Dog Training - Teach Your Dog the Sit Command at Once
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Go with your own instinct on the program.They are supposed to be training you how to handle your dog as well.
It doesn't state what kind of training either or what promises are in the contract.Ask for referrals to call upon & check up on them.
Continue to look for a trainer that you feel comfortable with.Any good one will be able to deal with aggressive animals.Some may choose not to.
Until one is found keep the animal secure to avoid injury to anyone & anything.You cannot take back a bite and it will cost you much more than 400$.
Now that I look at your post again-it is only 50$ per animal for what I am presuming is one on one training
The Worth of Dog Training
- I wouldn't.
I don't buy into the "pack behavior" and domiance theory though
I train my animals with positive reinforcement and I'm looking into this prey training.
But it may work for your dog, I don't see anything wrong based on their site.
add:
Another TD because I don't believe in domiance theory right?
It's an out-dated theory and there are many better alternatives. All of my animals even my CAT has been trianed with positive reinforcement and I've gotten great results.
My CAT (yes those "untrainable" creatures) knows sit, stay lay down, paw, touch it, leave it, no, and a few others. ALL done with positive reinforcement - I didn't look at the site, but four lessons for four hundred dollars is too much. Four lessons is too little. Look for another trainer. If you don't feel confident with this program, it won't work for you. Go with your gut feeling.
- I am not the least bit impressed. They never mention what method they use but if the whole Pack Leader crap is what they use then I would steer clear.
Also 2 hour sessions are too long to keep a dog focused. Their minds tend to shut down with too long of sessions. Shorter and more often are much more productive.
Call around and find someone that uses more positive reinforcement with more sessions - What makes you skeptical? I think we should start there.
A good trainer can be costly but also work miracles. :)
Training is not a magic trick and you need to get as much out of it as the dog and continue the training everyday! It is a lifestyle change.
Have they won any awards? What is their specialty? Are they willing to come back for a "refresher" if any new issues arise? What is their guarantee?
I wish you the best and thank you for not giving up on your dog!
PS remember a neutered, well exercised dog with proper nutrition is less likely to become aggressive
Add: you need to find what will work for YOU and your dog. Every person, family, dog and situation is a bit different. I have one of the best behaved dogs I know of and there are plenty of people who tell me I am doing something wrong, but it works! You need to be completely comfortable with your decision. Shop around. Check out the akc site for trainers. I chose my trainer because he was recommended by owners of show and working dogs. (www.stronghaus.com) - The American Humane Society provides guidelines of what to ask the training facilities. Here is a link. it is geared for classes but you might get some ideas from it.
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_ca…
Here is a quote from the page:"
What to Look For in a Trainer
It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain."
There are several clicker trainers in texas, although I don't know if any train just the dogs. Let me ask on a list I am on to see if I can get any recommendations for those that do in the next few days.
Unless you want to subscribe yourself and ask publically.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Click…
Other than that, you really have to go with your instincts as to if they are appropriate for you and your dogs. - You are right to take this seriously. Biting can have many underlying causes and there are no fast, easy, or guaranteed solutions. 4 sessions will not solve the problem. Taking care of the aggresion problem will be both a huge financial and time commitment. Your best bet is to find a board certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. They are veterinarians that only treat behavior problems and they have much more extensive expertise than a dog trainer. If not treated appropriately the aggresion will get worse and it can become a life threatening situation for your dog or a person.
- I agree with the people, that 400$ for 4 lessons is way to much, most dog training, well at least that I have heard, last from 6 to 8 weeks. It takes longer than four lessons to help a normal dog, let alone a aggressive dog.
- Tips for dog training
1) Avoid giving your dog combined commands which are incompatible. Combined commands such as "sit-down" can confuse your dog. Using this example, say either "sit" or "down". The command "sit-down" simply doesn't exist.
2) When giving your dog a command, avoid using a loud voice. Even if your dog is especially independent/unresponsive, your tone of voice when issuing an obedience command such as "sit","down" or ""stay", should be calm and authoritative, rather than harsh or loud.
3) Whenever possible, use your dog's name positively, rather than using it in conjunction to reprimands, warnings or punishment. Your dog should trust that when it hears its name or is called to you, good things happen. His name should always be a word he responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear.Check my source, hope it helps. Good luck!
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