Q&A for How to Train a Pit Bull

All dogs are susceptible to the same forms of aggression. A Pit Bull is not naturally more aggressive. Due to their strength, however, they can do a lot more harm than most other breeds. You want to start building their confidence and teaching them to be neutral around people and dogs. To do that, take them outside often. Every time you see something that they're afraid of, encourage them to approach it and reward them when they do. Teach them to work through their stress and overcome that obstacle.

You should train your dog to "sit and stay" when someone is entering the home. If you are expecting company, walk to the door with your dog when they arrive and continually remind her to "sit, stay, good girl." Once the company enters, keep enforcing "sit, stay," and if she tries jumping, say "down," guide her back to her sitting position, and continue saying "sit." It's hard to control an excited dog, but if you remain consistent they will learn. Also, have your company greet the dog once they have calmed down and listened to your commands. It's almost a "reward."

When your pit isn't in a great mood, it will show it. When is is sad, it will look sad. Pits are human like in behavior and if you pay enough attention, you will know. They're very easy to read, and after spending enough time with your dog, it will be like mother and child, you will just know. If you feel like something is wrong with your pit, trust your instincts. Your pit is loyal to you and will let you know if it needs you to know something.

Not necessarily, it depends on what habits they are accustomed to. Just like a puppy, heavily praise them and give them their favorite treats. Be extra patient.

Say "No!" very firmly. Especially when she's jumping, refuse to pet her or give her attention until she obeys your command to "Sit."

Teach your pit obedience before the introduction (sit,stay,down,leave it etc.) While you're teaching the your pit this, introduce smells, keep them each in separate rooms for a while and then switch them every couple of hours, and if you have blankets for them even better. Once the dog or cat has slept on the blanket or pillow, switch them out so that they can associate each others scents with comfort. Never rush this type of thing, if something is rushed in this type of introduction it can have very serious consequences for your cat or dog. Let them decide when their ready.

Just like a pitt, a chihuahua needs discipline. I try never to show one dog more attention than the other. If the little one starts getting aggressive, make sure you stop this right away, even crate and rotate. You never want your pitt getting tired of the aggression and fighting back. Make sure to walk both dogs and give both dogs equal love and attention! Keep them well fed and give them toys but don't let them play unattended or they might fight over toys.

It's best not to, because your dog will come to fear you. He may look at you as an enemy, and he will almost certainly become more violent toward other people.

You should first train your dog to socialize with adults and other dogs before he/she interacts with children.

Make sure she is in a calm state of mind first. If your dog is to excited, ask the people to step out until you can get your dog to relax, then reintroduce the people. Like all behavioral training, you may have to do this several times.

Has she seen them yet? If she is a puppy growing up with them, she should be fine. Make sure the yorkies are calm around your pit bull, too.

Try taking your puppy for a nice long walk in a park or the woods. Bring plenty of treats so you can start training him to sit, heel, etc. on the way. He needs to spend time with you to understand you will be there to love him and care for him.

You may feed your pit puppy any dog food specifically formulated for puppies.

You can let your pit bull sniff him. Get the baby's hand and pet the dog so he knows not to be aggressive

This is "guarding" behavior. This is a behavior that the puppy is testing out. Right now, the puppy thinks the human is something that belongs only to them. While this may sound endearing in theory, it shouldn't be allowed to develop into a regular response to other animals. As soon as the puppy starts to correct the other dogs, use the "Sit and Stay" command to restrain him/her, then invite the other dogs into your space. Repetition is key. In time the puppy will start to respect the "shared" space with other dogs.

Offer her a chew toy whenever she starts nibbling, and redirect her by saying, "Chew your toy".

You must show them dominance, even if you have to hold them down and put it on them. If you catch them in the act, just lightly tap them on the nose.

Keep something that reminds you of her/him so you don't forget. But don't think about it too much, or else you'll always feel sad.

Do some research online from reputable sources and present them with the facts.

If your dog knows his name and follows simple commands, get him a rope chew toy and make sure he likes it. Then throw it not too far away. Then say, "Bring it here!" Most likely after a couple tries he will get used to it.

You need to get them used to each other. Take them on long walks together and then let them relax together when they're tired. The smaller dogs need to lose their fear of the larger dog.

This article has some great tips: how to house train your dog .

That is your choice, just know that it will be very difficult to train your dog out of this habit if you change your mind in the future.

Sometimes, if it is more comfortable for them. If you want, you can try to train them to sit more normally.

I've found any older puppy, no matter the breed, needs a lot of patience, time, praise, and consistency (repetition) in order to curb the jumping and biting. When the puppy starts to jump up, lift your knee up and say "Down." Once they're down, immediately say "Sit." This teaches him/her to approach you in a different manner. It's been stated that it takes over 2,500 repetitions for a dog to permanently retain a command, so you really have to be patient. And don't forget the importance of praise/rewards. With biting, cry out in pain, saying "OW!" and then "No bite!"

Yes, but if you intend on introducing a child to a pitbull, even a puppy, then the child and the dog need to be supervised at all times.

If the pit bull is your own, you'll need to train them extensively from a young age so as to ensure that they do not become aggressive or develop any aggressive behaviors. If the dog belongs to someone else and has not been properly trained, there isn't much you can do but protect yourself from any aggressive behaviors or attacks.

The same as any other puppy. See How to House Train a Puppy for guidelines.

Give the puppy chew toys so he doesn't bite you. Remember that your dog may be teething, so a little biting is natural. If this continues consult a vet.

Be patient and don't rush into things because you might not know what he or she has gone through. Let the dog feel safe and comfortable around you. Educate yourself on how to train your dog with positive reinforcement or enroll your dog in training classes.