So I now have a bull terrier puppy… Fostering for now but potentially keeping him. He was with a coworker and his wife didn’t want him. About 4 months old. I’ll admit I don’t know much about the breed and it’s been 13 years since I raised my last puppy. What do I need to know? I’m a little terrified to be honest. It’s like having a baby.
Well, if you are lucky - these people bought this puppy from a good breeder and that would the very first person I would get in touch with. Not only will they want to know where the puppy is now, but they should want to help you in any way they can so that you are successful.
Otherwise, I’d start with the vet. Make sure the puppy is fully vaccinated so that you don’t end up with other problems like parvovirus…puppies are hard enough when they are healthy. Get recommendations for a good puppy food for that breed, and get a timeframe for switching him to adult food (again, depends on the breed).
In the meantime…get a crate, and crate train the puppy. Puppy proof your house – pick up everything and anything that the puppy might chew/ingest so you don’t have any emergency vet trips. Consider limiting the puppy to only certain areas of the house to help with potty training and so that you don’t have to completely puppy proof every single room (which is not easy).
Do you work? If so, what is the plan for exercising/pottying the puppy during the day? Get a routine and stick to it…routines make EVERYTHING easier with puppies.
And, naturally, get lots of pictures! The puppy stage goes by very fast.
Post pics!
Read When Pigs Fly and Control Unleashed Puppy Program.
Get him on a grain-free food. Allergies are very common. So is OCD and dog aggression.
Socialize thoughtfully. Loads to train a new puppy. Based on breed, I’d probably do a lot of impulse control and LAT.
Read about them. The temperament has some positives and negatives. Most discussions say they are not good when left alone all day, for example. They are better when kept busy.
I would find a good trainer and start puppy classes soon, whether you keep him or not.
We have two of them - and had a set of puppies.
Your best bet is to have him socialized once he is old enough to go to the park and is fully immunized.
Where we go a fellow walks three of them and they are the best dogs out there for manners.
Our female is the friendliest, most outward going, sweetest dog ever. He son is a bit of a wooden headed doofus, sort of in his own world. The son has a skin condition. Agree with finding a suitable food, grain free, etc. Mine is on minimal ingredient.
BT’s have an affinity for babies, older people and - best of all - ten year old kids who will play hard. They are clownish, fun dogs and ours do not bark.
We have a lot of people come and go, so maybe that is why.
As with all puppies, keep him close to you for as many hours in a day as you can. It is a long day for them being shut up alone. Bonding will form then.
Seriously, if you don’t keep him one of my best friends has been dreaming of getting one for a while now! PM me your info and I’ll pass it along if you’re interested.
Awesome. Bull terriers are so freakin’ cool!
Paula
I love that canter pirouette on the forehand they do when happy and excited - ours still do it at 13 and 14 years old.
A dog called “Rufus” won Best in Show at Westminster a few years ago - he then went on to become a therapy dog after his retirement.
A Bull Terrier is what you put into them, like most puppies. Hard work, time and socializing. It is unfair to leave them alone for long periods of time…if you have to work and be away, a good doggie day care will do.
I am incredibly jealous of you…a bull terrier has been on my "to do " list since I was I little kid…but, other needy dogs have always presented themselves, and right now I have an especially unwelcoming group of dogs for a bully…I have met many, and all were wonderfully socialized and just lovely…even the miniature ones!..you are sooooooo lucky!!..enjoy, and share pics!
I have a bully mix. He was born deaf but has been the most wonderful dog. He’s very friendly, not aggressive, and loves kids. At first he has tons of energy which can be overwhelming. Be prepared for constant tennis balls in your lap and the occasional “bully burst”. Mine has calmed down a lot after 4 years. He gets all natural food with real fish to help him with his skin and shedding.
He does get horrible allergies though which comes with the breed. Every year it gets worse. In the spring he always has to go on steroids and antibiotics to manage the itching and welts. Now it seems he’s beginning to get fall allergies too.
They are a fun, clownish breed though and will keep you entertained and laughing. I love them, would get another if I had the room!
SQUEEEEE!
I’ve always wanted a BT. Nothing to add but good luck, and I hope it will work out that you’ll be able to keep him!
