Would you feel comfortable letting your dog around a pit bull?

[kiya]

Originally Posted by misterW

So, if they merely tolerated each other, that would be great.

If they liked each other, that would be great -- one more dog for her to play with.

I think if you just started off slowly introducing them by walks and such there should be no reason why everyone couldn't hang out together. Letting dogs play ruff can lead to problems with any dog. As long as all the dogs have manors and are social theres no reason to just turn them loose together. You should know right away if they can hang out together.

[chelle]

Originally Posted by Frankly I'm Frank

My dog enjoys playing with other dogs and does so on a regular basis. That does not change the fact that, for him, the sun rises and sets on my say so. I am everything to him but that doesn't keep him from having a good time with his dog friends. I can call him away at any time and he happily comes with me.

That is too logical, Frank. That doesn't work on a topic such as this. I am totally dumbfounded as to why it bothers so many people that some people let their dogs play *GASP!* with -- oh no -- OTHER DOGS. Or, that, *GASP!* the dog likes it and the dog still -- wait for it -- totally adores and loves his owner!

The rudeness and outright snarky judgementalism on this one issue absolutely astounds me. And disgusts me in all honesty.

[martemchik]

What I got from the OP is that his only worry is that the other dog is a pitbull. He has some preconceived notions of what a pitbull is and be they right or wrong he is worried that the pitbull would hurt his dog if they were to meet and not like each other. The only thing I have to say to the OP is that there is the same worry with meeting a pitbull as there is anyother dog. Your GSD actually has a stronger bite than the pitbull, and can do just as much if not more damage than that dog can. If you can get over your prejudices of pitbulls, and calmly introduce them, you should be fine. The only thing I have seen is that your dog has had some issues meeting dogs initially, and she would be the catalyst of any problems not the pitbull.

If you are nervous when they are introduced, she will pick up on your energy and get the way she did with the mastiff. She will get nervous and react. If you stay calm, and not worry then you shouldn't have an issue. Take the advice of other people with the walks/introduction to make it easier, but really focus on not being nervous yourself.

[KentuckyGSDLover]

Simple answer to question of post title: NO

[DJEtzel]

Originally Posted by misterW

For example, the pit in question (as far as I know) has never had problems with other dogs and is quite friendly to people. But I do know that when he gets excited he has locked his jaws around things (like a hanging rope) and apparently refused to let go for considerable periods of time, despite (second hand report) his gums actually bleeding from the exertion

Pit Bulls do not lock their jaws. Complete myth. They do have an extremely large pain tolerance, and do have a lot of drive being a large terrier. My soon to be roommate and best friend has an almost year old pit bull who you can pick up by a rope and fling around(and she loves it). Doesn't have ANYTHING to do with her play style or aggression- she has none. My dogs push her and push her in play and behavior (which I only let them do TO test her since she will be living here) and she is solid. She is soft to handler correction, but she will not have a problem with our dogs here.

Anyway. Just wanted to make sure you realized that.

Also, on the topic of how well our GSDs play with terriers, I figured I'd add in my dog's style as well. I have let him play with one male Shepherd before, and it didn't go so hot as he aged, he doesn't do as well with most herding breeds and we tend to avoid them- male or female, old or young. However, he LOVES playing with pit bulls. I have brought some home from my ex kennel job for him to play with, and we've met some at the dog park where I work, and my friend has one. He probably plays the greatest with pit bulls than any other breed, because they play rough typically and he loves it and they can wrassle.

[misterW]

Originally Posted by martemchik

What I got from the OP is that his only worry is that the other dog is a pitbull. He has some preconceived notions of what a pitbull is and be they right or wrong he is worried that the pitbull would hurt his dog if they were to meet and not like each other. The only thing I have to say to the OP is that there is the same worry with meeting a pitbull as there is anyother dog. Your GSD actually has a stronger bite than the pitbull, and can do just as much if not more damage than that dog can.

I have heard people voice that opinion before, and it simply makes no sense to me. Look at the musculature on the head of a pitbull. Compare that to other dogs. It's like saying bodybuilders don't bench press any more weight than the average person. If there is something wrong with that analogy, I'm open to being convinced, but I haven't heard anyone explain it yet.

Plus, I have the empirical evidence of seeing a pitbull do things to a sapling that I didn't even think were possible. I've never seen my dog or any other dog do anything like that.

The only thing I have seen is that your dog has had some issues meeting dogs initially, and she would be the catalyst of any problems not the pitbull.

Right, that is my concern. She puts on a little show of aggression, and then he finishes the job.

If you are nervous when they are introduced, she will pick up on your energy and get the way she did with the mastiff. She will get nervous and react. If you stay calm, and not worry then you shouldn't have an issue. Take the advice of other people with the walks/introduction to make it easier, but really focus on not being nervous yourself.

I agree with the walking intro. I don't think nervousness played a role w/ the mastiff though. I think it was more the way he approached quickly and unexpectedly with none of the circling, sniffing signals that dogs often use.

[Razzle J.Dazzle]

Maris (4theDawgies) has a pitbull that I was 100% comfortable having Razzle around. I'm sure she'll find this thread and give her own opinion, but I believe it's more a "Do you trust the owner of the pitbull?" question.

[misterW]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

Pit Bulls do not lock their jaws. Complete myth. They do have an extremely large pain tolerance, and do have a lot of drive being a large terrier.

Well, what do you mean by "lock" their jaws? I had no thoughts on this subject until recently when the owner of the pit bull in question described how his dog leapt for a rope swing, clenched it in his jaws, and would not let go. And they couldn't get the dog to let go. His gums bled, they threw water in his face (they were by a river), the dog held on for over an hour. He held on until the owner choked the dog until he let go (please note: I am not advocating his approach to getting his dog to release). Maybe the guy was exaggerating, but that was the owner who told me this.

Now, that behavior may have nothing to do with the dog's aggression, but that story certainly made me rethink things.

[chelle]

MisterW, I think someone said it earlier -- can YOU be comfortable with it? If not, I wouldn't even try. If you can be comfortable by them both being leashed up, so you have more control, try that. Do you really trust the owner of the pittie, that it was well raised, socialized, doesn't have dog aggression history, etc and so on. Has the pittie owner had him awhile -- ie, the dog isn't a new dog to the owner, so history isn't truly known? I guess I'd take in all those things. The owner should be the best source of info as to what they think the pit's reaction (or lack of) might be if your girl is a snot upon meeting.

You won't get a pit owner to say their breed is any more dangerous than any other breed. Just won't happen.

[4TheDawgies]

Originally Posted by Mrs.K

Yes... I think it's the "surrogate" child effect. Just like Kids have to have play dates, people think doggies have to have them too.

EXACTLY

Originally Posted by GSDBESTK9

This is the mentality us, Schutzhund People have, but most pet owners think their dogs HAVE to have doggie friends and playdates. Then they complaint/ask why their dogs are more interested in playing and interacting with other dogs than with them.

The only dogs our dogs play with and on a very limited basis is our other dogs. We may allow a very young puppy to interact with another young puppy (of the same age) but not for very long.

We as handlers/trainers/owners should be the center of their attention and they should want to be with us more than with another dog. Having doggie friends and playdates is not going to accomplish that. But like I said, pet people feel different, their relationship are some what different.

I feel the same way