all, or even most, of the time. For example, don’t leave him in the crate all day while you are at work or all night while you are sleeping somewhere else. How would you like to be stuck in a cramped cage for hours upon hours? Not fun!

4) When crate training a dog, always be consistent. If your dog is jumping on visitors and you are using the crate to redirect him from this habit, be sure to crate him every time he does it. Remember to keep it a pleasant experience for your dog by staying positive and having your visitors go to the crate to say hello and pet your dog.

5) Crate training your puppy or adult dog is much more effective when you have a scheduled crate time. Like people, dogs needs to rest. Giving them a set “nap time” will help make them behave far better and calm them down too.

If you want a well trained dog, crate training your puppy is one part of the dog training process that needs to be done. Used correctly it will make your dog accept you as his master and pack leader, which is the first step in any successful dog training routine.

Crate train your dog offers him a little place to call his own. If done right, with love and patience, crate training a dog can help the two of you build an amazing friendship and take away some of the headaches that can come with dog ownership.

Crate Training Your Puppy

Whether you believe it or not, crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy. Many people think that crate training a puppy is difficult, but it’s not if it is done correctly.

It is essential to take notes of the times when your puppy likes to eat, sleep, and “go potty” because this will help determine the best times for the crate training.

Crate training should be handled with the care and patience that you would expect from a loved family member, and is not about keeping your dog locked up for extended lengths of time. That is very bad to do!

Puppies naturally avoid soiling the area where they will eat and sleep and this is one of the reasons why crate training is important. However, there are bound to be accidents along the way when your puppy will poop or pee in the crate but he should not be punished for this because it will be counter-productive to your puppy potty training and crate training.

Crate training is one of the best methods for potty training a puppy, so it is more than worth taking the time to do it while they are still young to eliminate one more thing that can be a problem with dogs as they grow older.

Most puppies dogs will whine, bark, and maybe even throw an all out tantrum when they first start crate training so, while it might seem like your puppy doesn’t like crate training initially, most will learn to love their crate as their own place very quickly.

Crate training should start with short periods of time, maybe 10 to 15 minutes, and slowly build up to an hour or two as they get more used to their crate.

Crate Training an Older Dog

Many people assume that only puppies can be crate trained so they refrain from crate training older dogs because they think it is too difficult or can’t be done. This is not true.

There are also many people who think crate training is cruel and inhumane but this is also not true as long as it is done correctly. A dog that has been properly crate trained will actually enjoy the security of having its own place to go. Even at times when they are not expected to be in the crate you will often find your dog relaxing in it enjoying its own little space of the world.

Provided the crate is in a sheltered place and there is fresh water available they will be completely happy to have their own little home within a home. The crate should also be kept clean at all times and contain something comfortable to sleep on, such as a blanket.

The crate should always be made accessible for your dog with the door open when they aren’t required to stay in it so they are free to come and go as they please.

Older dogs can find the crate a very secure place for them to go since they tend to become less confident with themselves and their surroundings as they age. If an older dog does have an “accident” in their crate it is very important to clean it up immediately so they will continue to enjoy their space.

Finally, one of the most important things to remember is that your dogs crate should never be used as a place to send him as a punishment. Doing so will completely ruin your chances of ever making the crate a safe and happy place for your dog.

* Final note: It’s VERY IMPORTANT to remember that a crate is not a place to lock your dog or puppy away all day and night, and it’s not a place for them to live! The dog crate is only to be used for training purposes and as a place for your dog to call his own if he wants to get away. You can close them in the crate if you are going to be gone for short periods of time but they should NEVER be left in the crate for a long time. Dogs need to stretch, exercise, go potty, eat, drink, and socialize… none of which can be done in a crate! What’s the point in having dogs if you are going to make them live their lives locked in a crate?

Want to learn how to crate train your dog and many other dog training tips? Check out this popular site – Dog Training Online.

Anyway, there are certain dog breeds that are generally more intelligent than others. In this post we will look at the top ten smartest dog breeds from the 10th most intelligent to the 1st.

Don’t worry if your breed of dog isn’t on this list, it’s usually not all that important to have a really smart dog. As long as you train your dog well he will seem smarter than most dogs anyway.

Alright, let’s take a look at the most intelligent dog breeds starting with number ten and working our way to number one. The top 10 smartest dogs are…

#10 – Australian Cattle Dog

As its name suggests, the Australian Cattle Dog was originally bred for herding cattle and they are very intelligent. They need to be stimulated to be happy, as one would expect from an intelligent dog with a working background. These dogs are most happy when they are working so they need regular exercise and lots of mental stimulation.

