Top Dog Training Books

Are bully breeds different than other dogs? Yes and no. If you live with a bully breed, you must read these top dog training books written specifically for bully breeds. Once you read the first two pages, you’ll understand why these breeds do things differently than most dogs.

I’m blessed to live with two bully breeds, a mini Bull Terrier and Rottweiler, and I highly recommend these books and DVDs!

What is a Bully Breed?

In general, I’m not a fan of lumping specific dogs into groups. However, I’ve noticed bully breeds do things a bit different, which can get them in trouble. “Bully” means “bull,” which means certain breeds are descended from bull dogs. But not all bully breeds come from a bull dog — some just play like a bully breed and are extremely independent. 🙂 Usually, bully breeds:

1. Have short coats
2. Are moderately to heavily muscled
3. Are bred to work independently (make their own decisions)
4. Love to play using body slams (They play rough! Most dogs are completely offended by their rough play style.)
5. Stare at new things, such as a dog, person or really, anything. (They don’t know staring is rude and they stare because they can. It’s that simple.)
6. Have no personal space. When meeting dogs or people, they stand 1 cm away from the other dog (It’s like they did not get the memo that personal space is required.)

If your dog fits in 3-5 categories, then these books and DVDs will be eye-opening for you!

RELATED: Best Dog Training Books

Top Dog Training Book

“When Pigs Fly – Training Success with Impossible Dogs”
by Jane Killion
&
“Bully for You: What to Expect from Bullies and What They Need” DVDs
by Trish King

“When Pigs Fly” will explain how to teach bully breeds polite manners using positive reinforcement training. Plus, you’ll understand what your dog sees from his perspective. You will laugh out loud, as Jane provides examples of independent dogs doing their own things – this hits home. 🙂 Jane Killion lives with Bull Terriers, and this breed is a hoot! They’re like a two-year-old child wrapped in a fur suit, and oh can they play rough! Trust me, Stella Mae, my mini Bull Terrier, will get so close to someone, especially if he is new to her, that she will be literally pushing against his left nostril!

“Bully for You” is a two-part DVD set and worth its weight in gold. This is an excellent visual for pet parents. It demonstrates how to interrupt rough play and keep your bully breed calm (sub-threshold) as well as another view from your dog’s perspective. Also, you’ll learn how to teach your bully breed:

• How to look away instead of staring
• Provide personal space

Best Book on Dog Greeting

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Contrary to what many pet parents believe, socialization does not mean your dog must meet other dogs. In fact, forcing your dog to meet every dog within a 50-mile radius is taking socialization to the extreme. Sue Sternberg is a master in dog body language and explains what to do in dog to dog interactions.

Remember, bully breeds love to stare, get too close and play rough, which is considered rude to most dogs. Never allow your dog to act rudely to other dogs, as this will cause a fight! Your bully breed is acting friendly, and it’s not his fault another dog deems him rude and starts growling. It’s your job to teach your bully breed how to greet other dogs politely.

What are the best dog training books you recommend for bully breeds? Do you have a bully breed?

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