Pit Bulls are really smart dogs but at times can be quite stubborn, which can make training difficult even for experienced dog trainers.
Even though Pit Bulls can be a little more stubborn than other dog breeds, it is fairly easy to get your dog trained if you follow some basic guidelines and keep the training sessions exciting.
Here are some key tips which you must always keep in mind whenever you are teaching your Pit Bull new tricks:
Keep training sessions short
Pit Bulls get bored very easily, which is the primary cause for their stubborn behavior, and telling them to do same command over and over will only frustrate them more. Keep each training session with your dog under 7 minutes. You can have multiple sessions per day, but anything longer than seven minutes is over doing it.
Be Consistent
Try to be consistent with everything you do because dogs are creatures of habit. Don’t switch up the names of your commands; “Sit” and “Sit Down” sound different to your pit bull so only stick to one of them. Be consistent so your dog knows what you expect of him and doesn’t have to guess what you are asking him to do.
Reward good behavior
Pitbulls are loyal dogs and always try to do their best to please their owners, so make it obvious when you are happy with what your dog is doing by rewarding him. It doesn’t have to be a treat all the time; the reward can be just a simple praise like “Good boy”.
Punishing Bad Behavior Myth – Exposed
There seems to be a myth still floating around about punishing bad behavior. I’m not talking about correcting bad behavior, I’m talking about punishment, like yelling or hitting your pit bull over something he has done.
Hitting or yelling at your Pit Bull for misbehaving or not listening to you while you are trying to train him something will only generate more frustration and resentment between you and you dog.
You don’t want your Pitbull listen to you because of fear of being punished or yelled at; you want him to listen out of respect. With respect you earn his trust and his obedience. Punishing your pit bull for bad behavior will only lead to frustration for you and will crush any chances of having a bond between you two.
Correcting A Misbehaving Pit Bull
This however doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t correct your pit bull when you catch him misbehaving. Correcting bad behavior in reality is actually your best tool in your dog training arsenal, but only if you use it in the right way.
Only correct your Pit Bull if you catch him in the act. If you come home to a chewed up pillow that was destroyed hours ago, confronting your dog about it will most likely only confuse him.
If however you catch him in the act, use this moment to benefit your training. Tell your Pit Bull with a stern but firm voice “No”, take away the pillow and then give him one of his chew toys.
You should always take action whenever you catch your pit bull misbehaving or else he will just assume you condone that kind of behavior.
Should I Hire A Professional Dog Trainer To Train My Pit Bull?
Simple obedience training doesn’t require any dog training classes or the assistance of a professional dog trainer. You can do all the training at home on your own.
I would even go as far as to say that training your dog on your own is much better than signing up for dog training classes.
Training is the best way to form a good relationship with your dog and to get him to trust you. If someone else is teaching your dog new commands then who do you think your Pitbull will look up to; you or the trainer?
What will happen if the problem and misbehaving comes back? Will you know how to fix it or will you be dependent on the dog trainer again?
The only time I would recommend seeking the help of a professional dog trainer is when you are dealing with serious dominance issues with your Pit Bull. If you are frightened of your dog attacking or biting you then don’t hesitate calling for help. Lack of experience in this situation will only make matters worse.
However if you are just trying to teach your dog a couple new tricks or are dealing with other disobedience issues, then the best trainer for your Pit Bull will always be you, and not a stranger who your dog will never see again.