| Author | Message | ||
     Wolfridgerider |
The wife and I are thinking about adopting this rescue dog...  We went to the shelter and "Cavall" bonded with my wife. They played for about 30 minutes or so. I played with him but didn't get to involved. I spent more time watching the dogs attitude and how he behaved. The main reason I asked to see him is how calm he was compared to the rest of the dogs in the shelter. He just sat there as if to say... "Yeah, you want me.. now take me outside to play"... so we did... and that was that... I wanna bring him home. What gives me concern. I have 3 dogs & 3 cats in the house. Gator = 7 year old neutered male 90 pounds, big puss Bruiser = 15 year old Siberian Husky, he is getting very old and this may be his last winter to play in the snow. also neutered but runs the show for the most part Wiener = is a female Wiener dog that has been spayed but is only here until my his owner (my niece) gets married and moves out. that will be this coming fall 3 cats.. 2 are very young 1 is over 17 years old Should I bring him home? Or should I leave him to suffer in a cold, dark, damp, noisy shelter. Just a FYI, "Cavall" is up to date on his shots, neutered and microchipped and is about 75 lbs | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
take that pup home!! beautiful dog. you saw the real deal he was under stress and cool as ice | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Although the breed is good, the mention of a Bull will put you on the radar. Most dogs you get one bike for free. With Bulls, you don't get the freebie. This means that IF there is even the slightest nip, you are in for immediate responsibility. Beautiful dog and would make a great family pet, BUT I would think carefully if you life in a neighborhood with lots of kids with jumpy parents. | ||
| Venom5sc |
We have two bully rescues. Truman is a Lab/Pit mix and George is a pure breed American Staffordshire. They are the best dogs I have ever had and will always have one in the house from now on. We had them before our daughter was born and they have been great with her, she is turning 2 this week. They are very loyal. Be prepaired to be labeled though. There were alot of people who threatened to never come over again because we had "killer" dogs and people would avoid us on walks thinking our dogs would start a fight. After awhile people got the hint that they were good dogs and everything is normal now. Also, you might want to check your home owners insurance. Some providers will drop you if they find out you have a bully breed. | ||
| Venom5sc |
I agree Ft_bstrd... I have had people in the neighborhood stop and ask if they could pet the dogs and the dogs would lick the kids faces off, let them throw a ball around and the parents would comment on how well behaved the dogs are but once the parents would ask what kind of dog they were they would pull their kids away. We learned to say they were mixed breeds when people asked. The people that had an idea would either ask "pit and what" or just smile and nod. The people that dont have a clue and would judge you dont need to know. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
the backyard... (Wiener in the background)  a dogs eye view (looking for wabbits)  I don't really have any neighbors and I have about a 1/4 of a acre fenced in right behind the house for the dogs to run in | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
We have two bully rescues How do they act together? Do you crate them when you are gone? Our dogs roam free in the kitchen/mud room and part of the basement. Our cats pretty well roam the whole house except for a few rooms that are pet free zones. Everyone is out all day and night... our biggest concern is the cats. We don't want them to get trapped in part of the house and not able to get to their litter boxes that are in the basement. | ||
| Drhodes1970 |
These dogs are great for one dog homes. ANYTIME there is another dog the potential is there for a problem. Mine is a real sweet boy but he is neutered and by himself in an enclosed yard. I don't think he would be OK with another one for long. You never know! | ||
| Blake |
As long as you and wife are each pack leaders to all the dogs and cats, no worries. Cesar Milan is a genius. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
I've had and loved APBTs in the past, and have never been the slightest bit worried that they would bite a person. The only hint of aggression toward a person was shown by my male at about 12 weeks old when I accidentally surprised him from behind, he turned around aggressively ready to bite but in a fraction of a second realized that it was me and his common sense overcame the fear. At about a year and a half old, I had him with me visiting my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. 3AM my brother-in-law walked into the house wearing a helmet, "Timmy" jumped off the couch and straight to my 4yr old niece. After meeting her only a couple hours before for the first time, that dog knew who in the house needed defended the most. I've seen other APBT's play gently with toddlers, put up with tail pulling, ear biting, everything. They're EXCELLENT dogs to have around kids. As for other dogs, if you can get any bully breed acclimated to living with other animals, they'll be fine. It's the time period where he's learning his new home when I would be concerned. Timmy was raised around two other dogs and never had problems, then after I moved and he got used to being the only animal around, he never liked other animals. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Fine looking animal. I'm sure he'll be happy at your place. | ||
