Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I am about to become the new owner of a pit bull. I have done tons of research about these dogs admist the terrible reputation they have. I am very interested in the one that I am about to purchase. I am a single mom of a 7 year daughter. I have put off adopting the pit because of some still fear that the scary stories could possibly happen to us. I have searched and searched and searched to find the "right" dog for us.
Someone please help to ease my nerves!! once that's done, can you give me some advice on how to keep 'Nala' healthy and happy and loving... i need advice on food, crate training and just everything.

If you have truly done your research then you are aware of the tendencies of these dogs can have when not properly socialized. You didn't say how old Nala will be when you adopt her but if she is a puppy you will have the upper hand on the proper raising and how to properly socialize her. These dogs with all of the proper training and such can really be sweet dogs and will only look to please it's owners. They do have a bad rap because of the bad press and also because of the unscrupulous people out there who train these dogs to fight. If Nala is an adult dog you will want to know all about her and her upbringing. Also keep in mind that many communities around the country are banning some of these breeds of dog so you will want to be sure this isn't the case in your area. Good Luck and post back if you do decide to adopt her or if you have any additional information.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Hi Bob! Nala is a still a pup. she is about 3 months old. She is so mild mannered from what i have observed so far. Last night was the first night in our home. I'm such a worry-wart, that i couldn't take her whining in the crate in the basement. i brought her upstairs to the living room. she already has her own favorite spot on the floor. But with being a single mom of a 7 year old, it's kind of tough on me. I am wondering if i am biting off more than i can chew.

No I don't think you are biting off to much, 3 months is a good age to begin teaching Nala right from wrong. Just to help you out as well I am so happy that you brought her crate up from the basement. Dogs are social animals no matter what the breed is and will always want to be with us and near us. Having her in the living room gives her a chance to be a part of the family and be integrated into the daily routine. At night you can move the crate into the bedroom and since she can sense you are near she shouldn't whine. Being left alone in the basement could cause some anxiety and insecurities that you don't want. I can appreciate your being a single mom and wanting to do what is right. I can tell you that I have only met one APBT and he was a floppy goofy guy who was owned by a co-worker. Like Chelle, the other poster, I too believe you get out of a dog what you put into a dog. The old adage "there is no such thing as a bad dog... only a bad owner" rings true with me. I have had dogs for over 40 years and have never had one go bad on me. If your situation permits it, you might want to see about taking training and obedience classes with Nala which could help immensely with her training. If not there are many good home programs that you can use like the Nothing in Life is Free program called NILF as well as several others. Continue posting and asking questions, I don't have an APBT but can try to help as well any others who happen by that may be of some help to you.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I'm not a person that believes in breed baises. With the right training ALL dogs can be good. With that said, with the wrong training all dogs can be bad as well.

You get out of a dog what you put into it. Be patient, calm, understanding, consitent, and do your homework and there shoudl not be any problems. I've met some wonrderful pitbulls in my life. In fact, every single one I've ever met has been incredible. I've met some terrible other breeds that are terrible because they have been neglected, abused, not trained, etc.

Have fun with your new pup and enjoy.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Check out the link at the top of the forum and also at the top of the message boards for our Chat Week. There will be a guest speaker regarding Bull Breeds.
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Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
PHMax

Why did you decide to purchase a pit bull? It seems as if you are extremely nervous about possible problems with the dog and possibly with the dog and your daughter. Knowing this, why would you still decide to buy one?

Is it your first dog? Pit bull terriers can be a handful, and REQUIRE early socialization with tons of people and other animals. Can you provide this? Do you have dog training experience? Because they also are VERY strong dogs, they use them in pulling competitions, so they REQUIRE good obedience training.

I have an American bulldog, and she has been quite a handful. We had her in dog training classes, both group and individual for the first two years of her life. However, she does NOT get along with other dogs, we have had to rehome our other dog after keeping them physically separated from each other for over a year. Luckily, the other dog is actually my son's dog and he was finally in a position to take her. The other dog almost definitely has pit bull in her background, we are pretty sure that she is a border collie/pit bull mix.

I'm not trying to scare you or deter you from keeping this puppy, however these are questions that came up when I read your post. If you do decide to return the puppy (not saying that you should or should not), remember that it is much easier to do when they are cute and little. And it is much better to do it before you and the dog get seriously attached to each other.

>>Hi! I am about to become the new owner of a pit bull. I have done tons of research about these dogs admist the terrible reputation they have. I am very interested in the one that I am about to purchase. I am a single mom of a 7 year daughter. I have put off adopting the pit because of some still fear that the scary stories could possibly happen to us. I have searched and searched and searched to find the "right" dog for us.
>>Someone please help to ease my nerves!! once that's done, can you give me some advice on how to keep 'Nala' healthy and happy and loving... i need advice on food, crate training and just everything.
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sue, cheyenne-the American bulldog bully, nehi-her long suffering border collie mix, and charlie-our "basic black, white, and brown dog" who is watching from the bridge.

Here is something that may help.

Meet my Pit Bull Caesar.

His lineage is not a pretty one. From pure fight dog lines. The owner of his parents was a crack dealer who trained for adult dogs for guarding the "stock" as well as champion fights. The owner was shot 30 times on his front porch. No where near enough times in my book.

Caesar moved in at 12 weeks old. He currently shares his home with another male bully (american bulldog with fight scars). At 7 months he passed his Canine Good Citizenship test. At 2.5 years, he nutured and "mothered" a 2 week old kitten. Bathing, checking on her, cuddling her. At 3 years old, he is working towards passing his Therapy Dog Tests. This summer, if I can locate a test, he will get his TT from the American Temperment Testing Society. He is requested by name to attend pet expos. He is a minor celebrity. And not a day passes where he doesnt make me laugh or smile.

According to the press, he should kill me where I sleep. His lines are such that he should be a bad dog. If the reporters are right. Thankfully they are WRONG.

Flashy headlines make the news. Not always the truth.






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Cindy & CGC Brutus the bullheaded bulldoggie & CGC Caesar the fabulous pittie