[Caliwany]

Hi all. I was worried about a 4 month old baby pit who was tied out on a chain to a too small doghouse in all kinds of weather at the edge of a dirt lot. I stopped to ask about him and the people told me, "if you want him, take him". So I did. He was covered with fleas and missing hair in patches, but was super friendly. I've had him about 5 or 6 weeks now and have had him neutered and vaccinated and enrolled in obedience training where we've completed two weeks. He gets along great with my 2 year old shepherd/retriever mix and though he likes to play chase with my cats, he will sleep beside them. He had no idea what to do with toys when he first got here, but now loves to play tug of war with ropes and will spend tons of time pulling at one end of a rope with my other dog at the other end. They play constantly and though it seems rough to me at times, they both seem to initiate the play and the puppy is quick to back down if my older dog lets her know that he has gone too far.

I came into this not knowing much at all about the breed and I want to do things right. I'm crating the puppy when I'm not home and at night. I've put him on a grain free diet and have had him on flea treatment and antibiotics for his skin. But I have read some threads on here and in dog books about dog aggression showing up later and I'm wondering what to be on the lookout for vs what's normal. So far he does some play growling when the dogs are wrestling, but is always wagging. He greets every person with wags and happiness. I'm working on teaching him to greet politely and sit to be petted rather than jumping on people. He has let out a couple of really short growls from his crate when he has food or a treat and the cats get too close.

I want to set him up for success so advice is welcome.