9 Pit Bull Myths

1. Locking Jaws

Contrary to popular belief, Pit Bulls do not have locking jaws. In fact there is no dog breed that is actual able to "lock" their jaws and Pit Bull jaws and teeth are no different than any other dog.

2. Aggressive

Some people believe that all Pit Bulls are inherently aggressive but this is a myth. Studies have actually shown Dachshunds to be the most aggressive of all dog breeds.

3. Untrainable

These dogs love to learn. They are actually very intelligent and highly trainable. They strive to please their owners and with proper training make wonderful pets that are able to learn a plethora of new tricks and commands.

4. Not Social

Pit Bulls are dogs and dogs are social creatures. They thrive in packs and take on humans as part of their pack. As with any dog, proper socialization creates a dog that is calm and able to get along with all humans.

5. Attack Small Pets

Pit Bulls are able to get along with all sorts of animals and are able to be very gentle. It all comes down to good social skills and training, which is the case with all dogs. Reinforcement of good behavior is imperative.

6. Bad With Kids

Any dog can be great with children and Pit Bulls are no different however you should always supervise your children around any dog and teach your child the proper ways to behave around dogs to prevent mishaps.

7. Not Smart

On the intelligence scale, Pit Bulls actually score higher than most breeds. They are very smart and may be used as Service Dogs and Police K-9. They thrive in environments that stimulate them and love to learn and make humans happy.

8. Will Turn On You

One of the most loyal breeds are Pit Bulls and they will go to great lengths to serve their owners. There are even cases where Pit Bulls have died while protecting their owners.

9. Monsters

The fact is that a dog is a dog. The best thing is to treat dogs with respect and learn how to train them properly. Pit Bulls are not monsters, no dog is a monster.

Free Pit Bull Downloadable Calendar From Blush & Honey Paper

It's a New Year and you know what that means, it's time for a new Calendar and we've found just the one for all you dog lovers out there. You can score this FREE downloadable Pit Bull Calendar for the month of JANUARY by simply signing up to receive a Newsletter from Blush & Honey Paper. 

Every month you will receive a new FREE Monthly Calendar featuring a pup that is up for rescue. This month's calendar features a Pit Bull mix named Chico that us up for adoption at the Young Williams Animal Shelter located in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The February Calendar will be sent out on January 20th 2017 and will feature a new special dog that is up for rescue. 

About The Artist

Lauren Hitchcock is an illustrator and art teacher residing in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband and their two dogs who have played an integral part in her artwork. Lauren paints beautiful illustrations of pets and donates a portion of the proceeds to an animal rescue to help other animals in need. Lauren's artwork can be described as a delicate and happy mix as she incorporates soft colors and beautiful florals in her work. It is truly pleasing to the eye and you can tell that love has been put into each and every piece. Lauren creates custom paintings and mugs that any pet owner would be delighted to have of their loving pet.

Lauren says:  "When I'm not creating paintings, I have other passions and hobbies. Somewhat unsurprisingly, most of them have to do with animals and art! I'm an art teacher at a local elementary school, and this past year, I wrote my first children's book entitled "D is for Dog: Pups from A to Z." My husband and I love traveling, and recently had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam and Paris. A special highlight of that trip was seeing Monet's waterlily garden. As a watercolor artist, that was simply unforgettable! I can't wait to get to know you and your family, and I hope you enjoy looking at my work as much as I loved creating it!"  

You can view more of her work here in her Portfolio. 

You can follow Blush & Honey Paper Co. on Instagram to see more of the beautiful illustrations created by the wonderful artist Lauren Hitchcock. 

The Amazon Gift Guide For Dogs 2017

The Holidays are right around the corner so we've compiled an Amazon Gift Guide For Dogs for your convenience and if you order now, you can get any of these gifts for your dog delivered to right your doorstep before December 25th 2016. Don't worry if you can't order everything in time. Use this awesome Amazon Gift Guide as your go to when deciding what to order for your dog in 2017!

1. Delicious Maple Bacon Ice Cream that is as easy as adding water and freezing and voila, your pup has a tasty treat!

2. An adorable Poop Squeaky Toy that is sure to have your dog occupied for a while with its double squeaker feature.

3. A Beary Cute Snood to keep your dog warm and so stylish that no one will be able to keep their paws off our furry pal.

