We used to have two pit puppies and yes they do get very protective of their famlies. I think as long as you reasure him when he startes getting on edge he should be fine. Just make sure if he does start to try to lunge at a person or animal, you let him know (very firmly) that you don't like that and that he shouldn't do it. You aren't going to make him stop being protective by training him, but you do have to let him konw what is acceptable and what isn't. Pits will do anything to please you, and they are wonderful dogs (I would get another on in a heartbeat if I could). They do ok with strangers if you are there and let them know it's ok. But like I said, you want him to know that he can't just chase stranges down the street, so if he ever does start lunging, or getting more aggressive than you like, make sure he knows it. He's not going to stop protecting you, but they can protect you and behave well at the same time

He sounds like a sweetheart, and I think Tank is the most perfect name ever! ^_^ But just to let you know, since he is still pretty young...ours loved to chew on everything, so just make sure he has chewy stuff he can shred. hehe