Ok I have a 1 1/2 year old male pit who we have had since he was 8 weeks old. He has never been aggressive towards people or other dogs. We also have a 6 month female who is in her first heat. Even since she came in he has been super aggressive. He has snapped at me twice and also at two other adults who have been in the house before and he knows them. When I try to punish him for snapping he flips out and becomes very aggressive. My question us this just because our female is in heat or is his whole demeanor changing? If its because of her being in heat will his normal attitude return afterwards? We have two children with another on the way and my husband and I have discussed getting rid of him but he has always been so gentle. My 2 year old daughter has always laid on him sat on him hugged him whatever and he's always just laid there and let her! So this is a big change for him.

I'd crate him immediately until your female is done with her season. If he does not improve either retrain him or give him up to someone who can handle this type of behavior. How long has the female been in the home?

Thanks for your quick reply! We got our female in February and she was about 7 weeks old. They have always gotten along and don't fight except when they are just playing around. He has been really whiny like he'll just lay there and whine , loudly lol. They usually sleep together in a xl dog cage but since she's been in heat he stays in and she sleeps in the cage. Which is in our garage. During the day they are alternated between inside and the cage because if they are inside together he's constantly trying to m

Thanks for your quick reply! We got our female in February and she was about 7 weeks old. They have always gotten along and don't fight except when they are just playing around. He has been really whiny like he'll just lay there and whine , loudly lol. They usually sleep together in a xl dog cage but since she's been in heat he stays in and she sleeps in the cage. Which is in our garage. During the day they are alternated between inside and the cage because if they are inside together he's constantly trying to mOunt her!

Please get your dogs neutered--for their sake and their health plus for your sake.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Please get your dogs neutered--for their sake and their health plus for your sake.

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Hmm I don't remember asking if I should neuter or spay the dogs I take care of and provide for. This is why I was uncertain about asking my question after researching it and the only answers I could find we're people telling other people what to do with their animals. I'm not a little kid. I'm an adult. My question once again is has anybody had this happen with their male dog and is it temporary while our female is in heat. Thanks in advance!

My first suggestion would be to have them spayed and neutered for any chance of correcting this.
Retraining him to know who is alpha is going to run a very close second.
Separating them until you can do something is a must in order to keep your children out of the mix. Even if that means boarding him somewhere for a period.
Right now he is seeing your female as HIS and anyone who he sees as a challenge to that is in potential danger.
Get in touch with a good trainer in your area, you must be trained as well as them.
Bully breeds can be difficult to handle and YOU must be the boss.
At this young age you need to stop it now before someone gets hurt.

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Originally Posted by Aherinswife

Hmm I don't remember asking if I should neuter or spay the dogs I take care of and provide for. This is why I was uncertain about asking my question after researching it and the only answers I could find we're people telling other people what to do with their animals. I'm not a little kid. I'm an adult. My question once again is has anybody had this happen with their male dog and is it temporary while our female is in heat. Thanks in advance!

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If you are not willing to listen to that advice then I would suggest that you call your vet and ask them what they think.
I think I know the answer to that question already, I know exactly what the 5 that I work for would tell you.
And yes very likely that it will happen every time she is in heat, problem is you may not know every time she goes into heat because there will be no physical signs for part of that time.

It more or less is temporary (hopefully). If he is not neutered, he can sense she is in heat. Every dog acts differently, yours is being aggressive. Obviously it's not what you want to hear, but you should get one of them fixed, at least.

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Originally Posted by Aherinswife

Hmm I don't remember asking if I should neuter or spay the dogs I take care of and provide for. This is why I was uncertain about asking my question after researching it and the only answers I could find we're people telling other people what to do with their animals. I'm not a little kid. I'm an adult. My question once again is has anybody had this happen with their male dog and is it temporary while our female is in heat. Thanks in advance!

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It is possible it is only temporary but odds are he will now see the female as being HIS girl even when she is not in season.

You obviously don't want to hear it but getting them desexed would be the best thing for them.

It's better the be missing 2 testicles than have your life turned upside down and having to go to a new home... And if you rehomed him entire and still having aggression issues you have a higher risk of him being put to sleep by his new owners or being passed around from home to home for the rest of his life.

If you are dead set against desexing for whatever reason then you could look at having the implant done. It helps curb their instinct to mate and can calm them down. It works great for some dogs, but does nothing for others.

