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So you just got your first pitbull, and you want to make sure that it’s a well adjusted, upstanding member of the dog community.
You’re in luck, because pits are one of the best family breeds on the planet.
You’re also in luck, because training pitbulls is actually no different than training any other puppy.
These pitbull puppy training tips will help you ensure that your little bundle of joy is a joy to everyone.
Pitbull Puppy Training Tips
Training any puppy is a juggling act. You have to focus on several things at once, and you have to do it well. That’s why I’ve put together this list of pitbull puppy training tips to help you keep the angst at a minimum when training your new pup.
Socialization
Socialization. Socialization. SOCIALIZATION! The importance of this cannot be overstated – for any puppy. It’s only marginally more important for a pitbull. Without proper socialization, ANY puppy can grow up to be a dog which is either overly aggressive or overly fearful of other animals or people. Either of these scenarios can lead to biting. Dogs only have two options to protect themselves, fight or flight. So when backed into a corner, they can and do bite.
Socialization is at the top of my pitbull puppy training tips list because of how ferocious they LOOK. Pitbulls are actually wonderful, friendly animals. They do, however have a menacing look and a protective streak. So if you don’t properly socialize your pit puppy, you’ll end up in situations where people are nervous about your pit. The pit picks up the vibe, and it immediately becomes more protective. Now you have a problem.
Luckily, it’s super easy to socialize a pitbull. Because they are a friendly breed by nature, all you have to do is get it out there in the world. Take your pit puppy over to any friend’s house who will allow it. Take it to a dog park. Take it to Petco. Take it any and everywhere that you can. If your vet allows it, take your puppy to the vet, too. Get it used to all kinds of people and animals in all kinds of situations.
Potty Training
This is another biggie for pitbull puppy training tips. Pitbulls are wonderful family dogs, but they require patience when potty training. Although loving to the point of doting, they have a strong stubborn streak. This means that you MUST be vigilant and consistent with potty training. Many people start their puppies out on training pads (affiliate link). I highly advise against this. All you’re really doing is training them into one behavior, and then trying to train them out of it.
As part of my pitbull puppy training tips, I highly advise the tried and true “watch” method. Put your puppy on a feeding schedule from the beginning. A: It keeps them at a proper weight. B: It makes it easier to potty train them. Also, crate train your puppy. This limits the amount of messes that can occur while you’re sleeping.
Every morning, AS SOON AS YOU WAKE UP, take your puppy out to go potty. After it’s done, reward it profusely with lots of love, lots of praise, and lots of treats. Continue to take your pitbull puppy out every hour or so, while at the same time watching it in the house to avoid accidents. In addition, take your puppy out immediately after it eats. Let it run for as long as it takes for it to go potty, then repeat the praise and reward.
More Pitbull Puppy Training Tips to Come
This is only pitbull puppy training 101. Expect more pitbull puppy training tips to follow, with even more in-depth information and tips on how to make sure your pitbull puppy is the best dog you’ve ever had. And bonuse: It’ll be pretty easy for you!
Do you have any specific pitbull puppy training tips you want us to address this month? Ask in the comments!
