[DMJacobson]

We rescued a pitbull terrier from a lady who got him from animal control. Were not 100% sure of his age one vet said 1 another said 3 years old. We don't know much about his history as he was found running around outside and wasn't claimed by anyone at animal control. Hes an amazing dog inside, very loving, cuddly and wants to be with you all the time but outside he turns into a completely different dog. He barks, tries to jump the fence, attacks everything that moves, runs like a maniac and will nip badly when you attempt to play with him. I have read everywhere about how to handle the nipping and exercising but nothing seems to be helping. it actually seems to be getting worse....he now will growl and put heckles up at times when he nips and if you try the ignoring tactic and walk away he will come up behind you and nip the back of your legs quite hard. My 5 year old son isn't able to play with him either which is heartbreaking as we wanted them to be buddies. I take him on long walks, which is a struggle as well as he doesn't like his leash, and i exercise him 6-8 times a day and try burn up as much energy as possible. He is also very very stubborn and thinks everything is a game.... I'm a bit beside myself as i feel like i'm doing everything advised and nothings helping...any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Blossom01]

At best, you have your work cut out for you. It sounds like very little has been done with the dog. Sounds like he will be a project even for someone that is experienced.

In my view, having a small child around, you would be best to start with a much younger dog/puppy which you know the background of. Or, an older dog from someone where the dog has been a family member and around kids already and has basic manners. You just don't know much with this dog.

Like I said, you can do the research and probably even hire a professional to get you through it -- you have to decide if it is worth it.

That being said, PLEASE do not return this dog to a "rescue" or shelter. He's been through enough already. He should be placed with someone very experienced who will NOT pass him on; or put humanely down.

Yes, I believe it's more humane to put a dog down than to subject him to the animal control/"rescue" system. It's SO uncertain and often cruel, especially for Pit Bulls.

 

[SMSewald]

I was in a similar circumstance - given a pit bull with questionable history who began growling at us (mostly me). I was crazy about the dog (he was so good in every other way) and wanted to make things work, so I turned to this forum - THANK GOODNESS. For a while, I truly believed we were going to have to put him down. Eventually, I realized the problem was me. I thought I was in control, but wasn't. When I really learned to take control, the problem worked itself out and we have an incredible dog! Every dog and every circumstance is different, but I hope you are able to work through his issues to have the dog you hoped for.

 

[ames]

Consistency is key. A good trainer if you need hands on help. Take s look at the stickies but NILF is a good link. Nothing in life is free. What does your dog like food toys treats? Something that is high value and use that to get him to work for it. Work being behaving. Texting a dog bite inhibition at this age is hard but not impossible. I got my dog addicted to chuck it balls when he was a puppy so now he just wants something in his mouth when he is excited. Hard to know where to start. Slowly introducing him to the outside since that is where you said you have the most problems with his behavior right?

I volunteer at a shelter and we would much rather a dog be returned to us if you're having problems. Sometimes matches don't work out. We had one dog that was exactly like this and the people thought they could handle it and they could not. It depends where you are of course and every shelter and rescue is different, our shelter is no kill. Yeah women who adopted him gave him to you instead of having the shelter? Sorry just a bit confused why you were given the dog. That's a lot of owners in a short period of time.

 

[DMJacobson]

I do agree with you on everything you said, we just fell in love with him and felt bad for his story but we may not be the right fit for him. I absolutely couldnt bring myself to take him to a shelter, its not fair to do to him as like you said hes been there before and had it rough already. I appreciate your response, definitely some thinking to be done

 

[Blossom01]

and felt bad for his story

This is what is wrong with so much of "rescue" and individuals who get a Pit Bull -- they do it because they "feel sorry" for the dogs. It has led to a popularity that otherwise would not have existed, in my opinion. And to keeping dogs alive in confinement for months and years.

It's too often about "the story" and not the dog.

 

[DMJacobson]

This is what is wrong with so much of "rescue" and individuals who get a Pit Bull -- they do it because they "feel sorry" for the dogs. It has led to a popularity that otherwise would not have existed, in my opinion. And to keeping dogs alive in confinement for months and years.

It's too often about "the story" and not the dog.

It wasn't because he was a pitbull, i felt for him as a dog that had been through a traumatic experience and was such a sweetheart. He is an amazing dog and deserves the best, regardless of his breed. I didn't pick a certain breed for our family, just wanted a companion for us all