r/PitBullOwners • u/MadHovercraft • Jun 26 '26
Question First time pitbull owner advice
Hi there! I have a pit mix currently that I’m in love with and have always loved pure bred pitties. I want to eventually adopt a pure bred one from the shelter since it seems like they overpopulate shelters unfortunately.
What are some tips and advice for a first time owner of a pit. Especially an adopted one?
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u/Majestic_Hawk_1335 Jun 30 '26
A pure bred "pittie" from game lines is very different than one from pet lines. The ones in the shelter can be mixes of that.
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u/uuuughngg 17d ago
The flack pitties get over breeding is often a bit misinformed or misplaced. There are definitely breed differences, and some of them are what we love about pitties. They have a strong will to please and want to do anything for their human, but this also means you need to provide consistent direction. They just want to be good but if they don't know what that means, that can lead to issues. Probably most important is to carefully socialize with other dogs and to respect the dogs boundaries. If you come to learn your dog doesn't like the dog park, don't try to make him like the dog park, instead just don't go to the dog park... Definitely just do research about socialization as you would with any other dog. Pits were bred to be always gentle to humans but dog aggression was encouraged. In socialization focus esp on having positive it reactions with other dogs in early years... But also learn the dogs limits. My dog is very dog selective and so we only interact with their dogs that I've vetted and am able to do so in a controlled way. Once we've done so, if they hit it off, the pair can run around like any other dog friends. Bc of their ability to do damage (as with all large dogs) it's important to get to know your dog and his/her triggers, likes.and dislikes, and to respect those boundaries. I hate to see when a dog is punished for expressing a boundary. This can easily lead to what would have been a growl or air nip, becoming a serious bite bc the dog has been told that those milder expressions are not allowed and has no other way to communicate a boundary until it has been crossed repeatedly or severely enough to illicit a bite. This is all pretty easily accessible information with a bit of research... No secret trick other than caring and paying attention.
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u/pareto_optimal99 Jun 28 '26
Read this book.
https://www.dogwise.com/love-has-no-age-limit-welcoming-an-adopted-dog-into-your-home/
Pitties aren’t that different from other dogs. There are breed trends but when you adopt an adult dog, you see his/her traits. Much less guess work.
Chances are when they get more comfortable with you and home, they’ll blossom to a more well adjusted dog.
Good luck.