Question about Pit Bulls and Dogs in general?

My boyfriend's 3 month old american pit bull warmed up to me over the last 2 days. All i did was pet him and cuddle him. He even growled at my bf's friend when he came over yesterday. Is that his way of ';protecting'; us? He's only been with us for about 3 days. I have never really been around dogs, so i dont really know how to ';socialize'; with them. I have never fed him, so i just want to ask the dog lovers why they think the pit bull is bonding with me? Do dogs bond with people who DON';T feed them? Is he learning to ';protect'; us? Is this instinct? And also, how do you teach the pit not to growl? Should we take him to be trained? I dont want a dangerous dog. Thank you for your feedback.Question about Pit Bulls and Dogs in general?
Some dogs are just attracted to people. You were nice to him and he probably though ';hey, this is alright,';.





Now when it comes to socializing him, take him to puppy classes. Take him with you on outings to friends and family's houses. Get them to come over and give him treats and play with him at your house.





It may take a while before he's used to being around people he doesn't know and is comfortable, but it'll most likely work out.





Also, don't hit your dog ever. Especially dogs taught to handle pain like a bull dog breed. This won't work. Instead use verbal commands. Tell him no and remove him from a negative situation. Reward him with a treat or verbal praise when he does something proper.





Good luck with the new pup. Pits are great family dogs when raised right. You're in for a treat.Question about Pit Bulls and Dogs in general?
First off, I would very much discourage any type of any type of physical reprimand such as a pop on the nose. Try noise aversion first. Everytime the dog does something you don't like either yell really loudly or bang a couple pots together. That way the dog will associate bad behavior with loud scary noises. Just be sure you don't make eye contact during these noises so the dog doesn't associate those noises with you.





And yes, pups that young will bond with just about anyone who is kind and loving towards them. At this age I would highly suggest puppy classes for one but also introducing that dog to as many other dogs and animals as possible. Pits, like many other dogs, have a bit of a prey drive meaning that small, fuzzy and quick equals happy fun chasing time followed by happy fun snack time. To avoid this with animals like cats and birds have the dog meet them. Get him used to the thought that cats are not large rodents and are not snack material.





As for the growling, it's probably just fear. The dog is still really young and small yet. Try giving the dog a treat everytime they meet a stranger, while on a walk or at home, and the dog will soon think of meeting new people as a treat. Pits are NOT gaurd dogs, they were never meant to be and while some can be trained into the role, most are far to happy to meet new people to do a good job guarding. Try checking out a couple books on the breed to help better understand them.
My pitt bonded with my 2 yr niece and my niece does not feed her. The dog bonded with you because you where nice to it, you petted and cuddle him. I would sagest both you and your BF take the dog to be trained.
growling at that age is usually fear based, not protective instinct. He needs to be taken out to differnet people and situations to become stable, or he will develop issues and may become a fear biter. He should NEVER be growling at people you accept into your household. What did you do when he did that? He needed a reprimand.
well my dog (chow/shephard mix) always growls/barks when the doorbell rings or when someone she never met before comes through the door. i think it is because your dog is trying to ';protect you'; and it isnt anything out of the ordinary.
Sorry I am not going to answer this question like everybodyeles. I DO NOT agree with sephoramoon because she says pitbulls are traditionally agressive. WRONG it is all in the way you raise them so don't believe everything everybody says that they are mean love all pitbulls and rotty's even if they are mean.
One HUGE thing (and you can see about working with a trainer on this: and anyone who says that they will train your dog w/o you there is full of crap. owners need to be trained WITH the dog!) is establish a command word now. It is possible to train a dog to ';stand down'; on command, but continue to react (growl and bark) until the ';stand down'; command is given.





And yes, dogs will bond with one family member more strongly than any other and it isn't always the one that feeds them
Yes, training is ideal for these larger more traditionally aggressive breeds. Not to say this dog would harm anyone, but it's a great idea to teach the dog some boundaries and respect for it's masters.





Good Luck ;)
Popping him on the nose isn't a good thing. Unless you are interested in having him not trust you at all..





It's not his way of being protective.. You are not teaching him to be a protection dog.. You are teaching him to be POSSESSIVE.. Keep that up and see how long til he bites the bf... You will have a dangerous dog if you keep going.





Both you and the dog need training classes.. You should buy some books on dogs and learn more how to raise a strong dog.. But don't forget the classes you'll want that training and socialization.
Don't let him growl anymore, 3 months and growling in an APBT is not a good sign.





This is the perfect age for training -- consult with a certified trainer or take him through obedience classes. You owe it to the puppy, and the breed as a whole, to set a good example of responsible pet ownership.
i used to own a pit.. my advice would be to let everyone and anyone who is friendly to come over.. and let the dog get to know him/her. THat way the dog will b friendly with most people. the dogs like companionship more then food.. i know, my boyfriend played with out dog all the time.. I';M The one who fed her.. and she liked him more lol
OK im am an american pitbull owner myself, they do bond with people who dont feed them you cuddled with him thats a way of bonding.I feed my dog and he loves my husband,but he has never growled at neither one of us.I wouldnt pop him on the nose that is an aggressive behavior,he will try to bite your hand. Or anyone I never taken my pit to training school or anything,another way you both can bond, training can be fun. Pitbulls are very smart. Socialization is very important!!!!!! Every chance i get i take my puppy to the store to meet people,from old to young. Now I have alway had my puppy around dogs. I just do that slowly.Pitbulls are people pleasers. Now i have a question you said its your b/fs pitbull butwhen he came over he growled at him. I would give him a treat everytime someone comes over he thinks it as people come over as a treat. I really dont think hes being aggressive but i would stop the growling now while hes still young GOOD LUCK! Oh and for the people who think that pitbulls are born mean an aggressive dont know ,do your homework. Its in the way you raise them.. just like a baby..








Here is a site that helped me alot! www.pitbulllovers.com check it out.