[JulietOreira]

If you could give only ONE piece of advice to a new dog owner, what would it be?

[lomonel]

new dog owner of any breed or new bulldog breeds owner?

[wentscat]

Set your dog up for success (notice dog is bold because sometimes people forget they are dogs )

[lomonel]

Do not set your dogs up to fail.

---------- Post added at 12:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------

http://www.pitbulllovers.com/pitbull...mperament.html
A Word about Human Aggression

Human aggression in the Pit Bull is rare. Those individuals who show this trait should be eliminated (put to sleep).
There is simply no room in our world for a Pit Bull that bites people or is capable of biting people.

In short a human aggressive Pit Bull is a Pit Bull that should be put to sleep. No exceptions.
http://www.realpitbull.com/files/GuidetoPitBullTemp.pdf
The temperament correct Pit Bull….


….towards people:


Is a friendly, happy, outgoing dog, never shy or fearful. Is a dog that demonstrates mental soundness (no growling, snapping, biting, aggressing, or fearful behavior, etc.) at all times, even under stressful circumstances (such as while under veterinary examination, when injured, during visits to new locations/environments, while meeting new and different types of people, etc.). Is accepting of and friendly towards all adults and children inside and outside the home. Greets new people as if they were long lost friends.
….Is easy to handle, allows and even enjoys extensive touch and examination; is biddable and deferential, and even submissive; seeks out human attention, and presents good eye contact with a soft gaze. Is willing to connect with people during points of high arousal/stress (never redirecting aggression towards people), is safely handled during points of high arousal/stress, and lowers level of arousal quickly upon being removed from a stressful or exciting situation. Is accepting of reasonable confinement such as is necessary during kenneling at shelters; adjusts to new settings easily.
….Is never wary of strangers; never snaps or growls at adults or children, nor is aggressive in any way towards adults or children; does not demonstrate predatory behavior such as stalking, staring down, or aggressive chasing of people/children. Is not a guardian or protection breed, and does not demonstrate "protective" behaviors such as growling/snapping/aggressing at people welcomed into the home, nor wariness of strangers, lunging towards strangers, etc.
Key Points: The Pit Bull is a friendly, stable dog that in essence "loves everyone". It is never shy or fearful. Aggression towards humans (adults or children) is never acceptable, and the Pit Bull should demonstrate soundness in temperament regardless of circumstances or environment. The Pit Bull is not a guard or protection breed and should never act as such, although the breed has been known to come to the aid of its humans only under real and true (never perceived or misinterpreted) threat.

[V8V8V8]

For a new dog owner of ANY breed........continue to learn, be responsible and remember....you and only you can set your dog up to either thrive or fail. You chose the dog for a lifetime commitment. Follow through.

[LSDDSL]

As much as you love and enjoy your dog; having a dog should involve some degree of work and sacrifice. If you don't feel like your working or sacrificing...you're probably doing something wrong.

[ricochettty]

Read, read, read. And then..... read some more. Learn everything you can about the breed, regardless of what breed it is, or if it's a mutt, learn everything you can about dog ownership in general.

Like Michele said, it's a lifetime commitment and make sure you're willing to take care of this dog for 12+ years. Make sure you can financially afford a dog, yearly shots, quality food, and the occassional emergency that pops up with any dog. If you can't afford regular vet care, quality kibble and an emergency every now and then, then you're not ready for a dog yet.