Pit Bull Separation Anxiety

What Is PitBull Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a very common problem that most dogs experience and pitbulls are no exception. Pitbull separation anxiety manifests itself at levels ranging from mild to severe. It can show itself as a brief round of barking when you leave to a much worse scenario of ripping up the house and incessantly barking while you’re gone. This can be very disconcerting until you realize that the problem is separation anxiety, and can be controlled.

Where Pit Bull Separation Anxiety Comes From

The role you play as Alpha Leader, or lead dog, in the household gives your pit bull a sense of security. Your dog’s attachment to, and dependence on you, his master, is strong. When you leave the house, he will grow agitated. Most of the anxiety felt, however, is not so much due to an attachment to you as it is an attachment to specific actions represented by your absence. Even though your pet does not like it when you leave, that is not justification for growing so agitated.

Pit bull separation anxiety happens because of behaviors embedded by routines. For instance, you lavish praise and attention on your pittie just before leaving , and as soon as you get home from work, or some other routine activity. After a while your dog develops expectations that are reinforced daily, and this can lead to a dog that cannot control his anxious anticipatory feelings in your absence.

How To Reduce PitBull Separation Anxiety

Reducing pit bull anxiety doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Here are a few methods to use to do the job.

Vary the routine – Your pit bull may respond anxiously to triggers related to your leaving the house.

These triggers can include:

• The sound of the alarm clock ringing.
• The buzzing of an electric razor.
• The opening of a dresser drawer.

Change your morning routine – Try getting up at different times. Lay your clothes out the night before. Shave with a blade instead of an electric razor. Of course, your routine may not be like this one, but the point is that subtle changes in routine can go a long way in reducing pit bull separation anxiety.

Avoid behavior reinforcement – If your pit bull has come to expect your attention before you leave the house and when you get back home, it is partly because you have reinforced the behavior by giving lots of attention before you leave the house and when you get back home. Simple enough, right?

To reduce pit bull separation anxiety, simply remove the association between your exits and returns and the giving of affection. As hard as this may be, try ignoring your dog for 10-15 minutes when you get home. Do not lavish him with attention when you leave. Be firm and consistent; don’t give in to whimpering or barking.

Interval training – This is pretty self explanatory. Simply leave the house, then come back at longer and longer intervals. As your time away increases, so does your dog’s tolerance of that time length. And, of course, you do not want to pour attention on your pit bull every time you walk in or out of the doorway as this would defeat the purpose of the training.

A Win-Win Situation

The solutions to pit bull separation anxiety reduction are far from cruel. The opposite is quite true in fact. By showing your dog that he can’t have everything he wants when he wants it, you are asserting your alpha dog position in the pack. This helps your dog to feel safe and relaxed in the knowledge that you have things under control and that there is no reason for them to feel that anxiety. This is good for you and it is good for the dog–a win-win.

Pit Bull Separation Anxiety Training

When your Pitbull becomes too reliant on you he may become very upset or distressed when you leave him alone. This could be a sign of separation anxiety and may result in your dog displaying inappropriate behavior. This doesn’t mean your Pit Bull is being bad, he may just be trying to communicate his fear and anxiety. With a little pitbull separation anxiety training you will be able to calm his worries and prevent him from getting worked up and misbehaving when he’s left alone.

Desensitize Him to Leaving Signals

Your Pit Bull is smart and can understand what certain signals mean. When you grab his food bowl, he may get excited knowing that it’s meal time. He probably runs to the door with his tail wagging when you pick up his leash. He also knows that when you grab your keys, shoes, or coat, you plan on leaving him alone. If he starts getting worked up and whines or jumps up on you when you try to leave, some dog separation anxiety training may be needed.

You can get him used to the clues of leaving your house by picking up your keys and walking around with them, but not going anywhere. Put your shoes or coat on at random times in the day and just walk around in them for awhile. Disassociating these actions from the act of leaving will eventually make him much calmer for the times that you actually do leave your house.

Practice Leaving the House

A very effective pitbull separation anxiety training technique involves leaving your house for short periods of time to show your dog that you really will be coming back. When you leave, your dog may not understand that you’ll return to him, so walk out of your house and close the door for a few minutes then come back in to him.

Keep doing this for short periods until he responds calmly. Reward him for his good behavior and increase the length of time you leave. Eventually add in the sound of your car starting, then the sound of your driving away. When he sees that you always return, he should start to become much less anxious when he sees you go.

Distance Yourself from Him

You may love to spend as much time as possible with your Pitbull, but this could be what’s causing his anxiety. Another dog separation anxiety training method is to not allow him to sit beside you at all times or sleep with you in your bed. Do drills with him to make him stay in one room while you spend time in another and give him a treat when he does as you wish. You can still spend plenty of time with him, but by slowly incorporating some distance between you, he’ll be much calmer and comfortable when he’s left alone.

