Hand feeding is more than just a unique way to give your dog meals—it’s a powerful tool in building trust, establishing control, and shaping behavior. For dedicated dog breeders and trainers, especially those handling powerful breeds like XL American Bullies, hand feeding brings a whole new dimension to training that can make a massive difference. In this article, we’ll dive into why hand feeding is essential, its key benefits, and how you can start incorporating it into your training routine.

Building Trust and Bonding

A Foundation of Trust

Hand feeding establishes a core relationship between you and your XL Bully. XL Bullies that feed directly from your hand come to see you as their provider and protector, making them more likely to trust you and follow commands. This bond is crucial for building loyalty, especially in strong and intelligent breeds like XL Bullies, which require a firm yet respectful leader.

Promotes Eye Contact

 Eye contact is essential for training an XL Bully, and hand feeding naturally encourages this. The more your XL Bully connects with you visually during feeding, the more responsive they’ll become to your verbal and non-verbal cues in training sessions.

Strengthening Obedience

Command Reinforcement

Hand feeding is the perfect time to reinforce essential commands like sit, stay, and leave it, especially for powerful breeds like the XL American Bully. By associating these commands with food, your Bully learns that obedience is rewarded, helping to shape a well-behaved, responsive companion.

Calm Feeding Routine

 Hand feeding naturally slows down the feeding process, which allows you to reinforce calm behavior in your American Bully. If your dog learns to wait patiently for food in a hand-feeding setting, they’ll carry that patience into other training exercises, creating a foundation of respect and focus.

Reducing Food Aggression

Desensitizing to Touch

 Some American Bullies and other large breeds can develop food aggression if they feel their food source is threatened. Hand feeding helps desensitize these dogs to human touch around their food, reducing their instinct to guard it. This approach works especially well with younger XL Bullies as they’re forming their early attitudes about food. Additionally, many puppies, including Bully puppies, may show food aggression while still in the litter environment when nursing or when a breeder or handler feeds them together.

Building Controlled Dominance

 Strong breeds like the XL Bully instinctively respect the source of their food. Through hand feeding, you establish yourself as the leader who controls their resource, reinforcing that food is earned through positive behavior and calm energy. This process builds mutual respect and helps prevent territorial behaviors around food.

Enhancing Focus and Control

Controlled Feeding Exercises

For XL Bullies and other strong breeds, hand feeding can be an effective way to build focus and control. Use a structured approach: ask for a basic command, give a small portion of food, then repeat. This method encourages concentration and patience, which are essential for working with powerful breeds like American Bullies in advanced training.

Managing High Energy Levels

If your American Bully tends to be high-energy or easily excitable, hand feeding can help channel that energy. Slowing down the feeding process teaches your dog to wait calmly, reinforcing patience and focus as they learn to earn their food through composed behavior. Calm energy is essential for your Bully’s focus on learning.

Improving Socialization Skills

Interacting with Multiple Handlers

Hand feeding can be particularly effective for XL American Bullies, helping them learn to respond to commands from multiple handlers. For instance, if family members or kennel staff are involved in the feeding process, this encourages your Bully to recognize and respect authority from various people, making them more versatile and well-adjusted.

Introducing to New Environments

XL Bullies are often motivated by food, which makes it easier to acclimate them to unfamiliar settings by using food as positive reinforcement. Hand feeding can be especially beneficial when introducing your Bully to active environments, such as training facilities, kennels, or boarding facilities helping them remain calm and focused.

Promoting Health and Weight Management

Preventing Overeating

Hand feeding is a useful approach to manage portion sizes and feeding pace, which is ideal for large breeds like the XL American Bully that may be prone to overeating. This method is especially beneficial for keeping weight under control, supporting overall fitness, joint health, and longevity in these muscular dogs.

Observing Eating Patterns

Hand feeding also gives you a close view of your XL Bully’s appetite and eating habits, allowing you to detect any fluctuations or reduced interest in food that could signal potential health concerns. This technique can help you monitor their weight management needs more effectively and respond early to any issues.

Crate training is one of the most important steps you can take to help your XL American Bully thrive. These large and powerful dogs, like those at Kingdom Bully Kennels, benefit greatly from structure, safety, and a secure space of their own. The crate serves as a den where your dog can relax, rest, and feel comfortable. Crate training helps with many aspects of their behavior, including house training, minimizing destructive behavior, and providing a place of comfort during stressful situations. It is better to start early with crate training, however crate training can be done at any age.

