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posted 03-07-2004 03:00 PM         

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Hi! This is my first posting in the pit bull forum and I have a question/concern. My husband really likes pit bulls and so we have been looking into the breed. They are amazing, beautiful dogs! I know that any breed can be dangerous if bred improperly or treated badly. The problem is I can't get the "pit bull hype" out of my mind! We have 2 lab x rescues, and have lots of love and space for another dog. I want to get some input from you guys esp. if you have long-term pit experience. I will only rescue, not "buy" as there are too many dogs out there who need forever homes (not a shot at anyone who buys purebred, I just spend alot of time on rescue sites and it breaks my heart!) Upon going to pit bull rescue sites, I was shocked by the number of them out there with no "forever home". I DO NOT want to write off the breed because of all of the bad publicity, but what should we be looking for? My concern is not knowing the history with a rescue dog, what characteristics should we be looking at with a pit that will be a good family dog? ANY input is greatly appreciated! I think I just need reassurance!

[This message has been edited by Kathy74 (edited 03-07-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Kathy74 (edited 03-07-2004).]

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From:TX, USA
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posted 03-07-2004 05:50 PM         

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I dont think it will be extremely hard for you, although I'm not saying its easy to find that perfect dog to fit in with your family. But what I would do is check out the rescue in your area and then read the profiles. See a few that sound close to what you'd like. Another really helpful thing to do would be to email or phone a rescue person and explain to them exactly what your looking for. With the dogs being in a foster program it makes it a whole lot easier to match with the right family. You have 2 dogs so your not going to get one that says Must Be An Only Dog. If you want a very outgoing dog then you wouldn't get one saying they need extra treatment, time to warm up to you and confidence building. If you don't mind that, or want a dog to nuture and gain its trust then that wouldn't be a problem. But you get the idea. You want one thats probably already started basic obediance, potty training, and house manners, ect. I think that would be your best bet, working with the organization, telling them what you want, asking about a few dogs that look like they'd fit in with you and from there takling to those who have fostered the dog you think is right for you.

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posted 03-07-2004 06:02 PM         

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Thank you for your input! Actually, I've been reading old posts on this forum all day, and it has eased some of my apprehension! Our first dog was very badly abused by her previous people, and she has thrived in our home, so I would not have a problem doing the same again. I only work 1/2 time and spend 3 hrs a day training and walking our girls, so I definately have the time to give to a dog who needs extra attention! (they also have play time on top of the training and walking) I think the "other dog aggression" issue also has me a little concerned.

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posted 03-07-2004 07:01 PM         

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Kathy:

I have been involved in pitbull rescue for quite some time now.

I have three pitbulls (actually two pitbull mixes and one American Staffordshire Terrier).

All are from rescue.

Your best bet is to read the bio's on the dog i.e. petfinder AND ask the ACO, poundkeeper, volunteers if they have tested the dog with other dogs, cats, how the dog reacts when a child comes into the shelter, if the dog has food agression, has a dominant personality, etc....Get as much information from the people as you can.

Yes, a dog that has been fostered might might the transition into your new home a little bit better however,
I have one problem with this. A fostered pitbull is not in danger of being euthanized. A shelter pitbull is probably sitting on death row. So, you would be doing the shelter pit bull a huge favor to adopt from there first...

Many pitbulls are just dumped from their prior family due to stupid owners,
"Oh I have to move"
"Oh he is left alone too long",
"Oh He is not house trained",
"Oh he is too active"
"Oh he is not obedient"
ETC.............
Most have been living in a home situation prior to getting left at the shelter on death row...
I also would HIGHLY reccomend that you obtain a dog trainer after you adopt your shelter pitbull to help you and your dog adjust.

Bring your dog to the shelter so they can meet in a neutral place.
Many shelters have trainers working to help the dogs make the transition from shy shelter dog to pit bull wonder boy!!!

You have picked a NOBLE BREED to adopt!!
You Won't be sorry!!!

Keep us updated.

PS you can e-mail me with any questions if you like.

I am with Volunteer Services for Animals.

Susan

MyPetTherapyDog@aol.com

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posted 03-07-2004 07:17 PM         

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Could you put me in touch with a rescue in central Canada? I've also read alot of posts saying never to leave a pit bull with another dog, is this always true? We have sacrificed our formal dining room to become the "dog's room". If they should be separated would a large crate in the same room be okay? Is there EVER a point that they can be trusted to play outside together? Our lab x are both female would a male or female be "better"? The reasons people surrender dogs frustrates me to no end! My in laws have a gorgeous golden lab who got "too big" for it's previous people's mobile home...He's over a hundred pounds! A little research would save so many dogs from the pain of abandonment! I've also read alot of people surrendering their dog due to chewing?!? The first week we had our first dog, she chewed all of the speaker covers off of the surround system of my husband's new big screen tv after she jumped the gate to the living room. He wasn't even a big "dog person" till I came along and all he said was "Guess we need a higher gate!"

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posted 03-07-2004 07:54 PM         

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Yeah some reason are so laim. I was watching animal planet and some old lady turned her dog over to the shelter because he was an apricot poodle and didn't match her new couch!! Its not even like poodles shed and would leave wrong colored hairs on her couch. Either way!!!!! Bad Owners!!!

quote:

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I've also read alot of posts saying never to leave a pit bull with another dog, is this always true? We have sacrificed our formal dining room to become the "dog's room". If they should be separated would a large crate in the same room be okay? Is there EVER a point that they can be trusted to play outside together? Our lab x are both female would a male or female be "better"?

