Can a pit bull be a service dog? The Truth about Most Controversial Dogs!

Yes, a pit bull can be a service dog. But you still have to follow the rules that control all service dogs. Despite the stigma, they can make great service dogs! Appropriately trained and socialized pit bulls can have a good temperament towards children and other animals. But there are some considerations if you’re thinking of adopting a pit bull or similar dog for service work.

Facts & Breed Legislation about Pit Bull as Service Dogs

Service Dogs-An Overview
Pitbull Temperament
Pitbull as a Service Dog
Laws and Regulations
Training Pitbull for Service Fog
Qualifications if Pitbulls should be Service Dogs
Pitbulls are Banned in Certain Areas!
Challenges of a Pitbull as a Service Dog

Service Dogs-An Overview

A service dog is precisely skilled to complete responsibilities that assist and improve the life of someone who has a disability. Service dogs work with people who have medical conditions or physical limitations. These include visual impairments, hearing impairments, seizure disorders, mobility issues and psychiatric conditions.

The best service dog breeds are typically large dogs that can handle a lot of training and activity. However, there isn’t one specific breed best for all situations. Many small breeds are just as good as larger breeds. It is important to look at what the person needs and then find a dog that can meet those needs. According to Micah Coyle from K9 Rocks the best dog breeds for service dogs are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Poodles. {{{1}}} {{{2}}}

Pitbull Temperament

Pitbulls are generally considered the most dangerous dog breeds in the world. They were initially bred for bull-baiting. But they are also very loyal and friendly; hence, they make excellent service dogs. Many Pitbull breeds can be chosen as service dogs. These include the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Boston Terrier. {{{3}}}

These dogs have a sturdy intellect of faithfulness toward their owners, and they are not afraid to protect them if they feel threatened. They also have a tendency to be very defensive of children in general because they see them as vulnerable members of society who need protection from outside threats such as criminals or other animals that might pose a danger to them. {{{4}}}

Pitbull as a Service Dog

Pit bulls can make excellent service dogs as it is easy to train, and it’s a low maintenance dog
Alerting a handler if someone is approaching from behind
Acting as a “seeing-eye dog” for a person who is blind or visually impaired
Carrying items for a disabled person
Pit bulls are “nanny” dogs because they are so good with children. They’ll instinctively cuddle.
Pitbulls can be used as service dogs and are specifically trained to help those with special needs (e.g., children with autism). {{{5}}} {{{6}}}

Laws and Regulations

The Americans with Disabilities Act says that it doesn’t matter what breed a dog is, as long as the dog’s owner has been trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Pit bulls are not prohibited from being service dogs or emotional support animals. If your pitbull dog has been trained to perform tasks that assist you with your disability, it may qualify as a service dog. {{{7}}}

However, some Pitbulls can seem somewhat aggressive, which could be a problem depending on how you intend to use the dog in public. A dog that has shown aggressive behavior in the past may be disqualified from continuing as a service dog. {{{ 8}}}

Training Pitbull for Service Dog

A well-trained service dog can improve the lifestyle of a disabled individual by providing mobility support, performing tasks and giving the owner a companion. Nevertheless, pit bulls require a lot of training and socializing to develop into ideal service dogs.

For your pit bull to become an ideal service dog, you need to begin the training procedure at young stage when the dog is still malleable. You can take your dog to puppy classes where it will learn basic commands such as “sit”, “come” and “stay”. For example, if you want your pit bull to fetch things for you, such as your slippers or remote control opening doors, turning lights on and off and even pulling wheelchairs, you should teach it how to retrieve items from the ground or a shelf.

Qualifications if Pitbulls should be a Service Dog

Two main things need to be true of every dog to qualify as a service dog:

The dog is trained to perform specific tasks for its handler. {{{9}}}
The dog must be under control in public.

The idea of a pit bull as a service dog is gaining traction in some areas. A few organizations train pit bulls as service dog, specifically targeting those who have disabilities and can benefit from having one by their side at all times. Pit Bulls aren’t known for being aggressive toward people, but they can be aggressive toward other dogs if provoked or threatened by another animal’s existence in their territory.

Pitbulls are Banned in Certain Areas!

Because of their reputation and because many states have enacted breed-specific legislation that bans or restricts pit bulls, pit bull owners often encounter problems taking their dogs into public places.
Most airlines and some landlords refuse to allow them on their property.
Many commercial insurance providers will not write homeowners insurance policies if a pit bull is on the premises.
If your pitbull is well behaved, most people will not have any problem with you bringing him everywhere you go. If your pitbull is aggressive or misbehaved, getting him places could cause problems for you and your dog. {{{10}}}

Challenges of a Pitbull as a Service Dog

Pitbulls have a strong prey drive and strong jaws that make them excellent hunters. It can make them dangerous if they see small children or animals as prey.
Pitbulls don’t always get along well with other dogs, so they may be aggressive toward other dogs in public settings, putting their handlers at risk for injury.
Pitbulls are vigorous and energetic, making them difficult to control in certain situations.
Additionally, many people find them intimidating and may react negatively to their presence.

The American Pit Bull as a Service Dog

The American Pit Bull is one of the breeds that can make great service dogs if they have the right personality and temperament. It is a powerful breed known for having a powerful bite, but it can also be very sweet-natured and loyal when adequately socialized with people from an early age. When a well-trained dog does not pose any danger whatsoever to its handler or anyone else in its vicinity because it’s protective instincts are directed towards those whom it loves rather than strangers.