Saturday, May 26, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dog training tips?

I have a male and female pit bull mixes. The male is temperalmental when it comes to dicipline and the female is skiddish, like she was abused before i got her or something. I'm trying to train them not to be so aggressive towards other animals. I keep them in a large fenced in back yard and take them on walks with a leash, but when they see other animals they go nuts especially the male. Any tips would be helpful, thanks in advance.

Dog Training - Dog Training Techniques



Recommended Answer:
) Provide exercise - Your dog needs a productive way to use his or her physical energy. Your dog's exercise schedule should include a daily walk -- preferably two a day. I recommend that you go out for at least 30 minutes each time.

2) Master the walk - You should be the pack leader, and one of the best times to establish your position is on the walk. Start right: Walk out the door first. While on the walk, your dog should be by your side or behind you -- never out in front! After the walk, be sure you're first in the door.

One of the most common tools used by dog guardians is the simple leash and collar. Used correctly, this basic tool combination can provide you with more control on the walk. Some tips:
Use the leash as a form of communication
Proper use of the leash establishes trust, respect, and leadership and enables you to guide your dog. Without words, you can tell your dog where you want her or him to go. Your energy flows through the leash and is communicated to your dog.

Keep the collar at the very top of the neck
Many dog owners place the collar on the lower part of the neck. By doing so, you are actually facilitating your dog in pulling you around. If you watch an Alaskan sled dog pulling a load, you will notice that the harness fits at the shoulder around the base of the neck. This is because the lower part of the neck is where dogs have the most control and where all their pulling strength is concentrated.

Provide corrections by giving a quick, firm pull sideways on the leash
Since the top of the neck is the most sensitive part, it makes it very easy to communicate, guide, and correct your dog. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections!

Keep your dog's head up!
This way your dog's nose will removed from the ground and all the distractions there. This will facilitate your dog's learning experience and create a more natural way for the dog to give you control on the walk.

Please note that a traditional leash and collar may not be appropriate for all dogs, particularly those with neck or trachea issues. Contact your veterinarian if you are uncertain.

3) Provide rules, boundaries, and limitations - In the wild, dogs claim space by asserting themselves in a calm and confident way, and by communicating ownership through clear body language and eye contact. Follow their example. Set household rules for your dog -- and stick to them!

4) Reinforce positive behaviors - Share affection when your dog is in a relaxed, calm-submissive state, like after exercising and eating. You can also show your love when he has changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, or responded to a rule or command.

5) Only give affection at the right times - Remember that when you give affection or food you are reinforcing the behavior that preceded it. Don't give a dog affection when he or she is displaying negative or unwanted behaviors, such as whining or acting aggressive.

If you are not already implementing these five simple steps, start now! It may happen immediately or take time, but with patience and consistency you will see results.

Can I Train My Dog Without a Dog Training Course?


  • "Temperamental when it comes to discipline"? What does that mean? It sounds like he's coming back at you? "Going nuts" at other dogs isn't a great sign, either. You have lots of problems here. Training "tips" aren't going to cut it. You need professional help. Contact a trainer from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers:

    http://www.APDT.com

    For management and safety, do not walk the dogs together. When you do walk each one, have them fitted with a Gentle Leader head collar and walk them only on a regular leash, NOT a flexi/retractable leash.

    Everything else you're describing is serious enough that I hope you'll follow through before they bite someone or another dog.

  • Do not risk someone getting harmed, seek a behaviorist, not a trainer. You dont know the pups background and could both be accidents waiting to happen.

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