Is there an easier way of socailizing a pit bull?

Question

My pit bull is not that in need of socialization. However, there are other dogs that she doesn't like and will try to get at (mostly little yapping, ankle biting dogs and curly-haired dogs) and others where she'll turn and run (big German Sheperds).

My question is, is there a way to possibly socialize my pit to like these dogs?

Thanks to everyone that answered...to one that answered to have it put down and stuffed...hope that seat in hell is laced with pitchforks going up your #$%!

Answer 1

Are you trying to socialize him for the dog park? Please read this article: http://www.realpitbull.com/parks.html

I highly recommend the book "Feisty Fido" by Patricia McConnell - it has great practical info about how to manage dogs with dog-aggressive tendencies (as well as dogs with fear aggression toward other dogs). The author is a certified Animal Behaviorist, and the methods she uses are positive and designed to help you build a bond with your dog.

Answer 2

Hey there, i had a pitbull of my own and i came across the same problem. You need to make sure that you're the top dog, and not your pit; you dont accomplish this by beating it or yelling at it or losing your patience. Patience is something that you will need, along with lots of chews! When meeting a smaller breed of dog, you need to make sure that A-) your pup is tired (wear him out at the park) B-)the smaller dog will not show agression towards your pit, and finally C-) that they are in a controlled enviroment with no other dogs around. When meeting larger dogs you need to be in control of your pup, and of course both dogs need to be leashed. The other dog cannot be all hyper and such, because you're asking your own dog to behave. Again this meeting needs to take place in a controlled enviroment. I socialized BJ (my pit) since he was a month old, now you cannot ask the impossible from your pit and you need to realize that. If the meeting goes sour, you need to re-gain control of the situation and let it go; BJ did not get along with German SHepperds or very small dogs; with the small dogs it was more of the obvious size issue, he would try to play but he was not exactly the most delicate player so the owners would always say he was vicious.
Finally, id like to add that my pitbull was the greatest dog i have ever had, its a great breed as long as you have a strong hand and a responsible attitude. It's not the breed, its the people.

Answer 3

You didn't include the age of the dog however I would suggest some obedience training. I know that may be difficult to obtain. Introduce her to smaller groups of dogs, keep her close to you so you have control over where she goes, when she behaves the way you prefer reward her. If she finds an animal she doesn't care for, walk away and find another. Parks are great places. If you have friends with dogs maybe you can set up play dates. The best thing with any dog is to reward behavior you want. She may take a while to get to where you want so be patient. To the person who lumped pits together as a bad breed, shame on you! While pits may get a bad rap, I can tell you that i've had mine since she was 6 weeks old, i raised her, she is gentle. Like all breeds of dogs, the treatment they get from their human "parents" will affect their attitude. Good luck!

Answer 4

Your dog certainly is in need of socialization! Problems such as the ones you've described will not improve if they're ignored, and you will have a big problem on your hands.
Use positive association whenever possible. Hand feed your dog tons of small, soft treats when you're in sight of other dogs - not so close that your dog feels that he must protect the treats from the other dogs. Prevent blowups by backing away from the other dogs when your dog starts to signal to you that he's uncomfortable.
Fear-based problems must never be countered with punishments. Jerking on a choke chain, smacking, yelling - all are inappropriate solutions to the problem. You need to create a positive association with the sight of these dogs and something your dog likes (in this case, treats). There's a lot of info available on the Web that will show you how to help your dog (links below) Good luck!

The Patricia McConnell book is also excellent, and taking a class will certainly help too. Great suggestions.

Answer 5

Pit bulls are naturally dog aggressive. That's what they were bred for. Your dog is targeting the smaller breeds because, well, they are smaller. Its the terrier prey drive. If your dog is 2 or older, you may just have to face the fact that she may never get along with little dogs.

The only thing I can suggest, and this may not work at all, is finding a willing partner who has a small breed. On neutral territory (a place that neither dog can call its own), have your dog leashed and the other held with its owner. Bring lots of awesome treats your dog doesn't normally get. Treat for good behavior like quiet sniffing, tail wagging, etc. If your dog looks like it still wants to eat the little one, stop giving treats and walk her away from the other dog. This may be a long process. You also might find out that she doesn't care about the treats at all. You might just have to realize that she'll never get along with small breeds and quite possibly may get to not liking ANY dog. Or maybe she won't like other females. Same-sex dog aggression is very likely in pit bulls.

Pit bulls are not for everyone. Each owner needs to always be cautious and never for one second think, "that can't happen with my dog."

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Hey...I'm pretty new to having a Pitt, but she is 11 wks old now and she's a Blue-eyed American Pitt and she is ABSOLUTELY socialized ALREADY!! Now I got her at 6 wks, which is pretty early for her and had to still feed her by bottle. She is aggressive with other dogs, but not humans. Which is fine, b/c she doesn't growl or bark at them, just watch them when they are near me (even big dogs- she's not scared of much) I think if you take the time to show them that love is all around, and as long as you are around she will be safe...she'll be more friendly than you think, remind people when they approach not to be scared and she will sense more security from them. I was told that she could not go to Doggy-day cares b/c she was a Pitt and they were too aggressive, but she can go to the Doggy-hotels and meet other dogs that way.....Hope this was some help to you!

Answer 7

Many large dogs will try to chase smaller dogs, and as a member of the terrier family, that instinct is heightened in your pit. It's possible she may never do well with small dogs. However, most dog parks and day cares separate dogs by size, so there's no reason to try and force the issue of smaller dogs.

As for larger dogs, the key is to find one that is calm and relaxed, not one that is out playing and running at her. See if you can find someone you know with a larger dog, and take the 2 dogs on walks together. Don't try to force them to interact, just allow them to have their walk in each other's company. From there you can slowly progress to off-leash (supervised) activities like swimming or frisbee. Just make sure you never throw her into a park full of hyper dogs, or stand her nose-to-nose with a dog trying to 'introduce' them- that's not how dogs meet each other, it's how dogs line up to fight each other. She'll meet dogs on her own terms when she feels comfortable.

Answer 8

Do you take her to the park to see other dogs on a regular basis?She tries to attack small dogs and runs from big dogs, she's still a puppy right?Keep her around other dogs as long as you can safely.Try to get her to leave all the dogs alone and just walk or play.Try obedience school for sure.Call your vet he will have some input for you.Good luck with her.....

Answer 9

I would consider taking your dog to obedience training certainly,

otherwise taking her to places like dog parks & or doggie day care

centers for while you are out might also be an option.

hope this helps!

Answer 10

teach it to behave by correction around all dogs. every pit bull is that in need of socialization. do you only want it to kill some dogs?