How to Raise Pitbull Puppies

Pitbulls are a common dog breed in the United States and worldwide. Purebred pitbull puppies are easy to raise if you know what you are doing. Despite their negative connotations, most pitbull puppies are well-behaved and gentle, as long as they are socialized correctly. It is the breeder's job to raise a litter of pitbull puppies so that they will be suitable pets when they get to their permanent homes.

Things You'll Need

• Whelping box
• Towels
• Puppy food
• Puppy milk
• Nail clippers

Instructions

1. Assist in the birth of the puppies. Many pitbull mothers pass on feelings about humans to the puppies they raise. If you assist in the birth, the mother will recognize that you are helping her. She will bond with you, and pass on the bonding to her puppies.

2. Pet and handle the puppies every day. Stay close to the whelping box, and pick up the puppies only after sanitizing your hands. If the mother growls or seems upset, use calming tones to speak to her. If necessary, remove her from the room for a few moments each day so you can handle the puppies. A good time to handle puppies is when the mother dog is outside going to the bathroom. Handling the puppies each day will mean that they grow used to you as soon as they become aware of their surroundings.

3. Touch the puppies' front and back paws as you handle them. Pitbull puppies are especially sensitive about their paws. Touching their paws as you hold them will let the puppies know you mean them no harm.

4. Offer them puppy milk when they get to be about four weeks old. Allow them to sniff and drink the milk as they please. They will begin to recognize that you, and other humans, equal food, love, and care.

5. Use a nail clipper on them as soon as they have small nails. The point is not necessarily to cut the nails, but to get them used to someone clipping nails.

6. Begin to take them outside of their puppy box and into your home at four to five weeks old. Expose them to cats, other dogs, and as many other people as you can. Pitbulls thrive on socialization. The more socialization you can give them, the more gentle they will be when they grow up.

7. Screen any homes before placing your puppies. Do not place puppies in homes before age nine weeks, or in homes that have not been screened. Throw out any applicants who have a negative impression of pitbulls or who view them as guard or attack dogs.

References

• Raising Pit Bulls