(Part 2) Best products from r/pitbulls

My first suggestion would be to read some literature on the history of the breed. You’ll be her advocate, and while hopefully you won’t have to defend her breed often, you may need to at some point. Knowing their history and how they got the (absolutely unfair) reputation they have now is a great tool to have in these circumstances. I’ve very rarely had anyone blatantly disregard the breed, but even friends and family have mentioned things like the lock jaw myth to me, in which I was able to kindly educate them. Pit Bull by Bronwen Dickey is a great one. I also loved The Pit Bull Life by Deidre Franklin.

As other have said, socialize her often! The sooner they learn how to make friends with strangers and new dogs, the better.

Be prepared for allergies! We have ours on a grain-free diet after a handful of breakouts after food or treats. He used to take allergy meds, but after we switched to grain free and started wiping him down with hypoallergenic wipes after hikes and such, we have it under control without medicine.

They’re working dogs, so they need both mental and physical stimulation. Long walks help with the physical, but it’s his backpack that helps with the mental exercise too. I usually fill it with a collapsible bowl, a water bottle for him, some treats, and usually my water bottle too. Carrying things turns our walk into his job. Activity boards help with the mental exercise too!

Doggie day care is a great help in making sure they got their socialization, mental, and physical exercises. Find a good one in your area if she’s going to be alone for a while during the day (this will have to wait until she’s had all of her shots and vaccinations though!).

A trainer was also so helpful in the beginning, as others have mentioned.

Also, since they can be temperamental to weather changes/being cold, a rain coat has made going potty during a storm or the winter way more possible.

Strong toys! We like Kong, Playology, and firehose toys for ours.

Be prepared for lots of love and snuggles!! I’ve owned jack russels, Yorkies, and a corgi-mix, and none of them have been anywhere near as clingy and cuddly as my pit. As much as he loves day care, and hikes, and running around, he loves to be held or lay in my lap just as much. He’s by far the sweetest pet I’ve ever had.

She’s beautiful, by the way! I’m always so excited for new pit owners. Even though puppyhood can be hard, (r/puppy101 has guidance on that too!), pits are just so wonderful, so I’m excited for the bond you’ll share with her! 😊

Okay lol so I won't tell you about all of the thousand-dollar options! My dog also has allergies; hers aren't as severe as yours sound, but I also wasn't interested in spending big money so here's what I've learned:

1) To absolutely rule out a food issue, ask your vet about trying prescription-grade kibble. When mine started displaying allergy symptoms, her vet prescribed Hills Prescription Diet z/d. 17lbs ran like $40-50/bag - but you have to consistently feed the kibble, and ONLY the kibble for at least two months solid. No snacks, table scraps, Greenies, bones, antlers, rawhides - nothing. It's an annoying process, but it's the only way to rule out food-related issues without doing a panel test. Unfortunately, food allergies manifest in the same way as environmental allergies in cats and dogs, but it's the easier of the two to diagnose without a panel test.

I had a cat with a severe allergy to protein (I know, wtf), and sincerely could not eat anything other than his kibble. Once we figured it out (by trying everything else first and spending lots of money on skin scrapes and vet visits), it took six weeks to get under control. After it was under control, we could tell when someone fed him something because he would have an immediate flare-up; these usually took two weeks to clear back up if it was a one-time snack, but one of the roomies was feeding him snacks multiple times a week for a few weeks because she didn't know, and that one took a month to fix.

2) If it's contact-environmental, you can try a few different things in the bathing department.

Increase the frequency of baths. During peak allergy season, I have to wash my dog once a week. I have friends who have to wash their dog multiple times a week year-round, with medicated shampoo from the vet. Note: You're going to need a good skin conditioner if you go this route - the frequent bathing will dry out the skin which will still feel itchy, and will flake.

