I'm in a quandry with a long-time friend and co-worker...

Late yesterday afternoon as I was preparing to leave, my co-worker came into my office and said he wanted to talk to me.  Seems his wife's sister and husband are living with them in their relatively new home for a "few months" until the apartment they have rented becomes available. 

So last Sunday afternoon Jared's "guests" go for a Sunday afternoon ride and return with a six-week old pitbull puppy they purchased from a local pet store.    Jared and his wife have a darling rat terrier and he said the two are getting along well.. but.... (1)  They purchased and brought the dog home (to their house) without asking permission  (2)  They aren't keen on pitbulls anyways  (3)  When they informed the apartment complex that they had a pitbull... the apartment complex is now refusing to rent to them.  (is this legal? ...)

Problem on the table is... they have never owned a dog before and certainly know nothing about pitbulls.  Now... granted I have seen some really great pitbulls and helped train one several years ago for a family who had children.  But... this couple has no desire to bring in a trainer... they see no need for it.

I stressed the importance of training this puppy and the importance of starting NOW... and Jared agrees.  (wow.. talk about going the extra mile!)   So he has offered to pay for the training if I'll do it.  

I don't want to do it, although I asked him to give me time to consider it... but on the flip side, I'm afraid if I don't... will they get someone else?  Jared said... probably not... which I don't understand???  I am adamant about believeing that dogs need to be trained... but am even more adamant that pitbulls need to be trained and started at a very young age.

Coming from a pet store, they do not know what this dog's background/lineage is.   I'm not sure I can walk away from this situation... but it's not something I want to do.  If this were not a friend I could say no easily..... and for me to lecture him on how stupid his brother & sister-in-law are would serve no useful purpose at this point.

I feeling like I'm between the proverbial rock and hard place... cuz I feel so strongly this dog needs one-on-one training and not Petsmart classes, ya know? 

ackkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.... I told him I 'd let him know in a few days.....

WHY do people do such stupid things???  Why couldn't they have purchased a little rat terrier.... I'd be much more thrilled about training a rat terrier !!

For this reason you stated... and that I agree with... I agreed to take this on.  I agreed to do three sessions with them, and then re-evaluate.  I can tell after three sessions whether or not the owners are going to be committed to training their pup.  We'll see how it goes...

I too have seen some really great pits.. SO much of any success is how they are socialized when very very young and the commitment and time the owners put in to training.  Let's pray they will do what they'll need to do.

Thanks everyone for your input !

I personally would not own a pitbull in an apartment setting.... or ANY setting where the dog's physical activity had to be limited. But I feel that way about ANY breed... not just pits. I think there are only a very few breeds who should be confined to small areas with limited physical exercise. However... on the flip side of that....I do know people who live in condos or apartments and make the effort to make SURE their dogs have enough physical and mental stimulation. A bored dog is not a happy dog...

I have agreed to train this pitbull puppy because I have the opportunity to change this little guy's future.. hopefully...and I know if I don't do it then they more than likely won't find anyone else. Because of my connection with my co-worker... I'm in a situation to help out. I know what they did was wrong. I know they did not make a wise choice. I know they were inconsiderate...etc. etc. etc. But I cannot change that. It's water under the bridge.

What I DO have the opportunity to do is to direct in a positive way this pup's future, and hopefully prevent this dog ending up in a kill shelter at some point.   And I feel a responsibility to do that... although I know it's not really my "place" or my "responsibility" or even my business really. But I would not feel good about myself if I was given this opportunity and ignored it.

There is every logical and rightful reason in the world why I should NOT do this. But... I have to...cuz it's who I am.

What good is a gift if you don't share it when these opportunities arise? I have an obligation... at least in my mind... to take this on. Pitbulls, by the way... are extremely trainable and intelligent. The key is beginning at an EARLY age, and consistency and commitment... immediately establishing yourself as the leader (alpha) and never letting up on reinforcing that position. I've seen some great pitbulls... I know two trainers who have owned them. I saw one climb a tree one time... about 15 feet straight up in the air, and it was mind-boggling to me how he did it. He was a highly trained dog...who would gladly give his own life for any one of his family members in a heartbeat.

Anyways.... I appreciate the input. Now that I've calmed down about the situation.... I think everything will be ok. I start training with him next week.

Nora, I think you are doing a great thing by helping to train this dog.  I understand why you wouldn't want to and you will probably dread it at first, but I'm sure after you being to see the progress he is making you will be glad that you agreed to do it.  It will be a good feeling to know that you are helping out this little guy. 

Thanks for the support, Morgan.... If, after 3-4 sessions, I determine that the owners are not going to do their part (which is the HUGE part)... then I can walk away without feeling any responsibility.