I can't stand his dogs! One of them almost bit me and he's defending the dog.

[anika99]

I mean I'm not crazy right? This does sound like a problem !? I don't want the dog near my child. But how do i get him to see that ok he didn't bite us this time, but with how he's been acting it might happen. That it is possible. I also believed that it's not the dog but the owners fault or that the owner is bad. But im on the other side now. I started seeing a lot of more aggression in this dog. And my bf takes them out for long walks and works out with them. Maybe he's being jelous of the baby or something? Anyways he doesn't believe that the dogs will harm his child because when he's home, the dogs act like angels.

 

okay so he's in denial. There are many videos on youtube of pitbulls attacking people and small children. They are gruesome to watch but maybe he should have a look at a few. Many of those dog owners were downright shocked when their dog attacked and would have swore up and down that their dog would never do such a thing. It happens in the blink of an eye and sometimes it can't be stopped. I love my dog with all my heart, he is my life, but if he ever bites one of my grandchildren or any child for that matter he is gone.

[NuevoYorko]

The OP isn't in that place, she doesn't have the skill to do that.

This dog is not an "out of control" aggressive dog, it is perfectly well behaved under the guidance of her bf.

I am sorry for being argumentative, but I do hope you will look at the link I posted with the dog attack fatalities earlier in this thread. There is background information on all the events. Rarely have the culprit dogs been "out of control aggressive" before the fatal incident.

 

These just deal with the fatalities. There are thousands of similar stories where the victims survived.

 

A pit bull barking / growling AT a person and charging them is extremely serious behavior. The person on the receiving end of that, especially when not the dog's owner, does NOT need practice being more "alpha" with that dog (the idea of which, by the way, is refuted by behaviorists). The dog needs to not be in that environment interacting with these people.

[LexiCat29]

It really doesn't matter whether it's her fault or the dogs fault or nobody's fault (because dogs are animals and sometimes they just follow their instincts). The point is that the OP and her son are both currently living with aggressive and potentially dangerous animals and they need to be out of that situation immediately.

 

OP I'm glad you took action. Have you told your boyfriend that you're moving out yet?

 

By the way, I also think it's incredibly cruel and unfair to keep 3 pitbulls in a small apartment. He shouldn't have gotten the dogs in the first place until he had a house.

[Aesc]

Well, it seems as though you have a dilemma on your hands. Dogs are dirty animals and Pit Bulls are sometimes dangerous. I think you are going to have to make a difficult decision. I say stand your ground. I would document everything and then inform him that if the dogs harm you or your child then he is in big trouble, very big trouble!

Edited December 16, 2016 by Aesc

[anika99]

saw this video a long time ago and thought it was cute but I was also impressed by the way the dogs obeyed and respected the little girl. It was smart of her parents to foster that attitude in the dogs.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

This dog is not an "out of control" aggressive dog, it is perfectly well behaved under the guidance of her bf.

 

They almost always are, just means someone other than the owner gets attacked. It sounds as though the OP's BF goes off to work each day, leaving her and their son home with the dogs.

 

Glad the OP's being proactive...

 

Mr. Lucky

[hotgurl]

If it was up to me you guys better believe I'd get them fixed and neutered. He's not breeding the dogs but he's not neutering them either.

 

why? That is so irresponsible.

[aileD]

Just wanted to add an experience we had last night. I babysit my niece and my sisters dog. This is the sweetest dog and we have never had a problem with him. He's five and fixed.

 

We had friends come into the house which has never been a problem in the past. Yesterday, the dog just didn't like this man for some reason. He barked and growled at him. He literally sat on my niece trying to protect her from this man (who was doing nothing but standing in the doorway). We tried to show we liked our guest had him give he dog a treat but for some reason, he just didn't like our guest.

 

This dog has never been aggressive or shown any behavior like that before. He's not a bad dog and he was raised right.

 

But dogs are dogs. We can't read their minds. Maybe our dog just didn't like the beard or maybe he smelled like cat or whatever who knows. The point is that dogs CAN become aggressive for unknown reasons just out of the blue.

 

Your boyfriends dog has already shown aggression to you and your son. This and this alone (not breed, not past, not neuter, not that he's ok with owner) is a fact and a warning you cannot ignore it. What happens if your son tries to grab some food from him when your back is turned?

 

I hope that your mom does send you the money. This isn't a joke. Trust your maternal instinct.

 

I'm a dog lover, I believe in good owners, I don't believe in breed discrimination and I don't think pitbulls are bad dogs. But dogs are dogs. The fact is this dog showed aggression and it's not ok.

[Noirek]

There is a lot of irresponsibility in this situation.

 

1. Three medium/large dogs in a 2 bedroom apartment and not fixed is an unhealthy enviroment for the dogs. I actually feel sorry for them.

2.unfixed dogs should not be happening. You can't afford to fix an animal than you shouldn't be owning it.

3. Just because they obey him doesn't mean they are well trained. I would say they have been poorly socialized which is a part of training. It is very important.

