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This is a popular question I receive from first time owners or people unfamiliar with the breed.
Like many canine breeds, the temperament of a dog depends a lot on how it was socialized from the time it was a puppy. I wouldn't put any child around a dog that wasn't well socialized with other people or other children. Kids have a tendency to sometimes tease or provoke a dog without even knowing they're doing so. How well a dog tolerates a behavior like this that is foreign to them depends a lot on how that dog was raised and socialized.
Bull Terriers that have been raised properly around children make wonderful pets and are as kind hearted as can be. The link below is a fantastic video which depicts hundreds of photos of nothing but Bull Terriers and the fortunite children lucky enough to grow up with one.
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Great post! They can be clumsy, trample over kids and take things from them, properly trained and socialized with kids can teach them to be polite with children. All my dogs love children, though Bowzer used to be very afraid of them, it took extensive socializing to teach him kids are okay, when we moved to AZ my neighbors kid's were always over to play with the dogs, he learned they were actually awesome with a ton of energy and always wanting to play.
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Ok, I need advice from actual bt owners, I have a 2 yr. old human child, and 2 Bull terriers, my female is 2 and very submissive and wouldn't hurt a fly, my male pup at 7months is just the opposite, with a bring it on attitude. That said he is not a ferocious beast but less tolerant of my young son with the rough play, he gets nervous and starts spinning, and he will nip him if I don't cage him. he has never drawn blood but a pinch, he does this to me and my husband during playing, can't seem to curb this. he has done this twice once over a toy, the dogs toy, as he was apparently resource guarding as I have learned. the other was just last night as my son was playing linebacker and running back and forth thru the house. Brutus reached out and niped his arm while he was running by:( left a welt sorta, just bruised today. I love my dogs as well as my child and don't wish to rehome my dog:( I don't believe he means to hurt him and would absolutely as a mother rehome if I thought so. He gets walked daily and is a real good boy the rest of the time. Anyone have any advice? And quickly as my husband is not so confident that he's not intending to hurt our child no matter what I say. He has never been subject to an aggression problem and I certainly have as well as raised around dogs my whole life. Help:@!!!!!!
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It's difficult to assess your dogs behavior without being there to see it. He sounds like a very high strung Bullie especially if he's doing a lot of spinning which is a disorder that can worsen as he gets older. Everybody you speak with with have their own oppinions but it sounds as though your 7 month old puppy requires a lot more trainning than the average EBT. What was his parents like? Many Bullies are hyper and crazy until they reach about 18 months old. Yes, it's a long puppy stage and one that takes a lot of patience. However, aggression or bad behavior shouldn't be tolerated and strict enforcement needs to be provided so your dog understands that it isn't tolerated by you and further incidences will result in disciplinary action.
I'm confident your puppy is just going through normal puppy stages and doesn't wish to cause any harm to your child. My only concern is his spinning which could be caused from stress or genetic disorder. If in fact this is the case he may not have the tolerance with kids as most Bull Terriers would. Playfulness is fine and sometimes an older puppy can be a little much with a small child and accidentally hurt them. However, at no time should the puppy show true signs of aggression. If he's actually trying to bite your son to cause harm with aggression then you've got a problem that isn't normal behavior.
Again, it's hard to provide you with proper guidance without visually seeing his temperament and character.
