Before adding a pit bull to your family, it’s important to understand the breed and whether it’s a good fit for your lifestyle and living situation. Here are some factors to consider:

Breed characteristics: Pit bulls are known for their strength, energy, and loyalty. They can be great family pets if trained and socialized properly, but they also have a reputation for being aggressive. It’s important to understand the breed’s tendencies and be prepared to put in the time and effort to train and socialize your dog.

Living situation: Pit bulls are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They need well fenced yards. If you live in a small space, make sure you can provide enough exercise and playtime for your dog.

Family dynamics: Make sure everyone in your household is on board with adding a pit bull to the family and understands the responsibility that comes with owning a pit bull.

Legal considerations: Some cities or municipalities might have breed-specific legislation that restricts ownership of pit bulls. Make sure you research local laws and regulations before bringing a pit bull into your home.

Ultimately: Adding a pit bull to your family can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision. Make sure you have the time, resources, and commitment to provide a safe and loving home for your new pet.

Primary needs of a dog within the family structure

It is important for all family members to consistently follow the rules and enforce the boundaries and to understand why this is important.

How an Owner establishes territorial and psychological boundaries for the dog:

  1. Designate a place for your dog’s crate, or bed. You need to decide where the dog will sleep and be certain that the dog sleeps there.
  2. Designate a place for your dog to eat and drink. Water should be available at all times.  It is recommended that the dog’s food should not be left down after feeding.
  3. Kitchen manners are essential to establish from the beginning. Your dog should not be taking food from the table, begging or being fed from the table. Your dog will not be offended by this as he will see this as his natural and rightful place in the pack.
  4. Designated doggy toys and play area. Designate a place for your dog to eliminate.
  5. By providing rules and boundaries, and providing calm assertive leadership, your dog can develop positive behaviors that will substitute for other instinctual behavior patterns, such as chasing, fighting, etc
Meeting the dog’s needs
  • Physical needs of food, fresh water, and exercise appropriate for the breed.
  • Health needs of vaccinations, parasite control, and regular veterinarian visits as necessary.
  • Psychological needs
Giving your dog a sense of security

Give your dog a sense of security by having the owner assume the position of ‘pack leader’ under any and all circumstances:

  1. Always be consistent in your interactions with your dog. Corrections should immediately follow the dog’s negative behavior. Dogs live in the now.  They don’t remember what happened five minutes ago, so corrections must be well timed. Many times a simple verbal correction with appropriate energy will be adequate. Show your dog the right behavior.
  2. Praise your dog only when the dog is in a calm submissive state of mind.
  3. Establish with your dog a system of communication with consistent commands and energy which he can understand.
  4. Teach him consistent rules and boundaries to enable him to cope with his environment. A dog does not understand a holiday or vacation from rules.

Inconsistency will be perceived by your dog as weakness.

Back to Responsible Ownership