4. Having a small child around dogs that have no patience with children is a recipe for disaster.

 

Is the child yours only?

[SaveYourHeart]

I'm sure my opinion will be unpopular, but saying "GET RID OF THE DOG RIGHT NOW" reminds me a lot of Lady & the Tramp and that gives me really bad vibes. Dogs are not toys you play with until you get tired of them, dogs (and all domestic animals) are a 12-18 year commitment. They are family.

 

In my opinion, I would definitely spay/neuter the dogs because it's extremely unnecessary to breed pitbulls and irresponsible to leave them intact. Females are often much more likely to have health issues if not spayed. Also, with the male dogs, it will probably help with the aggression issues you're experiencing. The dog's attitude problem is probably a result of the female being in heat and we all know how sexually frustrated boys (of all species) can be. Tell your man to fix the dogs and then see what happens. If the aggression issues remain, ask for the dogs to get trained by a professional, if that doesn't work then make a decision to either move out or give the dogs a death sentence by sending them to animal control.

 

A side issue is that children and dogs are not always a good combination, because children can't see social cues from the dogs, and while it isn't the child's fault they don't know, it's also not the fault of the dog. Remember, we all get angry and frustrated sometimes. Do you ever lash out at your man? your friends? your family? Do we expect dogs to be wagging their tails and docile 24/7 / 365?

[O'Malley]

In this situation, the only safe course is moving out. It's not a matter of if one of the dogs will behave aggressively again, it's when.

 

It's the best choice for everyone's welfare, including the dogs that haven't displayed aggression, that the aggressive dog be euthanized but I doubt the owner, given his denial of the situation, will agree to that. The dog that went at the OP and her child has the potential to attack guests to the apt., neighbors or even bystanders in public, including children. I've owned dogs since childhood, love mine like family but part of being a caretaker is recognizing when a pet's behavior poses an unacceptable risk to both humans and other animals and doing the right thing.

[MJJean]

I'm a dog person. Pit Bulls are my breed of choice.

 

Pro-Tips

 

1) Spay and neuter at maturity. I believe dogs need their growth hormones and do not spay or neuter until the dog has reached physical maturity, but then it's snip snip. For most dog breeds, maturity is reached between 1 and 2 years. If the dogs are older than that, they should have been neutered already.

 

That said, I would and have neutered early when there is an intact female around. (Thanks, azzhole next door, for never spaying your female mutt)

 

2) Pit Bulls are SMART. If they do not get mental exercise, they will turn to creative thinking to amuse themselves. This often means mischief. The most effective way I have ever seen to mentally stimulate a smart dog is training.

 

I have a jar of cheap treats I chopped up into portions the size of my pinky nail. Sit, down, stay, sit pretty, roll over, crawl, paw, other paw, speak, quiet, take it/leave it.... all easy tricks to teach. Dog does trick, dog gets treat. Between the mental energy required to follow commands and figure out what you want, they get a surprisingly good mental workout in just 5-10 minutes a few random times a day.

 

Training also establishes you as someone who is to be respected and obeyed.

 

Check out Zach George on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/user/zakgeorge21

 

3) Pit Bulls are a high energy breed. They NEED to be worked physically as well as mentally.

 

4) My dogs get jack and ***** unless they do something for me. No such thing as a free lunch.

You want dinner? Sit, wait, ok..go.

 

You want petting? Sit, give paw, ok give other paw, good dog *petting commences*

 

You want on the furniture? Ask and wait for permission to hop up.

 

You want outside? Sit for leash, wait for door to open without breaking the sit, ok...go.

 

Do the dogs have crates? I love my crates.

 

When I need to clean, the dogs can nap in their crates while I sweep and mop so I don't have to worry about them messing up my work. I also crate them while the furniture covers wash and dry.

 

If one of the dogs is sick or injured, the dog can be crated to keep quiet and still while healing.

 

I also feed my dogs in their crates to prevent any possible food aggression or resource guarding. They get their chewies and peanut butter Kong in their crates for the same reason.

 

And, when I have people over, I will crate and rotate them so everyone gets people time, but the people aren't getting overwhelmed by dogs.

 

Crates and crate training are your friends!

 

I'd keep the dog that showed aggression crated or in a room behind a closed door until it is determined if he was aggressive due to the female in heat or if he has some behavioral issues. I'm betting its the female and him needing to recognize you as owner and handler. If he gets his neuter and shows any further aggression, I'd demand he be humanely euthanized. There are too many good Pits looking for homes to keep one that is aggressive toward humans alive.

[sandylee1]

but i got no family members or friends near me or in this country... nor do I have enough money to go to a hotel or something

 

Why have you got yourself financially dependant on a man you aren't even married to?. A man with no legal obligation to support you.

 

I'm not sure if your child is his child, but I'd expect the child to be a priority.

 

Move to where your family are quickly.

[Slimlady]

☝um it's VERY complicated. I wish i wasn't dependent on him or anyone else.

