admin

Raising an American Bully: Essential Tips for New Owners

Posted on May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by admin

Welcome to the world of American Bullies! If you’ve recently welcomed one of our puppies into your home or are considering adding an American Bully to your family, you’ve come to the right place. This unique breed, known for its muscular physique, loyalty, and friendly nature, makes a fantastic addition to any family. Today, we’re here to provide you with some essential tips for raising these remarkable dogs.

Understanding Your American Bully

The first step to successful ownership is understanding the American Bully breed. Despite their powerful appearance, American Bullies are known for their affectionate and loyal temperament. They are excellent family pets, showing a particular fondness for children, and often get along well with other pets, especially when they are socialized properly from a young age.

The Importance of Socialization

Socialization is a key aspect of raising a well-rounded American Bully. It’s essential to expose your pup to a wide variety of people, animals, and environments at a young age. Socialization helps to ensure your Bully grows into a confident, friendly, and well-mannered adult.

Start by introducing your puppy to different members of the household, followed by friends and extended family. Once your pup is comfortable with these interactions and has received the necessary vaccinations, you can gradually introduce them to other dogs and pets. Socializing your Bully in different environments such as parks, busy streets, and pet-friendly stores can also help them become accustomed to different sights, sounds, and smells.

Balanced Nutrition

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of your American Bully’s health. These robust and muscular dogs require a balanced diet to maintain their physique and overall well-being. High-quality dog food, rich in protein and free from fillers like corn and soy, is the best choice for this breed.

Remember to adjust the quantity and frequency of meals based on your Bully’s age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent feeding in smaller quantities, while adult dogs might do well with two meals a day. You can read more in one of our articles “How To Find The Best Dog Food For American Bullies?”.

Regular Exercise

American Bullies, with their athletic build, require regular exercise to maintain their physical fitness and mental well-being. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and other health problems, so it’s important to keep your Bully active.

Exercise can take many forms – from daily walks and play sessions in the yard to more structured activities like obedience training or agility courses. Consider incorporating a mix of these activities to keep your Bully engaged and stimulated.

And don’t forget about mental stimulation! Interactive toys and puzzle games can keep your Bully’s mind sharp and reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior.

Training Your Bully

American Bullies are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them highly trainable. Start training as early as possible using positive reinforcement methods. Rewards can be in the form of treats, praises, or favorite toys.

Consistency is key in any training regimen. Make sure all family members use the same commands and follow the same rules to avoid confusing your Bully. Remember, training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

Health Care

Regular veterinary care is essential for your American Bully. These dogs can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and skin allergies. Regular vet visits will help ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed early, helping your Bully lead a long, healthy life.

Grooming

Despite their short coat, American Bullies still require regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy. Brush your Bully’s coat weekly to remove loose hair and distribute natural skin oils, which help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Regular baths will keep their skin clean, but be careful not to over-bathe as it can strip the coat of its natural oils and cause skin irritation.

Love and Affection

Last, but certainly not least, American Bullies thrive on human companionship. Show your Bully plenty of love and affection, and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion. Spend quality time with your pet, respect their needs, and build a strong bond that will last a lifetime.

Raising an American Bully is a rewarding experience filled with love, companionship, and lots of fun. Remember, every dog is unique, and it’s important to adjust your care based on your Bully’s individual needs. If you’re ready to embark on this exciting journey, explore our available puppies and find your new best friend.

Here at XPB Kennels, we are committed to supporting you throughout your American Bully ownership journey. Whether you have questions about training, or health, or just want to share your Bully’s latest antics, we’re here for you. Welcome to the family!

How to Care for Your Bathroom Furniture When You Have a Dog

Posted on January 8, 2023January 8, 2023 by admin

Having a pet dog is a unique experience, and it is a responsibility that requires a lot of commitment. Dogs can be a great addition to your home, but they can also cause a lot of damage to your furniture, especially in the bathroom. In this blog, we will go over some tips and tricks on how to care for your bathroom when you have a dog.

Introduction

Having a pet dog is a great way to add joy and warmth to your home. Dogs become part of the family and can bring a lot of love and laughter into your life. At XPB Kennels we can provide you with the best bloodline pitbull puppies in the industry, to see available puppies click here.

