I have a couple of vet friends and I asked them about a dog that I could have, that didn’t shed (there went my German Shepherd), that was intelligent, strong, in a need of firm handling and training, and one that would be happy sitting at my feet while I cruise the Net or work on my hobbies (fixing vintage watches and fountain pens, listenng to prog rock an, jazz, and classical music, and reading). I know dog breeds real well. Originally, being of Hungarian origin, I thought about getting one of the Hungarian breeds: Kuvasz, Puli, Komondor, or Vizsla, but I ended up eliminating them one by one, for a variety of reasons. I studied the Great Pyrenee, and Bouvier de Flandres, Then switched to the Molossers like the Argentine Dogo, Cane Corso, Fila Brasiliero, the Rottweiler, and the Presa Canario. One of the vets suggested I look into a pit bull.
For the last 6 months I have read everything I could lay my hands on, watched dozens of videos, and talked to many APBT owners. I knew I found my dog breed. First weekend in October I’ll be picking up an APBT puppy from Tennessee. I did look at local rescues, but I couldn’t come up with a dog that tolerated cats (one of the cats we have, a Ragdoll, is very skittish) and was young enough to allow me to work with from scratch After reading about the plight of the APBT (and other “dangerous” breeds) I still wanted to make home for a “discard.” I also was working up the courage and commitment to walk a dog twice a day for many years, spend a minimum of 30 mins a day training, and going to weekly classes, for months on end. Out of the blue, my son’s friend tells me about his uncle who has decided to quit breeding a pair of APBTs. The dogs somehow “got together” anyway and he ended up with 11 puppies that he doesn’t know what to do with. Coincidence, you say? I think not. ;-)
I am so excited about this coming new member of the family I can hardly wait. I am postponing picking up the puppy by two weeks because we are going (flying) out of town at the end of September and don’t want to leave the puppy behind. He will be better off for 2 extra weeks with his breeder’s family - who socializes the puppies from get-go by keeping them in the house with is family and his other pets.
My wife smiles at me benignly as I accumulate adjustable crate, portable kennel, chew treats, cover for front and back seats for my car, special bully floor cover for the crate, food and water dishes, collar, leash, clickers, etc. I already picked a trainer that I am told handles bullies well and trains owners properly. I bought into Cesar Millan’s approach to Exercise-Discipline-Affection and will be getting a dog-activated treadmill for rainy or stormy days.
I am looking forward to the work that it will take to make an “ambassador for the breed.” I am also looking forward to the companionship, the play, and the pleasure a dog can give his owner. I know it will be a challenge, but I know I am ready.
It was a pleasure to find this Forum. Have been reading your postings with great interest and am looking forward to learning and, eventually, sharing my experiences with you folks.
Kind regards to all,
Andrew
You certainly did your homework. Glad to have with us!
Welcome!!!
