So you have done some research and decided you would like to adopt a Pit Bull. Congratulations! But how do you pick the right Pit Bull for your family? Here are a few considerations.
Understanding the Pit Bull Breed
Like all dog breeds, no two Pit Bulls are exactly alike. Each individual dog has its own traits and idiosyncrasies. But there are some traits that are pretty standard and should be taken into consideration at the outset.
Pit Bulls are typically strong, active dogs that need a bit of space to romp and play. They require regular exercise. Regular walks or a large, fenced in yard are a must.
Pit Bulls tend to be intimately attuned to their owners. They crave affection, attention, and nearness. When relaxing, they will likely want to be close to you, if not lying on or against you. And Pit Bulls love attention. They may quickly become bored if you are away for an extended period of time. This will require you to dog-proof the area of the home your Pit Bull will be confined in,
Pit Bulls love play, but their play can sometimes be a little rough due to their strength. Smaller children should be closely supervised until your Pit Bull has socialized well with your family. Pit Bulls are aggressive chewers. Flimsy toys or tennis balls are no match for this breed. They need toys that can stimulate them, but also hold up to their heavy chewing. Delicate objects should never be left within their reach.
Where to Find Your Family’s Pit Bull
First and foremost, I want to stress that once you decide a Pit Bull is a good fit for your family, please adopt! I cannot support buying a Pit Bull puppy or adult from a breeder or any other retail facility. The reason is simple. Shelters across the country are overpopulated with abandoned Pit Bulls. Negative stereotypes are chief among the reasons for this, but the statistics are tragic. A study by the organization Animal People (a non-profit animal rights charity) found that on average, 93% of shelter Pit Bulls are euthanized. Think about that. According to their study, on average, only one in 600 shelter Pit Bulls finds a forever home! If you choose to add a Pit Bull to your family, please adopt!
Once you decide to adopt, I recommend identifying shelters near your home so that you can easily make multiple visits. Remember, this is a commitment for the life of the dog. You may wish to visit several shelters before you make an adoption decision.
While at the shelter, ask questions. The shelter staff should be helpful and caring. Ask about the different dogs you are considering. How is there health, are they well socialized, do they get along with other dogs and cats? What is their personality like? Are they a bundle of energy or a couch potato?
The shelter staff should also properly vet you as well regarding your commitment to provide a dog with a safe and loving environment. And carefully observe the shelter facilities. Are they clean? Is there an off-putting odor? As you walk through, do you notice any aggressive animals or other obvious behavioral issues? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it is a sign that you should find another shelter.
Preparing for a Pit Bull Addition to the Family
Introducing a new dog to your family unit can be both exciting and stressful. Your current pet(s) may perceive this new dog as an intruder in their comfortable home environment.
In order to help the initial introduction go smoothly, if possible, take your current dog to the shelter and introduce the dogs prior to adoption. If this is not possible, make initial introductions in a neutral location, outside the home. A park is an excellent place with lots of open space and other distractions. Keep both dogs on leashes and maintain a distance between them, initially. It is important to be observant of each dog’s body language. As you let the dogs get closer to one another, be cognizant of any signs of aggression. If you notice any signs of aggression, it is time to intervene. Draw the dogs away from each other with a treat to redirect their attention. This is a strong sign that this will not be an amiable relationship and you should consider if this is the new dog for you. If the initial interaction goes well, you may consider taking both dogs for a walk together to further their socialization. It is important to keep this initial interaction brief.
If you have a fenced yard, when bringing your new Pit Bull home for the first time, you may want to reintroduce the dogs there first, on leashes. If the initial interaction goes well, you can introduce the new dog to your home. Before bringing the new dog inside, remove any trigger objects. Hide dog bowls, food and toys. Let your new dog into your home first, keeping your current dog outside. This will minimize stress on your new dog while he explores his new environment. Once your new dog has had a chance to become comfortable, place him behind a child gate in a separate room. Bring your current dog into your house and let the dogs acclimate slowly. Finally, when both dogs appear comfortable, you can remove the gate. Do not leave the dogs alone and unsupervised for the first day or two, until they are completely comfortable together.
Final checklist before bringing a Pit Bull home
Once your Pit Bull is becoming comfortable in his new family unit, there are a few more suggestions to make this an easy transition. Make sure each dog in your household has its own, separate bed. Feed each dog in different rooms to avoid food aggression. Separate them when giving them toys to play. And for the first few weeks, confine them separately if you have to leave them alone in your home.
Congratulations! You have entered into a new loving relationship with a wonderful companion.
