How to Train Bully Dogs: Inappropriate Behavior

Training dogs certainly involves teaching what dogs should do. However, training isn't all about teaching commands. Dogs, especially bully dogs, also need to know what they should not do.


Bully breeds, like every other type of dog, can develop compulsive habits that demonstrate inappropriate behavior. However, certain bully breeds seem to have a tendency to develop certain behaviors that stem from worry or compulsion, and allowing the behavior makes it worse. This is similar to giving a cigarette or bottle of vodka to a person with addictive tendencies.

There are five behaviors that are inappropriate and should be discouraged from an early age:

1. Chasing laser pointers or flashlights
2. Chasing the tail
3. Constant licking
4. Tugging 
5. Excessive barking

Chasing Laser Pointers or Flashlights

Bully breeds, such as this pit bull and Bull Terrier, love
chasing, but chasing behaviors can become compulsive.

Some people love using laser pointers or flashlights to burn a dog's energy as he or she chases the light across walls and floors. 

This habit, however, is dangerously compulsive, and many dogs will continue to look for the light long after it has disappeared. Although not every dog will become obsessed, some will spend every waking moment chasing flickers of light.

For this reason, never allow a dog to chase laser pointers and flashlights. Save that for the cats!

Chasing the Tail

Tail-chasing is especially popular among the bully breeds, and the Bull Terrier is the worst offender out of the lot. 

As an owner, always intervene when your dog begins spinning around and chasing their tail. Toys or treats can be used to reward and distract a dog when he or she stops.

Constant Licking

Licking is an extremely compulsive, inappropriate behavior that can become severely self-destructive if not stopped. 

Never allow your bully to constantly lick.

Licking usually results from frustration or "conflict behavior," which is when the animal wants to do something, but can't. If you don't understand what this means, watch people while stopped at red lights. Many of them will engage in grooming behaviors such as mirror-checking and hair-smoothing.

However, keep in mind that licking can also be caused by allergies. Some dogs have allergies to grass, road salt, or other objects, and will lick the pads of their feet or lower legs when itchy. Compulsive licking is typically marked by licking in certain spots.

Tugging

Bully breeds should only be permitted to tug on certain toys, but some trainers will argue that tugging should not be taught at all. 

Tugging, if allowed at all, should only be permitted with
certain toys.

If you do choose to play tugging games with your bully, set certain rules for the game. These include tugging on certain items only, learning the "leave-it" cue, and never tugging on clothing or skin. This last tip is crucial because a bully that is allowed to tug on skin and clothing with family will probably do so to guests.

Bully breeds, although loyal and loving, need to understand that the human owner is the leader. Therefore, when enjoying a tugging game with your bully, never allow the dog to play too roughly or allow the dog to win. Always ensure that the game is halted on your own terms.

Bullies who are taught to be calm will not really
bark unless they feel threatened.

Excessive Barking

Most people cannot distinguish between friendly barks and aggressive barks, and with the stigmas attached to bully breeds, it is best to not allow unnecessary barking at all.

Dogs can be taught a "be quiet" cue for unnecessary barking and never reward the animal when he or she barks. However, owners may also wish to reinforce barking in certain situations, such as when a person knocks on the door, or a stranger enters the property. As mentioned in the previous post, clickers can aid handlers in this endeavor. 

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