Pitbull is a generic term for both the American PitBull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. These breeds are stocky, strong, athletic, and intelligent. However, poor training and poor selection can lead to a lack of sociability, aggression and fighting with other animals. With discipline and attention, you can train a puppy pit bull to make sure you have a good companion and a suitable pet for the family.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Preparing for a PitBull
Step 1. Get to know the breeder
Pit bulls can have beautiful characters if they are bred for this quality and not for fighting.
- If the breeder tells you that they train guard dogs, you might want to look for another one that breeds dogs per family.
- Find out if the breeder is known to sell dogs with dysplasia and cataract problems - two common problems in pit bulls. An important part of the information to gather is to call other owners, read comments on the net, and talk to the people at the local kennel.
Step 2. Keep other cats and dogs in the house
If you want your dog to socialize with other animals as well as with people, you should raise the puppy with other animals from the start.
If you separate it from all other animals, the dog may identify them as prey and respond aggressively
Step 3. Purchase some chew toys before your puppy gets home
The dog will go through various stages in the first few months that he will be with you: growing teeth, playing, socializing etc.
- Toys, both soft and hard, allow the dog to bite inanimate objects as his teeth grow.
- Having no more toys available could lead to the dog biting.
Step 4. Don't bring a pit bull into a lazy house
They need to exercise more and play more than many other dog breeds.
Not giving them exercise can make them bored, destructive and aggressive
Step 5. Buy a pit bull cage
It will make it easier for him to get dirty training and help him feel at home.
- The cage can also be used for transport.
- If your dog travels often, you may want to use diapers for the cage. You can teach him to use them if he can't go outside.
- Once your dog has learned how to use his cage, it will be much easier to travel with him.
Part 2 of 6: Start Socializing the Puppy
Step 1. Plan to have the puppy when he is 8 weeks old
The first 16 weeks of life are those of socialization which determine much of what they will learn about other animals and the outside world.
- The first step in socializing is making sure the puppy is getting enough with its mother. Ask the breeder if the mother has had time to care for the puppy.
- The second step is to socialize with others in the litter. Brothers and sisters teach each other submission and dominance.
- The third step in socialization is the breeder. It is the first contact with humans. A caress, good discipline and basic teaching will go a long way.
- The fourth step is you as the owner. The socialization process between 7 and 16 weeks is even more important for pit bulls than other dog breeds.
Step 2. Wait two weeks before starting the main part of the socialization
Wait for the puppy to feel comfortable in your home.
- You can start by teaching your puppy basic commands like: stay and sit and where to pee.
- Pet him frequently. Encourage all family and friends to pat the puppy on its head, back and belly.
Step 3. Let the puppy explore the house as soon as he becomes curious
You will need to keep a close eye on it in the education phase for living indoors, but try to avoid creating no-go zones.
It is better to get him accustomed to different environments at this age than to give him restrictions
Step 4. Encourage family and friends to visit the puppy often between 8 and 12 weeks
The more people see, the better.
He will learn to see humans as non-threatening animals
Step 5. Have the puppy meet other dogs and animals when he is 10-16 weeks old
If possible, do these socializing activities in small parks or at home, rather than in a dog area. Dog areas can be intimidating for small animals
Step 6. Take your dog out of the house often
In fact, the more different experiences you have between 10 and 16 weeks, the better.
- Have the dog try the car, elevators, office (if possible), other houses and parks.
- As long as the dog is safe, the more experiences he has, the more adaptable he will be in the future.
- Be very careful of parvo. Make sure your dog is vaccinated and doesn't spend too much time sitting or lying in suboptimal hygienic conditions.
Step 7. Brush the dog
Comb and wash it regularly.
Pit bulls need a bath about once a month, so make sure that the first baths take place during the socialization period or they may not learn to sit still while you wash them
Part 3 of 6: Teaching Dominance
Step 1. You must be dominant with the dog
It doesn't mean you have to scream or hurt him, but show him that you are in charge in the relationship. Make sure that other family members also learn to be dominant with the dog.
Step 2. Keep the puppy lying on his back with a light touch if he becomes aggressive
In herds, the submissive animal shows its belly to the dominant animal.
- Repeat whenever the puppy is too aggressive or tries to be dominant with you.
- When the puppy begins to show this behavior spontaneously, you will know that you are on the right track.
Step 3. Use a firm voice when you are sorry
Don't shout aggressively.
Step 4. Choose commands and keep them
Try it down and back in place of a generic no
Pit bulls are intelligent and able to learn many commands. Try to be specific with the words you use during the training
Step 5. Create boundaries for the dog
Make sure the whole family understands that the dog must stay off tables and furniture.
Practice with friends and family so the pit bull understands boundaries and who's in charge
Part 4 of 6: Get it used to the Home
Step 1. Take him out frequently to pee
Step 2. Establish an area, large or small, where the dog should go each time
If she has to learn how to pee inside, use diapers specifically for dogs. One of these always put in the same place is a great last resort for the dog, if you don't get home in time to take him out
Step 3. Take him for a walk often
Set boundaries for where she can pee, like on grass.
Step 4. Pay attention to the dog
If they make a mess, communicate clearly and in a firm voice, without harsh punishment. Take the dog to the area where he can pee.
Part 5 of 6: Using the Leash
Step 1. Start using a leash between 8 and 16 weeks
Use it regularly to avoid confusion.
Step 2. Keep the leash pulled well back so that the dog walks beside you or behind you, not in front of you
Step 3. Use firm commands, such as backward if the dog jumps or jumps
Pit bulls get very strong when they grow up. It will be very difficult to control a full-strength pit bull pulling on the leash if you don't let him learn as a puppy
Part 6 of 6: Using Toys and Games
Step 1. Give your pit bull a variety of toys
If possible, try to find puzzle toys that stimulate the dog to solve a problem in order to get the treat.
Step 2. Use the treats for the exercises
Try teaching the puppy a few new tricks every week. Reward him with treats to encourage repetition of the behavior.
Limit the training period to about 5 minutes a day, a concentrated training period every day is better than long, infrequent periods
Step 3. Let the puppy run off the leash
Free exercises are a complement to mental ones.
- Find an enclosed garden or park.
- Avoid going to dog parks off a leash until yours is over 16 weeks old.
Step 4. Establish rules during the game
Don't teach him to nibble on you while you play.
- Some experts recommend screaming and immediately stop playing if bitten. The dog will understand that biting ends the game.
- Wait 10 to 20 minutes before playing again.
- Redirect the bite by using toys before the dog tries to bite you. If you see the dog biting, they may be growing teeth and he needs a new toy to help him get them out.
