I have recently adopted a 1 yr old Black Lab, Pit Bull mix. I have a couple of questions. He is very sweet to almost everyone, but I am a little nervous, because of the reputation that Pit Bulls have that he might be aggressive, someday. He has only been aggressive to one person - it was a man on the street who had been doing some drinking. He didn't bite, though. First of all, is my concern about Pit Bulls warranted? Are they more aggressive because of the training that they have been known to receive, or is it in their personality to flip quickly into aggressiveness? Should I be careful of aggressive play? In my training of him (Bill) I have pretty much only used positive reinforcement, instead of negative, and it seems to be working pretty well. He is very intelligent.
OK, one more question... I really don't want to use a choke or spike collar and am using a harness, but he does pull quite a bit unless I run with him. Do you have any advice on how to encourage him, without the use of pain or fear, to stop pulling so much? Thank you so much for your help, - Matthew

Pit Bulls have received quite alot of negative attention in recent years. Some of this negative press is warranted, most, however, is not. Terriers of all types are notorious for their high energy, high play & prey drives, and for their tenacity. With proper exercise and socialization, terriers can be wonderfully cuddly and lovable. Pit Bull Terriers are just a larger and version of terrier. the American Pit Bull Terrier was designed and originally bred to be a strong tenacious fighter. Your "Pit" has Lab mixed in. Labs are usually playful, silly, and lovable. They are also usually energetic and mouthy.
Exercise, both physical AND mental plus socialization should greatly help you get Bill to be the dog you want him to be. Walk and run him (physical exercise). Practice obedience (mental). Get 3, 6, or more old (never new) tennis balls and toss them about to help satisfy some of Bill's play & prey drives. Give him a sterilized marrow bone (available at most pet supply stores) stuffed with treats, hotdogs, cheese, whatever to help lower his prey drive. Take Bill out and encourage EVERYONE to TOSS treats toward him. Let him think everyone is a potential treat tosser.
As far as the drinking man incident, many dogs will agitate on a person who is slightly different. This man may have been staggering, may have been moving slowly or may have smelled bad. I wouldn't fret too much if this was an isolated incident.
A very benign way to get a dog to stop pulling is: with the dog on a 6' or longer leash (the longer the better at first), just stand there and say nothing when the dog looks at you, praise when the dog comes toward you, toss a treat out from you (keep it within leash range) and encourage the dog to get the treat repeat process until it is obvious the dog has the hang of it start walking, when the dog comes toward on the walk, toss a treat out when dog pulls, stop in your tracks and start the whole process anew. This method can be alot of fun, but also requires a bit of patience. Good Luck.

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