Bull Arabs might turn heads with their sheer size and strength, but spend a little time with them and you’ll find a gentle, eager-to-please companion. Bred for tough work in the Aussie bush, they’re smart, driven and deeply loyal — a combination that makes training both essential and incredibly rewarding. 

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what makes Bull Arabs tick, and how to harness their natural instincts through positive, consistent training. From  to staying motivated (for both of you), you’ll find practical advice for raising a calm, responsive, well-rounded dog — with a little help from real food, too. 

Read more: Bull Arab breed insights: care, personality & expert tips 

Bull Arab temperament and trainability 

Bull Arabs are intelligent, eager to please, and loyal. While they’re typically easy to train, their strength and protective instincts mean early socialisation and obedience training are essential. 

Positive reinforcement works best, along with calm, confident handling. Harsh corrections can damage trust and lead to resistance.  

Health considerations that can affect training 

Bull Arabs are generally robust, but like many large breeds, they can be prone to some health issues than can impact their engagement and focus.  

Joint Conditions

Joint conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia can be common in Bull Arabs. In these conditions, the ball and socket of the joints haven't developed properly. Instead of moving smoothly, they grind and rub, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. Over time, this can result in arthritis or more severe damage.  

Joint discomfort often shows subtly at first, like slower movement or hesitation during training — before becoming a more serious barrier to exercise and focus. 

Try this:  
Although you can’t change your dog’s genes, you can support joint health with ingredients containing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties like turmeric, ginger and omega-3s from fish oil —  found in Lyka meals.  

Lyka’s Joint Supplement also contains active ingredients like Green-lipped mussels and curcumin extract to promote joint health.  

Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?

Obesity

Excess weight can put stress on joints, decrease motivation to exercise, and impact your dog’s ability to focus during training. Being overweight can also affect mood, energy levels and overall health. 

Try this: 
Feeding a real food diet that’s high in protein and full of fresh low-glycaemic index ingredients can help your Bull Arab stay lean and energised. Lyka meals are custom-portioned for your dog’s ideal weight, made with real food that supports a healthy metabolism and sustained energy. 

Read more: Lyka's vet guide to healthy do weight (with charts and video)

Skin conditions

Skin sensitivities and allergies, causing itchy skin, can distract your Bull Arab during training and affect their wellbeing.  

Try this:  
Regular grooming and a diet containing vitamin E, zinc and ingredients with antioxidant properties can help maintain healthy skin, like all Lyka meals.  
 
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos)

How real food fuels your Bull Arab’s focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information. 

Bull Arabs benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly. 

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), which support brain health and development, memory, and learning 

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients, from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms, to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing 

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”  

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)   

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience. 
 

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.  

Read more: What does a Bull Arab eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips  
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training

Exercise first for improved focus 

Bull Arabs are high-energy dogs who need daily physical activity to stay calm and focused. Exercise before training helps burn off excess energy and improves attention. 

Great options include: 

• Brisk walks or jogs 

• Fetch or agility games in a secure area 

• Scent work or puzzle toys to engage their minds 

Avoid overexertion in hot weather, and always allow time for a cool-down before training. 

Training tips for Bull Arabs 

Training a Bull Arab requires a calm, confident approach — and a little creativity goes a long way. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement 

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship. 

Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Bull Arab, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat. 

Find their favourite motivator 

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Bull Arab motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you? 

Train at the right time 

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered. 

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Be playful and engaging 

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious. 

Watch their body language 

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another time. 

Training your Bull Arab puppy

Bull Arab puppies are curious, bouncy, and full of energy — a joy to train, but they can also be a handful. House training is usually top of the list, followed closely by socialisation and basic obedience cues like sit, stay, and leave it. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime 

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places and situations 

Bull Arabs are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence. 

Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know 

Training your adult Bull Arab 

Just because your Bull Arab’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced. 

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door 

• Learning new tricks or games 

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house 

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years 

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change, making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging, and celebrate progress — no matter how small. 

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Bull Arab’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like: 

• Reactivity 

• Anxiety or phobias 

• Aggression 

• Resource guarding 

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.” 

– Laura V, dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Bull Arab is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Bull Arab’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Bull Arabs across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.