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Well, I do NOT like the fact that your dog is biting or nipping your son AT ALL. My dogs have never even come close to this, we dont have kids but my friend has had several bull terriers and 2 kids and nothing close to this. It sounds to me, the excitement of your child is seriously stressing your dog out. Bull terriers can be spinners, but its BAD BAD BAD. You should NEVER let your bull terrier spin, its commonly thought to be related to epilepsy (seizure disorders). A dog, or a bull terrier should NEVER bite someone unless seriously threatened. The fact that your child is running and he nipped him is completely wrong. I would never tolerate it and from the very first bite things would change for that dog. When your playing with your dog, there is NO way in hell he should be biting hard or pinching you, I would never let that happen. Some dogs can play like that and never have a problem, some dogs should just never be allowed to put there mouths on people ever because they take it to far. Some can handle it, others can not. Firstly stop rough housing with this dog at all, no more teeth on you or your husband at all ever. This dog is not able to have that power anymore. Secondly start practicing NILF which is "nothing in life is free" because this dog has far too much freedom and that needs to be taken from him now because he is being absolutely disrespectful. If he at all bullies the female, take care of that too, this dog needs to go to the very bottom of the totem pole immediately. I recommend two more things, you get this dog checked health wise, blood tests to make sure nothing is wrong with him causing this aggression, thyroid issues cause aggression and the spinning is a real concern for me, how often and frequently does this dog spin? What food is he on? Does he have any other OCD's or strange behavior?? My next advice is you might want to look into a really good dog trainer/behaviorist in your area, maybe someone with bully breed experience. Also make sure the child is not hurting this dog or abusing it in any way, I know kids will be kids but make sure hes not really doing anything to him thats causing him to be defensive. I have never had my dogs leave a pinch mark on me and you can bet if they did it would be the last time, the most i have received are puppy scratches. I dont know if crating him while hes uncomfortable is ever solving the problem, this is a way of punishment to him and he will see this child as the reason he has to sit alone in his cage. It's not actually solving the problem, I would keep him on a leash, and keep him near you, and when he is uncomfortable with the child try to sit him through it, but dont praise him in his nervousness by saying "its okay its okay" because that is like praise when he is nervous making him think that is how he should be. If he goes to nip him pull him back on the leash with a correction or a sharp NO! Get him to work through the anxiety. I hope that this can be helpful as its only my recommendation as its always hard to judge this without seeing it first hand, but this is an issue that should not be ignored and you must act now to try to resolve it.
http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102212265.asp
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/nothingfree.htm
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First of all thanks so much for your posts, I know this is a contraversial subject but I assure you I am careful with this dog and do protect my son, but I do not intend to give up on this dog however like my husband keeps saying when is enough enough:/ I don't want any blood or stitches to ever arise and I appreciate all and any help and ideas from yous. So to answer some question, Brutus is high strung yes, Cleo my female was also but without the nervous spinning, wich he does only when he's nervous of what's going on around him, the latest incident I should have been able to stop as I seen it coming with the spinning and nervous eyes. He does this a couple times a day less when he's exercised more. His parents: dad was 75 lb. Mom was 50. I can't testify to their temperament however I have meet both of Cleos parents and the rest of the breeders dogs and they were well tempered, nice dogs. They got Brutus's dad after I met with them. He got im out of the truck for a few minutes and he was anxious of the dog being walked across the road so didn't really interact with him a whole lot. He was Beautiful!! Brutus is at 71/2 months 55lb, already. My female topped out at 50, they are both feed taste of the wild she gets primarily fish based and he gets the high prairie puppy. This food is grain free and contains no chicken as Cleo has an allergy to it. They do get into each others food, he was aggressive on this at first but I have worked him out of it. He sees a vet annually and is in good health. I did discuss the ocd with my vet and he said if it continues we can put him on a medication to calm him down, I will jump over the moon so this doesn't have to happen as I am not for medicating my dogs unless absolutely necessary, I would rather train not medicate. No other strange behavior other than being woke up by my son he used to growl but I have taught my son to leave him be when he's sleeping, he does not do this to me or my husband. we quite ruff play with him as he can't play without mouthing and nipping. He does bully my female but she got after him a few times and its gotten much better, as well as using a rolled up newspaper. My son will slap him in the nose and tell him no when Brutus tried to rake things from him,but I have enforced the no hitting rule, and its gotten better. I don't believe that the dog is or would intend to hurt him or anyone its almost like he is correcting him, however this is not his Job! I have been working hard to establish myself as pack leader and he is doing better, however I do have my hands full:/ he nips me and my husband out of excitement and I have been pinching his lip. This is not seeming to help either so I am going to roll another newspapers and try that but its hard to carry a newspaper 24/7. Can you give me some examples on strict enforcement maybe that I could try other than caging wich I agree don't solve anything but to calm him down. And any other advice would be appreciated, thanks:) and again thanks for the reply!
