hubby wants a pit bull puppy ...I am hesitant

[madeliasjake]

Hi folks !!!i have an issue...we have 3 small kids , ages 5 , 3 and 2 (very laid back kids) a VERYYYYY laid back cat and 3 rabbits. The rabbits are kept in their own bunny room so they are not an issue too much .I am originaly from Trinidad and unfortunately pit bulls were used for fighting there (still are i think) dog fighting is not illegal there .Anyway so every pit i have encountered there has been EXTREMELY aggressive ones ,so you can only imagine the stories of violent attacks there .We are moving to our new home which is ona large piece of land and sine hubby works until 10 every night and I am home with the kiddies and furbabies we want to get dog....
My husband loves pit bulls his colleague from work who owns 2 just had pups and my husband would like to buy one .I met the pup's parents and they are so soft and sweet (the momma got spayed already as he does not want to breed again ) really friendly .Anyway with 3 small kids i am hesitant ,i have been researching the breed and i get good reviews and terrible reviews so it is not helping at all ...I can't decide .If we get the dog as any....it will be trained in basic commands and of course spayed/neutered right away .i just want reassurance ....I would love to take the pup if i just knew for sure its a safe dog ...especially for the kids ....it will be an indoor dog being spoiled by me totally .any advice guys????

[wyattabby]

Hi folks !!!i have an issue...we have 3 small kids , ages 5 , 3 and 2 (very laid back kids) a VERYYYYY laid back cat and 3 rabbits. The rabbits are kept in their own bunny room so they are not an issue too much .I am originaly from Trinidad and unfortunately pit bulls were used for fighting there (still are i think) dog fighting is not illegal there .Anyway so every pit i have encountered there has been EXTREMELY aggressive ones ,so you can only imagine the stories of violent attacks there .We are moving to our new home which is ona large piece of land and sine hubby works until 10 every night and I am home with the kiddies and furbabies we want to get dog....
My husband loves pit bulls his colleague from work who owns 2 just had pups and my husband would like to buy one .I met the pup's parents and they are so soft and sweet (the momma got spayed already as he does not want to breed again ) really friendly .Anyway with 3 small kids i am hesitant ,i have been researching the breed and i get good reviews and terrible reviews so it is not helping at all ...I can't decide .If we get the dog as any....it will be trained in basic commands and of course spayed/neutered right away .i just want reassurance ....I would love to take the pup if i just knew for sure its a safe dog ...especially for the kids ....it will be an indoor dog being spoiled by me totally .any advice guys????

in my opinion, pit bulls get a bad rap. yes they are a protective breed but my uncle has owned several over the years and they are as friendly and sweet as can be. even to relatives they see once a year or more. he lets them roam the property and they do just fine. Assuming your husband isn't wanting this dog for any reason other than a family pet i'd say go for it..they really are wonderful dogs when under the proper care.

[GSP4619]

I never had a pit but my sister has 4 kids and she had one and this pit was awesome with those kids. And to any of us that came to see her. You would get whipped by his tail LOL from being so happy to see you :) . I think it's how you raise them. Bad owners make bad pets.

Their are alot of pitty owners here and they will be able to give you much better advice :)

Good luck and keep us posted.

[ClarkFarm]

Check this out: http://www.pitbullproblem.tk

The end leaves you smiling... lots of pictures with wee little babies nestled up close to their cherished pitbull.

I think a rabbit would always be a temptation for any dog but thats just me. A puppy will want to play with a cat so its going to take some positive training for them to both get along.

[seraphicia]

