pitbull pets and ur child?

Jamie - posted on 01/18/2013

Don't worry about pit bulls and kids I have had many pits with my kids even when they were teeny and as long as it is not raised roughly, it is not genetic for them to be rough.

Mae - posted on 12/14/2012

Our pit is the same way with our daughter. She would do anything for my daughter. We have 4 dogs and three are considered dangerous dogs. 2 German Sheppard Dogs and a pit mix, they are all excellent with my daughter. Any pet can be dangerous if threatened.

Mandy - posted on 05/19/2010

I don't trust any dog with children, I've seen too many supposedly docile animals of all breeds, suddenly turn and bite out. The only difference is that a pit or rott can kill someone whereas a little yorkie will not do much damage.
I teach my children not to touch dogs and we would never have 1 as a pet. There are too many irresponsible owners out there (not saying any of YOU are), not keepin them on leads, over the years I've been attacked a few times by varying breeds, so my distrust doesn't just affect the traditionally violent breeds, usually after the owners have uttered the immortal words "he/she won't hurt you". We don't have any pets, I don't agree with animals really being in the house.
I also think that people forget that dogs especially aren't too much of an evolutionary leap from wolves and can revert to instinct with devestating consequences.

Tabitha - posted on 05/17/2010

Oh, we just bought and sold a pit bull puppy. I bought one from my sister and two weeks later adopted her out to my ex husband and his wife. My boys are 3 and 15 months and they were not ready to have a puppy. They were rough and the puppy became very aggressive...not in a vicious way but defensive and I didn't want the dog or my kids hurt. I think they make great pets but not for super little ones(:

Rebecca - posted on 05/17/2010

The dogs are not bad, but the owners might be. Pit bulls and other breeds can have a more aggressive (and protective) temperament that needs special attention from responsible dog owners. They have bodies that are built for fighting, making them stronger and they have more powerful jaws and aptitudes for aggression. But, with good owners, these dogs can be wonderful family pets! Owners just have to be very careful and be aware that the breed is not the same as say a Laborador, and will require special attention & training. I know they can be great dogs, but in careless, or mean, or the wrong hands, even the most "sweet" pit bull can quickly turn on a neighbor child thinking it's protecting it's owners.

Maurisa - posted on 04/26/2010

i hav a 15 month old and my sister has a bull massive/pit and when she brings her over they play like bestfriends. shes only 4months old but she seems petty good with kids.

Katherine - posted on 04/25/2010

You're the only one that would know what your dog is capable of, I myself have been attacked by a dog (not a pit bull) so when I had my kids I gave my parents full custody of my siberian husky, I miss him but I don't trust any sort of dog around young children. In the end if you are always around when your little one is playing around the dog then fine but leaving a child alone with a dog is not a good idea so make sure you are always there, and thats for any breed.

Jennifer - posted on 04/24/2010

i agree it is just how you raise them mine is a 5 yr old red nose pitbull he loves to lick my one year old daughters face and since she is such a picky eater he has become my k9 vacuum during lunch time and he picks up her crackers that she drops thru out the day we now another baby and he loves to lick the top of her head all the time its awesome

Shawni - posted on 04/24/2010

it does depend on how u raise the dog and every dog has a different temperment, but if it was me i wouldnt let a dangerous breed of dog near my son, dogs see children as the weak pray and as all dogs came from wolves i wouldnt trust one near my son, but then it depends on how its raised

Leyla - posted on 04/23/2010

it's all in nurture with dogs. my in-laws have 3 pits and my son is their baby.

Sara - posted on 04/23/2010

Before i had my daughter, i trained pits that had been fighting dogs, honestly i think its all in how they are treated and raised. the dogs we trained went to homes with and with out children, i believe even if they are shown disrespect by humans they can be truned around. :) very sweet dogs

Sara - posted on 04/23/2010

Punish the deed, not the breed. Any animal, no matter what the breed, should be supervised around young children because you can't always predict what an animal will do if your child hurts or surprised them. If your child and pitbull puppy grow up together, then they will be buddies for life.

