Dr. Mark is a veterinarian. He has over 40 years of experience working with dogs.
Having a multi-dog household
Having a Pit Bull in a home with other dogs is something that many people do very successfully. Although most Pit Bulls enjoy having canine family members, some Pit Bulls do not tolerate other dogs. Some people think that getting multiple dogs as puppies and raising them all together is the best way to ensure success with having multiple dogs in a home. This method can work, but it is not always successful. Raising puppies together does not ensure compatibility because different levels of genetic dog intolerance can be acquired. Due to their growing intolerance for the other family dog, many dogs end up in shelters.
When bringing a Pit Bull puppy home or bringing two puppies home at once, there is a risk to consider. Owners must be aware that as their Pit Bull matures, there may come a time when it is unsafe for the dogs to be together. Although this is not always the case, it is unfair to the involved dogs to be unprepared for this possibility.
When bringing home a Pit Bull puppy, the new owner must accept responsibility for the breed’s propensity for misbehavior and vow to keep the animal secure and content throughout its entire life, no matter what circumstances might arise.
Having puppies of different sexes and altering them before they are fully grown may reduce some of the likelihood of aggressive behavior. It’s crucial to make efforts to prevent tension and conflict from escalating. Even if the dogs appear to be able to share a bowl of food without any issues, feed them separately.
Be cautious when offering raw meat, bones, and special treats. Separating the dogs at mealtime is a smart idea. Despite the opposition of some, it is preferable to be safe than sorry.
Having extras of the dogs’ favorite toys can help prevent them from feeling the need to protect one another. Giving the dogs equal attention can prevent them from feeling the need to compete for it.
The bond between the dogs and their owners can be strengthened through activities like going for walks together, playing ball in the yard, swimming in the river, or just cuddling on the couch while watching a movie.
Dogs are more prone to misunderstandings if they do not have the chance to learn the body language cues that other dogs use to communicate with one another in a pack. These social conflicts lead to dog fights. A dog is more likely to develop fear-based aggression toward other dogs after participating in a dog fight, making them more reactive to them.
Due to sensationalized news reports about Pitbulls mauling and occasionally even killing people, breed ban laws and other stigmatizing legislation frequently target Pitbulls. And it’s true that Pitbulls have stronger jaws than other breeds, which makes them more dangerous in cases of dog bites because of their propensity to lock their jaws when they bite.
Despite the fact that Pitbulls have a bad reputation for being aggressive, by socializing and training your Pitbull from a young age, you can help prevent any potential aggression triggers from ever having a chance to materialize. Like any breed, a dog can become calmer and more peaceful with a lot of exercise and work on impulse control.
Some hereditary Pitbull lines may be genetically predisposed to aggression toward other dogs because they are a breed that has historically been bred and used in dog fighting. Through thorough socialization and training, many of these instincts can be subdued, but certain dogs may still exhibit heightened levels of dog aggression.
The hormone that drives much of a Pitbull’s aggression is testosterone, most potent in male dogs. This increased testosterone is why male dogs are more likely to display aggression than females. (Source: University of Arizona) Neutering or spaying a Pitbull can go a long way towards reducing hormone-based aggression and territoriality.
So what exactly is pitbull aging?
Pitbull aging is a stage of their life when they become less aggressive and more adept at picking up new tricks.
Despite having a bad reputation for attacking other dogs, pit bulls actually become less aggressive as they get older.
Pit bulls undergo personality changes as people do as they age. Aggression in pit bulls is distinct from aging in that it occurs when a pit bull bites a person or another dog.
Why is this?
A higher-than-normal amount of adrenaline that, for some reason, has not been released and instead becomes trapped inside the pitbull is what causes pitbull aggression.
A dog can release this extra adrenaline when they are active and healthy. Pitbulls lose energy as they age as a result of poor dog nutrition, making it difficult for them to release the adrenaline through exercise.
Pit bull attacks are perceived as aggressive because the dog is unable to control its aggression in a secure setting. This is untrue; if a dog’s owners are concerned for their wellbeing, they can train them to become less aggressive.
FAQ
What age do pitbulls turn aggressive?
Dog aggression in pit bulls typically begins to manifest between the ages of 8 months and 2 years, though it can appear at any age and can appear gradually or quite suddenly. It’s crucial to remember that many pit bulls don’t exhibit the “typical” warning signs of canine aggression prior to a fight.
Why do pit bulls suddenly get aggressive?
According to Reid, a number of factors can cause a propensity for aggression. This includes breeding dogs for social advancement, dog fighting, or financial gain. The list also includes abuse, neglect, tethering, chaining, and insufficient supervision and training for obedience.
Do pit bulls suddenly snap?
Like all other breeds of dogs, pit bulls do not suddenly snap without provocation. Pit bulls bite more than any other breed. In the United States, there is no system in place to accurately track statistics on dog attacks and bites. S. , and many incidents are never reported.
How do you stop a Pitbull from being aggressive?
Use positive reinforcement. When your dog is prepared, give him a straightforward command. If he obeys, praise him or give him his preferred treat. The best way to gain his trust and control his aggression is to reward him with positive reinforcement rather than punishing him when something goes wrong.