I agree with some posts but still stick with my position. The dog needs to be created now since there are small children around. The male may, or may not, improve when the female is no longer in heat but you can't take a chance with kids around. The OP does not want neutering and that is an owner decision, this could be a breeder for all we know. However, if this is not a show dog or stud then neutering might be the best option since the aggression factor will lessen, up to the owner.

I would say that this is nature of the beast. You have a breed that is KNOWN to be aggressive, isn't for the faint of heart and is definitely not for beginner dog lovers.

He is getting older, he is getting bigger.. and the older and bigger he gets, he is going to become more aggressive. You obviously don't have the upper hand on him because he fights back when you scold him. If you were the ruler of the roost, and you said "knock it off", he should slink off and "knock it off".

Intact male dogs should be working dogs. Their minds should be tired DAILEY, their bodies should be tired DAILEY. I have met many intact male dogs that were extremely well behaved in every single circumstance. If your dog is acting aggressive right now because the female is in heat, then he is not a well behaved dog.. in fact, he is a jerk. He is only good when it is on his terms. Not only is that obnoxious to deal with, it is also very dangerous coming from a fighting breed.

Unless you start some type of training program (not just a 6wk course of obedience at Petsmart), you are going to have this issue all the time. It is going to progress to him being aggressive because its hot out or the neighbor dog is in heat. I like to compare intact male dogs to bulls, or stallions. They are unpredictable, aggressive and only have one thing on their mind, breeding. I really see no purpose in keeping a pet intact. Their intention is to be a pet, not breeding stock.

Which leads me to my soapbox.

Unless you have animals that came from quality breeding stock, there is no reason that you should be breeding your dogs, especially a 6mo old puppy. And I do realize mistakes are made and "oops" litters appear. It is VERY hard to keep males and females apart when she is susptable. He will probably chew through a door to get to her. There should be no contact whatsoever between the two, they should go outside at separate times, have "family time" separately and be exercised separately. I don't know about you, but that seems like a lot of extra work every 6-8 months.

I'm sure you're looking at breeding. I'm sure you purchased both dogs for the high price of $50 to maybe $200 on the high end and think that you can turn a quick $1000 in an afternoon. And I am going to point my finger at YOU and claim that people who think the way you do is the reason why we have so many pit bulls in our shelters, being euthanized and God forbid that one of "your" puppies makes it into the underground fighting rings.. more than likely as a bait dog. And with pit bulls, you have to think that way. They were bred to fight, and people take full advantage of that instinct.

And now that you have allowed your dog to reach his boiling point of snapping at you and others, you want to get rid of him. You created this monster, now you want to push him off on someone else. If you take him to the shelter he will either A. be euthanized the minute you walk out the door due to his biting history or B. Sit out on the floor for 3 months, stressed out, scared.. and than be euthanized. You might as well make the appointment and have him put down with the people he likes and knows. And of course you are going to come back with some snide remark that a friend wants him.. So now you are pushing your problems off on a friend and endanger their families and friends. This dog acted out because you don't know how to handle this breed. May sound harsh, but you are the one writing down the problems. My dogs don't bite me or others :) And I own a purebred pit.

NEUTER HIM! Save his life, save her life.. save the lives of the unborn pups you are wanting to put on this earth.

SPAY HER! Give her a chance at life instead of being a breeding machine.

But hey, what do we all know? This particular forum as 1 vet, a handlful of vet techs and everyone else who is a dog lover and enthusiast. What would we know about spaying and neutering? After all, we just want to tell you how to own your dogs... But I guess someone has to since you don't know how to handle your dog.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

I agree with some posts but still stick with my position. The dog needs to be created now since there are small children around. The male may, or may not, improve when the female is no longer in heat but you can't take a chance with kids around. The OP does not want neutering and that is an owner decision, this could be a breeder for all we know. However, if this is not a show dog or stud then neutering might be the best option since the agression factor will lessen, up to the owner.

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This is a pit bull.. They aren't even recognized by the AKC... Unless they got the expensive American Bully, and these guys go out on limited breedings (meaning to register, they have to be spayed/neutered)... I doubt they are "breeders"... The OP probably bought them from some backyard breeder at wal-mart as in impulse...

