What You Need To Know About A Bully Breed Puppy
Your Bully Breed Puppy Isn’t Like All The Other Puppies
Puppies, all of them just like they come, do puppy things. Chewing, nipping, biting, growling (yes, it is normal for young puppies to growl as they learn to use their voice and find out what actions result in what reactions).
When you get a bully breed puppy, you must be prepared for all the above and potentially to the much more extreme than you’d expect. To the point where it comes across as aggression.
The thing is, IT’S NORMAL. IT’S WHAT IS TO EXPECT FROM A HEALTHY WELL BRED BULLY PUPPY
We have to get a way from thinking that the bully breeds are like any Labrador and just need some snuggly love and understand that in their genetics they have several traits that makes them want to bite, hold on to things and shake them and to potentially play around with aggression.
That doesn’t mean it’s bad though. In fact, bully breeds that show those behavoiurs and are confident doing it are desirable. Not because it’s because we want them to go do anything bad, but because it’s natural traits that we are looking for in those breeds. (Just like we breed Heelers to bite heels, and Live Stock Guardian dogs to protect live stock).
Those traits can mean that they may be really good working dogs, great stable active companions that enjoy some good outlets of play and activity.
But it also means that we need to know how to channel and deal with those behaviours so that they are safe for humans and other animals. If that’s achieved, then you’ll have a great companion and having a puppy that you can shape from the beginning will always make things easier.
AND THIS TAKES WORK! Your bully breed puppy may need more guidance and training to become that amazing canine citizen. It may require that you do more than just “the basics” and are willing and able to adjust your handling to the dog’s personality.
IT REQUIRES EXTRA RESPONSIBILITY
Again, I love supporting committed owners with bully breeds, it’s pretty much my favourite thing to do when it comes to dog training, but I will caution anybody of getting one just because they are “so cute and you just want to show everybody hot they are not dangerous”.
THEY ARE NOT LIKE ANY OTHER PUPPY…be smart, be prepared and seek support!
About the author:
Simone Krebser - CPDT: Owner and head dog trainer of K9 Possible Dog Training serving the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia from Osoyoos to Penticton and Kelowna. Certified dog trainer, certified pet first aid instructor, member of the IACP, dog crazy and chocolate/cheese addict. “My life revolves around dog’s day in and out and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is my goal to help enhance the lives of all the adventurous and outdoorsy dog owners that crave no limits”
