I’m going to give you 14 important tips on getting started on the right path of you being the best dog owner that you can be.

Besides these tips, I would recommend the American Pitbull Terrier 101 Guide. It is a guide for new owners about how to manage and take care of American Pitbull Terrier puppy.

American Pitbull Terrier Breed Overview

american pitbull terrier breed overview

Vaccinate Your American PitBull Puppy

Number one on my list is to get your dog vaccinated. And be warned you definitely want to get those vaccinations when they are puppies.

You know when you’re introducing your puppy to an older dog. This older dog carries some of the diseases that your dog or your new puppy could catch.

The dog that’s older may not be sick but your puppy could definitely get sick from it. So you want to get your dog vaccinated as soon as possible.

It’s very important.

Don’t Cheap Out on Training

Now if you want to invest in yourself to train your dog properly that is good.

You could definitely look up training videos on youtube. But you definitely want to get the proper training for your dog.

Specifically, the first thing you should be doing is potty training your dog. That’s very important because you don’t want the puppy to pee or poop all over your house.

Also when you’re training your dog you could build your bond with them. Your dog is supposed to be your companion right.

When you are involved in the training they look at you as their leader. And you’re building a bond with them.

Don’t cheap out on training if you invest in a high-ticket training program. It’s probably better than investing in a lower ticket. 

A higher ticket program offers better training and the right techniques. And the cheap programs will give you the run around of basic puppy training.

Buy Essential Things For Your Puppy

new american pitbull puppy essential list

Find the Best Dog Food for Your Puppy

Learn what kind of dog foods that your dog can be eating.

I don’t believe all kibbles are bad. There are like a few that I wouldn’t suggest feeding your dog but a raw diet is good.

Here is the list of Seven Worst Dog Foods for the American Pitbull Terrier Puppy.

Seven Worst Dog Foods for American Pitbull Terrier Puppy

You can also check Updated List: Best to Worst Food for Your American Pitbull. It will help you find the perfect feed for your dog.

Best to Worst Food for Your American Pitbull

Exercise Your Dog For Everyday

For the proper health and the proper growth exercise your dog every day.

I know a lot of people have a nine-to-five job and it’s kind of hard to do. But you can arrange exercise at least two to three times a week for your dog.

When you see your dog start getting this pent-up energy. It’s time to go exercise them.

exercise for pitbull terrier puppy

Never Leave Your Pitbull Unattended

When you do get your puppy, never leave your dog alone with other dogs or kids.

Now the real American pit bull terrier is animal aggressive. So you already know not to leave them with other dogs.

Sometimes dogs don’t recognize kids as people. So that’s when you know accidents start to happen. And it’s very preventable.

So that’s a big tip right there.

Do not leave them alone with other dogs or kids. It could start a fight and you definitely want to avoid that.

Always Have a Leash on in Public

When you’re out in public always have a leash on your dog.

Now we already know the stereotypes of these dogs but in my opinion, the leash is for your dog’s own safety.

You never know what another dog is going to do or how people react to your dog. So you definitely want that leash on them at all times.

The next is to avoid dog parks. 

Avoid Dog Parks

Now my own personal experience dog parks are recipes for disaster.

  • You pitbull can catch a disease from other dogs in the park. Get your dog vaccinated before that happens.
  • Your puppy will learn very bad social skills there.
  • And third, people just don’t want your dog there.

To be honest with you guys, I’ve seen it happen to me so avoid dog parks.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t socialize your dogs in new situations.  But dog parks are not the place to start for socialization.

House Proof Your Home

It is mandatory to house proof your home.

Now what I mean by house proof is puppies are puppies. You know they chew on everything. So you want to take away extension cords, metal, plastics, or hard stuff that they could eat. This can stomach problems.

Obviously, they learned to stay away from that stuff when they’re older. But when it’s a puppy you need house proof.

pitbull puppy house proof

Know Your Dog Temperament

Now you got to keep in mind that some dogs learn different. They learn how to different pace.

  • Some dogs are a little more aggressive than other dogs of the same breed.
  • Some dogs are really good with people with other dogs.
  • Some dogs are nervous all the time.

So you got to know what kind of personality your dog has. And what that would do is help you avoid other situations.

If your dog is nervous around everybody. Let’s say he’s nervous around males you want to stay away from males. And eventually, socialize it into being comfortable around males vice versa.

Know Their Health History

You need to know your dog’s health problems.

To know your dog’s health problem you definitely want to look at the mother and the father of your dog.

Also, there are some health issues that are common in the breed. For example, short hair dogs are more prone to getting allergies.

Common health problems of American pit bull terrier are as follows

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Food Allergies
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Heart Disease
  • Skin Conditions

Hygiene Care

pitbull puppy hygiene

Hygiene is very important for your American Pitbull Terrier puppy.

  • You definitely need to cut your dog’s nails at least two times a month or once a month. A lot of dog owners don’t do it at all. 
  • You need to clean their ears once every 4 weeks.
  • and you need to give them a bath at least once every month.
  • Bath is bad if you do it every week. It can remove oil from their skins. 
  • You need to clean out their mouth you know twice a month.
  • Or if you have them on a raw diet that will probably do the job for you. 

Get A License

  • It’s the law.
  • Get your dog a government-issued state license
  • Also, learn about breed-specific legislation of your state. Some states do not allow pitbull in the area.