Paxton Pit Bull Terrier Fayetteville, NC

Name: Paxton
Location: Durham, NC 27713
Age: Estimated to be 2 years old
Breed: Pit mix
Gender: Male
Weight: 45 lbs
Personality: Paxton is one of the gentlest dogs I have ever met. He is friendly, sweet, and a real people pleaser. He never barks. He likes to play tug and chase, and loves to snuggle and get pets. He shows lots of interest in other dogs but hasn’t been tested with them by me. Paxton is great with kids; gentle and tolerant. The kids could be running around screaming and he will just look at them. He does still try to nibble on hands or feet of people if he gets too playful due to his youth, but not hard at all and will likely grow out of that. Paxton trains relatively easily and he’s food motivated. We’re currently working on leash manners and not jumping up on new people he meets (he’s just so excited to meet you!). Paxton is amazing around human food; he won’t take food off the table or plates, even if you leave the room. Paxton does beg a bit but usually goes and lays down if it doesn’t work after a few minutes. Paxton has shown no evidence of resource guarding or aggression in any way.
Social status: Lives with 2 adults and 2 children (age 6 & 8). Very gentle and friendly, likes to play.
Energy level: Moderate. Likes a good walk or run once a day (he’s a great running partner!) and a shorter walk in the afternoon. Otherwise lays around the house or just follows me from room to room. Like to play chase with a ball or toy for a few minutes before settling down to chew. Not good at fetch (most pits aren’t, in my experience) but will chase a ball you throw and then play keep-away. The kids love playing chase and tug of war with him.
How long have I had him: 3 weeks
How did I come to have him: Fostering after shelter rescue
How many homes has he had: Unknown
Any potential challenges: He should be tested for friendliness to other dogs. We have not had the chance. He currently has heartworm that is in the process of being treated but will need to continue after adoption.
Ever bitten a human or animal? No human bites. Did get in a scuffle with another dog while on a walk; he has met other dogs on leash and been fine. No change in behavior around other dogs on walks since that event. He seems happy and eager to meet other dogs.
Does he play with toys? Yes, he loves to chase a tennis ball or rope toy and play keep away and tuggers. He does not play fetch very well. He’d rather you chase him than throw the ball again. He likes to chew on tennis balls.
Food: 2x per day, one cup of dry food
Neutered: Not yet but will be before adoption
Up to date on vax and shots: Yes
Heart worm prevention: Yes
HW tested: Yes, Heartworm positive
House trained: Yes. He had two small accidents when he first arrived with us but has had none since
Crate trained: Yes. He loves to sleep in his crate and goes in happily at night. He does not like being put in his crate during the day when we go out but will be led in with treats. He’s calmly sleeping in there when we get home. He will sleep in there voluntarily throughout the day.
Special diet: No
Good with dogs: Unknown
Good with cats: Unknown
Good with livestock: Unknown
Exercised on a regular basis: Yes
Good with people: Yes, good with all people. Paxton loves meeting strangers on walks, and is very gentle with my kids. He will sit calmly while they run around screaming. He does try to jump up on you if you pick the kids up (I think he’s confused by the behavior) but we’re working on training him not to do that.
Overly protective: No, he never barks and is friendly to strangers who approach
Hours left alone per day: 2 - 3 average, indoors
Where does he sleep: In his crate
Medical concerns: Currently heartworm positive
Medications: On flea/tick/hw preventative
Behavior issues or concerns: None. He needs some consistent training to work on some specific areas with his manners (pulling on leash, jumping up on new people he meets), but is showing to be very trainable. These things have already decreased since we got him.
Leash walking: He pulls a lot due to excitement. A gentle leader collar has worked very well to get him to stop pulling. He is a GREAT running partner. We’re working on teaching him how to behave when another dog walks by; right now he pulls like crazy and gets over excited, trying to go meet the other dog. We’re teaching him to sit calmly as the dog walks by.
Commands: Sit, stay, leave it, look at me. Working on lay down and drop.
Does he like grooming/bathing: He does not like showers but will tolerate them. We have not tried a bath.
Car rides: LOVES THEM. Will try to get in the car if someone is leaving without him and he is nearby.
Signs of animal abuse: No
Surrender deadline: March 15th
Willing to make a donation: No; we’ve been helping with his vet bills already and we have up to date records
Rehoming recommendation: Paxton would be great in any home that wants a young, sweet dog. He is wonderfully gentle and playful. He needs 1 good exercise each day and would probably do best if he’s not left home alone all day long due to how social he is with humans.
Veterinarian name & number: Tyson animal hospital, 919-544-8297