PitBull Separation Anxiety Final Words

It is important to address any dog health issues immediately, whether mental or physical. Mild separation anxiety will be controlled by implementing the simple techniques included here. If your pittie has issues that are too severe for you to resolve using the techniques suggested, you may have to seek further help. Start with your veterinarian. The objective is to have a happy, healthy relationship with your pet Pit Bull.

Choosing the right type of dog food for your puppy or dog is a crucial decision to make, which will need pondering on all the facts.

Your choice of diet plays a major role in the growth of your dog or puppy, its overall appearance, wellbeing, and behavior habits. Every aspect of your dog’s life is determined by the dog food nutrition it gets.

The market is full of the best dog food for bully Pit Bulls, but you need to do a research on dog food ratings and choose from the dog foods with high rates.

It is important to know that not all dogs are the same, therefore you have to sample some of the highest rated dog foods in order to find out which one works best with your puppy or dog.

What a Poor Diet Will Do for Your Dog

A poor diet can cause weakened immune system, increase chances of arthritis, cancers, cystitis, hypertension, liver failure, diabetes, and epilepsy.

Dogs that are offered low quality diets have been reported to be hyperactive or have sluggish behavior and build up in the eyes. In addition, they easily contract ear infections, bowel disease, as well as countless allergies.

Watch out if your dog vomits frequently or experiences heavy shedding and dull coat, the problem could be with the diet you are offering him. This is not the end of the problem list. The repercussions of a poor diet are numerous.

The Benefits of Investing In Healthy, Notorious, and Well Balanced Dog Food

In the long run you will see that committing to offer your Pit Bull the best diet will give you back returns. If you are looking for your dog to have vitality and energy, as well as minimize the visits to the vet, then you have no other option but to play along with looking for the best dog food for Pitbulls.

A well-balanced dog food boosts well-defined muscle tone, prevents foul odor and promotes bright, clear bright eyes as well as healthy gums and teeth. Pitbulls that are consistently given good diets have fewer digestive complications, firmer stools and healthy coat and skin. With the longevity and quality of life that good dog food for Pit Bull puppies offers, you will definitely agree that it is worth the effort.

So… What Is The Best Food For Pit Bulls?

There are certain attributes that determine whether your dog need a lower calorie food or high-calorie diet, and these attributes greatly affect the energy needs of your dog. They include:

Growth – Growing puppies tend to have a more energy requirement than adult dogs. Dog food with moderate fat level and high protein level, is what needs to be your target.

There are many manufacturers that sell best dog food for Pit Bulls to gain weight, and all you need to do is find one that suits the needs of your dog.

Lactation – Just like how it applies to human, a nursing female dog also requires almost eight times more energy.

Human factors – Human factors such as local availability and purchasing cost, are capable of affecting your dog food purchasing choice. It is essential you understand that health of your dog comes down to the quality of an animal’s food.

When choosing a dog food brand, it is important you put into consideration the manufacturer’s availability, responsiveness and reliability. It can be more annoying and devastating if a company makes wonderful food, but you are unable to reach them, the customer service team is not helpful, or your shipping order is always late.

Reproduction – If your female dog is pregnant, it will need high protein dog food for Pit Bulls, which does not rise significantly until the dog reaches the final third of her pregnancy. At this stage, it may only rise by a factor of three.

You need to get high calorie food for your pregnant dog for her to have the required energy level required during this stage.

Illness – Dogs that are unwell due to various diseases, have higher energy needs. Sufficient energy is needed to repair damaged tissues and increase the immune response.

Active level – This is simple. A dog that exercises more needs to consume more energy, so as to be able to keep up with the condition.

Age – Older dogs are less active compared to younger, growing puppies making them have lower energy needs. Growing puppies need more calories, so as to maintain their condition and body weight.

This simply means that older dogs can be fed on low calorie foods, while young dogs on high calorie foods.

Weighting Your Options

Deciding on which type of dog food to take home can be an overwhelming task, but this need not to be that difficult. You need to shop with caution for the dog food that will meet your dog’s health needs.

Many dog owners have confessed, that many dog food industries less focus on the well being of your precious puppies and dogs. Choosing the best dog food for Pitbulls goes, far beyond the marketing secrecy and tactics.

You need to study your dogs thoroughly in aspects of feeding habits, physical characteristics and allergies, to be able to come up with the best dog food for Pitbull that meet its health needs.

Place your focus on the longevity, health, and vitality of your dog when determining the best puppy food for your precious pet, and always be consistent after making your feeding choice clear.

Calorie Consideration

The weight of your dog will depend upon the calorie content of the food you select. If your puppy is a couch potato, you will need to stay away from energy dense food. This is important to prevent it from getting too fat and heavy.

