Actually Tank's nature does bring up one question though. I've never had a Pit or Pit-cross and as some of you may remember I'm actually quite afraid of Pitbulls since moving to Toledo. Tank is changing that though. He is obviously some sort of Pit cross. I do want to do right by his temperment and am wondering about something.

Is it natural for Pits to be so protective even as a big pup? We think Tank is about 6 to 8 months tops.

When we are out walking on lead and he automatically protects me, I don't want to tell him no as in my neighbourhood in this city that's not a bad thing at all. I do want to let him know when it's appropriate and when it's not. So far I've been just reaching down to pat him and tell him "it's okay Tank" in a gentle, calm voice. He does calm down pretty quickly, though often will still call a warning bark out to the stranger a few more times till they move out of range. He doesn't try to break away from me or act horribly aggressive (though I don't doubt he might bite if someone actually went after me on the street). It's actually rather odd that as soon as they move a certain distance, he basically ignores them - like he has some pre-determined space they must keep back from when he's out with "Mom" (or "Dad" for that matter). Though the guy on the street last night seemed to worry him and he was flat out determined to take me home immeidately LOL.

Anyway, is this the appropriate way to handle a Pitbull cross when he's doing his "job" or should I be doing anything different? I want Tank to mature into a well behaved dog that is safe but I don't want to mismanage his temperment or frustrate his seemingly natural protective instinct. I know a lot of you own this breed so I'm thinking you have a lot of wisdom to share.

Gunnar is part Boxer and also a more protective breed than I'm used to, having owned Labradors for years (they would help a burglar steal your tv if the thief would just hand them a cookie please LOL). She's also naturally alert to strangers on the street and so I must say I feel very secure lately.