How to House Train a Pit Bull

If you let it, your pit bull will be constantly underfoot, wanting to be in the middle of everything. The breed loves attention and, in order to keep your pit bull emotionally stable and happy, it needs to be with your family as much as possible. However, when your pit bull sneaks off to use your floors as a toilet, it can be extremely frustrating. Your key to house-training success is constant supervision. Tools are available to help you house-train your pit bull, but consistency on your part is a must.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash or tether
  • Dog crate
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Build a bond with your pit bull by giving it the exercise, activities and attention it needs. Take your pit bull with you whenever possible, because pit bulls need socialization. According to the Humane Society, separation anxiety may cause house-training setbacks.

    • 2

      Schedule a regular daily feeding time, followed by outdoor time. Prevent accidents by taking your pit bull outside frequently during house-training. Getting your pit bull outside quickly when it wakes up is especially vital to teaching it to do its business outside the house.

    • 3

      Provide a certain spot outside for your pit bull's toilet area, according to the Humane Society. Take your pit bull to the same spot every time. Reward your pit bull with lavish praise for eliminating, then go back inside.

    • 4

      Tether your pit bull near you so it is in your sight or keep it on a leash while indoors, according to The Humane Society, while providing plenty of toys for your pit bull to play with. Once your pit bull learns how it is expected to behave inside, tethering will no longer be necessary.

    • 5

      Put your pit bull to bed in a crate at night, since it is not likely to eliminate where it sleeps. Make your pit bull earn its unsupervised freedom, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Contain your adult pit bull in a crate for up to eight hours in a 24 hour period; young puppies need to eliminate more frequently.

    • 6

      Leave your pit bull confined in a small room if it is partially house-trained, and you have to leave it alone. If you are regularly away for long periods of time, your dog may still have accidents on the floor. Paper-train your pit bull only as a last resort, because it is counterproductive to house-training.