We inherited a pit bull puppy, and unfortunately, I have to agree. He is the smartest dog I've ever seen, can perform MANY tricks, good-looking dog, full of energy, puts on a helluva show with a frisby or tennis ball, and protective as hell when it comes to the family. He's everything you would ever want in a dog. But, for some reason, he will twist off on you like a light switch when he thinks you are doing something threatening. If it weren't for the fact that he's a small pit bull (60 lbs) and I can bulldog him down to the ground, I would have had to put him down long ago. Like others say, he's like a light switch. He can be wagging his tail with his ears back one second, and bite the crap out of you the next. If I had known what he was going to be like when he grew out of puppy stage, I would have ended it then. But, my family loves him. He's seven now, and has chilled out quite a bit. But, as he gets older and becomes cranky, I know the day is going to come when I'm going to have to drag him out the back door and put a bullet in his head. If you are thinking about a pit bull, don't go there. I don't care how docile, or smart, or good looking the parents are. Don't go there.
Consider getting advice from a professional trainer and/or a vet.
I don’t think it is a given that he will become crankier with age.
As you say he has improved, he may continue that trend as he gets older.
I’m not too keen on dragging a dog outside and putting a bullet in its head.
When the time comes, do it at a vet’s with the family present.
You say your family loves the dog. Most vets have a special private ‘living room’ where the family can gather and say goodbye and the dog can pass peacefully.
I have the ‘10 Commandments for a Responsible Dog Owner’ on my home page.
The final one states...
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say “I can’t bear to watch it” or “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember, I love you.
Get the dog thoroughly vet checked.
Hypothyroidism and tick borne diseases, first [FULL PCR/DNA tick panel] and then checked for intermittent pain issues.
Dogs hide pain out of instinct and your comment that the older he gets, the crankier, makes me suspect increasing discomfort.
Hip dysplasia, knee issues, spine issues, even cancer [which they are prone to] could be possible causes.
Low thyroid and tick diseases also cause intermittent “sudden” snaps.
Honestly, I think your dog is sick.
Were it *my* dog, and I didn’t want to “bother” with a vet [unthinkable, that] I would start him on 300mg of Doxycyclne, first and watch for 3 days of worsening behavior, followed by better.
Then I would give him a few baby aspirin every day, to see if pain is the issue.