RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Pedro (Guest Post) (09/26/2007) I have a 7 week old female pitbull named Belle and im in the process of training her. She now knows how to sit, understand what up and down means along with some other tricks. Since she is still very young she has a "mouthing" problem. When we play all she wants to do is bite. There are times when she bites too hard and she will not listen. I've tried many different things to make her stop but she still doesn't understand.....someone please help!   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Bosh (Guest Post) (09/17/2007) I have a 3 1/2 month old pit bull.I'm having trouble potty training him to go outside. He stays outside for 45 minutes and won't go, but as soon as he comes inside, he uses the bathroom. Am I doing something wrong?   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By N/A (Guest Post) (09/02/2007) I have a 3 year old pit bull, that I got 8 months ago. He listens VERY well and is very affectionate. He was abused but still shows no signs of aggression. I just got a 5 wk old puppy. I rescued her and he treats her as his child. He lets her bite and jump all over him. He knows when I'm sad and mad and cuddles with me. He actually won't leave me alone until I let him know I'm ok. He doesn't go to the bathroom in the house. I spoil him :-) I think spoiling them is the best way. He is hard headed but listens better than any dog Ive ever had. He is my first pit bull. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By JLS (Guest Post) (08/30/2007) I need a lot of help training my new pitbull puppy. She's 10 weeks old, she chews through EVERYTHING and never does as she is told. I love it when she is quiet and snuggled on my lap. I praise her when she does it all the time, but it's the aggression and the nipping i can't handle. My sister is pregnant and finds that the puppy is too aggressive for her to feel that she can bring her child over to see me.I don't want my sister to feel that she cannot do this, and I need to train my puppy as soon as I can before I go insane. Please, I need all the help I can get. Please feel free to email me at smudge87 AT hotmail.com if you have any ideas! RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Angelpittkennels (Guest Post) (08/24/2007) When training a pitbull puppy start with sit and end with come! Here is a pic of my newest pup Boss APBR registered. His brother is for sale for 500$ He looks just like him but Boss is blue fawn and Blue is Blue and white. Kinda dark sorry It was taken the night I got him. He was 8 wks. he is 9 & 1/2 wks. and 17lbs!   Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By maynard elmer (Guest Post) (08/14/2007) you have to get her on a schedule. what worked for me was a little watering. after feeding wait 45 minutes and take her out. puppies go about every two hours. give her treats everytime she goes outside and when she goes to the door. RE: i need help for my pitbulls name a puppy girl Post By (Guest Post) (08/05/2007) plz help me with good names   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Bianca (Guest Post) (08/04/2007) I have a 1 month old pitbull that I just got yesterday. I'm worried that it might be sick because it ate and drank the right milk it needs to but it hasn't " gone". << he has only peed>> a lot!! is that bad??   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By linsyyyy (Guest Post) (08/01/2007) I just got a pitbull and australian shepard mix 8 week old female puppy. She came from a very bad home, full of way too many dogs. She never got any attention from her previous owners, but now I think I gave her too much attention. At night, I usually let her sleep in the bed with us, but last night when I put her on the floor and turned off the light, she cried and cried. When I take her outside she cries too. I usually pick her up and bring her in once she's done with her business, but the last few times I just left her on the ground and tried to get her to follow me in. If I dont pick her up, she sits between my feet and wails. She has no problems with pottying in the house, she sits by the door when she needs to go out, but when it comes to getting attention she is horrible. What should I do? Should I just keep up spoiling her or try to change it? Editor's Note: Because she is only 8 weeks old, she is literally an infant. When she is a month older, you can expect more out of her. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By dmoney (Guest Post) (07/31/2007) princess i got a male puppy pitty that has that same exact face as urs.. with a black body and white socks and white tip off hes tail, very cuteeee looking. Anyways yea hes bout 5 months old now and potty trained and everything but it was EZ.. my only problem is now he mite becomming very over protective over me. my cousin visited last nite and he barked at her and tried to attack her when she hugged me, i hope she doesnt keep doing that RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By princess (Guest Post) (07/29/2007) i recently just got a 12 week old female pitbull puppy. I've learned that the easiest way to potty train them is to always take hm/her outside and whenever it goes to the bathroom outside give alot of praise. In a couple of days the puppy will start understanding what its suppose to do. Thats not to say you wont have a accident every once in a while because i did. Now she is leting me know when she has to go to the bathroom or she will hold it until i can get her outside and whenever i put her outside i stand out there to make sure she uses the bathroom.     RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By carolinecpr at the yahoo (Guest Post) (07/22/2007) i have a 6mth old pitbull/shepard mix, she is wonderful, very playful, my daugher literally sticks her hand down the dogs mouth to pull the loose teeth out, no problem potty training her,didnt take but 2 weeeks, she can sit, she knows the word off the furniture, down from jumping on us, it takes alot alot alot of patience , i dont spank or hit her, just say the word no , you have to be stern and have the stern voice, shes a wonderful protection dog as well, we recently got a german sheppard puppy and their wonderful together. i have no regrets about getting my pitbull, although with state regulations and the new ban and all starting to come out, you need to protect yourself as well so i put locks on my gates, and signs all over warning of dogs, also check with the vet make sure they can help you out as well if something comes up with your dog, they ll be able to validate how your dog is behavior wise :)ooo and watch the dog whisperer, it def very very helpful.   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By chewing problem in WV (Guest Post) (07/18/2007) I have a 7 month old female pitbull && shes my baby! But she has a horrible chewing problem! Like when we leave to go somewhere && leave her by herself for a long period of time she chews things in the house. I have the feeling its like she doesnt like being alone but I really need her to stop before it drives someone crazy! RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By frustrated in So. Illinois (Guest Post) (07/01/2007) How do I get my baby to stop jumping on everyone he meets. He is such a happy go lucky pup that he just loves everyone he meets. And loves attention so he jumps on you til he gets the attention he wants. I can get him to stop once he has done it. but I want him to not jump on people at all. I bought one of those harnesses that are suppose to keep them from jumping ( HA) doesn't work at all. So now once he does jump I tap him on the top of his head with two fingers to get his attention and command him to stop and most of the time he does. When he does other things I do not wish him to do I try to get his attention by snapping my fingers and calling his name that breaks his consentration. Please help before he gets in trouble with the law or something. I don't want to see another ban on APBT. Help me wit this pit! Post By Dmoneyyyy (Guest Post) (06/24/2007) Hello, i just got a pitbull from a friend who claimed he didnt want it because he originally got it for hes daughter but she doest like it, and on top of that it is very illegal in hes part of the state. ( MD) i decided i would take it for a couple days/weeks and see if i like it. He claims its 3-4 months old, but he isnt so sure himself...is there anyways i can tell without taking it to the vet. im afraid if i take it with out papers they will take him from me. And anytips of training it.....pleasseee help =) RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Dmoney (Guest Post) (06/24/2007) I just got a pit from a friend a day or two ago, but he couldnt keep it cuz it was illegal in hes part of the state. Anyways he tells me this dog is aboout 3-4months old, i am not sure because he claims thats what the guy told him. (very unreliable source) is there anyway to tell? and any advice on training him cuz if not i will have to get rid of him, and i dont really want to do that, cuz hes very friendly. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Jenny (Guest Post) (06/19/2007) I have had my 6 month old pit puppy for 3 weeks now and am having a hard time potty training her. I have tried being consistant and have kept her on a schedule but I don't think she is catching on. What can I do?? She is also having accidents in her crate once and awhile. Please help! :) RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By (Guest Post) (06/16/2007) NO ONE should get a dog at 3-5 weeks! that is a classic sign that the breeders know nothing about what they are doing. keeping you puppy out side Post By (Guest Post) (06/08/2007) listen m8 the one who wants to keep ur dog out side if i was u give her more blankets she is probably cold. if she keep crying ignore her. it's not nasty it's just teaching her. i have an am staff. she is friendly and everything. first when i got her out i got lots of blankets and i put hay under the blankets to keep her warm i hope i have helped training to sleep out side Post By selena 19 phx az (Guest Post) (06/05/2007) i have an 10 week old pitbull her name is star. she is not use to sleeping outside she will cry all night until we bring her in. i am wondering how to get her use to sleeping outside without crying so much!   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By (Guest Post) (05/25/2007) i have a pitbull pup and she just turned 4 months and is absolutly amazing, she has an amazing bladder to, she will not go in her kennel and was left for 9 hours because of an emergency. we take her out and walk her constantly. she is very aggressive and i try all the tips to calm her down but she seems stubborn. the sleeping with her is a great idea... except like a kid we have her stuck in our bed now lol. oh well good luck everyone with you pups. Remember mean owners make mean dogs. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By CASSANDRA MENDIETA (Guest Post) (05/17/2007) I FOLLOWED ALL THE STEPS AND MY 4 MONTH OLD FEMALE PITBULL IS SOOO SMART THANK YOU training a pitbull Post By Briane (Guest Post) (04/25/2007) I have a 4 month old brindle and he does not like to listen. He won't come when called, and i can't walk him with out him dragging me and i needed to know if anyone has any advise??? RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By michael (Guest Post) (04/19/2007) so i just got a 2 month old female pitbull, i was wondering , do puppies like to bit when they are little? my dog is always trying to bit anything and i want to know how to calm her down and play with out aggresion. does any one have any advice? thanxz   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Wil'z (Guest Post) (03/13/2007) What about clipin there ears is that ok to do? Editor's Note: From what I could see on the web there are a lot of horror stories, especially if you do it yourself. I would talk to your vet about it. It has become less and less acceptable to crop ears. Look under Crop Ears Pit Bull Here's a good link: RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By pitlover (Guest Post) (03/02/2007) i have owned a lot of dogs in my life and i find when punishing a dog or potty training its ok to rub there nose in it and give them a lil swat on the butt......not hard tho but enuff to show ur the alfamale,pack leader and none of my dogs have ever been agressive or handshy.pits are smart and learn very fast.theres no need to abuse him or her EVER.mostly i just talked in a firm voice and my pit was house trained in like 4 days.he is 4 now and one of the smartist dogs i have ever owned all i ever have to do is snap my finger and give the comand.   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Never take a puppy away from their mother before 6 weeks. This is especially important with pit bulls because it is so important that you socialize them early, and they learn things from their mother and siblings in those first six weeks that you can't teach them. Make sure to meet the parents of you dog if at all possible to make sure they have good temperments. When you take your puppy home, have your house prepared for him. Have a kennel set up. If it's a wire kennel, drap a towel over it to give it a cozy "den" like feel. Put some sort of comfy mat or bed in it, if the puppy chews on it or goes on it, remove it immediately and don't give it back until the puppy is completely house broken. Have plenty of toys available. Puppies need to chew and love to play! Have two stainless steel, non-tip bowls ready Make sure to always have water available, and wipe out the bowl and change the water if the puppy gets food in his water bowl. Buy age and breed appropriate food. When house training, never scold or "rub his nose in it" Pit bulls are very clever dogs and all he will learn from that is to go where you won't find out, and that means stains. If he does go in the house, put him outside (on a leash!) and clean it up (don't let him see you clean it up) use a good carpet cleaner and vinegar and water to neutralize the odor. Dogs like to go where they've gone before, and if you get rid of his scent, you'll reduce his urge to go in the house. Make the crate a happy place. Train the puppy to go in his crate on command, and never put him in his crate as punishment. Keep your puppy in his crate when you can't be watching him, because puppies need constant supervision. When leaving him in his crate for extended periods (try to keep them as short as possible) be sure to take him outside before hand and leave a chew bone in there for him. NEUTER OR SPAY! There are too many pit bulls out there with out homes already, we don't need anymore! It also helps with temperment and house training, and makes them much less likely to run away. Please, do the responsible thing and get all of your pets spayed or neutered. Socialize! This is especially important with dogs like pit bulls. When they're young, take them for walks to public places and allow people to pet the dog and see that they really are a sweet breed. Petco is a great place for this sort of thing. Introduce you puppy to friendly dogs in safe situations. Watch you dog carefully when doing this, and if he starts to show signs of feeling uncomfortable, take him home. Introduce you puppy to old people, young people, cats, dogs, cars, heavy traffic, and as many situations as possible, but make sure it's always fun, safe, and he's always comfortable. Teach him! A well-trained dog is a happy dog. The more tricks you teach the dog, the more well behaved he will be in general. Only use positive reinforcement and NEVER scold a dog for not doing a trick. Training is a fun time for you and the dog to bond and learn Take your dog for walks Puppies are full of energy and if you let him burn it off he will be better behaved at home and much healthier too! PLAY! It bonds you with your dog, it teaches them, it keeps them healthy, and most of all it's fun! If at all possible, play fetch with your dog instead of tug-of-war, because it's much less aggressive and fetch also teaches the dog the VERY important command of "drop". If you do want to play tug, make sure you win, it helps establish dominance. If the dog gets to "into it" tell him to drop it and take it away, replacing it with a calmer toy. Don't play rough and don't allow you puppy to bite you! Puppies love to gnaw on people (especially feet!) and this is a very bad behavior to encourage, because it can lead to biting latter on in life, and because of their reputation, if a pit bull shows any signs of aggression, it will most likely be put