My mom's adopted pittie has attacked two dogs on different days since she started taking him to the dog bark. So she wanted me to post and ask if anyone has any suggestions for her. It doesn't appear that there are any triggers as Jake gets along with other dogs.

That's pretty vague. Do you have any more information about the two incidents?

Can you be a bit more descriptive about what "attack" means?

I knew ya'll would say that LOL. The first time he was with my mom's friend and so we don't know exactly what happened. But blood was drawn. The second time was today and she told me that he didn't hurt the dog (an intact lab male) because the owner was able to break it up. What other details do you need? I can call her and ask specifics.

Some dogs just aren't cut out for the dog park. A dog with an unknown history that hasn't been with you guys for super long probably is not the best candidate for the park as a park is a mix of dogs that you and the dog doesn't know with unknown tendencies and temperaments is not the best mix. A trigger might not be obvious to you.

Every one knows I love me some Pit Bulls - but in this particular circumstance - regardless of what the "attack" was (unless it was just rough playing) I probably wouldn't be taking him to the park and only have structured play dates with dogs he is absolutely comfortable with.

Yes she's already decided no more park outings. Is there anything else she can do.

In terms of...socializing? Structured play dates - there are dogs that he does get along with you said so you could have play dates with them. It could also be he's not fond of large groups or overly pushy dogs etc etc. If you do play dates keep them small one on one or with one or two other dogs.

If you're just looking for running room or something - you CAN go to the park at extremely off peak hours (early/late morning during the week or very close to dark when people are mostly leaving) if you're just looking to give him room to run. However it would have to be understood that if another dog shows up - even if it's 5 minutes after you've been there - YOU have to leave but that's only a route to take if the commitment is there to actually leave.

(all of the "you"s are general - relative to whomever is with the dog)

Is the pit the one she rescued who was a bait dog? If so maybe the dogs he attacked reminded him of the dogs that used to use him as bait?

Personally I don't feel any Pit Bull "type" breed belongs in a dog park and taking them to the park only is continuing to load the gun. At one point (whether it's your dogs instigating or not) the dog is going to react negatively (even if it IS just "telling" the other dog to cut it's shit out) and people are going to freak scream and yell and if it's bad enough (such as an actual "fight") call animal control. With all of the Pit Bull BS going on... Myself as a dog owner would want to completely avoid such a situation from the beginning. By avoiding the parks completely. Like it or not- this country is on a witch hunt to ban this breed and any "negative press" or instances of "aggression" are going to be blown out of proportion and will only add to the hype.

You will not find many Pit Bull (pure or mixed) owners advocating use of the dog park for this very reason. You can't control other people or other dogs. Why take a chance at making the "Pit Bull situation" even worse?

I'm sure some are going to say the only way to win this "war" is showing how great of a breed they are yada yada yada... There are a MILLION other ways to do this other than subjecting your dog to the tolerance and mercy of every Joe Shmo who walks into the dog park.



In relation to this particular incident... If my dogs drew blood from another dog they would not go back to the dog park ever again. I would suggest structured play dates with dogs who are a good match for your moms dogs, but that being said there ARE dogs who just don't enjoy the company of other dogs. You can't force what isn't there.

arooroomom wrote:

I would suggest structured play dates with dogs who are a good match for your moms dogs, but that being said there ARE dogs who just don't enjoy the company of other dogs. You can't force what isn't there.

Yep.And I have one of those dogs. If I were your mom I just wouldn't take him back. It sucks to realize that your dog isn't a "dog" kinda dog. I was kind of sad when I came to that realization with Mya, BUT she gets to do another stuff too. Does well with submissive dogs at our house. I know which dogs can come over and which can't. Given, there are select ones that are "allowed" by Mya

I came close to adopting a pit bull...this was before Willow. The big reason I backed out was the reactions from friends and family. I realized the prejudice I was going to have to face for the next 12-15 years. It's sad that is the case but I agree, you really have to be diligent with keeping the dog out of certain situations. My sister had a miniature Schnauzer that had bitten two people. She spent the next several years making sure that dog was never in a situation to do it again.

As many of you know I have an anti bias to Pits of any kind due to previous run in with them. When someone brings a pitty to the dog park I leave. Biko, reads me like a book and would sense my negative reaction to the situation and probably would get all defensive about it. If he was attacked I wouldn't hesitate to kill to to save Biko, from the situation. This is one breed to me that is just living on the hair trigger all the time and in my opinion not to be trusted. Also for the record I DO NOT support breed bans I just wish people wouldn't breed pits.

Is the pit rescue neutered, sometimes a Intact male will attack another intact male just out of trying to show dominance, this is how my husky was attacked(He is to young to be neutered yet and another intact mature male jumped him, it was a warning)