Wednesday, June 18, 2014

5 Signs of Good Pitbull Breeders

There are lots of blue pitbull breeders out there, and for good reason: more and more people fall in love with pitbulls every year and the blue pitbull is one of the most elegant, attractive, and beloved varieties. However, not all pitbull breeders are the same or will produce the same quality of dog. Here is what to look for in the best blue pitbull breeders, according to the well-respected Iron King Kennels:

1.  They are dedicated to pitbulls – Obviously, most dog professionals love all kinds of dogs, but a breeder should have one or several specific breeds they focus their time and attention on. This allows them to become more deeply familiar with all the quirks and idiosyncrasies of that breed and, thus, deliver better care, training, and owner education. The best blue pitbull breeders are pitbull aficionados who likely raise several varieties of pitbull (not just blue), but not other kinds of dogs.

2.  They do this full time – If you have heard the term "backyard breeder," you know it has a bad connotation in professional circles. In one sense, this may seem unfair, since every blue pitbull breeder has to start somewhere and they're usually casual owners before they are breeders. But when an individual makes a choice to become a breeder, they are committing to providing full-time professional quality care to blue pitbull puppies (and mothers) during their most vulnerable time. Breeders who have a day job and spend a few hours with their bulls in the evening cannot provide this level of care. Always look for professional blue pitbull breeders who have invested in their business and work with the dogs full time.

3.  Lots of outdoor space – A growing dog cannot develop properly without lots of outdoor space! This shouldn't just be the free run of a yard – it should involve a large open space where there are plenty of new things they can explore, discover, and interact with: plants, bugs, other dogs, small animals, and so on. The best blue pitbull breeders have acres of fenced outdoor space and let the bull puppies get plenty of time outside each day.


4.  They teach you about the breed – How knowledgeable and friendly are your blue pitbull breeders? Experienced breeders have years' worth of wisdom about how to raise, train, and care for blue pitbulls and they should be happy—even enthusiastic—to share it.

5.  Never too young! – Good breeders know that a blue pitbull puppy cannot leave its mother or change homes before 10 weeks of age.


What do you look for in blue pitbull breeders? You'll find it best by talking to us at Iron King Kennels. Our experience and enthusiasm, not to mention our good record of producing temperate and beautiful dogs, will convince you to choose us when you are ready to get a pitbull. 

Friday, June 13, 2014

Everything You Need to Know about Blue Pitbull Puppies

Are you in love with blue pitbulls? It can be tempting to get one as soon as you find blue pitbull puppies for sale; however, getting any kind of pet is going to be a transition, and getting blue pitbulls requires some extra thought. Knowing what to look for in terms of the dog and breeder, as well as how you'll need to train your new pet is crucial. Here is some essential information that we at Iron King Kennels really think you need to know:

The breeder makes a difference

Everything a pitbull puppy learns in its first few months either comes from its mother or from its breeder. That means breeders have a huge impact on not only the health, but also the future behavior of a bull. When someone is offering blue pitbull puppies for sale, you should find out whether they are a professional breeder, whether they work with their dogs full time or just as a side gig, how they treat the dogs, and how much outdoor space and time the animals have.



Blue pitbull puppies have their own quirks and personalities

All pitbulls share certain characteristics and that includes blue pitbull puppies. Pitbulls as a breed are unfairly known for a fast temper and aggressive behavior, but this is a myth that stems from a long history of mistreated pitbulls. The reality is that pitbulls are strong, but gentle dogs who, if properly trained, are as safe as any other breed. Blue pitbull puppies have their own take on the bull personality, and are known for being extremely intelligent and lively. Sometimes, blue pitbull puppies can come across as a bit jumpy, but this goes hand in hand with their adventurous natures and their great curiosity about the world around them.

Blue pitbulls should never be taken from their mothers too early

If a puppy is less than ten weeks old, it's too young to be taken from its mother! We know that when people set out to adopt a dog, they can't wait to get their baby bull home, but a breeder should never let them go before ten weeks. They need this time to learn key personality traits from their mother, and to feel safe and comfortable in the world. If they are taken too early, it can lead to temperament issues later.

Puppies should be introduced to other creatures

During puppyhood, it's a great idea to introduce baby pitbulls to other animals like cats. The best way to do this is to let the two animals see each other without physical contact first, then let them interact together later with supervision. This is also a good way to introduce your puppy to children.