down. If you puppy bites, give a strong "NO!" If they persist, flip them over on their back (showing your dominance over the dog), and tell it no again. If you really want to, spray your hands with "bitter apple" or any anti-biting/chewing spray so they learn that human tastes bad! Play with you dog's ears, tail, and paws (gently!) while it's young. This helps improve the dogs patience and temperment and will make nail trimming and ear cleaning much easier down the road. Pit bulls are low-maintenance dogs, as far as grooming is concerned. Brush with a soft bristle brush, never with a wire brush, it'll hurt the dog. Shampoo only as needed, washing the dog too much can deplete it's natural oils and do more harm than good. Get the dog used to having it's teeth brushed young, it'll save you lots of money and keep you safe from dog breath. Try to "puppy-proof" your home, as well. Keep your dog away from cords, get rid of any poisonous plants, move breakable things out of the way, and get some baby-gates to keep your dog out of rooms you want to keep nice. It'll pay off in the end! Keep the name short, two syllables is usually best because it's short, but longer than most commands (sit, down, no) that could confuse the dog. There is no actual "pit bull" breed. The most common breed refered to is the American Staffordshire Terrier If at all possible, please try to rescue a pit bull instead of getting one from a breeder. There are hundreds available across the country who desperately need homes. Have fun with your dog, never hit them, and take them to the vet at least twice a year, and everything should work out just fine! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, I'd be glad to help you out!   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By (Guest Post) (02/03/2007) i just got a 7 week old pitbull yesterday...any training tips???? RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy<333 Post By animaluver (Guest Post) (01/09/2007) i dont know much but, i have been researching and i got my puppie when she was 4 weeks old ive been studying how to raise her.....and what i found was that you should Never put her in an abusive position where she feels she has to protect herself. when its bed time you should sleep with her because it makes her used to you and its a great way to bond with her. never let her deside when to go up on your lap or on the furniture you should always invite her .dont hit her for she will learn aggression,and feel she must protect herself i hope that helps but try to raise her or him with love...lots of love   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Andrew & Kelli (Guest Post) (01/01/2007) Hi, I just got a pitbull pup from a breeder and he is 3 weeks old, I have been told by people that he is too young and he's going to die. I have also been told by others that he will be fine with proper training and socialization. I was wondering what advice you could give us on things like what i should feed him and what type of discipline i should use with him. Also i was told by the breeder that he will need his first shots on the 6th week, then the 9th week, then the 12th week. Thank you soo much. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Andrew & Kelli (Guest Post) (01/01/2007) Hi, I just got a pitbull pup from a breeder and he is 3 weeks old, I have been told by people that he is too young and he's going to die. I have also been told by others that he will be fine with proper training and socialization. I was wondering what advice you could give us on things like what i should feed him and what type of discipline i should use with him. Also i was told by the breeder that he will need his first shots on the 6th week, then the 9th week, then the 12th week. Thank you soo much. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Lonnie (Guest Post) (12/25/2006) In January I am getting a 6 week old pitbull puppy! Very excited but I know it is going to be a lot of work. My husband and I both work during the day and we are trying to figure out what is best for the puppy when we are not at home. Is leaving it in the crate for 4 or 8 hours best when you are not home? Anyone have any advice on this one? RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By (Guest Post) (12/24/2006) i had a pit bull she was about 1 and a half years old we found her and took er to the humane socieity and the called th number that was in her chip the woman said that she had gotten rid of her because she had agression but the whole time we had her we had no problems she then had to get put to sleep because they didnt want to take chances :( this is a pi right befor she was put to sleep   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By sari Fontanez (Guest Post) (12/16/2006) Hi i just got a pitbull puppie as a gift from my husband. She has about a month and a few days. Her mom didn't want her for some reason. She had been in the house for almost 2 weeks and she already knows where we hide her food but now we have to change places for the food cause she cries and scratches the kitchen furniture looking for her food I'm afraid I might be feeding her too much cause she's so small. Also I have a biting problem with her, she has kind of a foot fetish. Her name is Akira and she is not responding when I call her. I don't know if I should change her name or call her more often to see if she starts responding any advice will be more than appreciated. Hugs from San Juan Puerto Rico Robert and Sari. Editor's Note: She's still very young. She will probably want to eat a lot but make sure that it is mixed with water because at her age she still would be nursing. Give it time, she's just a baby. