Pre-Arrival Prep
When you have completed your research and have found a breeder/mentor with a Bull Terrier puppy or older dog you are interested in, be sure to ask questions in order to completely understand the terms of purchase. This includes understanding the difference between a pet, a breeding / show prospect and how the terms of the sales contract and registration affect either. In the USA, registration with the American Kennel Club is either Limited or Full Registration and will be at the breeder’s discretion. Limited registration means the animal cannot be bred while Full registration allows for breeding and is a requirement of exhibiting at Conformation shows. Discussing these options fully will help prospective owners understand future expectations. (More information on how to find a breeder and what to expect is included at the “Finding a Breeder” menu option.)
Establishing ongoing open communication with your breeder is of utmost importance as their experience is invaluable and can serve both you and the dog well. Be conscious of the fact that good breeders stand behind their dogs and want to be involved in their well-being for the duration of their lives. Keeping in touch with the breeder to share the ongoings of the new puppy or adult, along with pictures, will not only be appreciated but expected!
Before you bring your pup home try to find a veterinarian local to you that has had Bull Terriers as patients and practices a bit more of a holistic approach to veterinary care. Remember that you are the client so feel free to ask lots of questions and let the vet know what you do and don’t want done to your dog. The only vaccine required by law in the USA is Rabies; anything else is your choice. Set up an appointment with your vet within the time frame indicated in your breeder’s contract. It’s important for your pup to have an initial exam so the vet can confirm your puppy’s health and create a record when he/she is healthy.
Be sure to puppy proof your living space in advance. Pick up any kids’ toys and small objects that your puppy could chew or swallow. Move any items of value out of reach of your new addition as this breed is inquisitive, curious and likes to chew. If you have houseplants familiarize yourself with which ones are poisonous to dogs so they also can be moved out of the way. Move electric cords off the floor. Put all medications safely away, including items that contain THC, Xylitol, chocolate, raisins, etc., as they are poisonous to dogs. Ensure all your trashcans have tightly fitting lids.
It is crucial that you take at least one training class with your puppy. Find a puppy socialization class that starts soon after you bring your pup home and then an obedience class for when pup is 4+ months old. It cannot be stressed enough that Bull Terriers are not an easy breed, and the things you do/don’t do while they're young will impact the rest of their lives, so training with a professional is key to success. Even if you think you 'have the skills', taking a class is a good refresher for the humans and good stimulation/socialization for the pup.
For training treats anything small and soft works well - string cheese, cheddar cheese, raw hot dogs, cooked chicken, freeze dried liver, and any natural puppy treats.
It is not recommended to give bully sticks, rawhide, pigs ears, tennis balls, cow hooves, greenies, rope toys, or cooked bones as they are common causes of obstructions in both puppies and dogs.
Begin crate training your puppy in a smaller crate and then move to a larger crate once you're sure they are staying dry. For bedding in the crate start with fleece material (blizzard fleece) that can be bought at fabric shops by the yard - it is colorfast so can be bleached, doesn't retain a dog smell once washed, is inexpensive, and if the puppy ingests it, it seems to pass through.
It is advisable to have a plastic travel crate for the car to keep your puppy protected while traveling with the added benefit that it contains any mess your puppy may make. Once your puppy is crate trained feel free to use a wire crate in your living space. This will allow for better air flow which helps minimize a ‘doggy’ smell as well as skin and ear issues.
Make yourself a travel bag to keep in your car: trash bags, baby wipes, paper towels, poop bags, fresh fleece bed, extra toys, water bucket, bottled water, and a leash. You can keep a travel bag like this in the car at all times.
Remember that your puppy is a baby and requires a lot of sleep and down time. It is easy to over stimulate them, so socialize in moderation and make sure they get enough rest and crate time relative to their play time.
