Can Pit Bulls Live With Other Dogs? 7 Breeds Pitties Love Most

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Pit Bulls have a reputation for being aggressive and unpredictable, which leads many dog parents to question the possibility of having Pit Bulls living with other dogs.

So, can Pit Bulls live with other dogs? Whether you are considering adding a Pit Bull to your family or already have one, you need to ensure a happy and healthy living situation for all involved.

Pit Bulls can live with other dogs just fine as long as both dogs are well-trained and socialized. Both dogs also need to be introduced correctly. Pit Bulls are generally not aggressive towards other dogs and get along with them well, but supervision is always recommended when introducing two dogs to each other.

Keep reading to learn more about whether Pit Bulls can live with other dogs and the breeds they get along with the most. I will also give you some tips on how to introduce Pit Bulls to other dogs and help them get along.

Can Pit Bulls Live with Other Dogs? 

If you have a Pit Bull and want to add another dog to the house, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is your Pit Bull well-socialized?

If your Pit Bull was social with other dogs from a young age, then you have nothing to worry about. At this point, they are probably happy to co-exist with other dogs. 

Pit Bulls who are younger than six months should be enrolled in socialization classes. It is a great way to introduce a Pit Bull to another dog, as it is a safe environment. 

2. Does your Pit Bull obey your commands?

Obeying your commands is a vital point when considering if a Pit Bull and another dog can co-exist. You need to be in control of all situations, and most importantly, you have to be firm when necessary. 

Luckily, Pit Bulls are very obedient by nature. If they don’t obey your commands, it’s time to do some recall training. That’s when you go over their training from the beginning as if you’re training them for the first time to improve their recall.

You should actually do this once or twice every year to keep their recall strong, and luckily, Pitties are also quite easy to train, so this should not be too difficult. You can learn more about how to discipline Pit Bulls here.

3. Is your Pit Bull happy?

Considering your Pit Bull’s mental health is essential. Just like humans, Pit Bulls get aggravated quickly if they are unhappy. It’s normal! 

If your Pit Bull is feeling secure, healthy, and happy, then it is unlikely for them to cause problems. Please consult a professional for advice and assistance.  

4. Do you have enough time and resources to care for more than one dog?

Having a dog at home is not always easy, let alone having two.

Having two dogs requires more cleaning at home, more dog walks, more food, more water, more grooming products, etc. Before taking on such a responsibility, make sure you will not give one of the dogs less attention than it needs. 

Taking care of any number of dogs involves a lot of expenses; you can learn more about how much it costs to purchase and raise a Pit Bull here.

Are Pit Bulls Aggressive with Other dogs? 

Pit Bulls are not inherently aggressive. Pit Bulls are like any other dog; they become what they are trained to be. 

Aggression is influenced by a variety of elements, including the environment, development throughout vital periods, and, most importantly, human behavior.

In short, it is not a rule that Pit Bulls are specifically aggressive toward other dogs. Hence, if you train them with love and kindness, to be social, to be well-behaved, then you probably brought out their beautiful, friendly side. 

If your Pit Bull has undergone a traumatic experience or was trained to fight, you could still treat them and bring out their friendly side. 

Make sure to assess your Pit Bull first before bringing another dog to the house. If you already have a dog and you are thinking about bringing a Pit Bull, then you should assess the new Pit Bull’s behavior and past. 

Do Pit Bulls Get Along with Small Dogs? 

Pit Bulls, like any other dog breed, can have varying temperaments and personalities depending on their training and socialization.

Some Pit Bulls may get along well with small dogs, while others may not. It is important to remember that every dog is an individual and should be treated as such.

Regardless of the dog’s size, it is important to socialize your Pit Bull with other dogs early on in life to help them learn appropriate behavior. Training and proper socialization can help a Pit Bull learn to respect the boundaries of smaller dogs and interact with them in a calm and controlled manner.

It is also important to supervise interactions between your Pit Bull and small dogs, especially during the initial introduction. This will help ensure that both dogs feel safe and secure and that any potential issues can be addressed quickly.

