ADOPTING YOUR FIRST PIT BULL... AND MORE TO COME
Is a Pit Bull the right breed for you?
Every Pit Bull needs a home, but not every home is right for a Pit Bull. If you're looking for a breed that is generally smart, active and adores
spending time with people, a Pit Bull might be a good choice for you. If you're looking for a dog that will be a companion for your other dog,
a Pit Bull may not be the best choice. Pit Bulls have a higher risk of dog aggression than many other breeds. The sad truth is this breeds
original purpose was to fight other animals. Some Pit Bulls are very social with other dogs, however, genetics are what they are. Some Pit
Bulls will do best as only dogs, or with carefully selected canine companions.
Are you ready to add another Pit Bull to your family?
Adopting a second Pit Bull is a big decision. Some Pit Bulls can live in harmony with a canine housemate. While some are happiest being
the only dog. Most Pit Bulls prefer human companionship to canine. There are also some things to consider before adding a second dog
into your home. Here are the questions you should have answers to before adopting.
Is your current dog trained to the level that you desire?
What is worse than one dog who does not listen? Two dogs who do not listen! Jokes aside, dogs learn each other’s habits - good and
bad. If your current dog does not have a solid sit, stay, down, leave it, recall, or any other command that you feel is important, you may want
to train your dog to that level before bringing in another dog. It can save you and your dogs a lot of frustration. This is not to say, that after
you get your second dog, you will not do any training with your first. If your first dog has foundation skills, it just makes things much easier.
Are you aware of any temperament issues or behavior issues that your current dog has?
If so, are you able to manage them? If your current dog has any issues that you are having a difficult time managing, adding another dog
can make things even more over whelming. It can also intensify some issues.
How old is your dog?
If it is, still a puppy or adolescent, certain behaviors or temperament traits may not come out until they reach maturity. Also, if you are
adopting a Pit Bull, it is best to have a large gap within the ages of the dogs. This will help minimize any possible conflict.
Is your current dog crate trained?
I will delve into this more but basically: Part of being a responsible bully owner is separating your dogs when you are not home. A crate is
one of the easiest ways to do this. It gives your dog a safe place to go to for some quiet time.
If the two dogs do not get along at some point, what will you do?
Some Pit Bulls never show signs of dog aggression, while others may become dog aggressive at a later age. If this occurs, what will you
do? Some owners are faced with the fact that they will have to crate and rotate. For information on crate and rotate, please visit http://www.
pbrc.net/rotate.html
Is it financially feasible for you to add a second dog?
This is not just about being able to afford the adoption fee. It is also about long-term care: double the food, flea and tick medication, heart
guard, vaccinations, etc. If you go on vacation and need to board your dogs, you will be paying double what you would when you went away
as a single dog family. If any medical issues arise, can you afford it? Things like emergency surgeries happen, and when it does, it can
be very pricey. Would you be able to afford to care for two dogs?
Do you have the time for a second dog?
If you adopt a second dog, keep in mind that your time will need to be divided to spend one on one time with each dog for a little bit each
day. This would include individual training and exercise. Walking the dogs separately will also need to be factored. Some people do walk
their dogs together, but it can lead to hairy situations. If an off leash dog approaches, it is much easier to maintain control of one dog as
opposed to two.
Does everyone agree that they want to add a second dog?
Make sure that everyone knows how much time and work may go into a multi dog household. Adding a second dog is a big decision, so
everyone in your family should be on board.
Are you familiar with canine body language?
Do you know what your dog looks and sounds like when it is playing? Do you know the same for other dogs? Do you know that a wagging
tail does not always mean that a dog is happy? Do you know the difference between dogs engaged in rough play, but still having a blast -
and a dog who is bullying another dog and the other dog is not enjoying the situation at all? Some dogs play loudly and roughly while
others are soft players. Some dogs get too riled up when they play, and play becomes too intense. As the owner, you must be able to
assess these situations and teach your dogs to take a break. Some dogs just cannot play with other dogs and do better with human fun
time.
Have you thought long and hard about the type of dog you want?
It is easy to let your heart do the thinking when browsing the internet or visiting your local shelter. Sometimes even scanning want ads can
tug at your heartstrings. Please keep in mind that if a dog is not the right match for you and your family, you are doing more harm than
good. It may take months until you find that ideal match. Make a list of traits that are important to you, things you want to have in a dog, and
things that you cannot accept. A reputable rescue will help you find your best match.
