chewbecca
Posted : 8/24/2006 1:24:04 PM
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.