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By christian (Guest Post) (12/14/2006) my dog is about 10weeks old its doing ok about the whole bathroom thing its pissed in the house a few times and last night in his cage?! it also has a problem with biting but i feel thats just because hes teathing i always put a toy in front of him when he starts how often should he be placed in his cage? RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post by maddiva (1) | (11/09/2006) I've had dogs my whole life. Some were abused or mistreated & others came into my life without problems. The one thing I know for sure is a dog that feels secure and loved usually ends up ok. I think you're post is quite old but I just read the most fabulous book called "American Pitbull Terriers" by Todd Fenstermacher. If I didn't know better I swear he was a pitbull in a past life. He has these dogs nailed down to a "T". Pitts are actually very submissive dogs. We all have to remember that dogs are ANIMALS & that some are born bad & some are born good just like people. If a dog comes to u that has been mistreated...it's been my experience not to punish them for bad behaviour in the beginning because they're scared, nervous etc. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Dan (Guest Post) (11/08/2006) i have a six week old pit im tryin to potty train it but its hard cause i live on the 3rd floor of an apartment complex. by the time i get downstairs the pup is scared and wont go to the bathroom. wat can i do? RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By pitbull puppy owner (Guest Post) (10/19/2006) pitbulls are not born mean like so many people think. the media has RUINED thier name. iv had pitbulls all my life, and have raised them. NONE of the pitbulls iv owned have been human aggressive, and if raised with animals, were never aggressive, if anything, just TO playfull. i agree with " pitbull Owner", puppies should never have thier faces rubbed in thier own waste, or smack them. i take my puppy out, usually right away in the morning, about a half an hour after he eats, and after he sleeps for a while, than right before i go to bed. so he doesnt have a chance to go in the house. well, i hope this helped. JUDGE THE DEED NOT THE BREED   RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By unknown ca (Guest Post) (09/02/2006) i want this new puppy but they say they are to agressive how can i train it to be friendly??? any tips on how to make sure the puppy will be fine and wont be agressive?!! RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Louise (Guest Post) (08/25/2006) why everyone seems to think that training a Pit Bull Puppy is any different than a regular dog I'll never know.yes they have a stronger personality and a harder head sometime but they're really a very smart and lovable dog.it's a shame that they've been given such a bad rap when they don't deserve it.yes there are drug dealers that teach them to be mean and as with any dog,if left chained up every day 24 hours a day they will turn out different than a dog that's been loved and cared for.and has human contact..some dogs aren't raised around kids and gets very nervous around them so keep the kids away which only makes sense. I scolded my Pit Bull puppy when he'd go pee in the floor an picked him up immediately and took him out side to a place where I wanted him to go.they smell their own p and poop and will soon get the hang of going to the same place every time.I've raised 4 of them and every one was as gentle as a Lamb.they're guard dogs but if raised right,they won't give you any trouble and will give back the love 10 times over. RE: Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By Sue (Guest Post) (08/24/2006) LOts of love and patience and love and patience. Never strike your puppy, this will only cause problesm in the futureand he will probably not know why you hit him anyway. This only causes confusion. In one weekend I trained a six week old pup and he has not used the house one time...he will be six in October. It took all weekend, but every time he started to look for a spot, I would take him outside and wait for him to do his business. they learn fast, but you must be consistent, not take him out one time ever 3 or 4 hours, he cant hold it that long. Love the puppy...he will reward you much later on. RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Post By PITBULL OWNER (Guest Post) (08/21/2006) o my goodness... never put their face in their waste, if they use it inside... just look at it and say ugh then put him or her aside where they cant see and clean it up. If you put their nose in it and clean it in front of them not only does it make them mean but it is a reward for them to see you cleaning it up. Also they dont like to potty where they sleep, they like to potty far away from their beds. Just make sure you bring it potty outside everytime they awake from a nap or cry to go outside. A lot of puppies use poop right after they eat and if they dont they will poop three hours later. You should NEVER hit a puppy, thats the worse thing to do. When it waste outside make sure you look at the waste and point while saying good job or w/e you are comfortable with. Thanks!!!! Request: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Post by moderator (1138) | (02/15/2005) I need help in potty training my 5 week old Pitbull puppy. I have a box laying on its side near his bed, and