Toys that Make Your Pitbull Puppy Think

Pitbulls are best known for their physical strength and unique, adorable faces. However, pitbulls aren't just strong, they're also smart. In fact, this breed of dog loves mental challenges and adapts quickly to training, new games and puzzles. Pitbull puppies can be some of the most inquisitive and thoughtful dogs you'll ever raise.

Unfortunately, many puppy toys don't take advantage of the intelligence that pitbull puppies and other puppies exhibit. Balls and chew toys can be fun, but don't present a mental challenge to pitbulls. This can be a missed opportunity because mental exercise is not only fun and engaging for your puppy, it also requires more of their energy than exercise that is physical only, helping them work out that energy in constructive ways rather than looking for trouble around the house.

One solution that many pitbull owners have discovered is a newer type of toy known as a work-to-eat toy. It does exactly what the name implies: makes dogs work in new and creative ways in order to get a treat or a little bit of food.

There are two main types of work-to-eat toys. The first and most common is essentially a food dispenser that turns getting food into a game. Typically, these toys are filled with a small scoop or handful of regular dry dog food. Small holes in the toy allow the food to fall out a piece or two at a time, but only when the toy is turned a certain way, shaken or otherwise manipulated. This allows your pitbull puppy to spend a long period of time playing to get a relatively small amount of food, with the bonus that they can work to figure out the most effective way to access it.

The other kind of work-to-eat toy uses a single treat or bone as a reward, and requires a little more thinking to get to it. Often these toys have unusual shapes and may be capable of bouncing and rolling to keep your dog guessing. Pitbulls can smell the treat inside and will work tirelessly until they figure out the solution. For most dogs this provides endless entertainment: even when they've figured it out once, the next time will still take some work to solve it again.

These toys have many advantages for pitbull puppies. First, they are more of a challenge than traditional toys and offer built-in rewards. Secondly, they will keep your pitbull occupied for hours. And finally, you will see that your puppy gets a lot of that youthful energy worked out appropriately rather than chewing things in your house.

What kinds of toys do you prefer for your pitbull?

3 Completely Untrue "Facts" about Pitbulls

When you hear the word "pitbull," what do you think of (aside from the popular singer Pitbull)? Some people may think about a beloved pitbull that they know, but far too many others usually think about violent attacks. There have been way too many sensationalized stories about pitbulls in the news, but they often fail to mention a lot of important facts about the incidents. A lot of the dogs in these reports weren't raised correctly, or were raised in abusive environments. They also neglect to mention the possibility some of these "violent" dogs have for rehabilitation, and how they can thrive in loving environments.

At Iron King Kennels, we are here to dispel some of the myths about these wonderful dogs! Before you make up your mind about one of America's most misunderstood breeds, make sure you don't take any of these pitbull myths as fact.

Myth: Pitbulls can't be around other dogs/children

Some people think that pitbulls can't be around other dogs or kids because the breed is too violent to be social. Like any other dog breed, pitbulls can be very social animals. Many trainers and breeders recommend that pitbull puppies get properly socialized and trained when they're young so that they can get along with other animals. This recommendation isn't limited to pitbulls, either – every dog breed can benefit from learning how to properly socialize when they're young. Parents should exercise caution when introducing any dogs to their children, but with proper training your pitbull will be social and agreeable. 

Myth: Pitbulls have unusually strong jaws

Almost every alarming news story about pitbulls will usually mention the "fact" that pitbulls have stronger jaws than other breeds, and even have the ability to lock onto their bite victims to cause even more damage and discomfort. Pitbulls don't have some kind of magical and ultra-powerful jaw, and they certainly can't lock their jaws in an inescapable bite. In terms of bite strength, the pitbull doesn't even rank in the top three.

Myth: Pitbulls have always been seen as violent and aggressive dogs

Some people base their pitbull prejudices on the "fact" that pitbulls have historically been a troublesome breed, but that couldn't be any further from the truth. Back in the day, Americans couldn't get enough of pitbulls, and regarded them as great family dogs and even heroes who fought bravely in WWI. They were one of the most popular breeds, and for good reason. Pitbulls could protect property, livestock, and your family, all while being a lovable and loyal dog. Anti-pitbull sentiment has recently grown thanks to sensationalized media stories, and has little basis in history or fact.

For more information about pitbulls and their behavior, contact us at Iron King Kennels. We'll be happy to answer your questions!

How to Raise Your Pitbull Puppy

There is nothing quite like having a dog in your home or your apartment, especially if it is a brand new and super energetic puppy. Puppies are known by many to be super adorable, and they will uplift your spirit with their playful, entertaining, and joyful nature. It is almost as though they know how to make you happy when you are at your lowest.

Pitbull puppies are no exception from this rule. This lovely and sweet breed is one of the best to have as a puppy. In fact, the pitbull breed is completely misunderstood. One of the most common misconceptions that pitbull puppies or pitbull dogs is that they are violent, aggressive, and that they like to fight. This is an inaccurate misbelief. Pitbulls actually adore people and are truly kind. It is not a difficult task to raise an adorable pitbull, especially even with children. They are an excellent and loving addition to your family; in fact, at one point in history, pitbulls were known as nanny dogs so that they could watch over children when they child’s parents were out. They were a trusted resource for this purpose.

With history aside, raising your pitbull puppy is a going to be quite a worthwhile adventure. One of the first things you will have to do when it comes to raising a pitbull is inform everyone that you love or are good friends with that you are going to adopt this breed. Inform them of the myths and prejudices that come along with a pitbull and debunk this myth. They will see soon enough that your puppy is no threat to them once it grows up and is the sweetest dog in the neighborhood.

After you have done this, make sure that you have a nice living situation for you pitbull. Ensure that he or she has a cage (if necessary) and a nice little bed. You will also want to take your pitbull out for many walks. These little puppies are energetic and love to take in the fresh air.

Pitbulls are very intelligent. This means that they get bored fairly easily. In this case, you are going to want to be as entertaining as possible. Ensure to purchase them toys, such as tennis balls, squeaky toys, and stuffed dog toys.

Having a pitbull is a true blessing; these loyal companions will never let you down. They are cute, sweet, kind, and will always look out for you and your children.