I have 3 dogs, 2 rescued pits (1 male 1 female ) and a boxer (female). In my house all get along beautifully, they are fed a few feet apart, toys are in almost any room, they all sleep in the room with us (the two girls together in 1 bed usually) We have never had anything more than a warning snap to back off "the puppy" when he was being annoying (he likes to grab my female pits leg and pull so that she will chase him). I couldn't tell you who is the "dominate" dog, they are all about even, they all look to me and my wife for what to do.
We practice NILF (Nothing In Life Is Free) They have to go to their spot and sit to eat, they must sit before going out (or whatever behavior you want) and the same with treats (give paw, high 5, lay down) this is a good and easy way to bond and earn trust. My male will do every trick in the book for an Ice cube.
But outside on a walk is a whole different story, my 2 pits are more reactive, they will focus on specific dogs (not all, we have a Rotti in the neighborhood that goes ballistic as we go by and neither of mine could care less, and sometimes they will want to eat the little poodle that barks non stop
) I just know that it is my responsibility to keep everyone safe, and not put them in a bad situation if I can avoid it. My biggest problem with my DA (dog agressive) dog is other dogs off leash, I can control her, but all bets are off if I can't keep them seperated. I have on several occasions picked her up to avoid a fight (not everyone can do this and it does put me in the line of fire to get bit) but for me this is the trade off to owning a powerfull breed who loves my family unconditionaly with loyalty that can't be matched.
The fist few months are HUGE in the socialization and development of a dog, and this poor dog has most likely learned that this is the desired behavior.
Out of curiosity, why did he give the dog up? To me he created a problem, then pawned it off on you. You can most likely fix this behavior, it will take work and patience and a good trainer (one who uses positive reinforcement, not like military training or Ceasar "I'm gonna teach you how to get bit" Milan). You will need to show the dog that strangers = treats/ praise / toys and that you can be trusted to be in charge. In the mean time, if you see another dog aproaching and yours starts to focus, turn around and walk away, your dog will have to follow you.
Good luck and stay positive, this can be fixed or at least dealt with. (I'm sorry I went off on a rant, besides chickens this is my other world)
We practice NILF (Nothing In Life Is Free) They have to go to their spot and sit to eat, they must sit before going out (or whatever behavior you want) and the same with treats (give paw, high 5, lay down) this is a good and easy way to bond and earn trust. My male will do every trick in the book for an Ice cube.
But outside on a walk is a whole different story, my 2 pits are more reactive, they will focus on specific dogs (not all, we have a Rotti in the neighborhood that goes ballistic as we go by and neither of mine could care less, and sometimes they will want to eat the little poodle that barks non stop
The fist few months are HUGE in the socialization and development of a dog, and this poor dog has most likely learned that this is the desired behavior.
Out of curiosity, why did he give the dog up? To me he created a problem, then pawned it off on you. You can most likely fix this behavior, it will take work and patience and a good trainer (one who uses positive reinforcement, not like military training or Ceasar "I'm gonna teach you how to get bit" Milan). You will need to show the dog that strangers = treats/ praise / toys and that you can be trusted to be in charge. In the mean time, if you see another dog aproaching and yours starts to focus, turn around and walk away, your dog will have to follow you.
Good luck and stay positive, this can be fixed or at least dealt with. (I'm sorry I went off on a rant, besides chickens this is my other world)
