Tips for a pit bull new to the family?
My husband has always had pit bulls and no problems. Did you know that poodles and other dogs are just as mean? Anyway, before all the "Anti-Pit Bull" crap, I just want you all to know that no matter what you say, we are bringing him home. That said… We are getting a 1 year old pit bull today. He has grown up since day 1 with a small boy, age 4 (now 5) and is great with kids. The reason they are getting rid of him is b/c they don’t have the time. Pits need a social life, I do know that. But what are some easy things to train him to do to get used to us? We’ve always just owned pits from day 1 also. Oh, he will also be an outside dog w/ a very nice doghouse. Just the right size. We are planning on putting him on a runner to begin with. Should we buy him toys and things? It will be a huge switch for him. What would you suggest?
What I mean by outside is that he will interact with us inside or outside wherever we are (huge dog lovers and so are our kids) and we will just have him sleep outside always unless it’s too hot or cold. That’s always how we’ve had our dogs.
WTF is WRONG with Y!A these days? Do people not even READ the questions anymore?? The only time he will be outside is at night when he is sleeping. Get over the fact. And he’s only going to be on a runner until we can make sure he doesn’t run off. We live in the city and there are TONS of cats that just roam wild.
Tagged with: cats • dog lovers • doghouse • dogs • pit bull • pit bulls • pits • poodles • sleep • toys
Filed under: Anti Aging Treatment



I have had my pitbull for 4 years now. I luv him so much. Pitbulls are actually very social beings. They enjoy company. It is important to socialize them properly. Start slowly just like you would any other animal. And of course you can buy him toys and stuff, why wouldnt you? Slowly introduce your new dog to the rest of the family. You dont want to introduce to rapidly for the dog may become overwhelmed and anxious. MAke him feel loved by petting him and playing with him everyday! Make sure he will have proper food, water and shelter, since he will be outside…… which I dont necessarily agree with. JAIMIE ……. you are obviously uneducated. why even bother answering the question?
Kristin, I understand you arent going to keep the dog out all the time. That is good. I was just saying to check on his food/water supply before going to sleep. Did he sleep outside before? He might just cry and cry because he will want to be with you. Can I ask why he needs to sleep out doors? Why not just get him a doggie bed and put it at the foot of your bed? Do the other dogs sleep outside?
euthanize-otherwise it will eat your kids
I love pits. My wife and I currently have our 2nd pit mix. That being said, why are you even bothering if he will be an outside dog. You say that you know they are social dogs yet you plan on having him outside??? That’s not logical. I would not get him if that is how you plan to keep him.
We adopted a boxer/pit mix a month ago and he’s a 1 year old. I thought it would be hard for him to adjust…but it wasn’t. It’s only been a month and he’s completely made himself at home. He loves us just as much as we love him
We did take him to the pet store right after we got him for a shopping spree. New bed, collar, leash, food/water dishes, crate, toys, treats etc.
Although I agree with the person above me…you should allow him inside. Our rescue is my first pit mix and I had no idea how clingy they are. This dog wants to be with us all the time…he follows me around the house from room to room just to be next to me.
Edit: I see nothing wrong with dogs spending time outside, but I feel it’s just as easy…if not easier, to allow them to sleep in your house. Get him a comfy bed…put it on the floor in your bedroom and he’ll be thrilled to be a part of the pack (family).
Yeah I agree with both people above me. You are well aware that pits are social dogs, and yet you plan on making him sleep outside…that’s contradictory to the fact. You should not even bother with the adoption.
Leaving the dog outside for any breed makes him lack socialization skills by isolating him this way I feel. If you don’t have the dog as a family pet then what is the point? If you want a guard dog a german shepard are largely territorial and very adequate to watch your yard, I don’t recommend having ANY dog to just leave it outside. You may find neighbors complain more if the dog makes a fuss in the rain or cold as the temps drop at night. You may also find that if the dog is wanting attention and barks it will get complaints.
I just would not see a pet going to be living outside, dogs are pack animals by nature and need the company of others alot.
I don’t believe in outside dogs. Dogs are part of the family. Also tie outs aren’t good for outside dogs. Dogs left all day on tie out tend to be aggressive.
That being said…
When I adopt a dog, old or young, the first night they’re in my house I sleep on the floor with them. For me, this has always worked. It helps with the bonding process and lets the dog know he’s part of the pack.
First both of my mixes are Awesome 1st one was when my child was 3. They are great dogs with gentle souls.
( the door always open after the traing stage)
(Fooo…on the bad people who created such a bad name for such a loving , loyal animal)
Any, I would agree with everyone who is saying "outside animal" No, that creates a feeling of seperation for any animal. You don’t sound like that’s what your going for. We personally used a large kennel at night and if I went to the store for training purpose but she quickly figured out the rules and we just left the door open so when ever she needed peace from the kids or wanted a nap she would tuck herself in
Good luck.
I personally would never make any of my pets live outside. But i think its even more dangerous for pits because people will steal them for fighting. I’ve heard it happen more than once, so maybe you should look into crate training him and letting him sleep inside in a crate at night. Never leave him outside unattended. As for toys, kongs are pretty good.
Kristen,it sounds like you already know what to do,Pit-Bulls are real sweet dogs when trained properly,my pit saved me and my sisters life,from someone breaking into are home several years ago. Just buy him lots of chew -toys,like the large raw-hide bones,and large beef-flavored dog-biscuits.Spend as much time with him as you can,and have your children do the same.Buy him a dog -harness that he wears,while walking are running since pit-bulls have lots of energy,this will help wear him down some,so that hes easier too control.You,ll find them at Petco orPetsmart,which ever one is closer too you.Take him too some training -classes,and make sure its when your family can attend the classes,this way he knows first-hand whos encharge of him.Ask the trainer,too work one-on-one with each of your family members,this way he will respect you,ll.Ask the trainer too teach him indoor and outdoor behavior. Let him ride in the vehicles that you have.Get him a ramp to help him get in the vehicles easier,so that he feels like one of the family.Good Luck and God Bless I hope everything works out for you,ll.Enjoy your new family member.