Mark,

Welcome! How did you find the fourum? Is this your first dog?

The only dog I am terrified of is one that lacks a good leader. That goes for Chihuahuas and St. Berards alike! Because you rescued this dog at 8 weeks, it sounds to me that you have it at just the right time. Don't worry, be happy. Everything is alright so far. As long as you provide plenty of structured play time and leadership, this dog should be fine!

 Quote: Janice Jarman

How can a mixed breed dog have it's ancestors identified by a DNA swab? It makes sense that, if you have a sample from a particular animal, you could identify blood/saliva as being from that particular animal. But I always thought that canine dna/genes were canine dna/genes, not Maltese dna/genes or GSD dna/genes. I was thinking it's difficult for scientists to distinguish between wolf/coyote/dog DNA? Good grief, people can't even tell a pit bull from almost any other bully breed, how in the HECK does a vet get away with saying a DNA swab says your mixed breed dog is pit bull and gsd??? It could be collie and boxer or whatever. I think that swab sounds like nonsense. To me it does, anyway

Well, having seen the results from people having those tests done on mixed breeds, I think they have a way to go. I believe that one small (!) problem is that several breeds are not included in the test. That is, if I understand it correctly, say your dog is 50% A, 25% B, and 25% C. Now suppose the breed A is not one of the breeds included in the test. The results will be that the two main breeds are B and C, because they happen to be included in the breeds tested for.

I may have the mechanism wrong, but I have definitely seen some BIZARRE results. Don't trust it, IMO.

Oh, and yes, it is a DNA-based diagnostic test.

And I agree 100% with everyone who says that the dog this puppy becomes is in the hands of the O.P. :>

 Quote: marc lee

. They said he was a German Shepherd mix. I took him to the vet and they did the "swab" test and confirmed the "mix" is with pit bull.

Marc,
You sound like you are on the right track with raising your puppy, again don't let media sensationalism cause you to fear your dog. All dogs can have problems, and it is usaully the owner behind the dog.

In regards to the DNA test I would like to know what service your vet used for the swab test. To my knowledge none of the companies that offer these services are capable of testing for American pit bull terriers. The name "pit bull" is not a breed but a term used to decribe a variety of dogs (25 or more breeds and varieties) that share similiar characteristics. The DNA test checks for breed specific genetic markers, but the test can also show breeds that were the foundation of a specific breed.

I wish u the best of luck raising your puppy.

No kidding? Live and learn. I had no idea you could identify dog breeds with a DNA swab. What will they think of next?!

Well, I don't think the OP has to worry, anyway. If he's working with the pup all the time and he's off to such a good start, this pup ought to grow into a wonderful family dog. He's got good resources and has come to the right website for that, for sure!

Thank you everybody.

To clarify, I'm not terrified of the pup. I was shocked by the fact that he had pit bull in him. I fell prey to the very thing the media WANTS me to believe and I apologize in hind-site.

You are all correct. He will be the puppy I make him out to be. I had read so MANY awful things that I felt I had a monster no matter WHAT I did in his training. The "NEVER MIX A PIT BULL WITH A GSD" articles kind of freaked me out.

Carol, I have already read and/or ordered or watched all of what you have listed and I'm absorbing it all. More than anything I was looking for exactly what you folks offered: encouragement.

I haven't had a dog in 25 years since I was a kid and, i those days, most of raising a puppy was "off the cuff." Now I feel better informed and more prepared. It's nice to actually read comments from you out there who can give positive advice. The DVDs are great but it's nice to talk to other dog owners. not just words on a page.

The little guy's name is "Winger." I'm a pilot- not the 80's band.

If it's ok, I will keep posting on his advancement. I'm ready for what's coming. I was just terrified of the possibility the future might be bleak but it sounds like I just have a challenge ahead. Ok!

Here he is:
http://www.leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=167820#Post167820

Oh, and yes, he was neutered at the pound. They don't mess around, young age or not.

Man, he is CUTE CUTE CUTE. Wow, he's CUTE!

Yes, please keep posting his progress. And as for the stories you've read: You can trust a Pit Bull A LOT more than you can trust the media. Really.

Welcome!

Amber

Sorry. It's done.


(Edit: Pic moved to Bios.)

 Quote: Marc Lee

I was just terrified of the possibility the future might be bleak but it sounds like I just have a challenge ahead. Ok!

Oh, and you *might* not be challenged very often at all, btw. A breed (or collection of breeds) does not predict 100%. There are submissive and soft dogs within every breed (some less than others, but still...). Just keep an open mind and follow the ground rules. You'll be fine and you'll have a great dog.