American Bulldogs have been known as highly aggressive due to their ancestors that were used in dog fights. Their bulky and muscular physique also show these dogs aren’t always cute. Luckily, this breed has many positive traits that can overcome the not-so-bright opinions about these pups.
In essence, Bulldogs are very loyal, playful, and they love people, especially kids. Although distrustful of strangers, these dogs won’t become aggressive until they or their families are in danger. Then they can be real beasts that don’t care about the size and strength of the opponent.
But with proper training, any Bulldog can ‘shape’ into a great pet. You are obliged to educate and limit the animal’s inborn instincts. A well-trained dog, regardless of the breed, is a real pleasure for the owner and the environment. On the other hand, a spoiled animal can be a trouble, as you can see here.
Start Early
You need to start early teaching your American Bulldog some good behavior. This breed is brilliant, so its members can learn much more than simple tricks and commands. It is best to start at your pup’s early age, preferably eight to ten weeks. That is when they can easily be trained using positive reinforcement and praise-based methods.
If you opt for a professional trainer, you can make the most of your Bulldog’s physical and mental potential. At first, your pup may not be aware that you are trying to establish control over them. That makes obedience from an expert necessary. You can leave your pet to them or ask them for advice about approved training methods.
Make a Connection
In order to establish your leadership, you will need to make sure that the animal has a good bond with you. As soon as you bring your new four-legged friends home, try to establish a caring relationship with them. Let your pup gain trust in you.
American dogs are very attached to their humans. So make sure your pet feels like a part of your family since day one. When they develop that sense of belonging, these dogs will be more eager to learn and respond to your commands.
Potty Training
As for the potty training, you have to teach your Bulldog two things – where to go to the potty and where not to go. You have to feed your dog at a specific time so that you know when it’s time to go outside. In the house, place a few sandboxes or basins with super-absorbent pads.
After 15 minutes from the meal, bring your Bulldog on a leash to the place and repeat the phrase that should be a sign to eliminate it. Make it something you can say in public, such as ‘do your thing’ or ‘be quick.’ Even if nothing happens, repeat the process a few more times, every few minutes. Keep in mind that you need a lot of patience and determination. Be sure to reward your pup with holistapet treats when the work is done.
American Bulldogs can be potty trained using the previous method and simple commands such as ‘doggy-do.’ This command is very effective because many American Bulldogs don’t like to relieve themselves where their owners can see them. This command is handy because it can be taught quickly. This method may take some time, but you will eventually start to see results as your dog gets used to eliminating outside.
Be Patient
American Bulldogs can be very tricky to housebreak, as they would rather be in a warm, comfortable home than outside. Since they are naturally inclined to want to be with their owner, it is best to start with simple commands such as stay, come, and leave it. Don’t be too bossy but firm and persistent.
The American Bulldog can be a bit stubborn. Still, you can help them by teaching them commands and basic manners early on. You can start by limiting their access to all food, as they tend to have a penchant for trying to eat everything they can get their hands on. Make sure that they have only a limited amount of food at a time, and then only allow them to eat when they are properly cared for.
Force Is Not a Solution
When it comes to housebreaking your American Bulldog, consistency is crucial. If you let them out of the yard at certain times every day and they follow your command, you are on the right path. However, if you let them go outside at different times and don’t do that with the same authority, you need to use other methods.
Never use force on your pet, as this will only teach them to be aggressive towards you in the future. Punching and yelling can not only worsen your pet’s disobedience but can also be triggers for later aggression. Be calm and composed while training your American Bulldogs, and you will pass that positive vibe on to them as well.
On the source below, you can inform about positive reinforcement and its benefits in dog training:
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2018/04/why-dont-more-people-use-positive.html
American Bulldogs can be trained easily and quickly if you know how to do it. Keep in mind that you should start with short training sessions with your dog when you first start taking them out on a leash. If you have experience and expertise with training puppies, you can usually combine several methods to teach your Bulldog how to be a great pet.