pit bull” dog?! “ - Animal Farm Foundation

TURBOCHARGING
“PIT BULL” DOG ADOPTIONS
A Presentation By:
ANIMAL FARM FOUNDATION
Securing equal treatment and opportunity for “pit bull” dogs.
WEBSITE: www.animalfarmfoundation.org
EMAIL: info@animalfarmfoundation.org
OUTLINE:
(1) WHAT IS A “PIT BULL” DOG?
(2) BREEDS & BEHAVIOR
(3) POLICIES & PRACTICES
(4) ENRICHMENT & LAYOUT
(5) MARKETING & CUSTOMER SERVICE
(6) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
PART ONE:
WHAT IS A “PIT BULL” DOG?
In the 1980s, when Animal Farm Foundation began,
we focused on American Pit Bull Terriers.
Photo: Elliott Erwitt
Our mission was:
“To restore the image of the American Pit Bull Terrier
and protect him from discrimination and cruelty.”
Over time we realized the dogs we were helping were
not necessarily purebred American Pit Bull Terriers,
but dogs that someone else had labeled "pit bulls."
Our current mission (2011) is:
“To secure equal treatment & opportunity for
„pit bull‟ dogs.”
WHAT IS A PIT BULL?
OMAHA, NEBRASKA: “Pit bull shall be defined as any dog
that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire
Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Presa
Canario, Cane Corso, American Bulldog, or any dog
displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of
these breeds.”
MANTECA, CALIFORNIA:
“Any dog that is a Bull
Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier,
American Pit Bull Terrier,
Staffordshire Bull Terrier,
American
Staffordshire
Terrier, or any other dog
displaying the physical traits
of any one or more of the
above breeds.”
MAQUOKETA, IOWA: “Pit bull
terrier dogs, or mixed pit bull
terrier dogs, or any dog which
has the appearance and
characteristics of being a pit bull
terrier.”
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA: “The breed of dog registered
and described by the UKC and the ADBA as the
American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as the pit bull terrier,
and any crossbreed of the American Pit Bull Terrier; but
does not include the breeds known as the American
Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the
English Bulldog, the Bull Terrier, or the Bulldog, all of
which are recognized by the AKC.”
MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY: “An
American Pit Bull Terrier,
American Staffordshire Terrier,
Bull Terrier, or St. Francis Terrier,
or any mixed breed with at least
50% of any combination of
aforesaid named breeds.”
ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA: “A vicious or dangerous
animal means…any dog that is of a breed which is bred
as a fighting or attack dog, or such dog that has been
especially trained as an attack, guard, or fighting dog.”
MIAMI, FLORIDA: “Testimony by a
veterinarian,
zoologist,
animal
behaviorist, or animal control officer
that a particular dog exhibits
distinguishing physical characteristics
of a pit bull shall establish a rebuttable
presumption that the dog is a pit bull.”
It varies from place to place!
WHAT IS A PIT BULL?
“When I started here years ago, we called every dog a mutt. Now we just call
them all pit bulls.” - New York City Animal Care & Control Veterinarian
“Depending on whom you ask, it can refer to just a couple of breeds or to as
many as five–and all mixes of these breeds. Because of the vagueness of the ‘pit
bull’ label, many people may have trouble recognizing a pit bull when they see
one.” - ASPCA
“The term ‘Pit Bull’ is meant to refer to the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) breed
ONLY. This is a purebred recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the
American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA).” - The Real Pit Bull
“’Pit Bull’ refers to a group of similar breeds including the American Pit Bull
Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier. The
American Bully is the newest member of the Pit Bull family.” - Hello Bully
“Dogs in the ‘bully breed’ classification (e.g., American Pit Bull Terriers, Miniature
Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American
Bull Dogs, Bull Terriers, or mixed breed that have the appearance or characteristics
of one of these breeds).” - PetSmart
It varies from advocacy group to advocacy group!
WHAT IS A PIT BULL?
