YES to the constantly under your feet! My girl is also majority American Staffordshire Terrier and is always walking directly in front of me or positioning herself to trip me up if I'm not careful. Oddly, she's the only 62 pound dog I've ever known that likes to burrow. Does Satie do that also? My girl Ruby Joon MUST be under a blanket at all times when on the couch or in bed. Even in the hot summer months. It's so goofy. I like to warn people that my girl is aggressive...with her love. She simply adores all people (except the jerk up the street and she's right not to like him) and just wants to give all the kisses and collapse in your lap. Every morning, she climbs out from under the covers and lays down right on top of me and gives me a little kiss to greet me. How could I not start every day with a smile? Dogs truly are the best and bring so much joy.
Haha same! Satie likes to start the night by sleeping at the bottom of the bed. Sometime during the middle of the night she'll come over to me and ask to get under the duvet. So I lift it up and she goes and burrows at the bottom of the bed. In the morning I'll tell her to "please come snuggle me!" and she comes out of her burrowing to give kisses and rest her head right next to mine. It's impossible not to wake up joyful with all that love thrown your way!
Orlando! I literally just hours ago had a facetime meet with a beige pittie (w a white chest and paws) who is up for adoption! He was so ridiculously cute, kissing non stop, such a happy looking pup (despite being found emaciated on the streets) but we were still going back and forth over whether we should adopt him. And then I get this in my inbox! I can't quite pinpoint why I'm hesitant to say yes. I saw his pic on petfinder and explicitly applied for this dog, know the pros and cons you listed, and yet? Maybe I was waiting for a sign... and maybe this is it!?
OMG it's fate! Honestly I don't know the dog but I am very happy I have Satie in my life! I'd say you should do it if you: 1. Have time to spend with the dog every day. 2. Have extra money for dog food, toys, vet visits, and daycare when needed. 3. You have a plan for what to do with the dog when you travel. Honestly the travel thing was something I was worried about but it's been pretty easy for me to find house sitters to stay with Satie so she can be at home and comfortable. I also think shelters sometimes let people foster dogs to see if they're a good fit with the family. Every dog is different so I can't give a fully universal "yes" to every pittie adoption, but I can say I've only known good ones. Wishing you luck in finding the newest member of your family!
This was a fun (and educational!) read--thank you. My husband and I are TOTAL dog people but we love the small seniors. Pit bulls are the most common breed in rescue, followed by Chihuahuas. Senior dogs are harder to adopt as are black dogs (they don't photograph as well, tend to look prematurely old if they have white fur on the face, etc.). So we adopt black senior Chihuahuas only! I strongly recommend senior pups but caution that people must prepare for the heartbreak. We're in the midst of it--we lost Mr. Spot in September, Frannie in October and Batman (my soul dog) in December. All were over 15. We knew what we were signing up for and they were such amazing, precious, loving angels--it was all worth it and I'd do it all again. We have just Gracie now and she'll be 15 this year. I'd love to add to our pack but need to get a better handle on my grief over Batman. The smallest dogs leave the biggest holes in the heart and he was just 4 pounds!
As a rottweiller parent, I can sympathize with the struggles of having a misunderstood breed. People react pretty much the same between rotties and pitties. Either they truly know the breed and throw themselves at your dog (which can be problematic in a different way), or, they’re scared of them and question your life choices and why you want a “dangerous” breed. I’ve found the best defense is to make sure my rottie is pretty much the most well behaved dog on the block, and show people how in control she is, and how affectionate she really is.
If you don’t have the time or resources to get with a dog trainer at the moment, check out McCann Dog Training on YouTube. Kayl McCann’s videos are some of the best dog training videos I’ve seen. All her methods and tips are super easy to do at home and they really work.
There is nothing like having a dog to come home to. They just make life better. Despite the work, and the mess, and the bills, they give you that look of pure love and everything seems ok. ❤️
An ex of mine had a roommate with two pitties. I liked to just lay down on the floor and let them snuggle all over me! It makes me happy that Satie is this way too <3
You’re so right about dogs being an outlet to feel emotions. I feel that way about my cat, too! I can tell her I love her a million times a day because my heart wants to: doesn’t get simpler than that.
