Become The 'Alpha Dog'
One of the most basic parts of Pitbull training is establishing your role as the leader of the household. The best way to make a dog understand and accept your leadership is to teach him to "say please" every time he wants something. Here's how:
Set up a specific feeding schedule. A dog understands that whoever has control over the resources is the boss. Therefore, if you allow your dog to have his food bowl anytime he wants, then he will get the feeling that HE is in control. Rather, offer him food only at the appointed feeding time and give it to him only when he sits and waits for it calmly. If he jumps up to try and get the bowl from you, walk away and simply offer the bowl again at the next feeding schedule. Holding back a reward is a useful tool in Pitbull training, which helps make the dog understand that being rowdy at mealtime holds no rewards. …show more content…
Praise Must Be Earned
Give praise when it is earned.
Positive reinforcement such as praises and treats is also a very powerful tool in Pitbull training. However, it is important that your dog EARNS these rewards. Otherwise, it will not hold much value. For example, do not praise and cuddle your dog as soon as you get home simply because you missed it while you were at work. Rather, praise the dog if he calmly gets up and greets you at the door, but ignore him if he jumps around and barks excessively at your arrival.
You Are In The Driving
Seat
Always be in control of the situation. A dog will always try to test your leadership. This is why consistency is very important in Pitbull training. You should enforce the rules you set at all times, without exception. And you should always be the one who has control over any situation, not your dog. If the dog jumps up into your lap in order to be petted, do not give him what he wants immediately. This will make him think that he can have your attention anytime he wants it. What you should do is stand up in order for the dog to get off of your lap and then give the command for him to sit. Only when he has sat calmly for a few minutes should you start petting him.
These Are Just The Foundations...
The Pitbull training tips discussed above are all based on mutual respect. It is not much of a hassle for you to perform, and it does not employ cruelty to your dog. Instead, it works under the premise that just as you work to earn your keep and follow some general rules in life in order to live peacefully and happily, then your dog will also be much happier once he has learned to follow the basic house rules that you have set.