How to Get a Pitbull Strong

Pit bulls are natural athletes. Provide plenty of exercise and a healthy diet based on quality dry dog food, and a pit bull will be naturally strong by the time it reaches maturity, at around 3 years old. If you want a pit bull that is exceptionally well muscled, it is important to strength-train your dog safely. Serious and sometimes permanent injury can result if you use exercise haphazardly or use incorrect methods.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Weight pull harness (optional)
  • Spring pole (optional)
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule an appointment with the veterinarian to have a thorough exam and medical clearance before beginning a strengthening program. Your pit bull must have completed its growth, before starting serious exercise such as hiking, jogging or weight pulling. A dog's joints are very soft and tender while the dog is growing, and strenuous exercise can permanently damage the tissue. A veterinarian can determine when your pup is mature enough to start a vigorous program, usually around 18 months to 2 years.

    • 2

      Feed a premium dry dog food only. Supplements and vitamins, unless prescribed by your veterinarian, are not necessary and could be harmful. Ignore silly advice such as feeding gunpowder and raw meat; such advice abounds among pit bull enthusiasts and does nothing to make your dog bigger, stronger or a better watchdog.

    • 3
      Strenuous work like pulling a skier is thrilling for a pit bull if it is conditioned to the work slowly and safely.

      Exercise your dog daily. A puppy that is too young for a strengthening program should have a walk two or three times daily and a couple of off-leash romps. Puppies should not jump in and out of vehicles or swing around on a tug rope. When your pit bull is approved to start strength training, introduce the spring pole, hiking and jogging, but start slowly and gradually increase the length and intensity.

    • 4

      Train your dog for pulling weight. Carrying light weights of no more than 15 pounds over a longer distance builds endurance. Alternate endurance training with strength training by using heavier weights for a short distance. Consider weight-pulling competitions. Do not wrap your pit bull in heavy chains, as it is harmful and doesn't develop the muscles. Teach the dog to pull a cart carrying light weights instead, gradually increasing the distance and the amount of weight, depending on your goals.