Summer is upon us, which means it's time to pack up the jalopy and head for the hills. And what vacation is complete without your favorite pooch alongside? Unfortunately, pit bull owners know firsthand that - thanks to bad press and public misconceptions - traveling far and wide with a bully in tow isn't always so easy. Here, then, are five tips for a safe and happy vacation with your favorite pit bull.
(1) Plan ahead to avoid Breed Specific Legislation. Anyone who owns a pit bull or related breed knows all too well the trials of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). Look at your route before you go to determine where BSL is prevalent, and what the guidelines may be. For example, pit bulls and "similar" breeds are prohibited in Ontario, Canada, and may be confiscated by local law enforcement. In other parts of the U.S., pit bulls may be required to be leashed and muzzled, while there are still plenty of places where bullies are just as welcome as Chihuahuas. To learn of BSL "hot spots," check out this link.
(2) Is your pit bull a good citizen? If so, it may open some doors for both of you. If your bully is well behaved and you'd like the world to know it, consider enrolling in the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizenship program. According to the AKC website, "The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club." CGC certification is often the first step in entering your pit bull in agility, advanced obedience, rally, or other canine competitions. In addition, it is a great thing to have on hand while traveling - on the road, keep a photocopy of the certificate in a file folder with your pup's other medical and immunization records, just in case an issue comes up with law enforcement along the way. You can find out more about the Canine Good Citizenship program here.
(3) Are dogs allowed, or are ALL dogs allowed? If you're planning to stay in a dog-friendly hotel or motel, check first to make sure that their policy extends to all pooches. This is another time when your Canine Good Citizenship status may come in handy - if your pup is certified, make sure to let the hotel or motel owner know that. Many dog-friendly establishments even offer a discount to encourage such responsible guardianship!
(4) Know your pup's limitations. Whether you're taking a trip to the local park or across state lines, make sure that you have reasonable expectations of your pit bull. If he doesn't do well with other dogs, that's okay - just be sure that you make allowances for this and don't set him up to fail. While the issue may be curable in the long run, your family vacation isn't the time to decide Pogo the Pit Bull is going to learn to share with other pooches. Likewise, if you're not sure how your bully will do with children, proceed with extreme caution. Your number one responsibility as a pit bull owner is to set the necessary limits to ensure that your pup stays safe and happy; you just need to be a little more vigilant about those limits when you're on the road.
(5) Don't hide your bully's face! When socialized well and trained properly, pit bulls are one of the most fun, loving, and loyal breeds out there. Their energy and thirst for new experiences makes them natural traveling companions; all you need to do is show your pup how fun life on the road can be, and he'll be diving into your backseat every chance he gets. Right now, pit bulls need all the good-mannered ambassadors they can find to disprove public perceptions. If you have a well-trained, affable bully, share him with the world as often as you can - if you do, maybe one day pit bulls will be as welcome around the globe as you and me!
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