Pitbulls are very intelligent and highly energetic dogs. Hence they need proper training which should start since an early age. Always ensure that you are getting your pitbull from a good dog breeder. If it is an older pup then this aspect becomes all the more important because if the pup is not treated well by the breeder then it might be quite a task for you to train it once it is brought home. A good breeder also ensures that you are getting a healthy pup.
Now that the breeder question is sorted the next step of training your pup is ensuring that he is comfortable and taken proper care of at your home. Get a crate with a blanket or a dog bed in it for the puppy to sleep in. Keep this crate in a quiet room and allow the pup to get familiar with the place. Next set him on a regular feeding schedule. If you keep a close eye on your pup you would know its feeding cycle and be able to understand other behavior as well. Once you have done this you have already laid a firm base for training your pitbull.
Now let’s come to how to handle these intelligent animals. Pitbulls are very loyal and would do anything to please their owners and this is where the trouble starts. The owner of a pitbull must be efficient and have good management skills. He should be able to give clear commands to his pet dog. Most of the time, an ill behaved pitbull is a confused one because his owner has not been able to give him clear commands. Be consistent throughout your training session. Let your dog know that you are not happy every time he makes a mistake. If you miss showing him your displeasure even once, then the next time your pet fails to obey you and gets reprimanded for that your dog will be confused. Carry out your training at the same place everyday. Do not change your behavior too often or abruptly. Staying firm and consistent throughout the training session is the key to training a pitbull well.
It’s important to remember that it is a dog that you are dealing with and not a human being. So expect him to make mistakes again and again. While training pitbull one should have a lot of patience. Though quick learners, they may take you long to train your pitbull. Use a lot of positive reinforcement, like praising and giving dog treats. Pitbulls are very durable but if you are harsh with your dog, then it might trigger aggressive behavior in him. Pitbulls are hardy and headstrong dogs and you need to communicate it very clearly early during training that you are the boss.
Be sure to teach your pitbull pup the dog obedience commands early on. Start with the easiest ‘Sit’ command then move on to the other commands. Give your pup time to master one command and only then begin with the next one. Other than dog obedience, proper socialization is another aspect of training a dog. If this phase of dog training goes well, then your pitbull will become your pride. For this, invite your friends and their children home and let your pup interact with them. Encourage your friends to get their pets as well. More your pup will interact with other people and animals, more sociable it will be. However, it is important that you monitor and guide your pup through the initial encounters so that any unpleasant incident can be avoided.
