It is irresponsible owners who take an innocent puppy and turn it into an aggressive and/or fearful animal. And though it is true that some dogs have aggressive tendencies, these traits are not breed specific. Irresponsible owners should be held accountable for this.
What does being a Responsible Owner Mean?
• Never allow your pit bull to roam around the neighborhood off-leash and unsupervised. While all dogs should be leashed and supervised when out in public, pit bulls, by virtue of their less-than favorable public image as well as their immense physical strength and tenacity, should always be closely supervised and under control. Even the most gentle, docile pit bull can inadvertently scratch someone during play or nip at a child who is being too rough or who doesn't know how to be behave around dogs, which can quickly turn into a giant problem!
• Never keep your pit bull chained or tied up for long periods of time. Long hours spent restrained on a chain can turn a good dog into an aggressive, neurotic, anxious animal. It is a terrible way for a dog to live. If you can't give a dog a good life, maybe you shouldn't have one! Either keep your dog in the house, a well-gated back yard, or in a suitable size dog crate.
• Be quick to reprimand or restrain your pit bull when exhibiting any aggressive, hostile behavior. Most dogs, including pit bulls, will find themselves in situations where they react aggressively or engage in fighting with other dogs. While not always an emergency situation or even an unjustified situation, pit bulls, once again, do not possess the same leeway that most other dog breeds possess; again, this is due to their public profile and, to a lesser extent, on their physical capabilities. So be smart. Be quick to remove your dog from any hostile or aggressive situations, and be quick to reprimand or scold your dog when clearly out of line or overstepping normal boundaries.
• Spay or Neuter your dog. Unless you are showing your dog, plan on responsibly breeding it, or it has health issues that prevent this from being done, there is no reason not to do this.
• Get yearly check-ups, shots, license and keep your dog on heart worm preventative year round.