New Member

Posts: 5
From:norristown, pa, usa
Registered: May 2003

posted 05-30-2003 11:45 AM         

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We adopted a pit/rottie mix in December of 2002. He is about a year and a half old at this point and my husband and I (in our excitement of being new owners) have babied him since day 1. He is used to being the main focus of our attention and I wouldn't have it any other way. Now the problem - we are thinking about trying to have a baby within the next year or so if everything goes well. I know about the animal agression part but what about child aggression? I know you are going to say that I should have read about this before I adopted and I did research it but I wanted to hear from other pit owners and not a book. Any suggestions?

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Member

Posts: 36
From:W-S, NC, USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 05-31-2003 01:36 PM            

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APBTs shouldn't even have one human aggressive bone in their body. Rotties are a dominant breed but are relatively good with people and children also. Some dogs do get upset when a new baby comes along, but as long as your dog will still get his time and attention then things should go rather smoothly. It is best to get your dog socialized with little kids, get used to their smell and ways of petting. Just make sure you always supervise your child with your dog. Children don't know how to properly pet or play with them and they can hurt the dog without knowing it. You shouldn't worry about your dog being aggressive unless he is showing signs of human aggression already.

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Moderator

Posts: 343
From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-01-2003 12:58 PM            

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Contrary to what misinformed people tell you pitbulls and rottweilers are good dogs with children. But no dog should ever be left unattended with a child. As for adjusting your dog I do have a couple suggestons. My sister-in-law recently found out she is pregnant. But was really worried about her dogs she has 2 bull dogs who have been her kids from day one. One was a rescue. One thing she was told to do was walk around with a doll. Let them realize before it is a real baby what is ok and what isnt. Let them sniff the baby. Let them see you talking all babyish to it, spending time with the doll, normal things you would do with a baby. So it isnt as much of a shock to your furkids. I am sure she got some other ideas for this I will ask her and respond back to this.

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New Member

Posts: 5
From:norristown, pa, usa
Registered: May 2003

posted 06-02-2003 11:43 AM         

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Thank you for your suggestions. I had a rottweiler growing up and she was very protective and tolerant of us as children. We crawled all over her and everything but it was the pit part that I was uncertain about. He isn't overly human aggressive but he does play much rougher than I would like. I've read all of the stories on the appropriate types of games to engage in with your dog and the ones to stay away from, it's getting my husband to abide by the rules that I'm having trouble with. I will try the role playing with a doll. If it helps, it's worth the ridicule that I'm going to receive from my husband. Thank you again.

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Moderator

Posts: 343
From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-02-2003 03:01 PM            

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I know the whole doll thing sounds crazy but it is more making your dog realize he isnt going to be less a part of the family before the baby comes. My sister-in-law's bulldogs are her babies and have been for about 4 years now. She needed to set the boundaries before the baby was here. So it isnt as mch of a shock when the baby is actually born. Bulldogs are pretty lazy dogs but they do have a rough play and with their stocky build it is a concern to them. Let alone the fact that the dogs are proteective of them and that they know that they are her babies. Next time I see her online I will ask her what else she was suggested to do. So just keep an eye on the post and when I find out the info I will pass it on to you.

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