Pit bull puppies need to be socialized early and often.
Pit bulls as a breed are often misunderstood and viewed as vicious dogs. While most pit bull owners will disagree, they can also tell you that there are some challenges to raising pit bulls. Proper care of pit bulls must start while the dog is still a small puppy to ensure that your dog is healthy, socialized and obedient.
Instructions
1. Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you bring your puppy home. The veterinarian will order vaccinations for your pit bull and talk about spaying and neutering.
2. Contact your homeowner's insurance company to add your dog to your insurance. Note that your rates may go up, because of the pit bull's fearsome reputation.
3. Provide your dog with high-grade dog food. Look at the label and ensure that the first ingredient is meat. Serve your puppy about 1 cup of food twice per day to start with. If your pit bull starts to become overweight, reduce the food to 1/2 cup twice per day. If the puppy starts to look thin, increase the servings by 1/2 cup.
4. Bathe your puppy once per week with a puppy shampoo. Puppy shampoo will protect and condition your pit bull's sensitive skin. Follow up with a rubber dog brush to reduce shedding.
5. Provide chew toys for your puppy. All puppies like to chew on things, but pit bulls can chew so much that they will destroy your woodwork and furniture if they are not provided with toys. Look for sturdy toys that will not tear apart easily.
6. Train your puppy to walk on a leash with a training collar. Training collars come in many styles. Experiment with different types to see what works for you and your puppy. Walk your puppy once per day for at least 30 minutes.
7. Socialize your puppy with people. Visit friends or invite them over to meet your dog. Pit bulls will learn to accept other people in your home if you start this training as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may end up crating your dog each time you have company.
8. Take your dog to a dog park in your area to socialize with other dogs. Keep your puppy on a leash during the trip. Dogs will sniff each other to get acquainted. This is an important part of your dog's development; it must learn to accept other dogs without trying to dominate them, which leads to fighting.
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