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Hi! Im new and I have questions?

Welcome to Pitbulls.org Forums Human Talk Introductions Hi! Im new and I have questions?

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 18 total)
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  • #14306
    abbraus
    Participant

    I’m new to this website, and I have been wanting a dog for some time now. I prob won’t be able to get one for awhile, but when I do I would LOVE to get a pit bull. I have been doing research (which sounds kind of dumb when I can’t get one for awhile) and I what I need to do as a pit bull owner. I do have some concerns though that would hold me back and was wondering if anyone can answer my questions.

    First of all…where can I see where pit bulls are banned? I know its BSL but one place I look says one thing and the other spot says abother.

    I heard that your insurance can go up because you own a pit bull. Is that true? If so is it a lot? And what else is going to go up, if anything, just because you have a pit bull?

    How often and how much are you suppose to feed your pit bull and is their food expensive?

    Also if you guys could share some stories about you and your pit bull that would be great! (Whether good or bad)

    Hope someone can help! Thanks! 😀

    #15462
    rebeccajoshuaoshea
    Participant

    Hi there! I’m new to this site, too, and a newer owner of a pit bull. My husband and I have had our dog, O’Shea, for a month now, and he’s been the greatest addition to our house. We were first told from the shelter where we adopted him that our town had a pit bull ban (which we knew was incorrect, since we wouldn’t have put him down as an option if we couldn’t get him)…after this comment, we went straight to the source, our city hall, and asked about bans relating to specific breeds of dog. I don’t know much about the insurance thing. As far as food goes, it all depends on the size of the dog. Ours is medium, just under 50 pounds, and we’ve been following the directions on his dog food bag (Purina One: Adult), feeding him about 2 1/4 cups of food a day, altering when he gets extra treats (milk bones, Greenies, etc.).

    We’ve received a lot of criticism from family members, as well as some indirect, “silent” words from members of the community. People will see us walking him down the sidewalk, they’ll turn around and walk the other way, simply to avoid walking by us. All we want is to socialize him as much as possible–he’s been taking obedience classes to help with his excitement in meeting new people/animals. He’s been doing awesome–people just need to give him a chance. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I am more than happy to share more about our experience with our pit bull. Best of luck to you!

    #15464
    abbraus
    Participant

    Thanks! And thats sad about people! Today, people rely on too much media! I hope people know that now a days there are actually good things that happen in this world and not just bad. Cause last summer I even got to watch my boyfriend get bit by an Australlian Sheperd. If you do find out about the insurance I would love too know if you just have to pay more or not. Cause one place I read said pit bull owners can spend up to 200,000 dollars a year on insurance. :- But I hope people will start excepting your pit bull more!

    #15472
    rebeccajoshuaoshea
    Participant

    It seems everyday people are more accepting of our dog. Using the Gentle Leader with him while on walks seems to help with his excited spirit. I wish we didn’t have to curb that excitement, but he does pull a bit and rush ahead when he wants to meet new people and pets–when people see a pit bull pulling like that, they think, “Oh, gosh, they’re coming to get me,” or something along those lines. But what they fail to see is his tail is wagging the ENTIRE TIME–and it may just be me, but when I see an animal wagging their tail, it’s a sign of happiness. 🙂 I have heard that people sometimes have to pay more for insurance, if you own a pit, as opposed to a lab or something else.

    Keep us updated when you are able to get a pet. 🙂 Hope it all goes well for you!

    #15491
    abbraus
    Participant

    I agree with the tail wagging thing. When it wags it usually means that they are happy. I’ve seen people that have pit bulls and they are always soooo well behaved and are always playful. And coming on this form and listen to other people and their stories really makes me want one more! But thanks 😀 I will definitely let you know if I get one! I hope. Just depends on if where I live lets me.

    #15492
    raisins mom
    Participant

    Hi! I can only say from my experience I was turned down by several insurance companies when I said my dog was a Pitbull Mix. Luckily my insurance agent only put what we believed he was mixed with to get me insurance. I’m not sure what the extra amount was since it was added to my homeowners. I carried the maximum allowed (although I never had to use it).
    I haven’t added Raisin to my policy yet but I keep my dog in the house and crated when I am not home and he is never off leash exept when I let him in the backyard.
    I love my lil Pitty mixes. This is my 2nd and my parents have one as well. Key to them Socialize, Socialize, Socialize with people and pets. The key is to be a responsible owner.
    You most likely will encounter people who do not want yer Pitty near them. To them I respect their feelings and move on. I always have my dogs contained and well behaved so there is no reason to complain about them.
    Good luck in your search for the perfect Pitty. And kudos to you on doing your research!!! Many people don’t and regret it later.

    #15496
    mhaze
    Participant

    Here are some great resources on the web. I hope you’re considering adoption. There’s nothing like the feeling of saving a life that loves you for it every day. Good luck!

    http://www.realpitbull.com/rightbreed.html

    http://pbrc.net/beforedog.html

    http://www.ourpack.org/rightforme.html

    There is no such thing as “too much research” if you are thinking of adding a Pit Bull to your family.

    #15497
    abbraus
    Participant

    Thanks for the advice. And yes I definitely plan on adopting. I would still try and get a puppy and if it goes good from there maybe Id adopt another pitty. And yeah my only real problem is the insurance. But I keep doing my research cause I don’t want to be another irresponsible owner. And I want to make sure that this is the right dog for me and that I can 100% handle it. And yes socialize socialize socialize!!! 😀 That would be one of my biggest priorities. If I get a pitbull I will definitely be asking more questions esp tips and tricks. And thanks for the websites I will have to check them out.

