Arthur's Bullie advice
Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation
Bull Terriers are active dogs who need regular opportunities to vent their high energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored - which they usually express by destructive chewing. Bored Bull Terriers are infamous for chewing through doors and fences and ripping the stuffing out of sofas.
Arthur's never done this but he does occasionally like to dig the odd hole in the garden.He goes out three times a day for a walk - usually on the lead but at the weekend when we can get out of town he love's nothing better than charging up and down his favourite beck. You therefore need to ensure that you have enough time in your day to make sure you can thoroughly exercise your dog.
A lack of exercise and mental stimulation is often the source of many behavioural problems. Arthur's not much of a one for chasing games though sometimes he will happily carry a stick he's found on a walk (more like a log usually!) until he's had enough. He does love his toys though but they have to be tough toys - he'll destroy one of those plastic squeaky toys in moments and anything furry.....well don't even think about it.
The strong temperament
Bull Terriers aren't Poodles. They have an independence of thought and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
Arthur likes to get his own way but he knows how far he can push it. One order of 'in you go' and he immediately retreats to his tent to chill. At some point, if you haven't raised your puppy with consistent leadership, he will likely challenge your ability to control his actions. Such dominance attempts must be met with calm assertiveness. But having said all that they have a charming and caring nature. Arthur is as soft as they come - loves people but isn't so keen on bicycles!
Big heads
English Bull Terriers have a reputation for being rambunctious - literally like a bull in a china shop! They can be clumsy and just don't realise the weight they carry about in those big old heads. Most of the breakages in the house are purely accidental and from his big noggin!
Pulling
They are strong dogs and they can pull on the lead. Even watching footage of English Bull Terriers at Crufts they seem to go wherever they want to.
Going on his normal walks where Arthur is free to sniff to his hearts content we use a retractable lead but if we take him to a city we have found a Halti collar really effective in controlling him. He doesn't mind wearing it and they are designed so that when you gently pull on the lead, the halti collar brings the dog's head around in the direction you are steering, ensuring that the rest of dog's body follows in the same direction.
Bull Terriers are active dogs who need regular opportunities to vent their high energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored - which they usually express by destructive chewing. Bored Bull Terriers are infamous for chewing through doors and fences and ripping the stuffing out of sofas.
Arthur's never done this but he does occasionally like to dig the odd hole in the garden.He goes out three times a day for a walk - usually on the lead but at the weekend when we can get out of town he love's nothing better than charging up and down his favourite beck. You therefore need to ensure that you have enough time in your day to make sure you can thoroughly exercise your dog.
A lack of exercise and mental stimulation is often the source of many behavioural problems. Arthur's not much of a one for chasing games though sometimes he will happily carry a stick he's found on a walk (more like a log usually!) until he's had enough. He does love his toys though but they have to be tough toys - he'll destroy one of those plastic squeaky toys in moments and anything furry.....well don't even think about it.
The strong temperament
Bull Terriers aren't Poodles. They have an independence of thought and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
Arthur likes to get his own way but he knows how far he can push it. One order of 'in you go' and he immediately retreats to his tent to chill. At some point, if you haven't raised your puppy with consistent leadership, he will likely challenge your ability to control his actions. Such dominance attempts must be met with calm assertiveness. But having said all that they have a charming and caring nature. Arthur is as soft as they come - loves people but isn't so keen on bicycles!
Big heads
English Bull Terriers have a reputation for being rambunctious - literally like a bull in a china shop! They can be clumsy and just don't realise the weight they carry about in those big old heads. Most of the breakages in the house are purely accidental and from his big noggin!
Pulling
They are strong dogs and they can pull on the lead. Even watching footage of English Bull Terriers at Crufts they seem to go wherever they want to.
Going on his normal walks where Arthur is free to sniff to his hearts content we use a retractable lead but if we take him to a city we have found a Halti collar really effective in controlling him. He doesn't mind wearing it and they are designed so that when you gently pull on the lead, the halti collar brings the dog's head around in the direction you are steering, ensuring that the rest of dog's body follows in the same direction.