I had dogs all my life and when I got married and moved in with my husband I started missing having a dog in my life.

We started going to shelters because I wanted to adopt a dog and I wasn’t searching for a specific breed.

We faced few complications and the adoption didn’t happen. I knew that there is a reason why at that time I couldn’t adopt any of the dogs I wanted and just few weeks later I saw Nala on social media.

When I read that she is a Pit Bull puppy I was scared that she might end up in wrong hands and just seeing her innocent face and thinking that she might be chained or used for fights made me realize that she is my dog. She is the dog that I need more than she needs me.

That same day she became the light in our life.

Have you developed a strong friendship with Nala?

I will not be wrong if I say that the connection we have is beyond any friendship I’ve ever had.

Nala is a best friend and a family member.

She comes with us on summer and winter holidays and she is my hiking buddy.

Nala's personality in general?

Sweet. Very sweet girl  She loves to cuddle which I’m really happy about.

One thing I can’t train her is not to be that happy when she sees a person she likes 

The tail is one thing but she is licking that person’s face so hard that you can’t help but laugh

When she want’s to go outside and play she is literally begging with those sad puppy eyes and crying.

How does Nala behave with other dogs?

She is very friendly with any dog.

Although I must say that she is very socialized as I take her every day to the dog park and let her interact with all the dogs there.

Socialization is very important for any dog no matter the breed type.

Your opinion on breed memory in the PitBulls?

I have heard about it but I refuse to believe that theory. If you ask me everything depends from the owner.

Pit Bulls are highly intelligent dogs and one of the most loyal dogs that will do absolutely anything to satisfy the owner.

 What would you recommend to those who want to take a Pitbull for the first time?

 

 Pit Bulls are amazing and loyal family dogs but, I will not advise someone who can’t be committed to exercise twice a day and work on socializing and obedience as these are very powerful dogs.

I am not talking about aggression as that is something that any breed can develop if not treated properly. I am talking about lots of energy that needs to be spent in quality walks and running or playing with other dogs.

In your opinion, can a Pitbull be purchased / adopted without the need for an expert educator or can it be trained even by the owner only?

Absolutely yes! Pit Bulls are highly trainable dogs.

As I said before they will do anything to please you and for example for Nala that is the interaction with me and doing a command. When I tell her to ‘’sit’’ she will look me in the eyes and shake from happiness that she did something good, something I told her to

When I say ‘’Well done Nala’’ you can tell that she is very happy

I am not a professional and yet she knows basic commands like sit, shake, lay down, come back… She knows that she needs to wait before crossing a street until I say “go”, she waits before she eats her food until I tell her that she can, and lots of commands that make my life easier

So you don’t need a professional as long as you are patient and determined.

Also use treats

 What would you say to those who say that the Pitbull is a bad and aggressive dog?

 

 First of all I have to point out that the people who say these things have never owned a Pit Bull type dog!

It is very ignorant to judge someone or something because of what you read or heard.

If these dogs were aggressive as they say than how come even after a dog fight they have never attacked their owner. The same owner who drugged and brutalized them earlier that day before throwing them in the ring.

It is very sad what is behind the reputation of these dogs. When I started doing my research I cried for days.

These dogs have seen the worst of human nature and they have no reason to trust us, they have been betrayed over and over again and yet not only that they want to be with but they want to heal us. They are great therapy dogs!

You either love them or you just don’t know them.

9 out od 10 people will give me a negative comment when I walk her around.

But Nala is great Pit Bull ambassador and we are managing to turn at least half of them to listen, understand and fall in love.

 What rating would you rate this breed from 1 to 10?

 

 100! I grew up with dogs since I can remember but living with a pit bull is a whole other experience.

 

 In your experience, can a Pit Bull live in peace with other different breeds?

 

 I don’t have any problems with Nala interacting with any other breed.

Every dog has its own character and personality so maybe just slow introduction before making a decision will help the process.

Which of these qualities best identifies Nala? Strength , Courage, Loyalty, Intelligence, Sweetness.

I know I will sound like a typical dog mom but I have to say all of them.

Faced with a danger that threatens you how would Nala behave?

Luckily, I have never had a situation like that but there were few times when she felt like I was in danger and tried to guard and protect me

This is when good training comes helpful and once I repeat “nothing…nothing” and kiss her face she comes down immediately.

Interview of 15/01/2020