First things first, I am a dog mom to two beautiful bully dogs and I fiercely believe these dogs do NOT need a hard hand! Quite the opposite! I’ve never met a breed that’s more sensitive. Also we use ‘pit bull’-type as an umbrella term here (as common in the states), not just focusing on the APBT American Pit Bull Terrier but also include breeds like Staffies, Bullies etc.
Training Techniques and Common Behavioural Challenges
Effective Training Techniques for Pit Bull-Type Dogs
Given their history and often misunderstood nature, positive reinforcement training is paramount for pit bull-type dogs. Here are some effective techniques:
- Clicker Training: This method can be highly effective in teaching new behaviours and rewarding desired actions.
- Treat-Based Rewards: Positive reinforcement with treats is a powerful tool for building a strong bond.
- Socialisation Training: Continue socialising your dog throughout their life to prevent fear-based aggression. Surprisingly many American Bullies (at least in the UK) are actually pretty anxious. This might be due to bad breeding (it’s not a recognised breed in the UK) or other things but it’s something that I experienced quite a bit. This can have an impact obviously on how your dog experiences the world. So socialisation should also include getting your dog comfortbale in different environments. Bully breeds are often very good with humans – might struggle when grown up to socialise with other dogs.
- Obedience Training: Basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it are essential for any dog – but often our bully breed dogs do need to behave better than any other dog as the stigma and judgment is real. And let’s not forget that XL Bullies are also facing a lot of hate ever since the XL Bully Ban. So loose leash walking is an essential. They are also strong dogs, so you do want to work on this from an early age. Some also can have quite a high prey drive.
- Confidence Building Exercises: Activities that boost your dog’s confidence, such as obstacle courses or agility training, can be beneficial. One of the easiest and most effective exercises I use is a simple ‘Two Paws On’.
Common Behavioural Challenges and How to Address Them
Some of them are obviously not only relevant for bully breed dogs – but for all type of dogs. But as mentioned before, our dogs do get judged based on their appearance and are strong dogs. One thing I’d like to add is that when we talk about behaviour and about addressing behaviour, we should also address the underlying emotions. I follow the do no harm principle and do NOT approve of aversive tools like prong collars etc.
Leash Reactivity:
- Find out what your dog reacts to!
- Consider your Dog’s Stress Bucket
- Avoid pulling on the leash.
- Practice calm walking in low-distraction environments. Also, it’s helpful to train FOR a situation and not IN the situation. Ie build a new skill set away from your dogs’ triggers. We can’t learn or listen when we are worried about something – and neither can our dogs.
- Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour.
Resource Guarding:
Resourde guarding is a behaviour that many dogs show – often not in super aggressive ways though, so it often goes ‘unnoticed’. I am not a friend of ‘taking away the bowl’ or putting your hand in it. Living with street dogs as well (one who was a very strong resource guarder) I found the best way to deal and prevent resource guarding (or avoid it escalating) is to let your dog eat in peace! We determine when and what they eat, a dominance guesture like taking it away mid meal is not needed or helpful. Instead, if you approach, then add something delicious to the bowl, so your dog understands it’s a good thing for you to approach the bowl. If you have, like me, several dogs, feed them each out of their own bowl and place their bowls away from another – in case they get moved around whilst eating. I don’t like when people force dogs to eat from the same bowl for several reasons. One is resource guarding and another one is that dogs should be able to eat in peace. Why would you use slow feeders etc to slow your dogs eating down (to prevent bloating etc) when you then add competition. Also it makes it way harder to know how much each dog has eaten. But that’s a different topic.
Here’s how you can work on it with toys:
- Start with low value items (toys that your dog isn’t obsessed with).
- Ideally use two toys. Let one ‘go dead’ and activate the other one. This way your dog becomes often naturally more in the moving toy. You can then add a ‘switch’ cue when your dog lets go of one toy and goes for the other. Keep practicing.
- You can also practice exchanging items for treats and teach a “drop it” command.
- Manage resources carefully, preventing access to food or toys when others are around.
Fear-Based Aggression:
- Consult a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.
- Gradual desensitisation and counterconditioning can be helpful.
- Avoid punishment, as it can worsen fear.
Remember: Consistency is key when training any dog, but especially for those with a history of misunderstanding. Patience and positive reinforcement are essential for building trust and overcoming challenges.
Training Aids and Equipment for Pit Bull-Type Dogs
Choosing the right training aids and equipment can significantly enhance your training sessions with a pit bull-type dog. Here are some essential items:
Basic Equipment
- Collar and leash: A well-fitting collar and leash are essential for walks and training. Consider a harness for dogs with pulling issues.
- Treats: High-value treats are crucial for positive reinforcement training.
- Clicker: A clicker can be a helpful tool for marking desired behaviors.
- Puzzle toys: These provide mental stimulation and can help reduce boredom.
Specialized Equipment
- Muzzle: While not always necessary, a muzzle can be a useful tool in certain situations, such as veterinary visits or crowded areas.
- Training crate: A crate can provide a safe and secure space for your dog, especially when you’re unable to supervise them directly.
- Playpen: A playpen can be used to create a safe and controlled environment for your dog.
Choosing the Right Equipment
- Collar and leash: Ensure the collar fits properly and isn’t too tight. A harness can be a good option for dogs with pulling issues.
- Muzzle: Choose a muzzle that allows your dog to pant and drink water comfortably. We use the ones from The Muzzle Movement.
- Crate and playpen: Ensure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The playpen should provide enough space for your dog to move around.
Remember: The effectiveness of your training equipment depends on how you use it. Always prioritise positive reinforcement and avoid punishment-based methods. If you struggle, please find professional help. If you’re in the UK or Germany, I specialise in training rescues and bully breed dogs and am happy to offer a chat to see if we’d be a good fit (I speak German too). Simply hit the contact button and reach out.
German 
English