There are many possibilities in modifying behavior, however they are bounded by you. Being a dog newb does not exclude you from realizing those possibilities, but if we're taking the time to be prudent, it would be worth your while to hire the services of a certified trainer familiar to the breed. There are some great rescues out there who will ensure for themselves that any dog placed in your home is right for you, but what better insurance can you have than a relationship with a trainer to start you off on the right foot. That would be my recommendation, especially considering the many possibilities in rescue.
Adoption: How malleable is an adult's behavior?
I am looking at adopting a pit bull on the advice of many members of this forum as well as people I have talked to out and about....
I only have one question about the process, and that is how malleable is doggie behavior in an adult? I only ask because I will be a dog newb.
Primarily, I find the prospect of an adult dog with a adult sized bladder very attractive!!
I will likely be working 8 hour shifts and I think an adult would be better suited to my lifestyle right off the bat. But what if the adult has potty training issues? The adults are pretty fast learners, correct? And any issues in that respect would be brought to my attention by the rescuer anyway, right?
What about other issues like, perhaps dog aggression? Is it possible to socialize an adult out of any DA? Again, this is likely an issue the rescue would have brought to my attention and possibly dealt with before my adopting the dog, right?
But generally, take the worst case scenario behavior........ Would it be correctable with time, patience and training?
I've watched lots of DogTown on National Geographic Channel, and it seems that they are rather successful with the most troubled of dogs, given enough time..... So is this the case with most?
I'm not saying the dog will have issues, who know, my adopted dog might be the most perfect in the world!!! I'm just looking at what ifs, just to be prepared...
Prepare for the worst, hope for the best! That's the best mindset I guess!!
Thanks guys!
I only have one question about the process, and that is how malleable is doggie behavior in an adult? I only ask because I will be a dog newb.
Primarily, I find the prospect of an adult dog with a adult sized bladder very attractive!!
I will likely be working 8 hour shifts and I think an adult would be better suited to my lifestyle right off the bat. But what if the adult has potty training issues? The adults are pretty fast learners, correct? And any issues in that respect would be brought to my attention by the rescuer anyway, right?What about other issues like, perhaps dog aggression? Is it possible to socialize an adult out of any DA? Again, this is likely an issue the rescue would have brought to my attention and possibly dealt with before my adopting the dog, right?
But generally, take the worst case scenario behavior........ Would it be correctable with time, patience and training?
I've watched lots of DogTown on National Geographic Channel, and it seems that they are rather successful with the most troubled of dogs, given enough time..... So is this the case with most?
I'm not saying the dog will have issues, who know, my adopted dog might be the most perfect in the world!!! I'm just looking at what ifs, just to be prepared...
Prepare for the worst, hope for the best! That's the best mindset I guess!!
Thanks guys!
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