Are we dog people ?

[Mrwurm]

My family has been presented with the opportunity to take a dog from a friend that can no longer keep him. He is a 3 yr old, male, American Pit bull, 45 lbs. He is friendly with their children and two other dogs. They have moved into a small home with their parents and there is no room for their parents two dogs plus another.

My wife and kids (8, 12, 17) seem enthusiastic about this, but I am wondering if we have what it takes to be dog people.

Here are some facts:
We don't have a fence.
We live 400 ft from the road.
We rarely go on vacations. (once in the last 8 yrs)
The dog would be allowed inside (kitchen area only)
4 cats live outside and are afraid of dogs
I am willing to build a dog run enclosure
My wife is home during the day
We have 2.5 acres

Here's some history:
20 years ago, my wife and I acquired a one year old lab/mix from a friend (65lbs). The dog soiled every carpet in our home with #1 and #2. This dog was able to generate 12 or more piles of doodoo each night. I'll never know where it all came from. He resisted all attempts to be trained on any subject. We had a very small yard 40ft by 40ft. The dog dug up and removed every shrub and plant in the yard. He also trampled all the grass until there was nothing left but dirt. The neighbors complained because the dog barked non-stop when outdoors. After about 9 months, we gave the dog to my sister and he promptly ran away. Perhaps it was best.

So, any advice ? Should we try again ?

Se pic of dog

 

[dooleysm]

Based on the size and age of that dog and your past experiences, I would be hesitant to take on that dog. It may turn out to be a great dog and a great fit for your family, but if not, that's alot of dog to deal with. Perhaps you can take him in on a trial basis?

I always prefer raising a dog from a puppy. You have much better control over how the dog is raised and socialized, and I think you get a better bond with the dog. This is an animal that is going to be a major part of your lives for the next 10-15 years.

If you are considering this dog because it is 'free' keep in mind that the purchase price of a dog is a very small percentage of the costs of owning a pet.

All that being said, I don't see how anyone can't be a dog person. They're such lovable and faithful companions. Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[KentT]

Personally, I wouldn't have a pit bull if you paid me...

Too many horror stories, too much risk and too much liability...

I'm sure that I'll likely get "jumped on" but IMO, ANY BREED of dog that was bred to be vicious is dangerous as a pet....

Who knows when something unforeseen will overcome all their training and make them resort to the instincts that they were bred for....

 

[Bird]

I agree wholeheartedly with KentT. If I never see another Pit Bull, it'll be too soon.

 

[JJT]

I agree with Dooley, don't do it:
1) based on your previous experience. All dogs can be house broken, if you have the time and patience. Your dog was digging because he was bored, keep them well exercised and you will never have a digger. Did your previous dog have any health issues? 12 piles of poop a night is not right. Did you try crate training? Changing his diet and exercise routine?
2) you have kids and other animals, both would make me nervous about a Pit Bull.
3) Why are they getting rid of this dog? If they have 2, 1 more isn't a big leap. and why did the pit bull draw the short straw? I'm guessing there's more to this story then you are being told.

I've done tons of dog training and done some rescue work, I'd pass on this 1.

The Newfie we just lost to cancer was a rescue dog. The previous owners gave her up, she was food aggressive, not good with other animals or kids and she was destructive. We picked her up on a Fri night, spent a few days socializing and doing basic obedience and she turned out to be an angel. She was great with the kids and the cats. We have pictures of the cats sleeping with her and eating/drinking out of her bowls while she was eating/drinking. We picked up a stray a few years ago and she took to him like an old mother hen. The previous owners kept her in a small backyard or a utility room and she raised holy heck. We never had an issue with her in the 9+ years we had her.

 

[beenthere]

I'd suggest you go on a vacation /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif There is more to life than taking care of a dog, especially one of the pit bull variety. I'd think your experience with the lab would be enough punishment.

 

[Silver_Knight]

Check with your insurance company....I think you will be surprised.

 

[BB_TX]

I am in agreement with everyone else. You may very well be dog people, but a 3 yr old pit bull is not the one to find out with. If you do want to try, find a breed that is known for being easy to own. A golden is a great one. There are many others, smaller and maybe larger. But do some research before you try.

 

[orangebluegreen]

Pit Bulls (and many breeds) are very protective of their owners. Question is will it perceive you as the new owner and master. I have at least 12 herding dogs (we are breeders) and I WOULD NEVER own any dog without a fenced yard. My yard is actually double and triple fenced. The liability on homeowners insurance with particular breeds can actually cancel you with some companies. I blame the owners in most cases not the dogs, but the insurance companies have blinders on.

BTW....my area has a problem with dogs running loose due to ignorant owners who believe all animals should be free to roam. A couple weeks ago a dog ran out on the main road and a motorcyclist hit it, both the dog and motorcyclist were killed. The dog owner claims the dog was always “tied up” and I don’t think anything happened so far, but if anyone were to prove this dog had a habit of running loose and there had been complaints, the liability would be enormous. I think these people got lucky maybe because the motorcyclist was from out of state and no one seemed to know much about him.

 

[GaryE]

Jerry,

Please understand this is meant in a friendly way. If you had trouble with a lab mix, have cats that are afraid of dogs, want to limit the new dog to the kitchen, keep the dog in a run, I would not recommend a pit as a new pet. He may be a great dog, but I do not think he is the one for you.

Just my opinion. But I am thinking of the best for you and the dog!

Gary