[T-16bullseyeWompRat]

I would just kick the **** out of the dumb thing. Cesar Melan thought me to be the leader of the pack. I rule these beasts through fear of an ass whooping.

 

Only half joking there, but I admit I don't really like dogs all that much. Overrated creatures if you ask me.

 

But anyone who places some beast above a human is a low life in my book. Best to walk away from this loony. Bet he's the type to take his dumb animals with him everywhere too. Like to the mall and crap. Bunch of weirdos, the lot of them. I don't understand those who pretend they have kids but it's just their damn dog they are talking a out. Bet he's one of those loony toons. They are best left to mate with other loony toon dog above people characters that are out there. The same type of weirdos that make fun of the "crazy cat lady" for owning a dozen or more cats but want to take their stupid mut everywhere with them as if they can't possibly survive without some mangy animal at their side.

 

To be clear there is a difference between a dog lover and these people I'm talking about. If he is one of THOSE people, just run away. Those are the equivalent of "crazy cat lady" but there is no stigma on them for some strange reason. Well there should be. Some loser that takes his dog to a grocery store or literally with them everywhere every day... These people can't be trusted. And they absolutely should be made fun of for being so insufferable about their stupid dogs.

[LexiCat29]

☝um it's VERY complicated. I wish i wasn't dependent on him or anyone else.

 

What makes it complicated? Nobody can give you sound advice without knowing the full story.

[Whodatdog]

Ive seen what a pit bull can do to a 4 year old child, one that was raised as a puppy with this family, a GOOD family, that took good care of this dog. The child was lucky to live, but has had surgery after surgery and he will never look the same. I love dogs, but I consider owning pit bulls no different than owning an alligator. It probably wont hurt you, but when it does, it will be bad.

 

Your child is in grave danger. There is nothing complicated about your job to keep your baby safe. He comes first. Always.

[stillafool]

☝um it's VERY complicated. I wish i wasn't dependent on him or anyone else.

 

Then don't be. Find a way out of your situation.

[Got it]

I have a 14 month old and two dogs. If either one was aggressive AT ALL towards anyone most especially my child we would be taking swift action. This is unacceptable behavior.

 

You seem to have little control over the variables at play outside of leaving. I understand you have limited resources but this needs to be your number one priority. You need to separate you child from this ticking time bomb or you are just as responsible if something happens.

 

I love my pitt cross, and think it is a misunderstood type and a lot of false information about them. What I do not tolerate is intact dogs. Having taken care of breeding corgis, I have seen the amplified energies tied to having them intact. This is a no go.

 

Leave.

[chix]

Thanks for bumping this thread Got It.

 

I am wondering what happened next. Hopefully the poster will come back and update us.

[BettyDraper]

I would just kick the **** out of the dumb thing. Cesar Melan thought me to be the leader of the pack. I rule these beasts through fear of an ass whooping.

 

Only half joking there, but I admit I don't really like dogs all that much. Overrated creatures if you ask me.

 

But anyone who places some beast above a human is a low life in my book. Best to walk away from this loony. Bet he's the type to take his dumb animals with him everywhere too. Like to the mall and crap. Bunch of weirdos, the lot of them. I don't understand those who pretend they have kids but it's just their damn dog they are talking a out. Bet he's one of those loony toons. They are best left to mate with other loony toon dog above people characters that are out there. The same type of weirdos that make fun of the "crazy cat lady" for owning a dozen or more cats but want to take their stupid mut everywhere with them as if they can't possibly survive without some mangy animal at their side.

 

To be clear there is a difference between a dog lover and these people I'm talking about. If he is one of THOSE people, just run away. Those are the equivalent of "crazy cat lady" but there is no stigma on them for some strange reason. Well there should be. Some loser that takes his dog to a grocery store or literally with them everywhere every day... These people can't be trusted. And they absolutely should be made fun of for being so insufferable about their stupid dogs.

 

This. When we had cats, many people would refer to me as my cats' "mom".

Um....no. Humans cannot give birth to felines so I could never be a mother to a cat. I don't think that parenting is the same is raising an animal at all. I loved my cats but they were not my children. My human loved ones came first.

 

In North America, the neurosis of anthropomorphizing pets is encouraged because we just have way too much privilege. This is why we see owners buying outfits for dogs or luxury dog houses. It's sick.

 

Anyone who puts a dog ahead of his child doesn't deserve to be a parent.

[PhillyLibertyBelle]

Get these dogs spayed and neutered immediately and then hopefully you can all still coexist. If you sense danger to you child wither the dogs have to go or just move out immediately.

 

I have dogs who are well trained, well exercised and well socialised. Ny house is pristine and there isn't fur all over the place. I love them so much. All that being said, if they showed aggression or a guest was afraid of them, I would put the. Out of the room.

[anika99]

Thanks for bumping this thread Got It.

 

I am wondering what happened next. Hopefully the poster will come back and update us.

 

Probably nothing happened. The OP is dependent on her boyfriend and didn't seem to want to change that so I'm guessing she is probably still there and just keeping her fingers crossed that the dog doesn't attack her or her baby.