A good dog food will be mostly meat, with few fillers such as rice, peanut hulls, soybean mill, or corn bran. [2] X Research source Wet canned food and dry kibble are both acceptable.
Provide a variety of interesting toys, such chew toys, food puzzles, stuffed animals, balls, and rope toys. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source You should have at least one dog bed for your dog, but you may choose to have a few places around the house for your dog to sleep. Buy an appropriately sized crate if are planning to crate train your pit bull. The crate will give your dog a private den to sleep and rest in. Each dog should have their own food and water dish.
Neutered males are less aggressive, and they will be less likely to escape the house looking for a female to mate with. Neutering also reduces the chance of your dog developing testicular or prostate cancer. [6] X Research source
The younger you begin socializing your pit bull, the more adjusted they will become to their surroundings. The first six months are particularly vital in socializing your dog. [7] X Research source Try introducing your pit bull to lots of different people and dogs. When they’re young, they’ll learn how to properly communicate and interact with these other animals and people. As they get older, they’ll remember those skills and become really well-rounded adult dogs. Avoid leaving your pit bull with another dog unattended. American pit bull terriers do have a tendency to fight with other dogs. Even well socialized pit bulls can be aggressive towards other dogs if left unsupervised. [8] X Research source Dog parks and doggy day cares may not be appropriate for your pit bull. While some pit bulls can learn to interact well with other animals, they are still an aggressive breed, and they are prone to fighting with other dogs. All interactions with other dogs should be supervised. [9] X Research source
Start by teaching them basic commands such as “sit,” “come,” and “stay. ” Give them a treat when they properly follow the command. [10] X Research source If your pit bull does something wrong, do not hit or yell at them, as this can make them afraid of you and increase their aggression. Reward the dog instead when they do something right, and they will learn proper behavior quickly.
Leashed walks around other people and dogs can also help socialize your pit bull. Let your pit bull interact with others, but be ready to remove them from the situation if they become upset or aggressive.
When you first bring your pit bull home, you should watch them carefully to make sure that they do not have accidents inside the house. If you catch them going in the house, interrupt them and take them outside. [12] X Research source
Let your vet know if you are struggling with any aggression or hyperactivity in your pit bull. They may be able to help. While the American pit bull terrier is a breed that has few health problems, some pit bulls are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, allergies and congenital heart conditions. [14] X Research source
Do not feed your pit bull more than twice a day, and avoid giving them table scraps to help keep them at a healthy weight.
Start with ten to fifteen minute walks. After a few weeks, try increasing the length of the walk. You might even start walking them twice a day. [15] X Research source You can also take your adult pit bull on a run or jog with you.
Pit bulls also enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and lure coursing. Try taking them on a hike or out to the beach. [16] X Research source
When your dog is shedding, typically in late spring and early fall, brushing them daily will keep their coat looking its best.
This should not be painful. If your dog is upset, whining, or in pain, call your vet. It might be an ear infection. Some dogs do not like to have their ears touched. If your pit bull is a puppy, you can get them used to having their ears cleaned by touching their ears often. If you have an older pit bull who was not socialized as a puppy, you may want to ask your vet to clean their ears for you.
