Pit Bull Training

Many people feel that pit bull training is somehow more difficult that training other dogs. Happily for those who love pit bulls, this isn’t the case.

The fact is that training a pit bull is exactly the same as training any other breed of dog.

What is different, however, is that the consequences of not training a larger dog – such as a pit bull – can have far more serious consequences than neglecting to train a smaller dog.
That is why it is essential that anyone choosing to have a pit bull for a pet dedicates themselves to the task of properly training the dog.

One common mistake made by those attempting pit bull training is that the methods used are simply not what is understood by a canine.

The intent is good, but training methods that would work wonderfully for training a child have no effect on dogs.

One thing that a pit bull cannot be trained to do is be a human. Dogs think like dogs. Therefore pet owners must try to find methods that can be understood by a dog.

Here are some tips to help pet owners get started in effective pit bull training.


Become the Pack Leader

Nearly every dog training expert agrees that unless the pet owner wants the dog to run the show they must establish themselves as the pack leader. This is not going to be achieved by yelling and hitting the dog. Those behaviors will have the opposite of the desired effect and will leave the dog confused and afraid. Instead, act like a pack leader. The remaining tips are all designed to help establish the trainer as the pack leader or Alpha dog.


Do Not Repeat Commands

Your pit bull needs to obey on the first command. Do not repeat again and again what you are asking him to do.


Grant Permission

Even if you know that your dog has no intention of waiting for an OK from you, say it anyway (as long as the behavior is acceptable). For example, if the pit bull is about to begin to play with one of his toys say, “OK”.

Withhold Permission

Part of pit bull training is teaching your dog that he must look to you to learn what behaviors are permissible. In addition to granting permission, withholding permission is another way to do this. For example, let’s say that when you open the back door that is a sign to your dog that he may go outside to play. But that could be a problem if, for example, a worker needed to enter or exit through that door at a time when you do not want your dog to go out.

Instead, pair the opening of the door with a verbal command such as “Go” or “Out”. Because you also need to teach your dog that there will be times when an open door is not an invitation to go out, practice opening the door and saying “No” or “Stay”.

Do the same with a favorite toy . Place the dog’s favorite toy or treat on the floor in a place where the dog can see it. When he begins to move toward it say “No” or “Stay”. Yelling is not necessary, but use a forceful tone of voice.

Make Him Stay

When pit bull training, have your dog “stay” in one spot for 10-15 minutes. Understand that he is going to keep getting up, but you must continue to put him back and again say “Stay”. Yelling is not necessary. Remember, he IS going to get up. Expect it. The point isn’t really that he stay still for 15 minutes, but rather that he learns that he must listen to your commands and if he doesn’t you aren’t going to give in, but rather keep putting him back until he does.

Pit bull training is not only for the safety of people, but it also provides comfort and happiness to the dog. When he knows who his leader is, he feels he knows his place in the world and will be a happy follower.

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