American bully friendliness with other animals

Introduction

In one of our previous articles, while discussing the temperament of an American bully, we considered various traits of an American bully. American bullies are excellent as family pets, due to which they have reached their apex. Yet some of the folks are uncertain regarding their disposition and behavior towards other animals. They believe that these canines have a tendency to become violent and may engage in fights against other pets.

So, today we will have our interactive conversation primarily on how friendly American bullies are with other animals.

According to United Kennel Club breed standards, American bullies may exhibit aggression against other animals to some extent. But this is not the case with every American bully or dog. The personality and situations of every single dog differ.

Their aggression is not merely an outcome of inheritance from their ancestors. Dogs of any breed may show hostility like American Bully towards other animals.

According to some studies, aggression holds a higher heritability value than all other traits of American bullies. Yet, it can be reduced to the minimum by breeders through a careful selective breeding process. Apart from that, well-socialized training also plays a significant role in forming the demeanor of these canines.

Individual personality traits of an American bully

Generally, American bully is an affectionate breed. They are loving towards other animals and the people they are familiar with. As all human beings possess distinct temperaments and behaviors, likewise, not all dogs are similar in attitude.

Some may display some degree of aggression towards other pets. But it doesn’t imply that one cannot have other animals as pets in their home if they are American bully owners.

An introvert guy who does not get free and social easily may not prefer to mingle with others. Similarly, many dogs may express a strong dislike for playing with other pets. This doesn’t regard them as anti-social or bad creatures. It’s definitely alright to not be a good player.

Professional trainers and experts have also considered it normal for American bullies to present such behavior. So it’s essential to remember the fact that it is not to be forced to engage in play , whatever the conditions may be. Otherwise, such acts may lead to further negative consequences.

Proper training and proper treatment towards them largely contribute to friendly and obedient behavior. It is the serious responsibility of pet owners to make them civilized and let them decide freely whether to play or not with other animals as per their will.

Thus, the individual personality of an American bully plays a significant role. The solution for others’ dog may not work out for your dog. So, the owners are required to dive deeper into the matter and develop a comprehensive understanding about the aggressive nature of their dogs.

Fear and lack of confidence

If dogs, specifically American bullies, have not been socialized since their young age, it is highly probable that they will display either a fearful or aggressive attitude.

Subjection to early socialization implies proper exposure of your American bully to new people, animals, and environments, with the chief aim of getting adapted to them. It encourages learning desirable behavior toward others and builds confidence.

In cases of lack of socialization, dogs acquire a dangerous personality towards other beasts. They may display aggression and even attack other pets if they are unsure about the positive or negative signs of danger.

Consequently, early socialization is highly essential for them. It results in developing a strong sense of communication among these animals. Moreover, their detection power gets refined too.

Overprotection towards its domain

An American bully is a protective beast towards their family members and homes. But some of them become overly protective of their territory. Here we are talking about the overviligant behavior regarding their domain or area, which leads to dangers for others. This is all the result of a lack of socialization.

A feeling of insecurity may also arise in them, considering their place at home. Pampering or cuddling other pets in front may lead to aggression in them.

Of course, every bad behavior is not the result of improper socialization, but there is always a reason for that. It may include illness of the dog, death of the owner, improper socialization environment, less care or attention, etc.

Poor health

Health is also one of the crucial factors in forming the temperament and behaviour of American bully. The soundness of health depends upon factors such as their living environment, food diet, playtime, exercises etc .

Providing proper ventilated living conditions, a nutritious diet and sufficient exercise is essential for their physical and mental well being. Poor health of these canines may also be responsible for their aggressive disposition.

Lack of training and socialization

Inappropriate ways of training and socialisation are quite responsible for the unfriendly attitude of your canine. Paying full attention towards their training and early socialisation is required.

Learning through positive stimuli such as rewards or praise may be fruitful in bringing friendliness in American bully towards other pets and people. Further, it will help in gaining confidence and building a balanced personality.

Reaction of an American bully after getting a new pet in the family

Fear, lack of confidence, and overprotectiveness towards their domain are all major sources of unfriendly and aggressive nature towards new pets.

Let us have a look at a real-life example for the sake of acquiring better vision.

A family brought one baby rabbit while they already had an American bully at their home. The family kept the kitten inside due to the chilly weather outside in the garden. It was provided with some additional care and comforts in order to avoid any risk.

As the days passed, the American bully kept on observing the baby rabbit, often at the room’s window. They were never introduced to one another, due to which irritation and aggression aroused in them, especially in the American bully.

After several months, ultimately the life-giving and bright spring arrived. It was quite obvious for the family to let the baby rabbit out of the garden. Sooner, the American bully was shifted to another part of the garden.

As we all know, these canines possess some degree of ownership and protection for their domain or area.

So transferring to another part of the garden distressed it indeed.

Later, one day, children, while playing, mistakenly opened the gate of the garden. As soon as the American bully learned about the opened gate, it started chasing the baby rabbit. The baby rabbit ran towards the house, and the family rescued it from the American bully’s aggression.

This was all the result of the overprotectiveness of its domain and the fear of getting it lost. The efforts of family members for the baby rabbit made it believe in his sole right over the family’s love and care being snatched.

The errors which lead to such terrible incident happen are the following

• The family showed less attention & care towards the American bully pet after bringing the new pet at home.

• The American bully and baby rabbit were never introduced to each other.

• Shifting the American bully from its territory was an unpleasant experience for it.

Suggestions for Prevention of Aggression in American Bully

Here are some effective suggestions for the prevention of aggression by your American bully and the development of friendliness in the meantime:

• Ensure proper and appropriate training methods aimed at making them learn desirable behaviors.

• Impart your full attention to their early socialization towards other animals and strangers as well.

• Adopt positive reinforcement techniques while training.

• Do not ever encourage them toward aggression and dominance.

Be conscious of their health, fear, and overprotectiveness towards their domain. Take preventive action for the same.

Conclusion

The American bully is a family-oriented and companion dog breed. Yet they need our proper attention and care. Appropriate training methods and socialization play a significant role in encouraging positive behavior in them.

Positive stimuli make them adopt desirable behaviors toward others. Aggressive or protective attitude in a certain amount is considered normal in American bullies. However, excessive protection and aggression should be discouraged in order to avoid any destructive spirit.

Apart from that, a thoughtful understanding of the foundational characteristics of the American bully breed, i.e., traits of the Pitbull bloodline, is crucial. Wise decisions by breeders while carrying out selective breeding processes can prevent the inheritance of aggression.

An American bully can surely be the most affectionate and amazing pet if it is provided with appropriate training and consistent early socialization.

FAQs

Q1. Are American bullies good with other pets?

Ans. American bullies are not only excellent family pets but also have a kind attitude towards other pets.In contrast, the American bullies may display aggressive and annoying attitudes towards other animals due to insecurity and overprotectiveness for their territory. This is the cause of lack of training and early socialisation.

Q2. Is an American bully good with strangers?

Ans. American bully is an intelligent and balanced tempered canine. It is ever eager to please others .It is good with strangers too if trained and socialized appropriately.

Q3. Why are American bullies friendly?

Ans. Although Pitbulls are the foundation of American bully dogs, yet the breeders put their maximum effort to remove all the destructive traits of Pitbull. Thus, the American bully is the most affectionate dog that is widely popular as a friendly and family pet.

Q4 Is an American bully like a Pitbull?

Ans. American bully is not the same as a Pitbull. American Bully was developed by crossbreeding American Pitbull Terriers with other bulldog breeds but there is a remarkable difference between them. The American bully is popular as companion dog and Pitbull were known for their aggressive fights.