Kasie - posted on 04/23/2010

It seriously pisses me off when people give pitbulls(or any breed) a bad name. We had a pitbull and she was the sweetest dog, she was almost too friendly. The animal becomes what it knows...if it knows to be violent, then it will be. When they are raised with kids, I think they are one of the best family dogs to have. I think you should let your daughter love that dog and not give a damn what people think or say because believe me, when we had Honey our pitbull, we heard crap from everyone and it gets old in a hurry. Your daughter is lucky to have a dog like that because I guarantee nothing will ever come between that little girl and her dog! I didn't read anyone else's post to this, but I really hope no one was bashing this breed. It's really a shame that this breed doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Sorry about the rant, lol! I love when people can say positive things and not put you down about your choices! Good luck with your little girl and her pooch!

Alicia - posted on 04/22/2010

I agree with you it is how you raise them! My friend has 3 pitbull's and 6 kids so they are great with children. She also had a lab and it was the one that bit her 15 month old daughter. The lab was an adopted dog that was never raised around children! Bad decision on their part. But you are right it is how they are raised!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/21/2010

puppies are puppies, doesnt matter about the breed. but when your pit & child get older he is going to be a good protector for her. My boyfriend dog is a pit, and she loves kids. as long as your pit is treated good then he will be a good protector of your daughter. Specially if somebody you dont know trys to go after your daughter, your pit isnt going to let that happen.

Wendy - posted on 04/21/2010

I am constantly baffled and saddened by children shrieking, screaming, and running from my beloved chocolate lab, so I can't even imagine the reactions you ladies with pitbulls and rotties face. My husband and I were both raised with dogs, and our children (3 and 15 mos) have never known life without a dog. My younger son's early intervention specialist commented just this morning that the way my younger son and my dog were interacting was so beautiful. She said she wished her family had been more comfortable with animals growing up, because the lack of exposure bred fear in her that she had to overcome as an adult. When I see children shrieking and running from my dog I definitely think they are missing out on one of the greatest parts of childhood.

Sheryn - posted on 04/20/2010

Unfortunatly the breed has such a bad name and its not the breeds fault.Unfortunatly not alot of pitties have such loving owners like you are.I believe it depends on how the owner trains/teaches the dog to how the dog reacts.I think it goes to all breeds whether pure or cross bred...

Kelly - posted on 04/20/2010

We have a pit and a chow and they are soooo wonderful with my 5yr old and 1yr old. Our pit has been with us since before the kids and when my daughter was brought home from the hospital our pit started sleeping outside her bedroom door every morning. She still does it to this day. Whenever she is sick that dog will not leave her side. My parents have a small dog that has bite my daughter more times than I can count. She is the best dog I have ever had and when she passes on I will adopt another one.

Andria - posted on 04/18/2010

I have a 15 month old and a six week old. We also have a five year old mastif. His name is Duncan. Duncan came with my fiancee when we first started dating. I have had dogs and most of them have been mean. Before I got with my hubby, I thought all pits were bad dogs. I believed everything I had heard about them. So then I met my hubby and he had Duncan, we then moved intogether after a year or so. Duncan was perfect. He always wants to be cuddled and loved.

We then had my first daughter Jayda Jo and from the day we came home from the hospital all he would do is lay by her. He kisses her all the time. When she is sick he lays with her. She now walks and they play catch with his ball together. Its amazing how much he loves her and she loves him. I cant wait to have another dog just like him but my hubby only wants him for now lol
So yes, I believe that its how you raise them. We let Duncan sleep on the couch and sleep in our bed. He is like my little boy. I love him like I love my girls. :-D

Nacole - posted on 04/18/2010

I have a pit also and my daughter is 15 months old and has grown with him. They get along so wel. And he loves her to death. I hate the "rep" that pits have.

Natasha - posted on 04/18/2010

I have 2 pits and they have been w/ my son ever since he was born. My son is 15 months now. I havent had any problems w/ them being around my son. Its all about how you raise them.

Lisa - posted on 04/17/2010

My kids were raised around dogs and they all love animals. When my son was about a year and a half my boyfriend got a 140 pound rott and a black lab puppy. Those dogs were/are (the rott passed away a few months ago) the greatest and they really loved the kids! They would be more likely to lick them to death than to hurt a fly, lol. When my now 15 month old was new to the house, the lab would get worried every time she would cry and he would try to lick her and then come get us if she didn't stop. It was super cute, he wanted to take care of her! I would say I trust the dogs more than I trust some humans to be around my children!

