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Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

Black and white Pitbull puppy.Puppies love to play rough and tumble and biting is a part of that play. However, when they grow up biting is no longer acceptable and potentially dangerous. Training your Pitbull not to bite is a process you can undertake successfully at home. This is a guide about training a Pitbull to not bite.
     

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Training a Pit Bull Not to Bite

I would suggest contacting The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan. He is in Los Angeles. He has many Pits and would certainly know what to do. He has books and DVDs, also. His show is on NatGeo Wild every day. I hope this will help you.

Source: NatGeo Wild, The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan

By Barbara from Oceanside, CA

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Here are questions related to Training a Pitbull to Not Bite.
Puppy Biting Older Dogs

We rescued 2 Boxer mixes when they were 3 months old; a female Teaya, that is 3 years old now and less than a year later a male Tyce, who is 2 years old now. Taeya has severe separation anxiety for which we thought getting her a brother would be a great idea, so we adopted Tyce. Taeya is very motherly and they are two peas in a pod; never had any problems with them.

We recently came across a homeless family with Pitbulls living in a park and found out that two of the litter died. Our heart went out to them and we adopted 1 male (Titan) that was 6 weeks old and is not fixed yet. He is now 4 months and we plan to get him fixed, but he has been showing major aggressive behavior recently.

First, he would start playing with Taeya, and she can handle it, but then he would start to bite her mouth and we could not pull his mouth open; which terrifies us.

Now, he leaves Taeya (female) alone, and has been going after Tyce (male). He bites his mouth and does not let go, whenever we take them on a walk or if we give Tyce attention. Our only methods have been putting him in the crate to calm him down, which works, and then he goes up to Tyce and gives him kisses. But once we walk them, it starts again. We got to the point where we can't walk them together.

I can only imagine he is trying to establish dominance, but Tyce is a submissive dog. Taeya and Tyce do not defend themselves and I believe they are terrified of his lock jaw.

I plan to get him fixed this week and see how they may change; but in the meantime, I need a solution for them to co-exist without my older dogs getting their face bitten off. Then we will most likely find him a new home; our intention from the start was to foster him.

Any advice?

By Caitlin C.

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Most Recent Answer

By amberbaker9105/09/2013

Contrary to popular belief pitbulls do not have a locking jaw. And they also do not have a very large bite pressure. Matter-of-fact, they don't even have the largest bite pressure of all domestic dogs, that belongs to the to Rottys! You just need to replace what they are biting with a chew toy or a bone, you puppy is still teething so he will need something to chew on.

Pit Bull Puppy Keeps Biting Us

Picture of a grey pitbull puppy.Is it common for my nine week old bluenose Pit Bull to be biting? What is the best way to help him to stop?

By Kate from Sandown, NH

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Most Recent Answer

By pdowell04/21/2011

It is still a puppy and the way that I broke my stafford shire (pitbull) of biting is a firm tone just like you would a child. There is no need to physically discipline the animal. They are great companions and are loyal animals. I would suggest getting tennis balls and other chew toys for it to chew on. It is a teething thing just like with a child when they are teething they want to chew on anything to make their gums feel better.

When the animal gets older then you will have to mount it to show dominance. I would suggest getting it fixed unless you plan on breeding and if you plan on doing that I would strongly suggest doing a lot of research on them. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

I have been breeding and raising these docile animals for about 15 years. here is a helpful site to get some more information. I hope that it helps.

Pit Bull Puppy Keeps Biting My Daughter

I have a 7 month old Pit Bull. She keeps play biting my 14yr old daughter. I have tried everything to stop her but she won't stop. My daughter is the only person she does this to.

Christine

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Most Recent Answer

By DoriKate01/17/2009

Possibly, you are seen as master but your daughter may not, so pup thinks it can play rougher with her. It might be a good idea to have your daughter take it to a puppy class to assert her role in the family.

*fot the haters* I was mauled by a cocker spaniel when I was 8. Cocker spaniels aren't bad, his owners were. I repeat - HIS OWNERS were to blame - as in - it was their fault.

Take responsibility, dont blame the dog, train it.

There is some great advice in this thread, but please please don't listen to the haters. Scary stories about "I knew a guy who knew a guy who got bit" don't belong here, honest advice about how to train a perfectly good puppy does.

