See this dog? This dog you think is just the 'sweetest, most adorable thing you've ever seen', well he's not.
Welcome to the truth about owning a Pitbull puppy.
We acquired Hank when our dog Nyla had puppies. No, it wasn't an intention breeding, but nonetheless, I was super excited about a hoard of puppies. Knowing what I know about Pitbull puppies, I'm not even sure why I was so excited to have a house full of them. Never owned a Pitbull? Just read on - you'll see what I'm talking about.
They're destructive monsters: No seriously. They like constant attention, and if chewing up everything in the room is the only way they think they'll get your undivided attention - that is exactly what they will do. They will find the tiniest pieces of paper, and make it into the biggest mess you could ever imagine.
Potty Training Is Real Fun: Not. Not even. Not ever. You can put a puppy pad down and have them confined to a smallish space, thinking they have no other choice. You will find the puppy pad tore up and scattered across the room while they toss little pieces in the air, or they will use the bathroom everywhere BUT on the pad. I can take mine outside, and sometimes he won't use the bathroom at all, but will walk right in and go in the middle of the floor. Persistence is a major point in potty training a Pitbull.
Buy The Big Bag: Pitbull puppies have hearty appetites, as they will eventually turn into big guard dogs, or the love bugs they're destined to be. Whichever they turn out to be, they'll require a decent meal daily to push them on. So, walk on by the small breed foods, go for the all breeds - they like the big, delicious chunks.
Picky, What's That?: I've personally never had an issue with any of the Pitbulls I've had being picky. They all pretty much ate whatever you put in front of them. My sister's Pitbull though, will only eat beef food. Nothing else. So, this really just depends on the dog.
No Fluff: They are short haired. Don't be mistaken though, they do shed. When they do, you will know - it's everywhere. I have one who sheds bad, and another who only lightly sheds. Overall, with a good bath regularly to wash off all the excess fur, you will be good to go.
Prone: If allowed or kept outside, Pitbulls are quite susceptible to hot spots. These are spots that are a skin irritation, that gets worse with licking, biting and scratching. Things such as Green Goo - works wonderfully in clearing up these spots. Fleas make this issue much harder to clear up, as they're added irritation - so keep them as flea-free as possible.
Leash Or Death Trap?: Pitbull puppies will make an absolute fool of themselves while learning to walk on a leash. I've had other breeds and they never acted as foolish as my Pitbulls while walking on their leash. They will fling themselves all over the place, stop and bury their feet in the ground and try their best to resist walking - ultimately acting like you're trying to kill them. It's definitely hard work to get them used to being able to go out and enjoy the world!
In the end, Pitbulls are great family dogs. They love children, if raised with them so they know how to tolerate loud noises, etc., they can be the best pet ever. Once they get some age on them (3-4 years old), they will settle down and going out won't be such a task. Walking will be an ease, and they won't feel the need to run after every person or animal they see. They'll make the greatest guard dog, letting you know if someone's in the yard or at the door. They are there to serve and protect you - and that's exactly as they'll do. Don't let what the media tells or shows you deter you from making one of these great babies become part of your family. The media only shows the bad, so imagine how much good there is in the world involving Pitbulls that we won't ever see.
Disclaimer: This post was based on my personal experience. You could very well have a completely different outlook.
taste of the wild dog food
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