“It’s important to understand ‘pit bull’ is not a breed of dog
but, rather a term used to group 3 breeds of dog: the
American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and
the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.” - PBRC, “Pit Bulls: The Real
Deal”
“The term ‘Pitbull’ is often used loosely to describe 4 breeds
of dog: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American
Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the
Bull Terrier.” - PBRC, “Pitbull Handout”
It even varies WITHIN advocacy groups!
“PIT BULL” IS AN ARBITRARY LABEL
AND IS NOT A BREED
"Pit bull" is not a breed or breed mix, but an ever expanding
group that includes whatever an animal control officer, shelter
worker, dog trainer, politician, dog owner, police officer or
newspaper says it is.”
- Animal Farm Foundation
“It is my professional opinion that this group of dogs *pit bulls+
must be the most genetically diverse dog ‘breed’ on the planet…
I’m not sure what a “pit bull characteristic” is because the term pit
bull does not refer to any specific breed of dog.”
- Kristopher Irizarry, PhD, Assistant Professor, Western University,
College of Veterinary Medicine
“The term ‘Pit-bull’ does not refer to a single or recognized breed of
dog, but rather to a genetically diverse group of *dogs+.”
- Wisdom Panel DNA Tests
PART TWO:
BREEDS & BEHAVIOR
FACT: 75% OF SHELTER DOGS ARE
MIXED-BREEDS
“At my shelter, 53%
of the dogs are
labeled pit bulls.”
“Gosh! At my
shelter, 94% of the
dogs are labeled
pit bulls!”
“Shelters can label dogs
however they want, but
they can only know one
thing with certainty: all of
them are 100% dog!”
Many of these dogs are
labeled as “pit bulls” or “pit bull mixes”
simply because of their appearance.
VISUAL BREED IDENTIFICATION IS
UNRELIABLE & USUALLY WRONG
A very small percentage of a dog’s DNA
determines his entire physical appearance.
Dogs who look alike don’t always share DNA.
Also, DNA does not always manifest in
physical appearances.
According to DNA tests, both of these
dogs are 12.5 to 24% Golden Retriever
Studies found that when adoption agencies guess the breed mixes of shelter dogs,
they are wrong 75% of the time.*
* V. Voith, et al, “Comparison of Adoption Agency Identification and DNA Breed Identification of Dogs,” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, July 2009.
IT‟S IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT BEHAVIOR
BASED ON BREED OR APPEARANCE
“There is no behavior that is unique to one kind of dog.”
- Aimee Sadler, Behavior & Training Program Director, Longmont Humane Society (Colorado)
“When people look fondly at the breed they fancy or angrily at the
one they fear and say to me, ‘They’re not like other dogs,’ I remind
my little voice to recite, ‘Well, actually, they kind of are.”
- Janis Bradley, “Breeds & Behavior,” The Bark, April/May 2011
MYTHS &
GENERALIZATIONS
(That Will Make Your Job Harder!)
CROPPED EARS OR SCARS SHOULD NOT
BECOME SCARLET LETTERS
Cropped ears are a
fashion statement (or
an attempt at one) and
scars happen for many
reasons.
Neither is a reliable
indicator of past
experience or future
behavior.
Photo: BAD RAP
Photo: Melissa Lipani
Making assumptions
about dogs’ experiences
based on their ears or
scars is unreliable and
provides no useful info.
Don’t rely on urban
myths; get to know dogs
as individuals.
Photo: Aleksandra Gajdeczka
Photo: Melissa Lipani
Photo: Dana Cubbage
PART THREE:
POLICIES & PRACTICES
DON‟T LET LIABILITY HYSTERIA KEEP
YOU FROM SENDING DOGS HOME!
In a misguided effort to manage liability, some agencies refuse to
adopt out certain breeds of dogs, or place blanket restrictions on
adoptions of certain breeds.
