1. Take your pit bull to a puppy training.
The classes are great for socialization with all kinds of dogs and people and situations that you wouldn’t encounter otherwise. It will also helps your pittie learn how to interact with dogs that aren’t as well behaved.
2. Don’t hit your dog when it does something wrong.
A "good spank" isn’t necessary. All you’re doing is making your dog fear you.
3. Pit bulls need a firm, steady leader to thrive.
They should never fear you or others. They need to have confidence in themselves, or you’ll create a basket case.
4. Resetting
If you have an event or you lose control or something happens. You need to keep calm and walk away. No shaking. No yelling. No jolts. It’s called resetting. You have to clear out that dogs mind. Find an attractive smell. Pull out a toy. Get that dog out of the idea "I’m safe by being aggressive towards other dogs". Sometimes you have to completely leave the environment.
5. Take your pit bull through an obedience course.
One that does not treat train. Being able to have your pit bull respond immediately to a vocal command without physical contact can save your dog’s life, both immediately and legally.
6. Set boundaries and stick to them.
Pit bulls like to test their limits and appreciate knowing who’s in charge.
7. Train your dog to never go into a room before you.
This can help prevent cases of a dog bolting out the door when it is opened.
8. Cutting of bad behaviors early
Don’t allow them to get away with jumping on people, nibbling on things they shouldn’t be just because they’re young and cute – behaviors like that need to corrected early on for a well behaved dog later down the road.
9. Socialize socialize socialize.
Introduce them to dogs and cats and people of all sorts. Take them everywhere. Take her into various environments and show her that new things are good and not to be afraid of. The more they sees the world as a fun and exciting place at a young age, the more confident and calm they’ll be as an adult. However, be weary of dog parks, they are unpredictable and can set your pit bull up for failure.
10. Get your pit bull fixed early for better behavior and a longer life.
This will curb territorial aggression and roaming will be dramatically reduced. All dogs are MUCH nicer to be around when they have been fixed.
11. Patience and repetition in training is key.
They are as smart as they’re stubborn and the last thing you want is an animal stronger than you that you can’t control.
12. Treat it with love and kindness
But also make sure it understands that you are in charge.
13. Exercise your pit bull daily
Do not just leave them in the house all day, or leave them in a fence unsupervised, they will get unruly if you do. They have lots of energy and unless all that energy gets a constructive outlet, they will find a destructive outlet for it. “A Tired Dog is a Good Dog.”
14. Prey Drive
Pit bulls have a strong prey drive. They will chase bunnies, squirrels, and birds so hold the leash tight on walks.
15. Figure out what motivates your pit bull
Attention/Food/Toys – use that thing to train. A dog who likes praise won’t sit as well for toys and vice versa.
16. Start cutting their nails at a young age
Pit bulls toe nails often grow at a point so they don’t grind don’t on the pavement like many other dogs. It can cause a lot of pain if they grow out and split so get your pittie used to the clippers.
17. Be patient with other’s reactions to your dog.
Understand people will have their own reservations about your dog, despite how confident you may be in their obedience. Always leash them for the comfort of others.
People who buy into the stigma may yank their dogs away from your at the park or cross the road to avoid you. Just remember that your energy and emotions really affect your dog and if you stay calm and keep a positive attitude your dog follow your lead.
Treat other people’s ignorance with patience and understanding. Teach them.