Stephanie - posted on 04/17/2010

I 100% agree with you. I was raised around pit bulls and they are amazing animals. Very sweet dogs as long as you raise them and train them that way. Dont let anyone say that having pit bulls are bad dogs. All the pit bulls I know are great about babies and people!!

Jessica - posted on 04/17/2010

I have a 15 month old son. My pit and my son are best friends. My son climbs on and lays on my pit. My pit is the sweetest and most gentle dog I've met. It is completely how you raise dogs. There aren't bad dogs, just bad owners. Statistically proven golden retrievers bite more owners than any other dog.

Stef - posted on 04/17/2010

At the end of the day no matter how well you raise a dog, thats what they will always be..a dog. When I was 7 yrs old I was attacked by my neighbours dog that I had grown up with and totally trusted. When i was playing with him this particular day I slipped on an apple and accidently kicked him in the stomach as I was falling, his instinct took over and in the matter of a second he was on top of me biting my face, I almost lost an eye. It just goes to show that animals can turn any time. Dogs and children should ALWAYS be watched no matter how placid they may seem. As a result my neighbours dog had to be destroyed because he got a taste for blood and after he bit me he kept biting other kids. Especially keep an eye on dogs that are bred to be aggressive and don't be ignorant enough to think it'll never happen with your dog. I was raised with dogs and have great love for them and after the age of 7 I learned even greater respect for them.
Take care!

Robyn - posted on 04/16/2010

Its completly in how you raise your dog. My daughter is 15mths old and we got a puppy pit a few weeks ago and Kaylee (DD) absolutley loves her and the dog does nothing but play with her and bring her toys to try and get her to play. Kaylee will come up to her and sit on her back like a horse and the dog just sits there and lets Kaylee play on her and everything

Joy - posted on 04/15/2010

We have a great pitt whose been socialized, trained and raised around kids. She is also the only dog in the house and we watch her (just we would any dog). They are actually really great family dogs.

Shawna - posted on 04/15/2010

If you guys are the ones raising the pit and treat it well and do not abuse the dog or make it fight then it is up to you to make sure what kind of relationship the dog has with your child. I am a dog person and my family had a pit mixbreed we loved her and she was great.

Chelly - posted on 04/15/2010

Oh and I agree with what another lady said, having a safe area for the dog. The dog's bed or something similar should be off limits to your child and to discipline, so they can always fee safe in that one area. When we discipline, we discipline, then take them to their bed and leave them be. But that way your dog can get away from children if they've had enough.

Chelly - posted on 04/15/2010

I love the same breeds, we've had pit bulls, a german shepherd and a rott. When I got pregnant, we gave our pit away and just kept our german boxer. It was very hard letting them go but I will just not risk it. I have heard of pits being raised from pups with the children and one day loosing it and attacking the child for no reason that the family can tell.

My husband was a police dog trainer and from what he was trained, you need to be the boss of these dogs. They shouldn't be allowed on beds, couches, kissing faces, etc. When they're allowed to do these things, they gain dominance in the rank of command. That's coming from a police dog trainers perspective.

Problem is all dogs have some level of being unpredictable and pits, even more so... and then there's our unpredictable children! :D

Having ANY dog around your children is a big responsibility. I don't think you're a bad mom at all... but keep these in mind for keeping it safe...

***ALWAYS supervise your child when there are dogs around. Any dog, even puppies should not be left alone with your child. There has been a case of a pit puppy chewing off baby's toes.

***Watch your child's interaction. They should know how to interact with dogs.

***Take away dogs toys, bones etc. You don't want your child picking these up and the dog trying to get them back and accidentally taking a finger.