Caring for your bathroom furniture when you have a dog is important, as it will help to keep your furniture in good condition and prevent any accidents from happening.

Why Is It Important to Care for Your Bathroom Furniture When You Have a Dog?

Caring for your bathroom furniture when you have a dog is important for many reasons. Dogs, especially puppies, have a tendency to chew on furniture and can cause a lot of damage, especially in the bathroom. They can also have accidents on the furniture, which can lead to unpleasant smells and stains. Furthermore, dogs can carry dirt and bacteria into the bathroom, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew if not cleaned up properly.

In addition to protecting your furniture, caring for your bathroom furniture when you have a dog is important for the safety of your pet. Dogs can be curious and can get into things they shouldn’t, such as cleaning supplies or medications stored in the bathroom. The last thing you want is for your pet to get sick or injured due to something they got into in the bathroom, so it is important to keep the area clean and dog-proof.

Common Problems and Solutions

When you have a dog in the house, there are some common problems that you may encounter in the bathroom. One of the main problems is that your dog may chew on the furniture, which can cause a lot of damage. To prevent this, it is important to provide your pet with plenty of chew toys and other items that are safe for them to chew on.

Another common problem is that your dog may have accidents in the bathroom, which can leave unpleasant odors and stains on the furniture. To prevent this, make sure to clean up any accidents as soon as possible and use a pet-safe cleaner to get rid of any odors or stains. But it’s always better to prevent the accident before it happens, for that start training your puppy as soon as possible.

Lastly, dogs can bring dirt and bacteria into the bathroom, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew if not cleaned up properly. To prevent this, make sure to clean the bathroom regularly and use a pet-safe disinfectant to kill any bacteria or germs.

Tips to Dog-Proof Your Bathroom Furniture

When you have a dog in the house, it is important to take steps to dog-proof your bathroom furniture. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Make sure to keep all cleaning supplies, medications, and other hazardous items out of reach of your pet.
Put a cover on the toilet seat to prevent your pet from drinking water.
Place a pet gate or barricade in front of the bathroom door to prevent your pet from entering the room unsupervised.
Put furniture covers or slipcovers on your furniture to protect it from scratches or other damage.
Place mats or rugs on the floor to help absorb any messes or spills.
Install childproof locks on all cabinets and drawers to prevent your pet from getting into them.

Following these tips will help to keep your bathroom safe and in good condition.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Cleaning and maintaining your bathroom furniture is important when you have a dog in the house. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Vacuum or sweep the bathroom floor regularly to get rid of any pet hair or dirt.
Wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.
Use a pet-safe cleaner to get rid of any odors or stains.
Use a pet-safe disinfectant to kill any bacteria or germs.
Make sure to clean up any messes or spills as soon as possible.

What Materials to Look for When Buying Pet-Proof Furniture

When buying furniture for your bathroom, it is important to look for materials that are pet-proof. Look for furniture made of solid wood or metal, as these materials are less likely to be damaged by your pet. Avoid materials such as leather or fabric, as they can easily be damaged by chewing or scratching.

It is also a good idea to look for furniture with rounded edges, as this will help to prevent any injuries from happening. Additionally, look for furniture that is easy to clean and maintain, as this will make it easier to keep your furniture in good condition.

How to Train Your Dog for Bathroom Visits

It is important to train your dog for bathroom visits, as this will help to keep your bathroom clean and safe. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Establish a routine for bathroom visits and stick to it.
Provide your pet with plenty of rewards and praise for good behavior.
Make sure to only use positive reinforcement when training your pet.
Give your pet plenty of time to explore and get used to the bathroom.
Use verbal cues to remind your pet of the rules for bathroom visits.

Following these tips will help to ensure that your pet is well-behaved in the bathroom and that your bathroom stays clean and safe.

Conclusion

Having a pet dog is a great way to add joy and warmth to your home, but it is important to take steps to care for your bathroom furniture when you have a dog. It is important to provide your pet with plenty of chew toys and other items that are safe for them to chew on and to clean up any accidents as soon as possible. Additionally, it is important to dog-proof your bathroom furniture and to keep it clean and maintained. Lastly, it is important to train your pet for bathroom visits, as this will help to keep your bathroom clean and safe. By following these tips, you can ensure that your bathroom furniture stays in good condition and that your pet is safe and happy.

