Does anyone own or have experience owning pit bulls?

Okay, now I know pit bulls have a bad reputation and are considered dangerous, BUT I'm considering adopting one. I have never feared them. When I was 13 years old some guy in the park was selling puppies and giving away the adults for free. Me and my friend just had to beg the man to let me have one. He told me the dog used to be a fighting dog (She had fresh wounds on her face because apparently she attacks any dog in site and he'd have to speak with my parents. I lied and said my mom didn't mind knowing she hated pit bulls. This guy gave in and gave me his 4 year old female pit bull, Missy. Yes, a grown as man gave a child a female pit bull that had been used for fighting. As I walked her home she tried to attack several dogs, but she was so sweet towards people. I brought her home and my mom was terrified and had me put her in the backyard while she pretty much went off of me. I begged and begged if we could keep her, but she wasn't comfortable with it. She said we hadn't known her's history and shouldn't have a dog that has any aggressive behavior. A few days later she called the animal shelter come get the dog and the rest is history. I only hope that someone adopted her and she wasn't euthanized. I still think about that and regret bringing her home. I was trying to save her and probably did more damage.

ANYWAY Idk why, but something in me just thinks these dogs are beautiful. My boyfriend's cousin pretty much adopted his sisters pit bulls after she passed and treats them like crap, kicking them, makes them stay under the bed all day, beats them with a broomstick, doesn't give them chew toys, doesn't clip their nails, and just treats them terribly. They fear him completely. When he walks in the room, they hide. They hid from me at one point, but eventually I got them comfortable with me, especially Hazel. IDK maybe I tend to step out of line, but I could not help, but to tell him I did not think he was treating the dogs properly. Of course he became offended and told me they weren't my dogs. I told him, "It doesn't matter, they can't speak so I will speak for them and your behavior towards them is abusive and cruel". That was that, but now he seems to "act" as if he's treating them well and doesn't treat them badly in front of me period. I bring them dog bones, toys, treats, etc (They haven't had these things in over a year since their original owner died)... And she seems like a completely different dog than when I initially met her. Hazel pops out when she hears me coming, jumps on me, licks me, whines when I'm leaving, etc... The other dog, Atlanta, likes me, but I can tell she's not used to being treated kindly and doesn't trust me. Atlanta, would much rather sit under the bed until I bring out a bone to give to Hazel and take it from her. Hazel is the submissive one, she never growls and never walks in front of me unless it's to go outside (which she rarely gets to do, but gets beaten if she craps in the house smh). Anyway, the cousin apparently ask my boyfriend if I wanted to have Hazel since I spend hours with her about 3 times a week and feel he treats her badly. I know he looks at them as a burden because he feels he has to keep his sister's dogs since she passed. I am actually considering it, but I just do not know if it will be the best idea, especially with her being abused and all. I have just grown so close to her I forgot she's not my dog sometimes. What would you all do? I'm so confused. I'm gonna add a pic of her too...

Sorry for this long post... I know this is a ball python website, but there are such a variety of people on here with so many interests lol.

Bullies are some of the most loving and loyal dogs that you can own, and to be honest hearing how your cousin is treating them really pisses me off. People like that shouldn't be able to own dogs, this is all I can say without getting an infraction. I have spent a lot of time working with rescues and all 5 of my dogs are abused rescues that I have rehabilitated. My pitty was a bait dog, and when I brought her home she was terrifed of everything. A lot of work and trust building went into all my dogs. They just need a chance. Once you establish that trust you have a a life long friend. If you have the means and ability to give these dogs a better life I say go for it, just know that it does take work. Stories about dogs being treat this way is why I have come to hate people.

If you do, remember these are working breeds and not little fluff lap dogs.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

If you do, remember these are working breeds and not little fluff lap dogs.

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Very True, my pups have 1/3 of an acre to roam and they are high energy dogs.