Some dogs hardly get satisfied with the quantity of food you seem to offer them. If this case applies to you, the best option is to seek a low calorie food that is high in fiber.

Necessarily it doesn’t need to have the highest quality of protein. The idea is to give your dog the best dog foods for Pitbulls, but considering one that offers a full feeling without getting fat.

Take a Closer Look at Your Dog’s Preference

Not all dog foods can work the best with every dog. A dog is just as people, they have individual needs. Some like canned foods, while others prefer dry food.

Some dogs like lamb, some like chicken. Fortunately, today’s market offers a wide range of highly nutritious dog food suitable for all life stages. The only way to know which one works for you is by trying out several types.

Read Thoroughly Through the Listed Ingredients!

It is required by law, that all dog food manufacturers indicate the ingredients on the package, in terms of weight.

When choosing your dog food, look for ones that have fish, meat or eggs as the primary ingredients, since with this you can be sure that the food will provide sufficient protein, inclusive several usable and valuable amino acids.

In case if you are switching to a new food type, make sure you give your dog ample time to adjust to the new changes.

After you have done what you can possibly do to ensure that your dog gets the best dog food for Pit Bulls, observe your dog for at least one month. If you note shiny coat, healthy energy level and bright eyes, then you may relax knowing that you are on the right track. In case, if you need further assistance you can seek professional advice from a qualified veterinary doctor.

What to Do if Your Pitbull Has Skin Allergy?

If your dog is battling with skin allergies, it may be difficult to rule that the condition may be caused by weather, food or environment.

However, your vet can help you know the underlying cause of the condition, by conducting various types of tests on the dog. At times if yeast infections are not well managed, it can lead to skin complications.

It is a wise idea to place your dog in a raw diet, so as to help remove the possible allergens. The good thing is that you have absolute control of what can put in your dog’s mouth. If perhaps you feel that this is a bit costly, you can sample the exotic meat variety of Taste of the Wild’s.

The best way to successfully get rid of possible allergies triggered by beef or chicken, is by going for unique meat like salmon and bison. Alternatively, you can select a grain-free food to be on the safe side, in case if your dog reacts to soy or corn.

It is vital you ensure that the dog food you select has sufficient amount of omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help correct skin problems and give your dog a finer coat.

There is a time and place for barking dogs to let themselves be heard. In the field is one such place during sporting events that require it. A security situation is another occurrence where pit bull barking is essential to alerting a home owner to the possibility of an intruder. What you must know, however, is that there is only so much you can do about the problem. After all, almost all dogs instinctively bark.

There are some things you can do once you understand why dogs bark in the first place. Once you understand why they bark, you can begin to exercise some control over the when they bark.

Why Pit Bulls Bark

Pit bull barking occurs for many reasons. Most of the reasons are emotional and are based on feelings that include anger, fear, and excitement. In fact, dogs aren’t too different from us. For instance :

• People like to possess things like land, cars, homes, and other possessions. We go to great lengths to protect our territories. Dogs bark to let others know what they consider to be their territory.
• Just as we shout to others to “watch out”, so dogs bark in alarm.
• Who doesn’t like attention? Dogs bark for it.
• When our loved ones come home from work, or school, or from wherever, the first thing we do is say hello and greet them warmly. Pit bulls can’t enunciate “hello”, so they bark or growl instead.

And just like people “barking”, pit bull barking happens out of frustration, injury, and compulsion.

The thing is, dogs can no more bottle up all of their emotions any more than you or I can. We all have to let go sometimes, so expecting a dog to be quiet all the time is unreasonable; and making them so, pretty much impossible. So what can be done?

Stopping Pit Bull Barking

Like most questionable habits, excess barking can be controlled. First It has to be determined what the excess is, when it is excessive, and what the trigger is for the excess.

Before we get into the details of reducing barking it is important to understand that becoming the alpha leader, and maintaining alpha leadership in your home is key to solving many dog related problems including barking. Also, constant socialization of your pet will lower its fear and wariness of others.

Having said that, issues of territoriality and alarm can be reduced greatly by showing your dog that you are the one responsible for, and in control of the home. You, as alpha dog, give your pet peace of mind by making it clear that you are in charge of home defense and safety.

In addition to being the leader of the pack, you can apply physical techniques around the house to eliminate possible exposure to pit bull barking triggers. Lowering blinds can stop your pit from seeing delivery people and passers by. A fence to partially block sight of the neighbors can be helpful.

Stop Barking in Anxious Dogs

Anxious dogs are often created by unwittingly strengthening their anxiety through a system of rewards. This is done by “spoiling”your dog whenever he begs for attention. For instance, you come home after being away for a while and your dog is jumping, barking, and generally excited, so you show him attention to satisfy him.

Rewarding this excited behavior just causes the dog to want more, and more. Pretty soon the once cute behavior becomes a bad habit. The dog starts to whine and bark until it gets what it wants. To nip this in the bud you’ll need to ignore your dog after you get home until he’s calm so they stop associating your return with attention.

