She seems to be a relatively young dog...shows no signs of aggression, loves being around my children. I'm still worried, I don't know what kind of upbringing she has had...she does have some wounds...which I can't figure out if they are from abuse or from being lost for some time. I REFUSE to take her to a shelter unless its an Animal Rescue Organization. I'm really on the fence here...not quite sure what I should do.. any ideas??
2006-11-18 09:53:41 · 19 answers · asked by Miloree 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First off, take your new little foundling to the vet, if you haven't already - get her up to date on her shots and get a collar with ID, just so that if she does get loose while you are keeping her, she at least can get back to someone who cares a lot more than her previous owner. You can get a better idea of her age and get her wounds treated. It doesn't really matter too much what her wounds are from - stray dogs get into a whole lot of mischief and trouble, most of which probably wasn't her fault.
Secondly, you can put up lost dog signs, but be aware, due to prevalence of shady people wanting to get their hands on pits, you may get a lot of contact from people with questionable motives. If you do put up posters, then make sure you leave out one important detail about your pup, so that any potential owners can positiviely ID her.
And third, if you do decide to keep her, there are a couple of things you should do. If you've never had a dog before, then read up on dog ownership - it's a whole lot of fun, but it comes with a huge responsibility (though I'm sure you know that. :) ) Enroll her in obedience classes as soon as you can - this is especially important for pits. Keep her on-leash at all times when you're not in the house. I've worked with dozens of pits, and they're wonderful dogs, great family pets, loyal and loving, but they do come with some extra responsibility. There is a great deal of social stigma surrounding this breed, including people who will call you crazy for keeping a pit with kids.
I'll include a few links below on pits and being a pit owner - I highly recommend the first one - it's easy to read and has a lot of good-common sense.
Good luck! The little pup surely had some good luck in her life too, for being found by you!
2006-11-18 10:17:30 · answer #1 · answered by Tina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because it is a pitbull does not mean it is aggressive and I know lots of people who say they make great family pets. However, since it was a stray, you don't want to be too trusting just yet. I would recommend calling a shelter (if you'e ever seen Animal Cops on Animal Planet, shelters have a set of tests they do on dogs to test for aggression and other behavioral issues before they declare a dog fit to be adopted out). Maybe they could help you do these tests and resolve some of your questions. Don't try to conduct the tests yourself since they are designed to elicit a violent response if that is in the dog's nature and you don't want to try to deal with a violent pit bull on your own. I hope this helps and good luck.
Also, since you found it as a stray, before you make the decision to keep it or not, you should really take it to a vet to be scanned to see if it has a microchip that could identify an owner.
2006-11-18 19:23:52 · answer #2 · answered by Sara W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a pit bull mix that was a rescue, mostly pit, but I got her at three weeks old. It concerns me that she has wounds and sometimes that is an indicator that the dog has been used as "bait" or been involved in training to fight. If that is not the case, I have to say that pit bulls have been given a bad name largely by the media focusing on anything that happens with the breed. Most of the time it is ignorant owners that teach their dogs to be viscious.
In "The Little Rascals" the dog that hung out with the kids, Petey, was a Pit Bull. That breed used to be looked upon as "Nanny" dogs because they were so protective of children and good with them.
Again, my concern would be in not knowing the background of the dog. Mine is such a sweetheart.
The Crocodile Hunter's dog, Suey- a pit bull
Don't believe people that say the dog is a danger just because of the breed. See if a Vet can determine what her wounds are from.
2006-11-18 18:09:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep her and give a good home... If your still a little worried maybe try getting some books on the breed.Perhaps you could get her into some group dog obedience classes ...that would help her with socialization and help you feel more confident with her. Petsmart or petco offer these types of classes for a lower cost. Get her spayed too. You could also call a local rescue group to see if the have behaviorist on call that may be able to talk to you or possibly evaluate this dog for you.
I think you great to even think about giving a homeless dog a home. Many pit bulls are very sweet dogs .... Many live horrible short lives chained , starved and forced to fight or are breed. Do all you can for her!
2006-11-18 18:04:18 · answer #4 · answered by yeah , yeah whatever 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well just make sure your kids dont play too rough with her and if you give her lots of love shell be loyal. If you think she was abused you should try to find her a home without children cause even if you are good to her an abused dog can be dangerous.
2006-11-18 18:05:41 · answer #5 · answered by Baby Doña! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
keep it, definitely!!! it could be your new best friend. just make sure you can afford to take care of it properly and have enough time. take it to the vet to help all the wounds. and if it shows any signs of aggression- just take it a training class. this dog needs a loving home.
2006-11-18 18:21:55 · answer #6 · answered by Charlie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you like her and think it's alright to have a dog, take her too a vet for a check up. Pit bulls (mostly strays) can be quite aggressive, but you can't know until you've taken her to a vet.
2006-11-18 17:57:45 · answer #7 · answered by princessmunchi510 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
take her to the vets immediatly. Please do not let your hildren around her. She may be fine but do you want to take the chance that something sets her off? I'm not against pit bulls at all. It is just something you do with a strange dog. if she checks out at vets get an evaluation done be a GOOD dog instuctor on wether or not she will be trainable and trust worthy. But remember all dogs are not trustworthy even little ones they ar ANIMALS and different things and situations can set them off to defend themselves. thank you
2006-11-18 18:10:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first put up some "found dog" signs, and in the mean time if no aggression is shown, none will most likely be shown. Just show love and she will give it back. If there are no responses then you should adopt her and get her tags.
2006-11-18 18:03:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First I think you should take it to the vet, they will probably know how old she is, and if it's sick or anything. Maybe theuy could fugure out what the wounds are from. But I personally love dogs, but i know they background of pitbulls. Some are nice some are mean.
2006-11-18 17:57:41 · answer #10 · answered by sunslover_19 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