If you take the time to train your pit bull properly, it may turn out to be one of the liveliest and most affectionate canine companions you've ever had.
It's no secret that pit bulls have a bad reputation. Whether this reputation is deserved is another question entirely. Pit bulls were bred for dog fighting in the past, but they were also bred to be tolerant and friendly with their human handlers. In fact, pit bulls are even patient and reliable dogs around young children (they have been called "nursemaid's dogs). Affectionate and energetic, pit bulls enjoy being part of the family. A well-trained pitbull can help change the breed's negative image.
Socialization
Socialization is the number one key to raising a balanced and well-behaved pit bull. Ideally, this socialization should occur within the first six months of your pit bull puppy's life (though it should continue throughout your dog's life). Enroll it in a puppy obedience class to give it a chance to interact with pups its own age. Introduce your puppy to adult dogs as well, rewarding it for being friendly and brave during each meeting. You should also introduce your pit bull puppy to as many different people, children and new situations as you possibly can. Make these experiences positive by rewarding your pit bull puppy for being happy, friendly and brave.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Pit bulls are affectionate, but they are also stubborn. Your pit bull puppy will not respond well to "heavy hand" training techniques that involve punishment or negative reinforcement. These can make him more resistant to training and can actually spark fear-based aggression. Use positive reinforcement training with your pit bull instead. When you must correct an unwanted behavior, interrupt your puppy and then reward him for paying attention to you instead. The rewards should come instantly at first, and then become more and more scarce as your puppy learns the rules.
Basic Obedience
You have the option of enrolling your pit bull puppy in obedience classes, but you can also practice and teach basic commands at home. Your puppy should learn a minimum of four commands; sit, down, come and stay. Schedule training sessions throughout the day to practice basic obedience commands. These sessions should last about five to 10 minutes each, or until your puppy starts to lose focus (whichever comes first). Make these sessions a game. Be excited and happy to learn with your pit bull. Bring along a pocket full of treats to reward your puppy for obeying correctly. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, or if your puppy starts to get stressed or distracted, end the session. Never train when you are angry. It should always be a fun experience, or your pitbull will resist the training.
Potty Training
Keep your pit bull puppy in a crate when you aren't home to reduce messes in your home. Pit bulls don't like to sleep and potty in the same spot, so a crate will help your puppy learn to hold it until you let it outside. Praise and reward your pit bull each time it goes potty outside in the yard. If you catch it having an accident, interrupt it and take it outside. Again, reward it for going in the right place. This will help teach your pit bull where it is appropriate to potty. Don't punish your pit bull puppy for having accidents, however. This is a learning process. Be patient. You don't want to confuse your pup or cause it to fear going potty in front of you.
Exercise
Energetic pit bulls need daily exercise or they can become bored and develop destructive behavior problems. Walk your pit bull twice daily. Play games (such as fetch or tug-of-war) together. Go jogging or swimming. You can exercise with your pit bull however you like, but be careful to help it expend that extra energy every single day. If you don't, it will take its frustration out on your belongings and may even hesitate to obey your commands.
Boundaries
You must give your pit bull puppy boundaries. For example, you might not want it on the sofa, the bed or in the kitchen. Pit bulls are a member of a group that has been called "bully" breeds. This can be taken literally. Your pit bull will take over your house if you let it. Giving your pit bull rules will help you maintain your place as pack leader. Enforce the rules daily and consistently. A pit bull that is allowed to break a rule every once in awhile happily will do so again.
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