What kind of dog should I get next?

**Roxyluvsme13** · 11-02-2010, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by *LabLoverKEB*

Bree I think that's great you want to rescue a dog/puppy, and are looking into more about pitties!

From what I've heard, pitties make great apartment dogs, that is if you can find one that allows large dogs, let alone pit bulls! :/ Like you asked in your last post, yes, it DEFINITELY depends on the individual dog weather or not they are friendly towards dogs, cats, or other animals. A majority of pit bulls have a hugh prey-drive, and tend to be dog aggressive.. because unfortunately, that is what they were bred to do, fight other dogs.

But, if you socialize, socialize, train, and did I mention socialize they tend to do much better around other animals, people, and different situations/places. They definitely need a firm pack leader, they tend to be dominant if you don't take charge!

Alright, I can do that. I would have socialized the dog anyway, but I'll give some extra socialization in there because of Tallulah and possible other pets around at the same time.

All this advice is really helpful, thank you everyone!

**IRescue452** · 11-03-2010, 12:26 PM

The apartment thing is no fun with breed and weight restrictions. You probably don't want a toy breed so I suggest you keep an eye out for border collie or husky type mixes that can get quite tall but stay lightweight at the same time. I actually met a rescue dog at the dog park one day that was up for adoption. She was a brindle pug mixed with some sort of terrier and about 18 inches tall and only 23 pounds. She looked like a stretched out, skinny pit bull. She would have been perfect for an apartment if I was looking at the time. I hope to find another like her when my old dogs are no longer with me, assuming I'm still in an apartment.

**luvofallhorses** · 11-03-2010, 06:39 PM

Are you taking Lily with you and the cats? I am just asking because a lot of terriers are prey driven and Lily is small.

You know I adore this breed more than anything, but no matter how much you socialize them with other dogs/animals, there is that chance that in the future the dog may not get along with Lily or your cats. That is something to consider as well.

NEVER leave them unsupervised together, ever no matter how well they get along you could come home to one of your animals seriously hurt or dead. Do not take the dog to dog parks, they are a bad idea for this breed. Instead, have supervised play groups with friends' dogs. I know you love pit bulls and I do too more than anything but you just have to face facts that they can be aggressive with other animals.

Yes they were bred to fight, but not raised. That is totally different. It's also never how you raise them, because you cannot fight genetics what they were bred to do. So you must be responsible and do right by the dog and I am sure you will.

They are terriers so they need A LOT of exercise. I would recommend a 2-3 year old dog though so you have the right size. Some APBTs and mixes are as small as 30-35 lbs. as they are a medium breed and range up to 60 lbs.

I would not recommend a husky or a border collie in an apartment.

Bri - I will PM you a website that is very knowledgeable on pit bulls and that you can ask any questions about your future dog.

I will have a pit bull someday also, I would love to right now have Quarry that is at the shelter I work at. He is a 3-legged pit bull puppy and so very sweet.

This breed is very amazing but you must be responsible.

**Roxyluvsme13** · 11-03-2010, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by luvofallhorses

Are you taking Lily with you and the cats? I am just asking because a lot of terriers are prey driven and Lily is small.

You know I adore this breed more than anything, but no matter how much you socialize them with other dogs/animals, there is that chance that in the future the dog may not get along with Lily or your cats. That is something to consider as well.

NEVER leave them unsupervised together, ever no matter how well they get along you could come home to one of your animals seriously hurt or dead. Do not take the dog to dog parks, they are a bad idea for this breed. Instead, have supervised play groups with friends' dogs. I know you love pit bulls and I do too more than anything but you just have to face facts that they can be aggressive with other animals.

Yes they were bred to fight, but not raised. That is totally different. It's also never how you raise them, because you cannot fight genetics what they were bred to do. So you must be responsible and do right by the dog and I am sure you will.

They are terriers so they need A LOT of exercise. I would recommend a 2-3 year old dog though so you have the right size. Some APBTs and mixes are as small as 30-35 lbs. as they are a medium breed and range up to 60 lbs.

I would not recommend a husky or a border collie in an apartment.

Bri - I will PM you a website that is very knowledgeable on pit bulls and that you can ask any questions about your future dog.

I will have a pit bull someday also, I would love to right now have Quarry that is at the shelter I work at. He is a 3-legged pit bull puppy and so very sweet.

This breed is very amazing but you must be responsible.

Lily is probably most likely going to be staying with my mom, as she and my mom are really close and I don't think Lily could survive without her, lol.

Tallulah is the only cat, and she'd be coming with me, so Tallulah yes.

I'd like to crate train the Pitty, though I've never crate-trained a dog before, but it would probably be a good idea/good start in the Pitty's training, right???

So, when I'm out the dog could be crated, I guess? And Tallulah would be fine???

I can do evening walks for the dog, so I think that would help keep the exercise thing under control, or maybe even a morning walk and an evening walk. It will just depend on what's going on in my life whenever I have the dog, I guess.

I would appreciate the link to the website! Quarry sounds precious. Pictures???

**luvofallhorses** · 11-03-2010, 08:08 PM

I would crate the dog in a seperate room from Talluah when you are not able to watch. (if you are in the shower, put the dog with you and leave the cat out or something..). Yes, when you go to school or whatever you will be doing, go to the store or whatever crate your dog.

Evening walks should be fine, but you want to do it every night no matter the weather. You could also invest in a treadmill when you are not able to exercise and find one on free-cycle or craigslist and when you train a dog on it, start out slow. It's to get a dog in shape, not for fighting like people think. You could also build a flirt pole. Pit bulls are huge cuddlers too so prepare to have that dog in your lap watching tv and sleeping in bed with you.