You will fulfill your mission and manage risk when you:
•
•
•
•
OBSERVE the dog while in your care;
DOCUMENT your observations;
DISCLOSE known facts, and stick to the facts; and
TRANSFER ownership to the new owner.
If shelters observe, document, disclose and transfer,
they will greatly decrease their chances of
being on the wrong side of a lawsuit, and increase their
ability to adopt out more dogs to loving families.
ELIMINATE “BREED”-SPECIFIC
POLICIES & PRACTICES
“Breed”-Specific (or “Breed”-Discriminatory)
Legislation does not work at the political level.
Special policies & practices that only apply to
“pit bull” dogs do not work – and are not
needed – at the shelter level either.
Dogs are individuals. Don’t discriminate.
DISCRIMINATORY SHELTER POLICIES include:
• Special applications
• Special screening processes (e.g., home checks, background checks)
• Restrictions on adopters (e.g., no kids, no other dogs, no cats,
experienced owners only, no same-sex adoptions)
• Mandatory training for adopters
• Extra requirements for volunteers to work with “pit bull” dogs
Link: http://vimeo.com/26728078
WANTING A PIT BULL IS NOT A CRIME
“Home checks” and
“background checks” can
alienate adopters
and create a
negative vibe.
They also reinforce
the notion that
“pit bull” dogs need
different treatment
or are a liability.
Instead, consider
doing “home-based
meet and greets”
or “home deliveries.”
These can be done on
a case-by-case basis,
as needed, instead of
a blanket practice for
everyone. Keep the
process respectful.
“Pit bull” dog adoption does not require different screening
processes. What works for the other animals in your care
works for the “pit bull” dogs, too.
FIND REASONS TO ADOPT,
NOT EXCUSES TO REJECT!
Fridge was happiest sitting on the
couch, but did NOT like being alone.
Paul was a cross-country truck driver
who was rejected from shelters
because he’s on the road often.
Animal Farm adopted Fridge to Paul.
They travel the country together on
Paul’s couch-on-wheels. Fridge is
never alone. Paul has a co-pilot.
FACT: Fridge has peed in 36 states!
Animal Farm pulled another dog to
fill Fridge’s space.
EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED!
Justin, & Emily: First-Time Dog Owners
Requiring experience for
all “pit bull” dogs
unnecessarily restricts
adoption matches.
Get to know each dog individually and support
adopters as needed. Individualized support is far
more helpful than blanket restrictions & policies.
DOGS CAN‟T READ BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Kids are individuals,
just like dogs.
Don’t rule out matches by
assigning blanket age
restrictions.
Provide info on dog/child
interactions to all adopters.
www.dogsandstorks.com
PART FOUR:
ENRICHMENT & LAYOUT
INTEGRATE, DON‟T SEGREGATE!
Photo: BAD RAP
When “pit bull” dogs
are segregated in the
shelter, people
assume they’re
different.
“Different” can
appear deviant,
which scares away
adopters.
Mix in “pit bull” dogs
throughout your
adoption floor,
especially next to
white-n-fluffies!
GREETERS AIN‟T JUST FOR WALMART!
“Hello, and welcome
to our shelter!
How can I help you?”
“We have plenty of
friendly dogs to
choose from…
like me!
Photo: Deirdre Franklin
Have your most outgoing, well
behaved “pit bull” dog in the
front lobby as a “greeter.” First
impressions stick, so why not
make it a friendly “pit bull” dog?!
Bonus Points: Give him a
special uniform, bandana, or
collar to wear, or decorate his
crate with a sign. Don’t forget
his business cards!
TEACH THE DOGS PARLOUR TRICKS
PRAY FOR THE PIT BULLS
WANT TO BE FRIENDS?
LET’S SHAKE ON IT
Teach your dogs tricks to
perform for adopters. This
creates an instant
connection and helps your
“pit bull” dogs stand out.
HIGH-FIVE IF YOU THINK
THIS ADOPTER SEEMS NICE
Examples include: wave
hello, high five, “pray for
the pit bulls,” blow kisses,
press the easy button,
and dance.
