How can I introduce my small yorkie to a large pit bull without fear?

Question

Can they be put together without some worry? They are both not mean to people? Thanks Barb.

Answer 1

sprinkle salt and pepper on it.

Answer 2

I had this same concern with a couple of dogs (Lab and American Tundra). Now most the time they are best friends. First get two dog kennels and put them right next to each other. After about a week of being near, they will have a chance to adjust. Since you are working with a Yorkie I would keep him on a leash when you let them together. Not to hold the yorkie back but to hank him out of the other dogs mouth if danger surfaces. Understand that my dogs still will sometimes have a spat but they are about the same size. You may want to have a remote shock collar handy on the pit bull for extra insurance.

Answer 3

I don't understand why people are being so mean to you about the idea of a pit bull anyway. If you were scared of the pit bull like some of the others seem to be, you wouldn't even ask this question right?

I agree with the people suggesting to meet on nuetral ground. See their reactions.

My only concern is the size differences. And pit bulls are terriers and as another person pointed out, it is in their nature to want to chase things. When my dog was younger, she would chase our two cats around to no end. She didn't want to hurt them but they were smaller and fantastic playmates in her opinion. It's something that has to be managed.

I do not agree with crating the dogs next to one another in the beginning. Have you ever seen dogs "fence fight" where two neighboring dogs run up and down the lenght of the fence barking and jumping at one another? I could imagine crating so closely to a new dog would put excessive stress on the both of them and actually cause them NOT to like one another.

And no matter what, with any breed of dog, they should never be left alone with one another. You really need to take into consideration both dogs attitudes towards other dogs in general concerning this. Yorkies can be shy, but I've known some similar smaller breeds to think they were God and try to attack anything larger than them. It's mostly about matching doggie personalities.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Watch The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel tomorrow night at 9pm. Don't listen to the hype about pit bulls. If this animal is properly socialized and has had experience with small dogs it might work fine. But put them both on leashes and be prepared for anything. It might be more likely that the yorkie will go after the pit bull.

Answer 5

yorkie s are usually frightened dogs they do have lots of problems adapting
most dogs have problems adapting to a new member of the family
but the best thing s for you to do is
when you are home slowly let the dogs in the same room as you do not woory if yorkie runs in the corner and hides it is normal and let them get used to echother slowly and if there is growling make sure you adress that
then when you are not home put one in one room and the other in another but make sure that they can smell eachother form under the door becaus e the whinning and wimpering that they will do wil draw them close to each other and kepp doing this and make sure that you walk them together and treat them the same no different

how old are the dogs i must ask
how long have yiou had the yorkie and is the pit a new dog or like a bf/gf dog
please give more info for a great answer

Answer 6

I have 14 dogs and 5 cats that live together in my house. One of my dogs is a Pit Bull, I also have a chihuahua, sheltie, and other small dogs. My Pit gets along with everyone. Him and the sheltie are best friends, and he's scared of the chihuahua and my cats.

It all just depends on the dog, how he was raised, and if he's aggressive toward other smaller animals. But yes, it can be done. Just don't ever leave the dogs together unattended. When I leave I separate my large dogs from my smaller ones, just to be on the safe side.

Answer 7

If you want to introduce your yorkie to a pit bull then you just need to take reasonable precautions that you should take when introducing any two new dogs to each other.

First I would not introduce them at either of their houses. Dogs are territorial by nature no matter what breed. My dog can be super sweet to dogs in a neutral location but will defend our house with her life.

Second I would not bring any sort of food rewards for the introduction. Sometimes food rewards can set off agression when the dogs are already feeling a little stressed.

Third I would make sure that both dogs are on leashes with collars that they CAN NOT slip out of. Also make sure there is at least one person per leash so if a fight did break out you have ample control.

When your dogs do meet make sure to praise them for good behavior.

I take my dog to a dog park for doggie socialization. I have seen little yorkies playing with everything from pugs to great danes to pit bulls with no problems. But just remember you have to take it slow and watch the dog's behaviors.

Answer 8

Just because dogs are friendly to people, or even to other dogs, does not mean they will be good together. Start very slowly. Sheer size difference can be a danger. Add to that a pit's love to chase small animals, and things can get brutal. Seperate them any way you can that is safe and they can see each other. Maybe kennel by kennel, or gated room and hallway. Once they adjust to that, try leash and leash. If they do allright, take the yorkie off the leash and leave the pit bull on. Monitor his reactions until you feel confident that you can take him off the leash as well. Always keep collars on in case it escalates. Hopefully, no problems will arise, but it's still best to take it slow.

Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Barb, here is my advice: I have two, nine year old lab/pitt bull mixes, a male and female who are very gentle and well behaved dogs. One night a homeless seven pound female cat came to our door starving to death. We welcomed her in with open arms. At first I had her in a very large dog cage with all she needed just to make her relaxed and comfortable. I had the cage on a table up away from the dogs, they could visit but not taunt her. I would take her out every hour to get her use to our tiny three room apartment. soon she felt comfortable enough to let me know she didn't want to be in the cage anymore. That is one year ago and the four of us are still one big happy family. None of them have ever fought. They all sleep on the king size bed together when I go out. Sometimes animals are smarter than people. Trust your instincts. Good Luck.

Answer 10

Personally I would never do it. Being an owner of a pit, my year old pit's instinct is that anything smaller than him (cat, small dog, squirrel) is dinner. Even if your pit is not aggressive to smaller animals, simple playing could seriously injure your fragile Yorkie... If you do decide to introduce them i would have the pit in a crate to be contained or vice verse. I would never leave them unsupervised together, for the well being of your Yorkie. Hope this helps.

Answer 11

DON'T!!!! All dogs, large or small, can be aggressive given the right situation. Certain dogs, such as pit bulls, chow chows, and shar peis have been bred for fighting for centuries. They are particularly prone to becoming aggressive. This doesn't imply that they are "mean". It is in their nature to strike out at certain things that might set them off. Just because the dogs haven't been mean to people doesn't mean they won't bite, it just means the right situation hasn't occurred yet. That pit bull can potentially kill your Yorkie in a matter of seconds. A better question might be: Why do you WANT to put them together?