Showing posts with label blue dog training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blue dog training. Show all posts

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Clicker training question?

We've started clicker training with the dogs and I'm loving it. Zoey, miss over eager, does extremely well because she will do whatever it takes to hear the click and get treated, so she is real easy to shape. Josie, used to me showing her what to do and then performing it for a treat, gets frustrated easily but more than makes up for it when she does get it (She's a mirror reflection of myself - I'm so used to understanding everything instantly, and hate when I don't get things right away. Such as dog training, I can teach kids how to solve algebraic equations all day but I'm still learning how to communicate with my dogs!). The cues Josie knew from our previous training she has down almost perfectly. But I'm worried about them becoming dependent on treats.

If you've used the clicker training method, was it hard to transition your dogs out of expecting treats, or after so much repetition did it stick with them? What can I start doing differently to make sure they don't get treat-dependent?

My boyfriend's the one mostly critical of training with treats, I'll carry treats around all day long if my dog behaves well for them. I know you're supposed to graduate from this, but hey, I wouldn't work if there wasn't a paycheck coming, either.

Dog Training Basics - Some Tips to Help You Start Training Your Dogs



Recommended Answer:
Change your reinforcement schedule from a fixed 1:1 ratio to a variable schedule.

First give one reinforcement every other time the behavior is offered. You should find your dogs slightly perplexed at first, but quickly figuring out that two offers are required and they'll probably start offering them in rapid succession. Don't stick with a fixed ratio for long. It dulls the game factor and slows training if continued too long.

Dogs are natural gamblers. Play on that. Don't use a pattern for when you reinforce and when you don't. Instead, generate random sequences of 1, 2, and 3 repeats before reinforcement. They never quite know how many times they'll need to "push the lever" before the "slot machine" pays off. But if you start slow enough (with few enough repeats needed at first), they will actually become more enthused than when you give a treat every time. Training becomes a game of chance, and that's addictive.

This is playing on a concept known as an "extinction burst." Consider what happens when your TV suddenly stops working. You push the on/off button several times because that has always worked in the past. You adjust connections or the antenna, then push the buttons again. You try harder and harder, convinced that if you do the right sequence it will work again. This is an extinction burst. You must be careful, however, not to push it too far, too fast. If you do, you risk them getting disappointed enough to dump that TV and find something else to entertain themselves.

Over time you can gradually increase the range of repeats needed to earn reinforcement. Say 1-5 repeats. Then 2-6. Then 3-7. And so on. They probably won't really notice the change since the schedule is random. This process is called "fading the treats." You still want to periodically reinforce a behavior, but can probably do it with genuine praise and affection instead of treats.

Dog Training Tips


  • Sounds like you've got a great start! I do encourage you to join a clicker training list group such asClickersolutions (a yahoo group) and also to check out the clickersolutions.com and clickertraining.com websites- tons of information, and having others who love clicker training is helpful when you have family and friends who are critical.

    I've never found dependence on treats to be a problem. Yes, I use treats a lot when I'm first training something, then I start changing around what the reinforcement is. I still reinforce every (or almost every) correct response, but the reinforcement varies from a quiet "good girl", to being let out of a crate or through a door, or putting a leash on, or a quick game of chase me or tug...the list goes on. Treats are handy when first teaching something, but having a wide variety of reinforcers available is one of the keys to good dog training. I see no reason not to continue to pay my dogs- as you said, you keep getting paid!

    Some people do use a variable schedule of reinforcement, as the other poster mentioned, but I don't find it necessary, or desirable. Variable schedule reinforcement leads to variable behavior.
Read More...

Friday, October 5, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Did you know Brad Pattirson has a 'school' to be a dog trainer?

takes 21 hrs and then you too can abuse dogs and be a creep-o!

What do you think of Brad Pattirson's school of dog training? Can you learn in 21hrs how to be as kick *** as he?

On another note, is it Pattirson, Patterson,..?

Legit just in case: How would you go about teaching and proofing the "stay" command?