Good luck with your pup and give it a cuddle for me.

Pitbull Puppy That Bites

How do I get my American Pitbull five week old puppy to stop biting my two year old when she tries to play with it?

By Sally from Austin, TX

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Most Recent Answer

By vavavoomruby03/24/2010

Sally I come form Australia and own a Pit bull and over my life have owned many other dogs. Also pit bulls are not banned. Having children of my own who have grown up with dogs. The golden rule is never allow a small children to play with a dog or puppy because small children unknowingly hurt of stir natural play instincts which a small child cannot handle. But another dog would enjoy. With the chewing run intervention tell the pup No! while holding your finger up you may have to do this a lot and offer other things to chew on toy ropes chew food etc.

Always correct behavior and offer praise Good dog. I would highly recommend dog training as soon as possible as Pit bulls need kind but very firm handling. Pit bulls love to chew so offer as many different things as you can. Also please never leave your dog alone in the yard with children or even with adults they do not know. I have done this with all the dogs I have owned it is a good safety precaution and can save heartache.

Boyfriend's Dog Has Bitten Me

Pit Bull on the couch.My boyfriend and I have had this blue nose Pitbull since he was a baby. Now he is almost 4 years old and he has bitten me twice within the past 2 years. The last bite almost caused me to lose my arm. I still want to be with my boyfriend, but I don't like the dog anymore and he's' still in the house.

His mom lives with him and she spoils the dog like a child and he stays in the house. I cared for him while he was a baby and I don't understand why he bites me when I cared for him more than my boyfriend during his younger years. And I don't understand why the police did not put him down. I want to remain in a relationship with my boyfriend, but I don't want the dog.

By CB

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Most Recent Answer

By Lizzyanny08/30/2012

It is so hard to say what may have caused this dog to bite you. There is a lot of very irresponsible breeding with pits. Too bad, it has been a great breed and I am sure many still are. You could take a chance trying this or that, but it seems to me the stakes are too high. They would be for me. If your boyfriend has made no effort to protect you by getting rid of the dog, you need to have a tough talk with him. Perhaps Mom would like to get her own place and take the dog with her. Sadly, we can live with and love someone and still not really know them. Your boyfriend has a chance to show you his character. When he does, believe him and act accordingly. Do what you need to do. You are worth it.

Dog Biting, Chewing, and Pulling on My Clothes

I am at the end of my rope. This is our second Pit (our first was hit by a car at 1 year). BeBe is 14 weeks old and I can not get her to stop biting my hands, feet, legs, and she pulls on my pants leg. I have tried "NO", I have pushed her away, tried to ignore her, tried to give her chew toys when she tries to bite me or chew on my clothes. She has gotten where she barks at me and is getting to be aggressive toward me. I am the primary caregiver and I love her and want her, but she is really getting to be a handful.

By Bonnie W. from La Grange, NC

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Most Recent Answer

By ChariseB12/03/2012

I don't agree with punishing the puppy, other than saying "NO!" firmly. Gently put her in another room for a few minutes when you can't get her to stop, just long enough for her to calm down. When you get her out, ask her to sit, and reward her with little training treats. It will make you crazy at first, but soon she'll understand that when she does that, she is deprived of the one thing she wants most: your company.

Take her out for walks, play with her in the back yard, take her to the dog park. She'll become the dog you knew she could be. And think about hiring a trainer.

Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

We have a 5 month old Pit/Lab. We got him a month ago. He had no training. I've gotten him house broken, but we can't get him to stop biting us. He draws blood and is barking at every noise. I need hep fast. He is my baby.

By Judie from Clinton, IL

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Most Recent Answer

By pennchick11/21/2010

First of all, stop treating him like your "baby." If you treat him like a baby, he will think he is your boss and try to boss you around by biting you. You must make him understand that YOU are the boss. Don't let him sit in your lap, keep him off the furniture. Keep his head below yours. Don't talk baby-talk to him. Make him wait to eat. It sounds harsh, but it is a system that dogs understand. You must stop treating him like a baby. He's a dog.