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

Bullies are some of the most loving and loyal dogs that you can own, and to be honest hearing how your cousin is treating them really pisses me off. People like that shouldn't be able to own dogs, this is all I can say without getting an infraction. I have spent a lot of time working with rescues and all 5 of my dogs are abused rescues that I have rehabilitated. My pitty was a bait dog, and when I brought her home she was terrifed of everything. A lot of work and trust building went into all my dogs. They just need a chance. Once you establish that trust you have a a life long friend. If you have the means and ability to give these dogs a better life I say go for it, just know that it does take work. Stories about dogs being treat this way is why I have come to hate people.

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Yes, I completely understand that it will take dedication and trust. I'm just trying to make sure I can be the best for her.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

If you do, remember these are working breeds and not little fluff lap dogs.

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

Very True, my pups have 1/3 of an acre to roam and they are high energy dogs.

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Oh... I know. I'm not a lap dog girl and I do not want one lol. I've had a Doberman and a German Shepard. I know that these dogs are high energy. I'm high energy too and enjoy being outdoors, so that's not a problem lol

http://i1338.photobucket.com/albums/...psc8ba4974.jpg

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here she is... The grey tiger stripe. The other dog is Atlanta. The floor looks horrible, but that's where she spends most of her day.

I have a Staffordshire mix. She's a great dog, and was at least neglected if not abused before I got her. She's very shy Around people she doesn't know, but I'd very loving and dedicated to the people she does know. Very high energy and definitely needs a job. If you can provide a "job" and proper training, there's no reason not to take that dog and give her a better life. When you do the math, the reputation is really undeserved. Less than 1% of all living bully type dogs are responsible for injuries to people.

APBT's are IMO the single greatest breed of dogs on the planet. They have an incredible ability to forgive and even the most horrible abused ones in my experience, with the proper owner make amazing pets. The breed is loyal, powerful, incredibly intelligent and amazingly stubborn. All these things are there greatest strengths and weaknesses. The breed was bred for blood sports for hundreds of years though and a responsible owner must be aware of this and never put them in a situation that sets them up to fail. This means they must never be left unsupervised with other dogs. Even the most gentle of them will fight at the drop of a hat and you must be aware of this and prepared to intervene.

If I was you, after I finnished beating your coward of a cousin within an inch of his life so he could see what it like to be abused and not able to do anything about it. I'd take that pit home in a heart beat. Then I'd ensure that unless he wanted to be up on animal abuse charges he'd find a good home for the other one.

I've had two before. Great dogs and very loyal. Just if you're looking to get one do your research and get one that's registered and has papers. Ask about the blood line.

The issues people run into sometimes are getting ones that have been inbred or that have been raised to fight(fed stuff that makes them go wild, I'll leave it at this.). I'm not saying they still won't be great pets but I'd put a lot more caution into them if this were the case.

Let me be clear... This is not my cousin. It's my boyfriend's cousin, so I can't take the same measure I would with my own family. Also, I'm sure they have no papers for these pit bulls. I doubt that these dogs have ever been to the vet. Maybe with their previous owner, but I doubt it. I'm not even sure if they are full bred. I just have to decide if I want to take in the one I have formed a relationship with.

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Originally Posted by MicheC

Let me be clear... This is not my cousin. It's my boyfriend's cousin, so I can't take the same measure I would with my own family. Also, I'm sure they have no papers for these pit bulls. I doubt that these dogs have ever been to the vet. Maybe with their previous owner, but I doubt it. I'm not even sure if they are full bred. I just have to decide if I want to take in the one I have formed a relationship with.

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EDIT:
I'm not going to get into this subject as I'm not there, sorry.

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Originally Posted by Neal

EDIT:
I'm not going to get into this subject as I'm not there, sorry.

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I understand it's quite touchy. I've been stressed out because of it.

Papers don't make the dog, neither does a double or triple up.
I have been owned by and had many bullys pass through my house, my last two both hit special places in my heart. Marley the most.
Marley is the fawn and Meat-Loaf is the blue and white.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...f/P1020158.jpg

Can you pick the dog I paid $200 for? The other I paid $5000 for. Papers and genetics make the price.

