How do you train a pitbull/beagle who's 1 1/2 years old?

Question

Ok, so I have this dog that I got from the SPCA. We're her 3rd home. She's Part Pit and part beagle, never listens, very hyper and at this point seems impossible to train. And I need to teach her how to behave, and fast. My father says I have to get rid of her. Wich will just break my heart.

So my question is..does anyone know any books I could get that would help me out. Or maybe some advice of their own? I could really really use it.

Answer 1

I would recommend an obediance course, and maybe private training classes. adult dogs are a bit more tough to train, although not impossible either.
it will take more time and patience.
Great choice on where you got your dog BTW!!
Good luck, and dont give up on her, she needs guidance just like a child. You need to teach her how to act, since she is learning just now:)

Answer 2

Dog obedience classes would be great if you can afford it. If not, get a book called, How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend, by The Monks of New Skete. It's a great book and these people have been training dogs for eons. They breed and raise German Shepherd Dogs. I think if you get this book and read it, study it, and apply it your chances of success will be great.
Also, you need to find a way to direct her energy into positive behavior. Beagles and Pits have high energy needs. She needs to be walked at least twice a day. Play with her outside, games like fetch, or play ball. Anything to get her to use her energy in a positive way will help immensely. You must do this everyday. She is still young and has a lot to learn. It can work, but you will have to find the energy and commitment to help her. When you do, you will find a better dog. Take her with you wherever you go, when possible. This will help her as well.
Because this is already her third home, she has no doubtedly developed some neurotic behavior because of instability in her life. Providing her with the correct outlets and working with her daily, will help her overcome her problems to a managable extent. It will take time, but improvements will come in short bursts. As you build her self confidence, she will become better behaved.
I hope it works out. Talk to your dad after you get the book about what your plans are to train your dog successfully. Stick with the program and it may be all your dad needs to want to keep her around. Show him how committed you are to her by educating yourself on dog behavior and applying that to your dog.

Best to you, your Dad and your dog.

Answer 3

Sorry hun. Pit Bulls are just as easy to train as any other breed or mixed breed. I got two pit puppies myself. You just need a lot of patience especially if you don't know how the dog was treated its time before you had her. Train your dog regulary 5-15 min per day. Longer times will only bore the dog. And let her know you are the boss. She is trying her thing because you are new to her just like kids try how far they can get with their parents. You will get that not by hitting her but by spending the time and showing her what she is allowed to do and what not. Dogs only know what humans teach them. Every beginning is hard but I'm sure you can take care of her. Try walking her every evening. Also you can get books at every pet shop or your local bookstore they all carry dog training books. Make sure you spend cuddle time with her!

Answer 4

I have to disagree with most of the replies on here that state Pitbulls are difficult to train...I'd say that is a bit of a myth. Honestly, all you really need to do is show that you're boss and she needs to follow directions. This can be accomplished by getting her to learn how to walk on a leash, and things will begin to fall into place after that. You need to walk HER (not let her walk YOU), and once she knows that you're in charge it will be easier to get her other behaviors in line. It takes a lot of work though...and good luck!

Answer 5

sure you should only wait till she is waiting. relax. you've a tremendous type of time between 2 a million/2 and four. No frequent toddler is going to kindergarten in a diaper. I freaked out even as my daughter became 3 and in no way potty educated. i did not pay interest to my mom who saved tellling me to relax, that she might want to get it quickly. Oddly adequate, by the point she became 3 a million/2 she became completely potty educated, nights and all. My son is virtually 2 now and in no way even close to to being waiting. i understand ultimately he receives it too. :)

Answer 6

Check Amazon.com they have a very wide selection of books, or petsmart.com might have some books, or you can just go to your local pet shop. Pit Bulls are very hard to train.

Answer 7

I THINK THAT YOUR GOING TO HAVE A HARD TIME TRAINING AN ADULT.. IT CAN BE DONE BUT YOUR GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE TIME AND PATIENTS:) PITBULLS ARE VERY STUBBORN I HAVE 2.... AND A ROTTI