Aggressive Pit Bull/Boxer Puppy

I just got a Pit Bull/Boxer mix pup. He was 6 weeks old. I have had him for about 3-4 weeks now and his aggression and biting is getting to be too much, especially with my 5 year old son. I have tried smacking his mouth, giving him a firm NO, newspaper against my hand to make loud noise to stop him, putting him in his cage after disciplining him, he just doesn't stop. He goes right back at it. He also gets spiteful when you yell at him for the biting and put him in his cage. He goes in and pees. Any suggestion how to calm his aggression?

By Mimi from east coast

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Most Recent Answer

By Robyn Fed12/18/2011

As an add on to my last post. The puppy is not being spiteful. When he pees in his house after being yelled at, which is not the way to train a AST, he is showing fear and submission from your yelling at him AST's love their humans and want to make them happy.

Make sure you make sure the wire crate is huge and has a soft mat. Put lots of new chew toys and treats in there. Never never, never put him in his den for punishment at all ever ever ever ever. The wire den crate must be a place of fun and joy and rewards, a place to go and calm down, etc. but not ever a punishment.

Look at your dog as another child who speaks a different language. He is not trying to act bad, he is just a pup and thinks your son is another pup also. It is a good idea to spend lots of loving time with the pup and take him out to potty every fifteen or so minutes until he is housebroken. Make it fun, housebreaking should be fun.

It takes a lot of work but you will get nothing but an untrustworthy pet if you keep punishing. You need to build up rapport and the dog will be able to start trying to please you, instead of looking at you as a punisher.

If you keep this kind of relationship up, you will ruin his spirit and lose his confidence and he might become a fear biter in which it will be hard to turn him around from that. So remember he is a baby too. Show lots of love and firmness but no yelling and hitting, etc.

Blessings,
Robyn

Teaching a Pitbull Not to Bite

I wanted to adopt a 18 month old Pit Lab mix from a rescue. The dog seems friendly towards people. I was informed by the owner of the rescue that the dog was more than mouthy. He bites and doesn't let go and he jumps all over. He has been in this shelter for a year and hasn't had much training. I certainly appreciated her honesty, but for some reason I really would like to give this dog a chance to live in a home. However I also have 2 Labs at home, a 12 yr. old and a 10 yr old. I certainly don't want to jeopardize them. Do you think this rescue is a good idea? Do you think this dog could ever be a normal part of a family?

By Kathy L

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By cs_jag07/29/2012

I wouldn't risk it. The staff clearly thinks it is a bad idea for you to take this particular dog into your home since you have other pets and children - and after a year they know him well. You need to put your kids first. It may be that he's a sweet dog most the time, but he'd probably do best (and be happier) in a quieter home. If your kids are anything like mine, they get loud and rambunctious - then of course my dogs get wound up, and if this guy plays tough, you're asking for trouble...

If you feel really strongly about this particular dog, I would hire a trainer to come check the dog over with you and get their expert opinion. Then plan to spend a lot on training.

Personally, I've had the best luck adopting dogs through a rescue agency that fosters the dogs in a home environment. It's far less traumatic for the dog and you know exactly what you're getting - which is really important when you have kids. I would really recommend you go that route!

Training a Pit Bull Not to Bite

I just had my Pit Bull bite my neighbor. He is 1 1/2 years old. I got him from a guy when he was 8 months. How do I get him to not bite other people? I don't want to put him down either. Thanks.

By Anthony

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By jilliebean970011/23/2011

I would look in to a dog training class. There are reasonable ones in petsmart.you and your dog would take them together. If that doesn't work your best option might be a trainer with pit bull experience. They are lovable and loyal, but are also strong willed and powerful dogs. You may need a professional to get him on track. Good luck.

Training a Puppy Not to Bite

Puppy on zebra skin blanketI've had my Shar pei/Pitbull puppy since he was 8 weeks old and from then on I stressed how important it was to not let him bite. My fiancee and I went out and got him ropes and treats because he was starting to bite.

Read More...