***Make sure you are working your dog. Pits, in general, love to be worked rather than cuddled. They want to be doing a good 'job'. This also means that they know to listen to you. I find teaching hand signals is great and then you can teach them to your child. Difficult with young children, but the dog should know their place. The child is dominate over the dog, not the other way around. I hold
my baby over the dogs. When they get in trouble, you dont get eye level, you get above them to show your dominance. If baby makes a hand signal and dog doesnt obey, I show it to dog and make him obey... always. Again, this shows your child's dominance and that the dog works for baby too.

***Never force the dog in a situation he doesnt look comfortable with. Too many children over, thunder storm etc. Most pits are people oriented and dont get skittish around people, but it does happen. My pit loved everyone except my mother-in-laws boyfriend and at first didn't like my dad... both men would get into her face a lot. When they came round I put her away because these guys just couldn't help themselves. She was wonderful around children, but I always sat down on the ground with them, never leave them...

*****PLEASE.... WITH ANY DOG... DON'T LEAVE THEM UNSUPERVISED WITH YOUR CHILDREN*****

Hope this helps :D

Riviera - posted on 04/15/2010

I can be 100% postive those dogs are not "beloved family pets." People will tell the police anything to stay out of trouble. Would you tell the cops you fight or trained your dog to be used to look like a "bad-ass?" Would you tell them you have them around to protect your drugs? Don't belive news stories. Most article authors are biased.

Riviera - posted on 04/15/2010

My son is the same age and my bully boy will be 2 in May. They love each other. Honestly, use your common sense when raising a dog just like raising a child. Correct don't beat or punish... make dogs resentful. Don't let your kid terrorize the dog. Dog's get tired of being bugged too. Give them a place they can go to be left alone. Train your dog properly and treat them kindly and they will give you a lifetime of love and respect. I've had pits since I have been 3 years old and I have never met a more loyal bunch of dogs. Exercize your bull and they need a lot of mental stimuli. They are a very intelligent breed and get bored easy. That's how they become desructive and destroy household items.

I had a few family members that made comments about me getting rid of my bully. I just laughed it off.

Amber - posted on 04/15/2010

That's a shame April that you are so quick to believe what you read or see in the news and not open to what real people on here have to say. My child or any other child or adult for that matter is not in danger from my pit bull. My child's life comes before anything else as well but my dog is not a danger to my child he enriches our lives.

April - posted on 04/14/2010

I don't agree with "it's how they are raised". I'm not a dog lover at all. I have read just too many stories of these seemingly loving family pets that one day turn and maul a small child, baby or even their adult owner.... I'm sorry, but no amount of money would get me to own a pit bull or other bully/strong breed... My children's lives come before any animal. Even if I owned that dog since birth, when I got pregnant, the dog would go...

Kathleen - posted on 04/14/2010

I always tell people that my dog wont eat your kids unless there filled with peanut butter. it funny and eases there mind. =o)

Kathleen - posted on 04/14/2010

I have a 14 month old and a 3 year old, and just adopted my dog Monty who is a pit/lab mix about a month ago. the kids LOVE him. hes a moose, tall like a lab and built like a pit, but he is the most loving dog ever. He gives the best dog kisses ever. The only problem i have had was he chewed up 2 cords. I hate how pitts get a bad reputation. there excellent with kids!!

Amber - posted on 04/14/2010

It is so great to hear everyone else loving their pits or rotts. It is sad the bad rap such good dogs get. I have to put both my dogs away when my brother and sister in law come over with their kids because my one dog is a pit they said they wouldn't mind the other dog being out but that is just wrong to me my dogs are treated equally. I would love to see peoples pictures of their dogs and their kids I will post some of mine on here. Also my pit is best friends with our cat too it is adorable.

Natalie - posted on 04/14/2010

IT doesn't matter what breed of dog you have, it's the way they are treated that makes them the dog that they are. I have two dogs and my two girls love them. The girls can pull at their ears or take their food out of their bowl while they eat! I truly believe that all families should have dogs but like Jennifer said, you can never be to careful with whatever breed of dog you have.

Meagan - posted on 04/13/2010

It's completely its how you raise them. I have a rotweiller mix and she's better w/ my 1 year old than my lab mix is. My neighbors have 2 pits and they love Cael and are amazing w/ him. Don't hate the breed, hate the deed.

