Pitbull Dog 3 Months: A Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Healthy Puppy

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Posted Oct 16, 2024

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Tan American Pitbull Running on Water
Credit: pexels.com, Tan American Pitbull Running on Water

At 3 months old, your pitbull puppy is bursting with energy and curiosity. They're learning to navigate the world around them, and it's essential to provide a safe and nurturing environment to support their growth.

Pitbull puppies typically weigh between 15-25 pounds at 3 months old, with males slightly larger than females. This rapid growth requires a balanced diet to fuel their development.

Your pitbull puppy's teeth are starting to erupt, and they'll need regular dental care to prevent problems. Brushing their teeth twice a week can help keep their gums healthy and prevent painful dental issues.

For another approach, see: Pitbull Dog 6 Months Old

Getting Started

Between 8 and 12 weeks old, your pit bull puppy needs plenty of positive human interaction to help it develop a strong bond with you.

Make sure to introduce your pup to other dogs and animals between 10 and 16 weeks old to complete socialization, which is an important part of pit bull training.

A fresh viewpoint: Old Pitbull Dog

Starting Puppy Socialization

Credit: youtube.com, Puppy TRAINING - The FIRST 5 Things To Teach Any Puppy!

Starting Puppy Socialization is a crucial step in raising a well-adjusted and happy puppy.

The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life are the socialization period that determines much about what they learn about other animals and the outside world. They arrive at 8 weeks from birth, so plan ahead to bring one home at this age.

Allow your puppy to become comfortable in your home for 2 weeks before starting the majority of puppy socialization. This will give them time to adjust to their new surroundings.

As your puppy becomes curious, let them start exploring your home while keeping a close eye on them during housebreaking. Try not to keep certain areas off limits, as this can create anxiety.

Encourage friends and family to visit your puppy regularly between 8 and 12 weeks old. The more people they meet, the more confident they'll become.

Here's a rough outline of socialization milestones for your puppy:

  • 8-12 weeks: Introduce your puppy to friends and family
  • 10-16 weeks: Introduce your puppy to other dogs and animals
  • 10-16 weeks: Take your puppy on frequent trips outside the home

Grooming is also an essential part of socialization. Brush and bathe your puppy regularly to help them get used to handling and touch.

Things You'll Need

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Things You'll Need For Your New Puppy

As you prepare to bring your new furry friend home, you'll want to make sure you have everything you need to keep them happy and healthy. A closed non-wire crate is a must-have for providing a safe space for your dog to rest and relax.

A crate will also help with housebreaking, which is essential for any new dog owner. You'll want to have housebreaking pads on hand to make clean-up a breeze.

In addition to a crate, you'll need some toys to keep your dog entertained. Balls, squeaky toys, and pull ropes are all great options. You'll also want to have some stuffed animals on hand for your dog to snuggle up with at night.

A good leash and collar are also essential for taking your dog on walks and identifying them when they're out and about. Don't forget to get some dog tags with your dog's name and contact information on them.

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Pitbull Lying Down with Ball on Beach
Credit: pexels.com, Pitbull Lying Down with Ball on Beach

You'll also want to have some dog shampoo and a towel on hand for bath time. And, of course, you'll need some treats to reward good behavior.

Here's a list of some of the essential items you'll need to get started:

  • Crate (closed non-wire)
  • Balls
  • Squeaky toys
  • Pull ropes
  • Stuffed animal
  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Dog tags
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Treats
  • Housebreaking pads
  • Baby gate
  • Dog trainer
  • Reliable Veterinarian
  • Groomer

Behavior & Training

Pitbulls are quick to associate commands and behavior, but patience, consistency, and treats are still necessary for training.

They crave complex toys and food puzzles to keep their minds engaged, so try to provide them with frequent interaction and stimulation.

Diligence and firmness are required during early Pitbull training, as they can easily get distracted by outside stimuli.

To housebreak your Pitbull, take them outside frequently to pee, set up a designated area, and establish boundaries.

Here's a simple 4-step plan for housebreaking:

  1. Take your Pitbull outside very frequently to pee.
  2. Set up an area, whether large or small, where the Pitbull should go every time.
  3. Take your dog on frequent walks, establishing boundaries for where the dog can pee.
  4. Pay attention to the dog, communicating clearly and firmly if they make a mess.

Pitbulls are sensitive and smart, responding well to positive reinforcement and frequent training sessions.

Credit: youtube.com, Complete Pit bull puppy Training Schedule by AGE!

Working with your Pitbull's crate training, try starting with short periods of time in the crate, gradually increasing the duration while giving treats and praise.

Male and female Pitbull puppies have similar needs, requiring chew toys for oral stimulation to help their milk teeth come out.

Remember, Pitbulls have strong jaws, so choose durable toys and provide them with plenty of exercise and interaction to keep them happy and healthy.

Health and Safety

As a new Pitbull owner, it's essential to be aware of their health and safety needs. Pitbulls are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to shedding, especially during seasonal changes.

Their short coat makes grooming a breeze, requiring only occasional brushing and washing. You can expect some drool around dinner time, but it's not excessive.

However, regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial to prevent weight gain, which can lead to thyroid problems. Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch any potential issues early on.

Health Needs

Pitbull Lying Down on Floor
Credit: pexels.com, Pitbull Lying Down on Floor

Pitbulls are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to some health issues. They have a relatively short and easy-to-maintain coat, which makes grooming a breeze.

Their shedding level is moderate to high, especially during seasonal changes, so be prepared for some extra cleaning. They require minimal brushing and washing, but regular grooming is still essential for their overall happiness.

Pitbulls are not particularly slobbery, but they will still drool around dinner time. You can expect some saliva, but it's nothing out of the ordinary.

Their short coat also makes bathtime quick and easy, and they're less likely to get matted hair or dirt stuck in their coat.

On a similar theme: Pitbulls Good Apartment Dogs

Using a Leash

Using a leash is an essential part of dog training and safety. Start using a leash between 8 and 16 weeks old to avoid confusion.

You should use the leash regularly to help your dog understand its purpose. This will make training easier and more effective in the long run.

To keep your dog safe while walking, keep the leash firmly pulled back. This will help your dog walk beside or behind you, not ahead of you.

If your dog starts to pull or jump on the leash, use firm commands like "Back" to correct the behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my 3 month old pitbull biting me?

Pitbull puppies often bite due to normal teething and play, but biting can also be a sign of fear or frustration, which may indicate future aggression issues

What is the best age to start training a pitbull puppy?

Start training your Pitbull puppy between 8-16 weeks of age for optimal learning and habit formation. This critical window sets the foundation for a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dog

Shannon Stamm

Senior Copy Editor

Shannon Stamm is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and syntax, she ensures that every article shines with clarity and precision. Shannon's experience spans a range of topics, including Dog Training and Behavior, where she has honed her skills in distilling complex information into accessible, engaging pieces.