| Etennuly |
Two things I would check. First would be the insurance company. Second, check with whom ever watches your pets if you and the wife have to be gone over night. Some long time dependable friends/neighbors/relatives will not cross certain lines. With the onset of stupid pet owners, media hype, and accidents that have hurt innocent people.....you are indeed crossing a line, regardless of what other pit owners say about how great and loving their dogs are. We had Shar-pei dogs when we lived in Florida. We had to get an umbrella policy on our home owners policy due to it's relative matching with the Pit Bull. We had the first of these dogs when our two youngest children were babies. No worry there. But one time my father-in-law walked into our house, he was a frequent visitor, and made a move to play with the dog on his way into the house. We got her off his arm in just a few seconds and he only needed a few stitches in a couple of spots. We were really glad it was not a neighbor or a stranger. Having also had a girl friend years before I got married, who had a pure Pit, knowing what that dog could do, I don't feel the need to have one. Hers, in the act of protecting her in a cattle pasture, put a fully grown bull on the ground until she could get the dog called off. IMHO they are probably the most loyal, cool looking, loving, and protective dogs out there, but, in my eyes they are like having a live grenade in your house with no delay on the pin. Problem is, like with our Shar-pei, you never know who is going to say "cool grenade, is this the pin?" Mark, you've met our dogs, a Lab-shepard, a chocolate Lab, a Beagle mix, and my out door baby, the Lab-Pit mix. The Lab-Pit is such a baby with the looks of a kick ass terrorist Pit who's mere presence scares the crap out of potential would-be bad guys who visit my business and home. I can walk over to her anytime with most anyone, and have her lay over to have her belly rubbed or ear scratched, my wife and kids can do the same, as well as any family and friends who come over. She only gets "up" if no one is home and someone comes down the driveway. We tried having her inside for a few months, she is clumsy, too powerful, and a potential grenade. Outside she is my baby, and someone would have to step in her well marked area to have a problem. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I hear what you are saying Vern... but.. my heart keeps telling me to bring him home. I EAT YOU!!  I'm gonna catch you my kitty...  double dog dare ya to get on this side of the fence...  I wouldn't hurt a flea...  | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
I grew up with a American Pit. we had him from a pup and he lived to be quite old and never bit anyone, though he did keep a few people in their cars until my mom called him off. He was very protective of me and my mom when it came to strangers coming to the house unexpected. I currently have a great dane and a rescue apbt mix. I probably worry more about the great dane around people and kids than the bulldog. she's big and clumsy and easily frightened. We took Buddy, the pit, in and were going to find him a new home. but he's just such a sweet, smart, and loving dog that we really wanted to keep him. And I was too worried that with the reputation of the breed he might be adopted by someone that would abuse or fight him. As far as cats and other dogs, that varies greatly for each dog, regardless of breed. Buddy, our bulldog, almost seems protective of our cat at times. when she whines or complains Buddy will come to see what is going on. But in the past I've noticed that cat/dog relationship depends on the cat too. I had a dog once that liked cats until she meet a litter of wild kittens and momma cat. She came up to them out of curiousity and got her face shredded. After that she hated cats. But seeing as your cats are already around dogs then it's up to the new dog to make friends. I'm sure that the place you're adopting the dog from will understand if you take the dog home and things don't work out. Introduce the new guy to each of your pets in a calm and controlled manner. Keep a close eye on things for the first few days and see how it goes. Typically if it isn't going to work you'll know right away. If it does work out you'll have an awesome new family member. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
From the shelters website Cavall is a stray born around May 2010. He is a good boy who likes other dogs and did not mind the cats. He is also a big boy at 75 pounds. So we are thinking American Bulldog with retriever. He is a wonderful who is looking for a good home soon. It is hard to always say if a shelter dog is housebroken since they are in their kennels lot. But Cavall rarely potties in his kennel, so he might be housebroken. Our adoption fee is $105.00 which includes a Home Again Microchip, set of shots, deworming, heartworm testing if old enough, and spay or neuter. Plus has a 1 year rabies. | ||
| Blake |
http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/yournewdog/establish ing-leadership-with-your-new-addition | ||
| Whistler |