Things to Know About American Bully

Posted on November 16, 2022November 28, 2022 by admin

If you see a dog grinning from ear to ear, it is probably an American Bully, a doughnut full of love. This bundle of muscles is actually very affectionate and sweet-hearted. It originated in the US and is an artificially bred cross between the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and bulldog. Despite its fierce look, the breed is known to be family-oriented and fond of kids. They are even called “nanny dogs.”
Pay attention to its size to not confuse an American bully with a pit bull. It is medium-sized at 16–20 inches tall and 30–65 pounds, but the parameters may change depending on the type (exotic, micro, XL bully, and XXL bully).

10 facts about American Bully

An American Bully is an absolute favorite to become your new family member. Still, as a responsible person, you need to learn everything about the dog you are about to adopt.

American bully is not a pitbull

It is a common misconception, but as already mentioned, those two dogs are absolutely different. They differ in appearance, traits, and standards.

Pitbull vs. American Bully

If you are thinking of choosing between these two breeds, consider these differences:
Head size: An American bully has a larger head for its body size.
Leg length: American bully has shorter legs than a pit bull.
Muscles: Generally, American bullies’ muscles are massive and well-defined.

Temperament and personality of an American bully

Forget about the stereotypes and get to know the American bully as a breed with a kind temperament. We can describe American bullies as friendly, mellow, and sweet, with no aggression. They love attention and hate being left alone for long periods. They love kisses, head tilts, and licks.

American bully size

Just like pit bulls, American bullies have different sizes which are critical factors when choosing your pet. They differ in size and weight.

Standard: A male bully is 17–20 inches; a female bully is 16–19 inches.
Classic: This type is the same height as the standard but is less muscular with narrow frames.
Pocket: A male bully is 14–17 inches; a female bully is 13–16 inches. Other characteristics are similar to the standard type.
XL: A male bully is 20–23 inches; a female is 19–22 inches. It is the largest size for American bullies.

The cost of bully puppies

American bully puppies are really expensive. The average price for a puppy ranges from $7000 to $20000. The highest price recorded was $250.000 for a puppy. The cost depends on the breeder, the bloodline, etc. You can see our available puppies here.

An American bully can live for up to 13 years

Your four-legged friend will be a loyal companion for over ten years as long as you take proper care of it. Be informed about the breed’s common health issues and get regular consultations with the vet.
Here is a list of common health issues:
Elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Atopy
Cerebellar abiotrophy
Cataracts
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cleft palate or lip
Ichthyosis
Hypothyroidism
Luxating patella
Congenital heart failure
These health issues could be genetic or caused by a poor diet, food allergies, or poor eating habits. Read about the pit bull food diet here.

Diet of the American Bully

Depending on the size of the pup, the portions vary. The common rule for the breed is 30 calories per pound, but it is highly advised to consult with a vet.

The American bully is easy to train

Like pit bulls, American bullies are known for being very motivated and ready to please their owners with good behavior. If trained at an early age with consistency, dogs grow up very smart and intelligent and can serve as great service dogs.

The American bully is very active

The breed has inexhaustible energy and requires enough exercise not to get bored. When bored, they become destructive. Regular outdoor activities are the best to keep them active.

American bully requires little grooming

The breed is characterized by a short coat groomed once a week. You can do easy grooming at home without the help of a professional service. The American bully doesn’t like low temperatures. Make sure your pet wears a sweater or jacket when going outside. You can read more about it here

Summary

An American bully is bred to become your family member and live with your children. This adorable bundle of muscles gives you the most heart-melting smile when you are around and has nothing to do with aggressive behavior. An American bully makes a perfect companion for being loving, affectionate, and loyal.

Can a Pitbull be a service dog?

Posted on November 2, 2022November 3, 2022 by admin

Although being one of the most debated breeds and a topic of dozens of stigmas, Pitbulls still continues to be one of the most popular as well. Can a pitbull be a service dog or not? Here are the facts that may help you make up your mind.

What are service dogs?

