Many experts will suggest that using a handheld tool called a clicker is much more effective during positive reinforcement training because it ensures that your dog hears the exact same sound each time they succeed in following a command appropriately and that helps them to more easily identify the correct behavior. The confidence you will have in your dog with their ability to act appropriately in different situations is priceless. To prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition that bulldogs are susceptible to, feed your bulldog 2 or 3 smaller, non-fatty meals a day, and limit your dog's activity after eating for at least an hour so it doesn't drink a lot of water at once. To raise an American bulldog, feed it a high-quality puppy food designed for large breeds until it reaches 18 months of age. This is normal to expect at this time of their life. We will discuss commands they should be able to learn based on age and when to start incorporating more training and socialization. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 296,443 times. Eat what you want first, and then share your leftovers with him. If left alone too often they can develop destructive behaviors. Research source. Daily exercise should consist of 30-40 minutes of varied activity that can include, but is not limited to, running, hiking, swimming, weight-pulling, and agility. Your information is awesome. Some dog training methods are based on what makes the owner feel good, rather than what on actually makes sense to the dog. Please speak to a certified professional before making important decisions regarding the lives of your loved ones. All rights reserved. You will need to stay calm and show no aggression as the bulldog will mimic you or become defensive. A good place to start training is obviously potty training during this early stage for your American Bulldog. Thanks!. American bulldogs are easier to clean than English bulldogs because they have less wrinkles and more flexibility to clean themselves. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. When introducing your dog to a cat, don't let the animals see each other right off the bat. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Despite being very strong-willed, an American Bulldog can be trained to socialize appropriately and respect an owner who is willing to display a matching level of confidence as well as the loving and consistent structure and training. Once your dog understands how to act around their friends, they shouldnt have any problem socializing with any other dogs or people. Dog Training What Works, and What Doesn't American Bulldogs are a wonderful and loving addition to any home but they do come with a hefty list of dos and donts because of their size, energy levels, and stereotypes. Public Classes? Your article helped me understand the breed. "A neighbor has an American bulldog. Training your dog for good behaviors is not only for you; this also keeps them, other animals and people safe as well. "Respect Training" is the dog training method I use and recommend for training American Bulldogs. Over time, they should start understanding what you want, and after a few weeks, you can remove the treats, and they wont look for them anymore. The first year can be difficult and frustrating, but understand that you are building a foundation for the behavior you desire for the rest of their life. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Bostons first Fear Free Certified Clinic. ", putting in the time with the puppy to properly train and socialize it. Should you choose to adopt a puppy of this breed, it is important to keep in mind their energetic and tenacious dispositions. Using positive reinforcement can be a very effective training method. Now, treats can be great motivators for training American Bulldogs, but if your dog will only obey for a treat, then he is in charge of his obedience, not you. When your dog has succeeded in performing your command, also be sure to praise them consistently. Training your American bulldog can seem like a daunting task, and while it is time-consuming, it is worth the work. While you may think you need to wait until they are older to train them, it is actually better for your dog to start training as early as 6-8 weeks. Private Lessons? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This article was co-authored by Brian Bourquin, DVM. Some basic commands to start teaching your dog are: You want to use positive reinforcements rather than negative or discipline. Expect to take an American bulldog to the potty every 15-30 mins for the first few weeks until they start getting control of their bladder. Last Updated: May 6, 2021 For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to train and socialize your American bulldog, read on! The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. If you think that your American Bulldog is becoming overheated or can't catch its breath, this could be an emergency situation that will need medical assistance from your veterinarian. Home > Dog Breed Reviews > American Bulldog > Training, American Bulldog Training and Puppy Training, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. If this happens, rinse its eyes thoroughly with clean water. send your dog away to be trained? American bulldogs need consistent cleaning. It will take a few weeks for an American bulldog puppy to pick up the habit. When given these things, an American Bulldog is quick to learn. Once they are used to that, add in a wet towel or paper towel and slowly start the grooming process. I recommend these dog training videos, which are based on respect and leadership. Attempting to train them on several skills all at once will be too much for the dog