pitbull cross information

[Roxygrrrl]

Hi I adopted a dog from Animal Control a while back and was told she was a shephard/lab cross. I have since found out that she is actually a rottweiler/pitbull cross. Her name is Roxy and she is an amazing dog - she is very kind and gentle. However, since I discovered that she is a pitbull cross and have been doing a lot of studying about the breed and most people are saying that pitbulls should not be going to a dog park - it is too busy, hectic, and it may set them off to fight with another dog. Roxy has been going to busy dog parks for quite some time now,and she seems to really enjoy them. She loves meeting new dogs. I am looking for some advice though - should I change the way I have been socializing her because she is a pitbull cross, or stick with the dog parks? I don't want to confuse her, but I don't want to cause any problems either.
Thanks for the help,
Anjela.

 

[candy722]

I think you should stick with the park because your letting your dog socialize. But just be ultra cautious and make sure you are prepared to hold your down down if she goes out of control.

 

[Melissa S.]

I have a PBT also adopted from the shelter. How old is she? I agree with candy, but just be watchful. My dog does well with other dogs at parks unless she feels threatened. SHe really didn't show any sort of dominance or aggression until she was about 1 year old. It really is a fine line to balance, b/c you don't want to seem nervous or too cautious around her b/c Roxy will be able to sense it. You are doing the absolute best thing for her. THe more positive experience she has with other dogs, the better she will act around them. My compliments to you for adopting from a shelter, and for taking such great care of her!
Melissa

 

[Renee750il]

She hasn't changed just because you now have reason to think she's a different mix than you originally did. And remember, it's almost impossible to really know unless it's just glaringly obvious. (Like with a predominantly German Shepherd mix - you can see it)

She's still Roxy; she's still the sweet, funny dog you had the day before you realized she might be a different combination than you thought. Keep doing what you're doing; don't get paranoid; don't buy into all the stupid things you read about so-called vicious breeds.

Her age will have some bearing. When they start going through adolescence they become . . . we'll, they're teenagers! Raging hormones, some of them don't want to listen, some will try to see how far they can push you, and it has nothing at all to do with breed. I've had Filas and German Shepherds that never did this, some that did, and I've seen mild mannered Setters and Labs turn into hell-dogs for a few months or weeks.

 

[pitbulliest]

Hmm..Im going to have to take a different stance on this issue. I am completely against dog parks when it comes to pit bulls... even though she's a mix..she's still a PIT mix..these dogs simply don't belong in dog parks..no matter how great and friendly they are to other dogs, there might come a day when they just feel like..hey..I wanna fight!...never ever trust a pit bull not to get into a fight with another dog. Remember, that IS what they were bred for. Not to mention, ever negative incident that your dog is involved in, only adds to the negative reputation and stereotypes that pit bulls receive. Rotties don't have the greatest rep either so you'd be killing two birds with one stone if anything was to happen. I would really be careful as things can change very quickly in a dog park from being happy and joyful, to a big mess where you're having trouble getting two dogs apart as they're going at it.

There are alot of places you can go to get your dog exercised properly and socialized as well. Socialization doesn't necessarily mean a dog park with physical contact...a dog park is actually quite a stressful place for a dog. Alot of new smells and strangers. Hmm, too many horror stories to be taken too lightly. Just be careful please.

 

[agilitydobemom]

My take is this any dog can be dangerous in a dog park just watch your dog and its actions if you think she or any other dog for that fact is getting upset with her or she is getting upset with another dog leave the dog park and try another day the fact is your dog is a pit/rott cross and when and if somthing does happen your dog will be blamed no matter what just remember like Renee said she is the same dog you had before and if she seems to be handleing the dog parks well than good for you and her

 

[pitbulliest]

I still say don't take her to a dog park..its too risky...wayyy to risky..especially with all the BSL talk going around everywhere..nuh uh..I would never do anything like that.

 

[Renee750il]

That's some good advice from Pitbulliest, especially since you're in Canada, too. That hit me after reading her posts then noticing that you're both from Canada. There is just too much noise about breed specific legislation and too much dangerous ignorance about it right now.

She's still the same dog, but if someone thinks she's a Pit mix, she is going to get blamed for anything and everything.
I am curious as to why you now think she's a Pit/Rottie mix instead of a Shepherd/Lab mix. There's a big difference in those breeds as far as looks go.

 

[Roxygrrrl]

Hi, I just read the reply's. When I first adopted Roxy she was in horrific shape. She had been taken by Animal Control from a Gro-Op that had been busted - she had pretty much been used as a puppy mill, 3 litters of pups in 1 1/2 years. Animal Control said their guess was a shephard/lab cross, but I had later found out that if Animal Control does not really know the breed they will just call the dog a shephard/lab. After I adopted her and she was no longer skin and bones, but solid muscle I really began to question if that was really her mix. I brought her back down to Animal Control and the SPCA to enquire about her breed and they looked at her and said that she looked like a rottweiler/pit cross. Animal Control was quite shocked at her transformation. Even though she may be a pit cross I do still want to take her to the dog park - she loves to socialize with other dogs and I would hate for her to miss out on this.

 

[Roxygrrrl]

Just read the reply's

Hi, I just read the reply's. When I first adopted Roxy she was in horrific shape. She had been taken by Animal Control from a Gro-Op that had been busted - she had pretty much been used as a puppy mill, 3 litters of pups in 1 1/2 years. Animal Control said their guess was a shephard/lab cross, but I had later found out that if Animal Control does not really know the breed they will just call the dog a shephard/lab. After I adopted her and she was no longer skin and bones, but solid muscle I really began to question if that was really her mix. I brought her back down to Animal Control and the SPCA to enquire about her breed and they looked at her and said that she looked like a rottweiler/pit cross. Animal Control was quite shocked at her transformation. Even though she may be a pit cross I do still want to take her to the dog park - she loves to socialize with other dogs and I would hate for her to miss out on this.