The pit bull breeds can be wonderful family pets who love anyone and everyone with the right training and socialization and care. They are not for everyone, and you should go about bringing one home with and open mind and watchful eyes. They can be, but are not always more dominant dogs, but that does not mean aggressive. They reguire lots of training and praise and boundries. If you feel in your current situation (as YOU will be the main puppy caregiver) that you are ready to devote the needed time for a puppy(housetraining, crate training, socialization, manners, etc.) then I'd encourage you to get some more knowledgable information about the breeds(Am Staffs, American Pit Bll Terriers, American Bulldog, etc), and know what you're getting into. With my first pit, who came unexpectedly to my already having been at another home for two weeks(WAY TO YOUNG!), we were clueless and we let some of the hype get to us about pits, as we were very ignorant. Well he ened up with a complex that took a lot of time to fix. Thinking this cute pup would end up mauling one of our other beloved dogs or someone, we treated him differently(though still loved him), and he ended up with issues that could've been prevented had we known how to handle the inital socialization and training. Anyway...just remember, that they are dogs, not some monster as they have been portrayed, and a puppy is made into a dog by way of the owner, so a bad dog stems from a bad owner(neglectful, abusive, etc.). If you're sure you're ready for a trainable pup, then a pit could fit in nicely with your family. If you've met the parents and they're even tempered, I'd suggest setting up a bit of a controlled test to see how each pup reacts to a cat and a rabbit to pick which might be best suited for your home. Of course they'll be young and you can change bad behaviors to a point. A strong prey drive will be more evident though (as was in my shepherd and littermates of my lab atleast). If you are sure you'll have the time with your most likely busy life, persue t, if not, sit down and have a logical long conversation with your husband since you, not him will really be in charge of the puppy's upbringing. Good luck either way, and good question!

[catcher T]

pittbulls are like any other working breed,,they can be a good family pet just like any other dog.

[Patch O' Pits]

I don't have kids of my own, but I live in a neighborhood full of them plus have neices and nephews who are all always around my dogs...
here is my website to peek
http://www.patch-o-pits.com

here are some good sites to research the breed to help you decide:
www.realpitbull.com
www.pitbullconformation.com

If you have any specific questions on the breed please feel free to e-mail or PM me.

[Uilleam]

Pitbulls have strong jaws and body which makes people train them to be aggressive guard and fighting dogs. That's were they get their bad rep from. As long as you don't train them to be aggressive, their just as good a family pet as a collie. My friend had one a couple years ago that was very gentle and quiet.

[Patch O' Pits]

What did you decide? Do you need any other info?

[madeliasjake]

Well guys.....it was quite an ordeal and your feedback gave me a great deal of food for thought . However , as a mother of three I decided to postpone the idea of getting a dog .After prolonged conversations wth the hobby breeder my husband's friend ,I , in all honesty still had doubt and so in all fairness to the dog ,I decided against purchasing one. Getting a dog is a HUGE decision as you all know so this experience made me realise that maybe I am not ready for a dog .I am very grateful to you all and trust me ,your input has not gone to waste as this experience has forced me to research this misunderstood breed and I have a new found respect for them . They are described by many info sources as dogs that tend to try to be dominant dogs (as are many other breeds) and as a first time dog owner with 3 rabbits and a cat ,I may just in over my head with this breed as an amateur.
Thanks again guys

[Reggies mom]

Happy to hear that you made an informed decision on getting a dog.
You are right, it is a huge responsibility.

[GSP4619]

I second that smart that you thought things threw and just did not run out and get a dog you would not be able to take care of fully. Very wise you are LOL :) .

[lesley jane]

If only everyone gave as much consideration to getting a dog.

[madeliasjake]

hEY GUYS JUST AN UPDATE ...I have been giving a great deal of thought to the whole idea of getting a dog as my hubby REALLY wants one...so I signed up with a small rescue here in Florida in my area .One of the coordinators of the Rescue is going to come over in a few weeks and take a first hand look and meet the kids etc and we will talk about what kind of dog we should really look at getting .I love animals and whichever dog I do get will have my utmost best care but at least this process is slow and careful and I feel MUCH better going through this route...wish us luck

[GSP4619]

Good News!!!

can't waite to see how it all turns out for you and the family :)

[Patch O' Pits]

That is great. If you and your husband still are consdering a pit bull... speak to a pit bull rescue about one that is already proven Ok with cats and small animals and is a good match for you. Puppies of any breed are not always the best choice especially with kids and other pets. An adult dog may be a better option for you

[SmoothCollieluver]

Pit bulls are great dogs if raised right. I have one that we got from a shelter at 6m old. She was going to be used as a bait dog. She is one of the best dogs we have ever had. My kids are 5 and 2 and she would never hurt them. She is 6 now.