So You Want A Career In Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
Didn't know anything about him, but saw something strange on his website. He advises, "Do not make your dog do a sit/stay for their food. It is the same thing as using a treat, as they are sitting for the food, not for you." WTF is that about? My dogs always sit or down/stay for food. It's my food until I allow them to eat. Sometimes the food is on the floor for minutes, as I get the bowls ready. He's an odd bird.

Tested Dog Training Tips That Improve Your Dog's Behavior


    Read More...

    Sunday, September 30, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Good Names for Dog Training Business?

    I've been training for years, and I finally decided to actually start my own training business. Ya know, federal tax id, business license, the works. O_o!! I was thinking about KC K9 Training, but I think that's a little boring and generic. My name is Kelli, and my last name starts with C. I offer every sort of training including aggression rehabilitation training. I offer puppy selection assistance, breeder references, temperament testing, puppy kindergarten, housebreaking lessons, crate training lessons, basic/intermediate/advanced obedience, etc. I don't offer personal protection training.
    Please be creative. This will become the name of an official business.

    Training Your Dog at Home - Save Thousands of Dollars on Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    Sit Happens....haha see it's a wordplay on "S*** Happens"...idk i thought it was clever.

    ...I also really like See Spot Sit or something incorporating "Top Dog" (i.e. Top Dog Training, Top Dog Academy, etc.)

    Positive Dog Training Methods


    • C SPOT RUN*
      C SPOT SIT*

      *well trained, for your protection ^..^~~~

      or *well trained, for your peace of mind ^..^~~~EDIT: ARF and BARF, LLC
      (we will train them, or your money back!)

      DOGGIE EDUCATOR

      SCHOOLING FOR YOUR DOG!

      ST. DOG -School for Canines

      SMART DOG ACADEMY

      BARK BARK ACADEMY

      DOGS-R-US

      GONE TO THE DOGS!

    • k9 companions
      doggy do's and don'ts training (i like this one best)
      a-z dog training (the good thing about this is it starts with an a so it will be at the top of the list in the directory)
      good luck finding one you like

    • Strictly Stop Barking

      American Dogs Get Talent

      The Dogs Pyjamas

      Pimp Your Dog

      (Sorry I suck at this, but good luck with your business)

    • Ruff riders? Press Paws? Furry good dog trainers?

    • Sit, Boy, Sit!

    • Sit.Stay.Good Boy Training
    Read More...

    Sunday, August 26, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Do you like Ed Frawley's training methods?

    For those of you who don't him here's a link

    http://leerburg.com/dogtrainingebooks.ht…

    Look at Ed Frawleys Philosophy on Dog Training

    Personally all the dogs I've trained were by his ways and I've had excellent results and I love him. His training methods that is. I was just wondering what othes thought of him.

    So You Want A Career In Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    Like a lot of trainers and training methods, I feel he's got things to offer that are "of value", and things I'd personally prefer to stay away from.

    His techniques aren't suitable for all breeds, or all dogs for that matter, but for higher-drive working breeds like his GSD's and Malinois, I think he's got the right basic approach. His methods applied to my breed (Basenjis) or any sighthound, would be a disaster....they simply SHUT DOWN when you apply even a small degree of force or discipline.

    He seems to think "purely positive" clicker and treat methods are "ineffective" and people only use them because they think it's "politcally correct".....yet Basenjis and sighthounds aren't at all motivated by a desire to work with people. I use treats and clickers because it WORKS for my Basenjis, not because I think other methods are "un-PC". I used a prong collar and many methods similar to Frawley's when I trained my late Boxer in Obedience and they worked WONDERS.....for her!

    I disagree with his blanket statements in that regard...there is no "black and white" when it comes to a ONE BEST training method for all dogs. I think it's good for anyone who trains, to be knowledgeable about many different methods....not everything works for every dog!

