Letting Your American Pit Bull Terrier Know You’re the Boss – Part 1 of 3

By Nathaniel 3X Rhine

In this article, part 1 of a 3 part series, I will list some rules every American Pit Bull Terrier owners as well as other dog owners should follow to ensure your dog knows his place in your human pack. Dogs need to have a clear place in their pack. A dog lacking in this clear order is an unhappy dog.

Sometimes a dog might not be showing signs of aggression, however the dog is suddenly showing signs of separation anxiety, such as destructive behaviours when the owner leaves the house. A dog that steals food from human hands has no respects for the human, and therefore do not see them as pack leader. A dog who questions his place in the household pack can sometimes cause him to suddenly destructive behaviors, as the dog is confused and taking his anxiety out on your house.

Rule Number One: Communicate to your dog that you are his pack leader by taking him for a walk. Not the type of walk most dog owners take their dogs on, but a pack walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the owner who is taking the lead. This is most important for all dogs, especially the American Pit Bull Terrier, as in a dog’s mind, the leader always leads the way. While on the walk, the dog must not be allowed to sniff or eliminate waste anywhere he wishes, but where you the owner allow him.

One marking against a tree is enough for the male dog. The dog should be concentrating on following the human, not worried about leading the way. This pack type walk should be done daily. For the American Pit Bull Terrier, he should be walked daily at least twice and for at least 45 minutes to an hour each time out. That is a responsible American Pit Bull Terrier owner. Not only will this release built up energy, but it will satisfy the dog’s instinct to migrate, which all dogs possess. Dogs who have excessive energy bottled up inside them and who do not have their migration instinct met will develop various instability issues that most people mistaken for being breed traits.

Rule Number Two: All humans must eat before the dogs, as the leader always eats first. When you give your dog its food eat a small snack first while he is watching, lay the snack near the dog’s food so that he thinks you are eating out of his bowl (the leader always eats first). For me personally, I eat my food in my house and Soldier, my American Pit Bull Terrier, always eats outside. This rule will be applicable to those who eat with their dogs, in or outside the house.

Rule Number Three: Feedings must be at a scheduled time. There should be no self-feeding dispensers, as this allows the dog to choose when he eats. In addition, one should not allow their dog to take as long as they wish to eat either. I usually give Soldier one hour to eat. That is no than enough time. If one is to walk their dog regularly and for at least 45 minutes to an hour each outing, play games with him, for sure when it comes time to eat, he will eat as though there is no tomorrow. In other words, less than 5 minutes and he;s asking for seconds.

Rule Number Four: Humans must not allow the dog to go through any doorways, gates or any openings first. Nor shall they go or down the stairs first as well. Dogs must always go through doorways or up and down stairs after the human, as the leader of the pack always goes first.

Rule Number Five: If you are one to have your dog in the house, when you are to leave the house or the room, even for a minute and come back in the room, ignore the dog for a few minutes. If the dog is an outside dog, such as mine, one must apply the same rule when leaving the yard and returning to the yard.

Rule Number Six: A simple obedience command such as “sit” should be given before any pleasurable interaction with the dog. The human should give the dog commands at least once a day and reward with a treat when the command is followed. If the dog does not follow the command, no treat shall be given, no matter how cute the dog may be. Show the dog that he does not get anything for free. His food, water, treats, even praise/love have to be earned by doing something positive. When giving the treat, make sure the dog takes it from your hand gently. Do not tolerate a mouthy dog.

I shall stop here for now in order for you to digest what was said and to give you time to put into practice what was said. Part Two of this article will come in the very near future, God willing. Thank you for your attention and time.