Is The American Bully Considered An Aggressive Breed? 6 Tips to Train Your Bully

American Bullies have gained popularity in recent years, but their reputation precedes them as a breed that is often considered aggressive by insurance companies and landlords. This can cause difficulties for pet owners who are looking to rent a home for themselves and their furry friends.

So, is the American Bully considered an aggressive breed? or is it simply misunderstood?

The American Bully is not considered an aggressive dog breed. They tend to be protective, loving, loyal, and obedient to their families. Like any other dog breed, American Bullies are not inherently aggressive, but they may display aggressive behavior due to improper training or mistreatment.

Keep reading as we explore the perception of American Bullies and if there is any truth to the claims of their aggressive nature.

Origins of the American Bully and Its Reputation

The American Bully was developed in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s by breeding Bulldog and Pit Bull type dogs. It was created to have a friendly and stable temperament, making it an ideal companion dog.

Despite this, American Bullies have earned a reputation as aggressive dangerous dogs due to media coverage of dog fighting and irresponsible owners. However, this reputation is largely undeserved, and many American Bully owners report that their pets are friendly and affectionate.

Check out this complete guide to the types of American Bullies to learn everything about them and what sets each of them apart.

Is the American Bully Actually Dangerous? 

The American Bully is not actually dangerous, at least not by nature. Like any breed, individual dogs may display aggressive behavior due to improper training, socialization, or mistreatment.

As mentioned before, American Bullies tend to be friendly and affectionate dogs with a strong desire to please their owners. With proper training, socialization, and care, they can make great companion pets.

It’s important to remember that dogs, regardless of breed, are individuals, and their behavior is largely shaped by their environment and how they are raised. Any dog has the potential to be aggressive in any unexpected situation, with or without proper training; that’s why it’s important to keep your eye on your dog in case something unexpected happens.  

If you are a first-time owner, I would suggest you do some research; talk to a friend who owns this breed, a vet, or any trainer that can give you some heads up.

Are American Bullies Banned?

American Bullies are not universally banned, but there are some cities and countries that have breed-specific legislation (BSL) that prohibits or restricts ownership of certain breeds, including the American Bully.

BSL is controversial and has been criticized by many animal welfare organizations as being ineffective in reducing dog bites and promoting public safety. In some cases, BSL has resulted in the indiscriminate killing of innocent dogs based solely on their appearance.

There is no comprehensive list of places where American Bullies are banned, as breed-specific legislation (BSL) can vary widely by country and even by city or municipality. In the United States, BSL has been enacted in some cities, such as Denver, Colorado, and Miami, Florida, but it has also been overturned in others.

Before acquiring an American Bully, It’s important to consult with local authorities or a legal professional to confirm the status of BSL in your area and research local laws and regulations to ensure that you are in compliance and to avoid potential legal issues.

Can You Rent with An American Bully?

The reputation of American Bullies as a potentially dangerous breed can make it difficult for owners to secure housing or rental properties.

Some landlords and insurance companies may have policies that restrict or prohibit ownership of the breed. This can result in pet owners facing additional hurdles, such as being required to pay higher insurance premiums or having to go to great lengths to prove that their American Bully is well-behaved and not a threat.

If you’re planning on living with your Bully in apartment building, make sure to check out my guide on whether American Bullies are good for apartements here.

Convincing Landlords That American Bullies Are Not Dangerous

Convincing your landlord or insurance company that your American Bully is not aggressive or dangerous can be challenging, but it is possible with a proactive approach. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Keep records of your dog’s behavior and obedience training, including certificates and evaluations from professional trainers and behaviorists.
2. Invest in obedience training, socialization, and positive reinforcement training to help your dog become well-behaved and socialized.
3. Provide references from veterinary behaviorists, animal behaviorists, or professional dog trainers to vouch for your dog’s behavior and temperament.
4. Be proactive in addressing any potential issues, such as excessive barking or jumping, and take steps to resolve them.
5. Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your dog, such as liability insurance, to show that you are proactive in managing any potential risks.

It is important to remember that while it may take time and effort, with patience and persistence, you can help dispel any misconceptions about American Bullies and convince your landlord or insurance company that your dog is not aggressive or dangerous.