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Pitbull Puppy That Bites


Pitbull Puppy That Bites

I have a 4 month old pitbull puppy. I read that I should use positive reinforcement when raising and disciplining. So when she pees on the carpet, I pick her up and bring her outside. I just got her about 2 weeks ago, so I am trying to train her. I never strike her or pop her nose. One of my challenges is... she gets excited and jumps and bites. I know she is a puppy and she is excited, but it hurts, I don't want her to continue biting. I have heard all the bad rumors about this breed, so I want to make sure I am doing this the right way. If anyone has suggestions about raising a pit... I am all ears.

shawnkd from Lafayette, LA


RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

I have 2 Pit Bulls and one of them used to nibble on my fingers and I didn't like that. What you need to do is be sure that they have enough bones to chew on. When I say bones I mean bones like go down to the meat market and get some pigs feet or a leg and boil it in some beef bulon re chicken until it is done and then put it in the oven until it is dry and hard. This takes about 1 to 1 and a half days. Your dog will love it and she will stop bitting at you. Also Pits don't like to be left alone at all. If your dog hasn't already started to eat wood, it will. They have anxity and they hate to be left alone. If your dog is a female than I suggest that you get a male, but dont get two males because they will fight each other when they get older. If your dog continues to bite then teach it discipline. Meaning take it for a walk everyday for at least 1 hour and make sure that it doesnt pull you. choke up on the leash, until when you can just drop the leash and the dog will stay at your side. I got bit by a Pit when I was younger and they used to scare me but when I got one my husband and I really were stricted with the dogs. I havent had a problem with them at all. The female will go up to others and lick them, and the male will let you pet him also. My female is about to have puppies so the male wont let anyone pet him. Don't always listen to what people say, because I also have a Scottish Terrier which lives at my moms house and he will bite you before my Pit Bull would. No joke. If you have anything to add e mail me at my home prayforusall (at) msn.com. Good luck with your dog. (06/27/2006)

By Melissa and Ju;io

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

I've had nothing but pitbulls all my life, i've gone through about 4 now along with some other off breeds like german shepards and even a doberman. The pitbull terrier has proven to be the best breed in regards to atheletic ability, intelligence, and loyalty.

The bitting behavior exhibited itself in all the breeds through the various puppy stages. It was up to me as the master/dog owner to correct this behavior or any other unwanted behavior. In all the breeds that i owned i found that just establishing yourself as the pack leader/master in a no nonsence manner quickly helped me gain control of the puppies attention. No beating or pain stimulation was required. Firm strong commands along with deep eye contact is extremely effective.

A tug on the nape of the puppies neck as a mother dog would do to get the attention of a stubborn pup along with the voice commands where the extent of any physical contact with the dog. This by the way was done not in a manner to induce pain.

Sometimes when the puppy still didn't get the point that the biting was unwanted i would give a loud yelp to let the puppy know that it applied too much pressure. They don't know what there limit is until they are taught. This would startle the pup and also gain his attention. This should quickly be followed with a corrective verbal command. At all times stay firm with the voice and eye contact.

My current pitbull who is 8 months can be corrected with a glance and subtle change in voice. And keep in mind with all this, make sure to give lots of love, positive reinforcement along with a stern discipline will quickly get your dog in line. The dog wants to please you and you will find that the sooner you take a no nonsense approach to training your dog, the sooner the dog will be a able to co exist with you and be what you need him to be and enjoy each other's company. (06/30/2006)

By bloodborne

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

Puppies of any breed share that trait, to get excited and start ot nip at the hands, feet, clothes, etc of people around them. This is not unique to this breed. This form of excitement, I agree is painful, you should try to focus that energy and excitement elsewhere. If it is mild, try getting the puppy to chew elsewhere by offering a favorite toy or chewy instead of your hand. If that doesn't work or if your puppy is biting with pressure, ignore it. Be firm and let the puppy know that it is nor acceptable. At that point in it's life the puppy is developing and is looking for it's place in the "pack". Do not feel bad, in the wild, wolves "discipline" pups to establish their heirarchal role. You should think about enrolling in a reputable puppy training course to properly socialize and make her comfortable arround changing surroundings. Remember, as Pit Bull owners we have to be at the forefront of the cause. Our Pit Bulls have to ambassadors for the breed, to show the public that it is not the breed, but irresponsible people who make them bad. (07/01/2006)

By Jose

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

I have a 12 week old Blue Pit Bull Named Tequila. Many have voted against me having her since I am just 21 and everyone knows the responsibility of having this controversial breed. Me and my dog have a great relationship and I have never wished to not have her right by my side. I have found that she does require lots of patience and training but the rewards we both share. She has so far been raised around two miniature yorkshire terriers and a year old cat in which she does Phenonminal communicating and playing with. She understands that these animals are smaller and you can tell by the way she plays with them. She is extremely submissive.

