My Temporary (Potentially Permanent) Addition

**Roxyluvsme13** · 11-19-2011, 05:42 PM

Well, I was really sad that we had to rehome Duke, but I've discovered that I'm not a hound dog person and he is very happy in his new home.

I started looking on Petfinder and of course, I was drawn to a particular breed. However, I never figured my mom would agree to this, but here he is.

Meet Brennan!

I've researched my eyeballs out on Pit Bulls, but I've realized that you really don't understand a lot of the research and things people say until you are actually "owning" one.

He is very energetic, is a work in progress training-wise, and is a huge lovebug!

I, of course, expected the cats and Lily to have a bit of a freakout, and they did. I rushed into introductions though, but I have realized I have to slow things down and take the time to really think about things, as he is a Pit Bull and there are of course risks in owning one.

I think we're leaning towards keeping him, but we'll see how tonight and tomorrow goes to decide for sure.

He's getting enrolled in obedience classes very soon too, as he definitely needs them. I think I'm going to try a "training in your home" trainer. I have to call and make an appointment for her to evaluate him

.

Just wanted to introduce him, as I've been exploding with excitement all week in keeping him a secret!

**Freedom** · 11-19-2011, 05:49 PM

Hi Brennan!

Wow, he is handsome! How old is he?

Pitties are a wonderful breed, but they do need constant training -- reminding of what's allowed and what isn't (kinda like my Willy, lol).

I always tell folks to take group obedience classes. A dog doesn't learn much in one hour, but you sure do. And you learn from watching others, they make comments which help you. And your dog is around other people and other dogs, which helps with socializing. One on one costs lots more, and you are missing a whole element. There are situations where 1 on 1 is proper, but not for initial training unless the dog is anti dog social.

Well, good luck with him! Cats do take time to adjust to a newbie in the home, and new dog takes them longer than a new cat. Mine start by hiding. Next I'll see them peaking around corners, gazing down from counter tops and the fridge.

Eventually they will walk in and out of the room the dog is in, lol.

**Roxyluvsme13** · 11-19-2011, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Freedom

Hi Brennan!

Wow, he is handsome! How old is he?

Pitties are a wonderful breed, but they do need constant training -- reminding of what's allowed and what isn't (kinda like my Willy, lol).

I always tell folks to take group obedience classes. A dog doesn't learn much in one hour, but you sure do. And you learn from watching others, they make comments which help you. And your dog is around other people and other dogs, which helps with socializing. One on one costs lots more, and you are missing a whole element. There are situations where 1 on 1 is proper, but not for initial training unless the dog is anti dog social.

Well, good luck with him! Cats do take time to adjust to a newbie in the home, and new dog takes them longer than a new cat. Mine start by hiding. Next I'll see them peaking around corners, gazing down from counter tops and the fridge.

Eventually they will walk in and out of the room the dog is in, lol.

He's a little over a year old they think, but can't tell for sure as he was rescued off the streets. Poor guy was living on mulch when his previous family found him and took him in.

I'm having a lot of trouble finding any obedience classes around here. I don't really want to do a Petsmart/Petco class as I read online that they're not usually the best. I really need to keep searching though and see if I can find a class. He's definitely gotta get enrolled as soon as possible.

Yeah, the cats hide, but as soon as I take Brennan in my room and crate him, they come out. He tries to chase them (as they are a new object and I guess the high prey drive thing?) but he has to learn they are not chew toys or breakfast!

I've already seen some of the constant reminding needed in action! lol. It's going to be a lot of work, but I think I can handle it.

**Sowa** · 11-20-2011, 10:54 AM

He is beautiful. I hope it works for you and him

**Roxyluvsme13** · 11-20-2011, 11:16 AM

Thanks

The cats are fine as long as Brennan is in another room, so with time, I think they may be able to adjust.

We've decided we're keeping him

.

So, here's a couple more pictures!

We're off to buy him some dog food. Probably starting him on 4health lamb and rice for now, might switch to something completely grain-free later on.

And I'll try getting some better pictures of him outside in the near future when I have time

.

Learned this morning that he's going to need constant reminders, as Sandie said! But he's still doing well with "sit" and "Down".

**luvofallhorses** · 11-20-2011, 02:10 PM

He is very handsome!

Bri, you need to know he some day may not get along with Lily. You need to be prepared to seperate them permanently. It's a HUGE commitment. He may never learn that cats are off limits either. Please get a breakstick ASAP. It's better for you to have one, than him going after Lily or your cats and you cannot get them apart and he can do more damage to your cats and Lily than they can since they are little compared to him.

The breaksticks are only to be used with pit bulls though, not other breeds. No dog parks or dog daycares for him either! I really hope it works out, but you need to sit down with your mom and really think about it before making such a huge commitment and have her look at these links as well so you are on the same page. I know you said he is your responsibilty, but she may learn some things too about this wonderful breed.