TRAINING QUESTION - How do I stop leash pulling?

Answer: To stop leash pulling your Pit Bull Terrier can never be allowed to pull you. If this means you stop after 5 feet of walking and return home, then that's what you have to do.

You can use a prong collar but sometimes this doesn't work because once the collar is removed the dog pulls again.

The best method I know of is to change direction alot. Start off by walking and when your dog is almost to the end of the leash, do a 180 turn and walk in the opposite direction.

They will self correct themselves. As you do this turn call them to you in a happy voice and speed up your pace until they catch up.

Once your Pit Bull Terrier is almost at the end of the leash, turn to the left, turn to the right etc... Keep changing the direction up and your dog will eventually start looking at you because they have no idea where they are going.

Repeat this a lot. If you only get 30 feet, that's fine, take them out to the yard and play fetch or spring pole them for 20 minutes to get that exercise in.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

TRAINING QUESTION - How do I stop annoying behavior problems?

Answer: Oddly enough it has been proven time and time again that unless there is a medical or genetic flaw in your Pit Bull Terrier behavior problems are a result of:

(A) Lack of training and discipline
(B) Lack of exercise and mental stimulation

Try taking your Pit Bull Terrier for longer walks (during the hot months use caution and take a lot of water) more often. Instead of 5 10 minute walks, try two 45-60 minute walks per day. This alone can curb and has been shown to stop behavior problems in their tracks.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

TRAINING QUESTION - How do I house train my Pit Bull?

Answer: Take your Pit bull terriers out a lot. Adjust their feeding schedule and wait 20-30 minutes depending on the age of the dog. Then take them outside and let them do their thing.

Wait until they have used the bathroom before you bring them back in. If this takes some time, bring them back in, wait 2-5 minutes and then take them back out.

The idea is to show the dog that going outside is a good thing. Do not hit, scold, rub their nose in it, simply say NO when you catch them, take them outside and be done with it. If you don't catch them, clean up the mess and go on with your life.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

TRAINING QUESTION - My dog is stubborn and won't listen to me. What can I do?

Answer: First and foremost dogs are not stubborn. This is a myth. What we see as stubborn is what I call handler mistakes and dogs doing what they have been allowed to do.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

TRAINING QUESTION - Are Pit Bulls harder to train than other dogs because of their dominant nature?

Answer: First and foremost as a breed Pit Bulls are not dominant by nature. They are, on a whole a submissive breed. Some individuals can be dominant by nature, but for the most part they are not.

To the first part of the question, no, they are not harder to train and do not need any special handling (other than proper technique) in order to train them.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

TRAINING QUESTION - How old should my dog be before I start training her?

Answer: With positive training a Pit Bull Terrier can be started as early as 7 weeks of age. However, to teach formal obedience the dog should be older. 4-6 months of age is a good time to start formal obedience training using positive methods.

One important note, in order for a dog to learn a new behavior they have to be old enough to be able to understand that behavior. Teaching a 7 week old puppy to heel would not be a good behavior to teach simply because it takes concentration that a puppy of that age doesn't have yet.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

TRAINING

Training is a critical consideration for the Pit Bull Terrier. This is a strong-minded dog that needs socialization as a pup to accept humans as the beings in charge and obedience training to keep him from setting out to control the household. Meek and mild potential owners should forget about this breed and choose another.

The training relationship should not be one of master and slave, however. The dog should be shown what to do and made to do it without any yanking, smacking, jerking, or other punishment. Firm guidance will lead to respect and trust; physical penalties will lead to disrespect and distrust.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover