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How to stop my pit puppy's biting & improve indoor potty training?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered

My pit is about 5 - 5.5 mths old. I’m having such a hard time potty training him to use the wee wee pad indoors until I can come home and walk him. I’m using a spray that’s supposed to attract him but no luck. Also when tapped on his bottom for attention or disapline he becomes very aggressive very quickly bit then wags his tail and starts to bite down on my hand pretty hard. He’s got tons of toys from pull strings to balls. Help please!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2018

Thanks for using PetCoach! A couple ideas: try something like FreshPatch which essentially sends you a patch of real grass in a cardboard container. Or, try crate training since most pups will not pee in their “house”. Here is a good link for crate training. http://www.aahneenah.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/crate-training-your-puppy.pdf As far as the aggression, you’ll need to get that under control as soon as possible. Any form of aggression toward humans should be met with a firm “no” and stopping all play/walking. Practice just walking by and touching his back end frequently so that it’s normal and no big deal. Neutering often helps with aggression so keep that in mind. Finally, some dog require more intensive care so talk with your vet about anti anxiety medication or professional training.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on

    Scrappy is adorable! Thanks for posting pictures. I think you may have a couple of issues going on here. First, potty pads can be challenging to train with. Depending on how long you are gone to work, Scrappy may be old enough to hold it. If he can hold it overnight, he can likely hold it while you are are work. If Scrappy is not kennel trained, I would definitely recommend kennel training him and have him in a kennel while you are at work. That will solve the problem of him urinating where he wants and will protect him from getting into things while you are at work. Second, it is never recommended to physcially reprimand a dog for going in the house. You may have a secondary training issue there as well, but I would never recommend physically reprimanding a dog both because some puppies will think it is a play technique and because it will cause an inappropriate reaction in some dogs. If you are having problems with Scrappy biting, I would recommend working with a trainer right away. I am attaching a link to a handout below with very detailed information about housetraining. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2421 And this is an article on housetraining pitfalls. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2461 Good luck! I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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