The Ring Dog Blog

Pit bulls! This working breed has been selectively bred to be brave, strong willed and even pushy. As wonderfully charming as they are, their bullish ways can try the patience of any new home. These guidelines are written to give new owners a very basic idea of how to start setting up rules and limits for their pet. While it’s in the nature of the breed to constantly nudge and test those limits, pit bulls are also hard wired to be shameless people pleasers. The more opportunities you give your dog to succeed, the sooner he’ll know what to do to earn his place as a treasured family member. We wish you a smooth transition and many years of joy and happiness with your new pit bull! read more

Parallel leash-walking, on neutral territory with two handlers, is a great way to introduce dogs. Neutral territory means an area where neither dog has been or where neither dog resides. An unfamiliar, neutral territory is best to avoid territorial behavior in either dog. Both dogs should be wearing properly fitted collars and be on nylon or leather leashes. Prong collars, choke chains, and Flexi-leads should not be used when introducing dogs.

While taking a short walk, allow the dogs to curve around in a natural manner. (This is a strategy encouraged by trainer Turid Rugaas, author of “Calming Signals”). Both handlers should have a firm hold of their leashes, however, they should try to maintain a U-shaped bend in the lead. Taut, tight leashes may communicate tension to the dogs and should be avoided if possible. Avoid face-face, head-on introductions between dogs. Instead, walk parallel to each other, a few feet apart, and alternate which dog is ahead of the other. Also, do not allow a dog to greet another dog if he/she is dragging you towards the other dog or is misbehaving in any way (pulling, jumping, or lunging). Doing so will result in training the dog to misbehave to gain access to other dogs! The dog does not make the decision as to whom he will meet and when. You do! read more

Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules, such as what he can and can’t chew and where he can and can’t eliminate. A crate is also a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he will think of it as his safe place and will be happy to spend time there when needed. Always provide water for your dog anytime he is in the crate. Spill proof bowls or bowls that attach to the kennel gate work best. read more

This is Dude, a pittie mix who started out with RDR. His foster family adopted him when he “chose” them! He is a loving, sweet, good natured boy and has brought much joy and love to everyone. His mom and dad have learned a lot about pit bulls and helps with rescue on occasion, including transporting dogs for several groups. Recently, Dude tore his ACL causing a lot of stress and unhappiness to him. It will be a financial hardship on his family to have the surgery — totaling a whopping $2800! Last year, Dude’s dad was forced into retirement because of military cuts in the VA Army National Guard, who also cut his federal job. On top of that, dad is having a hard time finding work in this tough economy. Dude’s mom is a private music teacher and free lance musician. Dude also has a “human” brother in college. Any donation towards Dude’s surgery is greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much! read more

This program, “Popsicles for Pups”, is an enrichment program focused on kenneled animals located in jurisdictional shelters. Many municipalities do not have funding for extras; and with the low-kill movement-taking place, this means many animals stay in shelters for longer periods of time. Ring Dog Rescue and its volunteers have developed a program to install a freezer and supply the shelter with the essentials to give the dogs something to do with their time in a healthy way. This program is currently being offered at Richmond Animal Care & Control, Powhatan Animal Control, and Heritage Humane Society. If you are interested in donating towards this program, click one of the PayPal links to the right. You may also donate actual items to be used, these items can be dropped off at any of the below locations: read more