How to Train an American English Bulldog Mix

Learn as much about your bulldog mix as possible. Both American and English bulldogs are known to be intelligent and eager to please, although they can be extremely stubborn if not properly motivated. Speak with an experienced bulldog breeder if you have any questions or concerns regarding your dog or his training.

Fit your bulldog mix with a collar and lead. A flat buckle collar paired with a 6-foot flat leash allows you to keep your dog under control while giving him the reassurance that you are nearby. Keep your dog on his leash at all times during training to prevent him from wandering off.

Set up your crate in a low-traffic area of your home. American and English Bulldogs can be territorial and a crate gives them a space to call their own. Place your dog's bed inside the crate and add a few of his favorite toys to keep him comfortable and occupied while inside the crate.

Feed your dog on a set schedule. Bulldogs are known to be voracious eaters and will often eat all day long if allowed to free feed. Feeding your dog on a schedule also makes housebreaking easier as most dogs have to potty after meals and can be taken outside instead of going on the floor.

Take your dog to a designated potty spot in your yard and give him the command to potty. He will sniff the ground and explore the area, going to the bathroom when he feels comfortable with the space. Praise him and offer him a treat as soon as he goes potty so he associates the command with the act of using the bathroom in the proper area.

Teach your bulldog basic obedience commands. Commands such as lie down, sit, come, heel and stay will help mold your dog into a productive and obedient member of your family. Start with the sit command as it is most often the easiest for dogs to learn. Hold a treat in your hand and give your dog the command to sit. Move the treat backwards over his head until he lowers his rear end to the ground and sits down. Immediately reward him with the treat to reinforce a positive behavior. Repeat the process until he is sitting each time without you having to move the treat over his head.

Proceed onto more difficult commands once your dog knows how to sit. Make sure you speak each command clearly and allow your dog a few seconds to think about the command before repeating it. Bulldogs often suffer from bone and joint deformities, so make sure your training progresses slowly and your dog does not engage in any serious physical activities until he reaches maturity.

Allow your dog to accompany you on short trips so he has ample opportunity to socialize with people and other dogs. Bulldogs and bulldog mixes are known to display aggressive tendencies if not exposed to new people and places, so take your dog on as many trips as possible. Praise your dog and reward him with a treat when he calmly interacts with strange people and dogs to show him that new situations should not be frightening.