How to Train Bully Dogs: Socialization

Pit bulls, like every other dog breed, require socialization
to be well-mannered and obedient.

With the fearful and often violent mindsets attributed to bully breeds, some owners may wonder about the best way to train their dog.

After all, a well-behaved bully dog is the best advocate for the breed. Seeing a pit bull or American Bulldog sitting obediently may help the fearful or hateful change their mind.

The three major areas of training for bully breeds include:

1. Socialization
2. Basic Commands
3. Inappropriate Behavior

I will describe socialization in this post, and following posts will look at the other main areas of training.

Socialization

Socialization with other dogs is extremely important.

Socialization is the most important aspect of training a bully breed because most dog bites result from animals who are not accustomed to being around people, uncomfortable situations,  and other animals. Obviously, pit bulls and other bully breeds are associated with more frequent cases of biting, so it is critical that owners nip (pun intended) one of the main causes of biting right

away.

The task of socialization, which should actually be introduced in all breeds of dog, includes many situations. However, the most important situations that dogs should be exposed to include other dogs, children, strangers, weird surfaces, equipment and vehicles, and loud noises. 

An American Bulldog that is well-socialized with all dogs,
such as the French Bulldog

• Children: Children may be invited to the home and given treats. As they sit on the floor with a bully in an open area, they should give the dog treats as he or she interacts with each child. Be sure to start slowly; do not allow all of the children to rush a dog or give the dog attention all at one time.

• Other dogs: The best place to introduce a dog to other members of its kind are at training classes. Also, allowing a dog to meet those of friends is another way to safely introduce a bully to other canines. Dogs should always be introduced in controlled environments, which is why taking a bully out to parks right away is not a good idea.

• Strangers: Training classes are a great way to introduce a bully breed to strangers, as well. Visitors can also come to the home and offer treats when the dog interacts with them. 

• Weird surfaces: Dogs should also be taught how to walk calmly over all kinds of surfaces, including grass, concrete, asphalt, gravel, sidewalk grates, shiny wood floors, and more. Dogs can be fed treats as rewards for walking over these surfaces, and should walk over them repeatedly until they are comfortable.

• Equipment and noises: In order to get a bully dog accustomed to devices that make loud noises, walk the dog up and down busy streets that may have many cars going by, many tractors cutting grass, and other opportunities for loud sounds. If the bully is a puppy, DO NOT pick him or her up when he or she cowers because this will be interpreted as a reward for that reaction.

When introducing a dog to these situations, ensure that a ton of treats are present. Always use a happy, soothing voice while socializing each of these situations, and remember that more socialization is better.

Gladhnes. "Familiarity." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2012. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Maria Zheltkevich. "Oh, great lady!" Photograph. deviantart.com, 2012. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Maria Zheltkevich. "water dragon." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2013. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Filarska Photography. "bulldog buddies1." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2009. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Pavia, Audrey. "Focus on Puppies." Training Secrets for Bully Breeds 2014: 25-27. Print.