how to train a staff-pitbull cross?

Question

We are going to puppy school next week, does anyone have any tips to share in the meantime?

Answer 1

Right now your biggest currency with the pup is attention and treats. When your pup is doing something you like, praise and treat. If it is something you don't like ignore the pup unless it is dangerous. Then clap your hands and walk away... usually the pup will follow. If not move the pup and show appropriate behaviour such as a toy that is good to play with versus chewing the sofa.

Socialize to children, car rides, all sorts of things. Not other dogs till the shots are done, but that will happen in puppy class. Socialize outside of puppy class as well.

Make sure what you do now is what you can live with forever. It is very confusing to a dog when it was allowed to do the cute things when it was little and suddenly those things are bad when it is older. Including mouthing you. If the teeth touch your skin or clothes... even for a second. Quit playing, walk to another room and close the door. Don't say a word. NO ATTENTION! Then after about 20 seconds, come back in the room like everything is fine and resume play.
Also, i highly recommend the Ultimate Puppy Toolkit. It is a training system designed for puppies.

Uh... i did not call him a mutt?

Answer 2

Be firm but kind and have lots of patience! I agree with other answer about ensuring you stop the jumping up thing cos I have a Staffi cross and she is a nightmare when anyone visits! The other thing I would like to tell you is something I was told when we got Roxy and that is that Staffi's don't stop being a puppy until they are about 6..... so enjoy your puppy, keep on training even if it feels like you are not getting anywhere, remember that material things that get chewed can easily be replaced and most of all enjoy the fun times your puppy will bring you every day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roxy is 5 now and although this has never been confirmed she is very pit bull esque in looks and is a joy most of the time and a pain some of the time but I would not be without her!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Make sure they have a bed that they will go to when told as this comes in handy at the naughty times, Roxy does not obey all the time but will always go to her bed when told as we have taught her that this is a fun place to be by giving her treats and toys while there. She will also go to her bed for a place of safety if scared by fireworks etc so it really is vital for them to a place they really can call their own as they need the security of it and as I said earlier it comes in handy to send them there during their naughty times!
Hope I have helped!

Answer 3

HI i have a 5yr old staffie male.When he was a pup he was a right little handful.You have to be very firm with them and let them know who is boss.With ours he was cage trained as he would mess every where and eat our furniture.This was only short term i think he was about 6mths when he was in a basket.It never bothered him he loved his cage bless him!!
Now you couldn't wish for a better dog he is a big softie a little stupid at times but he is male so need i say more!!!

Answer 4

Im sure hes cute right now, you dont say where you are from, but how do you go on with a cross breed pitbull as they are banned from lots of countries ? maybe i should put a question on yahoo, id say lets him mix, dont restrain it on a lead when no need, it tends to make them more aggresive, go over to another dog owner and let them meet, dont drag it away, or it will end up snarling when it does meet other dogs. (ps dont leave where children are)

Answer 5

Staffies and pitbulls are very trainable dogs, intelligent and affectionate. Puppies learn best through repetition and you need to have lots of patience. Never raise your voice or use any kind of physical punishment. Train with love and positive reinforcement (treats and praise) only.

Puppy Classes are great, they help both you and your puppy learn how to communicate with each other and are a very valuable source of socialization. Very important with these breeds who aren't very dog-friendly as they mature.

You can find lots of free information, tips and advice on training your puppy at this url http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/puppy-training.html

Best of luck with your puppy

Answer 6

We tend to think of dog training as a series of steps for teaching particular behaviors. To teach a dog to stay in a particular position, you reward her as she remains in place for gradually longer times, at gradually greater distances, with gradually increasing degrees of distraction. Read more https://tr.im/gNCTw

Now, this is fine, training does involve teaching dogs specific behaviors with a step-by-step approach. This week, though, I’m going to discuss three mental habits that will not only enable you train more effectively but also make life pleasant for both you and your dog.

Answer 7

Just make sure you socialize him, like any other breed of dog. Sorry answer number one, but calling him a mutt is actually not necessary. just because a dog is mixed doesn't make it any less of a pet.

Answer 8

As a puppy he's quite small and jumping up to you to get attention is not too much of a problem but as he/she gets bigger and heavier it can be a problem. Most dogs jump up to get your attention and stroking them when they jump up just says to them ' jump up get stroked GREAT !'
When your dog jumps up, just turn your back to them, when they drop back down, turn around and stroke. Tell your friends and family as well, the dog will soon realise that jumping up does not get them anywhere.