Helpful Tips for Socializing and Training Your Pitbull Puppy
Let’s face it, no there is no such thing as a perfect dog. Dogs, like humans, begin with a genetic predisposition for temperament. Dog owners can’t change their dog’s genetics, but they do have the ability to take the basic temperament of the dog and shape and influence it through environmental and social experiences.
Training and socialization are two very important responsibilities of a dog owner. Certain breeds of dogs have tendencies to be more aggressive if not trained and socialized right from the beginning. Known as one of the most dangerous dog breeds, the American Pitbull Terrier has a reputation for aggression and hostility, so if you are thinking of getting one of these puppies, make sure you have a plan in place from day one.
It’s a common misconception that Blue Nose Pitbull puppies and Red Nose Pitbull puppies are some special kind of breed, but the truth is, they both fall under the AKC breed American Pitbull Terrier. Both with the same temperament, the terms blue and red are only used to describe the dog’s nose color leather.
How do You Socialize your Pitbull Puppies?
So how do you socialize and train your new Pitbull puppy to be sure that they will grow up to be well-adjusted adult dogs that are at ease meeting strangers, children, and other dogs? The most important part of socialization is to make sure your puppy is introduced to everything he may ever be exposed to during its lifetime at a very young age.
The critical age of socialization is between eight and 16 weeks of age. If you do not expose your puppy to these new environments during this critical period, they may always be apprehensive when placed in new situations in the future. When you have children or other pets, there is an advantage because the puppy will get used to loud noises, interactions, and active play amongst each other.
If you are a single adult, a couple without children, or a senior citizen, be sure to take your puppy places where they will be exposed to small children and other pets. The park is a great place to start, but be sure to keep your puppy on a leash and have treats available to reward for good behavior when there are positive interactions.
Obedience Class
It’s also very smart to enroll your Pitbull puppy in a kindergarten obedience class. This class is a basic training class that focuses on praise and rewards for motivation. Not only will you and your puppy have a great time, but it also allows the opportunity to meet other puppies and their owners. Once your puppy gets a little older, it would be a good idea to look into a more structured obedience class. Always remember that the more pleasant experiences and situations you provide for your puppy, the better the outcome of them being a happy, enjoyable adult dog.