First off, a little back story on him. He was picked up as a stray in January and was housed at Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar. My boyfriend and I ventured to Willmar to fix a teeth issue, and decided to visit Hawk Creek. A big headed, brown and white pittie stole my heart, while a rottie shepherd stole my boyfriend's. We were unable to bring either home that day.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and an image of the very same pittie, with the same name (Bender) shows up on my facebook feed sponsored by No Dog Left Behind, which rescues, fosters and adopts out dog who are in need of extra help. Seeing the picture, I just had to help out! Contacted a couple of people and arranged to head to Willmar to snag Bender while looking for a forever home. There was a slight worry about him being male dog aggressive, but I was confident that I could help this pittie. Read lots and lots of things about aggression and maintenance as well as learning the triggers.
The day arrived to snag him, as did a ton of snow. Pushed the date back two days on a warmish, nicer day, stopped by Hawk Creek and snagged the wiggly, happy, pulling 48 lb brown and white pittie. Casey, who works at Hawk Creek, gave me the run down on him. Turns out the dog aggression is towards unfixed male dogs. Whew!
Brought him home, and introduced the gang. Icey was nervous, but she wanted to play a bit, Mick wasn't sure of Bender, but didn't mind him. The problem child Axle, was way amped up as he usually is around other dogs (he has dominance aggression towards other dogs so he presents very aggressively). Bender wasn't a fan of Axle's bad manners, and the two had a small spat as Bender is reactive to aggressive type dogs. Walked them home and kept the two separated on a crate and rotate system. Bender settled right in, though the transition was a little slower with the gang esp Axle.
Slowly Axle began to calm down, and he and Bender were allowed to wrestle. Another quick spat over a coveted toy (Bender has some toy guarding issues) then the two were instant buddies. They wrestle constantly, and follow each other from room to room, mostly because Axle wants to play all of the time! Some issues with toy guarding, but by keeping an eye on Axle and Bender and removing the toy when they both want it seem to help. Will have to work on a leave it command as well as give.
Oh I wish I could keep this guy! He is smart, athletic, a cuddle bug, as well as puppy playful (he and Axle are both about 1.5 years). He snores, snorts like a pig when he's sniffing around, loves to go for car and bike rides, loves popcorn but not carrots and gives lots of kisses! He is an amazing ambassador for pitbull type dogs. He interacts very well with people and dogs, and has amazing dog manners. Needs a little work on commands and pulling but otherwise a wonderful dog!
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