I have another article in which I discuss how to introduce a Pit Bull to a small dog in more detail, so make sure to check it out.

7 Dog Breeds That Get Along Well with Pit Bulls 

I don’t know about you, but it always fascinates me how dogs and humans are so alike. Just like we get along with certain humans better than others, dogs do too.

There are several dog breeds that have a reputation for getting along well with pit bulls. Some examples include:

• Basenji
• Cocker Spaniel
• German Shepherd
• English Foxhound
• Basset Hound 
• Beagle 
• Golden Retriever 

It’s important to keep in mind that every dog is unique and may have different personalities and temperaments.

If you’re planning on getting another Pit Bull to keep your current one company, check out this article on whether Pit Bulls are better in pairs, in which I talk about the pros and cons of having two Pit Bulls live together.

How to Introduce Your Pit Bull to Other Dogs?

First impressions matter, and so does your dog’s first time meeting the other dog. There are some crucial things to know, do, and keep an eye out for if you want this introduction to go smoothly and for the dogs to get along well with each other.

Keep in mind that these things can take time, and that may be hiccups along the way, but if you know what you are doing, it should work out exactly as you want it to.

So, here are some tips on how to introduce your Pit Bull to other dogs.

• Don’t introduce the two dogs at home. It might make the already existing dog feel like the other one is invading its territory, which will cause it to feel threatened and provoke it to react aggressively.
  • Instead, it’s better to introduce the dogs in a controlled environment, such as a fenced-in yard or a neutral room where they can’t get too close to each other.
  • Professionals also tend to agree on the fact that public dog parks may not be the best place for dogs to meet because not all dogs in the park will be well-behaved or trained, so they can often provoke each other. 
• Keep both dogs on leashes during the initial introduction. This will help you maintain control of the situation and intervene if necessary.
• Always supervise interactions between your pit bull and other dogs, especially during the initial introduction.
• Pay equal attention to both dogs. Preferential treatment can cause jealousy, which can often lead to aggression. You need to make sure that you are capable of giving both dogs equal amounts of love, affection, and attention. 
• Use Positive reinforcement. Reward both dogs with treats and praise when they display calm, relaxed behavior around each other.
• Refrain from stepping in as long as neither dog is at risk. Let them deal with each other independently. Remember, your role here is purely to be a matchmaker and a supervisor.
  • However, don’t ignore signs of aggression. A play date can turn violent too quickly, so you should always be present, and you should step in if it gets too rough for your liking. 
• Let them get used to each other gradually. Over the course of their introduction process, gradually increase the amount of time that the dogs spend together and the distance between them.

How to Train Your Pit Bull to Get Along with Other Dogs?

If your Pit Bull is unfriendly to other dogs, you can always train them to get along with other dogs. Here are some tips to help you do that

• Assess the situation. Before beginning any training, it’s important to understand the root cause of your pit bull’s unfriendly behavior. Consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
• Establish a Reward System. When the dogs exhibit calm and friendly behavior, make sure to reward them. A reward such as a treat or a new toy will enhance their understanding of what behavior is applauded.
• Create a positive association. Pair positive experiences with other dogs, such as going on walks or playing together, with treats and praise to create a positive association.
• Gradually expose your Pit Bull to other dogs in a controlled environment and let them get used to their presence. This can be done through scent, sound, and sight.
• Keep a close eye on them. If the dogs are puppies, such situations are easier to handle. However, if your Pit Bull is grown, it can be a problem. You should always show dominance in situations of aggression and take control of the situation.  
• Don’t rush it. At the end of the day, dogs are a lot like humans. Some Pit Bulls are especially wary of new people or dogs, so they need time to warm up to each other, which is totally normal and understandable.
• Seek professional help. If you have any concerns or questions about training your Pit Bull to get along with other dogs, consider consulting with a professional trainer or behaviorist. They can provide valuable guidance and support.

Training your Pit Bull to get along with other dogs requires patience, consistency, and time. It’s important to remember that this process may take time and effort. But with the right approach and professional help, you can train your Pit Bull to get along with other dogs

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