Pit Bull Terrier Dog Training Tips
It is the responsibility of every dog owner to do everything
they can to make sure their dog is well behaved. This is doubly
true of Pit Bull owners, due to the often negative rep that Pit
Bulls have. Any action they take is not the fault of the dog,
but usually of the owner. It is important that you are devoted
and loving to your Pit Bull, and that you do everything you can
to ensure he is a well behaved pet.
If you get your Pit Bull when he is a puppy, you should begin
training him when he is around eight weeks old. Pit Bulls are
highly intelligent, and learn easier and faster when they are
younger. He hasn't really had a lot of time to develop bad
habits, which is also in your favor, as you will have an easier
time teaching him new things, than teaching him to forget bad
habits.
Try to train your dog using a positive approach, and try not to
punish him. Sometimes punishing your Pit Bull for bad behavior
will only make his behavior worse. Give him lots of attention
and praise when he behaves well or does well in his training.
Try to make training time enjoyable for you both, and remember
to be patient with him. Pit Bulls learn faster than some other
dogs, but it may still take time to accomplish his training
goals. If you try to have and maintain realistic expectations,
training will go better. Pit Bulls crave love and attention, so
training that focuses on those two elements often works the best.
While training your Pit Bull or giving him a command, try to do
so in your normal voice. Yelling, although unintentional on your
part, may give your Pit Bull the wrong impression, therefore
putting a negative touch on your training session or that
command. Even if your Pit Bull tends to ignore you, don't yell
to try to make him pay attention, chances are this will only
make things worse. Your Pit Bull will quickly associate anything
he considers negative with training, and that often leads to
poor results.
Keep in mind that if your Pit Bull tends to misbehave and
doesn't listen to you at home, that he will probably behave ten
times worse in public. He will really test your patience around
other people or animals, because he will most likely pay even
less attention to your commands, or ignore them altogether.
There are many things that can distract him away from home, so
it is best to avoid any trips with your Pit Bull until he learns
to follow your commands.
Training your Pit Bull may not be an easy task, but it is
necessary. Pit Bulls, much like children, have to be taught
acceptable behavior, and it is up to you to either teach him, or
pay a trainer to teach him for you. Training your Pit Bull
yourself will often help strengthen the bond you have with him,
so I recommend trying to train him yourself before seeking
professional help.