Activities For American Pit Bull Terriers
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3 Votes
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Once an iconic American breed, American Pit Bull Terriers worked as military mascots, were seen on advertisements and were popular as farm and family dogs. Unfortunately, dog fighters exploited the loyalty and tenacity of the breed, which resulted in the tarnishing of the breed's reputation. While dogs of the breed appear tough, they are meant to love and accept people. When in a loving family and provided with proper socialization, training, attention and love, an American Pit Bull Terrier can be a gentle family dog. An American Pit Bull Terrier is a powerful dog that will require a good amount of physical activity on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities that you and your American Pit Bull Terrier can engage in that will help your pet maintain their health while allowing you to spend quality time together.
Play "Tug"
Most Popular
2 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
10 - 20 min
Items needed
Tug Rope or Large Stuffed Toy
Activity description
Nearly all breeds of dogs enjoy playing tug-of-war games as a result of the need in their DNA to partner with other dogs in pulling apart a prey animal prior to eating it. Playing with a tug rope or stuffed toy provides an excellent way for your pup to burn off their physical energy without either of you having to walk or run for miles. Do your best to keep the ferocity of the play regulated so that your pup does not get so excited that their behavior becomes nippy or mouthy. Don't be surprised if your pup growls during this play; they are excited and meaning to be playful as they get into the game!
Step
1
Select a toy
Does a game of tug-of-war sound perfect for your American Pit Bull Terrier? The first thing you will need is something to play the game with. You can choose a tug rope or a large stuffed toy; either one will ensure that your pup gets the workout and stimulation that they seek. If you are hoping to keep the dog toy in one piece for a bit longer, you may want to choose the tug rope; it is likely that your pup will take the game seriously!
Step
2
Location of play
Once you have an item to play tug-of-war with, you will want to choose the best place for you and your pup to play. If weather permits, playing tug-of-war outdoors is a great option. You and your pup will be able to enjoy some fresh air and have plenty of space for your play, whether in your yard or at a park. Tug-of-war can also easily be played inside, making it a perfect activity for when the weather is less than pleasant.
Step
3
Natural instincts
Once you and your pup have settled on a place to play, the two of you can get started on playing tug-of-war. Your pup will welcome the opportunity to let their natural instincts kick in and will easily meet some of their activity needs through the game. Play as many rounds of the game as you and your pup like and take breaks as needed.
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Hike the Trails
Popular
1 Vote
Sunny Day
Free
Normal
2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Water and Bowl
Waste Bags
Activity description
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have a lot of energy, as well as excellent strength and endurance. These agile canines typically benefit from engaging in a lot of activity. Help your pup meet these activity needs (without spending money, a bonus!) and take them on a long walk or hike. If you can easily access hiking trails, your pup will love the chance to bound up and down hills as well as take in the many smells of the wilderness. If hiking is not an option, you and your pup can enjoy a long walk anywhere outdoors together. Hiking and walking are excellent for ensuring BOTH of you get exercise while you also enjoy time together!
Step
1
Hike the forest
If you and your pup are up for a long walk or hike, you will first want to decide exactly WHERE to go. This will likely depend in part on where you are and how far you are willing to travel, as well as your preferences; some folks prefer hiking in the forest while others choose to trek in the park. With an American Pit Bull Terrier, it is likely your pup will be a willing hiker, so planning a few possibilities is a good idea so that you can embark on several hikes each week.
Step
2
Hiking supplies
There are certain things that you will want to bring with you when you walk or hike with your pup. First, be sure to have a leash, so that you can ensure your pup's safety. Even when hiking on a trail in the forest, it is likely that a leash will be required. Waste bags are also necessary to have along; no matter where you are walking you will want to clean up after your pooch. Make sure to bring plenty of water so that your pup can remain hydrated, as well as treats, which are great as rewards and distractions for your pup.
