How to Train American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are a fun-loving, lively pet that makes great companions. They are also very protective of their family, but they don’t always have a strong drive to be the boss. That’s your chance to impose yourself as a leader and make your Bulldog an obedient and trained pet.

As a result of proper training, you can avoid many behavioral problems that your dog can develop if neglected. Bulldogs are known for their intelligence, which makes them highly trainable. You don’t have to hire a professional trainer, but if you have to, find some handy tips on this source.

Start Early

Because of their intelligence and loving nature, American Bulldogs need early training and socialization to help them further develop an upbeat personality and good habits. First thing first, you have to get your pups used to grooming, bathing, and leash walking. Start with these activities as soon as your pet is up on feet.

At a puppy age, the best way to learn is through play. In the period of teething, provide your pet with plenty of chew toys and treats (you can find those specialized for teeth strengthening in pet shops). Also, make sure you introduce your dog to other people and animals early.

Age up to 6 months is the right time for potty training and learning basic commands. Teach them more controls than just ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’ Learning your Bulldog to drop things on your command will prevent many damages (these pups like to chew everything). These commands are done with a voice intoned, so you must use a firm tone to do so.

Create a Routine

Bulldogs love routine, so you must know which things to incorporate into their early training. You can organize their day, and they won’t mind it. If you do not have enough free time, that will suit you too. Determine commands that will be a clear sign to your dog that it is time to feed, walk, or play.

Be persistent and determined, especially when it comes to feeding and potty training. Do your best to teach your dog to get things done before bedtime. That way, you’ll spare yourself waking up in the middle of the night and taking your howling pup outside.

Don’t Forget Obedience Training

The age of six months is a perfect time for you to begin taking care of them by introducing them to obedience classes. Your Bulldog should get used to people and other dogs by this age and know some basic commands. That’s an excellent start for obedience lessons.

If they are not properly trained from the beginning, this dog breed can become very dominant, resulting in behavioral problems. Some Bulldogs might even grow up to be very aggressive and bossy. That’s why many professional dog trainers recommend that you start early by learning your pet to be obedient.

Teaching your pet to respect you from a pup age will ensure that they have positive associations with pleasing you. You must impose as a trusted leader, not as a tyrant. So no yelling or punishing; just a firm voice and strong attitude. Bulldog’s obedience mustn’t be a result of fear but respect.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the most desirable method of training your Bulldog. Punishing animals and using things like shockers is not legal everywhere, so you should just not think about those methods at all. As this breed is not meant to be aggressive and overprotective, you can use a reward system to teach your pup how to behave.

American Bulldogs react quite well to this method, so they are more likely to repeat positive behavior. You can give them a treat or pets every time they wait, walk calmly, don’t pull a leash, etc. Sometimes, even a few cheery ‘who’s a good boy’ will do.

One way to train your Bulldog is to start them out at a young age with trainers. If you don’t have enough time to fully devote to your pet’s training, you should at least have some spare time to take them to these courses. Look for trainers who use consistent positive reinforcement for your dog’s training.

Provide Regular Physical and Mental Activities

American Bulldogs need to be exercised on a regular basis. That should include both physical and mental stimulation. Ensure that leash training goes slowly, as that will be a basis for their physical activities outside your house or yard.

On the next page, learn how to leash train your pup:

https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/training/basic/how-to-teach-a-puppy-to-walk-on-leash

Bulldogs need about an hour, an hour and a half of activity each day. Make sure it’s not just a walk around the neighborhood, but take the dogs somewhere where they can run and jump freely. A fenced dog park is the right thing to do if you don’t have a backyard.

It is very important to give your American Bulldog enough intellectual nourishment. Use toys that make Bulldogs use their mental skills and play along with them. That way, they will vent their excess energy, and their mind will stay sharp. Also, enough stimulation will help curb destructive behavior that some Bulldogs might develop when they’re bored.

The American Bulldog is a strong, athletically built dog, quite fearless, intelligent, and sociable. It would be a shame not to shape these traits into a vital, cheerful, and friendly pup that you can take outside without fear and enjoy pleasant company with other pet owners.