Adopting Lab/pitbull mix

[luvofallhorses]

You know I am not trying to argue here Karen. I still stand by what I said. You know I do not have an APBT or bully breed right this moment, but I did years ago and have learned all I can and will be prepared. I am just saying that he should be prepared, that is all.

I do not expect him to shove their Pit bull mix down someone's throat, however if he wants to educate so be it. Heck I work at an animal shelter and have to educate all the time about pit bulls since we always have them. I want owners to be prepared and you cannot ignore something that is a part of their history and genetics.

They just cannot be blinded by it. You're right not all of them show it, but a lot of them do and you have to expect it. 95% of them do show it and I have seen it.

If another dog starts a fight at a dog park and his dog reacts, the pit bull will always be blamed and that's one more news story this breed and responsible owners cannot afford. This breed is in enough trouble as it is, so I am just saying be prepared and be responsible.

[Taz_Zoee]

I also don't agree with the "no dog parks" statement. That is the best way to socialize a new dog. Now, if they go to a dog park and discover the dog is dog agressive, then sure....no dog parks.

I was also going to suggest lots of socialization, period. With people and other dogs. I've learned this the hard way with my first dog. She is not agressive, but she just gets so excited she can't control herself around other dogs. Had I done more socialization when she was younger I probably would have avoided this. My second dog is fine. And I didn't socialize him too much either. Could just be different personalities, I suppose. But anyway, lots of socialization.

Oh, and we'd love to see pictures of your new pup too.

[luvofallhorses]

I'm sorry but is not a risk I'd be willing to take to find out if my dog was dog aggressive and got in another fight with another dog at a dog park. I'd rather be safe than sorry than my dog ending up in the news and being taken away from me.

Pit bulls do NOT belong in Dog parks and do not need dog friends. They thrive on human companionship and do not need other dogs to make them happy.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I have met many Labrador/pittie mixes, and they all seem to be great, fun dogs! Can't wait to see pictures of you newest family member!

As for dog parks/walking, I say go for it, but be sure to remain calm, if you seem nervous at all, she will sense your fear and might behave in ways you don't want her to behave. You will never know if she is dog aggressive or not if you don't take her for walks or take her around other dogs.

For the dog park, walk along the fence line surrounding the dog park with her for the first visit, to see how she behaves. If she growls, barks aggressively, jumps, and pulls aggressively towards other dogs, it is wise to not take her inside/let her around the other dogs. If she seems happy, (wagging her tail, yipping with excitement) then go ahead and take her in. It might be a good idea to keep her on the leash for the first few minutes when and if you do go inside after you have observed her behavior, just to be sure. Some dogs don't get along with dogs of certain traits, it's very interesting, actually. The key to knowing your dog is being able to read his/her body language. This is very important!

[redrexx]

wow! thanks for all the help everyone. I will def take all this into consideration. As for pics, i'll post some soon. So far in the first week, we've noticed thats she's very sweet, loving, always wants to be near us, which we love. Also is very well trained. Knows how to use wee wee pads, how to sit, shake paws, responds to the name we gave her the first day. Polite with other people. Though we think she picked up a bug from the shelter cuz she's been having this hacking cough since satruday. She is getting better. Her energy is higher than when we first got her. As for dogs parks, IMO, there's none that close to us without using the subway anyway, so we just walk with her through central park which is more than enough for her.

[AllAmericanPUP]

I agree with the no dog parks statement. Dog parks are a disaster waiting to happy no matter what the breed of dog is. You can't throw a bunch of dogs together and expect them to get a long just fine... a fight will break out in a matter of time and i promise you your dog will be the one to blame no matter what the situation is because they are a pit bull mix.

You shouldn't have to lie about your dog either, if people are scared of her then that's fine. People have a choice to interact with your dog or not. I honestly have only run into maybe a handful of people that were afraid of Elijah but i guess i'm just lucky.

I've learned so much in the 7 years i have owned my pit bull mix and i still learn more every day.

congratulation on your new addition and I hope she brings you years of joy.

[god_heals]

wow! thanks for all the help everyone. I will def take all this into consideration. As for pics, i'll post some soon. So far in the first week, we've noticed thats she's very sweet, loving, always wants to be near us, which we love. Also is very well trained. Knows how to use wee wee pads, how to sit, shake paws, responds to the name we gave her the first day. Polite with other people. Though we think she picked up a bug from the shelter cuz she's been having this hacking cough since satruday. She is getting better. Her energy is higher than when we first got her. As for dogs parks, IMO, there's none that close to us without using the subway anyway, so we just walk with her through central park which is more than enough for her.

If she has a cough you should take her to the vet because kennel cough is possible and contagious. Since she was kept in a kennel I would check even if she seems to be getting better.