Pitbulls have a bad reputation for being overly aggressive, but a trained pitbull can be a good and loyal companion. Training any dog is very important for their own good. If you want to train your pitbull and give him a good reputation follow these steps.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Taking Care of Your Pitbull
Step 1. Give your pitbull plenty of practice
If a pitbull is bored or has a lot of energy, it will become aggressive. Take your pitbull for walks as much as possible if you don't have a large yard. You should devote at least two hours per day with your pitbull to provide him with adequate training.
Take your pitbull for a walk as often as possible and take the time to clean the dirt. Dogs who train often are happy dogs
Step 2. Use the cage
Pitbull, like other dogs, like to have a small room to themselves. The cage should not be a place of punishment, but a place for pit bulls to sleep or where they rest.
Step 3. Give your dog leashes and pens
Use the necklace on your pitbull so you can get him back if he disappears. You can also use a microchip for your dog if all else fails. Many pit bulls who stray will suffer because they cannot easily accept a new family. Take a little time to love your pitbull and you will make a huge difference to him.
Step 4. Home training for your pitbull
If your pitbull is still a puppy, he will often urinate. He will urinate at certain times such as after eating, after a long car ride, when he wakes up from a long sleep, and after practicing. He would pee every few hours, after six months, he would be able to pass the night without having to poop. Here's how to give your pitbull a home workout.
- Before you pick up your puppy, determine the area outside the house that you will designate as the toilet.
- As soon as he gets back home, take him there to relieve himself.
- Praise him for doing it right.
- Look for signs that he needs to go to the bathroom, and take him there when he's about to go. Maybe he'll scratch the floor or kiss it, walk around in circles, or look agitated.
Step 5. Learn to understand their body language
Like humans, pit bulls are also creatures of fear and need, and if their body language has body language that indicates whether they are feeling scared or threatened. As you get to know your pitbull better, look for signs that he is angry. If he growls, barks, it's a sign he's angry, right now, you have to do something to change the situation. Get to know your dog and understand the signs whether he is happy, angry or tired.
- Some signs that your dog is uncomfortable around other dogs or people are a straight posture, pursed lips, biting air, growling, tucking his tail down, or trying to hide behind you.
- If your dog stays motionless, he too is uncomfortable and is holding out.
- Find ways to calm your dog if he shows these symptoms. Try asking him out, or giving him a snack, complimenting him, taking him for a walk, or a combination of these.
Method 2 of 3: Disciplining Your Pitbull
Step 1. Use positive gestures
When you train a pitbull, focus on the practice, not the results. It will take some time for him to understand your point. Give simple orders, and when he's ready and obeying your wishes, give him a snack and a compliment. Giving a positive response will make it easier to gain the dog's trust than punishing him.
- When you give a positive reaction, do it consistently. Like when you discipline your child, if your dog does something right, give it a reward (even if it's just a compliment or a pat). If you are not consistent, he will be confused.
- Always firm. Don't give up, even if your dog looks really cute. This will confuse him, and will be more agitated later on.
Step 2. Ensure your dominance
Your dog must know that you are the master, and they must obey you. Pitbull need a leader, or they will become the dominant dog, the alpha dog. Here are some ways to ensure dominance over your dog while still earning their loyalty and respect. To show that you are the leader, you must be able to allow or forbid them to do something.
- Praise your dog so he knows you are the master. Give praise immediately but not too long.
- If your pitbull makes a mistake, reprimand them immediately, don't take too long. Dogs only have about 5 seconds of memory, they live only in the present moment.
- Allow and forbid your pitbull to do things like eat, jump into your bed, or go outside. You have to do it to show that you are the boss.
- When entering the house, the dog must follow you, allowing you to enter first.
- Pitbull will obey you as soon as you show your dominance.
Step 3. Train with a chain
Train your pitbull to obey you even when the chain is loose rather than when the chain is pulled tight. This will give the dog the freedom to explore the environment and defecate, while still being within your reach. Using a leash on your dog will ensure they don't get out of control when outside. Here are some other things you should know when training with chains:
- In order to train, the dog must understand that the chain is always hanging from the neck. If he pulls, pulls back and drags him back in all directions, you have to give direction, not him.
