Most dogs will change, but I would be lying if I said all of them do. Like I said, I have dealt with many pit bulls at a rescue, and the ones that show even a little bit of jumpiness around children are not allowed to be adopted by families with them.

Here’s my problem with this (and please don’t take this as me coming off rude or mean), I would never risk a dog that I don’t feel safe to have around children, around children. Especially my own. This is for two reasons. First, it is scary to think that a loving family dog could accidently severely hurt someone in your home. You don’t want that risk or problem. Second, it is unfair to the dog, because if something were to happen, he would get blamed and probably put down. Then there would be another news report about an aggressive pit bull.

If the dog only growls around children, I would definately think about rehoming him with someone without children who is experienced with abused or rehabilitated pit bulls. That way you can avoid any problems, and most likely save a dog’s future.

This is likely not the dogs fault and by no fault of your own. So don’t feel bad for this happening. Sounds like the previous owners were abusive (although this is just speculation on my part). If you still want to work with him though, definately seek professional help for him and definately monitor him at all times with your children. Most dogs who do attack, give plenty of warnings way ahead of time.

Good luck with your poor baby. Hopefully someone else can give you better news than me.

I would definately not use her crate as punishment. Especially if you use it for kenneling her when you are not home. She will begin to associate it with a bad place.

As far as what to do, I am unsure as to what to exactly suggest. Your best bet is to try and predict her behavior, and before she lunges put a stop to it before it happens. I’m sorry I cannot be more help.

My dog has chewed through walls and doors as a puppy. We had pretty much given up on toys a while ago until someone recommended a Nylabone Rhino bone. One lasted her for 2 years, and we just got another. They are safe to swallow too so no worries. She is a pretty good chewer too. I would highly recommend one. They are pricey though. Ours was $20, but sooooo worth it!

Oh and that ball lasted us 10 minutes! Lol. She loves her balls.

Here is a link to the bone. Get the biggest one.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3206935&lmdn=Brand

Pit bulls have been known to be animal aggressive. Even though you say that he does not attack unless provoked, I would highly suggest keeping him away from that situation at all costs. First, when driving with him in the car keep all the windows closed. This is for safety also, because you will be devestated if he jumps out in the middle of traffic and something bad happens. Secondly, do your best when walking him to avoid all other dogs all together. If one is approaching you cross the street if necessary or go as far around as you can. Do not get within leash distance of any other dog. Also, if you cannot hold your dog back, I highly suggest a choke collar or a prong collar when walking them. This also can be used to slightly tug (not hard) the dogs face away from any distractions (aka other dogs, cats, etc). This will keep their attention ahead and can be a good training tecnique for proper dog walking. Another thing to do is to make sure that you do not give him enough leash. You must be able to control your dog at all times when walking him.

My husband worked nonstop with our dog Bloo when she was a puppy. In fact, he still works with her. Her only problem now is getting too excited when people visit. When I walk her (I am a small female) and use our prong collar (when used properly it is extremely safe), I have no problems. I walk her every day too. I have only seen her get agressive with one other dog, another pit bull named Xena. Which is strange because she has met thousands of other dogs with no problem. They just both hated each other at first meeting. Anyway, I make it a point to avoid any type of confrontation because I don’t ever want to be put in the situation of having someone who hates the breed acuse her of anything.

We have tried everything from a regular collar, to a choker, to a gentle leader, before finally being recommended by our trainer to use a prong collar. Our trainer advised us that although she prefers choke collars for training purposes, she uses prong collars for dogs who just will not respond to any other kind. Also, honestly IMO, the gentle leader is a waste of money for any high energy dog like a pit bull. Out of everyone I know with a pit bull, not a single one was able to use the gentle leader. Although, I am not saying it is impossible. If you do get the prong collar, make sure it is adjustable and has a clip. The ones that go over the head just don’t work for a bully’s large head (at least not mine). In order to use a prong collar properly, you must bring it all the way up to where the head and the neck meet. Otherwise they can still pull with it. Also, before we bought the prong collar, my husband put it on arm and pulled as quickly and as hard as he could. (He wanted to make sure it would not hurt our baby) According to him, it does not hurt, it is just very annoying.