Praise and rewards are the best training

Discipline is key to raising a well-behaved pitbull puppy, but hitting is not the way to do it! The best training is to show pitbulls what you want them to do and then reward them with praise and treats when they succeed.


If you are interested in taking home one of our delightful blue pitbull puppies, call or contact us at Iron King Kennels today! We can give you all the information you need to become the responsible owner of a loving pet. 

Monday, May 19, 2014

What to Look for In Blue Pitbull Puppies

If you love blue pitbulls, you are not alone. Pitbulls are popular, and blues are among the most popular of all. But when you see an ad for blue pitbull puppies for sale, it can be hard to know whether you should trust the seller. Thinking of adopting? At Iron King Kennels, we want all of our customer experiences to be good ones that lead to long relationships. To that end, we have provided the following recommendations so that you can get the right companion the first time and not take any chances with dicey so-called "breeders." 

Here's what to look for in blue pitbulls:



1.  They're from a reputable breeder – Not all breeders are created equal. Everyone knows that blue pitbulls have a devoted following and that means that anyone with a couple of blue pitbulls might try to make money advertising the puppies. But going to a professional breeder makes a real difference. Professional breeders give more time and attention to the dogs and can account for how they are treated, trained, and raised. Amateur breeders are more likely to keep the bulls in kennels for most of the day (while they're gone at their day job), may give them lower quality or undocumented care, and in some cases may not even be selling real blue pitbulls. Trust the professionals.

2.  The breeder specializes in blue nosed bulls – Like any variety of dogs, blue nosed pitbulls have their own distinct personality traits and quirks. Of course they have many similarities to other pitbull types, but they also have some subtle differences. If it's possible, focus your search on experienced breeders who specialize in blue pitbulls. These breeders will know more about how to take care of young blues to ensure the best-trained adults with the easiest temperaments.

3.  No early adoptions – It's understandable that you want to get your puppy home as soon as possible, but a reliable breeder will not let blue pitbull puppies go home before 10 weeks of age. These early weeks are crucial for mental and emotional development. A dog that is taken away from familiar surroundings and faces too early can develop lifelong behavior tics that are hard to cope with. Professional breeders understand this and will not let the puppies go early.

4.  The puppies are introduced to a variety of experiences – The most well-adjusted blue pitbull puppies will be gradually introduced and acclimated to a variety of other creatures and experiences including children, cats, babies, and other forms of stimulation they're likely to encounter in their future homes. The best pitbull owners focus on giving young puppies these experiences to prepare them, before putting blue pitbull puppies up for sale.


By choosing the best puppies from a responsible and knowledgeable breeder like Iron King Kennels, you can ensure that your pet is healthy, happy, and ready for their new home. Remember, you should always ask questions about the dogs you are considering and the breeders you are getting them from, so please call us at: 1-352-857-9007. We would love to talk to you!

Monday, May 12, 2014

What to Look For in Blue Pitbull Breeders

Pitbulls have a strong following of loving owners and breeders (including us here at Iron King Kennels)—and blue pitbulls are among the most popular. Aficionados know that blue pitbulls are gentle, intelligent, and faithful dogs. But with so many myths about pitbulls out there, it can be hard to know which breeders to trust. What should you look for in blue pitbull breeders? Here are our top guidelines:


  • Specialization – Not all pitbulls are the same and not all breeders know blue pitbulls! While there are many similarities among the different types of pitbulls, they differ not only in color but in temperament and personality. If you are looking specifically for blue pitbulls, then talk to a breeder who specializes in them.
  • Full time, dedicated breeders – This is probably the most important thing to look for if you want a healthy, well-adjusted pitbull puppy. While there's nothing wrong with casual pitbull owners selling their puppies, but that does not make them pitbull breeders. Professional blue pitbull breeders should treat it as a full time job, spending all day, every day with the dogs and giving them lots of attention, care, and affection. This not only makes the dogs happier – it also leads to well-behaved puppies.
  • Lots of outdoor space – Hand in hand with running a professional breeding business is having the space for the dogs to enjoy. Adult and puppy pitbulls love being outside and having space to run. For a breeding operation with a number of dogs, at least a couple acres of fenced outdoor land is a must. If breeders run everything out of kennels or a very small yard, both the physical and mental health of the dogs is at stake.
  • The right age – Puppies should be adopted young, but not too young. As a general guideline, puppies should not be adopted out before 10 weeks of age. This gives them time to wean, grow, adjust, and learn. It lets them become more independent and emotionally ready to leave. If a blue pitbull breeder offers puppies younger than this, it's not a good sign.
  • Breeding services as well as puppies – You may already have a blue pitbull you love and want to keep the line going. Professional blue pitbulls breeders should have a selection of males and females available and extensive experience facilitating the breeding process.