I have newspaper in it. He goes pee-pee on the paper most of the time. He only poops there when he is in the room where his bed is. If he is in another room, he will pee or poop in whatever room he is in. When he does that, I put his face close to the poop or pee, and I smack his bottom with a rolled up newspaper and tell him "no", and he goes straight to his bed. What is the best advice anyone can give me to help me train his to go either outside, or on the newspaper? I still think he is young yet, and he can't hold his bladder well yet. Any tips? Thanks in advance for anyone's help. Stephanie in New Jersey Answers: RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy I breed and raise Pit Bulls and the only advice I can give, maybe others do it differently, but I wanted my dog to learn to go outside so I started with Puppy Pads and newspapers and put them where he/she decide they want to go all the time, for some reason, my dogs always want to do it in the middle of the living room floor. So I started in the living room and eventually moved the pads/newspapers towards the kitchen, then out of the kitchen, then next to the back door until I know that when he/she goes towards the back door, then its time for a walk. Then I stop putting down newspapers or puppy pads and they do learn to go to back door and give a little cry. In the meantime, the only thing to do is watch them and when it looks like they are ready to go, take them and put them on the newspaper then they learn that that is where they need to "go". Pit bulls are VERY SMART and EASY to train- given the time and attention, and they are eager to learn. Also, maybe try giving him a treat for when he does a good job, maybe not every time, but every now and again. Good luck! Enjoy him, they grow so fast! I have a pit bull that I raised from a couple days old (I had to bottle feed her since there was a problem with mother's milk) and she is my pride and joy! She loves me as much as I love her. (Erica) (02/15/2005) By eslatham RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy I have trained several puppies over the years and have had great success. I don't like or use the paper training method. It takes twice the time and twice the work. They are trained directly to the outside. It usually takes only a week or two to house break a puppy and more often it is sooner then that. But you have to be persistent and watch them constantly. First I have found that puppies always have to go potty as soon as they wake from a nap, which is often because they sleep a lot and second they almost always have to go after they eat. I pick them up when they wake up or finish eating and put them outside immediately. I'd rather they start sniffing around outside for a place to do their business then inside the house and that way they have fewer if any accidents. They get the idea very quickly that they have to get outside to go. I would not let the puppy have any free range of the house without my eyes on it until it is house broken. Keeping confined to a cage or large carton during the night is wise. Your puppy may take a little longer due to the fact that it is younger than 8 weeks old but it will be worth it in the end. You and your puppy will be happier. (02/16/2005) By grannyz RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Your puppy shouldn't even have been taken from his mom yet. But, since he is, taken him out immediately after eating, first thing in the AM , before bed and every 2 hrs or so during the day. Tell him to go potty, and praise him with love, pats and treats when he does. It helps to take him back to where he has gone potty before so he can "smell" what he should do there. If you are not playing with him, in your lap, etc, keep in a crate. (02/16/2005) By Linda RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy I can't believe that no one told you that it is not a good thing to hit a puppy ever! Training with fear is always counter productive and you'll just end up with a fearful dog. There is no need to hit your puppy. Keeping the pup crated with a ticking clock in the crate with him will help to ease the anxiety he feels because of being taken from the mother too soon. Always take him out as soon as he's awake in the a.m. and every time he eats. It only takes a few minutes and it's worth it when he begins to ask out himself. Make a big huge fuss when he does the deed and maybe a treat. He'll soon catch on. (02/17/2005) By Bev RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Please be very careful when raising a puppy when it is so young. The ideal age to adopt a puppy is 10-12 weeks old. They should be with their mother and siblings to learn social manners. Since this pup is so young, he may not know how to interact socially. The mother dog usually keeps them in line when they misbehave. I would talk to your vet about this and either buy a book or go to the library and learn how to raise this pup without having future problems especially since he is a Pit Bull. They already have a bad reputation which I blame the owners not the dogs. All dogs need discipline. This can be done firmly without any physical harm. Good luck. (02/17/2005) By mkymlp RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Thank goodness! I read this request at work last night and couldn't reply until I got home this morning but people have already replied and said don't hit the pup! At 5 weeks this pup should still be with its mother who would be washing, (licking) its bottom to either eat the products or, when older, to get it