    I know that there is some debate in the "working dog world" regarding his advanced training methods for Schutzhund, Ring, etc. I have no real personal experience in this arena (just some research and a lot of hope that one day I'll be in a position to train my own dog in SchH :). So I don't know who's right and who's wrong....but I do know a lot of people disagree with Ed's methods and just plain DON'T LIKE HIM....lol.

    I got curious one day because he does say a lot of things on his site that'd raise the hackles of some folks, so I did a web search to see if he had any "detractors" so to speak...he does! A whole website devoted to it, actually.....it didn't change my opinion of him much (I didn't really have a strong one to begin with), but it did make for some interesting reading, and gave me a little perspective:

    http://www.sl-prokeys.com/wffcw/indexmen…

    Small Dog Training - Obstacles You Need to Know About


    • Mr. Frawley is a yank-n-crank trainer who cannot keep his stories straight. I've spoken with him via email because of my male's issues and the only thing he could come up with was either pay 500$ to send him up there for training or euthanize him. Meeting aggression with aggression escalates the aggression. This is bad, a dog is naturally armed whereas a human isn't. There are several petitions going around to get him charged with animal cruelty because of his 'training methods' and BTW, most of the supposed letters on his site are fake. He does it for publicity and to draw a gathering. I own his 'training' videos since a friend donated them to me and you can tell they are out dated. They also are very contradictory.

      I found a better way and the dog I was told to 'euthanize because he's in desperate need of being dominated or risk him killing someone' is no longer even close to being as reactive or aggressive. I prefer my dogs to show me 'submission' by their own choice than force them into a submissive role and risk them turning on me. Cooperation is much better than coercion. You should try it sometime.

    • I have known Ed for about 20 years..he is really good at what he does and I agree with the vast majority of what he says and does. Do I agree with everything he says...no, I do not, but, over all I think Ed is one of the most knowledgeable people out there with a lot of great ideas to offer to anyone that is willing to listen!!

    • I really like most of his methods. If it "ain't broke, don't fix it". You have had dogs that were obviously good candidates for his methods and it works for you. I have one GSD that would probably die if I tried his methods right now. He is a rescue and had never been on a leash, so I am making baby steps. Most of his methodology are things that I have used in the past with other dogs, mostly GSDs.

    • My philosophy has always been to, "take what works for you" and file the rest away for another day. Even bad advice is good to be aware of. I never stick to one person's method. After all, "it's their method", and I'm not them. I recommend reading up on and trying out from many different "methods" to give you a feel for what works for you and thus, the dog.

      Dogs are not cookies to be cut the same way every time, and I've not met one dog who's read any books on how they should be trained.

    • Not any more enamored by his methods than that dog whisperer guy - he is selling a product (actually lots of them) and the bottom line is the bottom line.

    • Very interesting you asked this...I was just moments ago reading some of his articles.

      I'm still up in the air on my opinion. I like a lot of what I was reading, but there were several things I ran across that I can't see myself doing (ie...slamming my dog into the wall with my knee if he attempts to race past me down the stairs.) He does have a lot of good information though; I was just reading up on pack dynamics and dealing with dominant dogs.

    • What people have to remember is that no one method is perfect for every dog. Out of my 5 dogs only 2 ever require the Leerburg type training and they are my more dominant, stubborn dogs, the other 3 rarely need anything more than a stern "NO" and doing what Ed Frawley suggests with those 3 dogs would likely scare them to death! That doesn't mean his methods don't have merit, just that it's not right for every dog or every person for that matter. Not every person is capable of training an aggressive dog the way he suggests.
      I agree with a lot of what he says and I think with the right dog and the right person his methods are 100% effective, with the wrong person that is not capable of doing it correctly or with the wrong dog, they could be a disaster.
    Read More...

    Tuesday, August 21, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

    i have a window by the door every morning i leave he scratches the window and crying barking and growling how can i make him stop and he chews alot of my wires

    The 5 Best Dog Training Tips For You and Your Dog



    Recommended Answer:
    First things first-- if he chews wires, then your house could burn down and he could be shocked.

