[ChannyT]

I'm new to this forum and I'm in desperate need of some honest advice. So my fiancé and myself felt it was time to get a new dog. We had taken in my very old childhood pet some months prior. She made 24 this year! Very fragile little lady. I've been having her since I was very young and she's dear to my heart. She's sleeps all day mostly, this is why my fiancé got bored and wanted a new pup. She's a peekaboo by the way. Small breed. We felt that a past puppyhood dog was ideal for us and our schedules. So
A local pit pull rescue had a doggy that we fell in love with with. I've raised a Pit in the past and I love the breed. We did a few meet and greets. All went great. We fostered him for a few weeks to really get a feel how he would be in our home. He started to get comfortable and his extremely playful spirit started to shine. Which was great, but it started to become really rough play, which wasn't good with my old pup. He doesn't have a sense of boundaries and attempts to "pounce" on her constantly. We correct him everytime and either end up having to kennel him or put her away in her room because I'm concerned about him accidental hurting her. Well He got neutered while we were fostering him. We seriously hoped we'd see a change in his behavior. He'd calm down. Something. Nothing. Honestly, it's been about 3-4 weeks since his surgery and I feel like he is even more crazy. Now another problem started to present itself. I have several nephews and nieces who visit often. They are all afraid of him because of his roughness. He will jump on them, causing them to fall. He's had one
Episode where he has nipped at one. Playfully, but the children just feel the pain. And they don't want to go near him now. It has resulted in him being kenneled when they visit, which I hate. I don't want him to live constantly in a box. Now let me explain what we have done to try and alleviate the problem. Since the start of all this, we assumed he was bored and was acting out. We began taking him for jogs. At minimum, a 45 min jog every other day. We bought him some doggy puzzles, to
Keep him occupied. I noticed no real change in his behavior. We have started one on one obedience training with him with trainer who specializes in rescue pit
Bulls. Now he is listening a tad bit more. But his rough playing and lack of boundaries has not gotten better. We have also enrolled him in a day care. That worked wonders for the first couple
Visits! He came back home so mellow and calm and slept! Now I feel it's having an adverse effect. He's getting worse with my older dog as far as jumping on her wanting to play and I feel like he's able to do it at day care and wants to continue at home. We have 2-3 10 minute training sessions with him a day. Plus he plays in our backyard and able to run free.

All of that to say this, he is not getting better. I am very concerned about the safety of my older dog and of the children that come to my home. We've been so diligent in working with him to give him the best chance at establishing good behaviors and he's just not getting better! It's going on 3 months that he's been in our home. There's a rift forming between my fiancé and I, because we argue about him. We can't entertain at our home. It's has become overwhelming mentally and physically for the both of us. I don't want to give him up. But I can't help but to feel that he is just not a good fit for us. I am very anxious about returning him because we have invested so much into his well being and he has gotten used to us. As we have to him. We talk about having kids in the near future and that really worries me. I just don't know what to do now. Help

 

[Natasha33]

Are you still fostering or have you adopted him? How long have you had him? It sounds like you're both doing your best with him, and if you want to continue to find a way to keep him, I'm sure there are resources that can help you. Have you talked with the rescue you got him from? They could have resources you can contact.

Otherwise, if you truly feel he is not fitting into your family, it's nothing to be ashamed of to admit. It is always best for both the people and the dog to be in a home that is a good fit. It's not fair to anyone (people and dog) to keep a dog that's not a good fit. If you trust the place you got him from, let them know your issues and if they can help find him a home where he can thrive. And ask them if they have a dog that fits your lifestyle better. As long as you have your elderly dog, it may be best to adopt an adult dog, not a puppy.

Good luck.

 

[jagger]

24 years old dog? Wow. That's fantastic. The reaction to your other dog could be a bit prey drive kicking in, that's something you have to be careful with. You really don't know the past with this dog, so you're working with unknowns.

Physical and mental exercise, every other day minimum isn't enough. Some of these dogs can be difficult to tire out, and maybe the dog just needs something to do. A good dog backpack with some reasonable amount of weight will generally burn off more energy than just a regular walk or jog. Let the dog carry your water bottle in the pack, let the dog feel purpose, stop once in a while and have a drink. If you have a bike and feel comfortable with a dog pulling you, you can use the brakes gently to give the dog resistance, let the dog run. If you do this, don't let the dog run to the point of exhaustion, alot of these dogs will run til they collapse. Then take it for a walk to allow the dog to cool off. Training a dog that's had excess energy burned off is easier, more apt to pay attention. On a good run, it doesn't take that long to burn off the energy. For pulling, a good harness is key, don't use a simple collar.

I agree with Natasha, there's no shame in giving up a dog due to it not fitting in.

 

[jagger]

The other question. What are you feeding the dog specifically? Some of these foods are so high in fat, sugar and carbs that they can contribute to the dogs energy levels.

 

[ChannyT]

Hey guys. Thanks for the replies. Carter (the Pitt) is 2 years old. About 70 pounds. So he's physically huge, but he's had no type of home training, so still the puppy mentality. He's on a grain free, hypo allergenic food currently. He's a blue pit so allergies started to kick in. We actually have him on antibiotics now for a skin infection. But if he needs more than 45 mins every other day, I'm afraid we can't give him that. I work as a night nurse. So a lot of times, we go for our runs in the morning when I get off. My Fiancé and I take turns with him. I agree, it probably isn't enough for him. We have spoke with the rescue. They have been the ones to recommend the trainer and day care. But I really feel that they want to keep him with us, solely that he will have a home. Regardless of the fact he may not be a right fit for us. They are quick to make suggestions, but never address the idea of us giving him back. He's a sweet sweet boy. And I feel horrible enough even thinking about giving him up. But no one is comfortable in our home anymore.

 

[ChannyT]

So I called the rescue today to express my feelings. She abruptly interrupted me and said she was coming get him. I feel absolutely horrible and cried. In my heart I know we have done all that we can do. But this person has made me feel the exact opposite. Instead of recognizing that we have worn ourselves thin, she told me that "it's obvious you don't want him". I do! I did so badly that I have devoted so much of my time and expenses to help him. I just hate how she made me feel horrible that we couldn't make it work. It jist verifies that their concern was finding him a home, not a home that is fit for him. Thanks you guys for all the advice.

 

[Chas]

I'm so sorry you were treated that way. That is rediculous, the dog's welfare should be the main concern.

 

[Natasha33]

I'm sorry they treated you that way and weren't willing to work with you to find a dog that would fit your family better. I can understand the frustration of having a dog returned, but the attitude was uncalled for.

If you are still interested in adopting a dog, it may be best to wait awhile and think of what kind of things about dogs that you know you and your family can handle, what you like, don't like, etc.. and slowly start looking around for a dog that matches that criteria. Don't let this bad experience keep you from looking at other rescues or shelters. Best of luck.

 

[agility collie mom]

Shame on the rescue representative for making you feel worse than you already did. He was not a fit for your family at this time. You made a wise decision regarding his welfare as well as your families. Your 24 year old dog needs to have peace in her golden years. You have a whole lifetime ahead of you for another companion. You will find the right fit. Hugs to you on making such a tough decision.