Body checking bully

Question
I have 10 month old pitbull he is a very nice dog but when we are on walks and he is loose he greets runners, walkers, others with dogs by bodychecking their legs.  He gets right between the dog & owner and rubs right up to them.  Then he takes off one way and then hurls back towards me or the owner and bumps very ahrd into the legs!!  He is not aggressive at all, I assure you he is a real lover but this is his failing.  I am already having to train him on leash & now I am feeling i need to grab him any time soemone approaches.  Why is he doing this is it aggressive or he has no  manners.  Thanks Shannon

Answer

Hi Shannon,

It doesn't sound as though your puppy is aggressive, just over-enthusiastic, and maybe a little out of control! Of course, some people might be put off having a Pit Bull charging at them, so this behavior is something which needs correction.

Not letting your puppy off the leash in public areas where he has the chance to charge at people is a good start in preventing the behavior. You should also be working with him on obedience commands such as "heel", "stay" and "down" which would make him controlable even when off the leash.

The best place to teach a dog or puppy obedience commands is at a dog obedience class. You see, it's not just the dog who must learn, it's the owners too. In a class, your dog learns how to obey, but you learn how to lead! A class offers successful training in the shortest amount of time, but you still need to practice the lessons taught in class, everyday at home.

Your veterinarian or local boarding kennel can probably recommend a dog obedience class to you, or you can find them in your yellow pages under dog training.

Until your puppy is reliably trained to come when called, or to stop on a dime from a full run when told to stay, use a long leash or a retractable leash outside to give him some freedom while still allowing you to maintain control.

Obedient, trustworthy dogs are a product of a lot of dedication and commitment on the part of their owners!

Best of luck,
Patti