The people who want to put me down are the exact reason people don't want to ask for help or advice. I came here wanting to know others experiences and if anybody had any good advice. I asked if this would change everyone's only answer is to get him neutered, besides the few who are actually answering my question and saying he needs to be retrained. Dogs are a lot of work period and I'm giving this my best shot. Both of my dogs are registered no not AKC, but NAPR. Do I plan on breeding them, hmm not sure yet, but that is my decision as the owner of both of my well taken care of pets. Lucky098 I don't appreciate your comments at all, not because you say I should get them spayed/neutered, but because you are condescending. You don't know me or what kind of person or pet owner I am. I am NOT trying to put my dog off on someone else, I haven't asked anyone I know to take my dog off my hands. He is a part of our family, my children's dog and I'm trying to find out what I can to fix this little problem. My children are my #1 concern. You are correct in saying that I am a beginner dog lover, I had cats growing up. My husband on the other hand has had dogs all his life boxers and pits both. He used to show them when he was younger. He isn't a big part in the day to day life right now seeing as he just left for his 3rd deployment to Afghanistan. As for breeding I will repeat this again WE DID NOT WANT THEM TO MATE. They had been separated every day since we realized she was in heat, like you said family time was separate and they are always no matter if she is in heat or not let outside separately. You made a comment about it being a lot of extra work every 6-8 months well I understand that as I am living it and dogs are a lot of work period. We knew that when we decided to become owners and committed to whatever work may come with owning a dog or dogs. My husband did most of the disciplining/training and now he is gone. It was very short notice on when he had to leave so we didn't have a lot of time to work with the dogs. I don't like that you say I turned my dog into a monster. How did this happen? He is not a crazed dog running around trying to kill anything that walks. He is aggressive around a female in heat. He has NEVER NOT ONCE before become aggressive with anyone for any reason before this. I'm not pushing my responsibilities off on another person or trying to I am here because I want to handle this MYSELF and was trying to get advice, but obviously the majority of you and especially you LUCKY want to slap people in the face with your rude and snide remarks. Well no thanks! Guess I will go to a vet or some other trained professional because even if they tell me the same things you did I'm absolutely certain it won't be in the tone you used!

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Originally Posted by Aherinswife

WE DID NOT WANT THEM TO MATE.

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You've just answered your own question. Spay and neuter then is the only way to go. We all are thinking of your children's well being, the health of the dogs, and the dismal future of any pups that result from ooops pregnancies.

NAPR means jack to me.. It means that they are purebred... Still not a recognizable registry that would put value on a breeding pair.. I could register my pit through NAPR and brag about it as well...

Actually.. you've answered a lot of your questions. Go to your vet and ask.. He/she'll just suggest to spay and neuter.

Your husband did all the work and is now gone. You are still not in charge of that dog and that dog will cause damage because you don't know how to handle him. It is still a concern and it is still an issue.

I'm glad you figured out how to keep them separate.. most people don't know how to do that.

Quit honestly, I'm sick and tired of people constantly asking for us to fix their dog. He is almost 2, showing aggression and you guys are thinking about breeding that. Just because he is a good family pet, doesn't make him a good breeding dog. You haven't even mentioned the females personality/traits. Maybe you should read up on breeding dogs. How to breed, why to breed and when its right to breed. Just because you think your two dogs are wonderful, doesn't mean they are anything worth breeding... and honestly; that is not an insult. But I'm sure you are going to take it that way.

You want to know why your dog is acting aggressive... Because he is a young, testosterone charged male that is force to live with a young female in heat... I think that'd drive any male of any species nuts.

He is use to a male handler.. Your husband probably has a firm voice and when he says "sit" the dog sits... You are probably a push over and soft spoken. Don't take it as an insult.. women have this struggle all the time with dogs trained by guys. Just keep in mind, you are not going to be able to hurt this dog.. he will however; be able to hurt you.

He's bored.. Playing with kids and running in his backyard isn't enough. Although this breed is relatively laid back, they still need stimulation. Go to the park... alone. He's showing aggression from pent up energy and is probably sexually frustrated.. That just spells out fight to me. So maybe not a dog park ;)

And yea.. really.. neutering a male dog that is showing aggression honestly, truly and really will calm him down level and out his personality. It also will prevent prostate cancer and testicular cancer from forming.

Your dog is turning into a monster.. and you're allowing it. Not listening turns into growling, growling turns into snapping.. snapping turns into stitches... Its text book. Don't believe me? Read about it. There is tons of information on the internet that will answer your question. You just don't want to do the leg work for it. Or, you don't want to hear about the harsh reality of it all.

I know how people like you are. You are all in it for the dog.. lets have puppies so our children can witness the miracle of life.. blah blah blah... Dogs are a major responsibility.. Training, vet care, training, socialzation.. and so on.. and its unfortunate that you picked a breed that is temperamental.