A service dog should be trained accordingly to handle its integral role in managing the owner’s needs. Certain breeds make excellent service dogs, but no one said there were any rules or limitations.

According to the official definition, a service dog is an individual trained dog to perform tasks for people with disabilities. The definition says nothing about the breed; it can be any type of assistance animal that supports the owner, whether physically or mentally.

There are several types of service dogs according to disability:

– Guide dogs or seeing-eye dogs assist their handler in navigating hazards and obstacles.

– Hearing dogs are trained to assist their owners when they receive critical cues like a fire alarm, doorbell, door knocking, and more.

– Medical alert dogs help owners with epilepsy or seizures prepare for an upcoming one and protect them.

– Mobility assistance dogs support people with any injury that makes standing, walking, or balancing difficult.

– Psychiatric service dogs help owners with mental issues such as depression, attacks, anxiety, PTSD, etc.

There are many misconceptions about service dogs, and one of them is the color and style of their vest. The truth is that service animals are never required to wear a vest or any other accessory as identification. The ADA has never required such certification for service animals. It means that if you see a pitbull service dog without a vest, don’t rush to call the authorities. It is all within the law.

Can a pitbull be a service dog for any of these disabilities? Absolutely! The cubs are trained for each purpose. Due to their intellect and loyalty, Pitbulls make perfect service dogs.

The only thing to keep in mind is that some states have a banned breed list for service dogs that may also include Pitbulls. Because the list is updated frequently, Pitbulls may be removed from the list. Breed advocates, service dog organizations, and dog handlers work tirelessly to influence legislation and, eventually, dispel the stigma associated with Pitbulls. Two active organizations, The Animal Farm Foundation’s Assistance Dog Training Program (New York) and Pits for Patriots (Chicago) engage shelter Pitbulls in the lives of people with different disabilities, simultaneously proving to society that Pitbulls can make great service dogs.

Why can a pitbull be a great service dog?

Physically impressive and powerful, Pitbulls are endowed with kindness, loyalty, intelligence, and empathy. Those qualities make a perfect match for a service dog. Here are the reasons why Pitbulls can become support animals.

– Physical strength: The dogs have impressive muscle mass and endurance, which is crucial for serving handlers with physical disabilities.

– Intelligence: The breed is known for its above-average intelligence, a crucial quality for training service dogs.

– Ease of motivation: Pitbulls are ready to do the task for a snack, making the training more efficient.

– Moderate size: One of the criteria for choosing a service dog is size. Regardless of the type of service dog, it should be of average size. Pitbulls are usually of moderate size, between 30 and 60 pounds.

– Emotional Intuition: Pitbulls proved to have intuition and an emotional connection with their owners, responding accordingly to any change.

Again, can a pitbull be a service dog? According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), any breed can be a service animal as long as it is trained by professionals to be a support animal and perform tasks.

What can a pitbull do as a service dog?

The physical and emotional state of a pitbull and its size enable the dog to perform tasks of any complexity.

Carry and retrieve

Retrieval of specific items is the first thing service dogs learn. Pitbulls learn to fetch medication and devices and even call people to help their handler. As a carrier, a service pitbull can pull a wheelchair and carry heavy items such as a bag of groceries or a backpack.

Block and guide

Pitbulls’ size and weight make them ideal for withstanding handler pressure. The dog can move or block a person from stepping into an unseen danger, such as a busy road or a stairwell.

Provide deep pressure

Pitbulls are wonderful companions for people suffering from PTSD and anxiety, helping them to relax. Pitbulls use their weight to help handlers with dissociative episodes reconnect with reality.

Your pitbull has all the potential to be a fantastic support for you

You can break the stigma and make your pitbull an excellent support animal. Finding a reputable breeder and organization to train your dog is the most important part.

How to get a pitbull service dog?

Regardless of the dog breed, you need an official document from a physician proving your disability or mental health condition.

Once you have all the documents, you can now find a reliable breeder and a training organization to train your pitbull and get it ready as your service dog.

Where to buy a pitbull

Despite being promoted as service dogs, you are unlikely to find Pitbulls in service dog programs or organizations. But what you can do is find a reliable kennel to buy or adopt a Pitbull. We have pitbull puppies that can be trained to become your companion animals, and we are ready to consult you on any questions you may have about your service dog.

