[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.

[PharmaDrMan]

And I think you and the pup are heading for success Thank you for taking him in.

What to watch out for? If the relationship between pup and older dog changes, it will be crystal clear, but I cannot predict what exactly to watch out for - each dog and each relationship is different.

If you continue to keep the two separate in their own crates, when you are not there to actively supervise, you are doing one more important thing to keep everyone (including the cats) safe.

[Attaniuri]

First things first, thank you for taking him out of a bad situation and giving him a chance at a better life.
Next, be sure you're aware that Dog Aggression is completely normal in breeds (I know you said that already but we always reiterate that). Though he gets along with your shepherd mix now, he may not in the future as he matures. It's a natural thing that happens and no amount of training or loving can make him stop.

The following stickies will help you out immensely if you haven't already read them:
The APBT and Aggression
DON'T Leave your Dogs Unsupervised
Always Expect a Bulldog To Fight
Being a responsible APBT owner

Use your best judgement and your gut instincts. If you think the dogs are getting too rough or too vocal or you just don't like what they're doing, make them stop. Separate them until they're both calm then you can let them play again. We all have different levels of play we let go on. Just make sure you're always supervising to make sure neither gets out of control. Buy a breakstick and learn how to use it.

Managing a Multi-Dog Household by PNWPBR
Responsible uses of a Breakstick

Also, I would train with NILIF. It'll help tremendously with everything including meeting new people. First thing I teach my dogs is that if they want to be pet, they need to sit calmly or they get no attention. They catch on quickly, especially if your dogs are attention whores like mine are

NILIF training
Teach at door,gate (teaching 'wait')
How to Read Body Language


Other than the behavioral training, I think you're well on your way. You've already had a visit or 2 to the vet. You've put your new pup on a good food. He's mending well, I hope? You've got him in obedience classes.. You're set, I think

[RichardHaads]

Sounds like you are headed in the right direction!! Now we just need pictures.


It amazes me how some people just get it and are logical and responsible from the get go... theeeeeeeeen there are the morons out there that no matter how many times you try to help and educate they just don't get it. They think dog aggression = human aggression, prey drive = blood thirsty killers. Great to see someone actually educating themselves and seeing the breed for what they are, a terrier and take the dog aggression for what it is, manage it and move on!

[Caliwany]

Not great at this picture thing

[tipoketpu]

He is SO cute and looks like a happy pup now that he has found you!

Thank you for taking him out of a misserable life and into a happy healthier life!

Please do read all the stickiy threads and update!

[RichardHaads]

LOL, that last picture! "Really? Did you HAVE to bring that thing into my house?"

[kesFockplek]

I am in love with that pup...deliver him now.

[yWleIJm4]

Cute pup! I'm glad you took him.

[ClorrerVeks]

He looks like my Gus's long lost brother.

[Attaniuri]

Omg I hadn't checked the thread since the pics but wow what a cutie!! You're in for a lot of fun!!

[Eromaveabeara]

Those ears!!! How cute!!!

[LesLattis]

awwwwww, I want him!!!! Ok back on subject, don't need puppy fever the rat elevated it and I don't need another animal lol...

I think your doing great, what a lot of people say that changes in a snap is the eyes, they get this look that after that you will know every time, but I am not an expert (my dog is SCARED of other dogs and takes days to warm up to new dogs...even little yorkies his tail is between his legs and he cowered in fear, rather pathetic for a 60 lb bully mutt hehe)

[aaaaaaahabbbby]

omg you dog looks like my dog (a little) and your cat looks like my moms cat (alot)
look
Diamond


eagle a lol younger than that age


kudos to him and shame on the person who didnt want him. Im happy he let you have him!! I see that so many times out here, once theyre out of that tiny puppy stage they lose interest smh

[67Irralphaisa]

He is so cute and the ears are adorable. I think you are doing a great job.

[AbraxiaAsus]

He's cute, sounds like you are doing a great job!

In my experience dogs tend to make horrible noises when they play. Its pretty obvious when things change from play to serious. That said a wagging tail doesn't necessarily mean its all good.... it just means the dog is excited. Dogs definitely can wag while being DA.

[Elitiachirl]

you will definitely know the difference when a dogs NOT playing. its really unexplainable given the MANY different ways they can get into it.

[ibupronec]

I agree with everyone else, that you are doing great. The only thing I would change is the chasing of the cat. I never let the dog chase the cat. She looks too much like prey when running away. It was not really an issue with Cole since my cat set the ground rules right off by swatting Cole when he was not looking. After that Cole knew that Kit is cute, and sometimes wants to cuddle, but she can hurt and that is no fun. I have a stray in the house that has not learned the lesson yet. She is not supposed to walk much, let alone run, but she tries if she is not in the crate and the cat comes in the room. I always stop her, and she is now reacting very quickly to my correction. It is so great that these dogs are so smart. Now if she can just stop peeing the bed...

[Caliwany]

Thanks all. Barbara, I agree with you about the cats. Week three of his obedience training introduced Leave It. We are now using Leave It at home for cat chasing. He needs to realize that the cats are not stuffed toys that move. Most of my cats have already taught him the swat method of Leave It, but now he is learning the human method as well.

What do you guys feel about stealing toys from another dog? He has a bad habit of dropping whatever he is doing and running to my older dog any time she picks up a toy and pulling it out of her mouth. Trixie (the older dog) gives in). I've started using Leave It here as well, though I hate getting involved every time.

[Attaniuri]

Personally, when my boys are out together, there are no toys or bones out with them. Everything is put away because I don't want to worry about a fight breaking out because of resource guarding. It might be different with you though because your dogs seem to get along for the most part. I would definitely discourage the behavior though. Like I said, I don't have any experience with it though.