[SmoothCollieluver]

That is great. If you and your husband still are consdering a pit bull... speak to a pit bull rescue about one that is already proven Ok with cats and small animals and is a good match for you. Puppies of any breed are not always the best choice especially with kids and other pets. An adult dog may be a better option for you


I totally agree with that.

[madeliasjake]

oh most definitely,one thing I most definitely realised is that I have very little time with my 3 kids and all to housebreak a dog so I have already made the decision that an older....definitely not a puppy is what I am looking for like 2 yrs old and up and with an established temperament . As for what breed ,I have no specifics as I just want the RIGHT dog (I think that that is more important than anything else )... breed or looks definitely does not matter .Thanks guys I will keep you posted!!!

[Patch O' Pits]

What state are you in maybe we can help by sending you some links to dogs that may be a good match?


you can also punch in specifics right onto pet finder as well

[madeliasjake]

I am in Naples Florida ....thanks for the help....

[redwhitenblue]

there is nothing to be hesitant about pitbulls arent bad their owners are!!! remember you make your dog what you want and you dog is an image of you.!!! i have night and day in my dobermans and they both represent me and my husband at times... i can be the big b**** like my boy and i can also be a sweet angel like my girl and so can my husband... that is life.

JMO

hugs liz

[madeliasjake]

hey liz i totally respect your opinion , thank you .Wish me luck in getting the right dog , this will be my first.

[Jan]

Hi I am new to the forum. So many people warned me not to get a Jack Russell. Because they are so High Maintence. To me she's been just a normal puppy. She is so smart. I did my research and found that that was the breed I wanted. SO my advice. Do your homework. You might ask these people if you could try out puppy a few days. To see how Pup reactions is towards you and your children. Some breeders will let you and if they are his friends I am sure they will let you. Take care and Good luck to you.

[Jan]

Hi I am new to this forum. I was wondering just how long it takes to house train a new puppy. She is pretty good for the most part. She barks to tell me when she needs to go out. And it's cute she barks at the door to come in. But I am having problems. She almost pees right away when she wakes up. I kept her on a 12 x 12 blanket during the day. And she usually goes on that. This morning she did use the newspaper to do number 2. I don't want to give her mixed signs. She is smart and is learning fast. When she first wakes up I try to take her outside right away. The spots I have on carpet most have come out. I plan on getting a new carpet. But I was wondering when to get it. What age should she be before I purchase new carpet. The other problem I have is the owner here before us. Had a male dog I am sure she must smell some of his urine. They left spots of yellow stains where he heisted his leg. I am sure it's not helping house training her. Anyone can give me some input would be greatly appreciated.

[AnnaCatherine]

Hello I may be shot down in flames for saying this but personally I would never have a pit bull.

As with any dog they can make either wonderful or terrible pets however aggression is in their nature and I wouldn't take the risk with my children. If however you really want to take on a Pit Bull then you need to ensure he is trained properly, which will take an awful lot of time love and committment on your part. I live in the UK where pit bulls are banned and have seen some awful cases of mauling all steming from owners who have not researched the breed and not understood the implications of not doing so.

AnnaCatherine

[DiggityDogs]

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[rutylr]

however aggression is in their nature and I wouldn't take the risk with my children. If however you really want to take on a Pit Bull then you need to ensure he is trained properly, which will take an awful lot of time love and committment on your part. I live in the UK where pit bulls are banned and have seen some awful cases of mauling all steming from owners who have not researched the breed and not understood the implications of not doing so.AnnaCatherine

Not shooting you down,just correcting you.A properly bred APBT will never bit a person.It is not in their breeding to be human aggressive(ever......)They are the only breed (to my knowledge) that was bred this way.Any dog back in the day that showed any was put down on the spot.
APBT owners who did fight the dogs had to be able to grab the dogs while fighting with out getting bitten.
They are dog aggressive,not all,but it is in the breed to be that way.Yet many APBT owners own more then one,and have no problem.
But it can happen.
It is the people not breeding to the standard that have given this great breed a bad name....

[blue lacy lover]

i would never get a pit either, it's not that i dont like them it's just that i dont think that is the right dog for me. but some1 else might love them & never have any other beed the rest of their lives. it is just what YOU like & what is right for YOU. well i hope you find the perfect pup for your family! :D:D:D:D