Ask your vet about medicated shampoos; don't just use the OTC shampoos labeled for allergies and skin problems.About a month ago, my vet recommended shampoo containing ceramides; recently, studies have shown that since dogs have more space between their layers of skin than humans, ceramides will come to rest in between the molecular layers of the dog skin, and some dogs respond very well to having the extra layer of protection from the great outdoors. A botte from my vet's office ran me around $23. I'm not sure what my other friends have been using, but I know that there's more vet-grade options than just ceramide shampoo if you haven't explored the vet's cabinet yet.

Foot soaks with the medicated shampoo for between baths.

3) Laundry and Bedding Experiments:

My friend's old dog was very allergic to wool; they had to remove all of their woolen products from his reach. But they only found this out by doing a panel test lol. Try changing the material that your dog sleeps on. If she's sleeping on polyester, try cotton.

My dog is mildly allergic to Woolite detergent. Have you tried changing your laundry detergent?

Wash your dog's bedding. During peak season, I wash my dog's bedding once a week. Off-season, probably every 2-4 weeks as needed lol.

4) I use topical Benadryl Cream or generic to spot-treat my dog since my dog responds well to oral Benadryl, but it makes her weird and messes up her elimination process. This works even better than hydrocortisone (cortisone cream), and is a better long-term solution than cortisone because it is antihistamine cream, not steroid cream. By now, I'm sure your vet has given you the mini-lecture on why prolonged use of steroids is bad lol, but I can explain it too if you want to know.

5) I actually like to use cortisone cream when the itching has resulted in a break in the skin, because it helps the skin heal up and close more quickly while also treating the itching. My dog targets her feet during off-season, and I get concerned about her increased risk of infection since her feet make the most contact with the ground. I usually only need to apply it once or twice, then switch back to benadryl cream or aloe once there's visible improvement in the wound.

6) I also like to use CLEAR aloe gel to help reduce the burning feeling that comes after intense scratching. Other benefits of aloe gel include that it's a great moisturizer (and if she's licking a lot, she's going to dry out her skin in those areas), it also speeds up the skin's healing process, and it dries up really fast! The only place I've been able to find CLEAR aloe gel is at Giant, like $4/bottle I think, but one bottle is pretty decent-sized. I split it up into travel-sized bottles for easier application onto a wiggling dog.

7) Fish Oil. Or trial bottle lol. Cheapest to buy it in bulk; some dogs respond well to this, doesn't work for us.

8) Zyrtec or generic. There's a lower success rate in dogs with Zyrtec than with Benadryl, but if it works for your dog, then why not? OTC name-brand runs like $20-30/30 pills; generic is $11/365 from Costco. I personally use these to manage my spring allergies and I can say that the name-brand stuff works a tiny bit better for me than Costco's generic; my neighbor can't tell the difference between the two. Obviously everyone is different, so every dog must also be different lol.

9) Change your flea/tick preventative. I'm sure you've ruled out that it's not actually fleas lol, but perhaps your dog is allergic to whatever you're currently using?

10) It's not mange, right? Your vet did skin scrapes to rule this out already? Dogs with autoimmune issues are more susceptible to getting repeat-episodes of mange, but if you're seeing a sudden drop in symptoms at first frost, you're likely correct in thinking that it's an environmental allergy.

11) Just try the Apoquel. The internet is a cesspool of negative reviews, but I've heard nothing but praise for it from real people who are using it to treat their dogs. There's always going to be a minority of cases that don't respond well or at all to a medication that works for a majority - even I myself can prattle off a list of medications that loads of other humans have great success with, that make my life hell. My vet's office said to order Apoquel far in advance because they're usually out of it during peak allergy season, since everyone is using it. I was quoted about $70 for 3-4 weeks-worth. If your dog is already suffering, you have nothing to lose.

