How to Train a Half Pit Bull & Half Labrador Puppy

Training a mixed-breed puppy can be difficult, as no two mixed-breed dogs are like. If your puppy is half pit bull and half labrador retriever, you need to take the characteristics of both breeds into account when training. There are many variables in matching the training process with the puppy’s breed characteristics, as the puppy isn’t guaranteed to possess half of the traits of a lab and half of the pit bull’s. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can use to help your puppy grow into a well-behaved adult.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys
  • Leash
  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Exercise your lab/pit bull puppy. Most puppies are energetic; however, lab puppies can be extremely so. If your puppy has bounds of energy running through its tiny body, it cannot possibly concentrate and learn tricks. Therefore, you must provide a release for the energy in the form of playing and exercising. Walk or jog with your lab/pit bull puppy daily and encourage it to play with balls and toys. Training sessions are often most effective when they take place after exercise.

    • 2

      Encourage your puppy to interact with people and pets outside of the home. Pit bulls have tendencies to become aggressive in new situations in which they feel uncomfortable or nervous. Exposing your lab/pit bull puppy to social situations when it is young can often prevent aggressive behavior later on. Puppy play groups and dog parks are ideal venues for socialization, as a pup can interact with other pets as well as humans. The more experiences your lab/pit is exposed to as a puppy, the more comfortable it will feel in them as an adult.

    • 3

      Show your lab/pit puppy that you are the leader. Pit bulls are often known for their strong, dominant personalities. These characteristics can lead to aggression towards others. Prevent this unacceptable behavior by showing your puppy that you are its boss. Aggression is a sign of dominance. If you teach your puppy that it has no dominance over you or any other human or dog, it will likely not display that behavior. To establish your dominance, go on daily leashed walks with your puppy, always keeping it next to you. Do not let the puppy sniff or eliminate unless you allow it. Do not sit or lie on the floor with the lab/pit, as this puts you on the same ground as it, both literally and metaphorically. The leader should always be on higher ground. In addition, ignore your puppy when you first enter a room; then allow it to come over to you, not you to it. Once your lab/pit pup knows you are the boss, it will obey and respect you.

    • 4

      Say the same commands and implement the same techniques when training your lab/pit puppy. Consistency is one of the most important aspects of training. Therefore, when teaching your puppy commands, always say the same word, such as “sit.” If you mix it up and say “down” or “drop” as well as “sit,” the puppy will become confused and not understand what it is supposed to do, which can significantly set back training.

    • 5

      Keep your lab/pit bull pup in a crate when it is alone. Placing the puppy in a crate not only assists in the housebreaking process, but it also prevents a puppy from chewing on objects when it is bored—a characteristic labs are famous for. Always take your puppy outside to eliminate before and after you place it in the crate. Give it a treat when it enters the crate to reward going inside.