A Pit Bull can be an excellent addition to your family, but, as with other breeds, good introductions to other small pets are essential. An introduction with a puppy or a young, well-socialized dog is the easiest, but if you want to adopt an adult, locating one who will get along with your other pets will not be a problem. So how to introduce a Pitbull to a small dog?
Remember that a good introduction to a small dog isn’t an easy task, so you may need to attempt a few different approaches. Keep an eye on all animals’ body language to determine when it’s time to take a break and try again later.
13 WAYS to Introduce a Pitbull to A Small dog
🐾 Neutral Ground
Whether you’re introducing a puppy or an adult dog to a small dog, it’s best to do so on neutral ground. I could do this at the little park down the street.
🐾 Take a walk
If both dogs are dog-friendly, have one person walk the new one while the other walks the old one. You can stand next to each other, but don’t let them get too close until you’re sure they’re both accepting of one another.
🐾 Leashed and Uncomfortable
If your existing dog or Pit Bull is frightened, lunging, or snarling at the other dog, walk on opposite sides of the row past each other. As you pass by, give treats to keep the attention on you rather than the other dog. Begin to close the gap between the two of you. You’ll eventually be able to give a reward to the dog you’re working with and toss one to the other.
This will assist children in understanding that they are not in danger. Some canines will be alright after only one gentle introduction. In some circumstances, you may need to take a break and come back later. They’ll recognize each other and gradually become accustomed to being in the same room.
🐾 Through a Fence
This is not a suitable solution if your dog already has fence issues. Some dogs are comfortable with other dogs, but they feel compelled to attack when a fence separates them. If your Pit Bull is a fence-loving breed, see if you can borrow a fenced yard from a neighbor for the introduction.
🐾 Crate
A crate can be utilized while bringing a puppy into the house. This will allow your current pets to assess the puppy at their own time. If you’re not certain how your cat will respond to him, a kennel crate is a must.
🐾 Shelter
Bring your pitbull dog with you if you’re adopting from a shelter or rescue. There, do the introduction to a small dog. If you’re dealing with something on your own, this is quite beneficial because you’ll have at least one volunteer or employee on hand to assist you.
🐾 Introducing Puppy After Crate
Bring your present pets out if they look intrigued and want to investigate the small dog further, but don’t leave them alone. Your older dog may find an energetic small dog irritating. Distract the puppy with a toy if it is trying to gnaw on your dog or jumping on him, and the dog is uncomfortable with the action. Keep the sessions brief, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend together.
🐾 Obtain a Temperament Test
If you’re adopting an adult Pit Bull from a shelter, they’ll be able to inform you whether or not the Pit Bull is dog friendly. They could even provide details, such as whether he gets along with female dogs and submissive males or whether he has food-guarding issues.
The more you know, the more you’ll be able to anticipate and plan for situations like feeding in different rooms or removing toys from a room when you’re not present. Temperament testing is rarely available at county shelters, but you can hire a trainer to conduct it for you. An experienced rescue handler would volunteer to do it for free in exchange for a dog finding a home in many circumstances.
🐾 Don’t Force them
Expect not to get along with everyone right away especially to small dogs. It’s never a good idea to force them to play together before they’re ready. A Pit Bull might be afraid of or he can feel compelled to assert dominance over a small dog in the house, which he senses isn’t happy to see him. Some introductions can last for weeks.
🐾 Personal Space Designated
Bringing a new dog into your house will be a significant change for everyone. Your current dogs will be forced to share their space, and your new dog will be unsure of what to do or where to sit and relax. Consider how you might feel the first time you eat supper at a partner’s parents’ house. Until someone tells you, you’re not sure where to sit at the dinner table. Being uncertain can be a very unsettling sensation. This is how you can expect your Pit Bull to feel.
Furthermore, he is still getting used to you, he is unfamiliar with the routine, and he may not even know where to go to relieve himself outside. All of these unpleasant feelings might make a dog apprehensive, leading to violence. He may feel compelled to assert his power. Provide him with a calm area in which to adapt. Keep your other small pets away from him.
🐾 Pay Attention to Body Language
It’s critical to learn how to read people’s body language. A happy pitbull does not always have a wagging tail. A low, half-tucked, slow-wagging tail, for example, could indicate that he is “fine” but uneasy, whereas an abnormally quick wag suggests that he is agitated or afraid and may lash out because he is not at ease.
🐾 Hire a Professional
A skilled handler can help make the introduction to the small dogs as painless as possible, whether you’re bringing home a puppy and aren’t sure how your older dog will react or if you’re adopting an adult Pitbull that you don’t know much about.
Pitbulls Make Excellent Pets
✅ They have a pleasant demeanor
Pitbull is one of the sweetest types of dogs. In comparison to other dog breeds, they are also less aggressive. If you keep them as a pet, you won’t have to worry about them turning on you, your children, or your friends in the future. The American Temperament Test Society conducted a temperament test on a variety of people.
This outcome is outstanding compared to other dog breeds with lower temperament scores, such as the Beagle and Chihuahua. When compared to other dog breeds, this clearly shows that they are less aggressive. Pitbull owners claim that this breed is well-behaved and tolerant of humans. You will receive the best from them if you show them the love and attention that they deserve.
