07/29/2026
I honestly don't get why so many people are against pit bulls. They "think" you always need to muzzle them, or that they’re gross, p*e everywhere, destroy your home, and always stink. Ummm, ya no! My girl Faith is a pit bull mix (unknown on the exact mix until I can afford a DNA test, since those are pricey!). I actually adopted her as a Boxer/Border Collie mix, but she looks so much like a pit to me, maybe a little Boxer, but definitely zero Border Collie. She is proof that the stereotypes are totally wrong.
Nail Clippings:
Nail clipping has become a whole game. She used to let me do it just fine for the first year, until I accidentally hurt her once. She yelped, and even tho I was nowhere near the quick, I realized my clippers were totally dull and pinching her. Ever since that day, she refuses to let me do it. The second I reach for her paws, she goes right into a playful bow and starts moving away like, "Nope, let's play instead!" It's never aggressive, but she completely blocks me. I've never needed to drug or muzzle her, but it's definitely a struggle now!
Walkies, Zoomies, & Car Rides:
Faith is an absolute dream on a leash, zero pulling! When we pass other dogs, she doesn't go after them at all; honestly, she’s more afraid of them than they are of her. She does try to chase rabbits, but that's just pure instinct. I just correct her, she listens, and we keep moving. I love taking her into pet-friendly stores because she does so well. She stays right by my side the whole time. If we pass people, she’ll hunker down and sniff them. Because I'm a responsible owner, I try to avoid letting her do that since not everyone likes dogs.
Her excitement for walks is hilarious. The absolute second I pick up her leash, without even saying a word, she goes absolutely nuts! Happy smile, happy tail wags, happy zoomies, and then she waits right by the door. If I just say the words "walk" or "go for a walk," she reacts the exact same way. It's the same reaction I get for "bye-bye," which she knows means a car ride! The vet, tho? She hates it. But I mean, who does, right? 😂
Her Dog and Cat Housemates:
Faith lives with two senior dog brothers and three cats. She really wants to play with the cats and will put her heavy paws right on them like, "Stop right there and play with me!" but she has never hurt them. Out of her brothers, only my senior Boxer mix will actually tolerate her hyper side and play back. My other senior is a total grouch because of his old age. When she tries to bother him, I always have to tell her, "Faith, he doesn't want to play with you. Go play with your other brother instead, the one who will actually play back!
The World's Worst Guard Dog:
Oh, she is just horrible at guarding! When she sees a stranger outside our fenced yard, she barks and barks, but it is entirely all bark and no bite. She has never bitten a single person in the two years I've had her, not a stranger, and not even a family member she’s never met before. If anyone actually comes in, she just hides or stays away until they leave. With her big size, she’s really just a giant scaredy-cat! 😂
Gentle with Kiddo’s:
She does amazing with infants, toddlers, and older kids. She will straight-up lick their faces to death and is just so incredibly gentle with them. If a child reaches for her toy to play with her, she just lets them have it. She has zero resource guarding and never snaps at them for touching her things or getting close to her.
Food & Training Treats:
Faith is not food aggressive at all. She can eat right around the other dogs, cats, and kids with no issues or attitude. I give the dogs treats once or twice a week, or whenever I'm training her. My two seniors don't get nearly as many treats as she does because I use them for her training sessions, but I always train her separately so she doesn't get distracted.
From Crate to "Big Girl" Status:
Faith is fully house-trained now, but it took a lot of work! When I first adopted her at 11 months old, she wasn't potty trained at all. After a couple of weeks of intense training, she finally realized outside is where the p*e and poo go. For the first 6 to 8 months, I crated her whenever I left the house. But one day, she decided on her own terms that she was a big girl and wanted to be just like her senior brothers, she flat-out refused to go into the crate. That was the very last day she ever used it! She also used to secretly chew up things that weren't toys, but only when I wasn't home because she knew it was bad. Thankfully, after about a year, she completely grew out of that phase.
Feathered Friends:
When I brought her home two years ago, we already had chickens and ducks. I was so nervous because you never know how a new dog will react to poultry. To my surprise, she did absolutely amazing! She playfully chased them a couple of times at the very beginning, but I corrected her immediately and that was the end of it. I let them free-roam once a day, and she just walks right past them like they aren't even there.
Bath time:
She absolutely, literally hates baths. I can't even whisper the word "bath" or say "let's go take a bath" without her giving me the saddest look ever and running away to hide. I still force her into the tub anyway, lol! She doesn't stink at all, but because she’s white, dirt absolutely loves her, and she gets dirty so fast!
So yeah, she might be a giant chicken who is terrified of the bathtub, but she is the absolute best girl. Pit bulls get such a bad rap, but I honestly couldn't ask for a more loving, gentle, and perfect addition to our crazy family.
Follow for more zoomies and belly rubs 🐾 Adventures with Faith the Dog
