Anyone else have a pit mix?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you are doing a great job to me OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

The dog’s moods and feelings matter more than the kids, got it. The kids cannot be themselves and be carefree and comfortable in their own home; got it.

We had dogs growing up. We were certainly respectful and observant and responsive to their needs, but not out of fear of bites or being mauled.

+1000

OP, think about what lessons you are teaching your children, about how to live in their house and how to train a family dog. They aren't learning any good lessons right now. Re-home the dog. And be more careful if you get another family dog.

Everything she has written about observing and respecting a dog’s body language and boundaries is correct. Dogs are not playthings or toys. They’re also not people. They have different social cues. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t pat a dog on top of its head. They don’t like that. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t try to hug a dog. They’re not primates. They don’t understand hugs. It’s good to know not to make prolonged eye contact with a strange dog. That reads as aggressive to them.

Just because a goofy lab or doodle will let you lay on top of it if you wish does not make other dogs with bigger personal space bubbles “bad dogs.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

". They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him." WTF.

Strangers inside his home is his big trigger, especially if they try to approach him to give him unsolicited attention. Since we know this, why would we force the issue on him? It’s not a big deal to not be allowed to give a random dog unsolicited attention.

He sleeps in our sunroom off our living room and runs in there whenever people come over. As long as they don’t approach him, it’s all good. He doesn’t care. If they try to come into “his room” in order to pet him, then yeah he barks and growls to say “stay away.”

The kids’ friends know he is not a stranger friendly dog and they are all old enough to follow the rules in someone else’s home. Our big rule is: don’t go near the dog. I don’t see what is wrong with that. The kids don’t care. No one has ever tried to force the issue. My husband or I am always home to make sure that wouldn’t happen anyway.

He is capable of getting used to people (like some of our extended family members and the staff at his daycare) but it takes a long time and repeated exposure.

He sounds like he'd be fine for some empty-nesters. As it is, your kids are getting no fun memories of the dog, he's not a beloved member of the family. They deserve better.

Fifty percent of rescue dogs are returned. You've done your best, OP, but he's not a good fit for a family with kids. Another family with no kids would be better for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

The dog’s moods and feelings matter more than the kids, got it. The kids cannot be themselves and be carefree and comfortable in their own home; got it.

We had dogs growing up. We were certainly respectful and observant and responsive to their needs, but not out of fear of bites or being mauled.

+1000

OP, think about what lessons you are teaching your children, about how to live in their house and how to train a family dog. They aren't learning any good lessons right now. Re-home the dog. And be more careful if you get another family dog.

Everything she has written about observing and respecting a dog’s body language and boundaries is correct. Dogs are not playthings or toys. They’re also not people. They have different social cues. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t pat a dog on top of its head. They don’t like that. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t try to hug a dog. They’re not primates. They don’t understand hugs. It’s good to know not to make prolonged eye contact with a strange dog. That reads as aggressive to them.

Just because a goofy lab or doodle will let you lay on top of it if you wish does not make other dogs with bigger personal space bubbles “bad dogs.”

The kids have learned not to like the dog and the dog doesn't like them. That's good for the kids to know. They'll never want a dog of their own when they grow up. Who would ' in their place?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

The dog’s moods and feelings matter more than the kids, got it. The kids cannot be themselves and be carefree and comfortable in their own home; got it.

We had dogs growing up. We were certainly respectful and observant and responsive to their needs, but not out of fear of bites or being mauled.

+1000

OP, think about what lessons you are teaching your children, about how to live in their house and how to train a family dog. They aren't learning any good lessons right now. Re-home the dog. And be more careful if you get another family dog.

Everything she has written about observing and respecting a dog’s body language and boundaries is correct. Dogs are not playthings or toys. They’re also not people. They have different social cues. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t pat a dog on top of its head. They don’t like that. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t try to hug a dog. They’re not primates. They don’t understand hugs. It’s good to know not to make prolonged eye contact with a strange dog. That reads as aggressive to them.

Just because a goofy lab or doodle will let you lay on top of it if you wish does not make other dogs with bigger personal space bubbles “bad dogs.”

The kids have learned not to like the dog and the dog doesn't like them. That's good for the kids to know. They'll never want a dog of their own when they grow up. Who would ' in their place?

No, if you read her posts, what she actually said is that everyone loves the dog and would be heart broken if they had to give him up. It sounds like she’s done quite a bit of research to make the situation work.