When Are American Bullies Aggressive?

American Bullies can become aggressive under certain conditions, such as improper training, lack of socialization, or mistreatment. Other factors that can contribute to aggressive behavior in dogs include fear, pain, territoriality, and the instinct to protect their owners or their resources.

However, it’s important to note that aggression in dogs is often a learned behavior and can be prevented or reduced through proper training, socialization, and management. With the right care, American Bullies can be loving and gentle pets that do not display aggressive behavior.

Signs That Your Bully Is Starting to Become Aggressive

Here are some common signs that your dog may be starting to become aggressive:

1. Growling: A growl is a warning sign that a dog is uncomfortable and may bite if provoked.
2. Baring teeth: Dogs may bare their teeth as a sign of aggression, particularly if they feel threatened or challenged.
3. Stiff body posture: A dog that stands rigid with raised hackles (the fur on the back of its neck) may be about to become aggressive.
4. Barking: Aggressive dogs may bark loudly and continuously as a warning to others to back off.
5. Lunging or snapping: A dog that lunges or snaps at people or other animals may be displaying aggressive behavior.
6. Biting: A bite is the most extreme form of aggression and should be taken seriously.

If your Bully starts to show those signs, try to figure out what triggered it. Remember that aggression is just a symptom; you need to find the real cause of the problem and eliminate it.

In the meantime, remain calm, don’t approach your dog because there’s a good chance it will bite you, and seek help from a professional dog behaviorist or trainer to address the issue before it becomes more serious.

How to Train American Bullies Not to Be Aggressive?

Training your American Bully not to be aggressive requires patience, consistency, and a positive reinforcement approach. Here are some steps you can take to help your dog learn to be less aggressive:

1. Socialization: Expose your dog to a variety of people, places, and animals to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
2. Obedience training: Enroll your dog in basic obedience training classes to help them learn basic commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
3. Positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and positive attention to reward good behavior and reinforce it.
4. Avoid punishment: Avoid using physical punishment or confrontational training methods, as they can worsen aggressive behavior and damage the trust between you and your dog.
5. Consistency: Consistently apply positive reinforcement training methods and avoid giving mixed signals that can confuse your dog.
6. Gradual exposure: Gradually expose your dog to situations that trigger aggressive behavior and reward calm and relaxed behavior.

It is important to remember that training your American Bully not to be aggressive is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized guidance and support.

How to Effectively Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement training is an effective method for training dogs and reducing aggressive behavior. Here are some tips for effectively using positive reinforcement training:

1. Use treats and praise: Use high-value treats, such as small pieces of chicken or cheese, and lots of praise to reinforce good behavior.
2. Timing is key: Reinforce good behavior immediately after it occurs to increase its effectiveness.
3. Start small: Break down training into small, manageable steps and gradually build up difficulty over time.
4. Avoid over-reinforcing: Avoid over-reinforcing by giving treats and praise too frequently, as this can reduce their effectiveness.
5. Be consistent: Consistently reinforce good behavior and avoid giving mixed signals that can confuse your dog.
6. Make it fun: Make training sessions enjoyable and engaging for both you and your dog by using fun activities and games.
7. Patience: Be patient and persistent with positive reinforcement training, as it takes time and consistency to see results.

It is important to remember that positive reinforcement training should be used in conjunction with proper socialization, obedience training, and management to address aggressive behavior in dogs effectively.

Are American Bullies Easy to Train?

American Bullies can be relatively easy to train with the right approach. They are generally intelligent dogs that are quick to learn and they respond well to positive reinforcement training methods

However, you can make training your American Bully easier by starting its training and socialization from an early age. It’s also important to remain consistent in training methods and procedures to help American Bullies learn and retain new skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American Bully’s reputation for being aggressive and dangerous is largely based on misinformation and misconceptions.

Ultimately, the key to ensuring that American Bullies are well-regarded and accepted by landlords and insurance companies is to address any misconceptions and provide evidence of their good behavior and temperament.

American Bullies are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, and with the right approach, they can be well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs. You just need to provide them with early and ongoing training, socialization to help them develop good behavior and a well-adjusted temperament

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