[bullylover313]

as some of you know, I have a 1 1/2 yr old Am Bull/ APBT named Gus. He seems to be developing Dog reactivity but not Dog Aggression. At Least not yet. Before I saw anything else let me just say that he is in obedience class and if and most likely when he develops DA we will not try to train it out of him but rather control it. I have been lurking and soaking in info like crazy!

ok, so to the heart of the matter. we have been socializing Gus since he was a puppy and has done fine up until now. He has never tried to bite or snap at anyone or any animal. He will growl but that is all. Having said that he will only growl at other bull breeds or boxers. We got him from a shelter at 3 months and they think he was used as bait in dog fighting. Would that make sense? He is only defensive around bull breeds which i think is rather odd. He has never done anything to any other breed. I am also well aware that this can and may cross over into other breeds. any advice would help. thanks

[Galadriel]

It's entirely possible he only views other bully breeds as a challenge. MANY DA bullies will walk away from or ignore a dog they know can't take them =)
As to the bait dog issue, I think that's being over used by shelters and rescues. In the last couple years, suddenly EVERY pit bull type dog that turns up abandoned or neglected is a bait dog, and it's just not the case. I think it's more a bleeding heart issue....tell people something horrible happened so people will feel more sorry and take them home.

[fearlessknight]

Originally Posted by Galadriel It's entirely possible he only views other bully breeds as a challenge. MANY DA bullies will walk away from or ignore a dog they know can't take them =) As to the bait dog issue, I think that's being over used by shelters and rescues. In the last couple years, suddenly EVERY pit bull type dog that turns up abandoned or neglected is a bait dog, and it's just not the case. I think it's more a bleeding heart issue....tell people something horrible happened so people will feel more sorry and take them home.

Ya, I pretty much agree with this right here.....