Adding a new pit bull

by shane
(united states)

I have a female pit bull and want to add a male for a playmate, but i am not sure how she will act. When my neighbors loud, hyper Pomeranian comes to the fence, my pit acts like she wants to hurt him. But a pit bull from down the street jumped my fence and they just sniffed each other. She is fine with our bunny running around her. She even lets him take food out of her bowl. Should i try this? i am a bit nervous. any advice?

Gale's Reply:

Hi Shane:

It sounds to me like your girl is "dog selective" meaning she likes some dogs, but not others. That's actually pretty typical. And, as long as you choose the second dog carefully and follow a few guidelines, you should be fine adding a second pibble to your household.

On the whole, it's better to have a male and a female than two of the same sex. There's less likelihood of hormone-driven competitiveness arising between them.

The key to a successful pairing is to make sure that the dog you are considering and your dog get along BEFORE you make a commitment to bring the second dog into your household. Proper introductions are key.

While some folks might encourage you to get a puppy, I'm going to say just the opposite for two reasons:

1. An adult dog's disposition towards other dogs will already be known. Puppies may be dog tolerant while young and become less tolerant as they become socially mature. With an adult, you know what your getting personality wise.

2. Your dog has already shown a dislike for a smaller, hyper dog. This could be a pattern.

One more tip: Never leave your dogs alone together when you can't be there to supervise. Even dogs that like each other can have occasional spats. But, it's a mistake to let them "work it out" on their own. When you can't be present, keep them separated.

Here are a few articles that go in depth about managing a multi-dog household.

http://badrap.org/rescue/multidogs.html

http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2009/08/fostering-drive-in-slow-lane-for-dogdog.html

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/keepingthepeace.html

Good luck!

For more information on obedience training, visit our Pit Bull Training page.

For help with behavioral problems, check out our Dog Behavior Training page.

Comments for Adding a new pit bull

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Feb 13, 2011

Things to consider...
by: Deb A

I would suggest not getting one, unless you're getting it for yourself. Your dog is much more interested in YOU than another dog. Due to their genetics, not all bully breeds are going to enjoy being with another dog. Are you prepared to crate and rotate if it turns out they don't like each other? Are you prepared to never leave them alone together? While your dog could get along just fine for months or years it is always a reality that a fight can happen. Have you broken up a bully fight before? Do you know what to expect and how to handle it?

Just remember that these dogs have been bred for combat for many generations. You can't expect a retriever to not retrieve nor a herder to not herd. You always have to expect a bulldog to fight.

That said, it can work out - just want you to go into this fully informed. If YOU want another dog then go for it but don't get it for your dog. She's perfectly happy to not have to share you with anything else.

Feb 13, 2011

Adding to your family
by: Danae Ayusso

Having more than one pit can be a great thing. however, you have to keep in mind, as with all dogs, when you add more than one you get the pack mentality.
Does that mean that they will go on an annoying lap dog murderous rampage? No. It just means that you have to watch out. If the neighborhood pit jumps the fence and you have two pits, they will see the outsider as a threat and defend the home and family. That is what they were bred for. It isn't a bad thing, but it can cause issues with law enforcement and neighbors.
My parents have three pits. When you put all three in the kennel together the pick on Sylea, the weaker female. However, when it is just Chester and She'll-kill-ya out there, there isn't a problem.
When introducing a new member to the family, in my experience, having an older pit, two or more years older, and bringing in a puppy, will annoy them and could cause issues. This isn't always the case, but you are invading the alpha's home and family with an outsider that is a pain in the butt, a puppy. If you are looking at rescuing an older pit from a pound or shelter, introduce them first. Some dogs will take to another likes flies to shite. Others will fight for the alpha position.
We added Nyxon, a two year old pit that we got from the pound, to our home where we have a short hair pointer that is 10 years old. Baily, the short hair, had much experience with our prior to pits, Jayden Jade and Rupert Jo, so he knew what to expect with a pit bull. However, Nyxon isn't an alpha. It isn't her temperament at all, and for the first time Baily is the alpha (which is a joke, the dog is totally worthless).
Nyxon is the best pit I've ever had; protective, gentle with out 3 and 5 year old boys that try to ride her like a pony, doesn't get on the furniture, snores like a damn hibernating bear, doesn't tear up her toys or bedding.

Anyway, what you have to ask yourself is DO YOU HAVE TIME AND THE ENERGY FOR TWO DOGS?
It takes a lot and it isn't just giving your precious a playmate, its about sharing HER FAMILY with another.

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