Of the various dog breeds, there are only a few who get negative stereotypes like the pitbull. This generalization of the character towards pit bulls is inaccurate, as this breed can actually be very gentle and loving, especially if raised properly as children. Keeping a pitbull puppy is similar to raising a puppy of any other breed. You have to feed him, take care of him, and train him to behave well.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Train it
Step 1. Start training your pitbull puppy early
You should start reading information on how to train a pitbull before you buy one. This way, you can start training and socializing your puppy as soon as you bring him home. If you bought it from a trusted breeder, he may have been given socialization training by the breeder. This means he is used to new situations, sounds, people, and animals.
Consider hiring an experienced dog trainer to interact and teach your dog good behavior
Step 2. Train your puppy
Teach him some basic commands (such as "here", "sit", and "shut up"). This way, when you notice he's misbehaving, you can immediately distract him. For example, if he's running around and jumping over someone, you can immediately tell him to "get over here." He will immediately stop jumping and come to you.
Teaching a few simple commands can also help keep him safe. If he's about to do something dangerous, like run into a busy street, tell him to "sit" or "shut up" so you can approach him
Step 3. Teach him to stop biting
Many puppies will bite while playing. He should learn about biting, especially when playing, so he knows he shouldn't. There are several ways to teach this. Usually, though, you can simply say a firm "aw" and stop playing to let him understand that he shouldn't bite.
- Instead of letting your puppy play by biting your hand, offer him a toy that can be a learning tool at the same time (such as when you tell him to let go of the toy).
- You can also stop playing with him as soon as he bites. This trick will help him calm down and learn that he shouldn't bite.
Step 4. Use positive support
When you train it, never get angry at your puppy. Animals don't understand the concept of punishment and will instead learn to fear you. Puppies will make mistakes when they learn new things, so be patient. You should always find reasons to compliment him, even when he's just learning the little things.
For example, treat him when he's calm, instead of punishing him when he's hyperactive
Step 5. Tell him that you are in control
You can make him repeat certain commands or actions, especially if he disobeys. This tells the dog that he made a mistake and should keep trying until he succeeds. Allow him to rest after he has almost finished your command. Give him plenty of opportunities to follow orders.
Puppies should get used to being held by their feet, ears, tail and body. This shows that you are in control, so it will be easier for you to treat, treat, and trim the nails
Method 2 of 3: Taking Care of It
Step 1. Place the microchip and collar on your puppy
Buy an ID microchip and inject it under the skin, then attach a necklace with an identification tag around the neck. This way, it will be easier for you to find him if he is lost. Pitbulls are good at escaping from yards, so make sure they're microchipped. Consider enlisting the help of humanitarian organizations, as some of them can install microchips at a low cost.
Make sure your yard is secure and at least 1.8 m high fenced. Slit fences are climbable and cannot block visual disturbances from humans or other animals
Step 2. Give him a nutritious diet
Talk to your vet to choose a high-quality food for your puppy. Avoid commercial foods made from unhealthy ingredients such as leftover meat and wheat. Instead of buying them, choose foods that contain mostly meat. Offer a few regular meals a day instead of leaving a bowl full of food.
Read the packaging or ask your vet about the right amount of food for your puppy each day
Step 3. Request vaccinations and regular medical care for him
Talk to your veterinarian about spaying your pet to prevent it from breeding, and inquire about ways to treat intestinal worms. Puppies should be given standard vaccinations, starting at 8 weeks of age. Immune boosters should also be given 3 or 4 weeks later. All other types of vaccines that your veterinarian recommends should be given annually.
- Puppies should have their first check-up by a veterinarian before you can take them home. After that, make sure he visits the vet every year.
- Study your local laws to determine mandatory rabies vaccination. Most rabies vaccines are started at 12 weeks of age. For Lyme disease, vaccination is started at 9 weeks of age, then followed by immunity boosters 3 to 4 weeks thereafter.
Step 4. Get frequent exercise with your puppy
Take him for a walk (less than 15 minutes) if he is not yet 3 months old. Make this walking session a routine, at least 2 times a day, even when he is still a child. Exercise is essential to staying healthy, burning calories, and being happy and active. If possible, invite him to exercise in a large area. This ensures he can run freely.
Throw and catch games are a great way to interact with your puppy, while making sure he keeps exercising
Step 5. Make sure your puppy continues to be mentally stimulated
Offer him treats, toys, and treats while you train him. For example, you could bury a snack and have him dig it up. In this way, he will use up energy and activate his brain. Or, you can give him a puzzle toy paired with treats. This prevents your pitbull from becoming bored and destructive.
Pitbulls are very smart and can be destructive if left to do nothing. Don't leave him alone for too long. If you have to, stay in an enclosed area (such as a cage) and provide lots of toys
Method 3 of 3: Socializing Himself
Step 1. Introduce the puppy to new people and situations
Start introducing him to different people and animals as early as possible. It will help to get used to different kinds of people and animals. The best time to start the socialization process is when he is about 3 to 5 weeks old, until he is 14 to 16 weeks old. During this time, puppies are quick to learn and absorb new information that will help them feel confident in the future.
- Give him a treat as a gift for greeting people. You can let someone else give him a treat so he can relate the experience of meeting people to something fun.
- Snacks can also distract a puppy from distracting or possibly frightening situations, such as traffic, skateboards, and bicycles.
Step 2. Make sure the puppy is comfortable
He may fear meeting strangers or facing new situations. Calm him down by introducing relaxing situations that make him comfortable before you take him into a more crowded environment. Do this gradually. Watch for signs that show he's happy. Never force your dog into an interaction that makes him panic or fear.
For example, if he seems afraid of meeting new people in public, try introducing him to new people at home. He may be more relaxed in a familiar environment. In the end, you can introduce other new things outside the house
Step 3. Enroll your pitbull in socialization classes
One of the best ways to socialize a puppy is to take him to a socialization class. You can find pitbull groups, good dog programs, or therapeutic exercise programs for dogs. Classes like these can equip you with the skills needed to teach your dog commands and help him interact with other dogs.
You can find programs like this at activity centers, animal lovers' societies, and major pet supply stores. Your vet may also be able to suggest similar classes
Step 4. Supervise his interactions with other dogs
You should always pay attention to the puppy when he is playing with other puppies/dogs. If a problem occurs, stop his behavior before he starts fighting. For example, he played so much fun with other dogs that one of them bit his partner. You can detect this especially if the biting puppy shakes his head and presses his partner to stay on the floor. Stop this fight. Once you've done that, give both dogs a treat and let them play together again.
- To easily interrupt the fight, attach 1.8 meters of leash around both dogs' necks. Or, have a handheld trumpet and a spray bottle ready so you can quickly interrupt the fight.
- If your puppy doesn't fight often, you can teach him some commands. For example, you can call him for him to come. If this happens, give him a treat.
Tips
- Many breeders will sell puppies when they are about 8 weeks old. In some places, the law on the minimum age for puppies before they can be sold may differ.
- Spend quality time with your pet every day. Treat him kindly and responsibly. This will strengthen your bond with him.
Warning
- Make sure you always keep an eye on any dogs that interact with children. Make sure older children know how to interact with dogs. You may need to keep your dog on a leash so you can pull him off immediately if needed.
- never ever hit your dog. Violence against a puppy will only lead to fear and distrust. He can become more aggressive because of this. If you're having trouble disciplining your puppy, ask a professional trainer for help.