Dog Health Questions: Dog Trainer Questions!?

I recently adopted a German Shepherd Dog puppy from my local animal control center. Somebody told me to train her gently, then a person said roughly, and then a person said to be firm. They also said clicker training may work, but be sure to be open to ALL dog training, and I am. I don't want to use a shock collar for sure though. So any suggestions for what to use for training? She's 6 months old today!!

Can I Train My Dog Without a Dog Training Course?

Recommended Answer:
First, do no harm. Start with clicker training or other positive reinforcement methods. These make it easy and fun for the dog to learn. Wouldn't you simply adore school if it was easy and fun and you got little rewards and still learned a lot? Your dog will. too. I wish my job was like that!

View the kikopup videos on youtube. They are great!

There are more free videos of clicker training dogs (and many other animals) at clickertraining.com.You can buy books, DVDs and/or other equipment there if you want.

dogwise.com has lots of training books and DVDs and more, too.

Dog Training: 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It Yourself

• You do not need to be rough to have high standards for your training. Gentleness is not the same as permissiveness. In fact you will get better, more reliable results if you use gentle methods, because the dog will try harder to understand what you want, and will be more motivated to comply, if it is not scared or in pain. The important thing is to be absolutely clear and consistent in your expectations. Find a clicker-training or "positive reinforcement" trainer who can show you how to do this. A class is also good because your dog will learn to behave in the presence of other dogs and strange people, not just at home in your living room or back yard.


• if shes a 6month old then i would use firm but not rough handling, gentle is good for praise and whatever but firm 'no's' do the trick when disciplining your dog, clicker training may work but it can be a pain in the butt.
  remember no looking,talking or touching the dog when they ask for attention(barking whining,scratching the door, etc)
  use what ever training technique you think will help her BOND to you, once she loves you, she'll want to learnn about what you want from her


• Start with clicker training.
  
  The vast majority of dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. As she grows and develops, you may find she needs other techniques.
  
  She's a puppy. Right now she needs to be taught "house manners" and what to do in your family. That's easily accomplished with positive reinforcement.


• Firm training.
  
  I trained my dog using a voice command linked with an action (sit with an exaggerated finger click, down with pushing palm towards ground, roll with circling finger etc).
  
  Always reward with a treat and a big pat when they do what you want.
  
  Remember dogs live in a hierarchial society - so you have to be top dog !
  
  Much more to training a dog than can be written here


• That is really going to depend on the personiality of your dog. she needs to know you are in charge. For one of my dogs I have to be a liitle more firm. I wouldn't suggest rough but also not to, baby her either. Be firm and consistent. Finding a good trainer is key.