Call me condesending and rude all you want.. Like I said.. MY dog doesn't snap at me.. I'm not going to contribute to the over population of pets only for my own enjoyment and I'm not going to walk around saying I have something because they are registered through the NAPR... lol

I'm sure what this all comes down to is... Your husband doesn't want to get the dog neutered because that would be like getting himself neutered.. See it all the time.. Makes me laugh.

If you were never going to "get rid" of the dog due to his aggression.. than why on earth would you post...

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We have two children with another on the way and my husband and I have discussed getting rid of him but he has always been so gentle

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I only answered... with all honestly.. to your questions and concerns. Sorry I didn't sugar coat it for you..

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Originally Posted by Lucky098

NAPR means jack to me.. It means that they are purebred... Still not a recognizable registry that would put value on a breeding pair..I could register my pit through NAPR and brag about it as well...

Actually.. you've answered a lot of your questions. Go to your vet and ask.. He/she'll just suggest to spay and neuter.

Your husband did all the work and is now gone. You are still not in charge of that dog and that dog will cause damage because you dont know how to handle him. It is still a concern and it is still an issue.

I'm glad you figured out how to keep them separate.. most people dont know how to do that.

Quit honestly, I'm sick and tired of people constantly asking for us to fix their dog. He is almost 2, showing aggress and you guys are thinking about breeding that. Just because he is a good family pet, doesnt make him a good breeding dog. You havent even mentioned the females personality/traits. Maybe you should read up on breeding dogs. How to breed, why to breed and when its right to breed. Just because you think your two dogs are wonderful, doesnt mean they are anything worth breeding... and honestly; that is not an insult. But I'm sure you are going to take it that way.

You want to know why your dog is acting aggressive... Because he is a young, testosterone charged male that is force to live with a young female in heat... I think that'd drive any male of any species nuts.

He is use to a male handler.. Your husband probably has a firm voice and when he says "sit" the dog sits... You are probably a push over and soft spoken. Dont take it as an insult.. women have this struggle all the time with dogs trained by guys. Just keep in mind, you are not going to be able to hurt this dog.. he will however; be able to hurt you.

He's bored.. Playing with kids and running in his backyard isnt enough. Although this breed is relatively laid back, they still need stimulation. Go to the park.... alone. He's showing aggression from pent up energy and is probably sexually frustrated.. That just spells out fight to me.

And yea.. really.. neutering a male dog that is showing aggression honestly, truely and really will calm him down level out his personality. It also will prevent prostate cancer and testicular cancer from forming.

Your dog is turning into a monster.. and youre allowing it. Not listening turns into growling, growling turns into snapping.. snapping turns into stitches... Its text book. Dont believe me? Read about it. There is tons of information on the internet that will answer your question. You just dont want to do the leg work for it.

I know how people like you are. You are all in it for the dog.. lets have puppies so our children can witness the miracle of life.. blah blah blah... Dogs are a major responsiblity.. Training, vet care, training, socialzation.. and so on.. and its unfortunate that you picked a breed that is tempermental.

Call me condesending and rude all you want.. Like I said.. MY dog doesnt snap at me.. I'm not going to contribute to the over population of pets only for my own enjoyment and I'm not going to walk around saying I have something because they are registered through the NAPR...lol

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I didn't brag that they were registered through napr LOL just stated that they were. I have done research and said we had not made any decision regarding breeding because our female is only six months old and if we did decide to breed it wouldn't happen for a good while. I did do research and ended up here to ask my question. And you ate condescending and rude because who are you to judge me or make assumptions about what I want? You could have stated your opinion in a much more mature way without all your side comments about what kind of person I am or what you assume my thought process is :)

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Originally Posted by Aherinswife

I didn't brag that they were registered through napr LOL just stated that they were. I have done research and said we had not made any decision regarding breeding because our female is only six months old and if we did decide to breed it wouldn't happen for a good while. I did do research and ended up here to ask my question. And you ate condescending and rude because who are you to judge me or make assumptions about what I want?? You could have stated your opinion in a much more mature way without all your side comments about what kind of person I am or what you assume my thought process is :)

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Well obviously you didn't do enough research.. your dog is biting you...

I don't like people who speak about breeding.. If you want to breed, go volunteer at the shelter on killing day.. than talk to me about breeding.