4. A modern Dog Bowl With Built in Scale to keep your dog on a healthy track, after all a healthy pet is a happy pet!  (We actually have this one so we highly recommend it!)

5. A Bazooka Tennis Ball Launcher that literally shoots out tennis balls so you don't have to throw them by hand. Perfect for the ultimate game of fetch for the ball obsessed dog in your life.

6. This Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Cake because let's be honest, dogs are huge peanut butter lovers.

7. A Healthy Cookbook featuring 125 Recipes that you can make for your lucky pooch.

8. A Doughnut Squeaker that doesn't have any messy stuffing and is not only super cute but pretty durable too. (We have one!)

9. A Bacon Flavored Wishbone Dog Chew that will literally keep your dog occupied for hours. (We know from experience)

10. These cute Dog Themed Silicone Molds to make your dog some special homemade treats.

11. A funny Beer Squeaky Toy that you might just want to keep for yourself. Oh and the selection is great as they have different alcoholic brands to choose from according to your preference.

12. A hilarious and awesome Dog Grill Toy that is sure to have everyone cracking up in laughter a the sight of a blinged out dog.

13. An HD Dog Camera that allows you to watch and hear your dog from anywhere via your smartphone an it also can toss treats. Now that's cool!
 

14. Some yummy Blueberry & Chicken Flavored Dog Treats that your dog will surely devour with delight. (These are some of our favorite treats!)

15. This Daily Reminder to feed the dog if you or someone in your home tends to have a bad memory.

16.  A portable and foldable Dog Water Bottle perfect for going on hikes with your dog.

17. A comfy Bicycle Basket for the little dog that wants to ride along.

18. This ultra Modern Chic Teepee that will fulfill all of your dog's lounging and sleeping needs and look amazing in your home.

CBD Hemp Oil For Dogs

Disclosure: Irie CBD sent me a bottle of Hemp Oil For Animals to try out. This is my honest review based on my own dog's experience with the Hemp Oil. I am not a medical professional and I am not guaranteeing that you will have the same effects with this product.

Did you know that CBD Hemp Oil can be given to animals? I didn't know until I was introduced to Irie CBD's Organic Hemp Oil for Pets. Being intrigued about the health benefits and positive side effects this oil would have on my dog Bentley, I decided to do some research of my own. After reading many positive reviews and discovering all of the medical benefits of CBD, I decided to try the oil on Bentley and I will share my findings with you but first let's go over a few things.

 

What Exactly is CBD Hemp Oil?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in Cannabis and Hemp. THC (tetrahydrocannibinol) and CBD are the most abundant chemical compounds to be found in these plants, however THC and CBD have different effects on the body.

CBD Hemp Oil is made from the Hemp plant, not the Cannabis plant. Hemp is usually high in CBD and low in THC which is typically the opposite with Cannabis plants.

Unlike THC, CBD is considered to be non-psychoactive, meaning that it will not get you high, making this a perfect medical alternative for those who do not wish to feel the psychoactive effects including paranoia and anxiety that may come with the use of THC, which is a concern for use on animals.

CBD has been shown to help with aggression disorders, noise phobias, canine dementia, and aids in relaxation in dogs along with many other medical benefits to help prolong your dog's life and aid with pain management in ailments such as Osteoarthritis.

"A survey study conducted by AHVMA has reported that 61.8% to 95% of pet owners have endorsed the health benefits of CBD-laced treats, ranging from ‘moderate to excellent’. Some of the medical conditions that were relieved by these edible treats include pain, nervous system problems, inflammation, anxiety, nausea and/or vomiting, digestive system problems, tumors, seizures/convulsions, skin problems and phobias, including fireworks or thunderstorm phobias." - MarijuanaTimes.org

Medical Benefits of CBD On Animals

• Antiemetic - Reduces nausea and vomiting
• Anticonvulsant - Suppresses seizure activity
• Antipsychotic - Combats psychosis disorders
• Anti-inflammatory - Combats inflammatory disorders
• Anti-oxidant - Combats neurodegenerative disorders
• Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer - Combats tumor and cancer cells
• Anxiolytic/Anti-depressant - Combats anxiety and depression disorders

Our Experience With Irie CBD Hemp Oil

Bentley suffers from dry skin and tends to become really nervous and hyper when we go on walks around the neighborhood. She also frightens easily and occasionally vomits. I wanted to see if Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets would help with any of these problems so I decided to give it a shot.

