American Bulldog

I don't know if your in NC but if you are in the Raleigh area my husband offers obedience and behavior training.  If interested you can contact him at:

workingdogs@embarqmail.com

I am by no means and expert dog trainer but I have raised several AB's and helped many friends and family do the same thing. FIrst and for most I have found that crate training your dog greatly increases there behaviour. Crate training means training your pup to live in a crate when you are not home, sleeping, or just need them to have a time out. They do need it. AB's are a very strong stubborn breed to train. Espcially an Alpha dog.  My 4 year old male still trys me breaking training about every 6 to 8 months.  There are many methods, commands etc for training dogs. I believe it's the application of these methods that provide the best results.  100% committment from  you the owner is paramount. It is a test of wills not inteligence.  I have always said when you give a dog  command you make the dog comply and you cannot let up until the dog complies  or   you have to force it. Example if you tell your dog to sit you repeat it until they do. If they don't you sit them and make them stay until they do. After they complete the task whether on there own or with your assistance always follow with praise. They live for our attention.  Second heigth  is very important and body language. I always stand tall over my dogs while assserting a confident attitude in t in my body language. The most important thing and where most seem to fail is you have to be 100% committed once you give that command.  No matter what you are doing or what company is around.  The dog must comply every single command you give them. One command left un followed could start  your training completely over. Repetition is key. I once sat in the kitchen for 3 hours  with my male when he was a pup making him lie down and stay until he completed the task.  Now he is very well trained. AB's seem to be more hard headed than most dogs which means they take alot more commitement , time, and effort. Working with them on a regular basis is important. Not jus trying to train them when they are acting out.  The biting and nipping should not be tolerated at any extent.  Alot of people will immeidately place a dog on its back in those situations.  I only use that as a last resort and only in biting/ agressive situations.  But be sure to only stare the dog in the eyes whle on there back in extreme circumstances as  you can break a dogs spririt by doing that. It is something I have witnessed happen that ruined a beauftul dog.  Do not be afraid to handle your pup a little ruff.  I am not avocating beating your dog. That only makes them worse not to mention it's moraly wrong. But do not treat them with baby hands.  They are very physical dogs.  the biting and nipping sounds like he is playing.  If you watch AB's play they get quite ruff. You have to reach your dog that is not allowed. When my pups start to nip as they all have. I introduce a rope or a rag and turn it into a game. Remember  your dog is teething and is in pain chewing relieves that pain. Some dogs don't lose there last set of teeth until they are almost 2 years. Something to keep in mind when they are teething. I usually freeze there rubber bones ( kong type material)  they love it and it feels wonderful on there gums.   Obedience classes are always a good thing if you are having trouble. They will give you specific excersies to assist you in traning. But again with our the proper commitement nothing will help.  They are a tremendous amount of work. But the pay off is worht it all

Good Luck

Rob