 

[Barb04]

You've been a good mother to Roxy. It's so nice when you hear about people rescuing an animal, especially one that's not in good condition and nursing them back to good health. I too have a pitbull mix (shelter told me the same cross as you). I don't like dog parks since I'm not sure how other dogs will react to mine and would rather be safe than sorry. I do agree socialization is key. My pitbull mix wasn't socialized much until age 9 when she started living with a cat, then an anatolian and then another cat. She's the alpha. Please just be cautious, especially in Canada or wherever you live since pit mixes do get a bad rap.

 

[Renee750il]

Your Roxy may be the exception, and Rotties are often very social creatures, and her sad beginnings may also have affected her outlook on other dogs (she was probably cooped up in with other dogs close by and being her only real companionship) but you still need to be watchful for Roxy's sake. When you take her out, you might want to consider getting a good sturdy halter. Not a Halti or anything special, just one that is sturdy. It will give you better control, plus if you should ever have to pull her back it's not as hard on her neck - or your arms. I've found, too, that dogs tend to try to pull away less in a halter than a collar.

Your story with Roxy made me smile. As badly as I hate hearing about dogs being abuse, I love a happy new beginning like the one you've given Roxy.

 

[Roxygrrrl]

The pitbull dog park thing is such a hard one for me. On one hand she loves meeting new dogs - her tail was cropped very crudely and she seems to realize that she can't use her tail as communication (especially wagging), so when she approaches other dogs she will whine in excitement. But on the other hand she is definitely an alpha dog - she whines to show that she is friendly, but her head has to be above the other dogs. She is a little over 2 and since I have had her she has gone to a very busy dog park 2x a day. She is very protective of puppies - she has pinned some dogs that were quite aggressive towards a couple of puppies. When she has pinned it has been with her body weight, never her mouth. She will shoulder check the dog, then hold it down on the ground for a few moments. Other people at the dog park have witnessed this and nicknamed Roxy "Mommy Dog". They don't seem to think that this is any cause for concern. But has anyone out there witnessed their pitbull cross suddenly becoming very aggressive? I certainly don't want to be an irresponsible dog owner. Should I be concerned if Roxy is pinning a few dogs down?

 

[pitbulliest]

Uhhhh YES!...that means she's already showing domination over the dogs...this could very easily turn into a fight. I DID take Messina into dog parks when she was young..before she reached the age of maturity (which is approximately around the age of 2..it may vary in some dogs, but I believe your dog is definately there right now as you have mentioned she's just a little over 2)..and as soon as I noticed her doing that (pinning other dogs down)..it was definately time to leave..

Other dogs may take this dominant behavior as a threat and react, in turn causing a counter reaction from your dog...very very good environment for a potential dog fight to start...I'm glad you mentioned this. Definately find another place for her to get her exercise and socialization because its honestly asking for trouble.

Thank you for coming in here an asking for advice, and for truely being concerned about your dog. I'm sure you both love one another very much.

 

[agilitydobemom]

I do agree with Pitbulliest in the fact that if your dog is pinning other dogs to the ground you need to stop taking your dog to the dog parks some less dominate dogs may think she is just playing or back off letting her be the dominant dog but all it takes is one other dog who wants to be alpha and you will have a dog fight on your hands if you want your dog to socialize walk her instead

 

[olbrent]

As a long time owner of pitbulls I will say you need to have total control over the dog, and be ready to get between your dog and dog who wants to challenge yours! You should be thinking how to protect your dog from confrontation as your dog can win any confrontation it may face, in the event your dog does defend itself you are now faced with how to defend its action in court. Your dog will not have the emotion to pick a fight unless that is an allowed behavior. My pits are on a pinch collar when we walk to be ready to go to court on their behalf, as many unleashed dogs run to the street to "meet" my dogs if I want your dog to meet mine I will send out invitations, otherwise keep your dog in your yard. When we go to the park we walk on lead in the play area until I decide that the risk is minimal, the risk being mainly chows and huskys. Sharpei are also prone to provoke a fight. at our local dog park they have a play area for small breeds, if not watch out for scottys and yorkies as both are prone to bite off more than they can chew! My daughters chiuaiua prefers to play with her big family members, so I keep an eye on the big dogs who look at her as a toy due to the fact that our big dogs will protect her witha vengance! Pitbull psychology should only be discussed amongst other responsible pit owners for best results. I will discuss my tactics privately any time so pm me or e-mail me and we will discuss at length.

 

[southern_girl09]

Keep going to the dog park. Some Pit'z love people and other dogs. If she hasnt done anything yet, she probally wont. Just be careful and watch here. There is always that little chance, but there is a chance with every breed, It's not just Pit Bulls.

 

[southern_girl09]

I also said there is a chance. I didnt read the part where she said it has been pinning other dogs on the ground. I'm not ignorant. I have never been a slow and carefull reader and probally never will be..lol. Anyway..sorry.

 

[southern_girl09]

Yea. I do that alot. lol. But I am very protective toward teh Pittie breed. There are alot of fighters around here, and it makes me so mad..

Sorry about the post..lol!

 

[southern_girl09]

My mom does. But I dont live with her. I love him so much. I have a Blue HeelerXPit Bull