You’re projecting based on your own experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does your dog have a bite warning at daycare?

The kid in this case were babies. Your kids are older. It's incredibly rare for there to be any fatal dog attacks at all - but when there is one, it's usually babies or very old people, because they are most frail.

My family had a pittie for 15 years. She died 10 years ago, without having harmed anyone in her whole sweet life.

Don't get weird about your dog. We also don't know the whole story with what happened here. It is very unlikely that the dogs just suddenly became Cujo out of nowhere. But that said, no matter what type of dog you have - exercise caution. Never ever ever leave a baby alone with a dog, especially a big dog.

OP here. When he's around strangers, especially indoors, he gets anxious and then growls and snaps. He's never actually nipped or bitten anyone though, as far as I know. He just looks like he's going to. Outdoors, he's a happy go lucky, friendly dog. It's very strange and I assume has something to do with his shelter experiences.

We were incredibly lucky to find this daycare because they specialize in rehabbing dogs after surgery. So they are used to grouchy, irritated dogs who don't want to be there. They take healthy dogs for day play and overnight boarding as a side hustle. He goes 3 mornings a week for exercise and to keep him acclimated to the staff so we can leave him overnight when needed.

Chihuahuas are even more aggressive than pits. You know your dog is aggressive. What are you doing? Get rid of it - give it to a dog lady with no kids. They love dogs that are mean. Get a sweet beagle that loves people and children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

". They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him." WTF.

Strangers inside his home is his big trigger, especially if they try to approach him to give him unsolicited attention. Since we know this, why would we force the issue on him? It’s not a big deal to not be allowed to give a random dog unsolicited attention.

He sleeps in our sunroom off our living room and runs in there whenever people come over. As long as they don’t approach him, it’s all good. He doesn’t care. If they try to come into “his room” in order to pet him, then yeah he barks and growls to say “stay away.”

The kids’ friends know he is not a stranger friendly dog and they are all old enough to follow the rules in someone else’s home. Our big rule is: don’t go near the dog. I don’t see what is wrong with that. The kids don’t care. No one has ever tried to force the issue. My husband or I am always home to make sure that wouldn’t happen anyway.

He is capable of getting used to people (like some of our extended family members and the staff at his daycare) but it takes a long time and repeated exposure.

All this blah blah blah justification doesn’t cover up the fact that you know, deep down, this dog is capable of biting family, friends, and visitors. Good effing luck with that. Way to ignore your instincts and fail to protect your children. Great mom!

[Anonymous]

OP keep doing what you are doing. The fact your dog is 25 percent Pitt something means nothing. This is all such nonsense. Should we follow the one drop rule now? Focus on the dog not the DNA. Work with a trainer. If you are comfortable then all is well. If you are not then consider rehoming with the rescue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

". They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him." WTF.

Strangers inside his home is his big trigger, especially if they try to approach him to give him unsolicited attention. Since we know this, why would we force the issue on him? It’s not a big deal to not be allowed to give a random dog unsolicited attention.

He sleeps in our sunroom off our living room and runs in there whenever people come over. As long as they don’t approach him, it’s all good. He doesn’t care. If they try to come into “his room” in order to pet him, then yeah he barks and growls to say “stay away.”

The kids’ friends know he is not a stranger friendly dog and they are all old enough to follow the rules in someone else’s home. Our big rule is: don’t go near the dog. I don’t see what is wrong with that. The kids don’t care. No one has ever tried to force the issue. My husband or I am always home to make sure that wouldn’t happen anyway.

He is capable of getting used to people (like some of our extended family members and the staff at his daycare) but it takes a long time and repeated exposure.

All this blah blah blah justification doesn’t cover up the fact that you know, deep down, this dog is capable of biting family, friends, and visitors. Good effing luck with that. Way to ignore your instincts and fail to protect your children. Great mom!

Aren’t all dogs? I had a lab as a kid that bit someone who was teasing her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

". They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him." WTF.

Strangers inside his home is his big trigger, especially if they try to approach him to give him unsolicited attention. Since we know this, why would we force the issue on him? It’s not a big deal to not be allowed to give a random dog unsolicited attention.

He sleeps in our sunroom off our living room and runs in there whenever people come over. As long as they don’t approach him, it’s all good. He doesn’t care. If they try to come into “his room” in order to pet him, then yeah he barks and growls to say “stay away.”

