Training Your Pit Bull
May 21st, 2007
One of the biggest mistakes people make when training their Pit Bull is they fail to plan properly.Inadequate planning leads to a long and torturous training process for both handler and dog. People switch methods like underwear because the method they are using “doesn’t work” or the dog is ignoring them or (fill in poor excuse here).
So first, what method should you use? I suggest using positive methods above all others.
Why positive over force? Simple. Positive teaches a dog to use their mind and love the work. Force training teaches fear, hesitation, and stress.
Which method you use is entirely up to you. How do you want to create a relationship with your dog? Do you want to be seen as a strong leader (positive) that allows the dog to use their mind and make mistakes or do you want to be seen as the person to be cautious around (force)?
Watch a dog that has been trained using postiive methods. Watch as they throw out behaviors to earn a reward. Offering numerous behaviors to their handlers. Now watch a force trained dog. When they are unsure of the behavior wanted they stare into space, drink water, avoid eye contact, try to escape, anything but offer the desired behavior.
Positive training takes longer, requires more intelligence on your part, and requires that you have patience to allow your dog to learn through mistakes.
As a professional dog trainer who makes his living from the industry I can tell you without flinching that I prefer and use positive methods over force training methods because it (A) achieves results and (B) it’s far better to have a dog wanting to work than it is to have a dog that only works because they fear being corrected.
Anyone that tells you that force training methods using shock collars, prong collars, choke chains or any combination of those tools is “healthy” for the dog either doesn’t know anything about training or is flat out misleading you.
Again, the relationship you build with your dog starts from day one. Either you can be seen as a fair leader who understands your pal or you can be the “bossy” type and “rule” over your follower.
To many times people with ego’s and power trips teach and misuse these tools and training concepts.
Try positive. If it isn’t for you go hire a trained professional to teach you how to properly use a prong collar. But buyer beware, training “experts” are not required to have degrees in anything. Anyone with the desire can hang out their training shingle and become a “pro” over night. Do your research. If you feel uncomfortable thank them for their time and leave.
In my e-book The Pit Bull Training Handbook you will find positive solutions to help you raise, train and care for your Pit Bull. Hundreds of satisfied Pit Bull owners have used the methods taught inside and have found the solutions to behavior problems that are long lasting and user-friendly. If you are looking for a way to really train your Pit Bull why not give The Pit Bull Training Handbook a look.
Whatever method you choose you should also make sure you understand why you are training your dog and what you want to achieve before you make up your mind on the method.
Best Regards,
Jason Mann
The Most Complete Pit Bull Website Online
Categories: Pit Bull Blog |
Hi Jason,
I am looking for some direction. I have a 2-1/2 year old pit bull that I absolutely adore. As an FYI – I “was” one of those people that feared the pit bull. LOL But after having one – she IS the best breed of dog I have ever owned. She is the most kind, loving, 65 lb lap dog ever I have never seen an ounce of agression from her, except when she wants to knock you over and lick you to death. The only fear I have is she doesn’t realize how strong she is and this is the ONLY fear I have. Therefore, I do have to watch her around little ones as she just doesn’t understand why she can’t run and and jump with them.
This isn’t the reason I’m writing though…just thought you’d appreciate the positive on the breed. :)
The reason I’m writing is I’ve had spent hundreds of dollars on her due to a skin problem. Doctor says it’s an allergy. But to what no one can figure out. Another person said it is typical of this breed to have this skin problem. The rash is mostly on her hindquarters and a spot on her tail. However, she does break out into these nodule type things that will seep. And she itches like crazy. I feel terrible for her and don’t know what to do as it appears antibiotics and steroids only are a temporary fix. Are you familiar with this problem or lead me in a direction?
Thanks for any help you can give Ellsie Mae and I….
Sincerely,
Debbie Ivie
Hello,
I just found your website, and I love it! So many times I have tried to “google” info about my precious dog Honey (we affectionatly call her honey-bunny-bear) and all I find is horror stories and biased information. I have read many of the articles on your site already, but I have not yet found an answer about my pitbull’s house training problem.
I suspect much of the problem is my other half when Honey was a pup over-reacted many times when she went in the house and now we have accepted that she poop in the house becaue it is always in the morning and in the same spot on the tile! And when she pee’s it is usually when we have left her inside while we are outside or when she is expressing displeasure with us. My question is how do I break her of her (and our) habits with regard to house training? She is 21/2 now and I love her to death!
My second concern about training is about aggressiveness. She is never aggressive with our family- but when my kids friends come over she gets in this attack ‘crouch’ and bolts toward them- she does not bite, but I am afraid she will! She looks very daunting heading at these little kids, and I do not know how to deal with this. I have to admit the last time she did this I took her leash and lashed her with it- because I was frustrated- and I must tell you I am not at all proud of that action, and now when I get the leash out she has her head down in fear instead of being happy and jumpy to go outside. I am now doing damage control by getting the leash out and giving her LOTS of love and affection and then playing with her outside on the leash. But the problem with the crouching is probably still there (happened this weekend). Let mek nwo if you have any advice. Thanks!!
Skin allergies – My APBT had horrible skin allergies, we switched her to BARF years ago and haven’t had issues since. Check out http://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm – for a good intro into BARF.
Cher
Jason,
I will have to agree with Debbie Ivie with regards to her love for her pit bull. I had 3 basset hounds and thought I would have bassets forever! Well I lost all three within 23 days of each other, and was lost. I looked for 4 years…then while working at a local kennel, Nu was brought in for boarding. At the time we didn’t know she was being brought in to be left. I have since adopted her, entered her into agility classes and have competed once. I am now in love with the breed and try to educate people everyday, which is a job some times. As far as the skin problem Debbie is seeing, if she has not found anything out yet, I would check the food first, then the surroundings. Nu can only have a little bit of peanut butter, either in doggy cookies or in her kong. If she eats to much she breaks out in red spots. I am sure you will agree that making sure they are on a good diet is a must. I hope she finds the problem. Thanks Jason for your site, it has helped me so much with Nu.
Edith