Pitt Bulls....

    • Silver

    Pitt Bulls....

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    • Gold Top Dog
    what type of information do you want....
     
    to me they are the most loving, caring dog i've ever known, but too often misunderstood....
     
    if you are planning to move, make sure you check Breed Specific Legislation to where you are moving... make sure Pit Bulls are legal.... I'd hate to see you fall in love with a bully then have to get rid of them once you move...
     
    -Tim
    • Gold Top Dog
    Ok, first off, I'm biased because I own a pit mix that I, too, fell in love with when I saw her on a Shelter's website.

    Pits are human loving. I would say (IMO) that pits are the most human loving breed out there. They were BRED to be since the beginning. They were bred to be so human friendly as to allow their handlers to pull them off of other dogs during a dog fight in a pit. If the dogs EVER attacked humans they were either put down or castrated and allowed to never fight again. This was a trait that was bred into them.
    Having said that, ANY dog should be a concern. Especially a dog with an unknown past. The thing with that is though, meet the dog for an introduction. Have the person who handles the dog the most from the shelter be there during the introduction. Along with any trainers or behaviorists that have worked with the dog. Ask about dog aggression or other animal aggression issues.
    Pits are KNOWN for dog aggression. I'm not saying that it always happens, but they are known for it. And it usually doesn't show up until ages 2-5 years, from what I've read.

    Oh, and continue training or start training your pitbull IMMEDIATELY. Pitbulls have a strength that I've NEVER experienced with any other dogs I've ever owned in my life. They're love bugs, honestly, but if they jump on you it will knock you down.
    Pitbulls are known for sensitive skin and food sensitivities. They are NOT good guard dogs. Do not get a pitbull expecting that the dog will guard you or your property.

    They are clumsy, fun, LOYAL, and (in my case anyway) gentle creatures.
    I'm sure you know this already, but in case you don't or just haven't thought about it, know the difference between animal/dog aggression and human aggression.
    If you get this pit mix, don't walk it on into Petco or Petsmart and expect it to be a wonderful experience. I'm not saying you would, just some don't think about that kind of thing.
    Socialize this dog but do it carefully. Start socializing by going to a training class.

    hm...anything else? I can't think of anything right now, but I'm sure others will tell you more.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Actually, depending on what the shelter says about any animal or dog aggression issues, I'd call a trainer/behaviorist and have them come to your home to evaluate your dog. They usually bring one of their own highly trained dogs with them to determine aggression.
    Of course, there are signs to look for, but I don't want to go into all of that especially since I don't know if you already know all of this.
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    • Gold Top Dog

    ORIGINAL: Sapphire04

    Thank you for the information so far!

    Here is the link for the puppy that I'm interested in. [linkhttp://www.indyhumane.org/animals/availabledogs.htm?id=973967]http://www.indyhumane.org/animals/availabledogs.htm?id=973967[/link]

    As far as what type of infomation I was looking for would be : Are they easy to train? Does it vary with each dog, on how well they get along with other dogs and cats?

    I have a 2 1/2 year old dog named Sapphire. We weren't sure if we should get a puppy or an older dog, so they get along.

    Which do you think is best? We would rather have a puppy, but if we find an older dog that we click with, then thats fine too.

    I am just worried about how they are with childern, smaller pets also. I have never had a PB, so I'm doing as much research as I can before we decide.

    Also, if anyone would like to share their stories with their Pitts, that would be great as well!


    As for how they are with children: My pit is AWESOME with my children. It's like she knows they're littler, so she's more gentle with them. BUT, I also met her behaviorist/trainer when we did the introduction. A well-rounded pitbull should be good with EVERY human. But, since you are getting a shelter dog, you would definitely want any children that would be involved in the dog's life consistently, there during the introduction.
    AND THIS: I can't stress this enough. No matter WHAT breed of dog you EVER get, NEVER, EVER leave a child unattended with it.
    That is for the safety of the child AND the dog.

    You may decide to meet the dog more than once.
    I would get a dog, not a puppy. I know puppies are cute and all but they adopt out SO MUCH FASTER than adult dogs. Give an adult dog a chance (in my opinion). Having said that, that dog is ADORABLE and I think you should adopt him. PLUS, being a puppy he MIGHT be easier to socialize and he'll (most likely) get along with your other dog, but training is a must.
    If you take your dog to a Dog Park do not unleash him. Not at first. And watch for signs that your dog is going to get aggressive. Sometimes you can see physical signs. My personal opinion, even if I had a dog park near me I probably wouldn't take Ella to it. I don't want to risk her not getting along with another female dog and I don't want to risk that another dog won't get along with her.
    Meh, I wouldn't even do dog parks until after you've done some training with him and he's been around other dogs in training class.
    The shelter actually gave me paperwork that said to NEVER take a pitbull to a dog park because of their possible dog aggression.
    A puppy might be different though.

    He's SOOO cute. You picked a CUTIE.
    Hurry and go do an introduction and pick that handsome fella up!
    He's waiting for you!


