Inexperienced dog owner considering pitbull.?

Question

I know there are different breeds considered under the title "pitbull", but in general are they good for a novice owner. I've heard they can be dominate and pushy.

I've never owned a dog, but trained a Lab/GSD mix.

Answer 1

You are a leg up on some licensed behaviourists I've known who have never owned a dog, nor trained one. lol

Its not really a matter of experience, but more a matter of ability. I can tell you stories of many experienced dog owners that would be incapable of properly and safely managing a pitbull terrier.

Your's is one of those situations where you must rely on the Breeder's instincts as to your abilities ... buy from a successful Breeder, one whose interest in her pups is continued in your capabilities as an owner of one of her pups. No successful Breeder is going to sell to an "iffy" home, they value their reputation more than their bank account.

Dominate and pushy? You are inexperienced. That's okay, at least you understand that you are. Dominate dogs are not pushy, they don't have to be. Pushy dogs are not dominate, that's why they are (pushy).

Well bred pitbulls/amstaffs are confident, testy and game; they are not dominate and pushy. Dominate and pushy are reactive - you don't want reactive, that spells slow and dumb. Well bred pitbulls are responsive, and as such, they are very easy to control; even in the heat of battle, even with the inexperienced YET capable handler.

I have no way to qualify your raw ability over the internet, but if you will take the time to find a quality Breeder, she'll be able to qualify your ability as acceptable or not for her breeding. After all - if she sells you a pup, you'll be walking out the door with her reputation in hand.

Tony Ancheta

Answer 2

It's not that first time owners can't handle them- it's more that naive people can't. I'm around Pit-Bull owners a lot at dog parks, I worked at a dog school, and I've only come across one dominant one. When they get that way it's hard to stop because once they lock their jaw into a bite it's so strong it can do serious damage... So, if you're willing to study ALL the signs of dominance (the way a dog stands, putting its neck over another dog's neck, scruff being up), how to corect it if it starts, consider classes if necessary, and take them to be socialized often then I think any observant person can handle it. Puppies are usually best for first time owners because you don't have to worry about learing how to break their bad habits. Keep in mind that a lot usually translates to 1 consecutive hour of training sessions 2x/day. (ie: walking, jogging, taking to play at a off-leash yard, teaching tricks...) A lot of people make the mistake that growing up with dogs makes them an expert but actually what you're doing by asking questions does. Good luck, study the breed, and see if it's for you. If not Boxers are a lot of fun, a lot of energy, and have a similar look.

Answer 3

You should start with something that will be more willing to be a docile dog and that you can become the head of the pack more easily with. I would even reccomend getting an older dog from a humane society and learning with the dog about training. There are many books out there that can help you learn. If you are seriously wanting a pit bull you should read up a lot on it and make sure your dog is well socialized and has training classes. It is neglectful or ignorant owners who make a bad dog it isn't the breed of dog so if you are determined to get a pit bull or any dog be sure to know what you are getting into so the dog doesn't end up being the one who suffers.

Answer 4

I feel, that if a novice owner to a breed that is sometimes not suggested for a novice, is willing and commited to persue proper training and socialization, making a full commitment to a happy, well socialized dog, then it's not a problem. You gotta learn some how along the way.

Find a good obedience trainer, get into a puppy kindergarten for early socialization, and of course, work with a reputable breeder when selecting a pup. Reputable breeders are concerned about the dogs health and temperment, which are both very important.

Answer 5

Pitbulls can be dominant. It all depends on their training. I own a pitbull, and he is such a baby. He thinks he is a lap dog. I had never owned a pit before, but I wouldn't give him away! He can be a big baby, but I trust him when it comes to protecting me. Pits are stubborn at times, but if trained right, the owner is the dominant one. If you decide to get a pit, get a puppy and do research on how to train them. You might want to have a professional trainer, especially if you are a novice dog owner. Good Luck!

Answer 6

i disagree with most answers, OUR(my husband and I's) OPINION, i got my two am staff/german Shepherd i was inexperienced with any dog for that matter(parents didn't allow anything bigger then birds in the house as pets) and when i married my husband( he grew up with cats, birds, dogs of every size,rescue dogs, 4H project dogs) we went to go look at these pups and we decided to adopt them and give them a good home, i will agree we dove into the situation head first and didn't read up on the breed b4 getting them (i know irresponsible owners, i know) but we made the best of it and quickly learned (within that weekend we went out and bought books and read them on both the shepherds and pitbulls. short story is if you are 100% serious about it i would get a pitbull mix once you have got that dog trained and obedient(not a nusiance to society)then if you think u can handle another dog read in to a purebred pitbull and all their requirements in life, and proceed with a decision then. by the way i have had my two for 21/2 years now and also 3 yorkies and they are well behaved(they all have their moments) and love children(no, we don't leave them unattended with either of the dogs including the yorkies)

Answer 7

You really need to understand the breed that you're getting before you get it and be willing to put alot of work into the dog if you do get one. Pitt bulls are wonderful wonderful dogs, but its easy for someone who is inexperianced or ignorant to be dominated by them. They aren't naturally aggressive (no dog is), like people seem to think, but they are strong and stubborn, traits that if handled incorrectly can create aggression in a dog.

I don't know if I would recommend a Pittie as your first dog if you aren't sure about your abilities to handle one. But, do your research. Talk to (reputable) breeders and owners of them, make sure you line up a good trainer/behaviorist before you even get the dog, and definately be prepared to work. If you do it right and responsibly there's not reason why you shouldn't be able to own a Pittie, but if you aren't confident maybe try more mellow breed?

Answer 8

I think every answer you have gotten is BS. Where do they get the idea that you have to be an experienced dog person the get a Pit? What dogs do you have to had to get the experience? A Cocker Spaniel or a Rat Terrier or maybe a Beagle? Well maybe they mean a German Shepard, which is a harder dog to raise then a Pit.
The APBT is the most people friendly dog there is. They are the greatest family dog. So easy to raise. They are not dominant to people. They can be aggressive to other dogs.

Answer 9

Honestly they are great dogs, but speaking from experience I would not get one without experience of owning a dog. My husband and I decided to get a dog last year a week before Christmas. We went on Petfinder.com and found an 8 week old Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever mix. Perfect mix right???? Well we picked her up and took her home and found out a couple months later she is actually a lab/pit mix. We definitely got more than we bargained for. We love her very much, but she is difficult at times. Very stubborn and has a mind of her own. We had to get an in home trainer to help us with her "quirks" I know it will be rewarding in the end, but it is VERY difficult. She is definitely not a first time dog owners dog. I would highly recommend you get experience with another dog before bringing a pit into your home.

Answer 10

Any of the bully breeds are not for inexperienced owners. Do lots of research on the breed, go to breeders, training sessions,help at rescues for the breed. Do anything to learn more about the breed BEFORE getting these breeds. Check to make sure you can legally own these breeds in your town or see if there are restrictions, most are pretty stiff.

They already have a very bad name. Don't contribute to it by getting one and not knowing what you are getting into.