Grooming
Because American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are low shedders, they require less grooming compared to other breeds with high-maintenance coats. You only need to brush them once a week with a rubber mitt or firm bristle brush to remove any excess or dead hair. Want to make that coat really gleam? Just go over it with a damp cloth afterwards to smooth it out even further.
You don’t want to bathe your dog too often as this can dry out and irritate their skin. Every four to six weeks with a hypoallergenic dog shampoo should suffice. You can also do a spot clean or quick rinse in between if your pet has been playing in dirt or mud. Get step-by-step instructions from a professional groomer on how to bathe your dog.
Brush their teeth daily. Just like other dogs, Pitties can be prone to dental problems like tartar buildup, bad breath and bacterial infections—all of which can lead to more serious health issues down the road. So, it’s important to keep their teeth healthy. Ask your vet how to get your puppy used to regular tooth brushing from a young age (watch our how to video here) and don’t forget to bring them in for a professional cleaning every year.
Clip your American Pit Bull Terrier’s nails every couple of weeks to prevent cracking or breaking. (Get step-by-step instructions on trimming dog nails here.) You’ll know it’s time when you hear them clicking across your hardwood floor or their paws get caught up in the carpet. Try to schedule this during their down time, after they’ve been out for a long walk or feel relaxed after a satisfying meal. It will be easier on both of you as your pet is less likely to squirm in your arms.
When grooming, check their ears for signs of infection, like foul smells or discharge, rashes, redness or swelling. If you do notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet right away.
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Training
Between their irresistible zest for life and their ability to make instant buddies wherever they go, a well-trained American Pit Bull Terrier dog is a joy to behold. The trick is to start socialization and obedience training when your pup is young (starting at 8 weeks old), so they have time to get into a comfortable routine and bond with you. An uber-intelligent American Pit Bull Terrier puppy lives to please, so lots of love is the key to their heart, along with rewards, treats and positive reinforcement techniques. While they respect confident pet parents who set and enforce boundaries, you should never act aggressively as it may teach your dog to only respond to aggression in the future.
Like many dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers benefit from a consistent and positive training program. From getting your pup used to a variety of people and situations to going on doggy dates, early socialization should be your top priority. Training your dog to keep focused on you even in the presence of unfamiliar pets will allow you to hold as much control in the dog park as in your living room. Keeping them on a leash while outdoors may be necessary to help them play nice with other dogs they’re meeting for the first time (and depending on where you are, it may be the law to keep dogs leashed). Watch our tutorial on how to leash train your dog.
Because of their smarts and lovable nature, this breed is a lot of fun to train and also does well in advanced dog sports, like agility, obedience and weight pulling. As they show off their brawn and brains, your pup will make you proud to be their pet parent!
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Diet
American Pit Bull Terriers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to choose a food that meets nutritional standards set by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) and to factor in their age and stage in life (puppy, adult, senior) when choosing the right formula for them. Your veterinarian can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific diet.
When rewarding your American Pit Bull Terrier for good behavior, look for training treats, which are usually small in size. Remember, treats count toward their total calorie intake for the day and should make up no more than 10% of their overall diet.
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Exercise
To keep American Pit Bull Terriers happy and healthy, you should exercise their bodies as well as their minds. Doing activities together is essential as leaving these dogs to their own devices could mean trouble, along with an unexpected crater or two in the backyard. So schedule at least one to two hours of intense activities every day and forget about penciling that in. For this commitment, you’ll have to use permanent marker because the couch is simply not an option for these high-energy pups.
Running or jogging together, playing tug-of-war games, Frisbee or flyball, and agility obstacle courses are all great ways to meet these dog’s high exercise needs and let them vent out their energy. When out for a walk, Pitties love to sniff and explore everything in sight. Allow it happily, as this easily excitable breed finds the game of scent especially relaxing (whatever works!). Don’t forget to alternate those leisurely walks with lots of training tricks, dog puzzles and mental challenges to keep this brainy dog both focused and entertained.
As with any games you might play with dogs, make sure to regulate your pup’s excitement and intensity so it doesn’t escalate into unwanted behaviors like nipping or growling.
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Environment
Strutting their stuff for their pet parents is central to the American Pit Bull Terrier’s personality. Whether they’re jumping in the air to catch a Frisbee or leisurely sniffing the daisies along their morning route, they just want to be by your side.
These loyal companions have a lot of energy and need to be taken out for intense activities every day without fail, so they do best in spacious environments where they can expend their energy and with pet parents who will make time for them. Slackers need not apply. The American Pit Bull Terrier breed can be excellent family members and loving with kids and other pets as well. The one caveat: As with any dog, they must be socialized properly and consistently and supervised to ensure their playtime doesn’t get too rough. Because they are so chummy with strangers, you don’t have to worry about hosting dinner parties. They will enjoy nothing more than adding friends to their ever-expanding roster!
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