Try a head collar like those made by Gentle Leader. These redistribute pressure so that your dog is not injured by pulling on the leash. Many dog training experts advise against the use of choke, prong, or shock collars, as these may seriously injure your pet.
You can purchase a training clicker at many pet stores or through an online retailer. Use the clicker immediately after your dog displays good behavior and follows your command. The goal is to make your timing precise so the dog knows what’s being rewarded. When you activate the clicker, you’ll want to reward your dog almost simultaneously with a treat and verbal praise. The reward should come within three seconds of the position your dog holds on command. Start out with simple commands, like “watch me” or “sit,” then progress to more advanced commands like “leave it. " Eventually your dog will come to understand it’s being rewarded for acting on your command and it will begin to follow your commands whether you have a treat in your hand or not.
Hold a treat in front of and slightly above your dog’s head. Say your dog’s name and the command “sit” while holding the treat above. When your dog sits, give it a reward and offer verbal praise.
Have your dog sit or lie down facing you. Hold up your hand with your palm open and say “stay” or “wait. " Wait a few seconds, but don’t expect your dog to hold its excitement for too long. Use a word or phrase that indicates your dog is released, such as “okay” or “good stay,” then give your dog the treat. If your dog gets up before you’ve given the release, calmly return to where you were standing and go through the process with your dog again. As your dog learns, you can gradually increase the distance between you and your dog while it stays.
Squat down and open your arms wide while facing your dog. If your dog begins to approach you, give verbal praise and encourage your dog to keep coming to you. Use a happy and encouraging tone of voice as you call your dog. This will help reinforce that your dog is doing what you want by coming on command. If your dog doesn’t come to you, attach its leash to its collar and lead your dog to the spot where you were calling from. Be sure to praise your dog while you guide your dog to that spot to reinforce that this was what you wanted. Once your dog gets good at coming on command you can add additional commands, like starting from a “sit” position.
Stand next to your dog with its leash in your left hand and a squeaky toy your dog likes in your right hand. Be sure your dog is on your left side and waiting in a seated position. Extend the squeaky toy across the front of your body so that it’s hovering above and slightly in front of your dog’s face. Try to get your dog’s attention with the toy, then give your verbal command and step forward confidently. Try to hold your dog’s attention with the toy. Any time your dog gets distracted, you’ll squeeze the toy to regain your dog’s attention and give it verbal praise when it re-focuses or looks up at you. After about 20 to 30 seconds of focus and well-behaved walking, praise your dog and give it the toy to play with. You can gradually increase the walk time as your dog progresses in its training. Make sure that the dog is following you, not leading you. [7] X Expert Source Sheri WilliamsCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 28 April 2021.
Don’t just give commands while sitting or squatting. Try standing or getting into other positions so your dog learns to respond to all types of body language and posture. Make sure your hands are visible. If you put your hands in your pockets, your dog will anticipate a treat and will respond to the reward instead of the verbal cue. Relying too heavily on treats in general will affect your dog’s training. If you constantly have a whole bag of treats in your hand, your dog will learn that you only need to be obeyed when the treats are out.
Obedience classes can help address specific behavioral issues like aggression, antisocial behavior, and refusal to obey. Some dog trainers offer obedience classes specifically tailored towards bully breeds. These classes deal with basic training and address behavioral issues common to bully breeds. [9] X Research source You can find obedience classes through local animal trainers. Search online to find a trainer near you or ask your veterinarian for recommendations on a good local trainer.
Spend time every day playing with your dog one-on-one. You can play catch or simply take your dog for long walks. If your dog is receptive to it, you can try spending some cuddle time together. This may help your dog get comfortable with physical contact and intimacy.
Dogs should have some socialization with other dogs and people well before reaching 16 weeks of age. This can help acclimate your dog to being around other animals. Be sure to socialize your dog with a variety of other people so that it becomes used to different faces and body types. This includes men and women of varying ages and races, men with facial hair, and people wearing coats and scarves (if you live in a cold climate).
Start out having your dog play with a mellow, well-behaved dog to make the socialization playtime go more smoothly. Choose a dog that is roughly equal in size and energy level. Break up play time with commands every few minutes. These command intermissions should last roughly 30 to 60 seconds before playtime resumes. Have four or five command intermissions four or five times during each playtime session, then separate the dogs at the end and reward them with treats. If possible, schedule play sessions every day (but not more than once each day) with the same dog. Do this for a few consecutive weeks, gradually increasing the command intermissions each time until you reach about 90 seconds of intermission time.
staring at another dog ears turned forward tail rigid and erect over the dog’s back barking/growling hair on neck and back standing up crouching or pouncing motions
Whether you have other dogs or are socializing your bully breed with other dogs, it’s best to feed your dog separately from any other dogs. Even dogs that seem well-behaved may have problems sharing a food bowl or seeing another dog eating food.
Toys and treats are two of the biggest things dogs will commonly compete over. These are both highly-desired resources for dogs, and even playful competition could get out of hand. If your dog starts play wrestling with another dog, supervise them closely. Even well-paired dogs may get out of hand if they feel the need to compete, and you may have to intervene quickly.
Most veterinarians are capable of performing a spaying or neutering procedure. Ask your vet about how altering your dog can improve its behavior and its overall demeanor.
Be prepared to intervene anytime your dog does play with other dogs. If things look like they’re about to get rough, you’ll need to step in before the situation becomes hostile. Never, under any circumstances, should you ever reach in with your hands to break up a fight. You should also never grab a dog by its tail, as this will cause it to turn and bite you. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Step on the aggressor’s feet to distract it. Use a large push broom to break up the fight. Put the bristled end of the broom against the aggressor’s chest and force it away from the other dog. Use an unpleasant sound, such as a loud whistle, to distract the dogs. You can also throw water on the dogs to distract them from their aggression towards one another.
