Post by newmomtomax on May 31, 2016 19:26:08 GMT -5
My son and I just adopted an 8 week old pitbull this weekend. His name is Max and he is as sweet as sweet can be. I have never owned a pit before, though, and I am trying to make sure that I do everything right by him. I have a couple of questions.
First area of concern is the biting. He is a little puppy now and it is somewhat charming when he chews on us but I discourage him from doing so and redirect him with various toys. It seems to be of no avail, though, as he continues to chew no matter how often I redirect him. What are some good ways that you have been able to get the puppies to chew on the appropriate objects?
Second area of concern is nighttime. Because I work in mental health and am over several group homes that range from 3 miles away to 45 miles away Max is going to have to be in his crate for an extended period of time during the day so I have opted to not put him in the crate overnight and he is instead sleeping with me or my son. Does it seem to make sense or will that cause issues for Max in the long run? (if it makes a difference it is my intention to always have him sleeping with either my son or I). Our cat also sleeps in my bed so the first night was a little hairy but last night was significantly better.
Third area of concern is the cat. Does anyone have any experience on bringing a puppy into a home with an adult cat? She has always been an only pet and it declawed/spayed. She hasn't hurt him or anything like that but she is definitely making it known to him that she is the boss and he has gotten so he will actually bow his head and "creep" up to her when he wants to get close. Is this normal? Will they eventually get along enough to where I will be able to sleep soundly and not be worried that my cat is going to "bitch slap" the dog?
Fourth area of concern is training. I have been in touch with a couple of local trainers and I am definitely going to take us all through some obedience training but when should I do it? I want to do it as early as possible but I also want him to be old enough to be able to respond appropriately to it and to be able to retain it.
Sorry for all of the questions but I am sure I will have about a million more as I encounter different things.
Thanks all!!
First area of concern is the biting. He is a little puppy now and it is somewhat charming when he chews on us but I discourage him from doing so and redirect him with various toys. It seems to be of no avail, though, as he continues to chew no matter how often I redirect him. What are some good ways that you have been able to get the puppies to chew on the appropriate objects?
Second area of concern is nighttime. Because I work in mental health and am over several group homes that range from 3 miles away to 45 miles away Max is going to have to be in his crate for an extended period of time during the day so I have opted to not put him in the crate overnight and he is instead sleeping with me or my son. Does it seem to make sense or will that cause issues for Max in the long run? (if it makes a difference it is my intention to always have him sleeping with either my son or I). Our cat also sleeps in my bed so the first night was a little hairy but last night was significantly better.
Third area of concern is the cat. Does anyone have any experience on bringing a puppy into a home with an adult cat? She has always been an only pet and it declawed/spayed. She hasn't hurt him or anything like that but she is definitely making it known to him that she is the boss and he has gotten so he will actually bow his head and "creep" up to her when he wants to get close. Is this normal? Will they eventually get along enough to where I will be able to sleep soundly and not be worried that my cat is going to "bitch slap" the dog?
Fourth area of concern is training. I have been in touch with a couple of local trainers and I am definitely going to take us all through some obedience training but when should I do it? I want to do it as early as possible but I also want him to be old enough to be able to respond appropriately to it and to be able to retain it.
Sorry for all of the questions but I am sure I will have about a million more as I encounter different things.
Thanks all!!