✅They are physically fit and active
Making pit bulls a pet is a good idea if you enjoy going for nighttime walks or hiking. They are very sporty and active people. Pit bulls aren’t the type of dog that sits around and does nothing. They are always on the go and up for a new adventure. That describes why their athletic ability considerably outperforms that of different breeds.
Pit bulls will not disappoint you when seeking a companion to assist you to keep in shape. They will always accompany you on morning or evening runs, trekking, or any other physical activity that will aid in your fitness.
If your primary objective this year is to stay in shape and you’re searching for a dependable companion, we recommend keeping a pitbull. It will be your biggest supporter. The dog will not pass judgment on you or apply undue pressure that will cause you to become stressed. Instead, the dog will be tolerant of you at all times. It will always be there to assist you and join you in your everyday training routines. Pitbull is incredibly athletic and can readily accomplish moves that other dog breeds are unable to do. They’re also a lot of fun to be around when you’re working out.
✅ Pit bulls are generally healthy
Pitbull is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful, healthy companion. If properly cared for, you will be able to enjoy the company of this pet for a long time with only a few trips to the veterinarian. Pit bulls have a robust immune system and are less likely to get sick than other dog breeds prone to cataracts, dysplasia, and other ailments.
They also don’t have the same weight problems that other dog breeds do. All they require from their master is a well-balanced food rich in proteins and vitamins to maintain optimum health. They also need frequent exercise to maintain their fitness and strength. Many individuals who keep pit bulls as pets say they haven’t experienced any severe health issues with them. In truth, the vast majority of pit bull owners have never visited their local veterinarian. They are incredibly healthy and thrive all year.
✅ They’re simple to train
Pit bulls are bright dogs who are simple to train. You won’t have to repeat things as often as you would with other dog breeds. That is why most people choose to keep them as pets. They are pretty adaptable and may be used in any home.
They can learn practically any command or trick in a short amount of time. Pit bulls are intelligent and ready to learn.
All the dog asks for from you is your love and assurance. In addition, your training should be constant and uncomplicated. Don’t wait too long for your dog just because it’s smart. Keep your expectations in check and be patient with the dog. Once the dog has been trained, it will rarely aid you with your commands. They make excellent pets since they are incredibly obedient.
✅ They’re simple to keep up with
Pit bulls are one of the simplest breeds to care for. They have a short, easy-to-care-for coat. This implies you won’t have to spend a lot of money on grooming.
They are also not picky eaters, as is the case with many other dog breeds. They’ll eat practically any dog food you put in front of them. However, you should not take advantage of this to feed your dog unhealthy foods. To support your dog’s health and well-being, make sure you provide it with healthy, nutritional food. You can also give them vitamins, and nutrients explicitly made for Pit Bulls.
Pit bulls are also healthy, so you won’t have to take them to the vet for treatment frequently. Pit bulls are one of the several dogs that do not place unreasonable demands on their owners. In reality, love and attention are the most vital things babies require from you.
✅ They’re a lot of fun to be around.
Pit bulls make excellent pets because they are highly friendly and entertaining. We guarantee that if you retain one, you will never be bored.Pitbull is commonly referred to as family dogs since they care about each member of the household. The majority of dog breeds are exclusively loyal to one or two family members. With pit bulls, however, this is not the case. Because it is usually joyful, anyone in the family, including visitors, will like being around this pet. They are enthralled by even the most insignificant of things.
When a pit bull is present, no one in the family will be sad or bored. The dog will teach you to appreciate the small pleasures in life that you previously took for granted. It will do things that everyone in the house will find amusing.
✅ They give you a sense of security
We all need to feel safe in our own homes. You will never feel unsafe again if you have a pit bull as a pet, especially if you are alone at home. AlthoughPitbull is amiable, their menacing appearance and general robust size might deter robbers and invaders. This pet will offer you company and defend you, especially if you are alone at home.
They can also keep your home safe while you are away. Burglars are known to avoid residences with dogs, according to numerous studies. If you have a pit bull, you can be sure that few burglars will attempt to break into your home since they are well aware of the dangers they will face, especially if they make a mistake.
✅ Pit bulls can assist autistic children
Having a child with autism can be tremendously difficult. Most autistic youngsters find it challenging to communicate with their peers. This isn’t something they do on purpose. It’s because they’re in such bad shape. As a result, they are frequently lonely and frustrated.
If you have a child with autism and want to make his life more enjoyable, a pit bull is the best gift you can give. Your child’s best friend could be this dog. Because of their kind character, your child will find it easier to communicate with the dog, which will help him feel better.
You will notice significant progress in your child’s social skills if you keep a pit bull as a pet. For the first time, he will feel as if he has a friend who understands him. However, just because you’ve given your child a friend doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to look after him. Continue to look after your youngster like you did when the pet was not present. The pet is merely there to make his life easier.
FINAL WORDS
Make sure your Pit Bull is up to date on his vaccinations before exposing him to other small dogs. If he’s ever shown signs of biting, consider investing in a muzzle to avoid any mishaps. In addition, get a good leash to keep your dog under control.
Even if your dog isn’t the one who initiates a harmful interaction, you should take extra precautions to avoid it. After that, look for some yummy goodies that your Pit Bull likes. Avoid using large treats, bones, or toys that can be fought over in the presence of other dogs, as these items can trigger territorial aggression or resource guarding. Small goodies that can be consumed in one bite should be used.