Step
3
Hiking rules
Fresh air and activity are definite bonuses earned when out for a hike. Nature is giving to you and therefore, you must give back to nature as you trek. Keep your American Pit Bull Terrier with you as you hike the trails. Allow them to explore the sights and smells while respecting the wildlife and flora. Be certain to pick up your pup's waste as you meander the path.
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Agility Activities
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
10 - 60 min
Items needed
Treats
PVC Pipe
Hula Hoop
Tires
Wood
Kids Tunnel
Activity description
Agility activities are great for American Pit Bull Terriers who do best with mental and physical activity. Obstacles that you create for your pup provide both mental and physical challenges. For example, you can set up jumps, tunnels and poles to weave around. Work on one activity at a time and start simple, increasing the difficult of the activity as your pup develops the skill. After your pal has gotten the hang of several agility tasks, you can connect the activities together and create an agility course. Using their mental and physical skills in this low cost activity can easily be done in your backyard, allowing for fun and exercise every day.
Step
1
Make it fun
Do agility activities sound like a great way to spend time with your dog to help them meet their exercise needs? If so, choose a few activities to try with your pup. You may have a few ideas in mind, or you can research possibilities online. Especially as you are getting started, it may be best to choose activities that meet your pup's particular strengths. After all, you want the agility activities to be more fun than frustrating!
Step
2
Build the obstacle
If you are looking to work on jumps with your pup, you can use a hula hoop or some PVC pipe. PVC pipe can also be used to set up poles for your pup to weave through. Tires or a plank can provide a task aimed at improving balance. You can be as creative as you like when it comes to choosing items to set up. If possible, build the obstacles in such a way that they can be adjusted to increase the difficulty when your clever American Pit Bull Terrier masters the task!
Step
3
Increase the difficulty
If you are looking to work on jumps with your pup, for example, you can use the hula hoop and place one end on the ground. Then, encourage your pup to walk through the hula hoop. Reward them with a treat after doing so and then have them do it again. You can then raise the hula hoop a small amount off of the ground. Again, encourage your pup to go through it. Keep raising the hula hoop until your pup is having to jump through it. With any agility activity you engage in with your pup, make sure to start simple and increase the difficulty of the activity as your pup gets the hang of it. After your dog shows the ability to handle several agility activities, connect them together and allow your dog to enjoy their own agility course!
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More Fun Ideas...
Play Fetch
Fetch is a great activity that will keep your pup moving while you enjoy a little downtime. With the endurance an American Pit Bull Terrier has, it is likely they will be able to retrieve a ball or frisbee many times, running for it each time you throw it. Once they return it to you, you can throw it again. And again. If your pup has not figured out the idea of "fetch", this is something that you can work on together.
Visit The Dog Park
The dog park is a great place to take an energetic dog like the American Pit Bull Terrier. You will often find plenty of other pups playing at the park, allowing for your pooch to make friends and be active with other dogs. Dog parks have their own particular offerings; for example, some offer agility activities or separate spaces for larger and smaller dogs. You may have a park in mind to visit or you can look online to learn about the dog parks near you. Not only will your pup get their energy needs met, you will enjoy watching your pup have fun with new friends!
Puzzle Toy Time
Not only does your American Pit Bull Terrier require physical activity, they will need to keep their brain active as well. Puzzle toys are a great way to accomplish this, as well as to keep your pup out of trouble (and away from your shoes!). There are many different types of puzzle toys, which are typically made of rubber or hard plastic. You will fill the toy with treats, kibble or a sticky substance like peanut butter, and present it to your pup. Your pup will then work to manipulate the toy so that they can get the edible items out.
Conclusion
American Pit Bull Terriers are active dogs; meeting their activity needs is important to ensure their long-term physical and mental health (and keep them out of trouble). Fortunately, there are many activities that you can engage in with your American Pit Bull Terrier, regardless of the weather or your own activity level. As you embark on these activities with your pup, you will notice that more is happening than you and your pup getting a lot of activity; you will be further developing your relationship with one another as you spend quality time together.