Nicole - posted on 04/13/2010

Its definately on how they are raised and over in England they are known as nanny dogs! We have 2, a 12 year old and a 2 year old, and they are both great with my daughter. She jumps all over them, pulls their ears, etc and they just sit there. When they are over it they just get up and leave and she moves on to something else. I honestly believe they are a terrific breed and can say they are my fave. Its just a shame people are ignorant and only see the negative stories. Thankfully for shows like pitboss and pits and parollees on AP. They are showing what a wonderful breed this is and for people like us.

Alicia - posted on 04/13/2010

Yeah I agree with how you raise it, it's the same with any type of dog though. Most people only think of Pits and Rots when they think of bad dogs, but I have had issues with Labs before too. My Mother's boyfriend has a Pit/Terrier Mix and even though she is a tad bit high strung (b/c she loves people in general), she is great with my 15 month old son. I was skeptical b/c I myself have never had good times with Pits, but I didn't want that to make a difference of whether or not my son could see his Grandma. I love the dog now tho...just ignore the people who are too ignorant to open their eyes!

Roxane - posted on 04/13/2010

I thank you for all the support. I can say that our dog loves reaghan and our other children. We recently got a toy chihuahua and she is great too 11 weeks old. she runs around with misdemeanor (pit bull) and he doesn't show aggression with her either she thinks she is as big as him its so funny. or dogs are part of the family and without them I think our family would not be complete. they are stress revelers we love them so much thanks again for all the posts.

Sarah - posted on 04/13/2010

I have two daughter who have been raised with a pitbul. My daughter Rylie is 7, daughter Marlee is 15 months and my dog Tanner is 8(he is a staffordshire terrier). My dog absolutely loves my children and vice versa..he slept in Rylies bed when she was little and if he wasn't in her bed he was in her room sleeping! It is all in how you raise them...they CAN be one of the best family dog out there. More people need to give this breed a fighting chance to prove themselves and owners need to bring them up responsibly...bad owners = bad dogs.

Claire - posted on 04/12/2010

its how u raise them i have a staffy and weve had him since he was a tiny pup hes always been around the kids and loves them hes so good even the baby pulls his ears and tail and he just moves no snapping or anything he just takes it all bless him

Holly - posted on 04/12/2010

I agree it is how you raise them. With my son we got him a Rottie when he was around 4 yrs old and they grew up together. The best dog I have ever had, never once showed any aggression to anyone much less my son. Recently my ex had a pit bull that he has raised since she was a baby and again a very good dog. The minute my daughter came home from the hospital she was there watching out for her. Again when we were together I never saw an aggressive bone in her body and got along with all of the other "farm" dogs that ran around on our property. Two very good breeds regardless of the bad reputation they have gotten. My brother has owned a dalmation and a labordoddle and both of them have show aggression and nipped and/or bitten my children, so it is not the pits and rotties that are always bad (vicious) dogs like they are made out to be....

Amber - posted on 04/12/2010

My son will be 15 months this week and we too have a pit. I think pits when raised right can be the best family dog. I got mine from a rescue when he was 1 and he had been abused before that. He has been with us 3 years now and is the most loving dog I have ever had. He is white and blue brindle. He loves his baby and will endure any torture my son gives him. It is great to hear other people agree. I hate the way people act when they know I have a pit bull and a baby or how they look when we are on walks.

Jennifer - posted on 04/10/2010

I totally agree it's how you raise them. I grew up with a rottweiler and a german shepard and they were the best family pets. However, I did also have a pit mix at my dad's house. She was wonderful and great family pet. Got along well with the other dog (sheep dog) for 8 years until one day, out of no where, she turned on the sheep dog and attacked her until she almost died. You know your dog and know what's best for your baby. Just please please watch for any signs. Like I said, we had ours for 8 years and she was perfect until that one day.

Amanda - posted on 04/10/2010

i agree with the fact that it's how you raise them you can't be to hard with the strong breed (pitt bulls, rottweilers, german shepherds). but i know people who have pitts and they are the best dogs. they get a bad rap from the bad thing humans made them and conditioned them to do. you dont let anyone tell you that having that pitt is bad for your daughter it is in fact the opposite! thank you for the post. i love reading positive things about strong breeds.