pitbull

Question
hi, i have about a 2 year old male pitbull and 6 1/2 month year old female pitbull... i was origanially going to mate them, but now i think im going to nuitter my male dog because hes bitten to people now and i was wondering if nuittering will help him stop being so aggressive around people...i dont want to put him down..plese help


Answer
The presence of an intact female may have contributed to your dog's aggression; I can't see that from here.  However, you are absolutely correct in NOT breeding him, and I strongly suggest you spay the female, also.  Your male will remain "intact" behaviorally since testosterone driven behavior does not extinguish if a dog is neutered close to, or at any time past, 18 months of age.  The presence of an intact female will only confuse the issue of his developing aggression.

I need you to answer questions for me so I can attempt to determine what is going on with your male:
1.  Have you done any training with him, if so what sort
2.  When was the first time he demonstrated aggression toward humans
3.  Have you socialized him from a young age to other places, people, etc. or has he remained in your home for the majority of his life with little or no exposure to others
4.  What prompts his aggression now
5.  How has his overall behavior changed since puppyhood
6.  What sort of puppy was he (happy go lucky, retiring, fearful, etc.), explain fully
7.  What sort of bites are we talking about (nip and run? bruising? breaking skin?)
8.  Has your dog been reported as a biter to animal control
9.  Does he demonstrate aggression toward you or any people living in your home
10. How does he respond to people he doesn't know well: describe fully

Give me answers to these questions as they are presented (quote the question and then answer it.)  I will attempt to diagnose cause for your dog and make suggestions regarding what you need to do next.