[mooremendota]

I have noticed that over the past few months (maybe 6 months) Baby my American Pit, does not like the girl next door or her family. We have lived next door to the family since we brought Baby home, he was 8 weeks old, he is now 2 1/2 years old. I just don't understand why. He really scared me about a month ago, the girl came and knocked on our door and then ran away, my kids ages 6 and 7 opened the door and Baby ran out and had this girl up in a tree and would not let her down. These neighbors are the kind you have to be careful around because they don't like Baby or any big dogs.

What could cause him to do this? I know he is very protective of his family. Could this girl be doing mean things to my kids and he is seeing this or is she bothering in some way when he is outside? But I really watch him now because he could do some real damage to a person.

He also does not like a couple of the men in our town (we live in a very small town).

What to do?

 

[Drakoshuman]

It's possible the kids may have startled your dog at one time or possibly teased it. It's hard to theorize when when you really don't know for sure but it goes without saying be careful. I don't know that you can make a dog like someone but being a bully owner the burden of responsibility rests on us.

 

[jinxxycat]

It's very possible the girl has tormented the dog, esp if you aren't out there w/ the dogs when they are out 100% of the time.

When I was a kid our neighbors had an Alaskan Malamute that had been tormented by little girls. I was not one of those little girls that tormented the dog, but I ended up being the little girl that got bit.

 

[gazar]

Well, whatever the reason, you have a serious problem on your hands.
At this point in time you cannot trust him. If he were ever to get to the girl, what would he do?
You need to take some action to get this situation corrected asap or there could be
a seriously injured child on your hands, if not a dead one. An evaluation of the dog is needed
with a professional trainer and then with follow through. Good luck.

 

[mooremendota]

Thank you

Thank you you all. Yes, I know Baby needs to be tested by someone other than myself or my husband. He seems to not see the serious part of this. He has not seen Baby when he is like that. Baby is an inside dog and is very loving of most people. With that said I have put into place some new rules which are my kids are NOT to take Baby for a walk or to hook/unhook him on his lead outside or answer the door without caging Baby. As of right now things are going better with these new rules. Also so the girl next door feels better I bring Baby in when they are outside playing.

So everyone has an idea of where we live, our houses are not close we live in the counrty (lots of room to run around). Also I watch my dog at all times. He is just like one of my kids.

And again thanks to everyone who is giving me some advice on this. I will take it all in and see what works.

 

[Drakoshuman]

I think having Baby properly evaluated it the best thing you can do and commend you for taking this action. You don't indicate the age of your children but it's very important you do not let your children handle this dog outside the doors to your home. I'm sure you are fully aware of the power and tenacity of the APBT and it's not likely your kids would be able to physically restrain Baby in the event something did go wrong. Good luck

 

[mooremendota]

More info about Baby

My kids are 14, 7, & 6. And I know all to well how much power Baby has. He has pulled me down the hill and I broke my finger because I did not have a good grip on the leash. (Darn Cats). So I leave the hard play time to my husband. I also had Baby neutered and he seems to be calming down.

 

[jerseydog]

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take the advice of the other members and have you dog evaluated asap before it's too late.

 

[Drakoshuman]

Go girl!!!!...Sounds like you're taking the appropriate steps to get this under control. I really hope this works out for you. We've had our rottie for a while and she's so balanced that I can put her in just about any situation without to much cause for concern but with Drako, our AB male even though he's a sweetheart I take nothing for granted and always take every precaution to ensure the safety of not only him but any animals or people that he comes in contact with. I think bullys are wired a bit different than other breeds but that's what I find so endearing to me. And yes, both of my dogs have put some serious hurt to me from time to time..LOL

 

[bronxbred]

http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=10528

 

[forever_pit]

I agree that you should have the dog evaluated by a behaviorist and you're gonna have to keep working on this. You're doing a good job now and I am glad you are willing to work with Baby and accept your responsibility as his owner.

Just out of curiosity, was Baby ever actually introduced to the neighbors?


If Baby has never met these kids and has only ever seen them running by his house or his fence is it possible that the built up frustration could lead him to a prey driven state when he sees the kids?

 

[mooremendota]

Baby

Yes, Baby use to play with the neighbors, but as he got bigger they seemed to become scared of him and kept their distance.
I LOVE Baby and want to do what I can to help him. Just as I would want to help one of my kids. All of this comes from knowledge and education. This is my first pit and they are alot of work, just like a child. I feel if you are the owner of pet it is for a lifetime, you can not just thorw them out when things get hard, you work it out. A dogs nature is his own and humans sometimes may not understand it, so as owners you must be aware of how they are acting, there again just like a child. Keep your eyes on them.

Baby is the DOG in my book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Bones088]

:arrow:

 

[forever_pit]

I can not wrap my mind around behavorists for dogs. People just gotta have something to spend their money on, imho.Dog Whisperer :-$

so what would you do??

 

[Cinder]

I can not wrap my mind around behavorists for dogs. People just gotta have something to spend their money on, imho.Dog Whisperer :-$

I absolutely do NOT think it is another thing to spend our money on. Those of us (myself included) who love their animals but have no tangible answers seek out those that can help.

 

[Bones088]

:arrow:

 

[BullyLady]

I can not wrap my mind around behavorists for dogs. People just gotta have something to spend their money on, imho.Dog Whisperer :-$

Behaviorists are people who have trained themselves to think like a dog. You have to understand
that the root of MOST behavior problems are because we aren't communicating with the dog
in a way that they can understand. We are treating them like people and expecting them to respond
like people, which is just asking for trouble. Behaviorists provide the link between you and your
dog to help you understand how they need to be communicated with and to get results.

 

[Bones088]

:arrow:

 

[Cinder]

Don't get nasty poopsie pie.


I have an ass hat of a dog...I don't think I need a behavioralist, but there are some that don't want to give up on their dogs. I don't fault you for your thinking, don't fault them.

 

[Cinder]

so you are a believer in the behavorist therapy?What happens to poor people that live paycheck to paycheck? spend your dough or figure out how to raise a pup into a good dog? Remember I have pets not workers. My dogs have always been well ajusted by 2 or so. WTH???

And to answer you specifically...you have been raised on/with dogs. This is my/our first dog EVER. We're doing our best and exercise every mean to make sure he's a good dog. We do live paycheck to paycheck, but we've been down this road before....I choose to make sure he's a good dog without giving up. Others choose other means, that is your choice. Let's kiss, ok? I'm a good kisser.