My husband just got us an American Pit Bull Terrier today...?

Question

And we already have a Cocker Spaniel. The APBT is 12 weeks, the Cocker Spaniel is 8 months. How well will they get along?
Any tips on how to care for these puppies?

Answer 1

I disagree with another answerer. The myths surrounding pit bulls are pathetic. Nothing could be further from the truth than saying pit bulls are not good with kids. COCKER SPANIELS are bad with kids - worse than any pit bull - especially as they age and become ornery. Get your facts straight. It frightens me that people actually listen to the media hype and believe that a properly socialized, happy, healthy pit bull puppy, age 12 weeks, would harm a child. The truth is that Pit bulls are known to be GREAT with children- even toddlers- because they have a high tolerance for pain and are patient dogs. Toddlers who pull on a pit bull's ear or tail will NOT receive a bite or snap, like he/she would from most cocker spaniels, chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and other smaller dogs. Even labs and goldens are less tolerant (than pit bulls) of kids who ride them, stomp on them or tease them. Pit bulls are sturdy, strong dogs that have a high pain threshold. It's true that some were bred to fight other dogs. But their origin is in baiting bulls and other livestock for the farmers when our culture was more agrarian. Boxers were also used in this manner, as were English and American bull dogs. First, Pit bulls are extremely loyal and will do anything to please their person. That is precisely why they were "used" in the first place as fighting dogs. The profit-hungry, evil, cowardly "owners" of these dogs knew 2 things: A) Pit bulls are strong and somewhat impervious to pain, and B) A Pit bull will do what I want him/her to do - even die for me. It was, and still is, all about making money. Why not watch 2 dogs kill each other in a fighting ring and make some money from it? "I'll make good money if my dog wins, and only the dog (not me) will suffer bite wounds, tears, cuts and scratches. No skin off my nose. If he loses the fight (dies), I'll just train a new dog. It's a win-win situation." These dogs are victims of a throw-away society. They are not the enemy and do not deserve the reputation that the media stereotypes have given them. Pit bulls who are raised in nurturing environments (even rehabilitated pit bulls, rescued pit bulls and formerly abused pit bulls) are wonderful, loyal peaceful family dogs! To learn the TRUTH about pit bulls, please see the links below.
As far as how the 2 dogs (cocker and pit) will get along: You must make sure that they are kept in dog crates when nobody is around to supervise them. This is for 2 reasons: A) They could get into a squabble over treats, toys, etc., and B) Puppies can be destructive in the house- chewing, soiling, etc. Dog crates are not cruel. Crates use the basic principles of dog psychology and anscestry. Most dogs view their crates as their "den"- a positive place that is all their own and that is comforting and safe.
When the humans are around, socialize the dogs together (and with other dogs) using positive experiences. Teach them that when they play nice with each other, good things happen! Go for walks - exercise is crucial! If you have a fenced in yard, that's even better. Run that dog! Pit bulls can be stubborn at times-like any bully breed- so consistent rules, expectations and disclipline is key. Note- I did not say "Pit bulls can be MEAN or aggressive"- I said "stubborn" - like a beagle can be stubborn. They will test the limits of the rules. But you are the "Alpha dog". You set the rules. Always keep that in mind, and keep things positive and consistent, and you will end up with a wonderfully socialized canine citizen who will be an excellent ambassador for the breed!!!

Answer 2

I work with a rescue group and they have pit's interacting with other dogs all the time. The more socialization they get the better (there is no such thing as too much). I have actually watched a pit be submissive to an older terrier. Be very careful to teach the pit not to jump on the cocker when playing, it can unintentionally hurt the cocker's back and really make it mad.

PLEASE have the pit spayed or neutered. This is absolutely essential for a well adjusted adult pit. All pit's need to attend obedience training for aggressive dogs (read that, all pit owners).

Pit's can be the most loving and loyal dogs a person could hope for but only if raised responsibly. Part of that responsibility is to work with a qualified trainer.

