How to Take Care of Pitbull Puppies

Pitbull puppies are headstrong but look up to their owners.

Raising your pitbull puppy means always keeping in mind that he'll quickly grow into an adult. Mature pitbulls are hardy, clever, powerful, strong-willed, and dominant. As loving and loyal as pitbulls are to people, they don't always extend these courtesies to other animals, including dogs. Breeding, training and socialization play a huge part in pitbull temperament. You, as owner and boss, have total control of training and socializing--molding your pitbull puppy into the healthy, well-adjusted dog you want him to be as an adult.

Things You'll Need

• Kibble
• Supplements
• Leash
• Crate
• Fencing
• Toys

Instructions

1. Feed your pitbull puppy high-quality kibble with at least a 30:20 protein to fat ratio. This promotes solid muscle mass weight gain as opposed to low-quality foods, which propel fatty, unhealthy weight. Include a commercial supplement high in proteins, fats, essential vitamins and minerals. Have ample water available, as this also promotes growth and excellent health.

2. Socialize your pitbull puppy to lots of people, dogs and other animals, in controlled situations. Keep your puppy leashed so he feels safe and protected by you, the leader of his "pack." Loose pups feel they must fend for themselves and this promotes fear aggression and other undesirable behaviors. Ensure his socialization experiences are always positive.

3. Train your pitbull puppy in basic obedience, hierarchy, and the laws of your household right away. Discipline and control must begin as soon as you bring him home, keeping in mind that his learning retention at six weeks of age isn't as developed as it'll be at even eight or nine weeks. Pitbull puppies are naturally stubborn, dominant and highly active, so gear your training to these traits and lay down the law immediately.

4. Crate your pitbull puppy from an early age, preferably as soon as you bring him home. Teach him that his crate is his own special place, his private safety zone where he can retreat whenever he wants and where he'll be when you're away. Ensure his crating experiences are always positive. Never use your puppy's crate as isolation or punishment. Choose a strong, sturdy, escape-proof crate because your pitbull puppy rivals Houdini.

5. Confine your pitbull puppy when he's outdoors. Sturdy, minimum six-foot-high privacy fencing is preferable because your puppy is an adept climber and fantastic jumper, even without a running start. He's a determined digger too, so secure your fencing's perimeter with buried wire or deep-set upright stakes close enough together that he can't squeeze through. If you have a kennel run for him, it's best to include a roof.

6. Give your pitbull puppy toys that promote healthy exercise and muscle build. Black kongs, exceptionally sturdy rubber chew toys, build muscle while exercising his jaws. Commercially-made catch-poles or huge hanging tires will increase his jaw strength and overall muscle as he jumps, wrestles and plays. Exercise his mind too. Pitbulls love agility sports and mazes, so set up a course in your backyard and play with him often.

Tips & Warnings

• View pitbull training and socialization as life-long processes. Slack off and your pitbull's behavior will too. Your pitbull puppy grows into a lifelong commitment.

• Avoid playing high-prey drive games such as wrestling and chase with your pitbull puppy. Don't encourage uncontrolled behavior that you won't want to encounter when he's an adult.

References

• Southern Smoke Pitbulls: Pitbull Weight Gain, High Calorie Supplements for Dogs, How to Add Weight to Your Pitbull
• Pitbulls on the Web: Pit Bull Breed Info: What is Socialization?
• PitBullLovers.com: 10 Easy to Remember Tips for Responsible Pit Bull Owners
• WorkingPItBull.com: About Pit Bulls