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

HEALTH INFORMATION

The American Pit Bull terrier is a hardy breed of dog, which means that it has some, but few, health problems running throughout its blood. Some of these dogs experience hip dysplasia, grass allergies, and heart disease.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

TEMPERAMENT

The Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that is loyal to friends and family, and is generally friendly towards strangers. People have been known to be afraid of them because of their bad reputations. Nonetheless, an Pit Bull Terrier can be a very congenial pet. Proper training can make the dog obedient and have a high desire to please. Without proper guidance, though, the breed can become dominant and destructive. According to the UKC, "aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable." A study done by the CDC showed that "pit bull type" dogs accounted for the majority of dog related fatalities in the United States between 1979 and 1996, though the study admits some limitations in its data. These attacks were proven to be by pit bulls that were highly under socialized.


The American Temperament Testing Society shows a pass percentage of 84.3% for Pit Bull Terriers. Still, a firm, even hand and early obedience training are best. They generally have a lot of energy and high prey drive ; they need exercise and stimulation in order to channel their energy properly and not become frustrated, bored, and destructive.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

GROOMING

As it happens with most hard and short coats of Pit bull terrier, baths are not required on such a constant number. Pit bull terriers are only recommended every once in a while and of course it is always important for you to use the adequate products such as shampoos and ointments. In such occassions, you must remember to wash the entire body of your Pit bull terrier, especially those delicate areas in which folding skin may produce infections if not properly cleaned. Once the dog is completely clean, drying it with a strong towel will add a lot of shine and beauty to its coat.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

Height and weight

The Pit Bull Terrier must be both powerful and agile so actual weight and height are less important than the correct proportion of weight to height. Desirable weight for a mature male in good condition is between 35 and 60 pounds. Desirable weight for a mature female in good condition is between 30 and 50 pounds. Dogs over these weights are not to be penalized unless they are disproportionately massive or rangy.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

COAT AND COLOR

The coat of Pit bull terrier is glossy and smooth, close, and moderately stiff to the touch. Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable, except for merle.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

GENERAL APPEARANCE

American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's height at the withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point.


The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color patterns. This breed combines strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

START TO KNOW

His ancestors were brought to the United States in the mid - 1800's by Boston-Irish immigrants. Originally bred from a variety of bulldogs and terriers, American breeders increased his weight and gave him a more powerful head. A forbearer to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, they were originally bred to be a fighting dog. Bull baiting was banned in England in 1835 and these dogs are no longer being bred to fight. There is some complication in registries of this breed.

The AKC considers the American Staffordshire Terrier as separate and distinct from the American Pit Bull Terrier, yet the UKC will register both as American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs).
Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our Pit Bull Terrier dog blog. Here you will learn about Pit Bull Terrier health care, any tips and you can find good comments from many people who love Pit Bull Terrier.

Pit Bull Terrier - Dog Lover