to learn and will only result in you and them becoming very frustrated. Not every dog is the same, and you need a breed that works well with your lifestyle and allergies. Take your introductions slow! Can French Bulldogs Eat Pineapple Safely? See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, Dog Training What Works, and What Doesn't, Puppy Training Made Easy: 4 Things You MUST Do Right, Puppy Training Schedule: What to Teach (and When), Teach Your American Bulldog To Respect You, These Dog Training Videos Turned Buddy Into a Good Dog. Despite the short sleek coat of hair, they shed a surprising amount and their lost hair can be difficult to get off of fabrics in general. But From Where? + How To Serve It The Right Way, Are Cucumbers Good For French Bulldogs? The effort, however, is well worth it. [read more], Puppy Training Schedule: What to Teach (and When) [read more], Housebreaking Your American Bulldog Utilize that inherent playfulness to conduct what is referred to as play training. So here they are your two keys to housebreaking. [read more], Socializing Your American Bulldog [read more], Solving Behavior Problems Good, experienced breeders take the time to breed dogs so that there are less chance of these health conditions. We Investigate, Can French Bulldogs Eat Mango? wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Dogs of this breed do best with owners who are active and maintain an interest in developing their athletic natures and abilities as well as their talents for techniques such as running, hunting, weight pulling, agility, and obedience. There are many helpful books and articles that can be found on the topic of play training to aid you in your endeavors. You can socialize your dog by taking it to public areas and allowing it to have positive experiences with new people and pets. Don't forget to introduce cats, children, and anything else that you want your dog to be familiar and comfortable with as well. Virtually all of your dog's behaviors (good and bad) are created by the way you're living with him. The average adult weight for a male American Bulldog is between 100-150 pounds and for a female is between 65-90 pounds. As a general rule of thumb, look for dog food that contains ingredients you can pronounce so you're not buying foods with a lot of unhealthy additives, colors, and dyes. Training your American Bulldog puppy doesn't have to be a struggle. Train your American Bulldog with a fast and effective course that will transform your dog into the perfect pet!CLICK HERE for your $1 trial! Teaching your dog to respect you means interacting with him in specific ways that encourage respect. This breed is known as an excellent family dog and, through proper socialization with people, dogs, and cats, they will be extremely friendly to anyone they meet. Approved. Socializing means training your American Bulldog to get along politely with strangers and other animals. Must-Know Dangers & Benefits, Can French Bulldogs Eat Watermelon? I don't think the neighbor is, "I am a first time dog owner of a 9 week old American bulldog. You can easily train other dogs behaviors when you are comfortable with the owner and the other dog yourself. sign up for a group obedience class? Another important technique is to assign one specific command word or phrase to each command. Your veterinarian will also make recommendations for items such as monthly heartworm preventive, flea & tick preventive, and deworming protocols based on the season and specific region you live in. How many times a day should you feed an American Bulldog puppy? more tips and tricks for training bulldogs. There are four simple things you can do right now to change your pup's behavior and make training easy. American bulldogs are large and strong, so it is important to teach them not to jump on or lunge at other people and animals. % of people told us that this article helped them. A daily schedule for an American bulldog puppy will look something like this: Of course, your schedule may look a bit different, but the biggest things you need to pay attention to are that mealtimes, playtimes, and bedtimes are as regular as possible. There are many different factors to take into account when considering an American Bulldog as a companion. Now, is that true or false? In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. read a book? B to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. You can begin teaching your dog basic commands once they hit six months or earlier if you feel like they are ready for it. Ideally an American Bulldog puppy should have this done at around six months of age. The American Bulldog is known for its muscular build and great strength. Your bulldog's recovery time shouldn't be long, but it's important that you keep your dog relaxed and prevent it from licking its wound while it heals. What Is Pigeon Chest On A French Bulldog? This will help to avoid any excess moisture from developing into an irritating skin issue called fold dermatitis. Keep them in separate rooms and allow them to smell each other under the closed door. Varying your words for the same command can serve to confuse your dog. As a canine behavioral consultant, one of the most common claims I hear about dogs is this: All a dog needs is love. Remember that training your dog is much like teaching a small child. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html, http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2115&aid=950, http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/spaying-neutering.html, http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/selecting-a-dog/choosing-a-breed/american-bulldog-choosing-an-american-bulldog, http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=402, http://www.bulldogsworld.com/health-and-medical/health-bulldog, http://www.bulldogsworld.com/puppy/puppy-and-older-bulldog-socialization. This highlights the fact that when you are standing for training, you retain the dominant role. Just two, but you have to get them both right. About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. Whatever your puppy does, you must react properly or he will learn the wrong things. DogsByNina.com and its writers are not liable for any incorrect information on this site. No matter what your American Bulldog's personality is, this breed is very protective and will more than likely be an excellent security system for your home and family. Over several days let them get closer to each other on a regular basis, all while keeping a hold of both. You, of course, want to start simple and work your way into harder things. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If your puppy isnt at this stage yet, just remember that they are still young, and it may take another month or so for them to learn. When trained and socialized well, American Bulldogs have the tools they need to judge a situation and decide when everything is OK or when they may need to act on their natural guarding instincts. [1] Other physical factors to consider are the amount of slobbering and drooling, gassiness and future serious health problems that you, as owner, want to deal with. Our writing staff comprises professional industry experts, veterinary technicians, animal trainers with a focus on animal psychology, and people who care deeply about the welfare of all animals, large and small. It is also important to consider the prejudice that is held by the media and public towards any breed that resembles a pit bull. Discuss this procedure with your veterinarian during your regular puppy visits or at the first visit after adopting an adult dog. 3 Delightful Recipes To Try, What Is The Normal Size And Weight For An American Bulldog? If your puppy knows how their day will go, they can prepare for things and learn how to wait for food and bathroom breaks. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? [Top Plans Compared]. You will need to be completely focused on this routine. Obedience schools can be a good option from the very beginning or to correct unwanted behaviors. As soon as you bring your American Bulldog home, you need to create a routine that will help them learn what their days will look like. All a Dog Needs is Love And I mean 100% right, not 50% right. [read more], True or False? A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." A deeper dive into the nutrition behind your pet food and what makes a good meal for your dog. Important Numbers. This is considerably more important if you choose to share your food with your puppy. Send the right messages and you will have no problems with your dog. As early as you can, find 4-5 friends that have small dogs or puppies that you can regularly get together with, so your dog can learn how to act around other animals. Allowing him to eat simultaneously with you can lead to him thinking that your food is as much his as yours and can increase the possibility of your pup developing the habit of taking food right from your plate or anyone elses whenever he wants it. The earlier you introduce a schedule and regular routines, the easier it will be for you as they grow and adapt to normal life changes. For your dog to successfully learn skills well and for maximum retention, you have to space out their training through their first year. This will also allow you to ensure the dogs that you pick will treat your dog well rather than fearing aggression issues. Feeding your puppy a large-breed dog food will ensure it gets all the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Dog training videos. unlocking this expert answer. By using our site, you agree to our. We have only had her for 4 days now and. Also, restrict your dogs activity for at least an hour after feeding and discourage them from drinking large amounts of water at one time. The American Bulldog is a loyal, protective, energetic, and confident breed. This is also effective in forming a tight bond of camaraderie between you and your new companion and will help to establish their love and loyalty towards you. I didnt want a small dog, but didnt have space for a large dog either. Your dog will learn better social skills when they are commonly around the same few animals rather than random interactions. After they get used to each other's smell, let them see each other from a distance. Training any dog, no matter the age takes patience and discipline for both you and your dog. Start the training by giving treats every time your dog gets into the position you are asking for, even if its you doing it for them. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. Private Lessons? [read more], Teach Your American Bulldog To Respect You 9-11am Playtime/naptime/potty breaks every 30 mins, 11 am-1 pm Food (if needed for smaller bellies), naptime/potty breaks every 30 mins, 1-5 pm Playtime/potty breaks/crate training for 10 mins at a time, 6-10pm calm downtime/snuggles/potty breaks/bedtime. Dog Training Books? [read more], Teach The Right Words In The Right Ways Try not to plan any trips or big events during this time. Due to their stubborn nature, training your American Bulldog can be frustrating and exhausting at times. Once your puppy hits six months of age, they should know how to play well with other dogs, have significantly fewer potty accidents, and eat and sleep on a regular schedule. There are day school options if you want your dog to come home at night, but this requires some work from you with keeping a very rigid schedule. "My son and I just adopted a 4-year-old American bulldog, and she is great. Otherwise you're going to end up with a dog who is 50% potty trained, and who wants that? Send the wrong messages and you will have problems. Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Worms In Dogs? It will be easier to show your puppy this, at this young stage, when they are still learning and exploring their environment. Routine physical exams, which can include fecal exams, a heartworm test, and routine blood work will help detect any health issues that need to be addressed in order to maintain your American Bulldog's long-term health. watch a few videos? Insight into medicine and products that can keep your dog safe and away from harm for a healthy life. Here's my recommended schedule (what to teach, when to teach it) for training your American Bulldog puppy. Expert Interview. If you are having issues with your dog wanting to learn or dont seem to listen to you, you could look into training classes or schools specializing in breed-specific training. My method of training American Bulldogs includes teaching specific words in specific ways so that your dog not only learns the words but also develops the respectful attitude that makes him happy to obey you. We discuss all things dogs here, even the odd rant or two, along with the best recommendations and advice. American Bulldogs have been known to live 8-15 years and to grow up to 22-34 inches (55.0-86.4 cm). Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. These dogs are also not hypoallergenic. This is an important part of raising an American Bulldog. But From Where? When training your American bulldog, you have to be prepared to teach them in stages. Public Classes? You also need to remember that they do not know how to act in any situation, and it is your job to teach them; this is why you are training them. References The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. If an American Bulldog respects you and wants to please you, you will have a very loyal dog standing next to you. The Best Dog Toothpastes For Healthy Pet Teeth. When owners and new friends are calm, your puppy will be in a better state to learn and explore. Due to the regularity that this needs to happen, you need to get your dog used to grooming. Teaching at least basic obedience is vital to their socialization as well as your mental and physical well being. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. There is no better way to keep your dog at his happiest than to engage with him in his favorite activities. [read more], Puppy Training Made Easy: 4 Things You MUST Do Right Dog Training Videos. [read more]. By one year, your dog should be socialized around other pets and people and accidents should be almost nonexistent. It is important for the owner of an American Bulldog to be prepared to be consistent in taking needed measures to ensure avoiding legal liabilities such as insurance problems, public perception, the higher possibility of lawsuits and even the future banning of this breed. Proper socialization teaches them to recognize good guys and bad guys and to respond appropriately in each situation. A very effective method for teaching is to keep your lessons short. Remember that when you get a dog you want to avoid bad breeding situations, for example puppy mills. If your dog seems to be friendly, comfortable, and welcomes the interaction, praise it for its good behavior and gradually allow more interaction off-leash and in larger areas. No matter how your American bulldog is trained, as long as they are well-loved and behave appropriately in every setting, you have done well as an owner. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Best practices would be: Also be mindful that during this infancy stage, the American bulldog puppy will also need to be fed more frequently due to rapid growth and exertion of energy. We took her to the vet and she was better than we expected. Veterinarian. X Reviews of the best commercial pet grooming products to keep your pooch looking fresh. Puppy training starts the moment you bring your puppy home. If you see the signs of any of these conditions, for instance, if you suspect that your dog cannot hear you or your dog is in pain while walking (a sign of developing hip dysplasia), it is best to get your dog checked by its vet. Without socialization, your new dog may be suspicious of all new people and animals, which can lead to unwanted behaviors, such as biting. Early socialization will help your dogs learn that other animals and humans are generally not a threat. These dogs are known for their strong will and should belong to a person that is willing to work hard with them to establish a dominant role in the relationship. My answer is almost always the same, no matter what the misbehavior is. [read more], These Dog Training Videos Turned Buddy Into a Good Dog By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Try to keep them on hard surfaces if possible while indoors to make cleaning any accidents up easy. Young American Bulldogs tend to have short attention spans. Support wikiHow by My answer might surprise you! Im now great pals with my dog Bruce., The reviews helped me to look after my dogs hair and nails. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can start including other sorts of training into their daily routine. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Raise-an-American-Bulldog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Raise-an-American-Bulldog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Raise-an-American-Bulldog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid50052-v4-728px-Raise-an-American-Bulldog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"