Make the dog yours and they will take your heart every time.

Do what you think is right. They are, by and large, great dogs. My daughter got one when she was 15 and I've got one now that's just about a year old. If what you say is as it is, then she would be lucky to have you and you would be fortunate to have her.

Jason_ladouceur, how old were your dogs when you rescued them? After a while did they seem good with other people? How much do you think I will end up spending per year for 1 pit bull?

Pits are awesome and the only dog ive ever owned and by the pics they look full blood and i would guess that they arr blue nose pits. All of my pits i used to get for between $100-$200 and they where the most loving loyal dogs i ever owned. Pisses me off that they get a bad rep from idiot people but you cant blame the dogs. Rite now i cant have a dog but you can bet that as soon as i can it will be another pit. Thats horrible how they where being treated theres a fine line between training and abuse and that line was crossed miles ago from what you wrote

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Papers don't make the dog, neither does a double or triple up.
I have been owned by and had many bullys pass through my house, my last two both hit special places in my heart. Marley the most.
Marley is the fawn and Meat-Loaf is the blue and white.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...f/P1020158.jpg

Can you pick the dog I paid $200 for? The other I paid $5000 for. Papers and genetics make the price.

Make the dog yours and they will take your heart every time.

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Hmm im going to guess the one on the left has papers the one on the right is the $200 either way they are beautiful dogs just guessing for fun

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Originally Posted by MicheC

Jason_ladouceur, how old were your dogs when you rescued them? After a while did they seem good with other people? How much do you think I will end up spending per year for 1 pit bull?

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My last pitty was not a rescue. She was from a fantastic pedigree and cost me a small fortune to purchase. I had her from 9 weeks to almost 16 years. But I had a friend years ago that used to run the APBT rescue society in Toronto ontario. She had hundreds of rescues over the years and I can only ever remember 1 animal that she felt could not be rehabilitated and had to be put down. As far as cost per year goes I don't know how to answer that question. It's like any other dog. Food, vet bills ect..

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Originally Posted by bigt0006

Hmm im going to guess the one on the left has papers the one on the right is the $200 either way they are beautiful dogs just guessing for fun

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:rofl::rofl: Meat-Loaf is my wifes $200 baby. The one on the left.

My Marley girl had a pedigree that most breeders would kill for. Notorious Thug sire, Taboo dam, Blue Winkle, Code Blue, Slick, Tilley Lace, Monster Baby, Razors Americas Most Wanted, Juan Gotti, and the list goes on. Her 7 gen is almost all purple ribbon dogs and yes some of them are doubled up. Man I miss that girl.


All that being rambled................... again MicheC you do what is right fit that dog. They are hard to judge because some of them will attach to one person. They might tolerate others being around but it can vary. I had a male that was mine but my wife belonged to him and he would let everyone know it. I never had to worry about her when he was around.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

:rofl::rofl: Meat-Loaf is my wifes $200 baby. The one on the left.

My Marley girl had a pedigree that most breeders would kill for. Notorious Thug sire, Taboo dam, Blue Winkle, Code Blue, Slick, Tilley Lace, Monster Baby, Razors Americas Most Wanted, Juan Gotti, and the list goes on. Her 7 gen is almost all purple ribbon dogs and yes some of them are doubled up. Man I miss that girl.


All that being rambled................... again MicheC you do what is right fit that dog. They are hard to judge because some of them will attach to one person. They might tolerate others being around but it can vary. I had a male that was mine but my wife belonged to him and he would let everyone know it. I never had to worry about her when he was around.

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Anyways, those are two beautiful dogs bro. I'll babysit the on on the right anytime.

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Originally Posted by Neal

Anyways, those are two beautiful dogs bro. I'll babysit the on on the right anytime.

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Wish I could let you bro..............................
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...k/P1020432.jpg

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Papers don't make the dog, neither does a double or triple up.
I have been owned by and had many bullys pass through my house, my last two both hit special places in my heart. Marley the most.
Marley is the fawn and Meat-Loaf is the blue and white.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...f/P1020158.jpg

Can you pick the dog I paid $200 for? The other I paid $5000 for. Papers and genetics make the price.

