5 Ways to Advocate for Pit Bulls: October is Pit Bull Awareness Month

Five Ways to Advocate for Pit Bulls - lolathepitty.com
Five Ways to Advocate for Pit Bulls - lolathepitty.com
Photo by Amaya Frutkoff

October: a great month if you ask me. An entire month dedicated to raising awareness for pit bulls. Also – Pit Bull Awareness Day is October 25th!

While this is no different really than any month around this household, it is a great opportunity to spotlight pit bulls by educating,promoting adoption, responsible ownership and much more.

One of the things I’ve noticed which we inherit as a responsible pit bull owner: having to advocate for our dogs. We don’t necessarily choose it, but more or less fall into it. At one point or another, we will be presented with a situation where we have to stand up for our dog. Even though, as fellow pit bull owners know our dog is just a dog.

Here I’ve compiled five awesome, positive ways to advocate for pit bulls:

1. Share positive stories about pit bulls

Sites such as the Best Friends Animal Society, Huffington Post, several animal rescue pages, Lolathepitty.com (wink, wink) often publish stories about pit bulls in a positive light. You don’t necessarily have to point out “Hey look! It’s a pit bull doing something positive”, but more along the lines of, this is a really awesome or touching story and hey, the dog just so happens to be a “pit bull”.

2. Allow your dog to do the talkin’

Bring your (willing) breed ambassador to dog-friendly events and stores. Your presence and behavior will speak volumes for itself without saying a peep. Actions generally speak louder than words. But of course, if anyone asks about your pibble, feel free to proudly brag like any parent would.

3. Do Your Research

Before you see a post somewhere on social media that sets you off, think before you type (or talk). Let’s educate ourselves and become well informed advocates. The Unexamined Dog has a great article on ways to advocate for “pit bulls” and if you haven’t previously, check out Drayton Michaels.

4. Raise Positive Awareness with Gear

Yes, gear. For example, display a “My Pit Bull is Family” magnet on your car or wear a shirt that promotes pit bulls in a positive light – just a couple examples.

5. Make Friends

Neighbors, people you meet at the dog park or events, family, coworkers – these are all people that you may interact with on a fairly regular basis. Without even thinking, you are advocating for your dog by sharing pictures, positive experiences and best of all, having them meet your dog. Many people have neutral feelings about “pit bulls” but I can tell you that I personally have changed opinions of a few that would have otherwise “never trusted a pit bull”. Every positive experience makes a difference.

 

*Find out how National Pit Bull Awareness Month began!

Inspiring quotes (great to share on Pinterest!):

'You Just Need to BE' - @lolathepitty | Lolathepitty

The 3 C's of Life - www.lolathepitty.com