Survey: How to get more pitbulls adopted

Perhaps it varies by geography, but in my area people are very resistant to adopting pit bulls and mixes. I have Emmett and Cooper out, and I get stopped all the time by people asking me why I adopted pit mixes. Yesterday, I had Emmett at Starbucks, and a woman said, "I'd never trust one." I don't think it's the shelters that have the marketing problem - it's the dogs themselves. The only way to combat that is education. If shelters could offer adoption seminars, better adoption counseling, and so on, it might help. But until insurance companies will cover the breed, until landlords will rent to owners of the breed, I don't think shelters can do a whole lot to combat the stereotypes that are perpetuated everywhere else.

People who adopt pitbulls and pitbull mixes from the Humane Society in my area receive an 8-week training pass to use with their adopted pooch. According to their website, "Our goal is to match exceptional pit bulls with really committed dog owners. With the unfortunate negative reputation of the pit bull, it is important that adopters commit to on-going training and socialization to ensure a well-mannered and friendly dog-- a dog that will showcase the positive attributes of the pit bull."

I'm not sure how effective it is in getting these dogs adopted because I do not volunteer with the organization. However, I think this is a good step in the right direction. What a great way for a new adopter to socialize and bond with his dog.

I've seen a lot of advertisements for pit bulls who are due to be pts over the following days, and many of the pictures are absolutely shocking quality. Lots are blurred, even more don't show the dog properly and are masked by the bars of their kennel. Personally, I believe that if rescues had access to some sort of photographer or even just a decent camera, their adoption rates would skyrocket. I also believe that rescues should hold more fundraising days, which involve getting the dogs out into the public and showing them off basically! I've heard so many horror stories of pit bulls that have just been completely disregarded by everybody because they're hidden away in one of the far off kennels and their information just isn't displayed clearly enough.

Look forward to hearing your suggestions. In Australia, we have 'staffy types' that are the abundant dogs, in home and in shelters. I have one in care at the moment and despite advertising him how I normally do (PetRescue, Gumtree, Facebook sharable-image), I have had no (zero) enquiries in 10 days. The last dog I listed was a small working breed type and I had 4 enquiries within 24 hours!

Here's his profile for your interest! http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/233368 (I think he'd probably be called a pittie type in the USA?)

My apartment complex doesn't allow "aggressive" dog breeds including pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. I know other apartment complexes in my area have similar rules. Since this lowers the potential adoption pool for these dogs, they're more likely to remain in shelters for longer. Also, I've heard otherwise intelligent, dog-lovers tell me that pit bulls are known to just "snap" and bite people one day. So maybe with more information, breed-specific discrimination wouldn't exist.