Do i have room for a PIT BULL?

Question

i live in a 2 bedroom 1200 sq. ft apartment with a decent size patio. The patio is about 5 feet by 12 feet. I really love pits and want to get one in the 40-60 lb range. Do you think that leaving the dog in the patio 2-4 hours at a time would be damaging? He/she will be getting plenty of exercise at the park, probably 3-5 visits there a day, no less than 3. Would i be hurting the pit if it was to live in my home?

Answer 1

I think your home and plan for exercise make your place a potentially great place to raise an APBT. The problem is, while in training and until all teething is complete, leaving your dog home alone could be a recipe for disaster whether on the patio alone or in the home alone. The dog could do some serious damage to the fence, the house, or go through a plate glass window if something excited him enough. You'd have to secure your home and get your dog trained. I have three dogs and one is a sixty lb. APBT. She is well trained and can stay in my condo while I am out but I have a large plate glass window that I put this long portable fold out table across so she doesn't see something outside and get excited.
One time a cat got on my patio and her paws hit the glass real hard and sudden and I was glad nothing happened but I secure the place now and can leave home in peace.
At times, if I am going out for a shorter period of time I put her in a kennel cab. She's two now, and well trained. But at seven mos old while in a chewing phase, she did put two holes in a wall during a few unguarded moments. Don't want to discourage you! The personality of the breed made the growing pains worth it, not to mention that she was easy for me to train.
Back to the patio, there is too much danger your dog could get bored and dig or chew it's way out. Also, because of weather, the dogs don't like to get cold and even with insulated shelter can be pretty miserable outside or even in danger if cold enough. Likewise, too much sun exposure can burn those short haired dogs- also there's a risk of heat stroke. Just some things to consider.
OOPS- forgot to mention that five feet may not contain an APBT from going OVER the fence if bored. These dogs can climb trees! Seriously.

Answer 2

I would say no, being as my brother has had a pit in the same living space as your own. And with plenty of exercise she did just find. A little advice on pit bull owner for you:
1. The pit bull is a dominant breed and should not be allowed to do whatever it wants. You make the rules, not the dog.
2. They can be aggressive from genetics, be sure to be able to see the parents of the dog and how the act with people befor even worrying about the puppies.
3. A pit bull is often reffered to as an American Pit bull terrier, and if you are looking to register it, thats the breed you should be registering it with.
4. Most pit bulls are very sweet, but all NEED to be socialized around small animals and people are they will become aggressive. They have a high prey drive and without proper training will attack and even kill smalls animals.
5. Taking in this breed is an extreme responsibility and you have to understand the advantages and disadvantages of owning the breed.

This isnt even a fourth of what i could advice pit bull owners, but this is enough since your questions was about living space in the first place.

Answer 3

I do not suggest leaving a dog unattended on a porch for any time or reason. All it would take is one roving cat or dog attacking yours or vice versa, and the whole neighborhood would be in an uproar about your vicious pit bull tied out back. I love pits personally, but you have to think about your dog's welfare too. And if it's an upper level balcony, your dog could jump off and get hurt, or spend all day barking and annoy your neighbors.

Living in an apartment itself would not be an issue for a pit. I think a better idea would be to get a comfy crate and keep him crated indoors for those 2-4 hours instead of on the patio- the dog is still contained, but inside, in a temperature controlled, bug-free environment, and with no chance of harrassing neighbors or falling victim to their false accusations.

Last but not least- are pits allowed there? Because they are banned from most apartments now. Please don't get one if you're not allowed, they can confiscate your dog if you do.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Dogs should live in your home as part of your family. Sounds as if you already know your Pit Bull will need to be socialized. Get your dog some training, you can sign him/her up in classes. (Obedient training)
I would not leave the dog outside on the patio it's not safe nor suitable when you are away. It's probably concrete so would get extra hot/cold. could damage your dogs paws.
Getting a kennel would be best at first. After you have your dog trained then you could let him/her roam free thur out your house. (that's what I do/did-!
They are great dogs but tend to have lots of energy some can be dog aggressive so please social your dog.

Don't forget to spay or neuter!!

Answer 5

You have plenty of room. Just please don't leave the dog out on the patio if you are not home. Unsupervised for short times might be ok IF you KNOW your dog. Not an escape artist, not a high prey drive otherwise he/she could get in trouble. If you are not home its not a good idea. The dog would be better off inside in a crate or free run of the home or one room or something.

Answer 6

The pits that I know like to be wherever their people are, so with the size of your apartment, the pit should be comfortable. With the exercise at the part, plenty of food and water, and lots of love from you, that pit will flourish as your pet. Good luck!

Answer 7

You have plenty of room. The question is do you have the patience, time, energy and funds to provide adequate training, care and quality of life. Unless you've owned a pit before, you need to see a professional trainer. BTW taking a pit bull to a park isn't a big deal if they are properly socialized. The lack of socialization will cause more aggression issues than most people realize.

Answer 8

Make sure you give him or her plenty of water and food. On hot days a shady area would be nice for the pit bull. On chilly days bring a doggy bed out or some blankets... but other then that it would definitly be a good place to keep the furball!

Answer 9

i don't see why not!!! Ive had a pit living in a 2 bedroom apt. just make sure you get the pit enough exercise its on thing to say you will but you have to make sure you actually do!!! trust me i own 5 and have a big back yard and take them for walks daily and they still don't seem to have enough exercise the more the better!!!
Good Luck!

Answer 10

I live in the same size apartment of the same size. He is happy and well. Enjoy your pit.