As to her biting: it was only a problem twice. After she bit me (it hurt), instead of showing her aggresion I said "ouch" and completely ignored her. I did this by playing with the other dogs and not even looking at her. She was completely devastated! Tequila did it again within a few days and I practiced this "discipline" again. We have not had one incident since.

I also do a lot to socialize her. She is put into different situations ever day. She goes where I go, Period. She's always around other animals and different children. Kids are definately her favorite, although, she doesn't quite understand that she has trippled her weight in a month so I keep an eye out for her clumsyness... :)

There are so many different things you can do to help the temperment of this breed. It just requires some research. Simple things like playing with her food while she's eating or taking it away and giving it back or hand feeding her at times will help. This all takes time. There are some really great websites and books out there. You just have to want to learn and look for them. (07/07/2006)

By Danielle

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

My puppy is 6 months old and had the same problem - it usually fades out as they get older. Sometimes "negative" reinforcement must be used. People are people, and as much as we may want our doggies to be little people, they are not.

They love a pack mentality, because that is how it is in nature. You have to assert that you are the "leader of the pack". Your dog won't "resent" you or act "abused", they'll be thrilled.

Having a dog as the "alpha" in the house usually results in an aggressive, noisy, stubborn dog that is almost impossible to train because they won't do anything unless they want to.

For chewing, if she jumps, what I do is clap at my dog, and she's associated that with "no". When she jumps, step back so she falls back on all fours and say "No!" very sternly, or clap, or both.

Over time I stopped using no, and just clap, and she associated that with "no" no matter what she's doing.

They are frighteningly smart dogs. I've had 5 danes, a dachsund (downsizing, haha) a doberman, and a lab- this is my first pitty, and as much as I am in love with danes, I find them to be a lot quicker to pick up things, and out of all the dogs I've owned, met, or experienced, I find this to be the smartest breed I have ever encountered!

Pitbulls are *verY* loyal and love to please. The first thing I would do is to make sure she understands that you are the head of the pack- this doesn't entail anything mean, but one thing I urge you to look up is the "Nothing In Life Is Free" training method.

You can find stuff about it all over the place on line, depending on how stubborn your puppy is and how out of hand, it might take awhile, but if you have a bit of patience,

fixing the problem now will be MUCH easier on both you and your dog if corrected now, rather than when she's big enough to cause some accidental damage with those teeth of hers!

Thanks, and good luck! (07/09/2006)

By Christie

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

What you should do is, everytime your puppy jumps on you, you should turn away and ignore it. Do that often so your puppy will think that if he or she jumps on you then you are going to ignore him or her. After doing that it'll calm down then you call it to you. Just repeat this because I own a pitbull too and thats how I do it. Hopefully this works for you too. (07/25/2006)

By Teddie.

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

I have a two year old female brendal and at first i had the same problem but i would spray her face with water and that really helped. She is really well trained. (10/31/2006)

By Stephen Hinnant


Pitbull Puppy That Bites

I would really like some information about Pitbull puppies and whether their early puppy-hood habits, such as biting, are going to be the same when they grow up? Chino (my puppy) Is very well behaved but bites a lot just to get what he wants!

Whitney from Auckland, NZ


RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

Is he biting people or things around him. All puppies tend to chew. Does he have lots of toys to chew on or play with? (11/09/2006)

By maddiva

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

Some of these comments are so far fetched that I cannot believe that people would post. Well enough of that I have a pitubll female and I would not trade her for anything in the world. When she was a puppy and would bite at me I would tap her nose and tell her no in a firm but not loud voice and after a few times she understood. Just like when she want to jump I put my knee up and tell her no and she no longer jumps If you crate train her do not use her crate as a punishment place this is her safe zone. It is not good to feed any bones they will splinter and get stuck in their throat. (11/18/2006)

