How to Crate Train a Pitbull

Pit bulls have a naturally dominant personality. With proper and consistent training, the breed can make an excellent family pet that is suited to any environment. Training of the pit bull should ideally begin during the puppy stage of the dog's life, but an adult is also capable of quickly catching on. Crate training provides a good way to house train a dog. The crate also provides a safe refuge for the dog to travel within and keep the pit bull contained when necessary. The dog will eventually view the crate as its own private den where it can rest with a feeling of security.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Crate divider for a puppy
  • Toys
  • Blanket
  • Dog food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a medium-sized, durable crate that the pit bull can grow into if it is a puppy. For a puppy, purchase a crate divider to make the crate smaller. It can be adjusted as the puppy grows. The pit bull should be able to stand up and turn around in the crate. Avoid placing a small puppy in a large crate because it will use one corner to potty in and sleep in the other area of the crate.

    • 2

      Locate the crate in an area of the house that the family frequents such as a living room or family room. Never place the crate in a utility room or other area way from the family because the pit bull will feel isolated and alone. Pit bulls are very pack-oriented dogs, which means that they thrive on being close to their humans, who they consider to be their substitute pack.

    • 3

      Place a tasty treat inside the crate so the pit bull will walk into it to retrieve the treat. Do not slam the door on the dog. Allow it time to explore the crate without feeling threatened.

    • 4

      Feed your pit bull meals inside the crate so it begins to associate the crate with a pleasant environment. Place a blanket and toys within the crate for the dog to enjoy.

    • 5

      Close the door of the crate after the pit bull has had a few days to explore it and learns that it is not a scary place. If the pit bull cries, ignore it. Keep the dog in the crate for 30 minutes. Offer ample praise when you release the pit bull from the crate.

    • 6

      Extend the time that the pit bull is in the crate until the dog stays within the confines of the crate for at least four hours without barking.

    • 7

      Take the dog outside to potty when it is released from the crate. Many dogs have to potty from the stress of being crated and will be anxious to go outside.