Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Are pit bulls easy to train?

PawTracks
By

Pit bulls sometimes have a bad reputation for being strong-willed. But, these lovable dogs are very smart, sweet, and family friendly when socialized and trained properly. pit bulls are super cute pups so it’s understandable why you’d want one in your life. However, it’s important to understand the best ways to train them since they can be stubborn. If you are looking to get a new pit bull puppy or have one already, there is never a wrong time to train them. It may be more difficult to change the habits of an older dog, but it’s definitely possible with a little dedication and positive reinforcement.

Pit bull lying on a carpet
Mike Burke/Unsplash.com

Socialization is a must

Whenever you get a new puppy, regardless of breed, it is always important to socialize them so they don’t fear other dogs or humans. Pit bulls will benefit greatly from socialization as puppies. Pet stores will sometimes hold puppy socialization events where you can bring your pet so he or she can run around and meet other puppies and people. If you can’t find a socialization event near you, then take your puppy to a busy park. Strangers will definitely have no argument against you asking them to pet your adorable puppy.

Recommended Videos

If your pit bull is 1 year or older, socialization may take a little more work, but it definitely isn’t impossible. Many pit bulls are friendly and sociable but if your pit is not, then it is a behavior that should be fixed. Have your pit bull meet close friends and family and their dogs to begin the socialization process.

Related

Utilize positive reinforcement

Woman hugging a pit bull in a car
Danielle Kiemel/Getty Images

When it comes to positive reinforcement, it is all about figuring out what motivates your dog the most. It could be food, their favorite toy, praise, or nearly anything else. Once you figure out what motivates your dog, you should know what you want to train them to do. You can start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Once you’ve mastered those, you can move on to more intricate commands and tricks like “leave it” or “spin.”

Positive reinforcement should be used throughout every training activity and should only be given as a result of good behavior. Never reward your dog for wrong behavior or for doing nothing since it will send a mixed message.

Take a class

If you are overwhelmed by the idea of training and have no idea where to start, then taking a class is a great option. There is basic training for your puppy or more advanced and intense training for your older dog. You can go to classes with your dog and make it a fun bonding experience. A training class will be a huge benefit as it will help your dog socialize with other dogs but also help work on their focus in distracting environments.

Exercise to the max

Two dogs running in a park
Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images

When you think of training, you may not think of exercising with your dog, but it can be an important part of the training process. Pit bulls are very active and energetic animals and need to be exercised regularly. You can combine training time with exercise for an efficient and effective training session.

Some ideas to get started are to train your dog on fetch and come commands while playing fetch. You can have them practice staying next to you as you throw the ball and release them to fetch it when you say. This will strengthen their restraint and patience.

Another option is to go for a short run with your pit bull. Running with your dog allows you to practice proper leash behavior while also tiring out your energetic pup.

Leash training for relaxing walks

Pit bull on leash sitting in a park
Fidel Fernando/Unsplash.com

Every dog should be trained to walk properly on a leash. There should be no pulling and they should never walk in front of you. When it comes to leash training it is important to have the right collar and leash. Your pet should respond well to the ones you choose and they should fit your pet comfortably.

Crate training

Another puppy-related tactic is crate training. Pit bull puppies can learn how to be house trained easily with a crate. Your puppy may not love being locked into a crate overnight, but they will get used to it after one or two nights and it will become a place they love. Crates are great for puppies because they teach them that separation from you is OK.

Crates are also great for keeping your puppy out of trouble when you leave the house. It will keep them safe, secure, and comfy while you’re at work or out running errands.