A Safe Space

XL Bullies are big, strong dogs, but they need a space to retreat and feel safe. A crate offers just that – a secure, den-like environment where they can relax. This helps your dog develop a positive association with the crate. It becomes their own space to unwind after a long day of activities or stimulation. At Kingdom Bully Kennels, we see firsthand how providing a personal space for these dogs gives them a sense of security and balance in their routine.

House Training Benefits

One of the most well-known benefits of crate training is its role in housebreaking. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so crate training taps into this instinct, making it easier to establish a routine. For XL Bullies, consistency is key. They thrive on clear rules and boundaries, and crate training is an effective way to reinforce good habits when it comes to bathroom breaks.

In the early stages of house training, confining your XL Bully to a crate for short periods when unsupervised helps prevent accidents in the house. Gradually, as they learn the proper routine and are taken outside at the right times, they begin to understand that the crate is for resting, not for relieving themselves. This leads to quicker and more efficient house training overall.

Reducing Destructive Behavior

XL Bullies, like any dogs, can get bored and sometimes resort to destructive behaviors if they have too much free reign when left alone. Chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items is a common issue for energetic dogs. The crate offers a safe and secure place to keep them out of trouble while you’re not able to supervise them.

At Kingdom Bully Kennels, we emphasize the importance of keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated, but the crate is an invaluable tool when you need to step out or can’t keep a close eye on them. It prevents them from engaging in bad behaviors out of boredom or curiosity. Just be sure to introduce the crate positively and make sure they get plenty of exercise and attention outside of it.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Crate training is also useful for managing anxiety in your XL Bully. Many dogs feel overwhelmed in busy environments or during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks. A crate can serve as a quiet and secure retreat where they can feel protected. Since it’s a familiar place, it can help your XL Bully feel calm during moments of high stress.

The crate is not meant to be a punishment but rather a sanctuary for your dog. Building positive associations with it from an early age is key. Rewarding your dog for entering the crate and staying calm inside reinforces that this is a place where good things happen.

Crate Training and Travel

Another benefit of crate training is how it prepares your dog for travel. Whether it’s a car ride to the vet or a road trip with the family, XL Bullies that are comfortable with their crate will travel more easily. A crate provides a safe and confined space during travel, minimizing stress for both the dog and the owner.

Dogs that aren’t crate-trained can become anxious and difficult to manage in unfamiliar situations. Crate training, however, ensures your dog is accustomed to being in an enclosed space, making travel more pleasant and hassle-free.

The Importance of Routine

XL Bullies, like most dogs, are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine and predictability. Crate training helps establish a daily structure, which is especially important for these powerful and energetic dogs. Knowing they have a place to rest and recharge at specific times of the day helps them feel secure and stable.

Consistency is critical when it comes to crate training. Start by creating a schedule that includes crate time, regular walks, feeding, and play sessions. Over time, your XL Bully will learn to understand the rhythm of the day, reducing stress and behavioral issues.

Making Crate Training a Positive Experience

At Kingdom Bully Kennels, we recommend introducing the crate in a positive and gradual manner. Start by placing treats or favorite toys inside to encourage your dog to explore the crate on their own. Never force your XL Bully into the crate, as this can create negative associations. Instead, reward calm behavior and make the crate a comfortable, inviting space with soft bedding.

Always be patient during the crate training process. It’s important to remember that every dog is different, and some may take longer to adjust than others. However, with consistent effort and a positive approach, crate training becomes an invaluable tool in your dog’s life.

Common Crate Training Mistakes

While crate training has many benefits, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can make the process less effective. Over-crating is one of the most common pitfalls. Dogs, especially large breeds like XL Bullies, need plenty of time outside the crate for exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation. Crating your dog for too long can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even behavioral issues.

It’s also essential to never use the crate as a form of punishment. The crate should be a place your dog feels safe and relaxed, not a place they associate with being in trouble. If the crate becomes a negative experience, your dog will resist using it, and the training process will be much more difficult.

A Happy XL Bully

Crate training is a vital part of raising a well-balanced and happy XL Bully. It offers many benefits, from aiding in house training to preventing destructive behaviors and providing a safe space during stressful situations. At Kingdom Bully Kennels, we’ve seen firsthand how crate training helps create confident and well-adjusted dogs. By using positive reinforcement and creating a routine, your XL Bully will come to see their crate as a personal sanctuary, contributing to their overall well-being and development.

Embrace crate training as an essential tool in building a positive relationship with your XL Bully.