    Unless he's human aggressive or dog aggressive I can't see that you'll EVER regret it!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh, and Ella adopted us, really. Isn't that usually how it works anyway?[:D]
    She's a perfect fit for our family. One of the best decisions I've made in a LONG time.
    We're her life. She falls asleep on the couch with her head tucked under our butts. She is in love with us. As much as we are with her. I couldn't imagine my life without her now.
    • Gold Top Dog
    also, for at least my dog, she never will leave you alone... she just wants to be near you all the time... at times she is an attention hog, but thats cool...
      Also, ;pitts often think they are lap dogs... so be prepared for a 50-75 pound dog on your lap licking you to death...
    • Gold Top Dog
    oh yes.
    Ella is ALWAYS next to me, burying her face behind my butt, putting her paws on my legs when I'm sitting. She follows me from room to room (unless she's passed out sleeping) and she would rather sleep in bed with me than in her crate.

    And that 50-75 lbs of lap dog, is going to be made up of 50-75 lbs of PURE MUSCLE.[:D]
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    • Gold Top Dog
    where are you moving to?
     
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    • Puppy
    Hi there. Pits can make great dogs, but if they are in the wrong hands, can be bad news. We currently have 2 pure-bred pits and 1 pit mix. They are all VERY loyal and loving towards people and other dogs. They are all different though. we have one that is always very laid back and just wants to sleep. We have one that is high strung and wants to go go go. and One that is a little of both, but has a very short temper. They are ALWAYS together unless we are gone, then they are kenneled. DO NOT leave a pit (or any other bully breed) alone with another dog. 99% of the time they will be fine. But Pits can snap for what seems like no reason. We do feed ours together and let them play with toys together, but others will tell you this is a big no no. They are always supervised though. If you are wanting a pit and another dog this is what I would tell you to do.
     
    Bring your current dog to meet the pit BEFORE you buy him. This way you can get an idea of how they act towards each other. After you have the pit just watch them closely. Do not let them be together if no one is home, kennel one of them. If one of them is protective over their food (lots of dogs are, thank god mine arent) then feed them seperatly. Let them play together if they want. But WATCH THEM VERY CLOSELY IF THERE ARE TOYS INVOLVED. This is the most common time a pit will turn. Do not give them any bones or rawhide together. Do not let them play roughly together either. Ours wrestle and all, but once they start chewing on legs and biting each other's tails, they are stoped.
     
    In general Pits can be a handful, as can any dog. Just pay close attention to them while they are interacting and separate them while you are not around.
     
    Also, be aware that pits can JUMP very high - I have seen some clear a 6 foot fence. If they are outside it is best to put them on some sort of lead.
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: Sapphire04

    Thank you for the information so far!

    Here is the link for the puppy that I'm interested in. [linkhttp://www.indyhumane.org/animals/availabledogs.htm?id=973967]http://www.indyhumane.org/animals/availabledogs.htm?id=973967[/link]

    As far as what type of infomation I was looking for would be : Are they easy to train? Does it vary with each dog, on how well they get along with other dogs and cats?

    I have a 2 1/2 year old dog named Sapphire. We weren't sure if we should get a puppy or an older dog, so they get along.

    Which do you think is best? We would rather have a puppy, but if we find an older dog that we click with, then thats fine too.

    I am just worried about how they are with childern, smaller pets also. I have never had a PB, so I'm doing as much research as I can before we decide.

    Also, if anyone would like to share their stories with their Pitts, that would be great as well!

    The information given so far has been very very good.  And kudos to you for doing your research first...
     
    Ok, to answer some of your questions:
     
    Pit Bulls are very easy to train, in that they are people pleasing dogs.  They aim to make you happy.  They are very loyal to their owners, and live to please you. 
     
    You cannot expect a pit bull to get along with other dogs and cats.  This is not to say that it cannot happen, but with this breed, and terriers in general, you need to be aware that dog aggression (referred to as DA) is probable.
    That being said, since there are other dogs involved, I would highly recommend going through a breed specific rescue, and adopting a dog that is 2 years old plus.  Adult dogs are usually just a pleasure, and a rescue can not only give you a dog that does not display dog aggression, but they can also match you with a dog with a personality that will coincide with your dog.  Pit bulls are great dogs, but with the overbreeding that is being done, the dogs are not in the best state right now.  There are a lot of dogs being bred with unstable temperaments, and the best way to be sure is to adopt an older dog with a rock solid temperament.  This will be rewarding in so many ways.
     
    One website that can help you search for a dog in need in your area, or rescues in the area is pbrc.net. 
     
    APBTs and children are a great great mix. They used to be referred to as the nanny dog because of their love and care for children.  I will warn you, however, that a puppy (especially in the 5 mos to a year age span -- and older if not properly trianed) certainly  has the potential to knock over small children.... and then they will lick them to death! 
    I highly recommend obedience training for any dog.
    It is also recommended that you never leave any dog unattended with children. You should supervise play at all times, and separate them when they can't be watched.
     
    A pit bull is a lot of dog.  period.  BUT... they will give you a lot of joy in return!
     
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    You've gotten some good info above!  Also remember--a tired dog is a good dog--bullies need and love exercise!

    Here is a good site for pit info:  [linkhttp://www.badrap.org]www.badrap.org[/link]
     
    ETA:  You pit will be held to a higher standard of behavior than other dogs because he is a pit.  Always remember that.  Training (training classes, at home daily training, etc) is your friend.  Your VERY good friend.  When people look at you and your dog they will form/change/or have their opinions confirmed about our breed.  No pressure--lol[:D].