American Pitbull Training

Question
Hi,  I have a beautiful 10 month American Pitbull.  I am teaching her not to pull on a lead by stopping everytime she pulls.  This has been working, However, whenever she see's another dog or person she pulls and is too strong for me to stand in one spot.  What can I do so she doesnt pull?

Answer
Hello - I apologize it took me so long to get back to you. (I went on vacation and forgot to change my status.  I'm still kinda new here)  

First of all, Pitbulls are great dogs.  But they are very stubborn!  I have worked with a lot of pit bulls, and the one major problem we have always run in to is the fact that they are so strong!  Strong + Stubborn = new arm socket!

So, our solution has been to use pinch collars.  Some people disagree with this method, but it has always worked in situations like this.  First, a pinch collar is for training purposes only!  Never use it for normal walks once your dog is trained.  It basically simulates an alpha dog nipping on the their neck if they get out of line.  If you are nervous about getting one, go to the store and try one on your arm, you will see that it doesn't really hurt (especially on their tough neck skin).  They do not hurt the dog if used right.  Second, it should be a quick tug on the pinch collar when trying to correct behavior, not a long pull or yank.  Use it for 10-15 minute training sessions at first so as not to freak him out.  Try to train when your dog has been taken for a little walk first to expel some energy.  Also, a training lead should only be 3 feet long.

The "stop method" for training is good, but I suggest trying some attention training first.  To do this, put the loop end of the lead around the thumb of the hand on the opposite side the dog is, then wrap the lead over your thumb and through your palm on the hand that is the same side your dog is, keeping it close enough to the collar so you can tug the lead when needed without having to yank too hard but far enough away that you can walk comfortably.  (basically lay the lead over your thumb from outside to inside so the slack leading down to the dog's collar is in the palm of your hand and just close your hand around it) This is hard to explain in writing but could be shown to you in 30 seconds, so bear with me.

Next, start walking in a direction and then just turn around and go the other direction at 15-5 step intervals.  DON"T STOP or tug on the lead!  Keep your body relaxed and don't tense when you are going to turn either.  And turn in the opposite direction the dog is on at first (ie. if he is on your left, turn to the right.)  He will basically have to follow you or he gets dragged.  Don't hesitate when you turn and start walking the other direction.  He will eventually learn that, "hey, this chick is all over the place, I better pay attention to where she is going or I'm going to get dragged!"  You will know it works when it feels like he is almost part of your body and he will most likely look up at you over and over again.  When he gets that down, turn in to him using your knee in his side (GENTLY) to let him know what your directional intent is.  It should feel to you that your knee softly is making contact with him just before you turn.  Also, don't look down at him (very important).  Just go where you want to go and expect him to follow.  Keep her close to you when training.

After a few days of this, try the stop method.  It should work better.  And remember to praise her every so often when he does a good job.  Treats are good too if not used every time!   

Then after a couple of weeks, distractions dropped near her path will help with the distraction training.  Start walking her and have a friend gently toss a bean bag or piece of meat near her while you are walking.  (start with small distractions, then go to more tempting ones).  If she even hesitates to check it out, quick tug on the lead and make a noise (like AHH! or CHH!) and keep walking.  

When she is good with these things she is ready to be publicly walked without expecting her to act out.  Also, when you do walk her around distractions it is important that you don't tense up when you see something that may distract her coming up.  She WILL feel it through the lead!

I am glad you asked this question, and you are willing to work with her.  We need more people like you to show the world pitties are great dogs too!

Good Luck!