Bull Terriers are ideal pets, even if they are not meant for a first-time dog-owner. Being full of energy and playfulness, it is imperative that it be trained to live with people and other household pets. Neglecting to train your Bull Terrier, or any dog for that matter, will give you many headaches, especially as the puppy grows and becomes more difficult to manage in terms of size. Here are some of the basics you need to know to train your Bull Terrier effectively.
Know the Bull Terrier
First, you should know the general temperament of a Bull Terrier. A typical Bull Terrier is active, interested, playful, but also stubborn. It is very attached to its family. Obedience and socialization are things that every Bull Terrier puppy must go through. Proper training will provide good manners and socialization skills, while creating a bond between the dog and you. Classes are usually available for these things, and they are very helpful for people who have not trained their dogs on their own before.
Bull Terriers respond best to training when motivated by food and toys. They must be handled firmly but with patience and positive reinforcement. As young Bull Terriers can be very rambunctious, they must be taught not to jump, nip or grab when playing.
Boot Camp Implements
Crate training is important for house training. A crate can be a haven for your Bull Terrier, since it is the safest place for him when you are out of the house or busy doing your things. Use the crate as a tool for keeping your Bull Terrier safe and comfortable, not for punishment. As Bull Terriers enjoy being a part of family activities, place their crates in areas where the family congregates, like the family or TV room.
Bull Terriers have a strong urge to chew, so it is important to provide them toys which they can chew on safely. Do not give toys that they might ingest and which may be broken, swallowed, or lodged in their throats. Also, avoid giving them socks, underwear, pieces of blanket, and other items that can obstruct their digestive system.
Housebreaking your Bull Terrier
The trick for housebreaking is to confine it so that it won't mark the wrong places. It should be given constant or regular access to the right places to relieve itself. Until your dog is housebroken, it should never be able to walk freely around the house.
Socializing your Bull Terrier
Socializing is getting your dog used to people and other dogs. Puppy socialization has the most dramatic effect, but it must be done while the puppy is between 7 weeks and 6 months old. For adolescent socialization, which is also critical, socialization must be done between 6 and 9 months old. For adult dogs, you may not be able to change their attitude towards people and other dogs, but you will be able to control their behavior so that they don't act aggressively or become afraid.
Always remember that you must make known to your Bull Terrier that you are the person in charge, since as said earlier, your Bull Terrier will need a firm hand and a lot of patience. With these in mind, you will definitely develop a smooth and close relationship with your Bull Terrier.
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