Knowing how to train a Bull Terrier is essential, and there are certain techniques and methods you need to use that will be most effective with this popular and lively breed. But what are the different types of training that Bull Terriers require?
They are strong-headed and require a good amount of training, so find out here all you need to know.
Yes, you should! You should start training Bull Terrier puppies the minute you bring one home. They can be impulsive and stubborn, so training is essential to raise a well-rounded and well-behaved doggo.
Unfortunately, Bull Terrier training isn’t particularly easy. These dogs are strong-willed, and training them can be challenging, especially for first-time pet owners. But you can do it if you are firm, calm, consistent, and patient.
You can start by teaching your pup basic commands at around 10-12 weeks old or as soon as you bring them home.
Socialisation is essential; you need to introduce your Bully to various places, smells, people, sounds, and environments. The better you socialise the dog, the easier training will be, and the better the pup will behave.
Bullies need constant training sessions for mental stimulation and to reinforce desired behaviours. Obedience training is also a must for this dog breed.
It would be best if you were assertive but calm when training a Bull Terrier. And try to make training sessions fun and enjoyable for them, as this will make the process much easier for you too.
When to start toilet training your Bull Terrier puppy
Your Bull Terrier should be potty trained by the time it is 6 months old. Potty training them is relatively easy, and you could start when the pup is around 8 weeks old.
Carefully and strategically choose a spot in your garden that will be the pup’s bathroom. It shouldn’t be too far away from the door because your puppy might not be able to hold it for too long.
However, you also don’t want it to be too close that odours can drift into your windows. So find a good spot in the middle. Additionally, it will help the puppy associate the location with urinating.
As you attach the leash to your little one’s collar, use your cue word, such as “Outside” or “Potty,” and instruct your puppy, “Let’s go outside/potty.” Take your dog outside to its designated toilet area in the yard, and wait there until your puppy does the deed.
As soon as your puppy is finished, give them a treat and praise them to show them that they did a fantastic job. Remember, positive reinforcement and praise are essential!
Create a bit of a potty break routine, starting every 30 minutes and gradually extending it as your dog gets older. Take your puppy outside after drinking, eating, napping, playing, and, most importantly, first thing in the morning and just before bed. The pup will learn a lot faster through a solid routine.
Spend time training your dog over the coming months until it can approach you to let you know that it needs to go outside and potty. Your pup is potty trained when they can do this themselves!
Like many other breeds, Bull Terriers can benefit immensely from crate training. But what are these benefits?
Crate training is an essential part of training your Bull Terrier pup. It helps prevent destructive behaviours, aids with house and potty training, and gives them a sense of safety and security.
Crate training should start anytime between 8-16 weeks. Training them while they are young is crucial as they retain what they learn really well. So the earlier you begin training, the better!
Find the perfect spot in your home for the puppy’s crate. It should be in a room where you spend a lot of time and is centrally located so that the pup is always around people when in the crate. Fill the crate up with bedding and anything to make it comfortable.
Puppies love their food and snacks more than anything else, so place their food bowl next to the door right in front of the crate. Keep the door open and walk away from the crate. It might take some time for the pup’s curiosity to take over.
You might need to entice the pup a bit more until they feel comfortable and relaxed enough to enter the crate; just give them time.
When you see that the pup is comfortable in the crate, close the door while they are inside. The pup will most probably not enjoy this and start whining. This is normal, and just let it shout for a bit. Many dog owners give in to their cries, but it’s important to resist!
When the pup finally stops whining, give it praise and reward it with a yummy treat for doing such a good job.
Let the pup enjoy its treat for a bit, then open the door of the crate and let the puppy out. Then immediately take the pup to its designated toilet spot to go potty.
Be consistent and do this for a couple of weeks. Always reward your puppy when it’s done well. Eventually, your pup will happily get into the crate without you telling them to! Remember to be patient and kind when puppy training.
Yes, you can. Like most dog breeds, you can train your Bully to give you their paw, and they can even jump through a hoop and give you a high five. You can also teach them to weave through your legs, crawl, and bow for you.
Most of these tips apply to other dogs too, but they are all helpful and important points.
Dogs understand routines and repetition well; this will help them learn a lot faster and get used to certain commands and actions. Changing your training methods or how you do certain things will leave your new Bull Terrier feeling very confused.
Bull Terriers respond well to a strong but positive leader. Positive reinforcement keeps them happy and motivated, so it’s highly effective. When you reward your Bull Terrier for a job well done with love and attention, they will do the same for you.
Treats and praise are important, but there needs to be a good balance. Giving your pup too many treats can make them gain weight and lose their appetite for their meals.
Clicker training methods and positive reinforcement work together, but instead of rewarding the pup with treats, you reward them with the click sound. This helps your pup focus.
Training a Bull Terrier can be easy and challenging at the same time. With the right amount of time, patience, and consistency, you are sure to shape a wonderful and well-behaved doggo. Training has loads of benefits and is essential to raising a puppy, so it’s important to do it right.
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.