Dogs really enjoy learning and most love to please. Teaching your pit bull to speak and to be quiet serves a dual purpose. Your pet gets to learn new tricks, which pleases its master, and this learned behavior reduces pit bull barking by providing situational control when necessary.

Nothing seems to get the neighborhood up in arms faster than a dog that will not stop barking. Addressed early on, pit bull barking can be curbed so that the neighbors will compliment you on her behavior instead of condemning a breed that doesn’t need any more bad press.

Pit bulls need very little grooming compared to other dog breeds with long fur, but they still require a bit of grooming every now and again to stay healthy and clean.

Grooming your pit bull at home on your own will save you some money and the best part is that it’s very easy to do and you don’t need any special kind of training or experience to do it. You don’t need any special equipment for it; just the essentials.

Not everyone has the time to groom their dogs so this isn’t the right option for everyone, but if you have some extra time then this is a great way to bond with your pit bull while saving yourself some extra money.

Things You Need To Groom a Pit Bull

Like previously said, you don’t need much, just some of the basics. You can get most of these at your local dog store or other the dog grooming supplies online.

Shampoo/Soap – It’s important that you only use pet safe shampoo on your pit bull. Human shampoo is filled with chemicals which are not really an issue for us, but can really ruin the coat and the skin of your pit bull.

Brush – Go with a brush with soft or even rubber bristles. The long/metal bristles brushes aren’t meant for dogs with short hair.

Nail Clippers – You can either get dog nail clippers or a regular nail file for this. Human clippers won’t work and can break the nail or split it which can be painful so get some dog nail clippers for your pit bull at your local pet store.

Ear Wipes – It’s important that you get actual ear wipes to clean your pit bulls ears and not Q-tips. Q-tips aren’t made for dogs ears and can be quite dangerous especially if your dog won’t sit still when you try to clean his ears.

Tooth Brush/Tooth Paste – Dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for humans. They can get cavities just like we can and a visit to a dog dentist can really put a dent in your wallet. Buy some dog specific toothpaste and tooth paste and try to clean your dog’s teeth at least every other week.

Great Tips To Keep Your Pit Bull Clean And Healthy

Now that you have everything you need, you should be all set and ready to groom your pit bull at home without spending any money at the dog grooming saloon.

Here are some great pit bull grooming tips:

Brush Your Pit Bull Every Week

Getting rid of dog hair from your clothes and furniture can be a hassle, even with short hair dogs.

If you brush your pit bull once a week, you’ll be getting rid of all the loose hair that’s trapped in his coat and will significantly reduce the amount of hair you find on your carpet. You should also brush your dog outside if possible. The less hair falls indoors, the better.

Only Give Your Pit Bull A Bath Once Every 4-6 Months

Pit bulls don’t need daily baths like we humans do. The special oils in their skin and fur help them stay clean for a long time and leave their coat shiny.

Excessive washing with shampoo will wash those oils off and leave the coat dry and dull. Keep the bathing to a minimum, unless your dog gets into something really messy and leave you no choice but to bathe him.

Don’t Let Nails Grow Out Too Much

Did you know that one of the most common reasons people take their dogs to the vet, besides the routine shots and checkups, are broken nails?

Nails that are left to grow out too long are bound to get caught in something and either get torn out or broken. A broken nail can be extremely painful for your pit bull and can take a while to heal.

Be sure to keep your pit bulls nice and short to reduce the chances of any broken or torn nail problems.

Pit Bull Clicker Training is probably the most reliable dog training method, if you would like to educate a puppy or new pet dog the conventional instructions, for example sit down and stay. Teaching requires a little bit of tolerance in the beginning, but you will begin to produce incredible final results when you see that your endeavors are worthwhile.

With dog clicker training, you’re teaching your dog to follow a particular command in collaboration with the noise of a specific teaching clicker. The noise of the training clicker could be noticed from quite some distance out, as well as over the noise of traffic along with other potential distractions.

Whenever you offer a command and the puppy obeys, you sound their co-operation by using a click. Your dog will quickly link up the dog clicker, as well as the praise and reward together with the actions for example, sit down or stay and wish to be treated once again.

Whether you have a Pit Bull, Dachshund, Lab, or Beagle, clicker training works! Clicker training your Pit Bull is effective for controlling and dictating your dog’s behavior when trying to teach basic commands. It doesn’t take much time to master clicker training, and done properly, your dog will learn almost anything you want her to.

Clicker Training Your Pit Bull Is Simple

To get going with teaching, all that you will need is a simple clicker along with a bag of the dog’s favored goodies. Remember, that the click will be the reward to your dog paying attention to the command you give, plus a treat to increase his wish to be obedient.

