Why Pit Bulls Need Specialized Training (and What Most Dog Trainers Get Wrong)

If you own a pit bull, or a dog that’s ever been mistaken for one, you probably know what it feels like to walk through the world with people already assuming the worst.

I’ve been there, too. I’ve trained a lot of dogs in my career, but the way people treat pit bulls is different. And it’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous.

That’s why I decided to specialize in training pit bulls. They’re not a problem to fix. The world around them too often is.

Pit Bulls Aren’t the Problem. The Stigma Is.

We’ve all heard it:

“Are pit bulls aggressive?”

“I heard you can’t trust them.”

“I’d never let one around my kids.”

Meanwhile, other dogs get into fights, bite someone, or show fear-based behavior — and it’s seen as a one-off. But when it’s a pit bull, it becomes a headline. It becomes evidence that the stereotype is true.

Even worse? Many of these dogs aren’t even pit bulls. Misidentification is rampant, and yet the consequences are real, especially in housing, insurance, and public perception.

Training Pit Bulls Isn’t About Making Them "Safe." It’s About Keeping Them Safe.

What people don’t understand is that the stakes are higher for these dogs.

The same behaviors that might be dismissed or ignored in another breed can get a pit bull evicted, surrendered, or euthanized.

So when I say pit bulls benefit from specialized training, I don’t mean because they’re dangerous.

I mean because society is dangerous to them.

That’s a tough truth. But it’s one we can do something about.

What Makes a Difference? Trust, Understanding, and Body Language

Every dog speaks. The question is: do we know how to listen?

One of the biggest shifts I see in the families I work with happens when they learn to read their dog’s body language — not just basic cues, but the subtle signals that say “I’m scared,” “I need space,” or “I’m not okay here.”

That understanding can prevent so much. It creates trust. It builds connection. And for pit bull-type dogs, it can mean the difference between a safe, thriving life and a constant uphill battle.

If You’ve Ever Felt Like It’s All on You… It Doesn’t Have to Be

This work matters to me because I’ve seen what happens when dogs and their people are supported — and what happens when they’re not.

Whether you’re doing this on your own or looking for someone to walk alongside you, I want you to know this: you’re not alone. There are trainers who understand. There are people who care. There are tools that work.

You deserve to feel confident in your dog and in how you advocate for them.

And your dog deserves to be seen for who they really are, not the label someone else decided fit.

If You’re Looking for a Place to Start

I’ve put together a free guide on training pit bulls and understanding their body language — because I know how overwhelming this can feel.

And if you ever want more support, I also offer a training option where we work hands-on with your dog and coach you on how to maintain those results. It’s not the only path, but it’s here if you need it.

Because changing the story starts one dog, one person, and one new perspective at a time.