Are Pitbull Puppies Aggressive? The Truth Behind Their Reputation

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As a pet parent, you want your puppy to grow as an obedient, loyal, and loving companion to you and your family.

However, if you’re adopting a pitbull puppy, raising it properly might seem intimidating due to the breed’s reputation for being aggressive.

So, are pitbull puppies aggressive? Pitbull puppies are not aggressive by nature. They will grow to be obedient and affectionate as long as they receive proper socialization and training early on in their life. However, they will develop aggressive tendencies if they are provoked or if their territory is threatened.

Keep reading to learn the reason behind the pitbull’s reputation for being aggressive and how to raise your pitbull puppy to become less aggressive

Why Do Pitbulls Have a Reputation for Being Aggressive?

The main reason pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive is that they were originally bred and trained to bait pulls and fight with other animals.

Another reason is that there are many reports about pitbulls causing more fatalities than any other dog breed as they are responsible for about 72% of fatalities caused by dog bites in the United States in the past sixteen years.

However, pitbulls do not really deserve their bad reputation as they are not any more aggressive than any other breed of dog. They are not naturally aggressive, especially toward their family, but they can be territorial and protective which causes them to become aggressive if they sense a threat.

With proper socialization and training, you can raise any pitbull puppy to grow into an ideal companion to you and your family.

Are Pitbull Puppies Hard to Train?

Pitbull puppies are not hard to train. Pitbulls are easy to train, generally speaking. They are very intelligent, fast learners, and always eager to please their pet parents which makes them more willing to respond to commands. However, training your pitbull will go a lot easier if you start when your dog is at a young age.

One of the most important things to remember when training a pitbull, whether it’s young or old, is to remain consistent and patient throughout the process. You also need to remember that training a pitbull is a bonding experience for you and your dog and should always be something you enjoy and look forward to.

How to Raise Pitbull Puppies to Be Less Aggressive?

The key to raising pitbull puppies to be less aggressive is proper socialization as it teaches them not to perceive other dogs or humans as a threat and prevents them from developing aggressive behavior as they mature. It will also help you establish a healthier and stronger bond with your dog.

To properly socialization your puppy, you need to allow it to interact with various environments as well as different scents, sounds, animals, and people. The best way to do that is to take your puppy for daily walks in a busy park. Some pet shelters and stores also hold puppy special events specifically for socializing puppies so you can bring your puppy to meet other puppies.

How to Discipline Pitbull Puppies?

The most effective method to discipline your pitbull puppy is positive reinforcement which involves identifying the thing that motivates your puppy the most, whether it’s treats, toys, or words of praise, then using it to encourage your puppy to continue displaying desired behaviors.

Keep in mind that positive reinforcement should be used during every training activity and only when your puppy displays good behavior. If you start rewarding your puppy when it displays bad behavior or for no reason at all, you will just confuse the dog.

When it comes to punishing bad behavior, avoid hitting or yelling at your puppy by all means as this will only make it feel threatened and provoke it to become aggressive in self-defense.

Instead, you need to stop giving your puppy attention or take away its toys. This will be more effective in discouraging bad behavior because all puppies hate being ignored.

Remember that aggressive behavior from you will result in equally aggressive behavior in your puppy and you should always raise your puppy on love and trust, not fear.

How to Train Your Pitbull Puppy to Walk on A Leash?

Training your puppy to walk on a leash is very important as it will help you maintain control of your puppy when you’re taking it on a walk and avoid any accidents.

• First, you need to make sure to choose a well-fitting collar and leash for your puppy as it will respond better to leash training when it feels comfortable.
• Next, you need to walk your puppy around the house until they used to be on a leash. Once your puppy is comfortable enough, you can start taking it on short walks outside.
• Maintain a positive attitude while you’re out on walks and make sure to reward good behavior with treats or words of praise. If your puppy pulls roughly on the leash or walks ahead of you stop and wait for them to calm down before continuing and eventually, your puppy will learn how to walk properly on the leash.

Here is a simple video that shows how to train a pitbull puppy to walk on a leash:

Related Questions

What to Do If Your Pitbull Puppy Is Not Responding to Training?

If your pitbull puppy is not responding to training, it might just be feeling tired or overwhelmed so it’s best to let it take a break before continuing. There are also various pet training centers that offer basic classes for puppies to help discipline them and develop their behavior.

When Do Pitbull Puppies Reach Full Growth?

Pitbulls puppies will start filling out when they’re at 6 to 8 weeks of age and they will reach full growth at 1 or 2 years of age. When pitbulls are fully grown, they normally weigh 35 and 60 pounds and stand at 18 to 21 inches in height. Their growth rate is mainly affected by the dog’s breeding, exercise, and diet.

Do Pitbull Puppies Need to Be Exercised?

Pitbull puppies do not need to be exercised as much as older pitbulls. That is because their bodies are not fully developed yet and putting too much strain on them might cause future damage. It’s recommended to give your pitbull puppy around 30 minutes of exercise and avoid intense activities.

How to Know If Your Pitbull Puppy Is Aggressive?

You can know your pitbull is aggressive if they start showing certain signs such as retracing their lips and showing their teeth which is often accompanied by loud barking and growling. They will also pull their ears back and raise their tail in a rigid position while moving it back and forth.

Helpful Resources 

Puppy Behavior and Training – Training Basics

Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog

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