The Clicker is a simple device that makes a sharp, fairly loud “click” that can be heard from over 20 yards away by your dog. The clicker method works by getting your dog to associate the click with a reward for her great behavior, or appropriate response to your command. You simply point out, or mark, the good behavior with a click that signifies that a treat is on the way.

Never click on the dog training clicker with out it being clear the pet dog has followed your direction, and it is being rewarded. Just click and offer them a goody. Be normal with all the terms you choose for the instructions you give, in order that you don’t confound your dog. Command, click if he is doing nicely, then provide him with a goody, this will be the correct order to adhere to every time.

Continually be specific about what you would like your dog to accomplish, sit down, stay, come. Provide the order strongly. When they get it done, simply click and offer a reward. Continue doing this several times to be able to backup the command as well as the click.

They’ll quickly begin to associate the noise of the click, with all the actions you want them to do. Another positive of education is how instant it really is. The training clicker will get their attention immediately, which makes them alert and keen to get a treat. The click is even quicker as opposed to the word “Sit.”

Progress using this education, will see the pet dog take action as quickly as is possible for your command. Also be sure that you do not overdo the goodies. Understand that most dogs are happy to impress, so a click after words of encouragement and attention, are every bit as good as a large heap of dog goodies.

As soon as your canine is well trained, while using the dog clicker the next thing is to make him answer to a voiced command, to be able to proceed with your proper dog training, and not using a clicker. Your dog will quickly anticipate the order before clicking. He may also be anxious for his prize, “Command” “Click” treat or reward, will quickly become second nature to you both, and the pet dog will link his behavior training with a delighted owner along with a great treat or prize.

Clicker training your Pit Bull starts with teaching her that the clicker, or click, is part of the reward process. You never click for undesirable behavior, and you don’t click without rewarding your dog. The tools needed for training are an inexpensive clicker from the pet store, and a bag of treats.

It is important that your dog only hear the clicker when she has done a good job. Then reward her. Avoid verbal commands at first as they are not as clear or strong as a click, and so cause a weaker association to the reward.

3 Steps To Clicker Training Your Pit Bull

• Pick the behavior that you want such as sitting.
• Get her to perform the behavior of sitting.
• Mark it with a click, and give her a treat.

It will takes a few markings before a dog learns what she did to earn the cookie, but once she does she will start responding immediately to the clicker. Repeat this by teaching other tricks. Continue the training and soon she will have the behavior-click-reward routine embedded in her memory, making it easier to teach even more tricks quickly. At this point you can start replacing treats more and more with other rewards such as praise and petting. This helps to set things up for later.

Now that your dog has learned that desirable behavior equals rewards through clicker association, it is time to move to the final phase of clicker training your Pit Bull.

Switching to a Command

Now it is time to start introducing verbal commands along with the clicking. The only difference from the procedure already described is that now you issue a verbal command just before the click. So now it’s “sit”, click, reward instead of just click, reward. Before too long, your Pit Bull will associate all three actions, allowing you to leave the clicker home and still get your dog to perform the actions you desire anywhere, anytime.

The ultimate goal of clicker training your Pit Bull is to get her respond to verbal commands and praise for her action so she will simply learn this way. She will learn to enjoy pleasing you.

If you had not heard of clicker training, or didn’t know what it was until now, then you must be pleased at how simple and effective it is. Just a simple, sharp click marks and reinforces nearly any behavior. Clicker training your Pit Bull works!

Chewing on different new materials and new objects is fun for puppies and is a great way to release any stress and unused energy that’s built up inside; same thing applies to adult Pit Bulls as well. This is why destructive chewing is such a common problem among dog owners.

Many frustrated dog owners telling about how their Pit Bull chewed up their whole couch, kitchen furniture, favorite pair of shoes, cell phones, TV remotes and anything else that might fit in a pit bulls mouth.

How Do I Stop My Pit Bull Chewing Problem?

It is important to understand that chewing is important for dogs. It’s a fun thing for them to do and it’s great to pass the time when they are left alone by themselves. Chewing keeps their minds focused and their mouths busy.

This is why the goal shouldn’t be to end all chewing; the goal is to put an end to only destructive chewing.

How to End Destructive Chewing In Your Pit Bull

Your Pitbull needs to understand the difference between things he can chew and things which are off limits to him. You need to make it clear to him that there are toys for him to chew and anything else should never feel the wrath of his teeth.

The best way to do is by caching him in action and then using the “shock” tactic. No I don’t mean electric shock collar or anything that will harm him, I mean something that will “shock” him, like a loud noise or a quick spray of some cold water, and will get his full attention no matter what he is doing.

The loud noise will leave him puzzled or confused for a little and this is where you need to quickly replace whatever he was chewing earlier with something more appropriate, like one of his chew toys, and then praise him for chewing on the appropriate object.

