Once a month The Portland Pit Bull Project hosts a gathering of dog lovers and their dogs to bring awareness of BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) that unfairly targets certain dogs based upon appearance, to show the public what the ‘typical’ pit bull type dog and it’s owner is like and to give dogs an activity that they normally crave–walking together as a pack.
We have three simple rules:
1. No ‘facing off’ – Please allow your dogs to meet using proper canine etiquette which means a quick nose to nose sniff and then the obligatory butt sniff. No ‘taut’ leashes and no anxieties from mom and dad equal more natural and relaxed meetings between dogs. (Please remember that how those who fight pit bulls prepare the dogs to fight is by facing the dogs off and tightly pulling back on the leashes until the dogs are in a frenzy from the face to face experience. They are using instinctual canine behavior to their advantage. Please always remain calm, assertive and vigilant in helping your dogs be social with other dogs.)
2. Red bandannas for any dogs known to have issues with other dogs – The red bandannas allow others to know to respect your dog’s ‘personal space’. This helps your dog understand that other dogs aren’t a threat and could be helping them become more comfortable around other dogs. Please also remember that your remaining calm helps your dog remain calm around other dogs.
3. No retractable leashes.
Although our advocacy actively supports adopting from local shelters and rescues we welcome ALL dogs, regardless of origin or breed type, to walk with us in support of pit bulls and bully type dogs.