Pit bulls make great family pets. They are energetic, fun, and completely lovable. Some pit bulls just need a little extra love and attention when it comes to training. Luckily, training your dog isn’t as hard as you may think. It just takes some patience and dedication. If you give your pit bull the time, the love, and the dedication, they will give it all back to you and become one of the best well-trained dogs you’ve seen.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
PawTracks
PawTracks
Video: Adorable dog thinks the TV wants to play fetch
This is why dogs love the game fetch so much
Beautiful couple watching television at home with their dog on sofa

Some pups just can't ever get enough playtime and will take every opportunity to chase a ball, even a virtual one. Videos of cats and dogs watching TV frequently catch our attention because they remind us how much more advanced our animals are than we really understand. Unlike us, though, this doggo doesn't quite get that he can't jump into the action on the screen, sadly for him. Watch this video of a dog playing fetch, or at least attempting to.

The video opens with a shot of a person throwing a football in a yard on the TV. The player tosses the ball, and it goes offscreen as we pan to a beloved dog watching it excitedly. He tries to follow the football, not realizing that it exists in a completely separate time and place. He looks back and forth, seeming to question his pet parent about the laws of physics, not understanding where the chaseable football went. It ends with the sound of his delighted person laughing in the background. The caption sums it up perfectly with: Huh? Mom, where’d it go?

Read more
This is the ultimate week-by-week puppy training schedule every new pet parent needs
A puppy training schedule to follow
Woman feeds a puppy as the pup gives her his paw

When you first bring home a new puppy, you’ll have so many firsts to look forward to. Some milestones — the first accident, for example — aren’t quite as cute as the others, so that’s why you’ll want to start training with your pup as soon as possible. Understanding puppy training stages will help you break down all your goals into realistic steps, making you and your new best friend more likely to succeed.
Remember, training your pup is just one important aspect of their well-being. Ensure you’re taking care of their diet, health, and happiness, too. Good luck and keep reading to learn about a puppy training schedule.

Here's your ideal puppy training schedule for puppies 8 weeks of age and younger
It’s important to establish a routine as soon as you bring your puppy home. Not only will this ensure that you and your pup have every need met, but it also will let your new dog become more familiar with their environment. As dog trainer Ken McCann said in his YouTube video guide for puppy training, “You’ll be setting them up for success,” especially in potty training. Make sure to supervise while they're outside, too.
Here's another idea: Luring your new pup to you with a delicious treat is a great first step toward bonding and training. At this point, they're working purely on instinct, but they're learning the reward value of treats as well as a praise word — something like “yes” or “good” to let them know they're doing well. Make sure to use this word as you continue training!
This also gets your pup used to working for a treat, which builds motivation and confidence. Negative reinforcement won’t teach anything but a feeling of unease at this age, so it’s a good idea to focus on rewards instead (and always). Now that they know that following you gets that reward, they'll soon be ready to move on to the next stage.

Read more
Understanding husky language: Posture, tail wagging, ears, and other body clues
Here's how to understand what your husky is communicating
A husky jumps happily through the snow

Famous for their energy, tantrums, and professional opera skills, Siberian huskies are truly something else. Honestly, they can be hard to keep up with. Understanding husky language is a lot more straightforward. From playful postures to misleading tail wags, we’ll review them all. Before you know it, it’ll feel as if you’re reading your dog’s mind.
It’s important to remember to look over their whole body — and not one feature alone — when determining their mood or desires. The same behavior can have multiple meanings, so you’ll need to know how to read their body language from nose to tail. Ready to dive in?

Are huskies aggressive? What kind of behavior can I expect when bringing home a husky?
While huskies are well known for their expressive facial markings, they’re typically not as angry as they look. These sled dogs are incredibly social and unlikely to show unprovoked aggression, though combative behaviors can occur with dogs of any breed. Fear is a leading cause of aggression that can affect any breed with equal likelihood, though an individual dog’s personality will give you a better idea of what to expect.
The American Kennel Club notes that huskies are especially playful, open to strangers, and highly adaptable, so you’re bound to have a pup who’s more excited to say hello than to fight. You can thank this breed’s history as team sled dogs for its agreeableness in a variety of homes and situations. They’re even known to be friendly and gentle with children, though some huskies don’t know their own size (or strength) and can easily knock over smaller kids. It happens!

Read more