Looking for some input from pit bull owners/experts

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krzr3000

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May 9, 2006
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I hope the right people see this. Anyways im looking into adopting a dog, and am pretty much set on a pit or pit mix, basically anything that is at one of the city kill shelters around here....which always seem to be some sort of pit variety. My biggest concern is regarding cats and other animals. It would have to get along with, or at least coexist with our cat. Most of the dogs for adoption that have been cat tested say no cats, and the smaller shelters usually don't know.
Is it possible through training to overcome this? Most of the dogs that come up for adoption are around a year old. I have seen people online, or recommended by shelters that supposedly can train a dog in a new home to overcome any of its bad habits.
Just looking for some input to see how realistic this is, i hate how the breed is surrounded by such dark stigma and think one would be a great fit for my lifestyle. But aggression towards other animals, not knowing its past seem like hurdles to overcome with our situation and my fiance.
And another question, i have read that they vary in physical ability/laziness. I do a lot of hiking and mountain biking, but rarely see any sort of pit variety on the trails. Its always hounds, shepherds, and retrievers. I suppose it varies on the dog, but do they make good trail dogs? (basically follow and keep up)

A little long winded, but i would appreciate any input from those with experience.
 
I'm shure the dog would learn about the cat over time. My pit mix is best friends with a 3pm chihuahua and is extremely loving and tolerant of mine and any other kids.
 
Its kind of hit or miss on the cat situation. Ive seen some pits learn to be best friends with a cat and seen some that want to detroy them. As far as running or hiking with you the dog would love it. They are high energy dogs. The more exercise you can give them the happier they will be.
 
Pit owner for 5 years here, and worked as a vet tech for 4 years. Pits are THE BEST!
-Can a pit overcome cat/dog aggression - in many cases yes, but not all
-Definitely adopt, but make sure that they have a trainer on site (if possible) to answer any questions about the specific dog and behavior.
-True you don't see alot of pits on trails, however I will put a pit against any dog for endurance. They are great pack dogs (the over the back backpacks) because they like to have a "job", something to do for mom or dad. Pits also make great sport dogs too, agility, french ring, schutzhund, weight pulling, obedience trials.
-I haven't run into many lazy pits under age 10y, lol. They are terriers, so LOTS of energy. And although they love to please people, they may test your patience during training and such.

I suggest checking out www.pitbullforums.com
I am "Maverick" on that board, and that board has been INVALUABLE!

I have been, and still am battling Dog Aggression with him. He is fine with my other two small dogs (he was the last one I adopted), so I know he is not a lost cause.
I recently had a breakthrough with a new technique, so cross my fingers.

My only request to any pit owner is to stick with it. When you adopt a dog, it's for life and you may be their last chance. Know that going in. They might push your buttons, chew things, and act like big dumb dumbs, but they will always love you.

Check out that forum and here is my guy -- adopted @ 7months old. I think he was about 2 in this pic -- MAVERICK
 
inssane, link didn't work...pitbullforum.com works though. Thanks for the advice i will def check out that site.
 
Errr, I don't have an EDIT button showing up...

Thanks for the catch
www.pitbullforum.com

Have fun there, it's overwhelming at first, but you learn A TON!
 
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