If you’re bringing a new Pit Bull into your family, it’s important to know that care of your Pit Bull puppy starts before the day you bring them home. To start your relationship off on the right paw, some research and preparation are in order. Pit Bulls technically aren’t one breed, but a class of dogs made up of several breeds, some of which are recognized by the American Kennel Club (and some that are not).
Pit Bull breeds include the American Bully, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the English Bull Terrier. Let’s dive into the critical components of raising a healthy and stable Pit Bull puppy.
How to take care of a Pit Bull puppy
Puppy nutrition and exercise
Of course, we want our puppies happy and healthy, and this starts with vet visits, diet, and exercise. Let’s address each of these in more detail.
Find a veterinary hospital
Begin your veterinary research before you bring your puppy home. Visit some local veterinary hospitals and find a practice that agrees with your values. Just like you do with your own doctor, your puppy will want to feel as safe and comfortable as they can at their annual visit.
Nutrition
As large-breed dogs, Pit Bulls will need a suitable diet. Growth rates and maturity ages differ by breed size and call for various nutrients and nutrient levels. Large-breed dogs grow rapidly and need extra help with their nutrition to ensure strong bones and joints. Spend a few minutes researching online and speak with your vet to find a dog food that fits your budget and your pup’s needs.
Exercise
Like a child, your puppy will need lots of exercise. Pit Bull puppies are energetic and will land themselves in trouble if not exercised regularly. Pent-up pups will find a way to relieve this energy, whether that’s chewing up your couch or scratching at a rug. It’s best to relax them naturally with a short walk while they’re young and extend the time as they get bigger.
Walks are also a perfect opportunity to expose them to new things and people.
Training your Pit Bull puppy
Most of the unhappy or dangerous dogs in the world are untrained. When a dog goes without training, they can be out of control, fearful, and dangerous. These methods for disciplining your dog will ensure he or she becomes a good citizen.
Socializing
One of the most critical parts of Pit Bull puppy care is socializing. Accustoming them to new animals and humans, along with places, sounds, and scents, is the best way to ensure your Pit Bull is well-rounded. When dogs begin showing signs of aggression or fear, it is often because they were not exposed to a wide range of people, other dogs, and situations as a puppy.
Basic commands
Understand that training your puppy is not a form of punishment. Training should be a fun bonding experience between you two. Also, simple commands could save your dog’s life. A recall command such as “come!” will ensure your puppy comes back to you instead of running across a dangerous street. Train your pup to follow these basic commands:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down
All these commands can be used in everyday situations to keep your dog under control. A dog who will sit and stay when told doesn’t have to be locked in the bedroom when exciting guests visit. Instead, the dog can enjoy the company just as much as you do.
Ultimately, training allows your pup to enjoy a fulfilling life alongside you. However, it can be a huge commitment. Lots of time and energy are required to do the job well. If you have a busy schedule or an exhausting job that won’t allow you to train correctly, consider hiring a professional dog trainer.
Mouthing
Like many dogs, Pit Bull puppies are mouthy. Mouthing means they love to explore the world with their mouth, including licking, biting, and chewing. Although it is harmless and sometimes cute in a puppy, it is important to nip this habit in the bud. When they grow up and start mouthing people, your pup could get into trouble or hurt someone.
Discourage this mouthing behavior by ending play when they begin to bite. You can also offer them a toy as a way of saying “bite this, not me” and discontinue playing with them.
Food aggression
One of the most common reasons a dog becomes aggressive is food. Food aggression can be dangerous for all family members, especially small children, who get into everything. To avoid this aggression, interrupt your puppy’s eating by sticking your hand in their bowl, picking up the bowl, grabbing food from the bowl, and any other ways you can get your puppy used to the idea of sharing their food. This will prevent food aggression or accidental biting because someone got too close at mealtime.
Pit Bull puppies are some of the cutest balls of fur out there. Secure your puppy a happy, healthy life with these training and healthy practices. Remember that puppy care begins with research before you even bring them home. Pit Bulls are a high-energy dog that needs plenty of love and attention. If this doesn’t seem like the right fit, you might want to consider a different breed to ensure you’re providing the best possible home for whatever pet you choose to bring into your family.
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