How to find the best dog food for American Bullies?

Posted on October 25, 2022May 16, 2023 by admin

How to find the best dog food for American Bullies? Next to getting a pet, it’s probably the most challenging. A healthy and happy dog is, first of all, a breeder’s merit. That’s why, if you are purchasing a purebred bully, find a trusted breeder with healthy puppies. Once the dog is yours, the responsibility to make him a healthy and strong dog is also yours, and the first question the newly-minted owner of a four-legged friend has is what to feed a bully puppy. Here are the
questions you should answer; Is it a puppy or an adult bully? Is it a large or medium-sized breed? Let’s discuss all the cases one by one.

Bully feeding chart for puppies and adults.

Proper nutrition from the first months of a puppy is a warranty to healthy and strong adulthood throughout the dog’s lifespan.

Age	Food
4-6 weeks	mother’s milk
7-12 weeks	mother’s milk and softened puppy kibble
13 weeks – 6 months	large/medium breed puppy food*. Feed according to the feeding guide on the back of the bag. Divide daily feeding amount in 3-4 feedings
7-18 months	same as above but divided into 2-3 feedings (most dogs do great when fed twice a day, but some puppies require more frequent feeding for a little longer than others)
Adult dog (under 7-8 years old)	adult large/medium breed dog food*. Feed according to the feeding guide on the back of the bag. Divide the daily feeding amount in 1-2 feedings
Senior dog (over 8 years old)	senior large/medium breed dog food*. Feed according to the feeding guide on the back of the bag. Divide the daily feeding amount in 2 feedings

Chart by Anush Melkonyan

* Please note – make sure that the food that you chose passed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feeding trials, that information you can find on the label. Also, grain-free diets are not recommended unless specifically advised by your veterinarian, since it’s been linked to heart disease in dogs.

When choosing the food, consult with your veterinarian if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions, which may mean that over-the-counter diets may not be suitable for your pup’s health in the long run. During the fast growth phase, and thereafter – you should evaluate your dog’s body condition score and make sure that he/she is not overweight. You can learn how to do it by following the link below. If you do see that your puppy is overweight you will need to adjust the amount of daily food intake accordingly.

What is the best dog food for American Bully?

There are four types of food you can choose from, and all of them are acceptable as bully dog food. The choices are pretty individual, so you can experiment with them and find the best alternative. Never change the food abruptly, since that can cause indigestion. Let’s see which are those types.

Kibble or Dry food.

Kibble or dry food is, so far, the most practical and economical option. It comes in medium-sized bags that can be conveniently stored. It is also a better option to keep their teeth clean.

Canned or pouch wet food.

The price is higher than for dry food. It also has higher water content, which means lower nutritional value. The pouch is not the best sole source of puppy food for bullies. If you want to experiment with wet food, pay attention to the ingredients and ensure they meet the dog’s nutritional needs. When giving canned food and dry food together, don’t mix them in the same bowl, but serve them separately.

Human-grade fresh dog food.

Human-grade Fresh dog food is crafted by vets and is made of high-quality natural ingredients. They are designed for your dog’s age, weight, and special needs. It is a high-priced food item. The best thing you can do is to combine regular dry food with a human grade as a special treat. Always follow the storage requirements of this food, since it doesn’t contain any preservatives and goes bad quickly.

Home-cooked.

Home-cooked It is the least effective and hard-to-follow food type, especially as a bully puppy food and for dogs that need special nutrition. Home-cooked food can be an option if you have knowledge, skills, and time. If choosing to feed a home-cooked diet to your dog – make sure to have a consultation with a veterinary board-certified nutritionist ahead of time, so they can provide you with a balanced, ideal recipe that fits your dog’s individual requirements.

How to keep your bully at the right weight.

This is Max

Our four-legged friends DO love to eat, especially when the owner doesn’t control the amount of their daily portion. As an owner, you need to be vigilant and control your bully’s diet. The portions may differ based on the exact size (medium or large), genetics, the nutritious value of food, and overall health. Regular exercise is the main component of an active and healthy dog, especially when it comes to bully. You can refer to the link above in this article to learn how to evaluate your pet’s ideal body condition score.