With Iron King Kennels, you'll always get the best, healthiest pitbulls on the market. Call us today at 1-352-857-9007 for more information!


Do you own a blue pitbull? What do you look for in blue pitbull breeders? 

Friday, April 11, 2014

What to Look for in a Healthy Pitbull

Over the past few years, pitbulls have gotten a bad and completely false reputation for being a violent and difficult breed to train. But as more pitbull advocacy groups have been educating others on the truth, more people are starting to accept them again. Pitbulls are becoming more popular in the United States, and there are plenty of people that are looking for a sweet pitbull puppy or dog as a pet. 


Picking a pet is like a making any other major purchase; you need to make an informed decision in order to ensure a companion that you'll be happy with. Some people simply see pitbulls for sale and pick out the first dog they think is cute, but judging your potential pet on cuteness alone can lead to problems in the future. If you want a loving and healthy pet, look for these traits when you pick out your pitbull:

Appearance

There's nothing more heartbreaking than adopting a pet, and then realizing that it has a dangerous and difficult medical problem. You don't need to be a trained vet to see signs of health and vigor in a dog, and there are a few telltale signs of health problems that are easy to spot. The dog or puppy's eyes should be clear and clean, they shouldn't look bloodshot, yellow, runny, or very crusty. Their coat should look shiny, and have no missing patches of fur or sores (those can be signs of mange, fleas or other skin problems). Look at their stomachs for signs of extreme swollenness. A little pot belly or some chubbiness is normal on a puppy or dog, but an abnormally large stomach can be a sign of worms. 

Temperament

Judging a dog's usual disposition can be a little tricky. When dogs see potential owners they can get very excited and act a little more rambunctious than usual, so you shouldn't view this enthusiasm as a sign that your dog is going to be constantly bursting with energy. In fact, a happy and excited dog is a good sign that you've picked a pooch that will love spending time with you and your family. What you should look out for are signs of abnormal aggression. A dog that cowers in a corner may be a little shy, but a dog that immediately snaps at you or growls may be too aggressive for your tastes.

General health

Making sure that your chosen dog appears healthy when you see them is easy, but finding out about past health issues that could lead to future problems may require a little digging. Ask if the dog you're interested in has had any past health or dental problems that you should know about. A little infection or cold isn't much to worry about, but if you notice recurring symptoms and visits to the vet, that could be a sign that a dog is prone to certain problems. Also, find out what vaccinations they have already had, and arrange to get them caught up on anything they may need as soon as you adopt them.


Monday, April 7, 2014

Considering Buying a Pitbull? Read these Tips First!

Have you been thinking about getting a dog, but you want a unique one – one that maybe not everyone in the neighborhood will have (we're looking at you, Golden Retrievers)? Pitbulls might be on your list of likely dogs, which is a great thing! These dogs are loving, loyal, and more family-friendly than their big bad reputations would suggest. Owning a pitbull (or any dog for that matter) can be a very rewarding experience, but buying one is not something to be taken lightly. Before you reach out to Iron King Kennels about one of our beautiful pitbulls for sale, take a moment to read our tips.






Tip 1: Consider your lifestyle.

Owning a dog, particularly a puppy, requires a tremendous investment of time, money, and energy. You must be willing to commit to your dog. Do you have the time to walk your dog each day and the patience to socialize him or her by entering into different situations? This is particularly important with energetic pitbull puppies; it is not recommended that you let a pitbull run around off leash with other dogs, particularly unknown dogs, so the dog park might not be an option for getting out all that excess energy. Do you have the financial resources for food, shots, and medical care, as well as money for boarding or a pet-sitter if you travel? Are you willing to be diligent and consistent in training and disciplining your dog? Will you be devastated if your dog destroys your shoes, furniture, or other items? Be honest with yourself!