We've got a lab/bull mix. He's 9 years old, 85 lbs., smart, strong as an ox, loves people. Came to us from a shelter as a pup. I've been close with seven dogs in my life and he's the best, hands down. Big big heart. As an example, he and I have walked together for years but recently our newly acquired three legged feral cat decided to join in the walk. She hops along on my immediate left while the dog walks on my immediate right. Kind of freaked him out at first since he's always gone after cats, squirrels, and deer. And sometimes he's a little confused about how to act around the cat but never shows any sign of aggression, in fact he's becoming protective of the cat. I love him, he's family. | ||
| Thumper74 |
Get him! He should be as sharp as a tack. Maybe get a harness for the cat and take it to meet him, see what his attitude is towards the cat? If it's okay with the shelter... We just added a Lab/King Spaniel puppy to the mix with 3 cats, a chihuahua and a toy fox terrier. He loves wresting with the cats, but is never aggressive. | ||
| Bevmiller |
Any breed can be a problem! Pits can be great dogs. I work at veterinarians office and have seen it all.A good shelter will temprament test this dog.No thats not a shot you can give!! Check this dog out with cats and other dogs first, because they can do some serious damage, I've seen it, of course so can German Shepherd's, Rotties, Etc. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
my mother has been raising pittbulls for about 15 or so years and has had as many as 12 of them on her yard at a time. None of them were people bitters how ever a lot of the time it was problems with the other dogs. Another problem I seen from her having so many dogs is they all wanted attention and it is kinda hard to give that many dogs equal attention all the time. Me personaly I am a one dog type of guy and always have been. I am happier with one dog the dog is happier because he is the center of attention and you don't have to break up fights and stuff like that. | ||
| Bott |
Cavall is a very handsome young man! I hope you can give him a good home. I know I would never be able to resist him (provided your other dogs and him are accepting to each other) | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
well... I went to see him tonight on my way home from work. He is a ball of fire!! I think that comes from being in the small run all day. Now I have to jump through some HOOPS. References..... no problem They need to talk to my Vet to make sure my cats are fixed.. no problem Dogs are current and fixed... problem! My dogs are up to date on their rabies (hope they never get African Rabies) but my Husky is 15 + or - a month or two and my vet is a old crusty dude that told me not to bring him in because of the stress of traveling and such. "He's 15, how much time does he have." Heart worm, they want them to be on heart worm meds 12 months a year. My doc and I agree that that is waste of time.... He says... "I wont test them in the winter! Its a waste of time" blah blah blah blah... I hope he comes home with me!! | ||
| 86129squids |
Looks like a good-un... You'll have your hands full, no doubt... Gots my 17YO Basenji good buddy under my arm as I write- wonder how I'll re-set the "pack" after he's gone... Do it, hang on, and good luck!! | ||
| U4euh |
I currently own two, and had another pass 7 months ago. All inside dogs and lived with two Dobies. Him being the new dog you will have to be on your toes. One thing to remember about the pits is once they are set on a fight, it is very hard to stop. Once they have clamped on, even harder. Thats why it is VERY important from the start to establish the pack and his place in it as yours and the family. I love Pits but much caution, lots of love, and a very firm hand is needed when introducing them to new dogs. | ||
| Pammy |
Why did he need to be rescued? Background becomes even more important when you have other animals. I am all for rescuing animals, but the ones that own you now have first dibs... | ||
| Blake |
When you bring him home, introduce him to the others outside of the house and then take them all on a good long well disciplined (heeled) walk, then don't just let him run into the house, make him wait outside until you invite him in. All the above establishes right from the start you as leader and the pack as united and him as needing to submit to your leadership. If he's full of energy, he may need some vigorous exercise BEFORE bringing him home to meet the pack. If your current pack won't heel on leash, I'd say you are asking for trouble. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Why did he need to be rescued? Money is the only thing we can come up with. The previous owner "dropped" him off at the shelter after hours. When the staff showed up for work the next day, there he was in the run. He was fixed and in good health. Gets along with other dogs and played with the cats... showed no aggression according to the staff at the shelter He should be good and wore out by the time we get home. We have a 30 to 45 min. ride home. But before we come to the house we are going to the groomer to get the stank off... LOL I'm still working on the introductions... but it will involve a walk | ||
| U4euh |
Plus one on what Blake said, sounds like your getting him. Good luck with the new member | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Name.... gotta come up with a name for him. He has only been going by "Cavall" during his stay at the shelter. I wish his previous owners would have left a note or something.... any who.. the wife and I just can't do Cavall some names in the hopper Bull Dozer (I would just call him Dozer but the wife likes Bull Dozer) George Ammo Charlie (as in "Charlie bit me" of youtube fame) SO, if you have any suggestions... post'm up | ||
| Ezblast |
Cavalier! |