#9 – Rottweiler

Although you may have heard differently, the Rottweiler is actually a great family dog, and this breed is not nearly as fierce as many people believe. They are very good with kids and are extremely loyal and loving to their family members. They are very smart dogs and are easy to train. Rottweiler’s are also renowned for their guarding ability and are known as the best guard dog in the world.

#8 – Papillon

The Papillon is a lovable and intelligent dog that is very protective of its owner. As with most intelligent dogs they are usually quite easy to train.

#7 – Labrador Retriever

These are one of the most popular dog breeds because of their good nature, love of children, intelligence, and ability to easily socialize with other dogs. Labradors need a lot of exercise and have a tendency to develop weight problems.

#6 – Shetland Sheepdog

This is a dog breed that was bred for herding sheep and other livestock. To do their job well they obviously need to be intelligent and that is why they come in at number six on the smartest dogs list. They’re not quite as good as some of the other breeds on this list at socializing with other people or children, but they are excellent pets with their own family.

#5 – Doberman Pinscher

Despite their reputation, Dobermans can be great family dogs and really good with children if they are trained properly. It is important that the Doberman be trained early on in its life or they can be temperamental. They are very smart, and like many intelligent dogs are very protective of their home and family.

#4 – Golden Retriever

These are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world and they are great with children, and are a very loyal and loving dog. It’s quite common to see Golden Retrievers winning dog competitions where intelligence is important.

#3 – German Shepherd

This is a dog breed that is often associated with police, military, and service dog work. It’s chosen for these jobs because it is intelligent and very capable in most situations. German Shepherds make great family and guard dogs, and are good with children. They need to be trained and know who their master is from a young age to ensure both they and the family get the most out of their relationship.

#2 – Standard Poodle

The second smartest dog might surprise a lot of people because they aren’t usually associated with being so intelligent. They are one of the easiest dogs to train and don’t like to be left alone because they love people so much. However, they are very protective and can be quite vicious if an intruder comes on their property.

#1 – Border Collie

The smartest dog in the world is the Border Collie. This is another dog breed that is often seen winning competitions where intelligence is important. Because they are so intelligent, they need to be stimulated regularly and are most happy when they’re working or performing in competitions or dog trials.

There you go, the top 10 smartest dog breeds. If you own one of these breeds and you have trained your dog properly, you can be confident that you have one of the most intelligent dogs in the world.

Finally, let me end by saying that the breeds above are overall the smartest dogs in the order given. It’s a generalization of most dogs of each particular breed. There are always exceptions to any rule so it’s possible that the single smartest dog in the world isn’t from a breed listed above. It’s also possible that the single dumbest dog in the world is from a breed on this list. However, in general the above dog breeds are the top 10 most intelligent dogs.

At the very least, you must train your dog to obey the “sit” and “come” commands. If you knows those really well then you will be able to control your dog in most social situations. More importantly, you’ll be able to call your dog back to you if you see he is heading into a dangerous situation.

Let’s face it, owning a dog that does not obey you can really harm your relationship with your dog and make him much less pleasurable to own. You got a dog so that you would have a companion that you can take on walks and so they can accompany you to certain places. But if your dog isn’t trained he won’t listen to you and you will soon find that no one wants him around, including you. The result is that you spend less and less time with your dog and your bond becomes weaker and weaker, which will also lead to more behavior problems for your pet.

A well trained dog, on the other hand, is a treat for everyone, especially you as the owner. You will find that your friends and family welcome your dog and even request that you bring him over. This is really what having a dog is about, being able to bring your “best friend” with you and have him be welcome.

When training your dog, you want to start with the basics and make sure he has those mastered before moving on to more challenging commands. If your dog has problem areas like excessive barking or jumping up on people, then try working on those too because they can be particularly annoying.

Perhaps the most important command to train your dog is “sit” because it causes your dog to become stationary and can stop him from running around and causing trouble, or being a nuisance to others. It is also a command that your dog must master before he learns other commands. That’s because the sitting position is where he will be starting in before proceeding to other commands such as lay down. Sort of like a basic course in school that you have to take before you can take a more advanced course.

When it comes to dog training, you will definitely need to be patient, but if you have a dog, or are thinking about adopting one, then you must know that training is a vital part of dog ownership. After all, you want your dog to be safe, secure, and happy – don’t you? Training him to obey is critical for all three of those!

Dog training doesn’t have to be a “chore” or be unpleasant. Think of it as a bonding experience between you and your pet. Set aside some time each day for training and you will soon find that you and your dog come to a different understanding and a deeper, more satisfying relationship.

Here’s the #1 dog training course on the internet: Secrets to Dog Training!