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I am looking to get a dog for my house who is chill and nice, but who also can protect the house against intruders at the same time. I was thinking of getting a pit bull puppy (so I know he was raised right). Any pit owners out there who could give me advice? Should I maybe consider another breed? The reason I zeroed in on pits is because the ones who I have seen that were raised right were great dogs.
pits are awesome, but besides deterring people with their barking and appearance, they're not going to protect your home. they are extremely people friendly. i wouldn't advise using a dog to protect your home in any other capacity anyway, though. training dogs to attack is serious business, should only be done by experienced trainers, and can backfire bigtime.
there are quite a few threads about training pits going right now. really, they're not too different from other dogs when it comes to training. you just have to be firm and consistent.
the other major thing to worry about with pits is the possibility of a pit bull ban being enacted somewhere where you want to live, but since you live in PA you're in luck - our state constitution actually makes breed bans impossible.
you also want to make sure that if you buy a puppy, you go to a reputable breeder. a good breeder will let you meet the puppies' parents (who should have excellent temperaments, of course) and see where the dogs are kept, and will not produce many litters a year. bad breeders producing poorly bred dogs are a big reason why pit bulls are so demonized. you don't want to support that. you could also look into rescues in the area. hello bully is a good one around here. all the shelters also always have tons of pits, often puppies.
pits are awesome, but besides deterring people with their barking and appearance, they're not going to protect your home. they are extremely people friendly.
They bark?? I barely know what Nanners' voice sounds like.
To the OP: Nanners the APBT is the worst watch dog I've ever had, and that's not a complaint. I'm in a situation here at the house with my job where I can't be worried about what my dog will do when confronted by strangers, and Nanners loves everyone she meets. She's the perfect fit. I'd go with a Doberman or Rottie for the intimidation factor. NOBODY argues with one of those guys.
They bark?? I barely know what Nanners' voice sounds like.
To the OP: Nanners the APBT is the worst watch dog I've ever had, and that's not a complaint. I'm in a situation here at the house with my job where I can't be worried about what my dog will do when confronted by strangers, and Nanners loves everyone she meets. She's the perfect fit. I'd go with a Doberman or Rottie for the intimidation factor. NOBODY argues with one of those guys.
heck .... my bailey is an australian cattle dog mix and i suspect she is more snarky and intimidating towards people she doesn't trust than nanners is ..... just judgin' by nanner's picture in the other thread and fontucky's testimony......
I am looking to get a dog for my house who is chill and nice, but who also can protect the house against intruders at the same time. I was thinking of getting a pit bull puppy (so I know he was raised right). Any pit owners out there who could give me advice? Should I maybe consider another breed? The reason I zeroed in on pits is because the ones who I have seen that were raised right were great dogs.
If your first reason for getting a dog - of any breed - is to protect the house against intruders, then please allocate the funds to install a state of the art security system that is monitored and will auto dial fire, police, ambulance when/if needed.
Get a dog because you want to enrich your life with a four legged companion for the next 12-15 years - get a dog because you want a walking companion who is ready in all kinds of weather - get a dog because you want to come home at the end of the day to a smiling face, a wagging tail and unconditional love.........leave the protection of your home and belongings to your security company.
Any barking dog is a deterrent to low-lifes outside your home or yard......choose a breed or mix of dog that most closely fits your lifestyle, your activity level, your time constraints, your home energy level.....don't choose one for it's ability to 'protect'....please.....
pits are awesome, but besides deterring people with their barking and appearance, they're not going to protect your home. they are extremely people friendly. i wouldn't advise using a dog to protect your home in any other capacity anyway, though. training dogs to attack is serious business, should only be done by experienced trainers, and can backfire bigtime.
there are quite a few threads about training pits going right now. really, they're not too different from other dogs when it comes to training. you just have to be firm and consistent.
the other major thing to worry about with pits is the possibility of a pit bull ban being enacted somewhere where you want to live, but since you live in PA you're in luck - our state constitution actually makes breed bans impossible.
you also want to make sure that if you buy a puppy, you go to a reputable breeder. a good breeder will let you meet the puppies' parents (who should have excellent temperaments, of course) and see where the dogs are kept, and will not produce many litters a year. bad breeders producing poorly bred dogs are a big reason why pit bulls are so demonized. you don't want to support that. you could also look into rescues in the area. hello bully is a good one around here. all the shelters also always have tons of pits, often puppies.
Any barking dog is a deterrent to low-lifes outside your home or yard......choose a breed or mix of dog that most closely fits your lifestyle, your activity level, your time constraints, your home energy level.....don't choose one for it's ability to 'protect'....please.....
Well said Rottn.
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