I have a conundrum

[fureverywhere]

I agree with everybody about getting an older dog. I picked an adult exactly because I didn't want to potty train anybody else, humans or dogs it's a pain in the chipmunk.
Plus an older dog you can better see the personality you're getting from the beginning. Certainly they can change for the good or bad but you see a basic idea of how they are better than a puppy.
Oh and even before we had a guess at her breed hubby told me he didn't like Ophie's face. Same as your boyfriend he was funny about dogs because of his family dog. His family had a houndy thing that his brother terrorized. Poor Jackie sat on the couch day in and day out snapping at the air.
With Ophie hubby plays fetch with her and holds her in his lap, shares snacks with her. Think she's the dog he wanted Jackie to be. They really are sweet together. He's not home too often so Ophie is definitely a Mama's dog...but that's okay for us. She used to get testy with him teasing her but he has learned not to scare her and she's learned to play back.

[desertdoll]

I think an older dog would be a fantastic idea. I'm so impatient about getting a dog, but I know the wait is worth it.



I just wish that perfect house would come on the market so we can snatch it up.

[lpyrbby]

I'm going to jump in and say FOSTER FIRST! And if you "fail," well, that's quite alright After a year or two you may be interested in dog number two

I say go the adult route first, get the hang of that, and then think about torturing yourselves later with a puppy I can't stand puppies Cute to look at and even BETTER to send to someone else's home LOL

When I added Cyrus to my house, I was actually just wanting to foster a second dog. That didn't pan out and I realized I wanted a second permanent dog truth be told. So I started looking on petfinder and came across some pit/catahoula mix that was gorgeous. The rescue wasn't ready to release him at that time and instead suggested Cyrus. I showed the BF at the time and he was smitten. So long story short, I wound up bringing Cyrus home with great promise that the BF would help with food and vet bills and caring for him and...well...that never happened! So really having someone 100% on board could go a different direction too lol. We're not together anymore either

[desertdoll]

lol I don't mind puppies, but when you want to cuddle they usually want to bite your face off.


So definitely an older dog for me at least.

[lpyrbby]

Oct 19, 2011 17:45:17 GMT -5 desertdoll said:

lol I don't mind puppies, but when you want to cuddle they usually want to bite your face off.

Yes! This very much! LOL

[fureverywhere]

Yes fostering is a good idea too, then your kinda trying out a pooch and if they don't make a good fit with you, ya can try someone else. We had a bassett and border collie before Ophie and they were personality extremes in both directions. Fostering is a good option.

[mhaze]

It's great that you're taking your time, and learning before you dive in. Kudos to you for that. I agree that he should be 100% onboard. Life will be different! I also like the fostering idea. Raising puppies is fun and challenging at the same time. I wish I could have seen all my dogs as puppies, but I'm a fan of adopting adults, or at least young adults. You get a clearer idea on their temperament right off the bat. They'll still bond to you like super glue, and you get to skip all the not so fun puppy stuff. Don't push it. Let it marinate, and good luck!

[lovemybully76]

Just a repeat of what everyone else said. I think fostering would be a good way to get your feet wet with owning a dog and if you fail, oh well! I think the temperament think is a big issue too if your going to adopt an APBT. If you get a dog that's a few years old you've got a good idea of what they're like. With a puppy you really don't know what your getting.

[desertdoll]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it.


I was a little worried about an adult dog bonding to me. I've never adopting an adult before. Only puppies.

[RealPitBull]

Oct 20, 2011 12:19:56 GMT -5 desertdoll said:

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it.


I was a little worried about an adult dog bonding to me. I've never adopting an adult before. Only puppies.

It's totally a myth that an adult won't bond with you. Especially in this breed. They have great "rebound" and an adult Pit Bull will absolutely bond with you.

[desertdoll]

Thanks Mary! That's one less thing for me to worry about!

[fureverywhere]

Yes an adult will definitely bond. Before Ophie I thought people trained their dogs to follow them around and snuzzle. But it just comes naturally to some breeds. As I came in the door with Ophie on adoption day I hauled her right into the bathtub-all the time talking to her like " I don't know how you feel about water, but you smell like crap so please please work with me here...". I bathed her n dried her off, instead of fearing this crazy lady who gave her maybe the first bath she ever had she trotted behind me and has been my shadow ever since.