So whenever you catch your Pit Bull chewing on your furniture, shoe or anything which is off limits to him; stop him and once you get his full attention replace whatever he is chewing with one of his chew toys followed by praise.

With this method, your Pitbull will quickly learn the difference between what is alright for him to bite on and chew and what isn’t.

The Difference Between Good And Bad Chew Toys

Not all of the chew toys at the pet store are good for your bull dog. Some can actually encourage destructive chewing or make it harder to get rid of.

Any chew toy that resembles real objects, like fake cell phones or chew toys that resemble shoes, should be avoided at all costs. These toys might look just like the real thing to your Pit Bull so when you give him a fake shoe to chew on, how do you expect him to know that the real thing shouldn’t be played with?

This also goes for old rags or old shoes given to your dog as chew toys. You don’t want your Pit Bull mixing up his chew toys with things which he isn’t allowed to play with. Always try to keep things as simple as possible and eliminate any unnecessary confusion when training your dog anything.

Good chew toys are the ones which look like toys or resemble dog friendly objects, like bones for example. These will be obvious to your Pit Bull and he will feel at ease chewing on them knowing that those are for his teeth and he won’t get in trouble for playing with them later.

Edible chews are also great. They might not last as long but the delicious taste will keep your pit bull happily entertained. They are great for keeping your Pitbull out of trouble.

I always have three to four chew toys ready at home to rotate so every time I give my Pit Bull a toy it feels new and exciting for him, and from time to time I treat him with some edible delicious chew toys as well.

The sit command is one of the most basic yet recommended commands for every Pit Bull owner out there. This command is particularly useful when training your puppy various of other commands. What we’re going to try to accomplish is make our Pit Bull puppy sit when we give him a vocal command prompting our puppy to do so.

What You Need for Pit Bull Training:

• Yummy dog treats
• 15 Minutes a day
• Enthusiasm

Get the Puppy’s Attention

The first step is to get the puppy’s attention. Remember if the puppy isn’t paying attention you can either find a quiet place or simply do it another time. As soon as your puppy gets bored and doesn’t want to do command learning anymore stop and continue later on.

Easy Training with Favorite Treats

Once you got your puppy’s attention with one of his favorite treats (place it in your hand in front of his nose but don’t let him eat it) make sure he’s in a standing position and give him the command “Roxy, Sit!”. Keep in mind that you need to first call out your puppy’s name to get his attention and make him know that you’re referring to him following your command. This is to prevent your puppy from repeating the command whenever you mention the word “Sit” in a conversation even when you’re not referring to your dog.

Now gently push him down in a sitting position (you can use the treat to help you motivate him to do what you want him to) and let him have it as soon as he sits down and praise enthusiastically. Praise and treats should be given no more than 5 seconds after your puppy successfully sits.

Associate the Command with the Treats

The quicker the better as your dog will be able to better associate the command with the treats. If you praise him more than 5 seconds after he sits down then he may not be able to associate the praise with the command and the action so make sure to do it quickly!

What this does is it associates the command “Sit” with the sitting position. Because you are praising him and providing treats he will quickly learn that when you say “Sit” he will get praised and rewarded for good job done. This concept applies to many other commands and even behavioral corrections. Positive reinforcement training method is one of the best methods to train your dog.

One of the important things to remember is to repeat this process every day for 5 to 10 minutes or until your puppy doesn’t want to learn any longer. Always remember that a quieter place will make it easier for your puppy to concentrate and you will overall experience better success.

Importance of Pitbull Training

Training a pitbull puppy can be a big ordeal, as can training any puppy. It is your way of putting a mark on the dog’s behaviour and getting them to respond to stimulus and the world in the way you want and expect. Pit bulls are often regarded as vicious and dangerous dogs, however this is not true. In fact there are very few breeds of common dog today that are actually “vicious” or “dangerous” by nature. Most dangerous dogs are a product of bad training and lack of control.

That is why whether you are training a Pit Bull puppy or any other breed of dog, doing this correctly is so important to making sure it has a good life. As having a badly misbehaved dog that does what it want when it wants is actually cruel. Dogs have been bred to be obedient, and they thrive on structure and strong leadership. If you do not train a puppy then it will grow to be a dog without structure or a hierarchy in its life.

People love to keep pets and pet dogs are loved by everyone. However, it is really necessary to do the proper training of pet dogs, no matter that is the breed. But, if they are strong and active dogs like Pit Bull, his training becomes really essential.

The majority of the Pitbull attacks is due to the lack of training abilities of their owners. If the owner is trained, he or she can control dog and the majority of the attacks can be avoided. Moreover, training a Pitbull is essential because of its large size. If you own a Pit Bull and neglect its training, there could be serious consequences.

Can Everyone Train His Dog?

