Is it possible to adopt an ex-fighting dog? Has it been done before?

Answer 1

I don't know of any animal rescue or shelter that allows these dogs to be adopted. They are usually put to sleep. It's unfair and sad, but the dogs are a huge liability.

This is what happens to dogs when stupid people turn them into "fighting" dogs. The dogs are always the ones that suffer. Some of them are very affectionate with people and it breaks my heart.

I don't know if it's ever been done before or if it's possible. The potential for disaster is just too high. If the dog ever got out (and that possibility does exist), what happens if it runs into another beloved pet or (God forbid) a child? Could you live with that?

There are hundreds of dogs in rescue who need a loving home. You would be doing a wonderful thing by adopting one of them. If you want a particular breed, there are also "pure breed" rescues with available dogs.

Almost all of our dogs that we have shared our home with over the past 30+ years were rescues. We ran a rescue for dobermans and german shepherds. My husband was a K-9 officer and dog trainer. I worked as a vet tech. These dogs were all loving, loyal companions.

You sound like you have a kind heart and your good intentions would be better spent on a dog without the "history" of a "fighter". Of course it isn't their fault, it's almost always "people" who screw up the dogs!

Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

I think you should watch the behavior of the dog if it leaps another
dog growling and snarling then no, if you are playing with the dog and he gets over protective of the toy like biting you or snarling then no, and sometimes the dog fights you for picking up his empty food/water bowl that is also a dont adopt sign. But if he shows all of these signs then he should be put to sleep. I HATE saying that because I love animals to.

Answer 3

I don't know of any animal shelters that will adopt out a dog specifically bred and trained for fighting. It's too much of a liability.

I would not ever get one from another source either. I don't blame the dogs for how they are, but it's all they know so I think it's always best to humanely euthanize them. Get them out of the hands of criminals so they don't have to suffer anymore, but I would never trust a dog bred and trained to fight.

I wouldn't want to take the risk of the dog hurting a person or another animal.

They are trained to fight other dogs, but the way it's done can also cause severe mental problems which can cause them to be aggressive to anything and everything. They just never learn what love and trust mean.

Answer 4

as a rescue for pitbulls I will tell you that this is based on the dogs temperment....I would never adopt a dog that has been used to fight into a home with children or other animals but into a qualified home they can be fine....alot depends on the dogs age..the younger you get them the better chance to help them...we have had 2 ex-fighters living in our house and we just had to take the steps neccesary to keep them from getting close enough to stir those instincts...unless you are experienced with these breeds I do NOT think its a task you should attempt!!!!we worked closely with our local humane society and if they got dogs in that passed the temperment test with everything but had dog aggression they would call us if we had room we would take the dog and work with it...you'd be suprised what love & patience can accomplish....

Answer 5

I actually have a ex-fighter in my house right now. Her name is Tigger and she was fought numerous times before being rescued by my hubbys friend.As the poster said above me never confuse dog aggression with human aggression ,they are 2 very different things. Pits by nature should be very human friendly ,but have a genetic trait for dog aggression.Tigger does live in a multi dog house hold ,but does not get along with dogs out side the house hold.A fighting dog does not mean the dog will attack and harm people ,the dog should be very people friendly. As a matter of fact I find out of all the 5 Pits i've owned ,Tigger has been the most people friendly.

Answer 6

Hi well yes I'm sure you could adopted an ex fighting dog but as to weather or not it is a good idea is open to debate as it's not the brightest of ideas to own an ex fighting dog...not to mention that this dog is going to have aggression issues & possibly a whole host of other issues...Regards Jake

Answer 7

Why you would want to re-home a ex-fighting dog i don't know,
Maybe for a guard dog, just take into consideration the dangerous dogs act, so you might not even be able to, and if you can you might not be able to get insurance for it and you will be liable for any damage the dog creates, and people it may attack, once it attacks a person you will more than likely end up with no dog anyway.

Answer 8

if it is "pitbull" breed (amstaff, staffordshire bull terrier, or american pit bull terrier) the answer is yes. Please remember that animal-aggression and people-aggression are two distinct traits and should never be confused. Unless they have been very poorly bred and/or specifically "trained" to attack humans (often by undesirable individuals through abusive methods), pit bulls are, by nature, very good with people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions one can have. obviously you would not want him in a multi dog household. any other breed that is trained to be a fighter, i would not adopt.

Answer 9

I would guess that somewhere out there it's been done. But, I wouldn't take that chance. Especially if you have children or care about the safety of those around you.

Answer 10

I don't believe you can.
I have lived in Oregon, Washington, California and Georgia.
Each of those states, quarantine and destroy any animal used for fighting. Due to their dangerous training.
Hope this helps..