Leah Brewer | for rrspin.com

First, let me say, a Pit Bull is not for everyone.

They are terriers and can be a handful for the first time pet owner, or someone not familiar with this powerful breed.

With their stubborn and lively attitude comes a personality that cannot be matched.

I have owned and been around many breeds of dogs in my life, but none have touched my heart like the American Pit Bull Terrier. Their true devotion and unconditional love for their master is phenomenal.

I feared this breed originally because like most people, I knew only what was negatively covered by the news media about them. When I met my husband Eric over 18 years ago he owned a pit bull named Axel. That dog was a clown, he was so funny and very playful which really surprised me because I never knew this side of the breed before. Just after meeting this wonderful dog, tragically his life was shortened way too soon.

Baron was a very influential part of my experience with pit bulls in the beginning, and there will not be another one like him. He was a gift for Eric on our first anniversary. At 3 months he was attacked by a stray dog in the neighborhood and lost his left eye. After his eye injury he became our first indoor dog and there was no looking back.

He became a part of the family and changed our lives. We had Baron for almost 16 years and he was an amazing dog. Very calm, gentle and a loving couch potato.

Everyone who met Baron fell in love with him because of his sweet nature. He was great with kids, and virtually anyone he met was his best friend.

He was good around other dogs too, unless the other dog displayed aggression. Baron was 100 percent devoted to Eric. I was able to witness the unbelievable bond that developed  between them.

Life with Baron changed my perception and I now feel my purpose is to protect and feature the positive side of this amazing breed.

Vader, a German shepherd, became a part of the family 5 years after getting Baron. Getting Vader as a puppy, allowed both dogs to develop a relationship and become best friends.

Proper socialization and introduction is the key to a happy household. I did some obedience training with Vader, and he was a natural. I always felt the working drive with Vader, but never the loving bond like Eric had with Baron. I did not do any obedience training with Baron, because I was not aware of the breed’s potential at the time.

Because of my lack of knowledge and fear of a negative dog encounter, Baron spent most of his time safe at home.

Reesey, a terrier and Chihuahua mix, literally blew in with hurricane Floyd. She was about 4 months old and homeless.

She afraid of everything and everyone. She became a part of the family a year after getting Vader. With much work and help from Baron and Vader, she finally came around. She still gets a little fearful of people she doesn't know, but she has come a long way. Baron and Vader loved her from the very beginning.

They were very tolerant of her little-dog syndrome because she would always try to take charge. They let her think she was the big dog.

Sadly, we had to say good-bye to Baron and Vader after many wonderful years. They taught me plenty and I will never forget them.

After watching countless Cesar Milan videos, reading books and many hours of research on the Internet, I became aware of the possibilities that could be achieved with this breed. I was amazed that Daddy, Cesar's pit bull, could be around other pit bulls within a pack and they were not trying to fight each other.

Wallace won the Flying Disc National Champion after being saved from euthanasia and Capone, owned by Leri Hanson, has the super dog title, and the only pit bull in history to earn levels in French and Mondio ring sports.

So with Bruno and Elle, I apply the tools that I have learned. They have grown up together from puppyhood and live with a great formula courtesy of Milan — exercise, discipline and then affection.

With Elle, socialization has been the key. She goes everywhere and even has some other canine friends.

She only meets other dogs in a controlled environment. A well educated pit bull owner should know, never let them off leash outside of the home. True to the breed, she has a very bubbly, friendly nature and now volunteers as a therapy dog for the community.

With Bruno, he is always under Eric's watchful eye. They are best friends and most days can be found walking on the canal trail. Eric has even taught Bruno, with the help of a Kong ball, how to swim to the bottom of the pool 8 feet deep. He loves to entertain our guests.

I can now say I know how it feels to have a true bond with a canine friend. Elle gives me so much in this crazy life. She gives me unconditional love when she rests her head in my lap when I am sad. She shows me devotion because she is always by my side no matter what I am doing. She makes me happy because she is full of life and loves whatever she is doing. She is a motivator, always waking me up for her morning walk. Her fun loving attitude is contagious, and I hope I give her much more in return.

When I hear about a dog fighting incident, I am deeply saddened. I will never understand how a human being can put a dog through something like that. I have seen videos and pictures that were truly horrible. I will never forget those images. That being said, pit bulls are who they are. They come from a fighting background. They are the gladiators of the dog world. As a responsible owner I am aware of that background, understand their nature, and redirect that intensity. A pit bull is the world’s most misunderstood breed. They have so much to give if they are just given the chance.

The balance occurs when that intensity is redirected with another activity. Through discipline, training, and exercise they can release that build up of energy and excitement.

There are not many things that you can do to physically drain a dog’s energy when they are young and in excellent shape. Going on regular walks every day is important for socialization and exposure, but it may not be enough to fulfill their needs. Rollerblading is fun, but it’s not for everyone. Swimming is great for summer months, but in the winter a treadmill is a life saver. Treadmills are not just for fighting dogs, many working dogs use them. I once heard an old saying and it stuck, "A tired dog is a happy dog."

Training can increase that bond and help you connect with them on a whole new level. You can see them thinking and processing what you are asking of them. They are really intelligent and it may surprise you what they can do. The canine good citizen program or basic obedience classes are a great place to start and see where it takes you from there.

Dogs need for you to tell them what you want. They also need structure and discipline. It is healthy for dogs to have boundaries and limitations, which will create trust and respect. You can show them what is allowed and what is not, all they need is some direction.

All dog owners should be educated about their choice of breed. Get the breed of dog that bests suits your situation or your family. Having a pet as a part of your life is a privilege and a lifetime responsibility.