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Yes this is always true to be on the safe side. For the safety of your dogs. I think a big crate would be great. The dog should always be crated away from the other two when no one is home. A large crate would be nice for the dog to move around, sounds good to me. You can trust them to play outside under supervision. If you are getting a rescue dog then its been in a foster home with other dogs. So it will probably used to playing with other dogs and get along great. But there are times any dogs may get into scuffles with Pit Bulls this can be a serious matter. Your going to want to keep your eye on them, or at least be able to hear whats going on outside. Be able to hear if there is an arguement. There are many Pit Bulls that have lived and died in multiple dog homes without ever having a fight, but its still a risk. IMO a male would be better as same sex with any breed can cause aggression/tension. Males also seem to do well with females period, where you will have some females that even pick fights with males. Could be due to males sex drive, even if they are altered and not thinking about reproducing its still their nature to not fight a female, but some females would fight off a male. So male would be your best choice IMO.

I have a Pit Bull inside with my Boxer too. they are both females, the Boxer is spayed the Pit Bull isn't. Neither of them seem to have a real problem with one another. They get along well, so far. The Boxer is actually the grumpy one sometimes. I know this could change with my Pit being that she isn't even 18 months old yet and not altered (which can make a big difference), but still no problems between these two. Until the other day, my Boxer feel outside off the steps onto the concrete. She was on her back and struggling, my Pit Bull attacked her. I yelled at her to Stop, she looked at me and then. I was coming her way, the Boxer made a sound/gasp so she went back at it. I picked her up and put her in a crate near by on the patio. Then took care of the Boxer who I didn't want to move, it took her a while to get on her feet and moving again. Even after getting to her feet she could just stand there for awhile. now there had never been anything between these 2 prior, but something in my Pits head clicked, not this could happen with another breed as well(as I've seen it similarly). A dog is down and hurt, instead of the other dog in the pack being conerned or nutral they actual go to attack that dog. But a Pit Bull could possibly do more damage or intensify beyond the simple biting to holding. If I hadn't been out there with them she may have gotten injured from the Pit Bull. Heaven forbid I would ever leave them home alone, she may have killed her, maybe not. If she had I would have assumed that my Pit just attacked her for no reason and killed her. I wouldn't have known about the Boxer falling on her head/neck. Now after it was all over these two are still pals. They still hog the same dog bed trying to lay on one another to get warm, still bring eachother toys, still play with bones with one another willfully. This was just a single moment when a kill instinct went off in my dogs head. Something inside it told the dog to attack the injured dog sensing it was weak and something not right. This may not even be very like a Pit as many won't ever attack weak animals or pups even if they are dog aggressive. I told this story only to show the possiblity of a fight even if the dogs get along. It can happen at anytime for any reason, and this is with any breed. The fact is that Pit Bulls have the capability to do more damage. If you are at home you can see what the problem is and get them seperated and let them cool down. The dogs will still in most cases be able to function without any further problems. One of your Labx could even start a fight, but if the Pit Bull is allowed to fight back the Labx could get seriously injured. That is why more caution is needed, not panic or paranoia just be reasonable like you would with any other dog. The only difference is never leaving them home alone. Besides that everything is still about the same. esp if you are getting a rescue from foster care who has been living with a family/dogs and has been evaluated.

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posted 03-07-2004 09:10 PM         

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Kathy:
I agree 100 percent with true_Pits post.
Supervise the dogs while at play.
NO Don't leave them unattended!!!
Seperate large crates will be fine.
I also would say get a submissive male!!
Begin going to your local shelters. If you don't see any dogs that you or your other dogs like, ask your local shelters for info on pitbull rescue.
They will be sure to have that type of information.
Again,
if I can be of any other help, let me know!!
Good luck
Susan

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posted 03-08-2004 09:35 AM         

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Kathy, there is Gremlin Pitbull Rescue in Canada. Its in Winnipeg. I believe the site is www.gremlinpitbullrescue.com I know most rescues won't adopt out their dogs without meeting you and dong some type of "credit check" on you. Some may even want to check out your house, probably not though. This is just standard procedure to ensure the dogs are going to a safe home. I am not sure where you live, but be prepared to drive to the rescue if need be. I also think it would be a good idea to bring your dogs with you. After all, its gonna be their new buddy too! I am sure they would love tohave a say in your new family addition.
Good Luck

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From:lewisville, texas, united states
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posted 03-08-2004 12:42 PM         

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is this the lady that was on the other forum? that i told to come over here?

well if its you im glad that you took the time to come check it out. this forum is alot nicer.

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posted 03-09-2004 07:03 AM         

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Hi! I actually came here as a courtesy to my husband. I chose our other 2 dogs (or they chose me!!) and so I wanted to check things out as he likes pit bulls. We still have not decided whether the breed would be the right choice for us, but I'm very glad I came here anyway. The love and loyalty you all have for your chosen breed is heart warming! All dogs should be so lucky! Can't figure out why people come here to bash the breed and owners though.

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posted 03-09-2004 02:33 PM         

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In your case, it would be best to look for a dog in a foster home type situation rather than kenneled, as you can have a better guage of the dog's way of "home living" that way. Sometimes dog aggression won't start to show until the dog is settled in a bit, and in a foster type situation, they usually have a chance to see if that occurs.

PBRC has a good temperament test on their site, you can find it from their homepage www.pbrc.net

Going through a reputable rescue (as you plan) should maximize the chances of you getting a dog to suit you, as they'll try to match you up with te best dog possible for you and should be able to address any concerns you have about dog aggression, etc.

I don't know Canadian geography, but here are some pit bull rescues in Canada.

Pitcrew Rescue http://www.pitbulldogs.org/index.html

Their petfinder page http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=1&pet.Shelterid=ON137&preview=1

Barlees Angels http://www.barlees.org/

I'm not sure how far away either of them are from you, but most rescues are willing to arrange transport or meet an adopter partway if they find the right home, so it can't hurt to look.

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