Are you ready for the scrutiny that you might get from rescues or shelters?
Reputable rescues and shelters will have a thorough screening process. This is in the best interest to you and the dog. For those who
consider buying a dog from an ad placed by an individual, please keep in mind that even though you are saving one puppy or dog, you are
also reinforcing their ability to make a profit at the expense of their dogs. Reputable shelters or rescues provide medical care,
temperament testing and other things that will be beneficial when you bring a dog home. When you add up those costs, you will see that
these organizations do not profit from the sale of a dog. In fact, financially, they barely break even.
Are you ready for the scrutiny that you might get from family, friends and neighbors?
Unfortunately, the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier has been tarnished by criminals, irresponsible owners, and biased coverage
in the media. Family and friends may not agree with your decision to adopt a Pit Bull. Neighbors may complain. If you have children, school
friends may not be allowed to visit your home because parents may be fearful of your dog. Your best defenses are training, responsibility,
and education. Make sure that your dog is trained to a level where you are comfortable introducing him or her to your neighbors. Socialize
and train your Pit Bull so that he is confident in unfamiliar situations. You can also invite folks over to watch Hello Bully's Pit Bull 101 before
meeting your dog. Explain to them WHY Pit Bulls have a bad reputation - that it's an issue that has more to do with people than it does with
dogs. Remember, a good Pit Bull is the best breed advocate!
Are you willing to separate the dogs when they are not supervised?
There is a basic rule of thumb that every responsible Pit Bull owner abides by: Never leave your dogs together, unattended while you are
not home. If they get along, they can hang out together while you are home supervising them. Having both dogs crated separately while
you are away is the safest and best option.
Are you willing to adopt a dog of the opposite sex?
Same sex adoptions generally do not work out well. The potential for aggression issues are magnified, making for a very stressed house.
It is also recommended that there is a fairly generous age gap between the two dogs, also helping diffuse the possibility of aggression
issues. Pairing litter mates is never a good idea even if they are of the opposite sex, as the dogs will likely be very competitive over
resources.
Is a Pit Bull the right breed for you?
Every Pit Bull needs a home, but not every home is right for a Pit Bull. If you're looking for a breed that is generally smart, active and adores
spending time with people, a Pit Bull might be a good choice for you. If you're looking for a dog that will be a companion for your other dog,
a Pit Bull may not be the best choice. Pit Bulls have a higher risk of dog aggression than many other breeds. The sad truth is this breeds
original purpose was to fight other animals. Some Pit Bulls are very social with other dogs, however, genetics are what they are. Some Pit
Bulls will do best as only dogs, or with carefully selected canine companions.
Are you ready to add another Pit Bull to your family?
Adopting a second Pit Bull is a big decision. Some Pit Bulls can live in harmony with a canine housemate. While some are happiest being
the only dog. Most Pit Bulls prefer human companionship to canine. There are also some things to consider before adding a second dog
into your home. Here are the questions you should have answers to before adopting.
Is your current dog trained to the level that you desire?
What is worse than one dog who does not listen? Two dogs who do not listen! Jokes aside, dogs learn each other’s habits - good and
bad. If your current dog does not have a solid sit, stay, down, leave it, recall, or any other command that you feel is important, you may want
to train your dog to that level before bringing in another dog. It can save you and your dogs a lot of frustration. This is not to say, that after
you get your second dog, you will not do any training with your first. If your first dog has foundation skills, it just makes things much easier.
Are you aware of any temperament issues or behavior issues that your current dog has?
If so, are you able to manage them? If your current dog has any issues that you are having a difficult time managing, adding another dog
can make things even more over whelming. It can also intensify some issues.
How old is your dog?
If it is, still a puppy or adolescent, certain behaviors or temperament traits may not come out until they reach maturity. Also, if you are
adopting a Pit Bull, it is best to have a large gap within the ages of the dogs. This will help minimize any possible conflict.
Is your current dog crate trained?
I will delve into this more but basically: Part of being a responsible bully owner is separating your dogs when you are not home. A crate is
one of the easiest ways to do this. It gives your dog a safe place to go to for some quiet time.
