TRAINING TIPS/INFO
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My
Advice/Tips on training come from years of experience owning and being
around Pit Bulls, and a lot of studying and research. While I believe
there is truth in all cases are different, the thing that is the same
is the psychology. Dog Psychology is what works on any breed, and from
experience I believe it is the only way to truly rehabilitate an
aggressive dog. After all it is what the owner does or doesn't do that
causes this behavior. Dogs are by nature "Pack" animals and once the
stability of the pack is broken, things happen. and The APBT is an
extremely bright dog, and very trainable and the thing they want to do
most in life is please their owners. The most important thing to do
with a Pit Bull is to exercise them everyday. A tired dog is a well
behaved dog. If this is something you can't do, this might not be the
right breed for you. This breed has so much energy that they need to
release it on a daily basis or it will build up inside of them. This
can then lead to aggression. It is also good to exercise your dog
before you walk them, as this will help make them calm and easier to
teach on their walk. It is also very important to socialize them with
other Dogs and People at an early age. Doing this can never come to
early in their life. When socializing, always make sure that you are in
control of your Dog and the situation you put them in. Remember to
always stay CALM & ASSERTIVE! I strongly recommend that all Pit
Bull owners watch Cesar Millan's 'Dog Whisperer'. He specializes in
working with Pit Bulls and has done more for the breed in terms of
rehabilitating, rescuing, placing and educating then anyone. Read his
book and watch his DVD's. You will learn so much about how their mind
works, what makes them do certain things, what the dog's needs are,
proper ways of correcting them without hurting them, and how you play
such an important role in how your Dog lives their life. I have listed
some of Cesar's Priority training advice that will make a difference
in your dog's life and how they live day to day. Believe me, IT WORKS!
TRAINING ADVICE:Walk your dog every day for at least 45 minutes to an hour. Walking
with your dog twice a day for 30 minutes is the first step toward
improving your relationship with your dog. The walk is the foundation
of your relationship. It is a powerful tool that will help you connect
with all aspects of your dog's mind. Set rules,
boundaries and limitations every day. As a pack leader, you need to set
the rules both inside and outside the house. What you allow and don't
allow is up to you, but be consistent, use calm-assertive energy, and
never, ever correct out of anger. Live in the
moment. Start every day with a clean slate for you and your dog. Let go
of the past. Don't worry about the future. With your dog and in your
day-to-day life, you will find many benefits. Schedule playtime with your dog at least once a week. Play fetch. Go
for a swim. Play Frisbee. Run an obstacle course. Just make sure your
dog has had a long walk beforehand, and only play for the time you have
decided in advance to allot. Share affection...at
the right times only. After your dog has exercised or eaten. After your
dog has changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior that you asked
for. After your dog has responded to a rule or command. Share affection
only when the dog is in a calm-submissive state! DON'T SCREAM AT YOUR DOG! Dogs often perceive loud vocalizing by humans
in an excited, emotional state as a sign of instability. They will
either be unaffected by your tantrum or confused and frightened by it.
They will not relate this to your rules. Use a calm, assertive voice
and you will have much better results.
WHAT MAKES A PIT BULL TURN 'BAD'? Read this Study
- POOR
BREEDING PRACTICES. Breeders must be aware of how genetics work and
must consciously breed to produce dogs that are physically and
emotionally sound. Ignorant breeding practices can produce unsafe,
dangerous dogs.
- POOR
SOCIALIZATION. They need to be socialized with other dogs more then any
other breed because of their past. Start this as soon as possible, and
never stop. It is important to socialize them with all walks of life at
a young age. The more they experience, the more it will help them cope
with the world around them.
- BAD
TRAINING. If you train your dog to be aggressive and do not know what
you are doing (not a professional) bad things can happen and you can
have a dangerous dog.
- HARSH
TRAINING. Very harsh, forceful training techniques can cause a dog to
resent his training and trainer. Unfair or overly hard corrections or
punishments can cause a dog to fight back.
- CHAINING
THE DOG. Pit Bulls that live their life chained in the backyard are
prone to develop problem behaviors. A chained dog is vulnerable and
feels tormented, by everything passing by him. (Every child who wishes
to tease or torment the dog, stray animals that pass by freely, etc.)
These dogs often are bored, frustrated, depressed, angry and lack
needed exercise.
The
majority of Pit Bull Attacks that are in the news are from dogs who
live life secluded (chained up, caged, etc.) and never got a chance to
be a dog and explore the outside world.
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