Day 1

The recommended dose is 1-2 drops for every 10 pounds so I decided to start off with 1 drop for every 10 pounds and ended up giving Bentley 7 drops of the oil. I waited about 30 minutes before taking Bentley on a walk so I could let the CBD take effect. Bentley usually becomes very hyper when we go for walks, which I am not particularly fond of since I like to take my 2 year old with us. This time I did notice a decrease in the amount of pulling and nervous energy while on our walk. Bentley seemed to be more calm, which is usually how she behaves after tiring herself out. This was a nice change and we were able to stroll around the neighborhood at a slower pace and enjoy the walk versus just dashing through it.

Day 5

It has now become a routine to give Bentley her daily drops and everyday I look forward to seeing the positive behavioral impact that the drops seem to have on her. She is all around more calm and more relaxed than usual and not so anxious when I leave the house.

Week 1

After a week on consistently giving Bentley 7 drops of CBD Hemp Oil daily I saw a difference in Bentley's behavior. She is sometimes skiddish when around men but she seemed to be less scared when I took her around some of my male friends. She appeared to be more confident around them and didn't frighten over quick movements, as she tends to do with some men. Our walks have also become more pleasant and less about rushing through the neighborhood so this is definitely a positive factor that I personally am able to enjoy.

Week 2

After 2 week of giving Bentley the drops I noticed that Bentley's coat seems more shiny than usual and is also less dry which means less itching on her part. She has a small patch of hair that is starting to grow back that she itched away. I tried everything to cure her dry skin but nothing seemed to be working so I'm excited to see a positive change in her skin and coat.

 

About Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets

Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets is 100% Organic and contains the following Ingredients: CBD Hemp Extract, Virgin Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Vitamin E Oil, Fermented Cod Liver Oil, and Astaxanthin.

"Vitamin E Oil Extract acts as an anti-oxidant and natural preservative.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil was once a standard supplement in traditional European societies, helping to provide fat-soluble vitamins A and D, as well as omega 3 fatty acids in a bio – available and highly digestible format. All of these nutrients are important components to good health and are dependent on each other for proper assimilation.

Astaxanthin is a powerful, naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that's found in certain marine plants and animals. Often called "the king of the carotenoids," astaxanthin is recognized as being one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It is of particular significance, because unlike some other types of antioxidants, astaxanthin never becomes a pro-oxidant in the body so it can never cause harmful oxidation.  It is a super charged antioxidant, so it naturally reduces free radicals in the body. But besides that, it also significantly reduces the oxidative load in the body by protecting the cells against oxidation."

 

My Final Thoughts About CBD Hemp Oil

After using Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets for 2 weeks I can say that the effects of the CBD Hemp Oil have been positive and I am going to continue to give the drops to Bentley. I'm excited to see what other benefits will come from giving her the drops with the progression of time and her age.

I'm particularly fond of the idea of her skin problems being a thing of the past so I do hope that these drops are the cure-all for this condition. I am also delighted that our walks havebecome less strenuous and more relaxing so I also hope that this desired effect continues with use.

Overall I am pleased and I recommend that anyone that has a dog that suffers from medical conditions try CBD Hemp Oil and see the positive changes that this all natural alternative medicine can have on your pet.

Have you tried CBD Hemp Oil? Let us know how you liked it in the comments below and if you haven't let us know if you'd be willing to after learning about all of the positive effects and medicinal properties the oil possesses.

Why You Shouldn't Give Your Dog Chocolate

Halloween is right around the corner and that means lots of chocolate and candy everywhere. While chocolate is a delicious treat for us humans, this is not the case for our furry friends and is actually toxic to your dog and can cause illness and death in some cases.

In order to keep your pet safe in case of accidental consumption of chocolate there are a few things you should know.

So Why Is Chocolate So Bad For Dogs Anyways?

Chocolate contains Theobromine and Caffeine which are stimulants that affect the cardiovascular and nervous system and cause an increase in blood pressure. While the effects are harmless in humans, dogs have a harder time metabolizing Thebromine which allows the substance to build up in the dog's system to toxic levels. The higher the cocoa content, the higher the Theobromine content, and the more toxic it is to your dog. The smaller the dog, the less chocolate it will take for the poisoning effects to occur.