By Brenda from Texas

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

Yes in early years they do bite but they will grow out of it unless you let them keep doign it. I have 3 brendel pits and 2 blues. So it took a while but they do get outta it. Sorry for my slang. Im not a good typer. But yes if u treat them good they will be.. my pit scooby is a lap dog haha. So No worries they will grow out of it as long as you have a good heart and good entintions and have times u can spend with them. They are the best companions and I trust mine to protect me. They are my life. (12/07/2006)

By Tori

RE: Pitbull Puppy That Bites

Puppies like to chew and they will chew on you. They are teething. With pups that I have had, I told them "No Bite" when they tried to bite me and gave them a chew toy. You need to be consistent and never let them bite anything but their chew toys. (12/27/2006)

By Susan


Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

I just got a 12 week old, red nose pitbull. The potty training has been going well and she is doing very good. My major problem is I cannot get her to stop biting. It does not hurt now but I am afraid that when she gets older it will and I need to get her to stop biting now before it gets any worse.

I went to the vet and they told me that when ever she bites squirt lime juice in her mouth but this has just got her really mad at the lime juice bottle when she sees it. The vet also told me that when she bites, put her on her back and hold her mouth closed until she relaxes. I have tried this also but sometimes when I let go she still snaps back. What can I do?

Animal Behaviorist.

Please contact your local animal shelter or humane society and ask to speak to the Animal Behaviorist. Most, if not all, shelters/humane societies have one on staff to help troubleshoot behavior problems so that people do not give up their pets for behavior issues that can be fixed. I live in the Chicago area & The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago has given advice to some of my friends & they helped eliminate any behavior issues their pets had. Please look in your local yellow pages or go to www.petfinder.org

Otherwise, please enroll her in obedience classes. Good luck & thanks for adopting an adorable Pit Bull (the breed definitely has an undeserved bad rap).

By Petfinder

Find a New Vet

I would change vets. Anyone who would suggest the ancient wrong method of putting a dog on it's back (supposedly to show alphaship of the human) is WAY out of touch, & the method is cruel. And also with the squirting thing. I would get mad too. I agree with the other poster to get her into a puppy obedience class BUT, make sure they use only praise & reward methods. No jerking, punishing etc. methods that are outdated. But for starters you can end play when she bites. Just say no bite & immediately leave the room, play stops. Watch her & when she's doing anything right, praise her & give her a treat. She needs to be rewarded for all good behavior & ignored for any negative.

By Vic

Exercise

They first thing you need to do is make sure your dogs are getting enough exercise. Pits are athletes and need a ton of exercise. I have a 4 mo red nose right now that never bites or chews. If your pup or dog does try to bite/nip/mouth what you need to do is take your thumb and press down on the tongue until the dog yelps (mine never does), this will make your puppy really uncomfortable without hurting it. If you use a spray bottle they just learn to avoid that. This is the best method but you have to start young, you don't want to be getting chewed on by a dog with its adult teeth.

By Ryan

RE: Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

For puppies, nipping is play behavior. Responding to it by rapping them back or even shouting at them may be interpreted by them as part of the play. If a puppy is nipping you or your kids, ignore them. Stop playing with them, look away, fold your arms so they can't get your fingers. They quickly learn to play in a more human friendly manner. Consistency is key. Do this every time. Teach your kids.

Toe biting is a little more tricky if they like to bite your toes, feet, ankles as you're walking. A firm NO is more effective than just stopping and ignoring them. They will discover too quickly how to get you to stop.Dogs are a lot smarter than most people give them credit for. Any time you hurt a dog, they remember for ever. They are extremely forgiving and loving, but like us, they remember pain.

Aggressiveness in dogs is often a sign that the dog doesn't feel completely safe. When meeting people, always be sure to let the dog meet them on his terms. If the dog is a little shy, let him hang out behind your legs, let the dog sniff the person first before the person reaches out to pet them. Petting on the head just looks so cute, but a dog may be concerned about why someone is raising their hand over their head, especially when they can't really see the hand. Let trust build rather than just assume it should already be there.

Pit Bulls are very muscular and strong and may be more prone to attacking than running out of range. As a Pit Bull companion it is your responsibility to discover his special needs concerning interacting with humans. For anyone else seeking formal obedience training do some serious research of the club or organization you will be using. Sit in on a few sessions before enrolling your dog. Trust your instincts.

