How to train a 1 yr old pitbull

Question
I now own a 1 yr. old male pitbull, and the recent owners had him on a chain, so he's very hyper. I have a 9 month old son and I want to be able to train him to be calm around everyone, especially my son. But my question is, how can I train a my dog to listen when he's been on a chain most of his life? Is there any way to train him being a yr. old?

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm  See the additional page on children and dogs.  

Just getting him off the chain and into the house with you may make a big difference before long.  Since well done material on obedience training is available other places, I don't try to cover it.  I will try to help with an specific questions you have.  Thank you for giving him a better home.