There is a misconception that owners cannot train their own dogs and they need professional trainers for this purpose. But this is not the case actually. Everyone can train his own Pit Bull. Yes, it is true that its time taking and requires an effort. However, once you train your dog, life will be easier not only for you but for your Pitbull as well. These dogs love to follow their owners and get satisfaction by obeying their master. So, you will be happy and the dog will also be.

Methods of Training

Different methods of training are available. You can get training book, advice from the training professionals and information from the internet. You can select your own method of training; it is purely your choice. However, make sure that you choose a way to train dogs, which is easier for you and your Pit Bull can understand that easily. Remember, he is not human, so try to find a way, which is understandable for dogs.

Pit Bull Puppy Training

Pitbull training can be a fun and exciting bonding experience for both you and your Pitbull. It can also be a nightmare for you if you don’t know how to train your Pit Bull puppy properly. Many Pit Bull owners somehow assume that their puppy should know what’s right and what’s wrong. Well that’s really not the case with Pitbulls and it’s your responsibility to show your Pit Bull just exactly what’s right and wrong.

Use training methods that work for your Pit Bull

Remember, Pitbulls don’t think like humans do so you will have to use training methods that work for your Pitbull. For example, although you can punish a human being for something they committed 5 months ago, you can’t punish your Pit Bull for doing something even 5 minutes ago because they will no longer remember or be able to associate the punishment with the act!

Many dog owners fail to realize this simple, yet revolutionizing concept and becomes the leading cause of Pitbull problems all over the world. Understanding how your Pitbull thinks and processes information is only the first step. There is a lot more that you need to learn to ensure that your Pit Bull learns properly and grows up to be a healthy, happy, and obedient dog.

A leader in the house

Pitbulls look for a leader in the house. You have to be willing to work with your dog to establish that role for yourself if you ever want your pitbull to look up to you and respect you. If your pitbull is showing signs of aggression towards you or anyone else in your household then it could be a sign of a huge dominance problem.

The major causes of Pit Bull aggression

Dominance is one of the major causes of aggression and there are many ways to pick up on the early signs. Dominance problems is not your pitbull’s fault. Remember, Pit Bulls know that there needs to be a pack leader that is responsible for finding food and protecting the pack from predators. If your pitbull doesn’t see anyone in the household as the pack leader he will assume his position – and it’s simply a survival thing. He will expect everyone in the household to obey his commands.

When the household members fail to obey the pitbull he shows aggression (sign of disagreement). There are many things that could lead your pitbull into aggressive behavior but one thing to remember is that he is doing it completely instinctively and you need to change this around now before it gets out of hand. There is a very good guide on how to stop dog’s aggression on Petsium.com.

Maybe your Pit Bull is protective of his toys, chooses to ignore you when he clearly heard your command, and other things could demonstrate early signs of dominance problems. Every pitbull owner needs to be able to pick up on those early signs and put a stop to it. Moreover, you need to establish alpha dog position so that these problems won’t arise in the first place.

Few Tips for Pit Bull Training

Here are a few tips, which will help you to train your Pitbull, no matter what training g method you choose.

Be a pack leader:

The majority of the dog trainers agree that the owner of the dog should establish himself as a pack leader. No matter you want to take part in a dog show or not, but it will help you to train your dog. It cannot be achieved by hitting your dog or even yelling at him, rather he will get confused. If you will act like a pack leader, rest of the training will be easier for you.

Avoid repeating commands:

Train your dog in such a way that he obeys your first command. Don’t repeat your commands again and again; it will not help in training your dog.

Allow permission:

It is really important to decide for you, that is what the actions of your Pit Bull need to be allowed and what of his actions should not be allowed. For instance, if he wants to play with a toy, or just want to run around in the garden, you should grant him the permission to do so. Saying “OK” will be enough.

Hold permission:

It is really important to teach your Pitbull, when you stop him from doing any action. The same action can be a sign for allowing him or stopping him, but you will use different words for it. So, whenever open the door of back yard you can say “Go”, if want him to play and “Stay’, if want him to stay inside. It is really important, because one action is not always in the same meaning. You should make your dog understand that.

Use Pitbull’s favorite toy for training:

Different raining equipment is available in the market, but there is no need to spend money on them, if it is not really necessary. You can use any ordinary toy for this purpose. Usually, Pitbulls like particular toys and you can use as a training tool. For instance, place your favorite toy on the floor, where your dog can see it. Naturally, he will start moving towards it as soon as he sees it. This is the point; you have to stop him by saying “Stay” or “Stop”.

Practice to stop him for the longest time: Your Pit Bull should stay at one place for at least 10 to 15 minutes. He will stop, once you ask him to stay there, but he will try to move again after a minute or two. You have to stop him again. A decisive tone will be enough, yelling will not serve the purpose. The aim is not just to make him stay, but to train him to listen to your commands. So, make him stay, as long as you can.