I loved reading this post, I also got a dog during the pandemic, and also happened to be living alone in a cabin in the remote woods with no houses nearby (Maine, not California, but similar creaky house vibes), so could relate to so much of this!
Since you asked for tips - my dog also pulled horribly and jumped uncontrollably on walks and it made walking miserable. I'm not a cryer, but there were a couple walks that actually brought me to tears in frustration. After multiple (expensive) trainers, what finally worked for us was an e-collar. I know I know. I was VERY anti-e-collar before a trainer taught me how to use it responsibly, always in combination with high value rewards. It has completely transformed her behavior and thus our lives both in and outside the house (without affecting her sweet and sensitive personality at all—if anything, she seems happier and more content because she knows what's expected of her). The one I have is the EZ-Educator 900, it has a wide range of levels so you can adjust as needed. I used it reliably for about a year, in combination with a prong collar like the one you're using. Now she happily walks like a dream, something I truly never thought would be possible for us.
If you go this route, try to work with a reputable trainer while starting out and offer lots and lots of positive reinforcement for good behavior. If you call the Educator company, they'll share the names of trainers in your area who work with the devices. (Caveat that e-collars are not for everyone and can obviously be abused in the wrong hands. just sharing that it worked for us and improved our day to day life immensely.) Anyway! Man these pups really take a lot out of us but wouldn't have it any other way! Thank you for your relatable and always entertaining voice, pls keep writing.
Hi Orlando, I know this is an older post, but just wanted to comment regarding people crossing the street to avoid Satie. I have a small Irish Setter (50 pounds) named Gemma, she is very sweet and timid. She prances as she walks and her red hair flies back and forth in the breeze. People ALWAYS cross the street to avoid us. I think it's a combination of concern about their dog's behavior and just not wanting to bother us. So don't take it personally, they are just being careful. I love pit bulls, they can be so sweet, I always ask for permission before approaching (not just pitties, any dog actually).
YES to the constantly under your feet! My girl is also majority American Staffordshire Terrier and is always walking directly in front of me or positioning herself to trip me up if I'm not careful. Oddly, she's the only 62 pound dog I've ever known that likes to burrow. Does Satie do that also? My girl Ruby Joon MUST be under a blanket at all times when on the couch or in bed. Even in the hot summer months. It's so goofy. I like to warn people that my girl is aggressive...with her love. She simply adores all people (except the jerk up the street and she's right not to like him) and just wants to give all the kisses and collapse in your lap. Every morning, she climbs out from under the covers and lays down right on top of me and gives me a little kiss to greet me. How could I not start every day with a smile? Dogs truly are the best and bring so much joy.
Haha same! Satie likes to start the night by sleeping at the bottom of the bed. Sometime during the middle of the night she'll come over to me and ask to get under the duvet. So I lift it up and she goes and burrows at the bottom of the bed. In the morning I'll tell her to "please come snuggle me!" and she comes out of her burrowing to give kisses and rest her head right next to mine. It's impossible not to wake up joyful with all that love thrown your way!
Orlando! I literally just hours ago had a facetime meet with a beige pittie (w a white chest and paws) who is up for adoption! He was so ridiculously cute, kissing non stop, such a happy looking pup (despite being found emaciated on the streets) but we were still going back and forth over whether we should adopt him. And then I get this in my inbox! I can't quite pinpoint why I'm hesitant to say yes. I saw his pic on petfinder and explicitly applied for this dog, know the pros and cons you listed, and yet? Maybe I was waiting for a sign... and maybe this is it!?
OMG it's fate! Honestly I don't know the dog but I am very happy I have Satie in my life! I'd say you should do it if you: 1. Have time to spend with the dog every day. 2. Have extra money for dog food, toys, vet visits, and daycare when needed. 3. You have a plan for what to do with the dog when you travel. Honestly the travel thing was something I was worried about but it's been pretty easy for me to find house sitters to stay with Satie so she can be at home and comfortable. I also think shelters sometimes let people foster dogs to see if they're a good fit with the family. Every dog is different so I can't give a fully universal "yes" to every pittie adoption, but I can say I've only known good ones. Wishing you luck in finding the newest member of your family!
