You can’t go wrong with your pets when you feed them. Bullies, in particular, like food and are always in for a treat. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThey require a meal with high nutrients, enough to keep their muscular frame moving. With the Bully, consider the age, size, individuality, and energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, there are different varieties of this breed. While we would focus on the standard, be sure you know exactly what your American Bully needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Bully needs a rich meal to stay strong and fit. Some dog breeds with stronger genes can manage a poor meal. The Bully, however, shouldn’t be put to that test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to know the nutrients your Bully needs before you even set out to acquire one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeding the Bully Puppy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Bully pup is growing and delicate. He should be fed with that in mind. Bully puppies need nutrients like protein, calcium, and a healthy amount of fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calcium strengthens the bones, protein works on those muscles and fat helps maintain the energy level. Avoid feeding your puppy human food and adult dog meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a feeding schedule for your puppy and stick to it. This would serve as routine, a form of training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From 8 weeks to 12 weeks, feed your pup 4 times a day. Let it reduce to 3 from 12 weeks to 6 months of age. After 6 months, 2 meals is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeding the Bully Adult<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When the Bully becomes a full adult, 1.5 to 2.5 cups a day is enough to satisfy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check your Bully’s weight and individual habits before feeding. If he’s putting on a lot of pounds, for example, tweak the schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeding the Senior Bully<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Senior Bullies tend to be inactive. They can do without some nutrients like carbohydrates. Protein and calcium are good for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, because they are less active, they are prone to obesity. You need to manage their meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
American Bully Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise to a Bully is a need he doesn’t want to do without. You’d only end up with a destructive pet if you neglect this need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThough American Bullies were bred to be companions, they have the genes and energy of working dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of their size and muscular build, they require a good amount of exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of exercise will leave your Bully bored and idle, a situation you don’t need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, exercise helps in weight control, builds confidence, and gives an outlet for your Bully to release pent-up energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Bullies to be satisfied, they need at least an hour of exercise. A walk or jogging of like 16 miles will keep their hearts pumping and muscles toned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure not to overexert your Bully, though. Gauge how far he can go and work his exercise needs around that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A free play in a yard will do your Bully a lot of good too. That’s why it’s ideal for you to have a house with a yard before getting an American Bully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t have a yard, you can always get another alternative. The good thing about Bullies is that they can remain indoors once they’ve exercised enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need a space for them to play, a park is a good option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Bully puppies, do not engage them in intense exercise to avoid injuring them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They shouldn’t be allowed to run as they are delicate and growing. Start your puppy off with a short walk then increase the distance as he grows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seniors don’t need as much exercise as younger adults too. For senior Bullies, exercise is meant to maintain their weight during the later years of their lives. Treat them as puppies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American Bully Training and Socialization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The American Bully is easy to train. Unlike many other Bulldogs who give their owners a hard time, the American Bully loves to please his master and generally won’t be rebellious. More perks you get from a natural companion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
New owners can successfully train an American Bully. However, as a novice, note that they are energetic and extroverted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can’t match their energy level, you may wound up frustrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, that they are trainable doesn’t mean you should develop a laissez-faire attitude, or they’d portray habits unusual to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even a low aggressive breed like the Bully can become wild if you don’t enforce positive habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are pack animals, which means they need a leader. The way a pack is arranged, if they sense that you’re not strong enough, they’d want to take over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to be firm and confident while training them. If you have a phobia for dogs, overcome that before getting an American Bully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training should begin immediately you step into the house with your puppy. At that point, start setting boundaries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While puppies certainly score high on the cuteness rating, don’t be tempted to spoil them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Positive reinforcements work wonders with the American Bully. They love treats, praises, and encouragements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid harsh treatments and punishments, even when they do something wrong. It’ll be counterproductive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take them on different pieces of training like obedience training, socialization, and house training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
American Bully Grooming Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American Bullies are low-maintenance dogs. They don’t require much effort to keep them clean. Their short, smooth coat only needs a little touch to be okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They don’t shed much, so you don’t have to worry about hair getting all over the place. Even during warmer seasons when they shed more, it is not on a high level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don’t bathe your American Bully frequently to prevent removing the oil that covers their skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without that oil, their skin gets dry. Giving them a bath like once in eight weeks, usually when they get dirty, grimy, or smelly is fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go further by ensuring their dental care is on point. Give them regular teeth brushing to remove dirt and keep those teeth strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the toothbrush and paste you use are approved by your veterinarian. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their ears too need cleaning. The best tool to use is an ear cleaner with cotton balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wear plastic gloves and take it easy while cleaning. It isn’t easy for a dog to stay still and get its ears clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trim their nails for them not to get long and cause discomfort to your Bully. You also need to take it easy while doing this, lest you injure your dog and scare him away. If you have no experience, you can hire a groomer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American Bully Health Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American Bullies are considered healthy breeds when compared to similar breeds. While their life span isn’t so long, they have the potential to stay healthy during that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, they are vulnerable to certain illnesses. While it isn’t a guarantee that every Bully suffers from these complications, it is important you take note of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below are some health conditions that may affect the American Bully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hip dysplasia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition that happens when the joint gets loose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms include abnormal movement, reluctance to move, and signs of pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even an energetic dog like the American Bully would rather lie around all day to avoid the pain. Left unchecked, it causes lameness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can prevent hip dysplasia by getting a puppy with a hip dysplasia-free record. Feeding a puppy with calcium nutrients helps too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatments for this condition include physical therapy and weight control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cherry Eye<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland of a dog gets swollen and becomes itchy. Symptoms include dry eyes, pain, a bulge of the tear glands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surgery is the best treatment for this malady. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elbow dysplasia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Elbow dysplasia is one of the biggest causes of lameness in dogs. It occurs when there’s an abnormality in the bones that form the elbow joint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms include limping, stiffness of the joints, reluctance to move, and swelling of the elbow. Surgery is often the best solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n