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The cage also offers security and if I put Brute into a sit stay for a few minutes this helps also. also to clarify it was his dad that was fixated on the dog across the road not brutus and I got him at 3mo. if I didn't answer something let me know and if you need more info to try to help with tips also. this breed is not common to this area and noone really knows much on this breed locally. I Googled and found this forum so I thought I would start here.
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Leslie, you are doing a lot of things right. You are trying different strategies until you find one that works for your dog, and you are asking for help. I watch our 3 year old granddaughter M-F. She does not always have appropriate behavior toward our dogs. I have to watch very closely. I correct her AND the dogs. I use my voice and my body. I make my no's sharp and loud. I hold up a STOP hand or finger while shaking my head no. I place my body between child and dog when I don't like what's going on. I try very hard to be consistent with my body language and voice commands. I don't like to use the crate as a punishment. I want the crate to be their safe den of peace and treats. This being said, I do not leave the child and dogs together all day long. We have a fenced area on our 3 acres. I am constantly letting the dogs in and out of the house and in and out of their crates with treats and toys. It's a juggling game and takes a lot of work. I hope this could be a little helpful to you.
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Does he know basic obedience? If you can find a trainer to help you or if you can do it yourself I would start working his mind in some basic obedience, sit, stay, down, take it, leave it, drop it, come when called. It can be helpful to work on these things so that you will have some clear signals to give him when you ask him to do something. Every so often my dogs relapse and stop listening and we have to refresh our training. All my dogs have been trained with electronic collars for distance training, some may not approve of it but I go on hikes and dog parks and they need to be spot on in case there far away from me and the most important command they must know is come immediately when called. I use the shock collar (electronic collar) to communicate with them from a distance, I train them with a beep sound on the collar first and than correction if they dont respond. They learn to just respond to the beep in time. I only use this on dogs that fully understand the command first, with training with treats and leashes in puppy hood, as they get older and push the limits more past 6 months I use the electronic collar to reinforce the training.
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we have the innotek underground pet fence, works great for my female but if my male wants it bad enough whatever it may be he's going fence on high and all:( luckily my female is my runner and my male is really good at sticking around other than he really likes my neighbors and their dog. he sits in front of their glass door almost like asking if their dog can play! My female also got out once due to dead battery in her collar and she was half way down the road and heres my male looking down the road at her then back at me like what do I do what do I do, hey cleo we live here where you going!! I called him as he comes very well and it was like helping him with his choice he came running ass over tea kettle back, like thanks mom I don't know what she's thinking:) hahaha. He does no some basic obedience like sit stay, shake. I have thought of the shock collar except he wears the fence collar however he's not a runner so maybe that might work?:/, at least during training:/ thanks for the tip:) my dogs are in and out all day as well I might go nuts if I couldn't just let them out! Thanks for the help, if you think of anything else please let me know! I need all the help I can get, and theirs no such thing as to much knowledge:) thanks guys:)
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Hey Zerlett, when you give the shock do you do it after the command was given or before, I don't have the beep warning on mine but this one has the nick or full out shock. Also because my male is nervous spinning I heard you do not want to shock while in the nervous state as it will escalate the aggression what's your thoughts on this?
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Round 3 Brutus again bit my son in the cheek and actually this time did draw a small amount of blood:( I believe I'm out of time on this dog:( I cannot totally keep them separated and I'm only one person, I love this dog but my loyalties are to my son. he is nervous of my boy and can't seem to handle loud activities around him. if I keep him caged or outside to separate the two his anxiety level I think will spike higher and he needs more activity than I can give him. as I wait for my husband to come home from work then take him on hour long walks or so. he could do that 3x and still go some more, his energy turns aggressive even being outside most of the day. I don't know what to do:( I cannot let this continue and take anymore chances but how do I rehome a dog like this! I am lost and very very sad as I feel like I failed him.
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Leslie,
I'm sorry to hear about your Bullie. That's not typical behavior of a Bull Terrier and I assume a lot has to do with his genetics. I've rescued several Bullies that had personality quirks, aggression, and health issues all associated with genetic disorders from bad bloodlines and inappropriate breedings.
