3 Outdoor Activities for You and Your Pitbull Puppy to Enjoy This Summer

Any pitbull owner will tell you that these dogs love to run, play fetch, and do tricks, and they certainly enjoy a dip in the water. And since your pitbull is a puppy, they are certainly going to be full of energy. With the weather getting warmer, what better way to let your pup have fun and get some exercise than by enjoying outdoor activities together? 

Puppies need to exercise daily, and playing active games is a great way for your pup (and you) to stay healthy. Daily activities help them to live a long and healthy life and support their physical development. Exercise also helps with their mental stimulation and prevents them from being bored, frustrated and mischievous. Taking your pup out for regular outdoor play also helps to decrease behavioral issues like chewing and digging.

So, how do you fill your pup's waking time? Below are three great outdoor activities your pitbull puppy will love.

Playing fetch

There's nothing better than playing a good old-fashioned game of fetch with your pup. Whether in your backyard or in a park, fetch helps teach your puppy how to focus and follow orders. If it's your pup's first time playing, spark their interest by throwing the toy and showing them how to chase it and retrieve it. Also, while fetch is a pretty straightforward activity, make sure that the toy you use is light so that your pup can pick it up and avoid any materials that may be rough on their mouth.

Swimming

While everyone needs a break from the heat, swimming is beneficial for more than just staying cool in the hot weather. Swimming strengthens and tones muscles, joints, and ligaments, and also helps with weight management and relaxation. Plus, most dogs just plain enjoy the water.

If you want to teach your dog how to swim, your pup needs to gain confidence first. Start by exposing your dog to water, preferably in a shallow plastic pool so they can practice and get used to the feeling. When they seem more comfortable, find a body of water where your dog can gradually walk in with you. Help encourage your pup to get in by bringing toys.

Doing tricks

Who doesn't love a pup who can put on a show? Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to combine exercise and discipline, and allow the two of you to bond. Whether it's rolling over or playing dead, teaching your dog to do tricks is a mental and physical workout. You should start with basic training commands such as "stay" and "come," since these help with focus, and are crucial when your puppy is around other dogs, animals and people.

If you're looking for pitbull puppies for sale and are interested in welcoming one into your home, keep in mind that dogs learn best when they are trained early and often. The good news is that your pup needs as much down time as active time, so you'll get a break, too! 

Top 3 Dog Training Tips

Among the many important responsibilities dog owners have, training is among the most important. A well-trained dog is easier to care for, causes less trouble and will ultimately live a happier life. Whether you're in the process of training your pitbull or about to welcome an XL pitbull to your home and want to know how to properly train your dog, here are our top three tips to help. 

1. Set realistic expectations

Always remember that teaching your dog how to obey the rules takes time, so don't expect them to learn everything right away. The bad behaviors that are the "normal" for dogs -- like barking and jumping -- will take the most time to control. Also, take how long your dog has been able to get away with certain behaviors into account. For example, if your dog has jumped up on the couch for a few years and you want them to stop now, it's going to take more time for them to understand, since the dog is used to being able to do that. This doesn't mean it's too late, it just means it will take more time than training a dog that you just brought home would. 

2. Be consistent with training

When training your dog, it is crucial to be consistent. This means setting aside time each day to train your dog. You should plan to spend 15-20 minutes every day teaching your dog; however, don't go overboard with training, as it can leave your dog tired. 

Also, make sure that everyone in your home is on the same page about the training rules. Whatever expectations you establish with your dog, make sure your family is aware of and reinforces them. For example, if you don't want your dog lying on the bed, it's important that no one breaks this rule. If you don't reinforce the rules, your dog will have a hard time learning what is wrong and right.

3. Use positive reinforcement techniques 

Many owners use treats as rewards when training their dogs. While this certainly helps, you can also reinforce your dog's good behavior with praise, touch, games, walks and toys. Positive reinforcement is crucial, as it will influence your dog to act the way you want them to. Keep in mind that how your dog behaves should produce the treat, not the other way around. Only reward your dog when they behave as you ask.

4 Tips for Introducing a Your Dog to a New Pitbull Puppy

Bringing a pitbull puppy into your home can bring you and your existing dog a lot of fun and companionship. But it's important to remember that your current dog may not feel at ease sharing their space and toys with another dog. Like people, dogs are individuals. Some have a lot of tolerance for other dogs, others not so much. That doesn't mean things can't work out -- it just means that you have to properly introduce them and teach them how to interact with one another. 

Of course, you want both dogs to be happy with their new living arrangements. Therefore, it's important to ensure that you make your new dog feel welcomed and your current dog feel included. Maximizing the potential for a great friendship between your new pitbull puppy and your current dog involves a few important steps. 

Whether you're looking at pitbull puppies for sale, or have already brought your new pup home, here are four tips to help you introduce your dogs.

1. Arrange a meet-and-greet on neutral ground
Once you find a pitbull puppy you're interested in adopting, arrange an introduction with your potential pup and your existing dog. You want to get a sense of how they will get along with each other before you officially adopt. Also, while you may be exited for the two dogs to meet, you want to ensure that both dogs feel comfortable. You should introduce them on neutral ground -- a place that neither dog would consider its territory. Both dogs should be leashed and walked with their own person.