Good luck

Answer 3

Congrats! My ex and I had an APBT that is a great dog (the ex has primary custody of the dog now since I got the chihuahuas... anyway, that's another story). The main thing we did was to NOT EVER let anyone play rough with him. Some APBT's are bred to be aggressive but it is ALL in how they are raised. Their jaws are very powerful so if you let them get away with play biting they'll continue to do it when they are older and could hurt someone on accident. Pits can be great dogs. My experience is that they are very loyal to their family, and usually pick a favorite person. Pits are very smart and love to please for rewards. They are not mean by nature but can be made that way, as can any dog. One of our chihuahuas is more aggressive than the pit, and will boss the pit around if given the chance, even though she's not even the size of his head. Obedience training is a must, and will make your dog a joy to be around. We took ours everywhere and my ex still does - to the park, the lake, etc. Petco and Petsmart have great training classes. Introduce your pit to the cocker like you would any other dog - the cocker will probably be ok since the pit is a baby. In introducing, just supervise them while they are together for awhile, praise the cocker so it doesn't think it is being neglected in favor of the newcomer, give treats, let the cocker know you realize it is the boss. Oh, and we have two children and have never had a problem with our pit or the doberman we had when our son was a baby. It is all in how they are raised and what they are taught (just like kids). Good luck!

Answer 4

WOW, there are a lot of misinformed answers both against and for pit bulls. Pit bulls are wonderful dogs who can lead perfectly normal dog lives only IF you make an effort to understand the breed. I love pits but don't believe the "it's all how you raise them" false blanket statement. Some dogs are just born unstable due to bad genetics and breeding. Luckily, the vast majority of pits are sound dogs are extremely trustworthy (around people). But they were bred for dog fighting and it's a history you can't ignore. You need to make sure your puppy is well socialized around other dogs. But he will hit an age (could be 1 year, could be 3 yrs) when you cannot trust him at a dog park, alone with your spaniel, etc...don't set him up to fail. Even if he doesn't start the fight he will finish it and be blamed for it. All pits have varying levels of dog aggression and who knows what your pup is like. He could be hot (always looking for a fight) or cold (would only fight as a last resort if he was attacked). or anywheres in between. Now, dog aggression is NOT to be confused with human aggression. They are two entirely different things. And it's not a negative thing, it just requires a little more effort and understanding on your part.
Here is some more information:
http://www.pbrc.net/dogpark.html (check out the rest of the site, it's a wealth of excellent pitty info)
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/index.cfm
http://www.understand-a-bull.com/index.htm
And this forum is temporarily not accepting new members but it will be soon: http://www.pitbullforum.com/index.php. Check back often.
PLEASE do a ton of research on the breed. Pits are in a sad state at the moment and we don't need any more negative happenings. They have very specific traits and needs but are the best dogs you could hope for.

Answer 5

Some of you guys are crazy! I have a pit bull and she LOVED my moms pamoranian. Pit bulls are mean if they are raised that away. Look not only guys who need a ego boost get them! I suggest let them sniff each other out, there may be tension at first but after a few day things will calm down. Its just a matter of them getting to know each other and territory. But if they are both puppies then there will be playful fighting, it natural. Just keep an eye out for problems.

Answer 6

They will get along just fine if you train them right! :-) I have cats, an Australian shepherd, and 2 pit bulls... The biggest thing is to have them eat meals NOT next to each other and to watch them at play and not let them get too rough... If one does get too rough, put THAT one directly in it's pen for a while and keep playing with the other... Works great! One good thing, since spaniels are such high upkeep (HAIR!) is that your pittie won't be like that... Occasional soft brushing and baths is it! Write me if you need to! Peace!!!

Answer 7

My son was bitten in the face by a pit bull in May - & the dog had already attacked 3 other people & mauled another dog to death. The dog is waiting in the pound now for court to decide what's to be done about it - it needs to be put down. As a breed, the pit bull is vicious & has an unpredictable nature. I hope you don't have small children & that your cocker spaniel will be okay. The dogs can & will turn on you - regardless of how they are raised. It is in their nature.

Answer 8

Watch The Dog Whisperer and subscribe to his monthly newsletter. My brother has proved to me his technique's work great. They have a Lab-Beagle mix and an Pit Terrier-Great Dane mix. The LB mix is 2 1/2 the PTGD mix is 8 months. Using Caesar's methods we have had a very easy adjustment. The man is amazing.

Answer 9

Since pit bulls are usually very aggressive towards other dogs, you're going to have to make sure right from the start that you have a very strong relationship with the pit. He's got to know from day 1 that all the humans are his pack leader. At this age, he should be fine with your cocker, but you really should get both dogs neutered to avoid future trouble. Don't let him play aggressively right from the beginning, you'll have to keep an eye on them but depending on their individual temperaments, they may be alright.

Answer 10

Cocker Spaniels need lots of exercise. Hide the children from the pit bull.