I'm sure with a lot of training he'd make a good dog for a family without kids or to single owner. As young as he is his aggression may worsen as his confidence builds with age. I wouldn't trust him around other dogs either since I have a feeling his temperament isn't correct. I'm willing to bet his parents were the same way but you may not have noticed it. You mentioned not spending much time with the sire and chances are there were good reasons why they avoided prolonged interaction with him.
For the safety of your child I would either ask a friend or relative (without kids) if they could watch over him until you find a new home or invest in an outside kennel for him to stay in until he's adopted. I wouldn't let him near your child again. Something just isn't right about him. You may want to bring it up with the breeder and let them know what happened. I'd let him know that you feel he has a genetic disorder that's put your childs safety in danger. There's no excuse for any dog biting someone deliberately for no reason. Maybe he'll take him back and provide you with some finances to compensate for the investment on a Bull Terrier that was supposed to have been in appropriate physical and mental health.
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Thank you, I have contacted them through e mail this evening and am waiting to hear from them, I am soooo sad as I am so attached to him:( I know it sounds silly that I could even like this dog given how he is to my child but I truly love him, and the thought of handing him over makes me cry. I highly dout they will compensate as my female was diagnosed with urinary incontinance and corns on her feet and they told me they would give me a deal on my next one but would not give me any money back:( she's on meds but still leaks urine:( she's super with Eli and I wouldn't put her down to get a new one which they required:( I use a dremel on the corns and meds to help tighten the bladder muscles:/ she rarely makes it thru the night without waking me up to go outside:(( I am done with this breeder, The though of handing him back to them makes me sadder:( he is neutered but still:( this sucks for lack of better words:( I am soooooo gonna miss him:(
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I've never had my dogs become "more aggressive" with the shock collar, its only corrected issues i've had. Of course, quality in such a tool is vital, timing and the communication between dog and owner. Many people have there opinions about spinning, many think they need medication, i think its many things that dont need medication, mostly training and exercise. So this dog came from the same breeders?? I am SHOCKED you bought this dog from the same people, after having an issue with the first one. Who is this breeder? Is there a website for them?? Is there a bull terrier rescue in your area?? I would recommend talking with them, some of them wont take a dog with a history of biting, some will, I would check, dont take him to a shelter they will probably euth him for any type of bite history. A bite to the face is no joke, I agree with Steve, remove him from the child and if possible out of the house. Im sorry im not closer, I would take him for you and work with him. He would receive doggie boot camp from my home. I think the breeders you got these dogs from are retarded, likes bite control? Uhm never heard of such a thing, hes spinning and hes biting, something is not correct with this dog at all. Your best option is a bull terrier rescue, they can have him checked out health wise and adopt him to a no child home.
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Zerlett, I totally agree I should have never taken another dog from them but given the issues with my first one I got him at a fraction of the cost and his wife just had a baby and couldn't care for him so they offered him to me. I don't have a rescue less than 6 hrs away, it would be Detroit, and I will absolutely NOT take him to a shelter. I couldn't do it. I am setting here still trying to think of ways to help this dog:/ I could make him stay outside now that its warmer and separate my son and him but through the day and crate him when I needed but my concern is he already has pent up energy, would I be making it worse? The breeder is a Michigan Indiana breeder and yes they do have a website Aegeanbullterriers@hotmail.com I really like her but its him that does the breeding. I don't want to slander anyone and I would hate to think they are breeding iresponsably, I meet all but one of their dogs when we met with them to show him my Vets statement on Cleo and they were all wonderful with long interaction intervals but he wouldn't show us the grounds:( Cleo is well tempered so much so my son actually hugs her neck and walks her on a leash:) that is why I took on the second dog from them. I too wish you were closer or BulliesofNC because I could really use the help:/ in either of your opinions do you think this dog could ever ne trusted with my son ever again? I though about keeping them completely separate until I work thru some of these issues. unless I find a no kids household that lived up to my standards to take him.