By Sheraone

RE: Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

I know that what I'm about to say is going to seem cruel to you guys but I have 3 pitbulls, 2 red nose and a Colby blue. My boyfriend & I also live with a friend of ours that has 2 other pitbulls. My Colby was a hellian to deal with when he was from 8wks-3 months. We started using a method called Puppy Bootcamp. When he did something he wasn't supposed to he was made to sit in between our legs on the floor with his head down with no contact with anybody for a couple of minutes. After about 2 months of this he started correcting himself and is starting to show the youngest puppy what he is and isn't allowed to do. My Colby just turned 7 months old and is very well trained and behaved. It may have been an odd way to discipline, but he knows who is boss in the house and he knows it's not him.

By Arron

RE: Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

Be Patient

I also have a pitbull and we've had her since she was 8 weeks old. She is now almost 5 years old. Puppies like to play and biting is form of playing from their perspective, but obviously you can't have a biting pitbull, play or not. Make sure you stay consistent with whatever punishment you decide on. Be firm and speak very firmly and direct. I used to roll up a magazine and hit against my hand really loudly and shout NO. She eventually got the hint and she hasn't bitten since. Have patience, you'll get there.

By Daniel

Flat Palm

Flat palm and push the side of her mouth away from where she's biting with a firm voice saying "NO" or something along the lines. Enclosed is my 11 month pup Rika.

RE: Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

Combining Training Methods

I use a combination of training techniques that I learned from watching the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan, and Victoria Stilwell from the program "It's Me or the Dog." My dog, Rex, came to me at six months old. He was a wild man with no manners. I was afraid of him. I did a lot of research.

Now, I am definitely the pack leader, and Rex respects my commands. He knows about 23 different words and commands such as sit, wait, leave it, down, potty, walk, ride, get it, toy, etc. I find that if I use a specific word for the behavior I want, Rex responds almost immediately. When I am finished exercising or playing with him and he continues to want to be excited or mouthy, I use the word "enough" in a firm tone. He knows to quit the behavior.

To stop puppies from biting, you can use a high pitched squeal and turn away from the dog and ignore it for a period of time. This will teach them that if they want to play, they can only be as excited and mouthy as you will let them. Consistency is the key. If you train your dog 2 or 3 times a day for 10-15 minutes, you will see your dog transform before your eyes.

Training, for me, was fun. You can use a treat as a reward or your dog's favorite toy. Rex is now a year old and is the love of my life. He still has a lot of puppy left in him, but all that training was well worth it. I now have an obedient dog that is an example for his breed. (06/21/2008)

By RexMom08

RE: Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

Loud Noises

When my pitbull puppy did that I would spray her with stuff that would smells and taste bad. If/when that didn't work I bought a cage and put her in that till she calmed down, then I put her outside and made sure no one would go near her. When that didn't work I made loud screech noises every time she would bite and after a little while she got the point. Now she doesn't bite and is very friendly. When she gets excited she'll nip, but not hard. Try those and see if they work.

By Amanda

Be The Boss

As others have said "You have to be the boss". We have a very affectionate "pink nosed pit" we call "Rusty". My family of five have all given him all the love a dog could ever have, and a great deal of training, with as much patience as possible.

My contention is a pitbull is a special breed, they deserve a lot of attention and care. The more you give to them the more you will get back, don't get frustrated, be patient, it will pay off. I strongly suggest doing a great deal of reading on the specifics of training a pitbull. This will pay off in the long run. Love is a key factor. You have to deal with one issue at a time, resolve it, reinforce the training and if necessary solve the next issue in the same manner. Never give up, time will cure all problems you may encounter with the breed. Lots of hugs and kisses never hurt! (01/21/2009)

By DB

Training a Pitbull to Not Bite

I have a 17 month old red nosed pit bull and what I've found works the best is when they go to bite, press open their mouth, put your thumb under their tongue, and press while holding on to the bottom of their jowl. This prevents them from biting and they don't like it so they learn to stop. Hope this works. Try it for about a week. PS. Don't press so bad they yelp or it hurts, just get their attention.

By christina l.


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