Worried

Jena_shahadi

Hi everyone I'm new.

My story is 37 years ago I went to buy a bull terrier and ended up with a pit bull. I was very young and made many mistakes with him. Since then I've owned a variety of difficult dogs such as jack Russell terriers, share peis, etc.

Now, I'm older and wiser and I'm picking up an new male pup tomorrow and after reading all this I feel scared. Despite others telling me I'm a suitable owner as I'm home all the time and do have experience with difficult and aggressive breeds and even ones with health issues. But all I'm hearing and reading are the bad things and I'm doubting my decision. worse it's been seven years since I've had a puppy and the first time having a pup without and equally strong dog to assist in training. Believe it or not my jack Russell taught all four of the other dogs manners and when to go out. You could set your clock with him. I'm in the suburbs and have a double fenced huge yard.

I don't leave often but I do have Drs appt and groceries and I'm wondering if I'll ever be able to leave the ebt out of the crate when I'm gone. I should note that if I get into real trouble my godson is a very known professional trainer of police dogs with 20 years prior experience with military dogs. However, those dogs are another real responsibility to own and quite frankly I've never taken to Shepards or malionois. I'd rather not have to engage him tho.

Guess my real question is can I do this on my own? I'm seeing these dogs as a cross between a pit bull and jack Russell both of which I have had a wonderful experience with aside from my initial dog whom we let him be over socialized.

erikashea

I am a first time ebt owner of a precious 6 month old girl Bianca. She is stubborn, hard headed and a complete handful! BUT and it's a huge BUT she is the most loving funny joyful little handful I've ever owned! If you are determined, strong willed and patient they are by far the best breed out there! If you are doubting yourself as an owner i personally wouldn't recommend it but if you are up for lots of fun and laughs then you will be more then satisfied with your decision. If you are not an active person this is not the breed for you. They require tons of exercise and most important love and consistency. Please if you are not up for these things do not bring one into your home. You HAVE to be in it 110%. Our little girl is extremely snuggly and affectionate yet she will tear through the house at 95 miles an hour and create madness and mayhem if she hasn't gotten her dog park fix. She is great with all other dogs and we have not ever seen her agressive worth human or dogs. You must socialize them from the get go. We are very fortunate to be able to work from home so she is never alone for long and that is definitely in your favor. I only worry about your doubt in yourself. I would hate to see you get a beautiful bully and have to rehome it. So again my advice is do not get one if you are not active, determined, consistent and up for a whole new world of laughs, joy and some pulling out your hair at times! If you are then get excited because they are an amazing breed and will fill your world with joy and laughter!

philsergeant

Wow Jena. That's quite a twisted tale. And a difficult question. Truthfully EBTs are not that difficult to bring up. You need five things that only you truly know whether you possess in adequate quantities. These are 1) patience 2) strength 3) energy 4) time and 5) self confidence. From what you describe so far I would recommend that you focus on #5 and make your own determination as to whether or not you are sufficiently self-confident enough... Bullies will sense if you are not in charge and no matter how much of 1 through 4 you have, they won't do you any good without the last . They are a far bigger prize than any of the other breeds, so they do take more effort to achieve. It's up to your self assessment.

Jena_shahadi

Oop having trouble figuring out format. 

Actually it's my energy level I'm worried most about and biting. However, my husband is here to assist and it was his idea. We had decided we were not getting any more dogs. Seems like when ones go we are heartbroken and say no more. It never lasts. Jack Russell's are insane but small. Worse case, I'll have to get a playmate as I've found dogs like kids get along best in even numbers. 

I'm in the country and there is no dog park anywhere near here. I also have 20 acres of not dog fenced land around me.  It seems to me a pit would be a good match as it was with the jack. As the pit has high tolerance for what other dogs would see as abuse. 

Worst case scenario a relative such as my son, godson, or nephew will take him. He will have plenty of opportunity to be socialized properly. 

The tale isn't as bad as it sounds we had never heard of a pit bull either and he was quite a novelty with our friends as well. They weren't nearly as popular back then as now. We weren't deceived we just didn't know and he was a good dog but was aggressive with strangers and that was our fault for letting people over stimulate him. 

I'll know soon enough and I actually can borrow my nephews dog for testing. As she stays here when he is gone anyway. 

Will post again. I'll know more in a day or two. 

Thx for ur replies ... 

Fixyfantastic

So I am also brand new here so I won't say too much. I'm sure you have your own way of training, but a book I see recommended on here a lot is "When Pigs Fly". The writer has bull terriers, and talks about training difficult dogs (jack russells are mentioned as well). It might resonate with your previous experience with dogs that aren't so biddable. I think it just gave me more insight into this breed and how they think (it talks about their flaws and how they can be used to advantage in dealing with them), which made me feel more confident about my decision. I was really worried about their reputation for being destructive, pain-in-the-butts too.

