Topline's
Rowdy Romance with our daughter, Summer
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Our daughter,
Anna Kay with Topline's Toro Rojo, aka Cinder, aka Bitchy Baby
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Our grandson
Connor with Topline's Toro Furioso
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American Bulldogs and
kids.....what a wonderful combination...
American Bulldogs LOVE
their kids, will protect them and play with them and love on them all day
long!!!
American Bulldogs are
fantastic family pets and can provide a lifetime of comedy, love and joy
to their families.
HOWEVER......
American Bulldogs are
a strong and dominant breed. If they are not trained properly from
the time they are brought home as pups and if they are not taught that
they are at the bottom of the family hierarchy and if they are not treated
consistently by every member of the family and if the family does not adhere
to specific rules of behaviour, you will have problems with your American
Bulldog and your children.
American Bulldogs are
very big while they are still very young. Little children in the
house will absolutely get knocked down. Our opinion that getting
knocked down is part of growing up, but if you are super protective of
your kids, pass on the American Bulldog pup and purchase a small breed
dog. American Bulldogs are NOT Labrador Retrievers. They
will grow up to be very protective of your children. This is a big
plus when you consider the dangerous world we live in. However picture
the scenario of typical preteen rough and tumble play. Your American
Bulldog will NOT understand that "his" child is not being hurt and may
intercede on the child's behalf. Household rules must be clear....no
rough play in the same room as the dog. Period.
American Bulldogs are
dominant.....Very clear rules of hierarchy MUST be set while the pup is
young. From the minute they come home they must understand their
place in the pack. This means for the first two years, no up on beds,
no up on couches, no food fed from table and no treats unless some act
is performed for the treat. Usually the dog will be clear about his
place in the family by the time he is two and those rules can be loosened
up on. Household rules must be consistent. Every member
of the family must keep the rules. If even one person in the family
is "sneaking" the dog onto the couch while they are alone with the dog,
it will be no time at all before your American Bulldog decides that is
his couch and becomes willing to challenge the smallest members of the
family for his place on it.
We strongly recommend
professional training for your American Bulldog pup and your family.
We do not see any value other than socialization for Pet Store type obedience
classes. You need a professional personal trainer who will come to
your home and work with your dog and every member of your family.
It is a small investment to make that will reward you with a lifetime of
safe and happy memories of your children and your American Bulldog.
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