Tip 2: Be willing to be a breed ambassador

The stigma against pitbulls is a reality in our society. While most people would not be alarmed to see an off-leash golden retriever, Chihuahua, or cocker spaniel running towards them or their child, reactions to pitbulls are entirely different. In the event of an altercation between a pitbull and another dog, most people will assume the pitbull is at fault. By buying a pitbull, you are signing up for the responsibility of training, socializing, and disciplining a dog who arouses suspicion and fear in a lot of people, however unjustly. So you'll need to have energy, patience, and a positive attitude in order to not only train your dog, but win over the skeptics around you. With an obedient, friendly dog at your side, you'll do more to dispel the stigma than any number of advocacy campaigns.

Tip 3: Ask a lot of questions.

What are the local laws where you live about pets in general, and pitbulls in particular? Some cities and towns ban pitbulls; make sure this is not the case where you live! And what about your insurance? Will your homeowner’s or renter’s coverage be in jeopardy if you bring a pitbull into your home? Before you go and pick up your pitbull, do your research!


Hopefully these tips will help you make the right decision when it comes to purchasing one of our pitbulls for sale at Iron King Kennels. Getting any type of dog is a big life event. Make sure that yours turns out well by considering every aspect of your life and adding a dog to the equation. Contact us today at Iron King Kennels for more information: 1- 352-857-9007. 

Friday, April 4, 2014

4 Questions to Ask Yourself before Adopting a Dog

Why are you thinking about adopting a dog? It seems like a pretty obvious question. Dogs are loyal, fun, and playful companions that are a joy to have, but wanting something cute and fun to play with isn't exactly the best reason for wanting a dog. Dogs are more than just fun for us; they also require a lot of work and care to make sure that their needs are being met. It can be tempting to check out pitbull puppies for sale and walk out with the first dog that catches your eye, but that wouldn't be fair to you or them. Before you dedicate yourself to finding a dog, you should make sure that you can answer these important questions that we, at Iron King Kennels, have provided about pet ownership.

Do I know how my family/roommates feel about having a dog?

Whether you're living with your family, a few roommates, or a significant other, you have to take their feelings into consideration before you adopt a dog. If you live with other people, make sure that they're okay with having a dog in the house. See how they would feel about occasionally having to take care of some feedings and walks when you're unable to. A dog can be a great way to teach your children about responsibility, but only if they're ready to handle it. Make sure that your kids understand that they'll be responsible for some feeding, brushing, walking, and other pet responsibilities. If you don't, you could end up caring for the family dog by yourself. 



What do I see myself doing in the next 10-20 years?

A dog is a big commitment, one that you'll have for hopefully a very long time. Before you adopt a dog, imagine how it will fit into your life over the next decade or so. Do you see yourself being able to give them the love and attention they need if you get a new job or have to change your work schedule? If you think you'll be traveling a lot, do you know how your dog will be cared for when you aren't around? If you're planning on doing a lot of moving or traveling, now may not be the best time to bring a dog into your life. All dogs deserve a certain level of stability in their day to day routines, and a constantly missing master or changing environment can give them a lot of stress.

Would I be willing to foster a dog/care for a dog before adopting one?

If you have never owned a dog before, you may want to consider fostering a dog or watching a friend's dog so that you can learn what it's like. You can read a lot about owning a dog, but there's nothing like hands-on experience to teach you. After a few days of taking walks, preparing meals, and entertaining a dog, you can see if ownership is truly right for you.

Can I afford medical care?

If you think that healthcare for humans is pricey, wait until pay for your dog's first round of shots. Dogs need consistent vet care, and a regular checkup with medicine can cost you a few hundred dollars. If you're worried about covering health costs, you should consider getting health insurance for your pet. It can help you cover regular vet costs, and can be very cost effective if your dog needs emergency treatment or coverage for a future health problem.   

Iron King Kennels believes in responsible pet ownership. When people take proper care of their pitbulls, they will get a more obedient and loving companion than they ever imagined. Contact us today if you are interested in one of these loyal pets or if you have any questions about their training or upbringing. We are happy to help!