top 10 training tips for pit bull parents
Pit bulls are known for being loyal and loving dogs. They are also very active and intelligent. Training any dog breed can be challenging, especially for larger, more challenging dogs like pit bulls. With these tips, you will be able to train your pit bull in no time!
In this article, we discuss the top 10 training tips for pit bull parents. First, let’s revisit the history of pit bulls.
pit bull history:
Appealing and brimming with an undeniable attitude, it is easy to see why the pit bull has emerged as one of the greatest canine competitors and stars. Observers are in awe of their stunning abilities and low expectations for humans. However, this dog breed is revered for its even temperament sweet, friendly essence. Pit bulls’ history is not very long, but it has been a popular breed for many years. The Pitbull was originally bred in England in the 1800s for hunting. Pit bulls derive from breeds such as the Bulldog, Terrier, and Mastiff for their strength and agility. They were brought to America and became popular as a family pet because of their loyalty and affectionate nature.
Interesting facts about Pit bulls:
o Pit bulls are one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
o Pit bull is not a breed but a term for dogs with similar physical characteristics.
o Pit bulls are not naturally aggressive, but, like any dog breed, they can be trained to be aggressive.
Training tips for Pit bulls and bully breeds.
Get the right equipment
The first step to training your Pitbull is ensuring you have the right equipment. This includes a leash, harness or collar, and treats or a toy. Lastly, you will need to bring a good attitude and enthusiasm to each training session. Once you have all these things in place, it's time to start training!
2. Prioritize building a relationship
Patience is key when it comes to training a Pit bull. Pit bulls are typically known for their stubbornness, but they can be taught just about anything from someone they trust. The first step is building a relationship with your dog and ensuring they don’t feel threatened by you or around you. This could mean avoiding direct eye contact with the dog or standing in its personal space. It also means advocating for your dog with strangers who may offer unwanted affection. Any dog that feels threatened, will either fight or flight, meaning they will either run or react aggressively towards the perceived threat. The key to building a strong bond with your dog is for them to see you as a leader and someone who will protect them at all times. When your dog views you as a leader, they will not feel they need to protect themselves or you and will yield to you.
3. Short training sessions
Keep your training sessions short, 10 minutes or less, so your dog doesn't get bored or frustrated. Pit bulls or any dog breed are not inherently obedient. They need to be trained with consistent, short sessions and repetition to learn your expectations. Training a pit bull requires patience and consistency. All dogs require repetition for them to learn something new. Besides that, they can also get demotivated if you continually repeat commands for hours. Therefore, to remain effective, try to be quick and ensure that the training session does not last over 12 minutes.
4. Start training early
The earlier you start training your dog, the easier it will be for them to learn new commands and behaviors. Pit bulls need to be trained and socialized at an early age to avoid any potential behavioral issues and create positive associations with their environment. Puppy training is important to help them learn how to control their energy levels and their instinct to chase things that move quickly, like cats or squirrels. You should start making a training plan for your dog before you get them and begin training immediately. Puppy training can begin as early as 8 weeks.
5. Be consistent
Consistency is important when it comes to training your dog. If you want them to sit on command, they need to know that every time they hear "sit," they should sit down on command. The more you repeat your training, the more your dog will learn and implement them. They also must learn that the expectation holds in all settings. Therefore, practicing in different environments is key.
6. Use positive reinforcement
Reward them for good behavior with treats, petting, playtime, or other rewards they enjoy. This will encourage your dog to repeat the desired behavior and allow you to pair it with a cue for consistency. You can also use negative reinforcement by removing something they like when misbehaving, such as their favorite toy or treat.
7. Teach impulse-control:
Pit bulls tend to be impulsive for a significant portion of their young lives. As such, it’s important to teach them impulse-control or not to immediately go after things they are interested in, such as people, other dogs, or small animals. Impulse control is one of the most important components of pit bull training.
8. Communicate Effectively
Educate Your dog commands using simple words and hand signals, so they know what you want them to do without any confusion. Effective communication makes training much easier as it ensures clarity between the human and dog. After beginning your training journey early and using effective communication, you and your dog will quickly develop a language of your own that will serve you around distractions, like other dogs and people in public.
9. Reward Calm Behavior:
Pit bulls are known for their energy and enthusiasm. They are also known to be obstinate and strong-willed. While individual characteristics vary from dog to dog, most pit bulls are not naturally calm, so you need to use various techniques to teach them the skill of relaxation. The first step is to teach your dog that being relaxed equates to rewards. You will need to reward your dog with treats, affection, or toys when they are behaving in a relaxed manner. It's important not just for the dog's physical health but also for its mental health as well. After all, stress has been shown to negatively affect both mental and physical health in humans, so it's no different for dogs too!
10. Hire a professional trainer
Not all owners have the skill or desire to train their dog. It can be demanding and tedious at times due to the level of consistency required for breeds like pit bulls and other bully breeds. Still, you must train your pit bull so if you are a person who could benefit from the help of a trainer, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Conclusion:
Training your four-legged friend, especially one with the physical strength of a pit bull is imperative. In this article, we discussed some of the top training tips that will help you handle your dog and develop a harmonious relationship. While these tips are centered around pit bulls, given our specialization, these training tips can apply to all dog breeds.
Ready to work with a pit bull-specialized professional trainer? Click here to schedule your free consultation with Atlanta Pit Bull Training.
