Training pitbull puppies can be hard work! It is difficult to know when to begin training, what tricks to teach, how much to expect of your puppy, and how aggressive to be. Obviously, a lot of the details are left to the trainer’s discretion. It is important, as your pitbull puppy’s parent, to judge for yourself what would be best for them However, following a few basic guidelines can ensure that your puppy receives the proper amount of training at the proper age.
When To Begin?
One of the most important questions asked is when to begin training your pitbull puppy, It is important that you do not begin training them too early. Make sure to wait a few weeks after you have brought them home form the pet store to begin the training process—this will allow them time to adjust and gain confidence in themselves.
However, it is important to begin some training as early as possible. Socializing your pitbull puppy is an aspect of training that should begin as soon as possible. Some experts recommend starting this at around 8 weeks. Teaching basic commands like “sit” and “stay” and “come” are important parts of training that should occur early on as well, usually around 12 weeks. Once your pitbull puppy has the basics down, you can begin more aggressive training at five to six months.
Setting Boundaries
It is important to establish rules and boundaries for your pitbull puppy. Otherwise, they will never grow up to become a well-adjusted adult. The first rule that you should establish is that your pitbull puppy should be supervised at all times. This rule can help to prevent accidents and escapes. Never let your puppy have free roam of the house at night.
Another rule that will be helpful throughout the training process is to always have the puppy on a 20 foot cotton leash when they are not in their kennel. This will teach the puppy boundaries, and it will also help them get used to their leash. Finally, the third important rule is coming up with a regular feeding time and sticking with it. Establish three times a day when you will feed your pitbull puppy, and do not free feed the dog table scraps. Doing so will only make potty training even more difficult.
Parental Control
As the owner, you have the power to take training into your own hands and set your own rules and boundaries. Look at your puppy’s behavior, and decide when to begin training based on these cues. If there are rules specific to your family situation or your household, then make a point to establish these rules and boundaries. As the owner, these training components are in your control, and no one else’s.