Pit Bull Reactivity Training: Tips to Stop Lunging, Barking, and Aggression
Introduction
For pit bull owners, the challenge of your dog becoming overly reactive or excited when encountering other dogs is common. Because of your dog’s size, their reactivity can cause injuries and because of public perceptions of their breed, it can lead to uncomfortable encounters with your neighbors or community members. This reactivity can range from pulling on the leash and barking to lunging, which can make walks stressful for both you and your dog. The good news is that reactivity can be addressed with some practice and specific techniques. In this post, we’ll walk you through practical steps and strategies to reduce your pit bull’s reactivity and make walks more enjoyable.
What causes Pit Bull Reactivity?
Many pit bulls become reactive for several reasons, such as:
Excitement or High Energy: Pit bulls are known for their energy, and seeing another dog can make them excited. Most often, reactivity comes from a desire to play.
Lack of Socialization: Dogs who haven’t had positive experiences with other dogs may react out of fear or uncertainty of how to appropriately socialize with other dogs.
On Leash Greetings: Giving your dog the opportunity to meet other dogs while on leash can encourage their reactivity, resulting in intense lunging and pulling on leash in an attempt to get to other dogs. While most often their intentions are to play, it can be stressful for you as their owner as onlookers may not understand that your dog is friendly and wants to play and the pulling can cause injury.
Protective Instincts: Some pit bulls may display reactive behaviors out of a desire to protect their owner or if they misperceive a situation Understanding why your pit bull may be reactive helps in choosing the right approach to reduce that reactivity.
1. Use Distance to Your Advantage
Start by walking your pit bull at a distance from other dogs that feels safe. This distance will help them feel more relaxed. You will know whether you’re at the correct distance based on your dog’s reactions. If at any point your dog begins lunging, barking, leash pulling, or whining, you may need to increase your distance. If your dog notices another dog but doesn’t react, reward them immediately with a treat or praise. Over time, you can gradually decrease the distance.
2. Train Focus Commands
Teaching your pit bull to focus on you during walks is essential. Start with a simple command like “focus” or “watch me” in a calm, quiet environment. Reward your dog each time they make eye contact. Once your dog begins to look at you consistently in a quiet environment, begin to practice this command outside in progressively distracting environments. If at any point, you’re unable to get your dog’s focus, the environment is too distracting for your dog, and you’ll want to switch to a less distracting environment. Once your dog is able to focus on you in a quiet environment, then try in a slightly more distracting environment. Increase the level of distraction as you go.
3. Reward Calm Behavior Around Other Dogs
Whenever you encounter another dog, reward your pit bull for staying calm. Use high-value treats—something they don’t usually get, like small pieces of chicken or cheese. Praise and reward the calm behavior, helping them associate other dogs with positive experiences and teaching them the importance of focusing on you regardless of what’s going on around you.
4. Practice “Leave It” and “Heel” Commands
Teaching “leave it” can help your dog ignore distractions, while “heel” helps control their position next to you. Practice these commands at home in a quiet, non-distracting environment. Once your dog masters the skill in a quiet environment, gradually introduce them on walks. These commands provide structure and help prevent reactivity by keeping your pit bull close and focused. Remember, if at any point, your dog ignores the commands while on a walk, you likely have gotten too close to a distraction, add distance from the distraction and try again.
5. Use Desensitization and Counterconditioning
Desensitization is exposing your pit bull to other dogs from a safe distance in a controlled way, gradually decreasing the distance. The idea behind desensitization is that by exposing your dog to something that would normally excite them over many repetitions, the trigger no longer becomes exciting to them (hence desensitization). Pair this with counterconditioning, which involves rewarding your dog for calm behavior around other dogs. These steps, repeated regularly, can teach your dog that you want them to ignore distactions and focus on you and help reduce or prevent your pit bull’s reactivity over time.
6. Be Patient and Consistent
Behavioral changes take time and repetitions. Consistency and patience are crucial. If your dog has a setback, stay calm and re-consider your surroundings. Remember, progress is gradual, and each successful encounter builds confidence.
Conclusion
Reactivity can be stressful, especially when you have a pit bull type dog and people may assume your dog’s reactivity is aggression. Reducing reactivity can be challenging, but by consistently practicing these steps, you’ll see improvement over time. Remember, reactivity is a common challenge, but by practicing these commands, modeling strong leadership for your dog, and gradually exposing your dog to other dogs, you’ll help them build confidence and stay calm.
If you want to learn more about how to train your pit bull, download our free e-book.