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Leslie it's a big risk to keep the dog unless you plan on building him an outside kennel and taking the time to train him. The problem is your dog may be fine with adults but have no tolerance to kids.
What's weird is I rescued a dog about 2 years ago that came from this same kennel. As you probably already know, the first warning sign should have been the fact the breeder didn't welcome you to see his kenel facilities on his grounds. Trust me if he was confident and proud of the way he raised his dogs he'd be showing off to you. Many breeders will have one or two house dogs and kennel the rest. Don't judge the house dogs - judge the ones they have hidden out back. Again, this goes back to why they didn't afford you the opportunity to spend time with the sire of your puppy.
Saddly, there are other Forums that constantly rant and rave about the mere fact that people should only purchase Bull Terrier puppies from BTCA breeders. Yours actually comes from a BTCA breeder and it's no surprise as to the genetic problems of both your dogs as well as the fact they won't compinsate you for the medical bills for your female and now mental issues with your male. I'd stay clear from this breeder.
Don't worry about anyone from this forum slandering the breeder you purchased your dogs from. The whole intent of building this forum was to attract a different community of Bull Terrier enthusiasts then what is commonly seen on other bull terrier forums. Zerlett can attest to this statement as she and I were the ones that pursued the idea of initiating a new forum without the idiots that consistantly stirred problems in other forums. Now a days I simply mind my own business and continue trying my best to produce the best Bull Terriers possible. However, I do keep tabs on those breeders doing things inappropriately so I can ensure what dogs not to breed with when someone asks for stud service from one of my dogs. I've also learned I want nothing to do with the BTCA until they start practicing what they preach. This is just another example of a someone having to deal with the misfortunes of buying a puppy they thought was coming from a reputable breeder who in turn sold them a puppy with an array of genetic problems. In your case it sounds like you got two. I wrote the below listed document and posted it on another Bull Terrier forum and many of the BTCA breeders were pissed becuase they knew I put together an authetic document on "How to find a reputable and professional Bull Terrier breeder" and it clearly depicts many areas in which they didn't wish for me to expose to the public and potential customers looking for a puppy.
http://bulliesofnc.com/finding-reputable-bull-terrier-breeder
"He lacks Bite Control" ???
He's just making up some BS. I would have told him - "Correct! He has no bite control and wishes to cause harm and injury to my son." I call it unwarranted aggression that has no merit. Danielle (Zerlett) is correct, this dog has problems. Rarely do you hear of a Bull Terrier acting the way he is. I've had small puppies wanting to play rough with kids and nip while they're wagging their tails and rolling around. However, this would be something expected from any puppy regardless of the breed. This puppy behavior can be taught quickly so the young puppy understands not to nip. Your puppy is a lot older and this doesn't sound like a friendly playful nip to get attention and love.
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Bulliesofnc, first of if you would be straight with me why did you end up rescueing that dog? For what reason ? Second they said if I want money they would post him on their web but I would have to hang on to him until they found him a home, or I drop him off and take their female they have been breeding that they are 100% sure of, I don't want a female I want BRUTUS:( A MALE WITH NO GENETIC FAULTS:( I AM STUNNED to here you rescued one of their dogs as I thought I had better judgement than that. I am rocked!!! I love this dog and am only trying to protect this breed. If mike Vick said come and get all my pits I would have, eatin alive or not:( I am torn not to take this female and save her god help me:( what do I do, I am apparently great at building them up from self-esteem issues and not so good at knocking them down. I just want Brutus to be good:( the longer I hold on to this dog the more I wanna try and I cannot put my child in any more danger:( doglover hardcore:( I am lost to say the least what do I do, hand him over and try their female ( which mine is Awsome and save her from more breeding but have to spay) or let them sell him and/ or give him to my mom that would in fact get in between a fighgt as hers is an unaltered male but a small dog that would for sure be eatin by Brutus if he chose to. And my son would still go c grandma. Hell I don't know:( if I could get him to you would or could you help me?
