Bonding with my pit bull

by cindy
(tupelo,ms.38863)

Can you form a strong bond with your pit bull and what is a good way to accomplish that?

Gale's Reply:

Hi Cindy

On the whole, pit bulls bond very strongly to their owners being eager to please them. That said, dogs ARE individuals just as people are. Some require a little more cultivating than others.

Just about any activity that involves you and your dog interacting in a positive way will strengthen the bond between you.

Obedience training when it's done properly--in a way that is actually fun for both you and your dog is a great way to do this. Just be sure it's a method that emphasizes positive rewards rather than negative corrections. That way it will become a game your pit bull will look forward to rather than drudgery.

I'm partial to Canis Clicker Training as a positive training method. If this is something you and your dog enjoy, you could eventually get him certified as a therapy dog, compete in agility or events like Rally O. The possibilities are endless.

Of course, playing frisbee, fetch or throwing a toss toy for your pit is a great way to spend time together. So, is bringing him along when you go on outings or run errands.

There are dogs (and pit bulls are no exception) whose temperament is a bit more independent. Owners with these dogs sometimes find it a challenge to get their dog's attention. If that's the case with your pit, I recommend the book Bonding with Your Dog - A Trainer's Secrets for Building a Better Relationship by Victoria Schade.

Good luck Cindy. Feel free to post back here with more questions or to let us know how things are going.

For more information on obedience training, visit our Pit Bull Training page.

For help with behavioral problems, check out our Dog Behavior Training page.