What do you think about Pit Bull dogs for pets?

Question

Are they difficult to train? Can they be lovable or are they all mean?

Answer 1

a well bred pit is very smart, rivaling even the border collie.

easy to train? depends on teh handler more than anything.

most are lovable, few are mean, the majority that are "mean" are either neglected, poorly trained, or are poorly bred. Actually, of all the "mean and aggressive" pit bulldogs out there...almost all of them are in fact poorly bred dogs.

temperament is largely genetic.

do some more research on the breed. go to some weight pull shows, some conformation shows. UKC and ADBA. you will see a huge difference. the UKC favors the low rider, fat blue hippos. The ADBA has the REAL pit, but they are a looser registry when it comes to shows, and few people gait their dogs, or even bother to dress up, so it creates a bad image.

but go to both, and see both kinds of dogs. learn, ask questions.

Answer 2

they can be very lovable.

never think they are all mean!

83.7% of them are good family dogs!

Answer 3

I have heard so many terrible things about pit bulls. But from the experience I have had, they are loveable...and very protective dogs. Yes, they can be mean...but only to people whom they think may harm their owners/family. I also believe that it depends on how the dog is trained. My sisters pit bull barks at me until he seems that the family is okay with me being there... They keep him in the crate when company is due, but then lets him out once he calms himself. :o)

Answer 4

They're not difficult to train but you have to start early and keep it up.  Pits are very people friendly.  Most pits that I've seen raised well are happy people lover and want to please.  They're known to be dog aggressive.  But many breeds are dog aggressive.  

Answer 5

aww my pitbull ***** is the absolute love of my life, she is sooo easy to train, as are most terrier types as theyre so eager to please! She picks things up really quick im sure she understands english!! And she is an excellent people dog, superb with my 8yr old autistic brother, who can  be a handful at times, she loves him to bits and i trust her with my life.  

Answer 6

They need an owner who can be firm with them, to teach them right from wrong. They aren't mean dogs, just misunderstood, and badly trained. No dog is Mean from the time it's born. Unless you have experience with stubborn dogs, I wouldn't suggest a pit bull, definitely not a first time owner's breed.

Answer 7

I think a well-bred, well-trained, well-socialized pit bull is a wonderful family dog. They're very intelligent and active. They love to please and will do anything for the people they love. It's their immense loyalty they have to their owners that disgusting people use to turn them into the monsters we hear about on the media. I love pit bulls, and they certainly do not deserve the horrible reputation they have.

As with any dog, obedience classes is a great idea. It'll socialize your dog with other dogs, your dog will learn basic commands, and the classes will help strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It's typical of the breed to be dog-aggressive. This is why it's extra important to socialize a pit bull every single day with other dogs, if possible. Contrary to the beliefs of some people, they were never bred to be human-aggressive.

I do not recommend pit bulls for an unexperienced, beginner dog owner or for a first-time dog. They can be a bit too much to handle, and they may require a firm hand. However, for a more experienced owner, or for someone willing to learn beforehand and take the steps to ensure the dog will be a great canine citizen, they can be a wonderful dog. The key is to find a responsible breeder if you'd like a puppy to raise. There are also lots of pits in shelters right now. They will not be adopted out if they show any aggression, so it's fairly safe to get one from a shelter or rescue to own.

If you're really interested in getting a pit bull, please do your research and meet some good ones before you decide. Talk to other pit bull owners to hear their experiences and get some advice. When you own a pit bull, you have to develop tough skin for the ignorance of others. When you go out in public with your dog, there will be people who run away, stay on the other side of the street, whisper rude things behind your back, drag their children away, talk down to you because of your dog, come right up to you and tell you that your dog is mean, etc. You just have to keep your cool and realize that you need to prove them all wrong by raising and owning a well-behaved dog.

Answer 8

pit bulls being mean are just a myth my friend. yeah some of them can be mean but not every single one. they are loving caring and adorable. my friend had one and she was just the sweetest. they love humans and are very friendly. dont let people tell u that they are aggresive because they are not. they are bred to fight like that in dogfights. which is not good at all. it ruins their reputation! hope i helped!

Answer 9

I wouldn't recommend one for a first time dog owner, but they definitely have an undeserved bad rep.  

The 'mean' ones are the ones who were bred and trained by idiot owners deliberately to be mean.

Answer 10

They actually are about as difficult to train as every other dog in the world. And they can be very lovable.

You just need to train them right and not to be mean.

My sister has one as a pet and hes the sweetest dog I have ever met.

Answer 11

A well trained, well bred pit bull makes an awesome pet...They are not difficult to train just alittle stubborn. My girl is the most loveable dog I have ever seen. As said by other answers they are not for the novice dog owner because they need constant training and demand alot of activity.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29665252@N0...

Answer 12

I think they are great.  Honestly, in the years I worked at the veterinary clinic, I had more attempted bites from Cocker spaniels then Pit bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds combined.  I found them to be lovable, family pets when raised and socialized properly.

Answer 13

Pits are great dogs. I have owned and foster them. I do believe how ever they need to be properly socialized and trained. Not because they are bad but because they are powerful and have a bad rep. If every one did there part to train there pits there rep wouldn't be what it is today. For the record I have 3 children under 10 and cats. Pits are like any other dog, they need supervision and a thoughtful owner. Training them is fairly easy as the love to please there family. This breed is also a breed I would recommend to be a family inside dog. If left alone they may get bored or take up bad habits.

Answer 14

if the pit is trained right they are so great of dogs they will definitely protective of their house hold

just be sure to train them right and love them lots

Answer 15

If you buy one from a reputable breeder with a proven track record for good temperaments, these dogs make wonderful pets. Some of the nicest dogs I've ever met are APBT's.  

Answer 16

No they are very very very smart and lovable and playfull and kind and everything a dog should be