I was thinking of getting a pitbull, but have some questions?

Question

My husband wants to get a pitbull puppy...badly. His friend has one and it is adorable and very loving, but it's still a puppy. I have a parson russell terrier that's very loving and gets along well with other dogs, so I know he'd be ok with it. I'd like to know, though, would it turn on me or my other dog? Some people say they can't be trusted, but I'd like the opinion of someone who has owned one that is full grown. Do all pitbulls grow up to be mean and aggressive? I know an abused dog will, but we always take very good care of our pets (our dog is spoiled). Anyone who has owned and raised a pitbull, please help!

Answer 1

No dog will just suddenly "turn" on anyone without a reason. You may not know the reason, but trust me there is a reason. Pitbulls are just like any other dog. They can be good with kids, cats and other dogs, if they are properly socialized. Go to your local shelter. If you are concerned that the dog will suddenly turn on you, your best bet may be to get a younger adult dog. This way you will know if it has lived with kids/cats/dogs before you bring it home. These dogs are constantly monitered by staff so you will have a pretty good idea of the dog's tempermant before you bring it home. If you are looking for a puppy, you can find both pure bred and mixed pit bull puppies at shelters as well. I work at a Humane Society and pretty much at all times we have at least one pit puppy. Pits can make wonderful family dogs as long as they are treated well. They are very smart and eager to please. As always, no matter what age the dog you get is, take it to obedience classes. This helps with both manners and socialization. Also, it is a common misconception that abused dogs all turn out mean. Many times they are appreciative to be out of the situations that they came from. I cannot count the number of times I have wondered how someone could treat such a nice dog in the way that they did. I hope everything works out great!

Answer 2

I used to have a pitbull, and my old roommate also had one. I think they are great dogs, but they require a lot of attention and hard work, as all dogs do, but i think with this breed you need to spend extra time on training and showing them who is boss. My advice to you, is if you have concerns about the breed, don't get the pitbull. I don't believe they just turn on people, or suddenly become aggressive if brought up right, but there are so many other breeds out there you could have that I doubt you would worry about.

I loved my pit bull, but owning that breed is much more challenging than others. Just the general perception of the public, the dirty looks you get when you bring him to the dog park or the pet store, etc.

Again, if you are hesistant, there is a reason for it, so maybe look into other breeds.

Answer 3

you cant spoil a pitbull the NEED to be trained and if your going to get one u should look at the parents to see what they are like and how they do with other dogs i dont think you should go to the spca for a first time pitbull because you dont know there parents.Dogs dont just turn on there owners pitbulls have been known to be great with children but also they are known to get into fights with other dogs thats why you would want parents that dont have a record of fighting with other dogs never leave a pitbull and any other dog alone together but they are one of the best dogs you could have.

Answer 4

I have had several pits and I've never had a problem. It's all on how you raise them. Getting a young puppy is good so it grows up with your other dog. They can play rough though so it's good to keep an eye on them with smaller animals and kids. They are very strong so never let someone small walk them! I've love pits and think they can be the most loving pets you can ask for!!!! This is coming from someone who had a cat killed by one and as an officer who's dealt with what harm they do. I blame the owner not the dog, it's totally how you raise them! They get a bad name from those who raise them with neglect and to fight. I get mad at the stereotype because they are gentle and loving if you raise them right. Socialize, socialize, socialize! Introduce the pup as he grows to dogs, cats, and people so he doesn't feel the need to protect you from something he's not familiar with. (my Pom ruled over my last one as an example LOL) Establish alpha soon in a good way and your set. Send any other questions you have. Good luck, you won't be sorry!

Answer 5

Getting a Pit Bull in itself isn't a problem, but mixing a Pit puppy with your Parson may be dangerous.

The two dogs will "play" differently from one another which may lead to a miscommunication between them and probable attacks.

Parsons are, by their nature, springy and capricious dogs that play by running, charging, jumping, tug-o-war, and being generally frenetic. This type of play is fine for other dogs with similar play modes, but their type of play may be seen as an "annoyance" or a confusing frenzy by a Pit. In an attempt to stop the disconcerting frenzy, the Pit may become aggressive -- the Parson will react in kind -- and you'll have a fight on your hands...

Pit Bulls, for their part, play by using their bodies, their muscles and their mouths; body-slamming playmates, mouthing playmates, leaning and pressing against their playmates with their bodies. This sort of play may be misinterpreted by a Parson as an attack or an an attempt to force the Parson into a submissive posture. A strong willed Parson may refuse to "back down" and become agressive with the Pit, trying to reassert his own will. Pit Bulls have heavy bones and massive jaws which they WILL use to defend themselves... Again, you'll have a fight on your hands.

If you're going to "mix" dogs, find ones with similar body language and play modes, so there is no "miscommunication".

Answer 6

There is nothing wrong with Pitbull's unless you train them to be mean. I had mine as a puppy and it passed away at age 12 due to health reasons and never bit or was mean in any way his whole life. Please be sure you get one from a reliable source and that the parents were mean and aggresive. These are wonderful breeds of dogs if treated well and are excellent with kids too. Mine was raised up with twins so I should know! Good luck!

Answer 7

I just adopted a Pit Bull/Staffordshire bull terrier mix 2 months ago. hes 9 months old now and he is the most playful little lovebug ever. when i got him he didnt even know his own name and he wasnt potty trained and he still nipped. he will do anything to keep us happy and hes already learned to sit, shake, lay down and hes working on stay. He was potty trained within a few weeks and he has learned to walk on a leash better. they are a very active breed and they get a bad name cuz they are used as fighting dogs. but as long as you raise your dog to be nice and lovable you wont have a problem. a trainer told us staffys and pits are amazing dogs to work with because they dont even care if you dont give them a treat, theyll do it just for love and attention. They are etremely active and need daily walks or a big yard to play/run around in. i would really recomend you get a staffy or a pit. tip:if you do get one male sure to stop the nipping habit. its where the dog bites slightly when it gets excited because it is showing that it knows you are dominate. adult dogs can nip too hard if they are not taught not to as puppys. and get KONG brand toys cuz pits will tear right threw most toys in seconds.

Answer 8

I have a four year old pittbull named Bella. She is in no way aggressive and is very gentle. Her best friend is our 6 month old kitten. My dog is more likely to trip you while she spins in circles than bite.

Pittbulls have gotten a bad rap. There very loyal and well behaved dogs when treated with love.

Answer 9

Pit Bulls are amazing dogs. they are very friendly and loyal. they are not mean by nature. i have 3 adult pit bulls, and a canaan. they all get along great, and they all are very friendly, and very gentle.

pit bulls are only aggressive when raised to be aggressive. people who raise them to be guard dogs, or to fight them as "sport" (a horrible sick sport) spend a lot of time teaching them to be vicious.

Answer 10

yes i know 2 people who have had their pitbulls turn on them! here are short stories (of what happened):

1. they (the dog owners) had a 2 year old child and a pitbull, one day the child was just playing outside (in their backyard) with the dog and the mother, one of my best friends, had to go get something in the garage for only like 25 seconds! when she came back her baby was dead! because of the pitbull!

2. my friend (a guy friend) was playing outside with his neighbor's pitbull and they were just playing fetch when the dog came running up to him and pit him in the face! actually it was right around his mouth! he had to get 36 stitches!

for those reasons i would never allow a pitbull in my household!