Need advise about new dog?

Question

I recently adopted a new dog from the shelter where I volunteer. She is a 4 yr old mixed breed, brindle in coloring. I have no idea what her exact pedigree is, but she looks like a brindle colored lab. My family, on the other hand, thinks she is a pitbull. My sister has one so far as to say she will not come over to my house as long as I have "that dog!" My brother says she is going to bite my children, and my ex-husband has threatened me with trying for full custody of the children because they are in danger from the "vicious pitbull". This dog passed the temperment test with flying colors. She is so gentle and laid back. Any suggestions as to how to get my family to be more acceptive of my new dog. She is not a vicious dog, and she may have some pitbull in her, but that doesn't make her a "bad dog".

I am a certified animal behaviorist and have done temperment evaluations for shelters throughout NE Ohio. I can say with certainty that this dog (Brinnie) is absolutely no danger to anyone save her stuffed toy and rawhide bone. I will, however, look into getting her the Good Canine Citizen. Thanks for the input.

Answer 1

There are other breeds that can cause this coloring especially in a mix. Boxer, shar pei, bull mastiff and Treeing Tn Hound are just a few. Please go to dogbreedinfo.com and look at some of the pics to find a better match for your new friend (the Treeing Tn could be an almost exact match from your description). Sounds like your family just needs a little education - there is really no more danger from a "pit" than there is a chihuahua (just an example - chi owners please don't get upset). Get a copy of the temperament testing, maybe go for obedience classes (depending on the age of your children-I would include them in the classes in insure everyone knows and is consistent with training) and then apply for the Canine Good Citizen Award just to head off your ex. Thank you a million times over for volunteering and saving a life by adopting!

Answer 2

First off, Congrats on adopting an adult from the shelter! As a volunteer with a Pit Bull rescue, I am proud to hear that!

Sounds like your family needs some educating...this is normal. The media gives such a negative sterotype of this dog, it is ridiculous. If the dog passed the tempermant test, the kids will be fine and the ex can chill out...PB's used to be known as the Nanny Dog for a reason. Here are some sites for you to check out and throw the facts at them:
www.pbrc.net
www.badrap.org
www.understand-a-bull.com
www.maxtheshelterdog.com
www.turtlemoonrescue.org

Also, enrolling her into obedience classes would be great. She will gain knowledge and it will strengthen your bond...plus once she has learned all she needs to know, you can get her to take her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test to prove to your family she is no villian.

Family problems are something that is common when they don't truly understand this wonderful breed and only goes off of what the media says. Hopefully with enough kind words about her from you and the kids, they will get over this fear that they have...the key is to not give in to them and continue to provide a loving home for your children and new family member.

Answer 3

There are other breeds that could be causing the brindle coloring. I would get the records saying that she passed with flying colors, that way if there ever is any question, the test was done and she proved to be a good dog. Even if she is pitbull, there is more to her than just that. The reason pitbulls have such a bad name is because they are easily trained to be fighting dogs, but they are also easily trained to be great pets. Its all about how she is handled. If she is pitbull, YOU need to stern but fair at all times. If your unsure about her behavior with your kids, then always supervise, accidents ususally happen when no one is looking. I would do more research about her, talk to a vet or two to narrow her breed down, socialize her in positive settings, and remember your family is only concerened for you and your children, but they may just need to be more informed as may you.

Answer 4

Well, from my experiences, it doesn't matter what breed the dog is, it's how the owner cares for the pet as to how it behaves. There are no "bad dogs" in my book. Watch the Dog Whisperer and learn how to properly care for the pet. Taking long walks with the dog usually helps with high anxiety. I have met some sweet pit bull dogs before and although they have powerful jaws, that doesn't mean they will use it for anything bad. Give lots of love and some treats and that dog will be amazing and your friends and family will thank you for loving that dog. Get the dog familiar with relatives and even other animals. Watch closely, you can never trust an animal but you can predict it's behavior. Good luck

Answer 5

they should watch some episodes of the original little rascals. up until recently Pit Bulls were the American Dog; they were viewed as ideal family pets above German shepherds Collies and Newfoundlands! there are many organizations on the web that can give you more information no this; although itmay be hard to get people to see that they are acting out of ignorance...Also there are some good stories about pit bulls who have saved peoples, and childrens, lives on dogsinthenews.com, search for "pit bull" also the atts.org gives the statistics for breeds passing rate of the temperment test, the pit bull passes 84% of the time, scoring above the Beagle (79 %), Golden Retriever (83%) and miniature poodle (76%). These things may help, they helped me with combating prejudice after I rescued a Pit Bull. :)

Answer 6

Pitbulls have terrible reputations as you can tell.
As long as she's passed a temperment test she's fine. They just need to get to know her.
Its really not fair to say that she's vicious because shes got pit bull in her. ANY dog is capable of attacking someone. 3 or 4 months ago 2 huskies who were up to that point great family dogs attacked a 4 week old baby and ripped it to pieces so I guess people should keep their kids away from huskies too.

Answer 7

She might have some pit bull in her, she might also be a boxer mix. I would work towards getting a CGC on her just to shut everyone up, and in case your ex wants to be a total jerk and make you go to court, you will have both the temperment test and Canine Good Citizen cert to vouch for her good manners whatever she is. I used to have pits when my kids were babies, they were actually great with the kids, but the media has done a fine job of scaring everyone....We stopped for lunch this weekend, and when I went in to ask if we could bring the dog in, they said "as long as its not a pit bull, and its not going to bite anyone"....really rattled my cage! When we were pit bull owners, we just had to be like a one dog campaign team, and work on changing opinions one person at a time, its quite a labor of love to be part of the solution.

Answer 8

Wow... I don't know what would work if they wont even have an open mind and come meet the dog! Only thing I can think of is either to video-tape her laid back nature, or do some obedience training and go for a CGC (Canine Good Citizen). AKC.org will tell you when they are testing for it (if I remember correctly) and could be a great way for you to show them she's a good dog! Good luck!

Answer 9

"Pit bulls" have been given a bad rap by people who do not know the breed. These dogs can be trained and they can be great family dogs. You need to make sure you do obedience training and the dog will probably pass with flying colors. My pit was taught one time where the property line was and in 4 years never crossed it without being told she could. Good luck!

Answer 10

first, kudos to you for volunteering AND adopting!! I would say that if the dog passed the test, get a copy of the results and....(now this is just me being rude) .....mail them to every member of your family!! Also, maybe you could get your vet to type up a letter saying that there is NO GUARANTEE that this dog has any pit bull blood in it. I would keep copies of this on hand for the judge in case your jerk ex-husband goes to court....it just really grates on my nerves how people will let ignorance rule their lives. I would say good ridence to your sis, tell your brother he doesn't have any experience in dog behavior and therefore his conclusion holds no weight at all, and as for your ex...well, isn't there a reason YOU have custody?
I know that sounds harsh, but I tell ya, I have no tolerance for idiots.