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WOW....I know this kennel too...BTCA-its a joke! What an interesting surprise...they plan to rehome them themselves if you take the female? That idea might be the best thing if you can't get him out of the house, and going to grandmas is definitely not going to work, to many lose ends there. Otherwise you can muzzle him while hes in the house and give it time, a good cage muzzle is comfortable and safe, but he would probably just end up hitting your son with the muzzle. Atleast there some how offering to take him back, which is the responsible thing to do, but will this new female be okay with your female is the question...I don't think I would take any more dogs from this kennel, you could end up with there female sure, but what if she needs vet attention, it will all fall in your lap still.
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Leslie - You asked why I rescued this dog that came from the same kennel. I'm shocked you asked that. However, I'm going to have to assume you didn't read the link I provided you on Professional and Reputable breeders. Let me let you in on a little secret ~ As a breeder who cares deeply about the welfare of every Bull Terrier I rescue every and all Bull Terriers I can get my hands on in order to save them from being euthenized. I'm the only one that provides Bull Terrier rescue in the state of North Carolina. Google Bull Terrier rescue in NC and you'll find me right away. In the event a Bull Terrier is in need of rescue here in my state I take on that responsibility and work with the dog and then find him or her a loving and permenant home. I probably rescue and rehome about 10 bullies a year. Well that's about as straight as I can give it to you. Once again please take the time to read the article I provided you. You may find out real quick the breeder your dealing with doesn't quite fit the mark and cares nothing about selling you a dog ( or dogs) that don't live up to the standards of the breed.
It sounds as though they don't mind reposting your dog on their website for sale again and once he's sold they'll compinsate you with a little bit of money. God bless the next person who receives him and doesn't know his history. Hopefully they won't have any kids. I think it would be best if you advertised him and did so with the intentions of rehoming him in to an appropriate person or couple.
I often receive inquires from people looking to adopt a rescue Bull Terrier and I've been very fortunite to find perfect homes for the rescues that I've saved to include the one from the breeder you're dealing with. Additionally, as a courtesy I will also be more than happy to offer your puppy on my website for the pursuit of finding him a home you'd approve of.
Hopefully I've answered your question in regard to why I rescued the Bullie.
Here's a photo of him that I used to advertise his adoption on my website. It's awesome knowing he found a perfect home where he's getting all the attention he deserves.
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Bulliesofnc, I asked why you rescued him not litteraly but meant was it an aggression problem also With that dog as he is a carbon copy of the dad and that was one when I went to their house they wouldn't show us him as they said he had gotten ringworm, also I have read your post on the reputable breeder and no they don't stack up, I read it awhile back when you posted it for someone looking for a pup, and again with your post recently. I have also been on your site, very nice dogs you have, to bad I didn't know about you before I went and got into this mess. I simply have always wanted a bull terrier way back since Spuds Macenzie when I was a child,and have done my homework on this breed and do know these are not normal behaviors of this breed. I want to say I appreciate your offer and in the last post of mine I asked if I could get him to you would you help me. I am just torn as I loved having two dogs and know it will ne a long while before I will ever be able to get another, wich is why I was entertaining the thought of taking their female, but my first priority is making sure he goes to an appropriate home and that the people know his past. it would be nice to get some compensation for this mess and possibly help me afford another bull terrier down the road as I too truly love this breed which is also why I am feeling a little incompetent right now, and that I have failed my Brutus:( would you ne willing to talk with me on the phone? I feel it would be a lot easier to discuss this than trying to type all of my feeling and concern.
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Thanks for your post Zerlett as I have been over all those things in my head to, very sad day for me. Grandma is my only option to get him out of my house and I know he would be well taken care of, but loose ends yes. I just wish I had time to help this dog as I hate the thought of giving him up. A muzzle may be in order if not an option thanks!
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Leslie you're welcome to call anytime.
-Steve
(910) 526-2273
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Steve, thanks so much for your time earlier as I hope you have a better understanding of me and my situation, they contacted me back via email I would like to forward it to you to get your reaction, if I email it to bulliesofnc.com will you get it or should I use a different address?
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you can use the one on the website or steve@bulliesofnc.com
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In this Discussion
- BulliesofNC April 28
- Daisy April 21
- Leslie April 27
- Zerlett April 26