Customer Reviews

American Pit Bull Terrier Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As an owner of a 90+ pound APBT, I have tried to read all the books and articles I could find on the subject of pit bulls. This is BY FAR the best book I have found. Many writers of such books are extremely one sided, either portaying the dogs a vicious killers or as baby dolls. Mr. Stahlkuppe very fairly shows the good points of these dogs, as well as the bad. This book should be required reading for all prospective pit bull owners.

For someone who wants to get an American Pit Bull Terrier should read this book. It talks about responsible ownership and how to socialize your puppy so that it will become a good canine citizen. Although it has a whole chapter about dog-fighting which I don't like, it uses that information to explain the temperament of the breed - which is not a vicious animal like everyone says. Ofcourse they don't like dogs, although some live with other dogs their whole life without any incidents. They love people and strangers and are not guard dogs - in fact they love people so much that they will let a stranger in your house, take everything including the pit bull. Some pit bull owners even get other dogs like Dobermans to protect their pit bull. It might sound strange but its true. Bad breeding, dog-fighters, and the media gave this breed a bad reputation. Before you buy a dog - read this book first. Pit bulls are only for very few people - only if you you are getting this dog as a pet, have lots of time to spend time with them socialize, and have time to love them then may be you should consider this breed.

This book gives a truthful picture of APBT's. It also has exclent information on caring for this breed through it's life. I purchased it for my mother, who was nervous about the breed, before I adopted my dog. After reading the book she was looking forward to having the adition to the family come and was sharing her new found info with friends and family who had negitive reactions when hearing I was getting an APBT. An exclent book to have on hand and share with those intrested in the breed, who own the breed, and who don't know the breed.

Even though I knew that this dog wasn't as "mean and aggressive" as people made it seem, this book was extremely interesting and i learned many new facts. Besides being a great care-guide, it explains the breed's character and history.Everything that you would ever want to know about the American Pit Bull Terrier can be found in this book, accuratly portrayed.The book is clear on how to prevent accidental fights and that this great dog should only be owned by responsible people. Hopefully the APBT will one day gain the respect they deserve and people will know the truth about them.

This book is great reading for someone who is or will be a first-time APBT puppy owner. It explains the special needs of these great dogs and why they've developed a bad reputation. If you are looking for more extensive info on training and activities for you and your dog, i recommend another book.

This book is excellent in educating about "Pit Bull." I had the wrong information from people, that just to talk without any valid information. I got a puppy PB, I have been following Mr. Stahlkuppe, advises and Iam happy with my dog that is 16 week now, sweet, intelligent,know all the basic command,and beautiful chocolate with green eyes. A crate is very important to training your dog to become an excellent dog.

Understandably, this book is written specifically for individuals looking for a pure-bred APBT. The author does a fair and objective job describing the misunderstood history of the dog. Less understandably, the book is riddled with grammatical errors and typos. Needless to say, I was surprised when the pages were actually out of order.

Conceptually, the author's heart is in the right place, but he asks questions and gives no answer. Points become repetitive and appear in multiple sections of the book (same with the pictures), and become a bore to read.

All in all, the book should have been proofread, both by the publisher and an APBT expert.

I've raised my APBT for many years since he was old enough to leave his litter, and this book by far is the only one you can buy in stores that is worth anything. Pit Bulls For Dummies and all the other crap can go right in the garbage (there must be a reason my boy chewed all those other books up, HA)! Mr. Stahlkuppe doesn't feed you a bunch of sugarcoated crap, he tells you everything you need to hear, including the history and nature of this breed. He shares the same belief that I do, Dog-matching is a pretty rough thing, even when done properly by real Dog men (not stupid thugs growing up in the projects like Vick and DMX), and shouldn't be supported; however, it is and always will be apart of the Pit Bulldog's history, and should always be recognized and never covered up. All of the "pro-pit" people out there who talk "super nice" about them and just sugarcoat the breed are only blinding themselves with their willful ignorance.

These dogs are fiercely loyal and devoted, total sweethearts, you don't have to tell me everytime you see me walking mine even though you've never owned one. I know it's all how they are raised, because I raised mine. But when you read Stahlkuppe's book, you will learn what I already knew, that the sole reason these dogs are as loyal and sweet as they are is precisely because of the Dog men who created them in the first place, and that hiding all of this is pointless because then it will leave so many questions as to how the breed got the way it is. Forgive me for my ranting, but I love everything about this breed, even it's history, though I won't support the continuation of dog-matching.

This book is a must read, it covers everything you'll need to know, complete with information about "pits" that are just mongrels, great health care and training info, and a couple of touching stories that will pull on your heart strings. Buy this book if you really love this breed, or even if you don't own one, maybe you're just curious and want to learn more. I see it on here for less than $4 brand new, so don't be a fool and pass it up.

Am considering owning a pitbull terrier and found this book to be filled with much needed information. Pictures and descriptions make it easy to read.

I've really enjoyed reading this book. After adopting a pit bull puppy ourselves, I've found the book very educational. A good buy.