Pitbulls are extremely strong, muscular dogs. You need a combination of good quality feed, cardiovascular exercise and strength training to get them into peak condition. Both the owner and the dog need to work to achieve the desired results; you can't do it by tying a dog out with a heavy chain, collar or vest to walk around with. Well-conditioned dogs, just like well-conditioned people, require years of consistent, disciplined training.
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Age and Feeding
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Pitbulls should not begin training until they have reached at least 18 months of age. This assures that the dog has completed maturing and the bones, joints and muscles have completed growing. This prevents injury to immature dogs. But it is never too early to start setting the foundation for successful training with regular walks, games of fetch and tug-of-war, as well as jogging on soft surfaces.
Your pitbull should be fed a high-quality dog food from the beginning. A quality dog food lists a single protein source as the first ingredient. Quality dog foods can be purchased over the counter or from your veterinarian, or can be made at home. To ensure that your pitbull is receiving all the required nutrition on a homemade diet, give him a vitamin and mineral supplement with each feeding. Pitbulls will require high levels of protein to build muscle mass as they enter into intensive conditioning.
Stamina and Strength Training
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Stamina training is the single most important aspect of proper conditioning. A dog will not be able to withstand the strain of conditioning exercises if he is not receiving proper cardiovascular training. The easiest way to build cardiovascular stamina is to walk, jog and play games that require him to run. These activities should be incorporated into a fun daily routine for the pitbull. Running on a treadmill may build stamina, but it is not mentally challenging. A bored dog will resist training altogether.
Strength training comes in the form of weight-pulling. It is never acceptable to add weights to a dog and leave him to fend for himself. This does not promote the addition of muscle mass and can cause injury. Instead, fit the dog with a weight-pull harness and have him drag three to five pounds for a short distance at a walking pace. Repeat this exercise until the dog can drag the weight behind him easily. Adding another one or two pounds is acceptable; however, the better method of building lean muscle tone is to increase the distance and not the weight. This practice will not only increase the dog's muscle mass but will also increase his stamina.
Considerations
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Don't rush the conditioning process. Proper conditioning will take years of patient and consistent effort by both you and the dog. It is a way of life, not a short-term quick fix. Trying to bulk up a pitbull too quickly will cause unnecessary injury and an unnatural-looking dog. Proper conditioning will build a happy, healthy, beautiful dog.
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