I've been to these shelters looking for a dog but i don't know if i can trust them because they lable the dogs different and do they really care if they're sending a dangerous animal out with a family...? It just doesn't really seem like they care but i need some input before i go an hour away to get a dog. I don't trust breeders all too much because some say the dogs are full bred but they're really not and all i want is a mix pit bull.
2007-01-12 14:13:19 · 16 answers · asked by standstill 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, it's still a puppy so it's trainable. Make sure you do dog training. It's important with a powerful dog like that. They need to know how to obey and be socialized with other animals and strangers.
2007-01-12 14:21:20 · answer #1 · answered by fiestyredhead 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's the perfect age to adopt!
Still young, but old enough to "hold it". A little bladder control is a good thing in a pet.
If you have doubts about the shelter, skip it. Find another. You are correct to worry about the honesty of some shelters. You have to be very careful.
Pitt mixes are very common. Most shelters are filled with them.
Do your own temperment test if you have doubts. "Ruffle" the dog's face. Be a little rough, grab at the loose skin on her face and back. She should ignore the pressure or try to wiggle away.
Do the same with her ears and feet.
Snapping, pulling away agressively, screaming in pain may be cause to pass on the dog.
Bring a little food. See how she responds. Snapping and aggression is a no-no! She should sit when prompted and gently take the food.
Turn her over on her back. She should fight a little then go limp. Again, agression is a pass. If she doesn't give up and go limp, she has a strong will, not bad, but a challenge to train.
All in all, shelter pets are the best, and usually shelters want the best for both the animals and the people.
Good luck
2007-01-12 14:36:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is NO WAY for anyone here to know if a dog is safe or not. You need to do some testing to see how the dog reacts. Pinch it and see what it does, pull it's ear and tail, just like your child may. Hold food or a treat in your hand but don't let the dog have it. Does it growl or sit patiently and wait for you to let it have it? Ask to watch it eat and have someone pull away the food and see if it gets mad. Pinch a toe and see if it nips or just pulls away. Lean on it like a kid does.
If they dog shows ANY anger, growling, nipping, you don't want this dog in your home. If the dog is instead careful around you and lets you be the boss, then you will have a wonderful dog.
If you ever saw the animal precinct shows on animal planet, you have seen how they test dogs. You have to do the same tests for yourself. Watch, Cesar Milan on The Dog Whisperer on National Geographic channel and you will see the right way to teach the dog to be a proper member of the family.
2007-01-12 14:34:33 · answer #3 · answered by Trollkepr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seven months is not to old to adopt. If you have any other dogs, make sure you have them meet on neutral ground so that they can get to know each other. Otherwise, be prepared to train. A seven month old isn't likely to be trained and may chew or be hipper. Study up on the breed so you know what to expect. I work at a veterinary clinic and see people all the time get that cute puppy and not expect their temperament. Pits have a rep,and they may have been taken there because of that rep, so use your best judgment before you take him home. I am not saying not to take him, just make sure that you don't take him just because you went an hour out of your way.
2007-01-12 14:30:11 · answer #4 · answered by Nikki 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Meet the dog, walk her, get to know her, and let her meet your family. Each animal is an individual - you need to look at her as a one-of-a-kind animal and evaluate how her personality meshes with your lifestyle. Despite their unjustified reputation, pitbulls are generally great dogs, and you can't do better than finding one at a shelter! As for the age, she'll be boisterous, but 7 months is as good a time as any to adopt. Just remember that as with any dog, you need to assert your alpha status from day 1.
It's really great that you're deciding to adopt - so many animals need homes!
2007-01-12 14:42:10 · answer #5 · answered by maguire1202 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a Pit Bull mix asleep at my feet right now. She's a great dog, but very protective of me. I raised her from a pup. I've also had purebred Pits in the past. The secret to a happy life with a Pit Bull, be it purebred or mixed bred, is to respect the bred and know what they are capable of becoming. They can make great family dogs even with small kids if you are willing to spend time with them as part of the family.
2007-01-12 14:40:58 · answer #6 · answered by Car Guy 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a full pit and a pit mix that I got from a shelter, both well behaved and non-violent. I would suggest spending time with the dog before you get it, and get a general feel for its personality. There are websites that'll tell you how to spot a bad dog, i.e., fear biters, bad with kids, etc. Heed that advice and don't put much stock in the fact that it's a Pit, since most of the sensasionalist garbage out there about them is just that....garbage.
2007-01-12 14:28:31 · answer #7 · answered by Tucson Hooligan 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, it can depend on the shelter. High kill shelters are more likely to send any dog out to anyone. However, no-kill rescue groups are more likely to do deeper screenings of both the dogs and the potential owner. This way, you are less likely to get a "dangerous" dog. There are TONS of pit rescues out there and TONS of no-kill shelters. You might want to start with them and make your first questions about the history of the animal and how it's temperament has been. http://www.petfinder.com
If you found this dog, then only time will tell her personality. Just get her started in positive reinforcement training, have her fixed, and you are well on your way.
Good luck to you. : )
2007-01-12 14:27:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is safe if you are adopting if from a shelter.Usually the routine thing to do with pits are to put them down immediately because they could be really aggressive.Obviously this dog has an EXCELLENT temperment in order for the shelter to let him be adopted out.Also though when you first bring him home he will be a little skiddish so give him some time to adapt to you and your home.Eventually he will learn to looooove you.I adopted my walker hound at 6 months and now she follows EVERYWHERE she is my shadow.lol
2007-01-12 14:21:57 · answer #9 · answered by amanda c 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I personally have several dogs. One of them is pit/boxer who I adopted from a local shelter. Shelter dogs are a breed of their own. They are typically more loyal, loveable, and a suprise. Pits are wonderful dogs and have a bad rep. Just because one person has a bad experience does not mean you should. Haven't you ever gone to see a movie that another friend hated and youlove it?
2007-01-12 14:19:32 · answer #10 · answered by glamgirl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