to evacuate outside the 'nest' area. It is far to young to have any idea of bladder/bowel control, as you suspect. My first dog I got at 14 weeks of age so she was easy - every time she trotted around sniffing I assumed she was looking for a place to 'go'. I then took her into the garden until she did go - with lots of praise and loud exclamations! Some times we 'missed' and I spent 15 minutes in my nightdress in the garden for nothing but most times she did the business. She only ever wee'd in the house 3 times in her life before she became old and weak Even when her arthritis was so bad she could barely walk and we were lying on the veranda waiting for the vet to come and euthanize her she managed to stagger to her feet and walk to the edge of the veranda to wee. My second dog, a Jack Russell, I got at 8 weeks old so that took a little bit longer but once he got it, by the same method, he would rather burst than wee in the house. Unfortunately my third dog doesn't agree with this method(!) and would wee anywhere, anytime, from a pup, so lives outside unless I am home. I don't disagree with the 'rolled newspaper' fright method - but for a dog who knows what is 'right' and for some, non medical, reason has slipped up. And it must be done when the dog is 'in the act', not for instance when you get home and find the puddle. You are obviously a caring owner to ask for tips so why not invest in a cheap book on puppy/dog training - it will be much less frustrating if you know what to expect. Regards (02/19/2005) By Jo Bodey RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy My puppy's dad was 1/2 pitbull. Training has been an adventure but they do get the idea quickly. He is young so you will have to have more patience with him. He should learn to go outside only and I hope he has been to the vet for shots as well. You have to catch him in the act to tell him no, taking him back to it after the fact won't work. He won't know what you are talking about. He needs to go out often, I took mine out every 30 minutes when not in his crate. Use lots of praise, even if you look like an idiot and watch him closely. Mine will be 6 months this weekend and he sits next to me and stairs when he wants to go out and if I don't move he barks. So listen to him as well. (02/23/2005) By AJM1271 RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy I just adopted an 8 week old pitbull puppy from a dog rescue four days ago and today is the first time she didn't go in the house. I put myself on a schedule after I figured out she needs to go ALL THE TIME. I was advised that crate training was the best method so I put it to work. Hope it works for you! Luckily I have a lot of time on my hands and If I'm not there I have my boyfriend to take over, because ITS TIME CONSUMING. Wake up early, let her out of the crate, bring her directly out to go potty (HIGHLY PRAISE HER when she goes), bring her DIRECTLY back in (not play time), feed her, play with her for about 15-20 minutes, Go potty again, and after I lure her back into crate with her toys and treats broken up. Then I get ready for my day. Then let her out again before I leave the house, let her go back into her crate (pet her and give her treats while she is getting used to going into the crate...Never force her in) The puppy will probably whine a little at first while in the crate but just talk to her to let her know you are still around and DON"T take her out if she starts whining because she will think that is what gets her out. Throughout the day, my boyfriend or I will let her out of the crate, bring her directly out to pee, play with her and then let her back in. When I am home for a few hours, I put her crate in the kitchen and block off all entries to other parts of the house that way I can be around while she plays inside or outside of the crate getting used to it and she's not locked up in it ALL DAY. I try to feed her around the same times everyday and repeat the routine. When she is done eating I put away her food dish so she is not nibbling on food all day. If I need to do stuff in other parts of the house I let her go potty first then I keep her only in the room I am in and CAREFULLY WATCH her. Once you hear sniffing, don't even wait for her... just pick her up and bring her out. At night, I tell her to "go to bed" while luring her in with treats again and shut off all the lights in that room. She whines for about 5 minutes but I sit in the other room telling her I'm still here and everything is okay. She actually settles down and goes to sleep. We wake up 2 or 3 times in the middle of the night to let her out because we found that she will not make it through the night. The first two nights were miserable waking up to her crying, but last night and hopefully tonight things were MUCH better! I hope this helps! Also, make sure the crate is just the right size for them to sleep in and move around a little because if it is too big they will go on the other end of the crate! I bought two really good books on Pitbulls and training puppies and so far so good! (03/10/2005) By bali01 RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy This may be too late for advice, but my pitbull puppy is 2 and 1/2 months old, and she catches on rather fast, she is down to only going in the house maybe once every 2 or 3 days, but she still messes up, I am use to training boneheaded dogs, so when i yell at her she gets a hurt expression, and that makes me feel bad, lol. The hardest part you'll encounter is moderating the "punishment" to the right levels, I never hit