For being outside, begin with the animal codes for the jurisdiction in which you live. It is possible that such codes will define the minimum requirements for your dog. The dog house should be large enough for the dog to stand on all four paws and turn around without touching the walls. Depending on your climate the dog house should be insulated for heat and cold. Fencing should be a minimum of 6 feet above the ground and also go into the ground to stop digging. This is an active dog, it will need toys to play with. A rope (heavily knotted at the lower end) should hang in the center for the dog to grab and hang on to.
Make sure that your dog is micro-chipped so that you have a better chance to get him back if lost, stolen or gets away. Even though you have the fence your dog may still get out. I have seen dogs climb fences and even little ones jump high enough to grab the top and pull themselves over.
However, let me suggest that what your dog needs is constant contact with people, in particular your family. Dogs kept outside are more likely to enter into antisocial behavior. Your breed of dog is very strong as an adult and extremely focused on what it wants to do.
You should immediately find a local trainer and begin classes for basic obedience. The dog should live with you in the house and be part of meeting visitors. If you are going to just keep the dog outside, I suggest that you find a new home for it and get a turtle for a pet.
I suggest that those who are making negative comments about Pit Bulls do some research. There is not a single “valid” study which defines any breed of dog as mean or aggressive simply because it is that breed. Obviously there are individual dangerous dogs, but that is very different from there being an aggressive breed. It is the owner who has no real understanding of what a dog is, why it behaves in certain ways, and makes no effort to get professional training, that is the real problem.
2006-06-26 11:30:36
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answer #1
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answered by Randy 7
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A tall fence and stern (but loving) training is what worked for my Pittie. If your dog is like mine and can get out of anything, pairing a strong running line and a fence is good. Make sure that the line doesn't reach the fence, though, and that the cable AND the clasps are strong enough to withstand a determined dog. I'd do this for any large dog, else he or she would hang his or her self.
As for environment, aside from taking your dog inside or on daily, social excursions, shade, water, and toys ar a must. I've read that Pit Bulls (as well as many other dogs) like to have a springpole (or a knotted rope attached to a tree) for cheap, durable toys.
Springpoles will not make your dog aggressive, and may provide stress relief.
Don't make your dog live its life in the backyard, though. It needs socialization and discipline (Pit Bulls can be very hardheaded, in all senses of the term) for all of their lives. They are high-maintenance and energetic, and idle paw are indeed the devil's workshop!
2006-06-28 17:28:22
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answer #2
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answered by paleozoictraveler 2
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People who are not educated on pitt bulls really should not answer question about them.
1. Pitt bulls are lovers, cuddlers, and big babies, complete isolation outside will cause them to become bored, depressed, and begin to cause trouble. It also seperates you from them and bullies need a lot of socialization.
2. A tall wooden fence would be best, they are good jumpers, and climbers so mid-waist chain link fences wouldn't do.
3. No dog should be chained. It restricts their movements, is a health hazard (could choke to death, break it's leg from getting tangled up, etc.). Make sure that he has a collar on at all time with identification, or microchip him.
4. Provide protection from weather, cold, hot, wind, rain, and water supply - don't let it get stagnant.
5. Pitt bulls get bored easy- a tire swing, rope, something that will entertain the dog is a must.
6. Lock up your property so stray people will not just enter your yard. Bullies are extremely territorial, a dog warning sign would be good too.
2006-06-26 19:26:57
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answer #3
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answered by MissTeach 1
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I have a chain fence and a invisible fence inside it. I only did this so my neighbors felt more secure. It's best to have a fence that is 5-6 feet tall. My dogs like to dig so the invisible fence keeps them from digging under the other fence. Don't chain your dog in the yard. I feel very strongly that chaining a dog to a stake does make them meaner. As far as entertainment there is alot that you can do. I have old tires, firewood, soccer balls, basketballs, ropes, stuffed toys, My dogs are basically house dogs but they play outside alot. I have alot of trees and they chase eachother round.
2006-06-26 20:41:30
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answer #4
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answered by Mommy Pit 3
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hi, i was an owner of pits for years till i moved to Germany and they don't let "Americans" have pit bulls here... grrr them.. sry ok u will need to have a good fencing... we had metal fencing all around the gates and we always had to keep our dogs separated... when we took our dogs for walks most people would get a lil scared and step aside so we can go by...lol... u have to keep them on a leash like all the rest of the dogs when walking.... here is a site u can check out..... oh and ummm u will love having a pit... we have kids and our dogs was super good with them. my son used to feed our dogs, and also our dogs enjoys giving our kids a ride... we would tie a leash onto a wagon and they will just have sooo much fun....just curious what kind of pit do u have?we used to have a red nose, and a blue brindle, and a all chocolate one... they r great dogs if u treat them good... oh also hang some cow skin on a tree they just love that..
