Pit bulls..are they good to be around a baby???

Question

See...me and my husband want a pit bull puppy like newborn and our daughter will be born this month..we want a pit bull when she's about 4 months....my mom said that there dangerous to be around a baby....What do you think??? Should I Listen to my mom or just get a pit bull when my daughter is 4 months....my dad said i should get a pit bull my little brother was raised around one and nothing happened to him...HELP ME!!!!

Answer 1

Pit bulls, like ANY other breed, need training, exercise, and attn. The biggest mistake people make in getting a puppy of ANY kind is forgetting how much work a dog needs to truly be a "good" dog. And believe me, around a baby or child, you want a VERY good dog.

Honestly, puppies are a terrible amount of work. Babies are even more. Bad bad bad idea to mix the two so closely. Have the baby. Adjust to that. Once you have recovered (and I do mean recovered), CONSIDER a dog.

Remember, a new baby needs to feed every two hours on average, let alone needing changes and burpings and care IN BETWEEN those times. A new puppy needs to go out to go potty about ever 1-2 hours while it is very young (and remember every accident you allow it to have reinforces having accidents/confuses it to what it SHOULD be doing), has frequent accidents, needs lots of exercise (so a few walks a day) PLUS constant training (inconsistency is the #1 reason training fails).

(NOTE: my puppy was in obedience class with a Pit Bull and it had to be removed from the class. NOT because Pit Bulls are bad dogs, but because they--again like any other dogs--need A LOT of CONSTANT training as a puppy {and puppyhood can last up to two years in many breeds} AND socialization, and these people, though you could tell they loved the dog dearly, failed to do that. It resulted in a fear-aggressive dog, and given the size and strength of a Pit Bull, that is nothing short of dangerous.)

How will you do both at once and still keep your sanity? The baby, you, and/or the dog will suffer. (And statistically, it's the dog who suffers most as it is put in a shelter.)

Answer 2

You shouldn't be really getting any dog when your child is 4 months old. I'd wait until they are at least walking. Pups can be rambunctious and need training. I'm not saying its always a bad idea. I have a pup in a home with a baby and she sleeps on him and is super gentle with him even though she is hyper and playful with other kids/people. She was like that since 8 weeks but not all pups are like that. Also the person is a very experience dog and Pit Bull owner. From your post you would be a first time Pit owner and I don't recommend it. Just the fact that you have to ask this questions shows you haven't researched the breed. You need to do that and find a reputable breeder and research dogs, pups and training in general. You also want to socialize and train the pup. Maybe going to an obedience class would be good since you don't have a lot of experience. If you want an APBT research and research and then wait, take the time now to learn about them. Having a baby is a lot of work and exhuasting adding a pup to that? They require so much time too.

Answer 3

The problem isn't a Pit Bull around your kid, it is your kid around a puppy. Dogs don't necessarily always understand that human kids are more delicate than dog kid. Even the most reliable dogs have been known to nip at younger children when they are excited. It would be best for your family and the dog if you wait until your daughter is a bit older. Most rescues won't adopt out to a household with a child under the age of seven, but there are exceptions. Just be careful and do not buy from a breeder or pet store, especially if you are considering a pit bull. Because of their bad reputation, pits are one of the most commonly surrendered dogs. This includes very young puppies, as mother pits will often not be spayed until after the rescue has gotten a hold of her.

When your family and daughter are ready to deal with a dog, check out www.petfinder.com. And yes, pits are fine around children. Just as long as the dog understands that it needs to be gentle. For this reason, you definitely do not want a puppy.

Good luck and congrats ont he baby!

Answer 4

I first fell in love with Pit bulls when I saw an untrained pit pick up 'her' toddler from too close to the road, and carry her (by the back of her Osh Kosh coveralls) back to the front porch. The pit was careful to be sure not to release the tot until she had her balance. Now I have a rescue pit, she has a 2 year old cat she rescued as a starving 4 week old kitten. It's how you treat the dog, not the breed (though Pits are very smart). Get the puppy! 'Grandma' will learn (if she's smart as a Pit).

Answer 5

When raised properly around children, Pit Bulls are WONDERFUL with them (like most breeds)...I have been around Pit Bulls as long as I can remember....and we have never had any problems with any of them. Even now...we have 2 adult APBTs and just got an Amstaff pup. We have kids in and out of our house daily (my littlest brother just turned 11, he and his friends are everywhere). None of our dogs have ever snapped, bit, let alone growled, at any of us or them. They are great family companions and love kids. However, with a new baby around, I would wait til she is older than 4 months before getting a puppy. Having a Pit Bull puppy (ANY puppy for that matter) is ALOT of work, with socializing, potty training, teething, and so on... having both will be very tiring.....especially if you are first time dog owners. Pit Bulls are wonderful, loyal, and very loving dogs....hopefully you have done your research on this breed (they are NOT for everyone) and when the time comes, will be well prepared for your new pup....good luck :)

Answer 6

They aren't dangerous to be around a baby. But puppies in general, aren't a good idea around babies. Especially young babies. You may want to look into adopting an older dog. Or waiting until the baby is older to get a dog. But when raised properly, Pit bulls make WONDERFUL dogs. I'd know from experience.

Answer 7

Dogs are not aggresive by breed alone and pitbulls can be perfect family dogs and wonderful with children. Best advice I can give you is to try to research all the breeders in your area. See if you can talk to others who have adopted from certain breeders and even meet a few of the dogs first to see if you feel comfortable with their temperment. If you see someone or know someone with a great dog ask where they got their dog and check out their breeder. If you do get a pup, really take the time to ensure it is trained from the beginning and consider an obedience class. Just promise yourselves that the first sign of any problem you will make other arrangements suitable for the dog and not jeopordize your family. I say research, ask around and then go for it. I've known many fantastic pitbulls! Best of luck!

Answer 8

I got an american bulldog when I was 8 months pregnant! I was a little nervous at first but she was great with the baby! It was a little difficult raising both at the same time but now they are a little over 1 and are best friends! American bulldogs & pits have a lot in common! they are just about the same breed but pits are suppose to be smaller, not now a days though. I think it is great to have them close in age, the dog is very tolerant of the baby, she uses her as a step-stool to get onto the couch!! the dog lets her do anything & runs to her anytime she cries! as long as the dog is raised with the baby they do great.

Answer 9

APBTs are one of the best breeds around children. I would never leave any dog alone with a child, but that's not based on breed. I personally dont know how hard a new baby is, but I'm imagining it's pretty rough, I would wait until the baby is a little bit older before getting a puppy, I have had puppies and man it's rough! add a baby to that and You'll never get any sleep! Wouldnt worry about the breed, would definitely wait until your new little girl is a little older.

Answer 10

Pit bulls are great around kids IF you get it from a Reputable breeder, train it well and give it enough exercise. Pit Bulls can be more work than some of the other breeds but it is well worth it.