Link: http://vimeo.com/26728671
DON‟T GIVE AWAY FREE LUNCHES!
Photo: Nevada Humane Society
Many dogs enjoy These exercise their minds Buy work-to-eat
working for their
and keep them busy for
toys online, or
food, so feed them
longer periods of time.
make your own
using work-to-eat
USE THEM DURING
using materials
toys.
ADOPTION HOURS!
you already have.
PLAYGROUPS!
Photo: BARCS Pit Crew
•
•
•
•
•
Photo: BARCS Pit Crew
USE PLAYGROUPS TO:
Burn off physical and mental energy (tired dogs will show better in their
kennels!);
Get to know dogs’ personalities better & make better adoption matches;
Decrease cage-cleaning time & increase time spent with dogs;
Dispel myths about “pit bull” dogs & promote positive images to
adopters/rescues; and
Engage (and retain!) volunteers in meaningful activities.
SOME DOGS DO BEST WITH A JOB
Get to know sports dog clubs (agility,
disc, obedience), police departments,
search & rescue, assistance dog, and
therapy dog programs.
Let their members know when you
have a candidate for their program.
Also promote dogs’ special skills to
adopters/rescues. Take videos!
PART FIVE:
MARKETING &
CUSTOMER SERVICE
HAPPINESS SELLS; SADNESS REPELS!
Adoptions increase when shelters
highlight the potential of the
human/canine bond, instead of focusing
on when that bond has failed.
Help adopters envision themselves with
a new “pit bull” dog companion.
Market potential, not pathetic.
USE PICTURES TO “CREATE A SCENE”
& DISPEL MYTHS
STOP
taking
this
picture:
START
taking
these
instead:
Photo: Heather Gutshall
Effective adoption photos are more
than just pictures; they are scenes that
tell a story and dispel myths.
Create scenes that help adopters
envision the dog in their home.
Photo: BAD RAP
Photo: Melissa Lipani
INCLUDE PEOPLE IN ADOPTION PHOTOS
Photo: Aleksandra Gajdeczka
Photo: Melissa Lipani
Photo: Aleksandra Gajdeczka
Even just a hand or
a foot makes
all the difference!
TAKE
PICTURES AT
CITY
LANDMARKS
& HOTSPOTS
People love seeing
dogs in recognizable
places.
PS: You’ll probably
make friends during
the photo shoot…so
bring business cards!
Photo: WHS Pit Crew
Photo: Melissa Lipani
Photo: Melissa Lipani
USE COSTUMES & PROPS TO CATCH EYES!
We don’t mind.
We swear.
Photo: Melissa Lipani
Photo: BARCS Pit Crew
Photo: Nevada Humane Society
VIDEOS!
Dogs that have videos are viewed more often on
Petfinder. Ask donors to sponsor the cost of video
cameras (or buy refurbished ones online for less $$).
• Close-up shots are best!
• When possible, get down on the dog’s level (instead of
shooting over top of him).
• Film the dogs in everyday scenes (e.g., walking down a
street, going to the store, riding in a car).
• Show the dog interacting with people (especially kids!)
and, if possible, other animals.
• If you’re short on time, make one video that features multiple dogs and use it for
all of them.
• Include upbeat & recognizable songs in videos. If music is not an option, play the
radio in the background. When music is not an option, avoid off-putting
background noise (e.g., loud barking, background conversations).
• Use free video-sharing websites (e.g., You Tube, Vimeo) to share the videos
online.
Link: http://www.vimeo.com/24902504
ALWAYS CARRY BUSINESS CARDS
Make business cards for individual dogs or for your
shelter/rescue. Have them on hand at all times! Consider
adding pockets to “Adopt Me” vests so dogs can carry their own
cards at adoption events.
THE POWER OF BLING!
Photo: Collar Mania
Create/buy REUSABLE, collars, or bandanas for dogs to wear,
especially at adoption events.