Pit Bulls and American Bullies are often confused due to their similar appearances and shared ancestry. However, these breeds have distinct differences in terms of history, physical characteristics, and bloodlines. This article explores these differences, providing a comprehensive understanding of each breed, including their historical and current bloodlines.

Origins and History

Pit Bulls

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. Initially bred for bull-baiting, a popular blood sport, these dogs were later used for dog fighting. When these sports were outlawed, Pit Bulls transitioned to being working dogs and family companions. It is important to note that in current times, social media has falsely classified a Pitbull and an umbrella term for many breeds of dogs, mostly Bully breed, Molosser type dogs, and dogs of mixed or unknown ancestry. An APBT is just one specific breed of purebred dog, not countless breeds.

Historical Bloodlines of Pit Bulls

Colby Bloodline: One of the oldest and most famous bloodlines, established in the late 1800s by John P. Colby. Colby dogs are known for their strength, loyalty, and tenacity.

Carver Bloodline: Developed by Maurice Carver, this bloodline is renowned for producing dogs with excellent fighting abilities and a muscular build.

Jeep Bloodline: Named after the legendary fighting dog Crenshaw’s Jeep, this line is celebrated for its endurance and agility in the ring.

American Bullies

The American Bully is a relatively new breed, developed in the United States in the late 20th century. It was created by crossing the American Pit Bull Terrier with other breeds like the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, and Mastiff (in specific bloodlines) to produce a dog with a more muscular build and a less aggressive temperament.

Historical Bloodlines of American Bullies

Razor’s Edge: Founded by Dave Wilson, this bloodline is one of the most influential in the American Bully world. Razor’s Edge dogs are known for their thick bone structure and balanced temperament.

Gottiline: Created by Richard Barajas, this bloodline is famous for its extreme muscle mass and blocky head. Gottiline dogs are popular in the show ring and as family pets.

Grey Line: Established by Gary Moore, Grey Line dogs are known for their athletic build and versatility.

Physical Characteristics

Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are medium-sized dogs with a solid, muscular build. They typically weigh between 30 to 60 pounds and stand about 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. Pit Bulls have a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors and patterns. Their head is broad with a powerful jaw, and they have a well-defined, athletic body.

American Bullies

American Bullies come in various sizes, ranging from pocket to XXL. They generally have a more robust and muscular build than Pit Bulls, with a weight range of 70 to 120 pounds and a height of 13 to 21 inches, depending on the class. American Bullies have a broad, deep chest, a large blocky head, and a short, glossy coat that also comes in multiple colors and patterns. Note that XXL is not a recognized class of American Bully by ABKC. Instead, it is used to describe XL Bullies that are taller than the XL Bully breed standard.

Temperament

Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and determination. They are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports and activities. Despite their historical use in dog fighting, well-bred Pit Bulls are friendly, affectionate, and good with children when properly socialized and trained.

American Bullies

American Bullies are bred for their gentle and friendly nature. They are known to be excellent family pets, exhibiting a calm demeanor and strong loyalty towards their owners. American Bullies are sociable, confident, and great with children, making them suitable for families and individuals alike.

Current and Popular Bloodlines

Pit Bulls

Redboy-Jocko: A popular bloodline known for its game qualities and high drive, often seen in working and sporting contexts.

Eli Bloodline: Renowned for its powerful build and strength, the Eli line produces dogs with strong working abilities and tenacity.

Chinaman Bloodline: Celebrated for its endurance and fighting spirit, this bloodline is highly regarded among Pit Bull enthusiasts.

American Bullies

Daxline: Founded by Ed Shepherd, Daxline dogs are known for their extreme features, including a wide chest and a blocky head. This line is popular in the show ring and as companion animals.

Miagi Bloodline: Known for producing compact and muscular dogs with a distinctive look, Miagi dogs are sought after for their unique appearance and temperament.

Remyline: Created by Richard Barajas, Remyline is a respected bloodline known for its balanced structure and friendly nature, making it a favorite among American Bully breeders and owners.

Learning the Differences Between The Two Breeds

While Pit Bulls and American Bullies share a common ancestry, they have evolved into distinct breeds with unique characteristics and purposes. Pit Bulls are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and historical bloodlines like Colby, Carver, and Jeep. In contrast, American Bullies are celebrated for their muscular build, gentle temperament, and bloodlines such as Razor’s Edge, Gottiline, and Grey Line. Understanding these differences helps appreciate each breed’s unique qualities and contributions to the Pit Bull and American Bully community.

