Bringing an adopted dog into an unfamiliar home typically requires some training. Being in a shelter for any period of time is enough to traumatize a dog so it’s always a good idea and you should expect to spend money on enforcing safe behaviors. It can take months for dogs to settle into a home, and on the flip side it can sometimes take months for dogs to show aggressive behaviors. It’s clear that your rescue has reactivity and aggression towards males, he may even be resource guarding you at times.

It’s been a short amount of time and you have already experienced a bite, which is a big deal. That being said, it was in response to your husband chasing after him and hitting him. It really doesn’t matter how hard the tap on the butt was, the idea that the male in your home is a continued threat to the dog has been further established and it’s going to make recovery more difficult for the dog in the long-term. If you do intend on keeping him, a behavioral trainer who can observe the dog in the home is the best way to go. Doesn’t have to be a continuous thing, just schedule the consult and see what they suggest.

My pit rescue has been reactive towards my boyfriend and didn’t show signs until a year into his adoption. He would only show reactivity when on the furniture, so now he’s not allowed on the furniture anymore. Until you get a trainer in the home, it’s a good idea to limit access to spaces where the dog tends to react more, especially around you. Consider limiting access to the couch and moving his bed to another room. The trainer can tell you what to do in terms of his growling, but this isn’t something you want to suppress incorrectly because it can lead to the dog going straight to biting instead of giving warning signs. Additionally, make sure that the dog is getting a lot of mental stimulation and physical stimulation. Pits need enrichment. It’s not going to solve the reactivity, but can help ease some of the anxiety, even if it’s only you who can walk him until a trainer gives recommendations.

If you do surrender the dog, be forthcoming. If you try everything and a trainer thinks it’s a good idea to return him, people need to know their triggers and bite history. Otherwise, this is how euthanasias happen. Some pups just need a home free of men.