My boyfriend wants to get a 2 month old male Pitt Bull & we live in an apartment. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

don't get a pit bull.. those dogs are just lawsuits waiting to happen.. if you want a guard dog, get a german shepard.. they're just as scary to burglers as pit bulls, but they're much less likely to lash out at random strangers..

Answer 2

Be careful when getting a Pitt Bull. They are definately not all bad, but they can be dangerous dogs and will have to be very well trained and socalized. You have to be prepared to deal with a law suit if your Pitt Bull bites someone. Plus you will be limiting yourself in the future by having a Pitt. Many apartments/condos that allow dogs will not allow Pitt Bulls. Some renters/home insurance companies will not give insurance to people who own Pitt Bulls no matter what kind of premiums you are willing to pay. Pitt Bulls are also not allowed in certain cities, so you won't be able to move wherever you want (like places in Colorado) and other places only allow Pitt Bulls if you have $100,000 liability insurance on the dog in case it attacks someone (like Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Believe it or not, bigger dogs are better for apartments because they are lazier and need less exercise. Get a Great Dane, Mastiff, or Saint Bernard to be safe and keep your options open for the future.

Answer 3

1. Make sure that the dog is allowed where you live.

Some apartment complexes don't allow any dogs, or have restrictions in regards to the dog's breed or the dog's adult size. Some places only allow dogs below 20 lbs. Most apartment rental places do not allow any Pit Bull type dogs, including American Staffordshire Terriers, Cane Corsos, etc.

Contact your leasing office for restrictions and information. In addition to having restrictions, most places require you to do a pet addendum to your lease, pay a deposit fee for your pet, or pay a monthly amount for having pets.

Remember - a dog needs to go outside frequently. A puppy will bark or howl at first when left alone. There's no way you can "hide" a dog from your apartment management or maintenance personnel.

2. Make sure your renter's insurance will cover the dog. Again, like with the apartment information below, most insurance companies will not cover a Pit Bull type dog, so if he should ever bite or injure anyone (whether by accident or otherwise), YOU will be completely liable.

3. Make sure to get the dog from a responsible, reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will breed for a good temperament.

4. Commit to training. Pit Bull type dogs get a lot of bad press, so it's doubly important that you train your dog and make sure he's neither a nuisance nor a danger to anyone. Find a good obedience class that you can attend with your dog. Consider getting the AKC's "Canine Good Citizen" certification as a goal for your training classes.

5. Also, please don't listen to the people who say that "you must have a house and/or a fenced in back yard" to have a dog / big dog. That is a load of nonsense.

Most dog breeds do perfectly fine in an apartment - just as long as they get the proper amount of exercise, both physical (walks, play, etc.) AND mental (training).

Having a fenced-in back yard does not make you a good dog owner, nor does it ensure that the dogs get the proper amount of exercise. I know too many people who just turn the dog loose in the back yard and expect it to amuse itself and tire itself out. They're usually the people who never take the dogs on actual WALKS because they figure, heck, we have a back yard, let the dog run by itself.

Any dog will do fine in an apartment as long as you care for them properly. Exercise them by going on walks - a large breed dog should get at least two 45 minute walks A DAY, along with training. Take them to a park or area where they can run off leash and where you can play fetch with them (if they are interested in fetch - not all dogs are).

Answer 4

Some people will think your boyfriend has a small ... ego you are thinking about getting a type of dog that has a very bad rep. So now matter what happens you will always be at blame owning a dog like that requires expereince and an apartment is not the proper place for that type of pet. It is kind of like owning a hand gun and leaving it out loaded do you really need that kind of constant resonsiblity, if you do then fine get trained to own it first.

P.S.
Don't get me wrong I do not support banning pit bulls I think poor owners should be banned.

Answer 5

First off, they are great pets when properly trained and cared for but they are not well suited for apartments.

Pit bull is a general term nowadays that covers Staffordshire Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. These dogs needs lots of exercise or they can develop bad habits or quickly become overweight which can lead to hip displaysia which they are prone to. Any terrier breed will need lots of walking and attention so your boyfriend really needs to consider this.

As the other posters mentioned, most apartments won't allow this breed (many in my area are turning down all terriers now too).

Ask your boyfriend why he wants this particular dog and check out what the rules are for where you live. Depending on the answers you get also consider that time you will have to commit.

Answer 6

I lived with my pit mix in a very small apartment, but he is a very lazy adult dog.

My concern is that most landlords will not allow pit bulls in apartment complexes. Make sure you are allowed to have the dog in your apartment or else you could be evicted or have to give up the dog. Better for him to get a forever home right away instead of going into the adoption system.

Answer 7

A pit bull puppy is not the dog for an apartment. They need to be out and around all types of situations, noises, etc. to be properly socialized. I am not saying it can not be done, but the dog would be much happier with as much room as possible. Me and my pit had to live in an apartment for a little while, and she was/is much happier with a yard and just more room in general. Pits are wonderful, loving dogs. When you have more room I would 100% recommend getting one. I will never own any other breed of dog ever again. They are also wonderful family companions. They key is socialization.

Answer 8

You guys have your own decision. I know this though; Pits need a lot of exercise. They need a lot of tender care. As long as you bring the dog outside often and let it breathe you should be fine. They love to wreck a house, so just make sure your valuable belongings are put up. They are good dogs.. dont listen to these people. They do have aggressive tendencies.. BUT ITS ALL HOW YOU TRAIN THEM. I have two myself and they are sweethearts (one brindle one tan). They love each other, they love everybody. They act like labs when people come to the door and get so excited. They never even bark at other dogs when we walk them or other people. So.. dont believe in all the hype. Also, try to get info on their parents, its important to know where they come from for pits. They tend to adapt to their parents' behavior. Good LUck!

Answer 9

Move out of the apartments, or pick a new breed. Many apartments have a dog policy, that bans certain breeds. American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the list.

Also, many apartments have a weight limit, that usually is less than what an adult APBT would weigh.

Here's a list of dogs ''suitable'' for apartment living:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/apartment.htm

Answer 10

Talk him out of it.. Wait til you move to your own house... Likely the landlord and the rest of your neighbours aren't going to be impressed at all..
Far too many people in apartments get dogs, then find out how difficult it is, or have trouble with landlord or neighbours and end up dumping their dog at the shelter.. It's best to wait til you have your own place, then you can do what you want.

Answer 11

A Pit Bull is a large, active dog who needs room to play and run. They're generally not good dogs to keep in an apartment setting. I would do more research on the breed, and make sure you're allowed by law to own one in your jurisdiction. They're banned in many areas of the country.