This was a fun (and educational!) read--thank you. My husband and I are TOTAL dog people but we love the small seniors. Pit bulls are the most common breed in rescue, followed by Chihuahuas. Senior dogs are harder to adopt as are black dogs (they don't photograph as well, tend to look prematurely old if they have white fur on the face, etc.). So we adopt black senior Chihuahuas only! I strongly recommend senior pups but caution that people must prepare for the heartbreak. We're in the midst of it--we lost Mr. Spot in September, Frannie in October and Batman (my soul dog) in December. All were over 15. We knew what we were signing up for and they were such amazing, precious, loving angels--it was all worth it and I'd do it all again. We have just Gracie now and she'll be 15 this year. I'd love to add to our pack but need to get a better handle on my grief over Batman. The smallest dogs leave the biggest holes in the heart and he was just 4 pounds!
Satie, you goofball!
As a rottweiller parent, I can sympathize with the struggles of having a misunderstood breed. People react pretty much the same between rotties and pitties. Either they truly know the breed and throw themselves at your dog (which can be problematic in a different way), or, they’re scared of them and question your life choices and why you want a “dangerous” breed. I’ve found the best defense is to make sure my rottie is pretty much the most well behaved dog on the block, and show people how in control she is, and how affectionate she really is.
If you don’t have the time or resources to get with a dog trainer at the moment, check out McCann Dog Training on YouTube. Kayl McCann’s videos are some of the best dog training videos I’ve seen. All her methods and tips are super easy to do at home and they really work.
There is nothing like having a dog to come home to. They just make life better. Despite the work, and the mess, and the bills, they give you that look of pure love and everything seems ok. ❤️
An ex of mine had a roommate with two pitties. I liked to just lay down on the floor and let them snuggle all over me! It makes me happy that Satie is this way too <3
You’re so right about dogs being an outlet to feel emotions. I feel that way about my cat, too! I can tell her I love her a million times a day because my heart wants to: doesn’t get simpler than that.
I loved reading this post, I also got a dog during the pandemic, and also happened to be living alone in a cabin in the remote woods with no houses nearby (Maine, not California, but similar creaky house vibes), so could relate to so much of this!
Since you asked for tips - my dog also pulled horribly and jumped uncontrollably on walks and it made walking miserable. I'm not a cryer, but there were a couple walks that actually brought me to tears in frustration. After multiple (expensive) trainers, what finally worked for us was an e-collar. I know I know. I was VERY anti-e-collar before a trainer taught me how to use it responsibly, always in combination with high value rewards. It has completely transformed her behavior and thus our lives both in and outside the house (without affecting her sweet and sensitive personality at all—if anything, she seems happier and more content because she knows what's expected of her). The one I have is the EZ-Educator 900, it has a wide range of levels so you can adjust as needed. I used it reliably for about a year, in combination with a prong collar like the one you're using. Now she happily walks like a dream, something I truly never thought would be possible for us.
If you go this route, try to work with a reputable trainer while starting out and offer lots and lots of positive reinforcement for good behavior. If you call the Educator company, they'll share the names of trainers in your area who work with the devices. (Caveat that e-collars are not for everyone and can obviously be abused in the wrong hands. just sharing that it worked for us and improved our day to day life immensely.) Anyway! Man these pups really take a lot out of us but wouldn't have it any other way! Thank you for your relatable and always entertaining voice, pls keep writing.
I get the vacuum cleaner, but wine glasses? Oh, Satie, you funny piggy girl!
Hi Orlando, I know this is an older post, but just wanted to comment regarding people crossing the street to avoid Satie. I have a small Irish Setter (50 pounds) named Gemma, she is very sweet and timid. She prances as she walks and her red hair flies back and forth in the breeze. People ALWAYS cross the street to avoid us. I think it's a combination of concern about their dog's behavior and just not wanting to bother us. So don't take it personally, they are just being careful. I love pit bulls, they can be so sweet, I always ask for permission before approaching (not just pitties, any dog actually).