One of the first and most important pit bull training tips is that you must understand your dogs needs, and understand the method necessary to accomplish the training. Pit bulls are eager to learn because they want to be part of, and accepted by, the rest of the pack—that is you and your family.
A dog learns quickly that a big part of obtaining this acceptance involves pleasing you, the alpha leader. They please you by reacting to you in an appropriate manner. But remember, your pittie has needs too; needs like safety and security.
Harsh reactions to undesired actions like yelling or hitting have no place in pit bull training. Instead a calm, patient, repetitive approach that always rewards positive behavior, but never rewards negative behavior is what gets the job done.
So, to borrow an example from the ‘How to get puppies to stop biting’ , if you want to stop your pit bull puppy from biting your fingers, issue a sharp”No!”, and redirect the puppies attention to a chew toy. The pup learns that it is okay to chew a toy, but not a finger. This way you’re not attempting to turn off thousands of years of instinct. You are simply directing it in a positive way.
Basic Pit Bull Training Tips
The core of any good pit bull training program includes a few basics that all pit bull owners can use. These pit bull training tips, although basic, will make ongoing training easier. This may sound odd, but the more your pit bull learns, the more she learns how to learn. …make sense? The basics include:
- Crate Training
- Leash Training
- Alpha Dog Training
- Obedience Training
Crate Training
Crate training gives your pit bull a sense of security by providing her with a space of her own. This “personal” space is for her and her alone and must not be used as a means of punishment. She should always feel comfort when entering her crate. You will find that crate training is a great housebreaking tool, and lessens other undesirable behaviors like barking. It also serves to build your dog’s confidence.
Leash Training
You have to admire that person walking down the street with the well behaved dog on the leash. That person can be you with a little time and patience. Leash training is accomplished by bringing puppy to a controlled position every time she starts pulling on the leash. Once under control, your pit bull is better positioned to respond to other commands. Not until after she is calm do you allow her to advance again.
If allowed to pull constantly while out for a walk, it is not likely that this pulling behavior will ever stop. That is why you must stop walking, make the dog sit at your side for a calming period, and then walk again. It won’t be long before your pit bull realizes that pulling results in something she doesn’t want, namely stopping the walk.
Alpha Dog Training
The most important pit bull training tips concern the position you hold in the household, or “pack”. You as top dog carry the onus of providing the leadership and teaching ability that allows the rest of the pack to feel safe and secure.
Pit bulls can and will learn on their own, without your guidance, but you will not like the results. Therefore it is up to you to teach your pet that you are number one, and have every situation firmly in hand. This will allow your dog to go about the business of following commands and pleasing her master in an atmosphere of security.
Obedience Training
Crucial pit bull training tips can be found in obedience class. Obedience classes focus as much on teaching new dog owners as they do on teaching dogs. The reason for this is so you can take the training home with you and teach others how to be consistent in training methods. Instruction at class includes alpha leadership position, how to display control over a new pup, and how to give specific, forceful commands.
The recommendation of obedience class is not to say that you are not fully capable of training on your own, but if you are having trouble controlling your dog, an obedience class is a great supplement.
Consistency Is The Key
The last of the pit bull training tips here is that all dog training requires consistency. Learning for any dog involves repetition, consistency, and a calm, patient attitude. Time must be set aside to train your pit bull on a regular basis. You can’t expect to teach your dog to do a trick today, go a month without repetition, then perform the trick again.
Remember, the burden of teaching is on you and your family members. Teach your dog right with consistency and you will enjoy a long and mutually loving relationship.