What you should know before getting a pit bull puppy

If you're reading this, chances are you're either interested in getting a puppy or committed to getting one and haven't gotten it yet .

Taking some time to ask yourself and your family some honest questions about your lifestyle and the type of dog that fits you best is the most important way to set yourself up for success. At Atlanta Pitbull Training, one of the first questions asked of all clients is where they got their dog and why they chose it. While we gladly accomodate each and every client regardless of their answer, this simple question indicates so much about the dog-human relationship and relationship potential.

Many people make the decision to choose a specific breed or individual dog based on the dog they perceive to need a home or to need the most help. Others are attached to a specific dog breed that they may have wanted as a child without much knowledge of the breed's actual characteristics. Similarly, some people avoid certain dog breeds based on incorrect information and stereotypes. Asking yourself and your family the following series of questions and committing to providing honest answers to those questions will set you up for success when it comes to choosing the perfect puppy.

What is your family makeup?

This question is important because the dog you choose must get along with every member of your family. If you have children in your family, then one of your main criteria for the dog you choose is for your dog to be children-friendly. While any dog of any breed can play well with children, there are some breeds that are more likely to be children-friendly by nature of their breed characteristics. Well-trained and well socialized pit bull type dogs (American Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bullies, etc.) are known for being good for families with children. (Hence our emphasis on training them). Think deeply about your family makeup and create a list of characteristics that your dog would need to have to fit in with your family.

2. What type of experience are you seeking with your new best friend?

It's important to be honest about your reasons for seeking companionship from your potential dog. Perhaps you're not seeking companionship and would like a dog for emotional support or physical or psychological service. Whatever your reasons, be honest so that you can fully consider your needs prior to acquiring your new family member. When I got my dog I was looking for a chill ride partner who was up for long-ish walks but generally just laid on the couch and cuddled with me. I also wanted a dog that could be highly trained and had an immaculate temperament so that I wouldn’t have as hard of a time finding sitters or maneuvering in public. As I was choosing breeds and individual characteristics, I took that into consideration and it worked out for me overall.

3. What capacity and resources (time, energy, money) do you have for your dog?

Owning a dog is actually quite expensive, but less so when you can plan for the expenses. Some of the expenses that you may need to consider are:

Annual vet visits and vaccinations
Spay or neuter surgery
Emergency vet visits
Toys and enrichment tools
Boarding/sitting costs
Dog supplies (leashes, collars, food bowls)
Obedience training costs

Puppies require incredible time and energy, especially during their first several weeks. All dogs require exercise and you can’t forget about potty training. Take some time to think about whether you have the capacity and if so, who will be responsible for potty training, crate training, obedience training, feeding, cleaning, exercising, and maintaining your dog’s schedule.

4. What do you need to learn about dogs, dog psychology, and dog breeds?

The reason why dog training is a profession is because of the common lack of understanding of dogs, dog psychology, and dog breeds that lead to behavior and communication issues. People have a tendency to humanize dogs and take their body language and expressions to mean what they would if coming from a human. However, dogs think and behave differently from us. It is very important to have a basic understanding of dog body language, how dogs learn, and why certain dog breeds were bred. Be honest and ask yourself where you are in your knowledge, based on proven knowledge, not what you think you know. It’s okay if you’re not where you want to be but would you be willing to educate yourself prior to getting your new dog?

5. What would happen if _____?

Getting a dog is a big decision. Life happens and things change. It’s important to consider the worst-case scenario when choosing your dog. This process will also influence you to consider the breed that best fits your life. If you had to move and couldn’t bring your dog with you, what would you do? Where will your pup go when you travel? If you lost your main source of income, would your dog create a hardship? It can be difficult to think about these things, but it’s important to do so before making the leap to get a dog. Dogs get deeply attached to us and we, them so it’s important to fully consider everything before bringing in a new family member.

6. What ways will your life change once you get your dog?

Regardless of how you look at it, getting a dog is life changing on many levels. On one level, your routine and ways of being change, even if you already have other dogs in the home. Dogs are complex animals and they take up space, which is what I love about them. There’s no way to get a new dog and not feel a shift in your life, so it’s important to think about how your life may be different.

How will your routine change?
How will your travel plans and travel arrangements change?
How will the space in your home change?
How will your interactions with friends and family change?
Are there people who are important to you outside of your home who will be impacted by your dog? (e.g. dog phobias or allergies)
Do you live in an area with any policies that restrict the types of breeds you can have?
While I would not necessarily say to base your decision on the answers to these questions, it’s important to consider them in ensuring getting a dog is the right decision for you and even which type of dog might best fit your needs. If you answer the questions and decide you don’t want the dog to take up much space, consider getting a small dog. Or if you decide you want to be able to take your dog on flights, get a small dog. If you’re worried about breed-specific legislation (BSL) in your housing, then you might decide to get a dog that isn’t targeted by BSL.

Altogether, having a dog is a wonderful experience. But many people dive into it thinking it’s easier than it is in reality and end up disappointed and agreeing to a miserable life with their dog. At Atlanta Pitbull Training, we believe your dog should add joy to your life, not stress and vice versa. Considering these six questions are key in truly finding the best puppy for you and your family.

Speaking from first-hand experience, there’s nothing like having your dream puppy and being able to explore the world with her. Have you applied this advice and would like assistance with picking the ideal puppy for you and your family? Book a consultation with us at atlpitbulltraining.com.

what you should know before getting a pit bull puppy