These are just the few tips, which you will find helpful, but the important thing is to understand your dog. The more time you will spend with him, it will be easier for you to train him. A trained Pit Bull is simply an amazing pet.

When it comes to pit bull nutritional needs, or any dog’s nutritional needs, we tend to want to believe that if a company says that their dry food is nutritionally complete, then it must be so. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, they couldn’t say it if it wasn’t true, right? And none of us wants to think that we are depriving our dogs of anything less than the best of care. Unfortunately, there are too many popular dry dog foods out there that are far from nutritionally complete, healthy, or even safe for your dog to eat.

Pit Bull Nutritional Needs Explored

Pit bulls are active dogs that need a healthy, balanced diet to replace nutrients lost through exercise. Dogs, in general, are essentially carnivores that require high quality protein as the basis of their diet. Protein can be found in plant sources, but evolution has geared dogs to digest meats more effectively than plants, so plant based dry dog food nutrients are not as assimilable as meat based nutrients might be. The extrusion process that is used to make dry dog food requires a degree of dryness provided by corn or wheat gluten, or bone meal that allows it to function properly.

To get fit and stay healthy, your dog must have the following essential nutrients in the right proportions: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, water vitamins, and minerals. Even though dogs are primarily meat eaters, a pure protein diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, so make sure he gets a balance of these six items daily. One way to insure pit bull nutritional needs is to prepare his meals yourself. This is not as difficult as one might think.

Understanding Labels

Learning how to read labels can help in choosing a healthier product for your pet. There are guidelines followed by pet food companies that can somewhat indicate the quality of a product. A label that describes its contents as 100% must be comprised only of that ingredient and a fraction of others necessary for processing.

A can labeled “dinner” recipe, formula, platter, etc… indicates a product that contains at least 25% of the meat or meats described. Ingredients in a dog food are listed according to weight in descending order. For more information about label guidelines contact the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Feeding Your Pit Bull Puppy

Are you a new dog owner ? Have other pets but this is your first time owning a pitbull puppy? Feeding time can be a stressful and overwhelming situation if you don’t know what you are doing. The tips outlined below will help you established a proper feeding routine and build a stronger relationship with your pup.

Proper Feeding Routine for Your Pit Bull Puppy

The first step is just that, establishing a feeding routine. If your Pit Bull puppy is 8 weeks or younger, be sure to feed him four times a day, in small amounts. If older than 8 weeks, you should cut down feeding times to just two times a day, gradually increasing the amount of food. Feed your canine at certain times of the day, you being the one who decides when that is. There is no golden rule on specific feeding times, just that you have to feed your dog twice a day.

What Foods are the Best for Feeding Pit Bull Puppy

To be honest, dogs prefer canned food, as it is moist, aromatic, and simply delicious. It just melts in their mouth and slides down their throat. Because they have to chew the dry dog food, and it is less delicious, some dogs will refuse to eat it entirely. You should not choose what to feed your dog simply on taste though.

Dry dog food is beneficial to them because the kibbles work as a natural toothbrush, wiping away the plaque and other gunk on your pitbull’s teeth. The chewing action also helps the pup build a strong jaw, which is crucial to his overall dental health. Some dog owners have opted to mix canned and dry dog food, achieving the “best of both worlds”.

Buy Only Verified Food for Your Pit Bull

Be sure you are using quality dog food, preferably purchased in a store. Believe it or not, I once purchased some “homemade” dog food at a market downtown. The man said he owned a dog shelter and called himself a real canine enthusiast. I thought I was doing the right thing by supporting local business. My pitbull puppy got so sick, he had to stay overnight at the vet’s office. Be sure you know what you getting yourself into. The next day, the man wasn’t there anymore. Nevertheless, I am not making that mistake twice.

In conclusion, remember that dogs are not all the same. You have your favorite foods and so does your pup. Experiment with different formulas until you get a positive reaction. Consult a veterinarian if you have any questions or if any problems arise. They are your friend and there to protect and serve.

Foods To Avoid

Following is a short list of some foods that can harm your dog:

• Avocado can be mildly toxic causing stomach upset.
• Bread dough containing yeast can expand in a dog’s stomach causing a variety of issues.
• Chocolate, depending on type (light or dark) can cause a range of problems from mild stomach upset to death.
• Alcohol will cause intoxication that can lead to death depending on the amount consumed.
• Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, pain, tremors, and fever. Symptoms usually subside in 48 hours.
• Onions and garlic in quantity or in concentrated form causes red blood cell damage that could require transfusions.
• Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar level and liver failure.

It is pretty easy to keep your pit bull from eating these items in the home, but it’s harder to keep track of everything they pick up outside. Also, it is important not to give in to his begging, or to get into the habit of feeding him leftovers. Pit bull nutritional needs will be easily satisfied through cooperation between you and your pittie.