Today my wife and I went to the local animal shelter with our 2 children (ages 7 and 10). We found a 4 month old "Pit Bull/terrier mix."

Here she is! http://www.hscalumet.org/animals/dogs.asp

She seemed to be a very sweet and loving dog and did not seem hyper..etc. I'm a firm believer that the dogs who "turn" are dogs who are trained to be aggressive or are neglected. We will give any dog alot of love, obedience training, and a nice yard to run in, so I'm not concerned with temperment (especially after researching the breed).

I do however have 2 concerns:

*We have a 4 foot high chain link fence and I worry about the dog jumping it. We cannot afford a new fence at this time. I realize proper training, attention and exercise can help with this. Any thoughts?

*We already have a 4 year old Weimereiner. She has an extremely sweet disposition and has never been aggressive with another dog.

Any help with these questions or additional thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

you said you looked at a pitbutt terrier mix? a pitbull is a terrier mix. they are what you get when you cross a bulldog with a terrier. if you raise these dogs to be layed back almost housedog like they are not hyper. they act on the energy you give off. as far as a dog turning on you or your family unless you are harsh and abusive they will love you to the end just like any dog would. a poodle will turn on you after you have been mean and hurtfull. loyal, protective, and paitent. i have always owned pitbulls. some coming from true game bloodlines. all of my dogs are social and everyone who comes in contact loves them. as far as your other dog at home when you get a pit as a pup it will love your other dog because they love to have playmates. one of my inside dogs was raised with my sons rabbit and never hurt it. they would sit on the couch together and he could be trusted. as far as you training like other dogs they like to chew on things so offer the right things to chew. dont give them old shoes then get upset when they chew your new ones. my dogs dont jump on you paw you or lick you... they sit and wait for you to greet them. when you are at home with them and then leave they do show seperation problems and will sit in your spot on the couch even though they shouldnt be on the couch..lol

your 4 foot fence will be fine. they get bored so walk and play with them. it wouldnt matter if you had a 10 foot fence, if a dog wants out he will get out. they will dig out if you dont discourage them from digging.

anytime you can adopt a dog.. especially with pitbull characteristics do so. they will love you as much as you do them. and some people shy away thinking big bad dog. ive been bit by a dog but never by a pitbull....

to crate train when they are small has always worked for me. i put them in 20 minutes before i leave the house and i let them stay in about 10 minutes after i come home so they know when its their time... not as punishment.

i hope you get that dog and i hope its betteer than you ever expected it to be

Thanks for the advice. I see the link did not work as intended. The dog is the 5 month old "Emily" toward the bottom (Brindle color). Anyway I wanted to meet her without wife and kids visited her this morning and she is just the sweetest dog. I would have preferred a pup who was bit younger but she totally won me over. Her temperment very much reminds me of our dog which is a good thing.
I dont think I'm going to crate train as I'll be home all summer. Is this wise? I'm with you on its all how you raise the dog. We will get her in obedience dlass (required for the breed when adopted from the Humane Society) and she'll receive more love than she knows what to do with. Should be getting her saturday, pending approval and we also need to bring in Weimeriener Lucy to meet her.
thanks!
Jim