American Bulldogs are widely loved for their loyalty, devotion, playful nature and natural guarding instincts, making them an ideal addition to any family once adequately trained. Widely referred to as “worker dogs”, these friendly dogs were often used as farm stock dogs. But does this mean they’re easy to train?
Keep reading for our extensive guide on all the different types of training your American Bulldog will need.
Yes, American Bulldogs need to be trained. Because of their high energy levels, these dogs are certainly not pets for dog owners who lead a more sedentary lifestyle, and they require training to ensure they’re sociable, housebroken and obedient.
American Bulldogs are naturally domineering and energetic, so if this particular dog breed goes untrained, they can develop destructive behaviours and even become a hazard.
Yes. American Bulldogs are highly trainable, adaptable and friendly dogs. Still, they require an active pet parent willing to “play rough” sometimes to train them – with appropriate toys, of course!
Firstly, it’s essential to socialise your American Bulldog puppy from a young age, as it’s paramount that your dog becomes accustomed to other animals and people. Due to their fiercely protective nature and stocky physique, these dogs benefit more from respect and socialisation training than basic obedience training.
Most Bulldogs also excel at dog sports, where they can interact with other dogs or an individual dog. They possess a good nature and interact well with bigger and smaller dogs. The benefits of early socialisation with other pets are essential during early dog training.
Other American Bulldog training includes:
Toilet training for your American Bulldog should start when you bring your puppy home, which can be as young as eight weeks old. It is crucial to get your pet housebroken as quickly as possible.
When you notice your Bulldog squatting or circling, direct it to its designated “poop area”, and once it has relieved itself, reward it. Repeat this behaviour until it becomes second nature to the dog.
Veterinarians and professional dog trainers suggest that the best age to start toilet training is around 12 to 16 weeks. This is the recommended age when the dog completely controls its bladder and bowel movements.
Vets recommend taking your American Bulldog puppy outside every hour to the spot where you want them to relieve themselves for at least a week. They also suggest removing all food and water before bedtime and implementing potty breaks.
First, take your Bulldog puppy on the leash and show it to its designated potty spot in the yard. Encourage your Bulldog puppy to relieve themselves in this particular spot and reward them with their favourite treat when they do.
You should take your furry friend outside every few hours during the initial stages of potty training. Dog trainers say that repetition of a behaviour cements the training in the dog’s mind. Don’t forget to be armed with yummy treats and words of encouragement.
Young animals learn best through routine and repetition, so setting up a feeding schedule will help you train your Bulldog puppy faster.
Another important factor to consider when potty training your beloved pet is to understand that if their water bowl is full, they will continue drinking it. Remove their water bowls when you know they will be near their potty corner for a few hours and in the evening when they go to bed.
To ensure your American Bulldog never does an oopsy inside the home, teach them a unique potty signal or command that will alert you when they need to relieve themselves.
Dogs can cause havoc in the home, and while crate training may seem cruel to some, it encourages their natural instinct to find a small place when feeling anxious. So, American Bulldog owners can benefit from training their dogs to find their designated spot in the home where they can set up a crate to prevent any unwanted mishaps.
Crate training is an excellent way to housebreak your American Bulldog puppy while also providing them with a safe and secure space to relax while you are at work
You can start crate training your American Bulldog puppy at eight weeks old.
Proper crate training has immense benefits for your pet, such as:
If it is not done correctly, pets could:
American Bulldogs can be trained despite their strong-willed nature during training classes, and all they need is positive reinforcement and some patience. American Bulldog owners are encouraged to start training their dogs early.
American Bulldogs are quite easy to train during their puppy stage as they are very bright. These friendly dogs are a breeze to train with positive reinforcement, good communication, an excellent reward system, appropriate mental stimulation, and a strong bond.
A good dog trainer will encourage you to assume the dominant role with your pet to eliminate destructive behaviours in the long run. Many American Bulldog owners are encouraged to assume the alpha role in the relationship, as this is the first step in properly training your pet.
American Bulldogs learn by repetition, so you must be consistent with your dog training programme. Maintain a good feeding schedule and routine, and your Bulldog puppy will jump to basic commands quickly. Consult a professional trainer if you encounter problems during your dog training.
Positive reinforcement is a very effective method in training your American Bulldog. It essentially means rewarding your Bulldog puppy after a command is followed correctly.
Treats should make up 10% of your dog’s daily calorie consumption, so avoid over-using them during the training process, as your pet might see it as you bribe them.
Clicker training is simple, and it improves the bond between owner and dog while at the same time instilling positive behavioural patterns in the dog.
Training your American Bulldog from an early stage will help it release pent-up energy, leading your dog to behave appropriately. Early training will also help to stave off destructive behaviour and health issues such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and kneecap dislocation. Once properly trained, these friendly dogs make loving, protective family pets, and their cute, wrinkly faces are just an added cherry on top!
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.