And the NAPR is a joke.. :)

Here are the facts:
1. Neutering and spaying help protect your dogs from medical issues
2. Dogs are being put to sleep DAILY. Most are bully breeds. There are too many of this breed and not enough homes.
3. Your dog is in danger of being POS. If he bites your child and harms them you will be unable to do anything to save him. I see this all the time on the sites I belong to that advocate for bully breeds.
4. Your dog is being aggressive due to your female being in heat. The only way to prevent this and not worry about your children is neuter.
5. Lucky knows her stuff.. She is respected! She worries about the animals more that the humans. She tells it like it is. I have been on the receiving end of her advice and I accepted it as I asked for help and got it.
6. You need to find a trainer for your dog.
7. Talk to your vet and you will see the advice is the same that has been said here.
8. If you are still considering breeding go on your local shelters web page and pick 8 pups that you decide will be killed so your dog can have pups in the future. See that is what happens when you breed other dogs in shelters have to die.
9. Your dogs are probably beautiful and handsome.. I get it, I really do. I think my Owen is the same. I also know it is your decision. Please reread these and see that the people care about the dogs.. isn't that more important than being sugary sweet and making you feel good.

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Originally Posted by mogrann

Here are the facts:
1. Neutering and spaying help protect your dogs from medical issues
2. Dogs are being put to sleep DAILY. Most are bully breeds. There are too many of this breed and not enough homes.
3. Your dog is in danger of being POS. If he bites your child and harms them you will be unable to do anything to save him. I see this all the time on the sites I belong to that advocate for bully breeds.
4. Your dog is being aggressive due to your female being in heat. The only way to prevent this and not worry about your children is neuter.
5. Lucky knows her stuff.. She is respected! She worries about the animals more that the humans. She tells it like it is. I have been on the receiving end of her advice and I accepted it as I asked for help and got it.
6. You need to find a trainer for your dog.
7. Talk to your vet and you will see the advice is the same that has been said here.
8. If you are still considering breeding go on your local shelters web page and pick 8 pups that you decide will be killed so your dog can have pups in the future. See that is what happens when you breed other dogs in shelters have to die.
9. Your dogs are probably beautiful and handsome.. I get it, I really do. I think my Owen is the same. I also know it is your decision. Please reread these and see that the people care about the dogs.. isn't that more important than being sugary sweet and making you feel good.

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You don't see the difference between what you said and she said? Same info two totally different attitudes. I appreciate all opinions and answers but she was outright rude. Caring more about the animals than the humans? Not sure I get that one but anyway I never said for sure we were going to breed our dogs but we have discussed and have not come to a conclusion. I'm done with all of this. All I wanted to know was if the aggression he was showing was because of her being in heat or if his personality was changing indefinitely not sure how I can make that more simple. I understand what everyone is saying about breeding/spaying/neutering but my concern wasn't should I breed my pets. Thanks for everyone's time. From now on I'll stick to myself and consult my husband and nobody else

You're not a breeder. You said you haven't decided whether you want to breed them yet. Well, considering the reason you came here to ask your question, I'd say that debate has been put to rest. You don't even know that an intact male dog can get aggressive when a female is in heat, and you're considering breeding?

I'm so sick of answering questions to people like you. I'm so sick of looking on the humane society site in my area and seeing healthy dogs, most of them pitbulls, that will never find a home because people think it's their right to force their dogs to breed and make more puppies that will never find a forever home.

If you're a dog lover, and not just someone that wants to get rich by breeding (which, if done correctly won't make you a cent), then you'll do your research. If you're in the US, you should know that 5 million dogs are euthanized every year because of people that want to breed their pets.

Love them for who they are, not what they can do for you. Let them be dogs, let them have a chance. You won't get rich by being a backyard breeder. Only the dogs will suffer.

Spay and neuter. It's the best thing for your dogs, and it's the best thing for the world we live in and all the other dogs already on this Earth hoping to find a home.

Let's see if you listen. I really hope you do. Just for some added impact.

Here are 5 dogs in my shelter right now. I used to volunteer at that shelter. Only 1 out of 5 of the dogs will find a home. The rest will have to be euthanized.

So, which one should be allowed to live? You choose.

http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com...mals/40260.jpg

http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com...mals/53693.jpg

http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com...mals/53666.jpg

http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com...mals/53290.jpg

http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com...mals/53622.jpg

Did you choose a survivor? I know I can't. Not one of them deserves to die because people think it's their right to backyard breed.