RESPECT YOUR ELDERS!
Older “pit bull” dogs
(aka “Golden Bulls or
Elderbulls”) are a unique
marketing opportunity to
dispel myths and fears.
Emphasize each one’s
companion dog qualities
and strengths. Older dogs
are a diverse group; each
dog ages differently!
Remember that some
dogs look older than
they are, and vice
versa.
Always market their
potential, not their
decline!
PROMOTE STAFF WITH “PIT BULL” DOGS
Make a poster for your lobby and your website promoting all the
staff who own “pit bull” dogs. Show a range of people and dogs.
PROMOTE YOUR SHELTER/RESCUE
AS AN ADOPTION OPTION
$29.99/100 coasters at
www.shindigz.com
(“Create-a-coaster”)
Trading Cards of
Alumni Dogs
Posters &
Banners
In addition to promoting individual dogs, create tools to promote the idea of your
shelter/rescue as an adoption option. Give them to businesses, restaurants, schools,
past adopters, etc. Ask the media to donate advertising space, allow you to use
unsold space to advertise, and/or post them online.
EDUCATE HOMEOWNERS/RENTERS &
PROMOTE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
Photo: BAD RAP
Many large insurance companies Promote rental properties who don’t
will cover “pit bull” dogs. Inform
discriminate against “pit bull” dogs.
potential adopters and existing pet
Feature them on your website, in
owners of their options.
your lobby, etc.
PART SIX:
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
KEEP PIT BULLS ON THE DOG BUS
“Pit bull” dogs are just dogs, so
help them be viewed that way!
Integrate them into adoption
events & marketing promotions
along with everyone else.
STRUT YOUR
DOGS AT EVERY
OPPORTUNITY!
Photo: BARCS Pit Crew
Parades/festivals are a great way
to showcase your most outgoing
“pit bull” dogs, who will direct
people back to the shelter.
Pass out cards with your shelter’s
name & contact info.
YOU DON‟T HAVE TO BE AN
EVENT PLANNER
Special adoption events are great, but they can be labor
intensive, and they don’t always reach new audiences.
Instead, bring dogs to community events that are already planned
(e.g., festivals, sports leagues, flea/farmers markets).
Or, just walk them around town or take them out to dinner! Many
people are more drawn to dogs in “regular” settings.
To reach people who prefer not to visit the shelter,
bring dogs to the same location every week (e.g., pet
shops, parks, gyms). Your regular presence will
become a satellite shelter to the public.
DON’T FORGET “ADOPT ME” VESTS/BLING AND BUSINESS CARDS!
OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION
FOR ALL DOGS
Photo: Melissa Lipani
Provide opportunities for ALL dog owners (not just “pit bull” dogs)
to train their dogs and correct unwanted behaviors:
• Offer low-cost or free training classes
• Have volunteers run behavior hotlines/emails
• Mentor new dog owners and foster parents
• Provide scholarships for low-income dog owners
• Offer CGC or CLASS programs and exams
HOST SEMINARS FOR RESCUE GROUPS &
FOSTER PARENTS
Help rescues and foster parents develop their individual strengths,
interests, and resources. By helping to pair each one with the most
appropriate dogs, they can end up saving more lives (instead of
burning out, emotionally or financially).
EMPOWER RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS
Host regular Community Pet Day events to offer affordable and accessible services
(basic vet care & vaccinations, spay/neuter, training, collars & leashes).
Provide these services in a mutually respectful environment.
CONCLUSION
Every dog is an individual. We will increase adoptions
by allowing each dog to speak for himself, free of
stereotypes, generalizations, and assumptions.
If you could
please unwrap
my tongue, I’ll
do the talking.
Thanks!
Thank you for providing equal treatment &
opportunity for every dog!
For more information, please visit:
ANIMAL FARM FOUNDATION
WEBSITE: www.animalfarmfoundation.org
EMAIL: info@animalfarmfoundation.org