Adopting Lab/pitbull mix

[Freedom]

Geee, I missed this first time around, oops!
Did you take her to a vet for a wellness check up? Highly recommended anytime you get a new dog, be it from a shelter, a rescue, a breeder, or even a craigslist post.

I have my foster bichon Willy in obedience classes just now, and we have one Lab/Pit mix in there. He is a big, oversized goofball, he hee, typical puppy, but big, so his paws are everywhere! Seems like he is going to be our clown (every class has one!). His mom does use a halter to help her control him. He is smart, catching on fast. Only thing is: we are advised not to feed our dogs prior to class; SHE has been told, FEED him! He just drags her around the room otherwise, trying to get everyone's training treats!

He is very lovable, and lots of fun.

Even though your dog knows some basic commands, you may want to take some classes. In one hour the dog doesn't learn YOU learn, how to control your dog, how to communicate with your dog. An experienced trainer can point out to you what body language your dog does, so you know what to watch for, when to say "OK, go see friend," and when to tighten up your leash hold. You haven't mentioned if you have any prior dog experience; so just a thought.

I much prefer the APDT trainers, they use positive reinforcement. APDT - American Pet Dog Trainers. The web site has a place where you can put in your zip code and it gives you trainers in your area.

I also suggest folks read this book: The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia McConnell Great info in there!

Now get moving sharing photos with us! Oh and hey, you didn't tell us her name!!

[Mooshi]

Congrats on the new puppy.
I've had two pits before and now i own an american bulldog i totally agree on A LOT of training you will enjoy the company of a well behaved dog. As for dog parks i don't see why not if your dog is on leash even if a fight occurred she would be on leash just till you're sure how her temperament is around other dogs or if a fight is close to where she is i did that and it worked just fine with me now i know which dog goes off leash and which doesn't.
Good luck with your new baby and looking forward to seeing pictures of her

[luvofallhorses]

I still don't think taking her to a dog park is worth it to find out if she is Dog Aggressive. That's not something you want to toy with, if she gets in a fight she will be blamed no matter who started it.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I definitely see your point if they bring the dog IN the park. I suggested walking the fence line with the dog, and assessing her behavior towards the other dogs.

But yes, just walking into the park not even knowing how she looks/reacts to other dogs, big mistake. I have a dangerously aggressive yellow Lab, and it's hard to even walk the fence line with her (I did this with the trainer, and gave treats/praised her for paying attention to ME and not reacting to the other dogs on the other side of the fence). I can't take Rita anywhere, which is really upsetting to me as she is a very people-friendly dog, loves to swim, run, and interact with people. Even when I walk her on a leash with her gentle leader around the neighborhood, I've had people let their dogs off their leashes or let them out of the house (we always avoid other dogs, crossing streets/turning around when we see other dogs with their owners) and let them run up to her thinking she is friendly and will play. I have to try really hard not to go crazy on these people, because not only is this not good for my dog, their dog could get injured, and would it be my fault? Nope, my dog was on a leash, yours was not!