Are we dog people ?

Freds · Apr 4, 2006

( So, any advice ? Should we try again ? )

I would say, no. Living with a dog isn't something you should "try" to do and you've already failed once and gave up the dog. Like someone else said, I'm thinking of you AND the dog. It is something you need to be dedicated to regardless of the breed.
Dogs that can do a lot of damage make the papers two ways, irresponsible owners or inexperienced owners.

Mrwurm · Apr 4, 2006

Well, I must say I'm overwhelmed with the responses. I really appreciate the passionite input, warnings, and advice.

To clear up a few things:
The dog is being offered because of a divorce. The daughter has moved back home to the parents house and they are currently living with two dogs plus the daughters dog. They feel its just too much.

The lab/mix that we had a few years ago, had been rescued from some folks who were abusing it.

I've been around Pit Bulls and found them quite loveable. But, I have heard first hand stories of when things go wrong.

We were not actively looking for a dog, but when I was contacted about this dog, something about it just called to me.

Looks like I'll just let the feeling pass.

orangebluegreen · Apr 4, 2006

Dogs dig for more reasons than boredom, actually I’m not convinced boredom is the reason any dig. Some breeds like Dachshunds were bred to go after rats and have an instinct to dig. Some will dig if they are hot and want to get cooler ground to lay on. Mine also can tell where irrigation lines are run, I think they can sense the hollow sound or water going through when it’s running and get curious enough to dig for it. Dogs still have wild instinct and they would live in a den if wild, so they have instinct to dig a den. Often providing a crate or doghouse where the dog can go in and feel secure (like it was in its den) will stop digging. That’s one major reason I’m looking for a small tractor, to fill in the holes they start. Florida is all sand so it’s easier for them to dig.

anojones · Apr 4, 2006

As someone who has a pit mix- she's a great dog, extremely friendly and great with kids and even the cats. They are loyal and kind and a good deterrant (if you need it). However, after about four years of having her- she suddenly became dog aggresive. They are vicsious when fighting and won't let go no matter how submissive the other dog is. Most dog fights are a lot of noise and snarling teeth, but these dogs can and do injure other dogs. We now keep her away from other dogs. My wife would like to get another when she passes on, but while I enjoy them, it's not worth the stress of their aggresive streak.

greatrandini · Apr 4, 2006

You want a pit bull and you don't have a fence. I hope your neihbors really like you! Other than that he looks like a good dog. If you feed him decent dog food he won't pooh so much.
He will need shots, heart worm protection, a warm place to call his own. (short coated breed) If he attacks something he has locking jaw which cannot be pried apart with a crow bar. Just thought you should know. How many children you got? How many you want?

greatrandini · Apr 4, 2006

Put a child in the yard and he/she will..............DIG! Suprise!

Bird · Apr 4, 2006

( Dogs dig for more reasons than boredom )

There are no water lines, sprinkler system, etc. in our back yard. Now I've seen dogs eat grass and I've seen them chew on sticks, but this little Chihuahua spends more time chewing on twigs and grass stems (particularly the runners on the St. Augustine than any dog I've ever seen. She digs like she's hunting something to eat and will chew on any roots she finds.

She doesn't have a crate or dog house or such outside, but she still sleeps in the crate in the house. We don't have to put her there; that's just where she goes when we go to bed. But she does like to burrow under a pillow or blanket.

Mrwurm · Apr 4, 2006

A few people mentioned insurance issues regarding the ownership of certain breeds. I checked with my insurance agent today and learned the following:

Disclosure of dogs/pets is not necessary
There are no additional charges for certain breeds
There are no additional charges for any dog

The agent told me that if I was concerned I could increase my liability coverage to $500,000. This would cost $9 per year.

Bird · Apr 4, 2006

Jerry, I think it depends on which insurance company you have, and also perhaps which state you live in. And of course if a person rents rather than owning a home, there are other restrictions. I know when we first moved back to town and rented an apartment, the lease specifically forbid several breeds of dogs, including the Pit Bull, of course. And the lease agreement in the mobile home park where one of our daughters lives is the same way.