the dog, I use a newspaper to make a loud noise on something around her as to get her attention, if you hit them with your hands they'll actually start to mope and shy away when you try to pet them, thats a big part of training a dog. Remember, be a leader, not a boss. (06/28/2005) By logicalbomb RE: Potty Training Puppies Make use of dogs' most important sense of smell to potty train them. As they grow, they choose their potty places by smell. Put newspaper where they seem to have accidents. After they have used the paper, place the used (and smelly) paper where you want them to go. Then take them to their "place" after meals and at potty break time. For young puppies, this must be frequently, as their systems need time to mature and build their potty habits. Be sure to keep clean paper in the areas where they have accidents until they have built their habits to go where you want them to go! (10/12/2005) By wonfivegolf RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy bring your dog out side every 30 minutes and he will eventually know to hold it in until you bring him outside (02/02/2006) By jamie RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Pit Bull Puppies need constant attention and communication. It's imperative that you use the "happy voice and the unhappy voice" with your puppy so that they will be able to distinguish the two "tones." You must "connect" with your puppy and know when he or she is about to go to the bathroom. This will happen as soon as the puppy wakes up or soon after they eat. When they start to "sniff" it's pee time! When they "sniff" and then "circle" while "sniffing" it's poop time! You must watch your puppy at all times because they will send you signals, you must catch them in the act of going where they are not suppose too and execute action and take them where they are suppose to go. Keep a set schedule when you take them out and stick to it, don't change it! Remember, YOU ARE THE ONE BEING TRAINED NOT THE PUPPY! THIS IS A PIT BULL AND YOU HAVE TO BE THE ONE IN CONTROL ALL ALL TIMES! Make time for your puppy, it's a lot of work! It will pay off in the long run. If you can't put in the time you may have purchased the wrong breed to deal with. Do the research, check out the literature on Pit Bulls! You'll find all the answers there. I did this long before I picked my puppy dog up. I already knew what I was in for. All I have to do now is look at my Pit Bull and she reacts! Follows me even without me having to call her. AND THIS IS AT 10 WEEKS! IMAGINE IN 1 YEAR! GOOD LUCK! (05/12/2006) By Bruce RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy You could also try a product which is sold at petsmart. It could be sold at walmart I'm not sure though. it teaches your pet where to urinate. It comes in a spray bottle and you can spray it in a certain part of your yard or on a newspaper or puppy pad. I have several pits and they have all adapted to using a puppy pad because I spayed this. Also, for biting, you can try YUCK it leaves a bitter taste in the puppy's mouth so it teaches them to stop biting. this also can be found at petsmart. (06/01/2006) By sarha RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy I found an adorable Brindle walking down a main street he was underfeed and it was about 90 degrees outside. I already have a 5 year pitbull mix and she was easy to train I have a strong feeling that this pup was mistreated and let go because of his stubbornness not to go outside I am trying my best not to lose my cool but today alone aI have picked up 3 gross piles. I popped him on the rear with a towel and he dropped to the floor in the fetal position. I believe that he can make a good pet I have two children and I won't leave him in the room alone because I know he has a bad past what should I do I won't take him to the shelter because I'm attached and the shelter are overcrowded. (06/02/2006) By Tracy RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Don't smack him, it might lead to aggression. A pitbull puppy has a very weak bladder so it will need to go outside every hour to eliminate what is inside of it. (06/09/2006) By paige RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy This is how i have potty trained all of my dogs in the past... Any time my puppies have had to go pee I just take them out back and I pee in the backyard so the puppy sees where to go pee... the puppy without fail will associate the back yard to peeing... and eventually pooping. The longest it has taken me to Potty train any of my puppies was probably 3 days. You just have to make sure that the puppy follows you out to the back yard... now, for a lady trying to train a puppy, you might want to have a guy do it, it might be a bit easier. (06/10/2006) By Jimmy RE: Potty Training a Pitbull Puppy Never put their face in their waste, if they use it inside... just look at it and say ugh then put him or her aside where they can't see and clean it up. If you put their nose in it and clean it in front of them not only does it make them mean but it is a reward for them to see you cleaning it up. Also they don't like to potty where they sleep, they like to potty far away from their beds. Just make sure you bring it potty outside every time they awake from a nap or cry to go outside. A lot of puppies poop right after they eat and if they don't they will poop three hours later. You should NEVER hit a puppy, that's the worst thing to do. When he/she goes outside make sure you look at the waste and point while saying "good job". (08/21/2006) By PITBULL OWNER