12) Booties! I'm fairly confident that my dog's problem is leaf-mold because it's at its worst in the fall, and flares up when it rains. Her feet suffer the most; I make her wear booties every day during peak-season, and whenever it rains/just after it rains. I can definitely say that it helps keep her feet in check. If you want to try it, here's my rant on inexpensive dog booties. If money wasn't an issue, I'd get the RuffTrex, hands down. But she's just gonna lose or destroy them, so no lol.

Bottom Line: Less expensive options = more work for you. GOOD LUCK HAVE FUN.

edit: formatting

Socialize and start training asap. Once your pup is past the Parvo age, start getting him to parks. He/she should be introduced to allll sorts of people. Women, men, short, tall, fat, black, white. (I know that sounds silly, but it’s important)
Also, get some dog friends! The more dogs your dog is around, the better he’ll be.
It really does make a difference in how they socialize. I have some training notes I’ll link, but keep in mind some of the stuff won’t make sense because it’s dog-specific to mine lol. Get a sturdy leash and collar/harness. I recommend the Primal Gear leash from Amazon. It’s perfect for training on the leash.
Primal Pet Gear Dog Leash 6ft Long - Traffic Padded Two Handle - Heavy Duty - Double Handles Lead Control Safety Training - Leashes Large Dogs Medium Dogs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072144JB1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RNtQBbT8QXM0E

Remember that dogs LOVE routines. Get a routine down, and stick to it. Don’t skip out on teeth cleaning. Brushing your dogs teeth once a week, and getting them toys that are good for their teeth will go a long way. Also, when your vet recommends a teeth cleaning, which is super expensive, don’t brush it off. Trust me when I say that the few hundred you dish out for the teeth cleaning is NOTHING compared to taking care of rotting teeth when he’s older.
Fish oil pills! You can also get tasty treat forms of it specifically for dogs. I give my dogs regular fish oil pills since I have 3 of them, and it’s just too expensive for me personally to get the dog specific ones. Your vet can recommend what’s best for your pup.
If you have a Costco membership, the Kirkland dog food is high quality and compares to Blue Buffalo.
If your dogs are like mine, they need mental stimulation as well as physical. Training helps with this a lot, but there’s also really great mental toys too. Amazon has some puzzle games.
Don’t let your pup eat grapes/raisins. They’re deadly. Also, avocado seeds.


Here are my notes:
https://imgur.com/gallery/aVv4nD1
I’m happy to elaborate on any questions from the notes. I’m off work today, so I really don’t mind.

For food - I use victor. It’s pricey but I’ve found best results with it. Mine has allergies so he’s strictly salmon and sweet potatoes, but I’ve heard good things about all of their products. Taste of the Wild and Merrick are great brands too.

For supplements, my blue is 92ish lbs and outside some allergies due to a compromised immune system as a baby, he’s overall very healthy. I give him omega-3 supplements for his coat and salmon oil (I’ve given him different ones, the most cost effective option I found to be salmon oil capsules from the vitamin aisle at target but you can buy the pump dispensers at pet stores or even online).

For a collar, to be totally honest - DONT spend good money on a good quality collar until he’s done growing. They grow so fast and so much and they play so rough as puppies you’ll be spending money hand over fist. However, I’d invest in a good harness and teach him not to pull from a young age. I’ve tried a ton of them and somehow the brick head managed to slip out or break out of most of them but this one which you can also buy at Petsmart.

Good luck and post pics of your new baby!

I buy dog toys at places like Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Tuesday Mornings etc.

I get at least 5-7 toys for $25ish depending on what i pick out and often times find Kong, chuck it and other good brands.

Some toys Diesel will destroy within hours, some within a week or and a few lucky ones last a couple months.

They all just go into a toy bin that he’ll dig through on his own.

Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Sarah (my parents and sister) always have fun buying him more expensive “extra fun” toys for Christmas, Birthday, random holidays etc. We call those the extra fun toys because they’re the ones I’d never buy him knowing that they’ll last 10 minutes. (Although a few have turned out to be amazing quality and have held up.) They know toys don’t last long with him but all our family’s previous dogs were small and not into toys so they have fun picking things out for him.

