English Bull Terrier pup (Help needed to train pup)

We have an English Bull Terrier, who was a year old Dec 4th, he is my son and granddaughers dog, they live with us, but also he is a family dog. Son has new lady friend and is spending alot of time at her house, which means me and hubby are looking after him more at the moment, Bruno is very strong and not very trained, but he has a loving nature , I know this breed is hard to train and can be obstinate, a bit like my star sign Taurus the bull. He has a large cage, but I let him out as often as I can, problem is I work and nearly 61 and have a bad back, hubby is older than me but has retired on ill health. We had a border collie for 16 years, lost him 5 years ago he was very easy to train. Anyway any help on how to train a Bull wil be gratefully received, we have grown to love him and would hate to have him re-homed, ...meking

I'd strongly recommend taking him along to some training classes and then practice with "homework" at home to improve his behaviour.

Have a look at this website for trainers in your area.
http://www.apdt.co.uk/

PS: Good on you for not giving up on him.

Hi Evie, I have thought about training, I did look at your thread but unfortunately none of them are anywhere near us, but I think there is one very near where I live, I saw an advert in a local shop about 3 months ago and I am going to try and find out if it is still available, if I remember right it is a lady who works at a vets.. thank you for replying to me.. meking

Your welcome, sorry I can't be of more help.
Perhaps if you post on the "Training and behaviour" forum on here asking about good positive trainers in your area someone on here may be able to give some good suggestions.

Best of luck.

Hi Meking are there any training issues in particular that members can help you with ?

I would start with the basics of puppy training at home and as Evie suggest try to get to a training class..

Here is a link to an article written by one of our members. If covers a few basics ...
http://www.dogsey.com/dog-articles.php?t=14526

You mention Bruno being strong and your having back problems, does he pull, if so a special harness may help you...

Hi Meking,

As already stated, there may be other members who live near to you who may be able to recommend someone. Or you could ask at your vets if there are any local clubs. Any club is worth a visit, you don't have to join but at least you'll know what's out there on offer.

Also, there may be members who live near to you who may be able to walk with you so you could have a very well socialised dog sooner than you think.

You say Bruno belongs to your Son and Grandson, How old is your Grandson? You may be able to involve him inthe training also. My Son is 5 years old and he helps me train my dogs and comes to ringcraft with me also.

Are there any specific problems you're having - such as getting Bruno to sit? Or stay? Or lie down etc? if so simple thigns like this can be described to you on the board so we may be able to help youwith that. If it's training in general that is required I'm afraid a qualified trainer is the way to go. Even if you can't find one exactly where you are it would be worth the effort both for you and for Bruno to travel a littel way of you are able to.

If you have a bad back and he pull son lead I think that would be one of the first things to resolve. For the most part, training is about either going to a club or having someone come to your home (if they're really good and you can afford it) and then practising every day with Bruno whatever you've learned from your trainer. usualyl within a week or two you'll see an improvement and over time you may be surprised at what Bruno can achieve.

Well done for looking after him whilst your Son spends time with his lady friend. Does his lady friend like dogs? If so, maybe she could come to your house more often and spend time with Bruno also. This way, your Son (with his girlfriend if he wants to) can walk bruno for you at least.

I know it probably seems really difficult at the moment but please persevere. I don't know much about this breed at all but I have a friend who used to have an English Bull Terrier. He was a fantastic dog, albeit a little stubborn at times. Bruno is still a puppy so have so much to learn - therefore having so much to give back too. I'm sure he'll be a credit to you very soon.

Can we see some piccies please?

Laura xx

Thank you for your answers minihaha, I have bookmarked that page on learning and Laura, will have a go at the pictures, need to find out how, and then will put some on here. Patience is a virtue, I will try and stay patient with him. .. meking