If the two dogs do not get along at some point, what will you do?
Some Pit Bulls never show signs of dog aggression, while others may become dog aggressive at a later age. If this occurs, what will you
do? Some owners are faced with the fact that they will have to crate and rotate. For information on crate and rotate, please visit http://www.
pbrc.net/rotate.html
Is it financially feasible for you to add a second dog?
This is not just about being able to afford the adoption fee. It is also about long-term care: double the food, flea and tick medication, heart
guard, vaccinations, etc. If you go on vacation and need to board your dogs, you will be paying double what you would when you went away
as a single dog family. If any medical issues arise, can you afford it? Things like emergency surgeries happen, and when it does, it can
be very pricey. Would you be able to afford to care for two dogs?
Do you have the time for a second dog?
If you adopt a second dog, keep in mind that your time will need to be divided to spend one on one time with each dog for a little bit each
day. This would include individual training and exercise. Walking the dogs separately will also need to be factored. Some people do walk
their dogs together, but it can lead to hairy situations. If an off leash dog approaches, it is much easier to maintain control of one dog as
opposed to two.
Does everyone agree that they want to add a second dog?
Make sure that everyone knows how much time and work may go into a multi dog household. Adding a second dog is a big decision, so
everyone in your family should be on board.
Are you familiar with canine body language?
Do you know what your dog looks and sounds like when it is playing? Do you know the same for other dogs? Do you know that a wagging
tail does not always mean that a dog is happy? Do you know the difference between dogs engaged in rough play, but still having a blast -
and a dog who is bullying another dog and the other dog is not enjoying the situation at all? Some dogs play loudly and roughly while
others are soft players. Some dogs get too riled up when they play, and play becomes too intense. As the owner, you must be able to
assess these situations and teach your dogs to take a break. Some dogs just cannot play with other dogs and do better with human fun
time.
Have you thought long and hard about the type of dog you want?
It is easy to let your heart do the thinking when browsing the internet or visiting your local shelter. Sometimes even scanning want ads can
tug at your heartstrings. Please keep in mind that if a dog is not the right match for you and your family, you are doing more harm than
good. It may take months until you find that ideal match. Make a list of traits that are important to you, things you want to have in a dog, and
things that you cannot accept. A reputable rescue will help you find your best match.
Are you ready for the scrutiny that you might get from rescues or shelters?
Reputable rescues and shelters will have a thorough screening process. This is in the best interest to you and the dog. For those who
consider buying a dog from an ad placed by an individual, please keep in mind that even though you are saving one puppy or dog, you are
also reinforcing their ability to make a profit at the expense of their dogs. Reputable shelters or rescues provide medical care,
temperament testing and other things that will be beneficial when you bring a dog home. When you add up those costs, you will see that
these organizations do not profit from the sale of a dog. In fact, financially, they barely break even.
Are you ready for the scrutiny that you might get from family, friends and neighbors?
Unfortunately, the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier has been tarnished by criminals, irresponsible owners, and biased coverage
in the media. Family and friends may not agree with your decision to adopt a Pit Bull. Neighbors may complain. If you have children, school
friends may not be allowed to visit your home because parents may be fearful of your dog. Your best defenses are training, responsibility,
and education. Make sure that your dog is trained to a level where you are comfortable introducing him or her to your neighbors. Socialize
and train your Pit Bull so that he is confident in unfamiliar situations. You can also invite folks over to watch Hello Bully's Pit Bull 101 before
meeting your dog. Explain to them WHY Pit Bulls have a bad reputation - that it's an issue that has more to do with people than it does with
dogs. Remember, a good Pit Bull is the best breed advocate!
Are you willing to separate the dogs when they are not supervised?
There is a basic rule of thumb that every responsible Pit Bull owner abides by: Never leave your dogs together, unattended while you are
not home. If they get along, they can hang out together while you are home supervising them. Having both dogs crated separately while
you are away is the safest and best option.
Are you willing to adopt a dog of the opposite sex?
Same sex adoptions generally do not work out well. The potential for aggression issues are magnified, making for a very stressed house.
It is also recommended that there is a fairly generous age gap between the two dogs, also helping diffuse the possibility of aggression
issues. Pairing litter mates is never a good idea even if they are of the opposite sex, as the dogs will likely be very competitive over
resources.
