How do I control my pitbull who is getting aggressive and doesn't respond to commands?

Question

Normally he is not aggressive but a little stubborn. He reacts badly towards others on occassions when my son gets sick (he was his pet) and overprotective of my son to the extent of trying to bite any other family member who goes near my son while he is sick. Day by day the dog is turning aggressive towards people who come to our house.

Answer 1

That is a scary situation considering the breed of the dog.

When I was a child, we had a German Shepard that did the same thing. He would not let my parents anywhere near us, and eventually he went to another home. I loved his protective nature but my parents did not.

The only thing that I suggest if you really want to keep the dog, is to take him to obedience class ASAP. Make sure that you are the only one who takes him and see how he responds.

Good luck.

Answer 2

How old is this dog and has he been neutered? If not, that will help a bit.

You have to stop this right now or this dog is going to seriously hurt someone. Lots of dogs are protective of their kids, which is great, but this dog's gone over the line. He needs to be taught that all humans are his pack leaders. It's really hard to give advice when you can't see the interaction between the dog and the family. Has this dog had obedience training? When people come to your house, have him on a leash, put him in a sit stay before the people come in. (You're going to need their cooperation now.) Let the dog go up to them and sniff. They are not to touch him, make eye contact or talk to him until he's done sniffing. Then let them go in and sit down. Don't let them approach the dog, let the dog take the initiative. If he does, they can talk to him, reach out a hand and let him sniff them again.

If this doesn't work, I would seriously suggest you get a qualified dog behaviourist to come in to help you. Otherwise you're going to end up having to put this dog down. By the way, dogs with serious temperament issues, should not go to obedience classes because they're usually made even worse. I hope you can help this dog.

Answer 3

You need to contact a behaviorist ASAP.

Pitts CAN make VERY VERY good pets! They were bred for canine aggression, human aggression is NOT in their blood and is owner dependent. Get him into an obedience class... most pitts are euthanized on their first bite because of society's fear of the breed. The fear is somewhat justified... when most dogs bite a person, they bite a few times and leave... Pitts bite and either don't let go or don't stop biting (ie they can kill whereas most breeds injure)...

Properly socialized and trained, your Pitt can still make a great and safe pet. If you don't get him into an obedience and socialization program soon, euthanasia will become the only option. The more aggressive he becomes, the harder it is to train him out of it. Once he bites someone, being a Pitt, most communities will want him put down...

Make some calls Monday and find a trainer willing to work with you on this. You don't want to perpetuate the breeds bad name, be responsible...

Answer 4

It's normal for a pit to become protective. If you think the dog is going to hurt one of your family members or friends who come to your house then you should take the pit to the vet for a check up make sure you have all the distemper shots ect. if nothing is wrong with the dog health wise and you still want to keep it then put the dog in another room when visitors come over or use a muzzel. As for when your son is sick do the same thing, different room or muzzel it. Pits are good pets. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Use your own judgment on your pit. While you are thinking things over make sure to be cautious just to make sure and be on the safe side.Better to be safe than sorry. I hope things work out with him.

Answer 5

Definitely consult the book Cesar's Way the book by the dog whisperer. I would like to believe that you can train this dog once you let him/her know who is boss. Cesar's philosophy is that dogs only read energy. I do recommend that you find him a nice home if you are unable to train him. Be very careful though. There are many underground dog fights in our area where dogs (pitbulls) are fought to the death.

Since you did not state the age of your dog that may also play an important factor.

Answer 6

Get him into a class asap. NOT one of the 'furbaby' classes like they have at Petsmart and Petco, but a REAL training club where they have experience with aggression problems. You could also have a private trainer come into your home, but be careful, there are many people calling themselves trainers who should not be teaching others. This dog needs to learn his place and begging him with a treat will NOT help!

I would not recommend trying this by yourself with Cesar Milans methods. He is a good trainer, but to try this without help is asking for trouble.


surfinthedesert is clueless.

Answer 7

Pitties are the BEST (when treated right)

Now that I've got that off my chest... it is probably a question of dominence. I am *not* a dominent personality.. and of course dogs can sense that sort of thing. But T-Bone respects me.

I started as soon as we got him... if he messed up, I put him on his back. He didn't get to get up til *I* said so. Now, I am completely the alpha (Now, T-Bone still needs the occasional reminder... once a month in fact... but putting him on his back still does the trick, and he's good for another month)

Answer 8

Ok, listen don't get rid of the dog, all the dog needs is some OBEDIENCE! Use a Fur Saver with the dog and be calm submissive and you most establish who the pack leader is..For everybody saying get rid of it, DON'T! If you don't catch this problem now, the dog will eventually get put to sleep due to lack of concern in the owners.

Answer 9

Is he fixed? I have pits and the males once they reach a stern age if you get them fixed it comes them down. But you should ask you vet or the animal shelter for some good dog trainers try that. Pits are very good dogs my one pit thinks that my cat is his mom and there so cute together so no pits are not mean like some people may try and make you think. I would rather have a pit then ANY other dog.

Good Luck i truly hope every thing works out.

Answer 10

I think I would let the Vet control him with a lethal injection. I do not think it's safe to put him up for adoption and risk his aggressive behaviour on someone else. It's other family members he's trying to bite now. Can you guarantee your son, it won't be him the dog tries to bite at some point in the future? Can you assure yourself it won't be your son, soon?