pitbull/sharpei mix with 8 year old child?

Question

My friend just got a 6-month puppy from the local shelter. They told her he is a sharpei/lab mix but I just saw him and if he's a lab, I'll eat my hat. I'm pretty sure he is a pitbull mix. He's very muscular (i've never seen a stronger puppy) and a little aggressive. She is planning on training him, but I am worried about having a pitbull from unknown parentage around a little girl. I've known well-bred pitbulls that were sweet and gentle, but I also know that a lot of pitbulls in my local area are bred for aggression and fighting. What should I tell her?

I understand that pits are on the whole less likely to bite, but I also know that when they do, they cause considerably more damage than poodles. We have a problem in my area with dog fighting; that is where my concern lies. I have no problems with reputable pit breeders and owners.

Maybe I am just paranoid because he bit my throat. I understand puppy biting, but I have never had one bite my throat. I guess it it a good sign that he let go when I screamed?

Answer 1

Pits are not necessarily aggressive dogs. The do get horrible press- and are powerful animals, so when things go wrong, they can go very wrong.

The nervous nellies need to learn more before advocating that someone else write off a living thing that they know nothing about.

First, you are not even talking about a full pit- if any pit at all.

Second, any reputable shelter will follow pre-placement guidelines that include evaluating the temperment of the animal.

I would recommend that she have a vet evaluate the animal- both for breed (if the word 'Pit' is what is frightening her) and temperment.

Any dog, especially large dogs, deserves to be trained and included as a follower in the pack. This takes time, effort, and emotional investment that I have never felt cheated by putting into an animal.

To lead a strong dog, one must be strong... any dog will make you its b!+ch if you let it, and if a strong bodied, strong willed dog is too much to take on, its better for everyone (and the dog) to look elsewhere for canine companionship.

I have had chows, pits, german shepards, huskies and rotties in my past- the most challenging I've ever had (and the only one to ever bite one of my kids...)? Miniature Dachshund.

What should you tell her?

If she is uncomfortable with that animal around her kid, lose the dog... her child's safety is (hopefully clearly) more important.

If she is ready for a 7-15 year commitment to an animal that will help her and her child grow as people, consult a vet, get a training regime started, and go have a blast.

BTW- the most biting breed? Poodles.

Answer 2

Please do not prejudge a puppy. You know that training and love are what make a dog a sweet and gentle animal. First off you are assuming that you are a better judge of breed than people in shelters who have seen thousands of dogs. Secondly you are assuming that she will not get the dog properly trained. Most puppies are slightly aggressive just because this is what it takes to survive. If at 6 months old he was in shelter this tells me Mom was a stray so life has not been easy for this puppy. He is now in a loving home and with the right training he will learn what is acceptable and what is not. Your answerer who said she needs to bring her daughter with her to training is absolutely right. Children need to learn what commands are taught to the dog and how to use them. At 8 she should know how to treat the dog. By the way Sharpei's look a great deal like pit bulls in the face and are very strong.

Answer 3

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RE:
pitbull/sharpei mix with 8 year old child?
My friend just got a 6-month puppy from the local shelter. They told her he is a sharpei/lab mix but I just saw him and if he's a lab, I'll eat my hat. I'm pretty sure he is a pitbull mix. He's very muscular (i've never seen a stronger puppy) and a little aggressive. She is...

Answer 4

Pitbull Shar Pei Mix

Answer 5

Contrary to what many people think, just because a dog was in a shelter doesn't mean there is something wrong with it. At only 6 months old, the dog is still very trainable and will probably make a great pet. As with any dog, it is important that this puppy gets training from a professional. It would be smart to have everyone who will be living with the dog attend the classes as well so they know how to interact with the dog.

Answer 6

Shar Pei Pitbull Mix

Answer 7

in mixes you can't all was tell a pit from a sharpei they look very smiler at young of an age and sharpeis are aggressive by nature they where breed to be guard dogs and pit fighters the same as an A.P.B.T.

Answer 8

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU7l8

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 9

The dog needs to know that people are in charge little to big. You can't say for sure if the dog is part pit. American bulldogs look like pits but they are not. there are lots of different breed that are very muscular so don't jump to conclusions. The dog needs to go to a professional trainer to teach your friend & the dog & her family. I know a good one who work great for all families. Cesar Millan here is his web site http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/ . Don't just give up on the pup. Make rules for the dog No ruff play. Have a crate for the dog , dogs are den animals. Have chew toys & a stuff animal. Have him in the crate at night & when they are a way. When he wakes take him out to go potty & after he eats & every1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs. He needs lots of walks. 2to 3 times a day For 1/2hour to an hour. everyone in the family needs to be consistent . They need to work together & that goes for any kind of dog. Teach him basics right now sit, stay ,come, no, heal. work with him everyday even after he knows keep his mind going. teach him to play catch or tug take him swimming. As long as you keep him active & going he will be okay never jump to conclusions with anything. Good luck to your friend & her family.

Answer 10

I'd be very careful with that dog around an 8 year old child. There is a reason that dog was in the shelter. She had better enroll it in obediance classes asap & make sure that dog understands that it is at the bottom of the dominance pole in that house. The little girl needs to go with the Mom to the classes so she knows exactly how to make the dog act even with her. The trainers will help both of them deal with the dog.