Much of the muscle tone and bulkiness in XL American Bullies is genetic. However, you can bulk up your Bully to its fullest potential. If you want to learn how to add serious muscle to your American Bully, we’ll cover a few effective methods. Just like people, dogs can bulk up with increased muscle mass and strength. And just like in humans, fat weight is not muscle. Too much fat weight can actually harm your Bully’s organs. These are healthy ways to add muscle mass (not fat) to your dog’s frame. Ready to help your XL Bully bulk up?

Resistance Workouts for Your XL Bully

Just as you might hit the gym to gain muscle, your dog needs resistance workouts to build muscle. But since your American Bully can’t exactly join Planet Fitness, what kind of exercises should they do? There are lots of exercises a Bully can do, with running and swimming probably being the most popular forms of exercise. And while running and swimming are great, they are typically more of a cardiovascular workout and not ideal for adding muscle mass. But cardio is great for defining muscle on the Bully (for the chiseled look). So, you definitely want some kind of cardio in your dog’s exercise routine. To build muscle, you need to find a way to add resistance to your Bully’s exercise routine. Note that although swimming is cardio, it is also subtle resistance.

Here are some effective resistance workouts that can help your XL American Bully build more muscle:

Weight Pull

Attach a harness to your Bully and get them to pull a weight. Weight is often in the form of bricks, concrete, or a weight from your free weights. The added weight increases the resistance, helping to build stronger leg and chest muscles in your American Bully. Start with a small weight and gradually increase it over an appropriate timeframe. Note that heavy weight pull exercises should not be added to a Bully puppy’s regimen (although you can get them used to wearing the harness with nominal weight added while they are still puppies). Wait until about 18 to 24 months of age, when your Bully is finished growing.

Weighted Vest

Just like to weight pulling, a weighted vest adds resistance and makes it more challenging for your dog to run. A weight vest turns any movement into a resistance workout. You could do something as simple as a throwing a ball with your Bully to help them build stronger muscles. Again, this is something you don’t want to do until your dog is 18 to 24 months of age. Doing so can cause a lot of harm to your Bully puppy’s bones, joints, growth plates, and tendons.

Flirt Pole

A flirt pole is simple to construct. Move the pole and encourage your dog to chase and leap for the toy attached to the string. The aim is to get your Bully to run and jump higher each time. It’s like playing a game of keep away, enticing them to reach for the prize. This jumping action helps build strong rear leg muscles.

Spring Pole

A spring pole is a muscle-building exercise tool for dogs that consists of a spring attached to a pole with a rope or toy hanging from it. Bullies engage with the spring pole by tugging and pulling, which mimics natural prey behavior. This activity helps build muscles in the neck, chest, and jaws, and also strengthens the legs as your Bully pulls and jumps. Additionally, using a spring pole can burn off excess energy, improve obedience, and enhance impulse control in dogs. It should be mentioned that some state or local ordinances consider a spring pole dog fighting paraphernalia (I wish you could see my eye roll when I typed that). So just be aware of your local regulations regarding having a spring pole on your property.

Be mindful to take it easy and not over-exert your dog during workouts. Allow their bodies time to recuperate by offering lots of water and sufficient rest between workouts.

Muscle Building Food Regime

Exercise is important to gaining muscle for that chiseled muscular XL Bully look, but it’s not enough. Your XL American Bully will still need the ingredients necessary for building new muscle. They need calories, nutrients, and protein. Begin by selecting the right food. Opt for a high-calorie, high-protein dog kibble. Protein aids in muscle repair and growth for your Bully. Calories provide the energy needed to recover from exercise, keeping your dog active. Additionally, think about incorporating a full raw or partial raw diet. For more feeding tips, check out our YouTube channel.

Be cautious not to overfeed your Bully. Carrying extra fat is hard on your dog and frankly, it’s not appealing. Chubby Bully puppies might be cute, but an overweight adult Bully looks disproportionate (the large body makes their head appear incredibly small). The extra weight drains their energy and stresses their heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Use Muscle-Building Supplements

High-grade, nutrient-rich supplements can play a crucial role in your dog’s muscle growth. Nuvet Supplements provide essential nutrients that can enhance your dog’s capacity to build new muscle.

Rest is Key for Your Bully

Remember, muscles grow when your Bully rests, not while they’re working out. Avoid pushing them too hard and ensure they get plenty of sleep. Allow recovery time between training sessions to help them stay energized and reap the maximum benefits from their exercise.

These methods have helped our dogs build healthy muscles over the years. However, they reflect our personal experiences and are not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult your vet before starting any strenuous exercise program with your dog.