Allow me to introduce.. 'Cali' the Amstaff

[Chadd77]

I feel like I'm missing something in your post fb. 60 seconds is a long time and it makes them happy? the fuk? :P

I read it as... If FB gives me 60 seconds she could make me very happy. :grin:

[Bouncer]

Some more observations about the breed, things I assumed I knew, and some safety tips.

I thought I knew and understood this dog because they are considered a "bully" breed and Iv'e owned a few bully type dogs. (French Mastiff, Boxer) I guess I always thought of a pit-bull as bully breed and never considered the terrier side of these dogs. Believe it or not, it's the terrier side of her that makes me see why these dogs can be potentially dangerous.

Terriers have laser focus and they are perfect machines at what they were designed to do. In most cases terriers are smaller dogs designed to go after small pray. Being smaller dogs they generally aren't considered to be very dangerous to other dogs or humans. But with the pitbull they have taken those determined and focused terrier traits and blended them into the powerful body of a bully breed.

It not her size or strength that I'm shocked by, it's the way in which she goes about things at such a young age. She's always on a mission no matter what she's doing and she's very serious about it, almost militaristic. It's pretty impressive how she carries herself but I also want a fun loving happy go lucky dog that enjoys herself.

I'm also hoping that she will never view my 12 year old boxer as any kind of threat or enemy. i knew going in that you don't generally want 2 females or 2 males of the same age because they have a very good chance of fighting. Hopefully the age and sex difference will keep the chance of a fight pretty low. My boxer is my #1 baby boy and I would protect him with my life if it ever came to that.

I'm probably getting way ahead of myself and worrying about stuff that will probably never happen because of the way I raise them together. BUT, if she ever did decide to attack my boxer I've been studying up and preparing so that I wont be caught surprised and not know what to do.

I've found 3 things that are supposed to be the very best ways to break up a dog fight according to the experts and volunteers that work with police dogs and pit-bull rescues.

#1 Back Leg Pull. You grab the dog above the knees and lift up into the air. This causes the dog to release and look backwards giving you time to pull the dog away. It apparently works in 90% of cases if done properly. Do not grab the dog by the feet or under the knee though, this could cause real injury.

#2 Break Stick. This is for use in pitbulls only. The reason being is that most dogs bite and release and repeat the cycle. If you use this on a normal dog you will get bit by accident. A pitbull doesnt bite and release, it just clamps down and has an almost unbreakable determination to not let go. You insert this stick into the mouth of the pitbull behind the molars where there is an empty gap. Once inserted you twist. This will make the pitbull release giving you a second to pull him off the other dog. Amazon.com : Pit Bull Break Stick : Pet Care Products : Sports & Outdoors

#3 Deterrent spray. You could use this to try and prevent the fight from happening in the first place or you can spray it into the nose and eyes during the fight. The Gel is best for indoor use so it wont go into the air and choke everyone in the house for hours. http://www.amazon.com/SABRE-RED-Pepp...s=pepper+spray

Any one of these methods will most likely break up a dog fight but if the fight is intense enough you may need to incorporate all 3.

I know this all sounds a bit scary to most people and it is to be honest. BUT, having a game plan ready in your mind can prevent serious injury.

I will love baby Cali and raise her as part of the family with everything I have. BUT, I will not forget what she is potentially capable of and I will be ready just in case.

[Bouncer]

Just to add to my post above. The reaction of most people during a dog fight to pull on collars, yell and scream, kick and hit the dog etc.. All worthless especially with a dog as determined as a pitbull. There are cases where people beat the dog with crowbars and it would not release until shot dead.

This can all be avoided with knowledge and a game plan.

[FitnessBrat]

I feel like I'm missing something in your post fb. 60 seconds is a long time and it makes them happy? the fuk? :P

I read it as... If FB gives me 60 seconds she could make me very happy. :grin:

Bahahaha, I guess when I took out a sentence I removed too much!!


I was trying to say :laugh: that the trainer would have us praise the dog for a solid 60 seconds. :laugh:

[Bouncer]

My little turkey.

[blm]

It's funny, any pit or staffy pure bred or mix breed I've known, lays like this.

[BEAST]

That dog is looking kind of skinny. She needs to hang out with uncle beast. :grin:

[AvidFisherman]

Pits just have a bad reputation because thugs get them and mistreat them making them violent. All the pits I have been around are the most lovable affectionate dogs, other than labs, that I've been around.

[Bouncer]

That dog is looking kind of skinny. She needs to hang out with uncle beast. :grin:

[BEAST]

Me and Cali hanging out. :grin:

[Bouncer]

Pits just have a bad reputation because thugs get them and mistreat them making them violent. All the pits I have been around are the most lovable affectionate dogs, other than labs, that I've been around.

Yea they generally are not human aggressive at all unless taught. Animal aggression is another story though. Even with proper training and socialization they can be on the aggressive side. This varies by the individual but its a smart idea to always watch your pit around other animals especially if they are the same sex. People forget these dogs are terriers which have a higher level of prey drive then any other group of dog. Its what the terrier group was designed for. The prey is usually smaller animals like squirrels for most terriers but in many sad cases pitbulls prey become other dogs.

[Herc]

Look at that . Now you are that guy with the pit.:grin:

[Bouncer]

She'll be pit ambassador.

[Bouncer]

I have the dogs water on the deck for now because she drinks with so much enthusiasm that water goes everywhere. I just leave the glass and screen door and they go drink when they want day or night. Helps living in my area because there are no bugs being a desert climate with no humidity. No way I could leave my screen open back east. I'd have 500 mosquito's and flies all over the house. Lol. I've had it open now for 6 days and nights and not a single bug in the house. Crazy.

[Bouncer]

started her on her new food today. been feeding her what the previous owners fed her but it was cheap grain crap. costco saves me again as this quality food would be $45 for 20lbs at petsmart. $16 for 20lbs at costco. all about the ingredients.

Kirkland Signature Pet Food and Pet Supplies > Natures Domain Brand

even has probiotics in it. lol http://www.kirklandsignaturepetsuppl...eed-probiotics