I am not generally someone who takes a long time in making decisions.
I weigh the pros and cons and quickly make up my mind.
With issues of lesser importance I throw caution to the wind and decide
without much ado.
However, when it comes to adding a new "being" to the farm...
I take my good old time....
chewing it over and over...
making sure my final decision "feels right" from every angle.
I know, I know....cut to the chase, you say.
But that's just the point.
I can't.
Not quite yet.
We had the visit.
He's a really good boy.
The dogs liked him.
So, why did we not keep him on the spot?
This one is a really big decision.
REALLY big.
So, I am going to chew it over right here with you.
We took a walk with this fellow on a leash.
He's very strong...VERY strong, and pulled on the leash quite a bit on the way to the barn.
So, he needs work with leash manners.
He was afraid of the farm animals...barking, but wagging his tail the whole time.
He was quite fixated on the chickens, and being so strong was hard for me to hold...
but not impossible.
These were the only things that gave me pause...and they are not unfixable, right?
He is definitely part Staffordshire terrier...the "pit" in him is visible, both in facial structure
and body structure....although he is mixed with another unknown breed, that softens his looks.
I cannot blackball him based on his family history, though...
that would be an unfair prejudice.
On the other hand, when you talk to him he is engaging and looks you in the face...
trying to read your expressions.
He is super friendly and a little goofy...you can tell he still has a lot of puppy in him.
He is loving, affectionate, very sweet natured.
He showed no signs of any aggressive behavior towards the other dogs...not even when they all came running toward him (Sam with his hackles up)... he just stood there wagging his tail
ready to accept whatever they were willing to give.
He can't control his licker.
He very willingly rolled over and showed me his belly and loved having it rubbed.
He has the softest fur and skin that I have ever felt on a dog, except on a tiny puppy.
He is a real cuddler.
His tail wags all the time.
We don't know if he is housebroken, however, he never goes potty in his indoor pen,
only outside in his yard.
There is much more positive than negative.
MUCH more.
So, we are going to have another visit on Tuesday.
At this point the farm will not be new to him and we can better assess his ability to learn.
Decisions....decisions.......
To be continued.
Comments
You know I work with rescue dogs - and here is my two cents. I have one that is "interested in my chickens".. he has lived here for four years now and we manage just fine, but he cannot be loose when the chickens are free roaming.. because he will kill them. Even if I am in the yard with him. That drive does not go away, so be sure it's not just "interest" in the chickens.
As for Pits.. I have known many who are wonderful family dogs and farm dogs. I hate that they have a stigma. That being said, they do possess certain traits that I'm sure you are already aware of - some dogs much stronger than others. You are very wise to get to know this dog more before taking him in. Might be a great addition, might not. You're doing the right thing by taking your time - both for the dogs sake, and for yours.
And another thought. Are you pulled to this dog because he looks like Annie? Something to think about.
I admit that I am prejusticed and you will have to make up your own mind about this dog.
I know that you will make the right decision for your farm family/