Also there’s a few that I keep put away unles we’re actively playing with like the big fuzzy chuck it ball. Toss it in the air and Diesel with pop it back to you volleyball style. When we’re done, i take it away or else he’d just shred it.

Also I’ve had good luck with JW Pet Company Invincible Chains LT Triple Dog Toy, Large (Colors Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJXFI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UXnDAbR4NNHF2 and with their big holey balls. Diesel will tear them up after a while but he doesn’t eat the pieces, just spits them out so even if he tears it open it sticks around for a while. I think he like how the rubber feels when he chews on it.

Edit: oh and frisbee golf frisbees are great. My friend who was really into the sport and had dozens of old ones gave us some because my pit and his pit loved to chase and play with them. They last for a long time and are like $10 at a sporting goods store.

I've got a 7 month old and he broke out in a wart last month and then promptly shared it with one of our other dogs. I'd suspect your pup's lump, though it doesn't resemble a wart, to be something along those lines. Puppies are at risk of a suppressed immune system due to vaccinosis, or over-vaccination. Papilloma viruses (warts) are the most common outbreaks, but lumps, rashes and other such things are prone to occur at a young age, and pibbles, I've found, are unfortunately more prone to skin issues than many of the dogs I've ever had.

Regardless of what the official diagnosis is, I would highly recommend picking up an immune system booster. I've tried a couple over the years to great success. This one I've used most recently for the pup with the warts, and it has outstanding reviews, mine included. This one, though a little more expensive, was excellent for our older dog some years ago with an epic skin infection. In addition to the Amazon product, we also used a pau d'arco supplement, because the wart had a slight resurgence on just the zenapet. I'm happy to report that the wart on the pup is finally withered back and is almost gone with this combination. This is just after only two-and a half weeks. They say that warts should be allowed to run their course, but that they'll go away after 1 to 5 MONTHS. As far as I'm concerned, supplements are the way to go.

Here's more info on immune support supplements.

Hope this helps a little.

Raising and caring for an American Pitbull Terrier isn't much different from any other dog. As for a book that I can recommend, this one is really great. It goes over the history of the breed, characteristics, breed standard, puppy care, everday care, training, activities that the breed enjoys, health care, behavior, and how to care for them when they become seniors. It's really informative.

Good luck and thank you for the kind words.

I had a vet tell me to get an Italian basket muzzle. It has a door that opens at the snout so they can be fed treats

I wish I could find the video on desensitizing a dog to a muzzle. Basically you put your hand through the muzzle with a treat in your hand. Have the dog come to your hand and take the treat. Keep doing this until eventually the muzzle is touching the dogs nose. You then eventually move to the point where the muzzle is on the dog without them freaking out. The italian basket allows you to continue to treat. I desensitized over several training sessions. I only fed her treats with my hand through the muzzle the first session. I spread this out over the course of a week until the muzzle was on her nose and she was happy fine with it.

His next visit to the vet might trigger his anxiety even before the exam. Getting him positively conditioned to the muzzle beforehand might make the situation slightly better. At least he doesn't have to go through the forceful restraining on top of everything else.

As suggested, medication can work.

I had a similar problem with my dog, but in her case it was eyedrops (probably even worse). Tried everything but she wouldn't have it.

There is a reason certain groomers have devices designed to keep a dog in place! So I did the same. I had to MacGyver a pet grooming loop (something like this https://www.amazon.com/No-Sit-Haunch-Holder-Grooming-Restraint/dp/B001PAVA5S) which held her firmly in place. I finally was able to do it. I kept up with the positive reinforcement - as soon as the liquid touched her, even if it didnt it her eye I would praise her and give her a treat. And over time, she became a bit more confident and now trusts me to put the drops in.

Obviously it's a lot of work and I understand how frustrating it can get... and it's easy to just abandon, but as you said it yourself, the dog can't help himself, you have to do it. It's your responsibility. Good luck !