It's a quick read and it might make you feel a bit better. Either way, good luck! The people on here are super nice and very quick to answer any questions that you might have.

Marx

Hi Jena,

Welcome to the forum, imho I believe you're over thinking things, with both you and your husband being home daily it should be smooth sailing. The challenges will be manageable and the reward will make it all worth it..

I'm a senior with more than my fair share of health challenges on my second EBT. Both my wife and I agree, there's no other breed for us !  The breed is high energy but keeps me going/healthy.

I'm also new to this wonderful forum, yes there are lots of problem type posts but they all seem to end the same way, problems eventually solved with a no regrets happy owner. EBTs pay big dividens down the road !

Only you can decide what suits your life style best and good luck with whatever that decision is.

Jena_shahadi

Thx everyone!!! 

 I got him he's 8 weeks old brindle male with just a stripe on his face. 

He looks a lot like the others of his coloring shown on here.

I was worried over nothing. He's as good as gold. In fact he's too good. I was worried he might be sick but he's fine. I selected him for personality not just cuteness. Only problem is a name. And a few hours without proper puppy toys.

Thx again everyone for the kind replies. I'm sure I have more questions soon enough. So far he's been with a Pitt bull, 2 shi tzus, chow and lab all different ages and he's fearless but not overly aggressive.

Don't want to jinx it but everything is going just fine so far ..including no. Only slight problem is he hasn't learned not to get under our feet!

Best part he's a rock star with the immediate and extended family already!!!

Jena_shahadi

Happy New Years to everyone!

And thx again for the kindness u all showed.

One cute story already. Didn't have a proper size crate till the next day. So I used my zip up sweat jacket to contain him and carry him like a baby in a sling. It will be hard to resist doing it in the future. No worried he has a crate . So hard to resist spoiling him tho!!!

Jena_shahadi

Marx you were/are so right. I suspected this but i had to ask cuz of all the bad stories. Plus I have to ask myself all the time if I'm up to things. It's hard to accept the mind is willing but the body isn't always able. As I found out having my 2yr old grand newphew overnight. It was fun but I was glad to send him back. I was concerned of a similar thing happening with a puppy. Frankly I'd have concerns over any breed. I understand the caution and the why but it might be being overdone just a bit by some folks.

Thank u n happy new years

Jena_shahadi

Lastly his sire is from North Carolina and looks remarkably like our hosts new female. He doesn't but his dad sure does. He was very handsome, active but well behaved. He sure is a busy lil fella. So I must go cuz he just discovered extension cords lol.

erikashea

Oh congratulations!! I'm soooo happy you've already fallen in love is hard to resist a baby bully :x they are a handful but so amazing. This forum is a blessing and I'm sure you will find all the info and support you need here, i know it has been great for our adventure. One thing i will say is YOU HAVE TO POST PICTURES!!! I'm dying to see your little gem

Stoeger

I'm surprised Phil didn't beat Erika to the punch calling for pics, haha!

Soundsl ike your pup might look a little like Stoeger.

Those little Bullies are a handful. Don't let him lull you to sleep by pretending to be well behaved.

He will certainly find mischief and the extension cords are just the beginning!

Good luck Bullie proofing your home and remember, silence means a Bullie is up to no good!!!

Fixyfantastic

Glad you are enjoying the new pup! Can't wait to see pictures

Jena_shahadi

Update pics will come soon BUT I'm failing. I really can't resist that face. I'm holding him too much. It's when he silently pleads to be picked up. I do an he tucks his head against me. I'm creating a monster.

Jena_shahadi

Stoeger, you don't want to see my floor right now. He's managed to hide 20 toys and chews. He's also figured out there is usually paper in my sweat jacket pockets and my purse hanging from chair. He's been here two weeks in a few days and I must resist that face or I'm doomed. I kinda hadn't calculated his ability to charm me so effectively!!!

Jena_shahadi

Correction: my old purse that I used to hang from my chair. Clever lil demon acts like he's been for years. There is nothing he hasn't figured out including how to put the cord out of vacuum cleaner and tug it so it rewinds itself!!! He also found a pair of shoes I tucked away and had forgotten about. Just realized he's conning me to pick him up so he can examine what's on my desk not just to be held.

erikashea

Haha welcome to bully puppy life! 20 toys?!geez he's spoiled! Their little faces are irresistible, you must be firm or he will rule your house though that's a for sure!

erikashea

Ps we're still waiting for pictures...

philsergeant

@jena.... It's really great to see you are truly enjoying the madness of a young Bullie growing up!

j_hattingh

Nothing can be hidden from a Bullie pup!  Trust me I know, I've tried and failed many many times