    #15512
    mhaze
    Participant

    That’s great. There are adoptable dogs in all ages, and there are lots of puppies that need rescue. I rescued a one year old last year. In the past, I adopted much younger puppies. Although I wish I could have seen him as a baby, I’m glad I didn’t have to deal with as many puppy issues.

    It’s nice to see someone doing their research before they get a dog for a change. They truly are dogs for smart people. Good luck!

    #15524
    abbraus
    Participant

    Well I think anyone who is considering ANY dog should do research. You cant just go get a dog and expect it to act how you want. dogs cant read minds. All dogs are different and I want to find the right dog and one that will be good for me and my lifestyle. I will keep doing my research and and hoping to get more peoples stories on here about them and their pit bulls.

    #15585
    rebeccajoshuaoshea
    Participant

    We did our research through our volunteering at a shelter (2 months), and during this time, grew more and more attached to O’Shea (as he did to us)…we then read up more and more on pit bulls and what it would mean for us as dog owners to bring him into our house. It’s been the best thing that has happened to us (next to our wedding day, that is, lol). :)I’m really looking forward to hearing your story about how you might come across the dog for you.

    #15588
    Taana
    Participant

    I want to commend you on taking the time to do research prior to getting a dog especially a pibble. We have had Beastley for almost 9 mths. We had no plans on getting another dog we have a 8y/o Mastiff. We got Beastley by default. Someone asked us to doggy sit for a couple of weeks, they gave us a 50lb bag of food and his cage. They never returned and wouldn’t return our calls, hence we now owned him.
    Beastley like most pibbles are easy to train but you have to be consistent and dedicated to training daily. Put him in obedience class if possible and get his CGC certification. In Ohio where I live used to have BSL and recently they removed it. They claim a dogs actions no matter what the breed is the responsibility of the owner. However, they do have stipulations on pits. They must be licensed, muzzled in public areas,have insurance, and spayed or neutered. Many places refuse to allow pits in apartments and rentals.
    Allstate and Travelers insurance will insure pits. Add it to your homeowners insurance or renters insurance and it is cheaper in the long run.
    High grade food is best, some pibbles have allergies to different foods. A taste of the Wild (ATOTW)or Candiea are good brands. Some people prefer raw.
    They love toys, but you have to get durable ones extreme kongs r great. I freeze kibble mixed with peanut butter in it or yogurt. He loves that as a treat. Positive reinforcement is the way to go.
    I’m rambling now so I will stop. If you have any questions I will be happy to help you if I can or help u get an answer. A good sight to look up n study is http://www.pbrc.net. Below is a link to my boys.

    #15590
    abbraus
    Participant

    Yeah I was thinking about volunteering at my humane society. I know that they have a pitbull and some other dogs. I figured that would be the best way to figure out if I would be a good pitty owner. I think I might do that. So thank you! 😀 And Taana that is a sad story! Why do people get a dog if they can’t keep them? 🙁 And that’s fine that you were rambling. I asked questions, and I am glad you answered them. I like to get different peoples opinions. Esp on pitbulls. And besides all that info was just what I was looking for. 😀 I like this website I get a lot of good ideas and info. And I will definately let everyone know if and when I get a pitbull. I checked out the website and pics, and awww your dog Beastly…I hope I spelled that right…and that website is awesome.

    I do have another question though…well kind of…If I get a pit bull is that my only concern is that I would be working full time (once Im done with college), and my boyfriend too. Does anyone else deal with a full time job and their pit bulls (and thats with no one home)? If so what do you do? Or would that even be wise to get a pit bull with their high energy, and me having a full time job? I really hope that made sense. But if I could get ideas of what you guys do that’d be great.

    #15594
    Taana
    Participant

    Yes I work full time. My husband is out most of the day do you could say they r left alone for long stretches of time. What we do in our house is I get them up let them run around or take a walk, provide breakfast prior to leaving. Once the first person gets home they take them out for a long walk, bing them in to eat dinner then we go outside and have playtime/training. My training is around 15 minutes. It is fun and informal, sit, stay, come, leave it, I incorportate this with his kong. If I am exhausted I will sit outside with a toy attached to a pole and wave it around for him to jump at. Or you can make a spring pole (www.pitbulllovers.com)and attach it to a tree and let him have it. Beastley really enjoys his almost indestructable ball or a similar toy (eGGe, I haven’t purchased this but I hear it is similar) n he plays soccer with it with his nose. Check out the NFL on http://www.pbrc too actually everything on that sight is informative and helpfull. So yes u can have a pibble and work a full-time job. My boys r crated when we are away (inside crate is water and toys to keep them entertained while we r away)

    #15596
    abbraus
    Participant

    awesome thanks! that makes me happy to hear. I was just worried that if I got one it would get too bored sitting around all day and would get too hyper later. I am hoping to get a job close to where ever I live so I can take my dog out at lunch. Thats when Im done with college, and actually find a job if I do, and if I can get a pit bull. lol Im keeping my fingers crossed. I like the energetic part of the pit bull. I LOVE playing with dogs, and I am also hoping that if I get one they will keep me motivated enough to keep up with daily exercise. Do you keep your dogs on a kind of schedule? I heard that is the best thing to do with any dog.

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