[RealPitBull]

Oct 20, 2011 14:11:14 GMT -5 fureverywhere said:

Yes an adult will definitely bond. Before Ophie I thought people trained their dogs to follow them around and snuzzle. But it just comes naturally to some breeds. As I came in the door with Ophie on adoption day I hauled her right into the bathtub-all the time talking to her like " I don't know how you feel about water, but you smell like crap so please please work with me here...". I bathed her n dried her off, instead of fearing this crazy lady who gave her maybe the first bath she ever had she trotted behind me and has been my shadow ever since.

That's so cute! ;D

[RealPitBull]

Oct 19, 2011 17:20:56 GMT -5 lpyrbby said:

So really having someone 100% on board could go a different direction too lol.

So true.

[sugar]

Oct 20, 2011 14:19:00 GMT -5 RealPitBull said:

Oct 19, 2011 17:20:56 GMT -5 lpyrbby said:

So really having someone 100% on board could go a different direction too lol.

So true.

This brings up another point. I know it doesn't sound romantic or anything, but before Chubby's adoption was finalized I made sure the bf knew in no uncertain terms that Chubby was legally mine and if he and I ever broke up the dog would stay with me. This is also a question the rescue asked me because they have had issues with people adopting and then breaking up/getting divorced and suddenly the dog is back at the shelter.

Mind you, nowadays the bf likes to me by putting his arm around Chubs and 'whispering' how the two of them will one day run away together and be "free of her tyranny! No more healthy food nonsense and all the b*tches you want...just you and me buddy ok? Don't tell Mom". lol

[desertdoll]

OMG that is too funny Sugar!

[RealPitBull]

Oct 20, 2011 14:38:45 GMT -5 sugar said:

Oct 20, 2011 14:19:00 GMT -5 RealPitBull said:

So true.

This brings up another point. I know it doesn't sound romantic or anything, but before Chubby's adoption was finalized I made sure the bf knew in no uncertain terms that Chubby was legally mine and if he and I ever broke up the dog would stay with me. This is also a question the rescue asked me because they have had issues with people adopting and then breaking up/getting divorced and suddenly the dog is back at the shelter.

This is a REALLY important point.

Make it known whose dog it is, legally.

[maryellen]

i found that adult dogs bind MORE with their owners then puppies do, i have raised puppies from 8 weeks old and adopted adult dogs and the adult dogs have bonded more with me then the puppies (well except rufus he bonded with me as a pup but he is special lol)

[desertdoll]

My moms dog Buddy (the rottie mix) was thrown out of a car going 75 mph on a highway in Sacramento. When we got him he had a broken leg and broken jaw. He knew he was saved when we took him home and he has been the best dog my family has ever had. He loves EVERYONE, especially children. I kind of think he might have some pit in him. Maybe wishful thinking on my part LOL. Anyways, He was 8 weeks when we got him. He bonded to me, but not as much as my mom. I was sort of in the party life at that moment in my life so I didn't stay home as much. Now that i'm older and settling down (no more alcohol for me) I have more time to spend with a dog. My moms other dog Annie (pure breed GSD) is a little princess. She refuses to like strangers, except my boyfriend and was given to us by my Uncle. Don't get me wrong, she loves us dearly, but she doesn't have that same bond with us Buddy does. My mom takes care of my disabled step dad (Who is REALLY cranky and mean) so her dogs are her sanity.


I think rescues in general know on some level that you saved them. I'm happy to rescue. It's cheaper than buying from a breeder which leaves plenty of money to spend on treats and toys.

[scoutsmom]

We wanted a puppy when we started our search too - but we found that we were much more comfortable adopting a young dog. We could already see her disposition and temperament - plus we didn't have to do the take her out every 20 minutes and have her chew on everything phase - which we didn't miss. It also feels good to know that we rescued a dog that other people may have passed by - everyone loves puppies!

Please don't buy your dog from breeders or especially pet shops that most likely support puppy mills. Check your local shelter - I'm sure you'll find a plethora of Pitties! Good luck!

Oh - and one last thing - we bought a book about picking the perfect dog - I can't remember what it was called - but it suggested things that you should look for in a dog that would best fit your lifestyle. Oh - AND - remember - pitbulls need a LOT of exercise - otherwise they can be troublemakers!