What To Do If You Think Your Dog Ate Chocolate

If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate take action immediately and call your Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680). If you know about how much chocolate your dog consumed provide that information along with your dog's weight and demeanor so that your Veterinarian may guide you in what actions to take. Usually, if it has been less than 2 hours since the dog consumed the chocolate, inducing vomiting may help the Theobromine from reaching your dog's bloodstream and causing a toxic reaction. Since some warning signs and symptoms do not show up right away and may take up to 6-12 hours to show up, make sure that you act quickly.

Some Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention Are:

• Vomiting
• Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
• Agitation
• Heavy panting
• Muscle tremors
• Staggering
• Seizures
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration

How To Protect Your Dog From Chocolate Poisoning

Keep all chocolate, sweets, cookies, or anything with cocoa, raisins, or Xylitol, which is a common sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs, away from from dogs preferably in a high cupboard where only responsible adults have access to them.

Educate everyone in the household about the dangers of chocolate, especially children who might want to share their treats with the dog.

Always be cautious about leaving anything that may be toxic to your dog lying around especially around the Holidays as this is when we tend to have more sweets.

Make sure that everyone in the household is aware of the classic signs and symptoms of chocolate poisoning and knows what to do if they suspect it.

If you leave your dog with others, make sure that you stress the importance of keeping sweets away from your dog.

Never reward your dog with chocolate or candy.

Orvis created this wonderful Info-graphic: Dogs, Chocolate, and Candy that you can Print out and Share with anyone that owns a dog to ensure safety for not only the Holidays, but year round.

Beyond Pit Bulls & Parolees: How Prison Pup Training Programs Are Changing Lives

by Amber Kingsley

Often convicted inmates get a bad reputation for being bad people, instead of someone who could have simply made a mistake, compared to a career criminal. Pit bulls have also been given an undeserved negative reaction from some people due to the behaviors of a few, poorly trained dogs. Similar to the television show, Pit Bulls and Parolees,” people are working together to change this stigma for the better and using training programs similar to that as showcased on the Animal Planet series mentioned above, this is rewarding to people and pets.

Training a service animal is very rewarding, but it is also a time consuming and expensive process. In an innovative twist, rehabilitation programs similar to the reality show as highlighted above are beneficial for everyone involved. The inmates are not only teaching young canines, it is also training these prisoners to possibly become dog trainers, groomers or animals technicians after their release from incarceration.

Volunteers and staff members provide inmates with training classes every week, along with weekend sessions throughout the month that show inmates the proper way to train puppies.

Women and Children First

The California Institution for Women in Chino, became the first prison in the state of California to have a Service Dog Training Program back in 2002. Since then, The Prison Pup Program has grown into training more than twenty dogs with fifty handlers at this institution. The women inmates are given responsibility for a dog at eighteen months of age and they remain together for up to six months for training.

After the success of the Chino’s Prison Pup Program, in 2008, the Southwest Juvenile Hall in Riverside County began a vision of assisting at-risk youths with life skills through a similar program. In this case, two young men are tasked with a twelve to sixteen week dog training program. The juveniles learn basic obedience using positive reinforcement techniques along with health care and grooming skills.

Benefits Abound

The canine graduates of these programs go on to become a vital tool for their disabled clients, forming a loving bond that is beneficially emotionally, physically and mentally. It is clearly a win-win situation for everyone involved from the inmate trainers, the dogs and the disabled clients they go on to assist as invaluable service dogs.

For their inmate handlers and trainers, the benefits are plentiful as these types of programs give them a sense of purpose and a way to give back to society. These trainers also learn the importance of bonding with these animals and ultimately will gain valuable work experience through their training and education. This will aid many of these inmates in finding gainful employment once they are released and returned to society rather than the possibility of returning to a life of crime.

Expanding to Men

Both the Prison Pups and the Southwest Juvenile Hall programs have been so successful that Canine Support Teams have expanded their programs to include the California Institute for Men in the summer of 2015. This expansion could use your help, so if you’d like to donate, please visit our Kindful donation page. If you’d like to find out information on volunteering and other ways to help, you can learn more at our CST support site.

About the Author

Travel junkie, Amber Kingsley, is a freelance writer living in Santa Monica, CA. Her art history background helps her hone in on topics that are of interest to readers. She is a dog enthusiast and loves spending time with her Pomeranian, Agatha.