Oh my gosh, my Bessie has worn through 3 harnesses and the same number of leashes since we got her 3 months ago. It's the same thing, she usually walks nicely but if there is a squirrel or a rabbit - forget about it. We started with a chest harness which she tore up from pulling, then switched to the easy walk which rode up in her elbows. I adjusted it and she wore it upside down and it was okay for almost two months, then she pulled so hard in one day it rubbed her fur off in the front. I thought about lining the easy walk with fleece, because the front clipping harness really did make it SO MUCH easier to walk her, it forces her to turn around and face us if she pulls too hard. But I didn't want to risk her hurting herself again. I've since bought a heavily padded harness that can be clipped on the front or the back. I figure while she's working on the pulling at least she won't be able to hurt herself with the harness.

This is the harness that we've bought to replace the Easy Walk. We've only had it a week and it seems to be working pretty well, although it still pulls to one side like the easy walk does. I don't know if there is a way to avoid that completely, pit bulls just have such strong front legs/chest. Still, the padding is comfy and she seems to like wearing it.

Going to be a bit long, bare with me.

Do not directly introduce the dog & cat at first. Keep them completely separated from each other. This will involve a bit of revolving animals, but in the long run it’ll be worth it. Crate the pup away from the cat and let the cat roam, sniff, etc. Hopefully the cat will “scent” some objects. After, say, an hour, crate cat away from dog. Let the dog sniff around. Do this process for 1 full week. During week 2 continue week 1 but add: rub your hands all over the cat’s face (where scent glands are) then immediately rub “scented” hands on dog’s face. This will force the dog to deal with the scent continuously. Do that for a week. Week 3 is week 2 plus “drive byes”. Dog on leash walks by crated cat until dog doesn’t show intense interest. After that you should be good. However it’s always best to have a safe space for the cat to go that the dog can’t. There are pet gates that don’t require any drilling that work wonders.

I hope that all makes sense. If you have other questions just ask.

Source: dog trainer for 10 years, own 2 pits, 1 Rottie, and 2 cats.

We brought our first baby home this month and our 1.5 yr old pit mix has pleasantly surprised us. He was very interested in her for the first day or so and constantly wanted to look at her, lick her, and jump up while we were holding her. Though we have always used positive reinforcement with him, we found that he responded very well to a stern "No!" or "Down!".

A few things helped us out at first. We sent him to day care the first week to make sure that he was well exercised. When he was at home we used high value treats (bully sticks, femur bones, and this ball to keep him distracted enough.

We're a month in now and he is able to calmly lay at our feet while she eats/sleeps and even sleeps in bed with us during night time feedings

Bonus pic of proud brother

For those recommending Taste of the Wild, please read up on the company. They're owned by Blue Diamond and they've had many, many issues in the past. I would steer clear. Victor Grain Free is a great choice and is made in the USA with zero by-products and zero glutens. I've had my pibble on it for two months now and her skin is flawless.

This is what I feed her - https://victorpetfood.com/product-items/active-dog-puppy/

I also supplement with this fish oil - https://www.amazon.com/Native-Pet-Salmon-Dogs-Cats/dp/B074MPML6N/ref=sr_1_11?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1510933886&sr=1-11&keywords=native+pet It's wild caught and the company is US-based.

Don't forget a good probiotic. Pits are notorious for immune deficiencies and this is why we see the skin issues. Over 70% of the immune system is in the gut, so making sure the flora is healthy goes a long way. I use - https://www.amazon.com/VetriScience-Laboratories-Mega-Probiotic-Capsules/dp/B002GIVC4C/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1510933999&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=vetriscience+probiotics+for+dogs&psc=1

So far, on this combination, I've had zero skin issues with my pibble.

Good luck finding a solution. I know what it's like to see your pupper suffer and it's a really crap place to be.