How Do I Control My Pitbull?

Control your pit bull by showing it that you are a calm and confident pack leader. This will encourage the dog to trust and respect you. It can also prevent your pit bull from exhibiting aggressive behavior towards people and other dogs. Exercise and training are also important factors that will help you and your dog to bond, and will give you the opportunity to practice control of your dog. The pit bull is naturally friendly toward people and can get along with other dogs as long as it sees itself as a subordinate animal, rather than the alpha dog. Begin practicing these exercises as early as possible to instill good habits and manners in your pit bull.

Instructions

    • 1

      Enroll your pit bull in obedience training classes where it will have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs in the class. Use these classes to train your dog to follow basic commands, and to encourage it to look to you for direction.

    • 2

      Tell your dog to sit and stay before giving food or affection. Feed your pit bull after the family have eaten, because in the wild the alpha dog will always eat first and the subordinates second. This exercise shows the dog its place at the bottom of the pack, below all other family members, including children.

    • 3

      Prevent your pit from sleeping on your bed and jumping up on the furniture. These elevated seating areas are a position of dominance that must be reserved for family members only.

    • 4

      Walk your pit bull every day to prevent it from becoming frustrated and aggressive. Wait for your pit to sit or lie down quietly before you set off on the walk. Step out of the front door before the dog and walk slightly in front to ensure that the dog is following you rather than leading you. Walk confidently with your head up and shoulders back. Avoid putting tension on the leash while you walk. Correct your pit bull by giving a quick sideways tug on the leash if it begins to pull or tries to overtake you. Make your dog sit and wait quietly until all other family members have entered the house at the end of the walk.