Make the dog yours and they will take your heart every time.

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OMG they are gorgeous!!

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Wish I could let you bro..............................
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...k/P1020432.jpg

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Wow... It's clear she's had a strong impact in your life... lol These posts are definitely making me want to take her in even more. I get so tired of hearing the negative.

Ask Pookie. She's the APBT expert here on the forum.

The black dog looks like an American Bully and not an APBT. The brindle definitely resembles an APBT.

Either way. If you are able, I would definitely take the dog in. Especially if she isn't being treated well. Most people in this situation aren't willing to give up their dogs, but this guy is. I would take advantage of that. And if you can't take her in, is there a nice home you can rehome her at the very least?



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Originally Posted by satomi325

Ask Pookie. She's the APBT expert here on the forum.

The black dog looks like an American Bully and not an APBT. The brindle definitely resembles an APBT.

Either way. If you are able, I would definitely take the dog in. Especially if she isn't being treated well. Most people in this situation aren't willing to give up their dogs, but this guy is. I would take advantage of that. And if you can't take her in, is there a nice home you can rehome her at the very least?



Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

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I agree she does look like and American Bully. I asked about that, but they said it was just an APBT. They probably don't know what they are talking about, especially since they do not know how to properly care for animals. IDK... I'm no expert lol... Fortunately, my constant criticisms are what made him offer her to me. I do not know anyone who would care for a pit bull coming from that situation. And I think he is only willing to give her to me because he knows me. I do not believe he will allow me to find a home for her, but I will try my best to ensure she is removed. Then I'll work on the other dog.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Wish I could let you bro..............................
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...k/P1020432.jpg

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This^^^^ breaks my heart.
Anyone that has ever been owned by a pitbull understands this completely. They will fill your heart with unmeasurable love and joy. And when they leave they take a huge piece of your heart with them.

FYI on the impact this breed can make....................... Some of her ashes were mixed in with the black ink and that is her actual paw print. :gj::gj:
This girl will ride with me forever.

anyways i got to the part of ur post where it said someone u know beats his pittys with a broom stick and them stay under a bed .. please tell this person lives in NY so i can go pay them a visit


other then that to own a pitty u must have a ton of energy they are very palyfull dogs and need to run a lot .. they are very hard headed .. as puppys they will eat everything .. i wish i could make roscoe get a job cause lord knows he owes me about 1500 in stuff he ate maybe even more ..

all that said and done i myself would never own another breed of dog .. i have had plenty of different breeds gowing up .. pits not one of them cause my parents believed the hype .. now a days my parents love pits and would own some if they were able to give it the attention it needed ..

if u decide to get a pitty please make sure u adopt .. there are way to many of them out there that need forever homes

Pit bulls are just dogs, if she seems like a friendly stable dog go for it. Bully breeds tend to have dog aggression and that is genetic, nothing to with raising or socialization or abuse or any of that crap, it's just what they were bred for and that terrier attitude in general. Animal aggression is common as well. So if you are looking for a dog to bring to the doggy park or over to friends houses with other animals you should be aware this isn't a good breed for that. Some are dog/small animal friendly but it's not typical of the breed. That said they should love people, can be clingy, they do like a workout but not like a border collie or malinois, they have a very nice off switch and will lay around all day if you want to or go all day if you want to. Given that she is blue I would watch out for allergies and ortho issues, bad knees especially. Very common thanks to poor breeding, my blue mutt's already wrecked one of hers and that's about 3k to fix.

My dogs are not purebred APBT, they are rescues/rehomes, no paper mutts, the blue girl Jersey we got off craigslist at 2 and she's now 9, the brindle/white Ripley is probably an Amer Bulldog mix and is a foster failure, she was 1.5 and already been through 3 homes at least when she got dumped at our shelter. She's 4 now. The tan male we got out of a shelter in WI, he was about 1 and is 7 now.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...alldogs009.jpg
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