The kids’ friends know he is not a stranger friendly dog and they are all old enough to follow the rules in someone else’s home. Our big rule is: don’t go near the dog. I don’t see what is wrong with that. The kids don’t care. No one has ever tried to force the issue. My husband or I am always home to make sure that wouldn’t happen anyway.

He is capable of getting used to people (like some of our extended family members and the staff at his daycare) but it takes a long time and repeated exposure.

I guess it’s fine, but this seems like an exhausting way, having to manage your dog any time you have guests over. My kids have play dates a lot, neighbor kids popping by, we host dinner parties, etc. and it would be tiring to worry about my dog’s emotional state, needing to put him in his own room, worrying about anyone not knowing the rules and trying to pet him, etc. You say you’re new to dog ownership, so I’m trying to be nice about this, but as someone who grew up with dogs, I can tell you this isn’t normal. Every dog I’ve ever had has been part of the mix so to speak.

We do put our dog in our bedroom when we have service people (like the electrician or whatever) come over, but that is because otherwise he would follow them around wanting pets and attention! Or if we are having people over who we know are scared of dogs (like when our kids were toddlers and had play dates).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

". They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him." WTF.

Strangers inside his home is his big trigger, especially if they try to approach him to give him unsolicited attention. Since we know this, why would we force the issue on him? It’s not a big deal to not be allowed to give a random dog unsolicited attention.

He sleeps in our sunroom off our living room and runs in there whenever people come over. As long as they don’t approach him, it’s all good. He doesn’t care. If they try to come into “his room” in order to pet him, then yeah he barks and growls to say “stay away.”

The kids’ friends know he is not a stranger friendly dog and they are all old enough to follow the rules in someone else’s home. Our big rule is: don’t go near the dog. I don’t see what is wrong with that. The kids don’t care. No one has ever tried to force the issue. My husband or I am always home to make sure that wouldn’t happen anyway.

He is capable of getting used to people (like some of our extended family members and the staff at his daycare) but it takes a long time and repeated exposure.

All this blah blah blah justification doesn’t cover up the fact that you know, deep down, this dog is capable of biting family, friends, and visitors. Good effing luck with that. Way to ignore your instincts and fail to protect your children. Great mom!

Aren’t all dogs? I had a lab as a kid that bit someone who was teasing her.

The thing about labs is, they usually don't bite and, when they do, it isn't damaging. Because they're bred to be bird dogs, to carry a bird safely in their mouths, they have gentle mouths that don't unintentionally do serious damage. They have soft mouths, unlike other breeds.

[Anonymous]

This dog does not belong with children (even teen children) full stop. Your priority should be having a home that you kids are 100% safe in (and can comfortably invite friends over to) not catering to an antisocial dog.

[Anonymous]

OP, try to ignore the knee-jerk reactions you are getting. You know the situation -- your family, your dog -- better than any of them. Trust yourself. I've read all your posts and it seems to me you are doing a good job.

[Anonymous]

Considering you just got it I’m assuming this is a young dog? If it’s still alive when your teens have kids are you going to rehome it in its old age or just accept not being able to host your grandchildren?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your.
Kids.
Should.
Not.
Have.
To.
Walk.
On.
Eggshells.
IN THEIR OWN HOME.

I didn’t get that from OP’s post at all. Sounds like they’ve taught the kids to observe the dog’s body language and stay away if the dog doesn’t want to be bothered. Sounds like dog ownership 101 to me.

The dog’s moods and feelings matter more than the kids, got it. The kids cannot be themselves and be carefree and comfortable in their own home; got it.

We had dogs growing up. We were certainly respectful and observant and responsive to their needs, but not out of fear of bites or being mauled.

+1000

OP, think about what lessons you are teaching your children, about how to live in their house and how to train a family dog. They aren't learning any good lessons right now. Re-home the dog. And be more careful if you get another family dog.

Everything she has written about observing and respecting a dog’s body language and boundaries is correct. Dogs are not playthings or toys. They’re also not people. They have different social cues. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t pat a dog on top of its head. They don’t like that. It’s good to know that you shouldn’t try to hug a dog. They’re not primates. They don’t understand hugs. It’s good to know not to make prolonged eye contact with a strange dog. That reads as aggressive to them.

Just because a goofy lab or doodle will let you lay on top of it if you wish does not make other dogs with bigger personal space bubbles “bad dogs.”

+1 Wish people would actually read/learn about dogs and treat them accordingly.