American Bulldogs are a no-fuss breed, but there are a few basics.
Because your pup is a large breed, we recommend a daily vitamin.
Foods on the absolute No-No list are: chocolate, onions, chicken or fish bones, grapes and raisins. Any of these could cause acute health issues that could KILL a dog.
Don’t forget to buy food and water dishes. I use stainless steel so that I can wash them effectively.
Protect your computer-related and other electronics cords. Don’t ask me why, but puppies can’t resist them. They LOVE to practice with their new chompers. The larger bone products at the grocery store are great. Avoid the ones that are little pieces of bone fused together and sold in little sticks or shaped like bones. Bulldogs will gobble that down in two seconds and vomit them back up in three <grin>. Fun times.
Crate training is the ONLY way to effectively potty train. Your pup may fuss about being confined there, but it is the quickest, most effective method. Your pup will “do its business” after every feeding and watering, so only put down food and water when you can supervise. Your pup will also “do its business” after waking for the morning and from naps, so plan accordingly. Negative reinforcement is absolutely useless in puppy-rearing, except it may make you feel better. Just praise your pup enthusiastically by rubbing him/her and repeating a consistent phrase such as “Good business, good business” each time your pup does it when/where you ask. I’ve even resorted to praising with treats for stubborn dogs. Spanking, rubbing noses in accidents, etc. is ineffective, even if you catch him/her in the act. Before about five months of age, your pup just won’t put two and two together. Lastly, try to make his/her crate a sanctuary and never a place for punishment. My dogs like their crate; they go there when I vacuum <grin> or otherwise do something they don’t like. If you will say “Kennel,” and then “Good kennel,” as if your pup chose to go there each time you put her in, your pup will eventually go there on command as well.
Grooming is a no-brainer with American Bulldogs, and basically involves vacuuming your floor <grin>. I do clean their ears with baby wipes periodically and trim their nails, if needed. Over-zealous nail trimming can result in a painful, expensive injury, so first educate yourself about it. It can be an expensive and painful boo boo if done incorrectly. I’ve also taught my dogs a command, “Teeth,” so that they will sit and let me brush or inspect their teeth.
Don’t buy an American Bulldog for an outside pet. They will be miserable. They want to be with their family, not stuck outside all day while you’re at work. However, if you work outside or have a canine-friendly employer, they would love to tag along!
Lastly, you can see by now that puppy-rearing involves a bit of psychology, so establish yourself as the Alpha (pack leader) immediately. Because you’ll want to be in control at all times, especially when your pup’s a big boy/girl, just send subtle messages all the time that you’re in charge. Make him/her heal on the leash. Don’t let it run out the door in front of you; you go out first. You always win in tug of war. Regular practices of sit, stay, kennel, etc. will also send the message that your pup WILL do what you want it to do. Yelling or spanking is not effective. Be calm, assertive and persistent.
I have found that a well-trained dog is very rewarding. Your dog will be your best buddy and a great protector for you and your family.
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Hello!
My boyfriend and I have a 1.5yr old American Bully. She’s absolutely beautiful and her temperment is ideal. She’s loving and cuddly and in the morning she prances around outside my sons’ rooms waiting for me to get them up so she can play. I recommend this breed to anyone. I laugh at the people who back away from her when we’re out walking, knowing that when we go home my 14month old will probably be tugging on her ears and lips and she’ll respond with kisses. I have nothing but awesome things to say about my baby girl!!!
Question though, and I’m hoping you as breeders can help… I kind of came to be a step-mom type thing for her about 6months ago and prior to that she’d been staying with my bf’s ex and was spending nearly 20hrs a day in a crate. So training her is going to be like starting from scratch, and after all that time locked up we really did get a pretty sick and sad pup when we took her on. She’s finally come around and adjusted and feels at home, so I’d like to start getting her re-trained. Any tips for re-training or training older dogs? I am the alpha in our house, and my boyfriend works away from home 3/4 weeks every month, so she knows I’m in charge. But how do I get her to stop chewing everything (tables, chairs, kids toys, toilet paper, tupperwear – nothing is safe!!!). What is a good resource?
Please keep me updated on your pups… I really liked your website and I’d like to get Lexie a sibling in the future. She really is a wonderful addition to my family and wonderful company for myself. I feel totally safe when my boyfriend away knowing that she’s curled up at the foot of my bed.
Hi! I have a 3 year old male American bulldog. You couldn’t ask for a better dog. He is one of the calmest dogs I have ever been around, and that is awesome considering their size and that they are in the house! It is funny how people are very unsure of him because of his size and many people confuse him with a pit and are alittle nervouse at first. But, he just kisses and loves them. The only problem we have with him is his total dislike of cats! He thinks his main reason for living is to destroy cats! LOL! Its crazy! We had a cat and he was fine with her, but hates outsiders! Your dogs are very beautiful. We have been throwing around the idea of getting another one, so I was just checkin your dogs out!
Thanks,
Crystal Newotn