2. Do what is "normal" for your family
After your dogs have met, it's time to bring your new pup home. As excited as you are to welcome your pitbull puppy to the family, it's vital that you maintain normalcy for your existing dog. Your pet already has a routine down. From when it's time to eat and go outside and where to sleep to whether or not he/she is allowed on the furniture, your existing dog is used to certain schedules and limits. As you keep your old dog's routine the same, you can slowly integrate the new pup into those habits.

3. Be mindful of any "hot" zones
Your existing dog may feel some slight jealously for the new pup -- after all, it was their home first. Be careful and watch their interaction together to see if there are any trigger zones. Most protective reactions come when eating and playing with toys. You should feed them separately until you know that they can eat side-by-side, and also keep a separate water bowl for them. Monitor their play time and give them separate toys until you know that they can share them.

4. Continuously work on building bonds
This goes for you, as well as your new pup and current dog. It's important to spend time playing together, training and teaching them, and devoting attention to them individually and together. You should have daily walks and playdates. As the bond forms, your dogs will become more comfortable together and learn their boundaries.

6 Tips for Training Your New Pitbull Puppy

Despite their bad rap, pitbulls are very friendly, loyal and loving dogs, making them the perfect addition to any family household. If you're interested in adopting blue pitbull puppies, below are seven tips to help you in the process.

Start training early

The general rule of thumb when it comes to adopting any type of puppy is to start them early on training. As soon as you bring your new pup home, you should be guiding their behavior and enforcing the rules. Puppies learn much faster and more easily than adult dogs, and the first 20 weeks of development can be the most crucial. 

Show the puppy you are the boss

It's vital to teach your pup early on that you are the boss and they must obey your commands. Remember, you will be the one to reward the pup for good behavior and punish them for bad behavior, so if you won't discipline them, they won't learn. You can show the dog you are in charge by controlling their food, demonstrating that you provide it and that they only get it at certain times. Also, lay down some rules about certain pieces of furniture that the puppy isn't allowed on (e.g. tables) and about chewing furniture and other household items. 

Teach socialization with people and animals

Socialization should be a top priority for your new dog, one that you should engage in regularly. It's important that your pup learn to be comfortable around people and other animals. You should introduce your puppy to children, adults, dogs and other animals in a secure setting so that they can become more comfortable with them and less territorial later.

Get your puppy used to a leash

Pitbulls grow to be strong dogs, so you should get your puppy used to being on a leash as early as possible. Walk your dog regularly and use commands to teach them how to behave on the leash. 

Make exercise a habitual activity

Pitbulls are full of energy -- especially puppies. You should take your pup to an enclosed area (no open dog parks until they are fully trained) each day for 20 to 30 minutes of outdoor playtime. This will provide an outlet for your pup's energy and instinctive behaviors. After all, a tired puppy is less likely to get into trouble than a bored one. 

Use positive reinforcement

When your pup obeys the rules, use positive reinforcement techniques to reward them (for instance, giving them a treat). This will encourage your dog to behave consistently. Pits are eager learners and more than happy to work for the reward.

Always remember that training takes time. Be patient, keep at it, and you will have a loving and faithful companion for life.

4 Awesome Things You Probably Didn't Know about Pit Bulls

Without a doubt, pit bulls are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds today. They are viewed as vicious fighters, ready to attack at any moment; unfortunately, this bad reputation was given to them because they suffer at the hands of irresponsible ownership -- and they get all of the heat for it.  

Throughout history and in recent years, pit bulls have proven themselves to be friendly, loving and loyal friends. In fact, below are four awesome things you probably didn't know about this breed.

1. They did their duty…in war
When people say these dogs are fighters -- you bet they are. For hundreds of years, pit bulls have served in the armed forces with our brave men and women. If they weren't defending on the front, they were stirring up encouragement at home. During World War I, the American pit bull was a military mascot and featured on army recruitment posters. Their commitment to protect, defend and stand by our side makes these dogs some of the best around.

2. They were once the #1 American family dog
In the early 20^th century, pit bulls were the most popular breed of dog among families. Loyal, obedient and eager to play, these dogs were perfect, especially for families with children. In fact, they were commonly referred to as "The Nanny Dog." Families relied on pit bulls to babysit and keep their children safe. Just think about the beloved black-eyed patch pup, Petey from the classic movie, The Little Rascals.

3. They were and are owned by some pretty famous people
Many notable and famous people have been proud owners of pit bulls. Historical figures including President Woodrow Wilson, President Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller and Thomas Edison owned pit bulls. Today, TV personality Rachael Ray, actress Jessica Biel and John Stewart of The Daily Show are proud owners of pit bulls.

4. They are less aggressive than other dogs
While some deem these dogs as one of the most aggressive, a study confirms just the opposite: pit bulls are much less aggressive than other breeds towards their owners and when encountering strangers. As with all dogs, the best way to prevent any type of aggressive behavior is to start socializing your dog early. If you own American pit bull puppies, introduce them to other dog breeds immediately and make sure that they are well-trained.