- If your dog doesn't pull the leash, give him a compliment, so he knows it's what you want.
Step 4. Prevent your dog from biting before it starts
If you want your pitbull to know that biting humans is wrong, you have to start when he is a child. Pitbull pup bites may be funny, but will have serious effects when he is an adult. When he bites you, move your hand while making a sound like you are in pain, this will let your dog know that this is wrong.
Another way to prevent dogs from biting is to provide them with lots of toys to nibble on. This will channel his desire to bite. If he has lots of toys to bite into, he won't bite you
Method 3 of 3: Socializing Your Pitbull
Step 1. Invite your pitbull to socialize from a young age
Socialization is very important, especially for pit bulls. Starting when pit bulls are still puppies, socialization can be done at any age. Invite your pitbull to interact with dogs and other people, this will make your dog friendly.
Many people recommend sending your pitbull puppies to dog school after they reach six months of age. A good class will familiarize your pitbull to socialize and behave well
Step 2. Introduce your pitbull to other dogs
Some pit bulls will find it difficult to get along with other dogs, but some are friendly. It is very important to recognize the nature of your dog and do not force it to meet other dogs. But if you think he's ready and willing to meet another dog, try this:
- Introduce the dog by walking along on the leash in the same direction, choosing a neutral location so neither of them feels that this is the place.
- Continue walking a few feet, then take turns taking the lead.
- Don't let your dog run to another dog if he's excited -- you have to control it.
- If both dogs are still on the leash, then don't combine them, as this could get them into a fight.
Step 3. Let your pitbull sniff other dogs if the introduction goes well
If the initial introduction went well and they seem fine, let them sniff each other out. If one of the dogs straightens or lowers its tail, it means something is wrong, separate it immediately.
You can ask for a walk first before getting acquainted
Step 4. Let your dog play without a leash
If sniffing has gone well, leave your dog free in a fenced area with the other dog on a leash. Newer dogs should be chained and this area should not place a lot of toys. If the dog is comfortable in this area, remove the leash and make sure each owner is near the dog.
- Make sure the dog is in an enclosed area during the meeting.
- Have a water spray bottle ready to use when your dog is acting out of hand.
- Do not allow two pit bulls to play together unsupervised. You don't know what could happen.
Step 5. Know what to do if your dog gets too excited without a leash
If your dog is too aggressive around other dogs when not on a leash, you should be able to pull him off before anything happens. Say for example it takes 20 minutes for the dog to become aggressive, then for 10 or 15 minutes you must separate them so that there is no conflict.
And if your dog is always excited when around other dogs without a leash, you better leave your dog in its place
Step 6. Socialize your pitbull with the kids when he's ready
Pitbull must trust you and must obey you before socializing it with young children. If you introduce him too early, he can attack the child. Then you have to make sure that your pitbull is ready and knows what is right and wrong.
- Pitbull actually likes children, don't think that all pit bulls are cruel.
- Unfortunately, if you have to take care of children and can't get your pitbull to like them, you will have to find a new owner for your pitbull.
Step 7. Socialize your pitbull with strangers
If you want your pitbull to get along with strangers, he has to earn your trust first. After that, if you invite someone he doesn't know into your home, you need to tell that person how to act at home so as not to upset your dog. The person should not approach the dog and make eye contact with the dog. They should either enter slowly, or "ignore" the dog, which will give the dog time to smell the person, touch him and get used to his presence.
As soon as the dog feels comfortable with the stranger, the person can start to approach him
Tips
- Be firm so the dog knows that you are the boss.
- Do not hit your dog, this will cause your dog to be fierce.
- Don't hit with a stick when you're angry.
- Relax during practice, and your pitbull will relax too, especially if he has previously shown signs of fear.
- Always make eye contact with your dog.
- Don't yell at your dog. Take it easy when giving orders.
- Do not be cruel to your dog because it will hurt and make them sad.
- Do not place your valuables near your pitbull because your pitbull may destroy it.
