Potty training is the most stressful but at the same time the most rewarding puppy stage. It will take lots of patients and consistency, but within a few weeks your puppy will be potty trained. Here at Decipher Kennels we try our best to get your XL American Bully as close to potty trained as possible.

After they graduate from the whelping area we start the puppies on litter box training. At this stage the puppies are still too small to be introduced to outside, so we use horse pellets in a rabbit tray to teach them how to use the bathroom in a secluded area away from their lounge/ play area. From here when puppies are able to go outside we start crate training right away. By the time you receive your puppy most of the hard work is done. There still will be accidents but as long as you follow these next steps, you will get it in no time!

Step 1: Create a Routine

When it comes to raising puppies, it’s very similar to babies. They need a schedule to balance how much they eat, sleep, play as well as use the bathroom. However, puppies bladders are different. Puppies don’t have full bladder control until about 12 weeks. With each month of age the puppy should be able to hold their bladder for an additional hour. So if the puppy is 2 months, they should be able to hold their bladder for at least two hours. As long as you don’t go past the set bathroom break time you should be fine.

Some tips to help with potty training and to prevent accidents are to…

• Take your new puppy out about every 20-30mins. (As your puppy grows you can increase the time between bathroom breaks)
• Be sure to pick a bathroom spot in your yard and stay consistent. For instance, take your puppy to the exact same spot every bathroom break. This gives them a better understanding of what you’re expecting.
• Reward your puppy for using the bathroom outside. You can do this by giving your puppy a treat or by showing them extra love and attention once they get done using the bathroom. This shows your puppy that they have done something to make you happy.
• Take your puppy outside 5-10 mins after eating and drinking and also before playing.
• Create a feeding schedule
• Allow no drinking 2 hrs before bedtime
• Take your puppy outside right before their bedtime and several times in the middle of the night.

Step 2: Monitor Puppy Closely

When your puppy is in the household make sure free time is given but make sure to keep an eye out on where he/she wanders off to. You don’t want them having an accident and not knowing when or where it happened. Watch them closely and if you notice that your puppy starts to squat, correct him/her by saying, “No, outside.” If you’re not able to watch the puppy closely during the day due to work or other reasons, make sure puppy is restricted in a smaller area so they’ll second guess soiling their area. Also, crate training when you can’t supervise your puppy is a big help. Puppies do not like laying in their own mess, so they’ll hold it as long as they can.

Clues to let you know that your puppy may need to go out…

• Barking or scratching at the door
• Restlessness
• Circling and sniffing
• Squatting

Step 3: Understand Mistakes Happen

There will be more than a few mistakes during this stage. Just remember puppies are fragile and don’t know any better at the early training stages. If you catch your puppy in the act of squatting interrupt them ASAP! Don’t scare them but let them know its bad and to go outside. Any actions such as rubbing their nose in their soil, tapping them , or scolding them by their soil will only make them scared and not want to use the bathroom in front of you. Any physical punishment will often have a negative effect on the puppy.

Also, if your puppy does happen to have an accident make sure you thoroughly clean the area. Any scent of their urine or feces will make them want to mark their territory over again. If accidents become repetitive, be sure to record them so you know if you may need to adjust your puppy’s bathroom breaks. You do not want your puppy getting comfortable with using the bathroom in your home.

When and if you decide to crate train your American Bully puppy, be sure the crate is only big enough for the puppy to do a full turn and lay down comfortable. DO NOT give more room than he/she needs. Doing this will cause the puppy to use the bathroom on one side of the cage and to sleep on the other. 

Step 4: Manage Your Time Away

The training stage is something that needs ones undivided attention. If you’re going to be away during the day for more than 2 hours, it will make it rather more difficult. It’s best to have someone with your puppy while you are gone at least until they are big enough to hold their bladder on their own. If you are unable to do so, you could have an excluded area for them to use the bathroom inside. However, it will prolong the potty training stage. 

This is an amendment to the basic standard which a XL Bully is determined by its adult height. Males over 20 inches (51 cm)  – 23 inches (57 cm) at the withers. Females over 19 inches (48 cm) – 22 inches (54 cm) at the withers.

Important to note that the XL Bully variety is simply taller than the Standard American Bully. XL Bully dogs share the same build, body type, and breed type as the Standard American Bully, and are expected to carry a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body type.

The information above is directly from ABKC’s website. “Click Here” or click picture more info

The following information is directly from UKC’s website. For more on this, “CLICK HERE.”

HISTORY

The American Bully breed developed as a natural extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier. The APBT has maintained a characteristic appearance and temperament for over 100 years. As with any long-standing breed, several types evolved from the parent breed, with one in particular taking on a specific build and structure that is so unique it was wise to recognize it as a different breed altogether. That being the American Bully breed.

The American Bully breed was subtly influenced by the infusion of several other breeds, which include the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge.

The American Bully breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2013.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The American Bully breed is recognizable by its characteristic compact, strong, thick-set structure and build. Their appearance reflects a strong American Pit Bull Terrier foundation, blended with stock from other bull breeds.

The overall balance and correct proportions of an athlete are essential, and absolute soundness and proper muscle tone is a must.

Head properties are in proportion to the body, reasonable, and free of exaggeration so as to not compromise breathing and/or obstruct normal vision.

It is a smooth coated dog that possesses great strength for its size. Although quite muscular, it is active and agile. Its presence is a picture of tremendous power and stamina that belies its kind and loyal temperament.

Eliminating Faults: Any disproportionate, overdone characteristic that would interfere with physical activity or working ability.

Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid