I have an american bulldog....?

Question

I have an american bulldog/ pit. He is huge. That is why we named him Tank. My boyfriend and I split up so I gave the dog to my buddy. Tank bit his little girl. She was tryin to take of the dogs collar. He wants to put tank down. I told him not to that I would come and get the dog. I have a 4 year old. Should I be worried? Or do you think it was just the change of homes that made him do this?

The dog is only 13 weeks

I am going to put him in obedience. The dog would never bite my kid.

Answer 1

you should put him in an obiedience class. that young he should be taught that biting is NOT ok. When they are pups they are going to nip and bite. I believe there is hope to change his behavior NOW. Puppies learn quick and thrive by getting praise from their owner(s) you need to start training this puppy so he doesnt grow up and get really big and bites someone bc then that would be an even worse situation.

Answer 2

This is a puppy. Although I'd have to see his behavior in person to be sure, I find it HIGHLY unlikely that this puppy bit the little girl out of aggression. Puppies latch on to just about anything they can find until they're trained not to. If this kid was messing with his neck, he likely just started mouthing and nipping (as puppies will) and the clueless adult made it into a "bite".

That said, 2 things:

1. Puppy Kindergarten classes, absolutely. This is great socialization for the puppy, and the instructor will show you how to train him not to be so mouthy.

2. Small children should NEVER be left alone with ANY dog -- I don't care if it's a Chihuahua or an adult Rottweiler. Children don't have the coordination/common sense/timing skills to elicit respect from dogs...thus, they are often seen as "lower status" pack members. You, as the adult, need to be the referee between the child and the dog at all times.

I would guess that this had nothing to do with the change of homes -- more likely the puppy was just being a puppy and the father overreacted.

I am a big fan of Pit Bulls (every one I've ever met in 20 years of training was a doll), and the only American Bulldog I've ever met was the world's biggest mush. If they are raised and trained the RIGHT way (including consistent obedience training), they are wonderful dogs. You shouldn't have any problems if you use common sense.

Good luck!

Answer 3

One thing... Is it an American Pit Bull Terrier, or an American Bulldog? Or is it a mix betwen the two? Not that it matters behavior-wise, but people focus so hard on the fact that it might me a pit bull, that they forget to answer the question objectively.

How old is the dog? Like someone said, he may just be young and still need bite training. It may have been an "Ow, that hurts!" nip, like any dog would have done. Definitely take him to training classes. Learn the right way to discipline him and the wrong ways. Be cautious when he is around your child, like you should be with ANY breed of dog, large or small. Supervise at all times.

Best of luck to you and to Tank. I hope this turns out well for all of you! Don't ever let people tell you to get rid of him just because he's a certain breed. But, if he does show any real aggression, even after training, it is definitely something you will have to consider.

Answer 4

If the dog is only 13 weeks old there really isn't any way to blame him, I don't think. I have a 16 week old American Bulldog and he is the absolute sweetest dog ever, but occasionally he will bite, not to be mean but because he is still only a puppy. I don't think it would be fair to brand the dog as vicious for the rest of his life, and even worse to put him down. The thing with kids is that sometimes they don't respect the dogs boundaries. You wouldn't like someone all in your face, but fortunately we have the option of saying something to defend ourselves. Dogs do not have that option. I bet 9 out of 10 times when a dog bites a kid the child has done something to provoke it, ie. pulling its tail, being in its face, chasing it, screaming, etc etc. I'm not saying its right for the dog to bite, but its also not right that the dog is labeled as mean because it felt it was being harmed in some way. I think the most important thing to do would be to first teach the dog biting is not acceptable, but also to make sure your child has clear rules as to how he is supposed to treat the dog.

Answer 5

"The dog would never bite my kid." Yes he would. Pits/bully breeds can be agressive dogs, especially if you didn't buy from a good breeder, and this should have been considered before buying one. He needs to go to obedience class right away and if you were responsible enough to buy from a reputable breeder, call them to see what they can recommend. If you didn't get from a reputable experienced breeder, try calling one and asking for their help. They won't want to see the dog killed anymore than you do. Also, because so many pits/bully dogs are abandoned and abused and need homes, there will probably be a rescue group somewhere near you. Call them to ask for additional advice.

Answer 6

Any dog with any history of biting should never be allowed to associate with small children !!!!! P.S. Which dog do you have a pit bull or an american bulldog. They are two different breeds.

Answer 7

That is funny because i have a american bulldog/mastiff named Tank. I think it is probably the change of invironment. Anywayz he is still a baby he is teething he is not a bad dog.

Answer 8

You`ll get better advice from Pit Bull Community.com

Answer 9

The dog is only a puppy you said he was 13 weeks old hes teething, take him to get some training and also to help his teething take a washcloth or old rag and get it wet and put it in the freezer, then when its frozen give to the puppy...... hed really like that...:)

Answer 10

Get him some dog training, or give him to your ex boyfriend. I don't think I'd trust him around my little kid.