Stop Pit Bull Aggression - How To Maintain the Alpha Role - Best Training Tips

Sadly, the words 'Pit Bull Aggression' seem to be more and more common-place in today's society. Too many people are using pit bulls and other similar breeds as fighting dogs, giving them a bad, aggressive reputation that they certainly do not deserve. They are actually a very loyal, intelligent, people-loving breed that with the proper training, truly are man's best friend.

Owning a dog like a pit bull is not for every one. They are large, very strong, pack-driven animals that without a determined trainer can quite quickly be difficult to control. They have a real need to know and understand their place in a pack, so owners must immediately ascertain the alpha role in the house hold from puppy-hood and maintain this position throughout the dog's life. A dominant pit bull in a home can be extremely dangerous for everyone.

There are a variety of different methods to best train this breed so you have an obedient & loyal friend, but at the core of these is the importance that you assert your dominance from the beginning.

Clicker training is an incredibly fast & effective form of training your pit bull that will get you results! A small plastic and metal device is used for this and can be purchased for a few dollars from your local pet supplies store. Your dog initially associates the clicker with a food reward and then just the clicking sound with the fact they have done a good job. A click reinforces the behavior as a positive to them. It is an easy and inexpensive way of giving direct commands that make a stronger connection in your dog's mind than just verbal commands alone. This is because the clicker is a distinctive sound that will only ever be used as positive reinforcement in training. The sound of your voice is used constantly around your dog, so at times it is a lot harder for them to differentiate between certain commands and positive behaviors, than with the use of a clicker.

Obedience classes are another very beneficial way of successfully training your pit bull and should be attended at a young age. Your pit dog will not only learn how to respond to a variety of basic, but important commands, but also get the chance to socialize with a group of other puppies and dogs. This socialization at a young age is a must as it will alleviate a lot of aggression and dominance related issues you may otherwise face in the future. Lack of socialization is directly related to how aggressive or dominant a dog is. A lot of pit owners have these issues if they neglect to give their dog the chance to familiarize itself with other dogs and people while they are still a puppy.

Overall, consistency is key in all aspects of the best training techniques. An owner must always reinforce commands and positive behaviors. If your attitude starts to lapse at any stage, then so will your dogs, and all the hard work you have previously put in will go to waste. It can be very hard to get control back when this happens - but not impossible.

Pit Bulls make wonderful pets and when you put in the hard yards at the start of your relationship, the pay off you get from their friendship and loyalty in the long run far outweighs the time spent training them.

How Do I Let My Dog Know I'm The Boss?

If you find yourself asking this question, it's probably because you are having problems controlling your dog. You find yourself following and adjusting to whatever your dog wants. If this is the case then you should keep on reading. I'll tell you the reason why your dog is behaving that way, and what you should do to change this behavior.

Pack Mentality

Your dog may not have been born in the wild, but the pack mentality is still part of his instincts. He will sort out the social order by showing dominance and power. Because of that, he will either see you as his leader or his follower depending on how you act, behave and treat your dog. It could be because you have spoiled your dog and routinely give in to whatever he wants, he will start to think that he is the Alpha male, and you the follower.

What Should I Do?

You see, dogs are like children. You should be able to set rules for them to follow; lack of rules will just make your dog spoiled. If you try to use these few simple rules, it can help you, not only discipline your dog, but it will also teach him that you are the boss or the alpha dog.

You First Before Your Dog

Even simple things like this will let your dog know who is the Alpha male (or female) around the house. In the wolf pack, the leader always eats first. If you show that you are eating first before your dog, it will let him know that you are the leader of the pack. Don't try to give in when he whimpers and gives you those sad puppy eyes. Try to also avoid giving him bits of food from your plate while you are eating. He should only eat after you have eaten.

Another rule that applies to this is when you are walking through the door. When you allow your dog to go through the door first, you are implying that he is the dominant dog. You should always keep this in mind. Leaders lead and followers follow. So whenever you are going through a door, make sure that you go through first to make him realize that you are the leader and he is just the follower.

Sleeping Rules

We have seen on a lot of movies and stuff on TV of pet owners letting their dogs sleep in their bed. That is a huge no no. Letting him sleep in your bed signals to him that you are both equal. Provide him a bed or crate that he will feel comfortable sleeping in. Make sure that his bed is placed on the floor. If your dog has been sleeping on the floor, do not walk around your dog. Dominant dogs sleep wherever they want, and lower dogs walk around them so they don't disturb their sleep. So if you see your dog sleeping in the couch and you want to lie down, give him a gentle nudge to let him move out of the way. If he's sleeping in the hallway and you have to walk through, wake him up gently so he will move out of the way, of course don't try to step on him.

These are just few simple rules to let your dog know that you are the leader. Keep these things in mind and in practice all the time, and your dog will soon realize that you are the Alpha male of the house.