Should "bait dogs" be adopted out?

[ReadingMama]

We're looking into adopting a second dog. We were at the SPCA today and a white boxer who was used as a bait dog was recommended to us as being a good family dog because he's playful and sweet and wiggly. The adoption counselor said bait dogs are chosen because they are so sweet and don't fight back. Is this true? I'm not considering adopting this dog--I'm just wondering if the adoption counselor is presenting him the right way.

[Ola_]

Some dogs are treated so badly and are still sweeties, while some you can do everything right with and they are unstable or aggressive. I think there is definitely a genetic component to temperament.

I wouldn't make a general statement that all bait dogs will be good pets (some could be fearful or skittish for example, which I would not choose for a family with kids). But if the particular dog has a stable temperament then I wouldn't have an issue with adopting them at all. It's all about the individual dog though IMO.

[ErinYay]

Ola has it right- each dog is different.

That said, I'd also look very carefully at your existing dog (I'm a "retired" r+ pet dog trainer!) as dogs are often only too happy to pick on dogs that show signs of weakness. Obviously, when adopting a dog into a household where there's a resident dog the dogs need a chance to interact on neutral turf, but even that isn't a reliable indicator of how they'll interact once home.

Boxers are lovely, VERY high energy guys who do tend to get along well with other dogs, and barring health issues (is he 100% white? Def. do some reading into white boxers) it could be a great fit!

Good luck!

[SunShineSally]

My aunt had a "bait dog" he was the sweetest most gentle dog ever he became a therapy dog he was a poppa dog to other puppies and to children. He was so smart and a big goof ball I think he liked to make people laugh! He had issues at first that needed to get worked on. At the begining he would not beable to walk all the way around the block because he would hear other dogs bark he could not be leashed to a tree when out camping and if someone would raise their voice he would cower down All got worked on and he overcame it all within about a year ohh he was also with one very young child and another young child and in some ways I feel they helped him more than the adults did!

[Noelle C.]

The adoption counselor downplayed the risks. Sure, some bait dogfs are very sweet and gentle, but also some can be pushed to the point of fighting back when they feel they have a chance at winning. This dog may be a fine family dog for a family experienced with problem dogs and who are willing to do any intensive training should the need arise, but shouldn't be presented as a family dog for all families because he was a bait dog.

[SunShineSally]

Originally Posted by Noelle C.

The adoption counselor downplayed the risks. Sure, some bait dogfs are very sweet and gentle, but also some can be pushed to the point of fighting back when they feel they have a chance at winning. This dog may be a fine family dog for a family experienced with problem dogs and who are willing to do any intensive training should the need arise, but shouldn't be presented as a family dog for all families because he was a bait dog.

Very true my aunt did do intensive training with her dog who was used as bait. She was also given many different warnings that "could happen" and for a long time the children were not allowed to be alone with him although he was that dog who just loved to be loved on and petted and played with.