2006-06-26 18:57:50
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answer #5
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answered by Mickey 3
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They are great dogs - do your research and find out - I was amazed at their history - people make the dogs mean and do not properly have their property set up for such an animal. That's why they get out and run amok. (and lack of proper training) And remember, the media just blows the dog attacks out of proportion. Ask mail carriers what dog bites them the most.
Anyway - a high fence at least 8ft high - if you can't get it that high, make sure that you have nothing close to the fence that they could jump up on and hop over. It cannot be made out of wood as he will just chew through it - use metal or brick. The problem with chaining up a strong dog like that is keeping him in the harness. Mine always pulls himself out of it and a collar is just not enough. You may want to consider a dog run on the side of the house using chain-link with a gate at one end. Then let him out when you get home.
2006-06-26 18:42:22
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answer #6
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answered by Wolf 3
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dont listen to these ignorant people with dumb answers. I have my pit in an electrical fence on 2 acres. Hes the best dog ive had, pits are very smart and loyal. They love toys so when you buy them get ones that will last no cheap toys. I recommend KONGS or a nylabone they call the Galelio, also I leave another toy called the indestructible ball outside. Its very hard so it could put a hole in your wall if you put it inside. As for your question I keep him outside in an electrical fence during the day and at night I bring him inside too sleep in a kennel. When they are outside though you need to spend alot of time with him/her and play with them, pitbulls are very high energy dogs and when they have alot of energy bundled up they can be destructive to your property. Good luck with your new pitbull!!
2006-06-26 18:33:53
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answer #7
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answered by kgsm 1
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A regular fence would be fine. A LOT of these comments are ignorant but treat the pit as if it were a regular big dog. Treat & train him well. People think that pit bulls are violent dogs, but they're not. It's how you train them. I have 4 pit bulls and they are the most loving dogs.
2006-06-26 18:28:13
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answer #8
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answered by AhhBoo 3
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Well, I believe in keeping your dog indoors. It's o.k. for them to be outside in a fenced backyard "playing" but not living out there. But if your going to do that anyways. It will cost allot of money but if you want a semi-happy dog you will need to build a concrete based area. I'm guessing 25 x 50 ft. at least. It needs to have a little "ditch around the perimeter so that rain and feces can be washed away. You need to provide a weather proof dog house with a door on it in the winter time. Make sure he has a comfy bed. Extend fencing at least 12 feet past this area so the dog can lay in the sun or roll in the grass. Over the concrete area, you need to top the fencing a tarp-like material. It will allow rain to pass through but will provide shade and prevent leaves from falling in there. Make sure you dog's water is changed daily and that he always has plenty of food. Be sure to put in plenty of toys also. The fencing needs to go into the ground at least 4 Ft. I know this sounds like allot of trouble but if you want to keep your dog happy outside this is what you need to consider and this is just a bare minimum. Please take your dog on long walks and play with him everyday. It is easy to "forget" about your friend who is outside all of the time. Just take into consideration that a dog should be treated like a family member, would you stick your daughter in a pen?
2006-06-26 18:33:12
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answer #9
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answered by Kayylee 3
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I see alot of people are saying to bring him inside and that would have been me a few years ago but circumstances have caused me to make my one time couch potatoe pitty into a outdoor dog. If i wanted to keep him then this was all I could do. I have to dedicate alot more time to him and make sure he is still treated as one of the family. he is loved on and simply adored. he is great with my kids and believe me. if he showed any sign like even if he nipped if one of my kids stepped on him i would put him down. I would say stay away from chain link. try something that no one can see through that way no one can tease him. they have these real cool little items that you can buy and put treats in that the dog plays with to get the treat to come out. you can get rope toys and other items but from my experience most pittys are sleepers. when there is no reason to play they sleep. so just make sure to make him a part of your family and make sure he knows you are the boss. Pitbulls are not bad dogs, it depends on breeding and the person that owns them.
2006-06-26 23:37:16
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answer #10
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answered by melissa s 4
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