Advice On Adopting A Pitbull
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
Tips for Adopting a Pitbull
Introduction
Dear Adam,
I purchased your book about five months ago, and I'm hopeful it entitles me to a bit of advice. First, I'm thrilled with my purchase. Not only do you offer great tips on individual techniques, but more importantly, you delve into the essentials of all training?"timing, motivation, and consistency. This approach helps dog owners truly understand the training process. The book also excellently explains that dogs are pack animals that will test their leader's authority at times. Lastly, I appreciate your common-sense approach, like the idea that the "stay" command is unnecessary if a dog shouldn't break a sit or down without a release command.
Question About Breeds
My question isn't about training but about dog breeds, specifically APBTs (American Pit Bull Terriers) and AmStaffs (American Staffordshire Terriers). The AKC doesn't recognize the APBT as a breed, yet many enthusiasts see them as separate breeds or at least different strains. AmStaffs are bred for show, while APBTs maintain the gameness of the original dogs. I’d love your perspective since you've owned APBTs or mixes.
I'm considering getting an AmStaff or a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. My wife and I currently have a Dalmatian, so I'm concerned about their compatibility?"especially when we're not around. Should I avoid these breeds? One breeder said they'd coexist if the Staff is introduced as a puppy, while another advised never leaving them alone. What do you recommend? I understand that each dog is individual and may differ from others in their breed.
Thanks,
Ryan Fehlig
Response
Dear Ryan,
Thanks for your kind words and great question!
I'm a fan of bull breeds personally. You're right on with your points, and if you choose to adopt one, consider the following:
1. Adopt a dog of the opposite sex to the one you already have.
2. Neuter the new male dog before maturity (before one year old).
3. If your existing dog is male, consider neutering him too. While not a complete solution, it might help.
These breeds often show a genetic propensity for dog aggression. They aren’t born aggressive but have traits that might make them more dominant and defensive.
APBT vs. AmStaff
The main difference between the APBT and the AmStaff is registration (AKC vs. UKC). The AKC focuses more on conformation.
If I were to adopt another bull breed, it would likely be the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the smallest of the "pit bull" breeds. I like having a "big dog" in a compact form. However, the media stigma around these breeds is tiring. This often means you can’t let them off-leash, not due to danger or lack of training, but because people react to media stereotypes.
On the upside, this stigma can deter criminals. Having a "pit bull" might discourage someone from targeting your home.
Personal Experience
There was a time when a local let his dominant, aggressive Rottweiler run off-leash at the park. The dog often disobeyed commands, causing chaos. After I adopted Forbes (an APBT-mix), the Rottweiler's owner kept a tighter grip on his pet. Seeing my dog, Ranger's owner acted quickly to avoid confrontations.
The stigma has its perks, motivating careless owners to be more responsible.
That's all for now!
Best,
Adam
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