    Sounds like he has separation anxiety, which is not a training issue, but an anxiety problem. Contact your veterinarian for a combination of medication (Clomicalm, an anti-anxiety medication) and behavior modification.

    It's like biting your nails-- if you bite your nails, you don't have a fingernail problem, right? Dogs do this because they are anxious about being left alone.

    An excellent booklet called "I'll Be Home Soon: the Prevention and Treatment of Separation Anxiety" by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. can help you understand how to handle this problem.

    Punishment of the behaviors only makes it worse, and fixing this is not a do-it-yourself project. You'll need professional help. Start with your veterinarian and talk about whether Clomicalm will help. Make sure that you do more than just give the meds, because meds alone are not as helpful as a combination of meds and behavior modification.

    Good luck.

    Clicker Dog Training is Extremely Reliable and Can Be Done by Anyone


    • Crate train your dog. What are you going to do if the dog chews wires while you are gone, and electrocutes himself to death? It will be nobody's fault but your own for not proctecting your dog while you are not around.

      http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.…

    • chewing wires is dangerous

      i would put like a small chain link fence around it. like 10 sq.feet. just big enough that you can still get in the if you need to

      they have barkcollars..... it might work but it could be pretty mean

      what kind of dog is it???

    • I have dogs I would build a keenel or play area for when you go to work .When you get back show alot of attention and affection.Good luck.

    • there are products that you can get at the pet store that taste very bitter to dogs. Put this on the parts that the dog chews. At the same time it is always great to have toys like Kongs, chews, rope toys, and/or bones. My dogs also like stuffed animals. So this is an alternate chew to the window. The crying and growling are a byproduct of separation anxiety. This occurs to many pets, dogs in particular.

      I found some interesting reading material on different treatment options:

      Treatment

      Some methods for treating problem behaviour include: punishment crate-training, and obedience training. These methods are directed at the problem behaviour, however they fail to address the source of the problem. By ignoring the source of the problems, one undesirable behaviour may simply be replaced with another as the dog searches for an outlet for its anxiousness (Borchelt 1983). In addition, punishment is likely to be counter productive and will only increase a dog's anxiety with each departure. Therefore, punishment is not recommended as an acceptable method of treating separation anxiety.

      Presently, the most accepted method for treating separation anxiety involves planned departures. This method involves gradually adjusting the dog to being alone by exposure to many short departures. Because the stress response occurs very shortly after the owner's departure (within 30 minutes), the dog should only be left alone for very short intervals at first (seconds to minutes) to ensure the owner returns before the onset of anxiety. Before the departure period can be increased, the owner must be certain that the dog is not stressed. The owner must closely watch the dog for signs of anxiety and ensure that the dog does not engage in an extended greeting. After the short departures have reached the 30 minute mark, the length of time the dog is left can be increased by larger increments. Once the dog can be left alone for 1.5 hours, it can usually be left all day. Departure and return should be made as quiet and uneventful as possible to avoid overstimulating the dog. The dog should not be given attention prior to departures nor given attention and praise upon returns. Excessive attention prior to departure and upon return seem to increase the anxiety during separation and it does NOT make it easier on the dog as most people suspect. Safety cues may also be used to associate with the short departures (Voith and Borchelt 1985). The T.V. or radio can be left on or an acceptable chew toy may be provided for the dog. However, it is very important that the safety cue is not an item that the dog already associates with anxiety. These cues help the dog relate to a previous safe period of isolation.

      Antianxiety medications are sometimes used to suppress anxiety. These are often used on dogs with severe separation anxiety or when owners simply must leave the dog alone for an extended period while treatment is occurring. The use of drugs allows the dog to spend extended periods of time free of anxiety. However, in most cases, drugs do not offer a solution and should be used in combination with a treatment program. A vet should be consulted for further information on the safest and most effective anxiety- suppressing drugs.

      In severe cases the owner may also have to take steps to weaken the dog's dependency upon a person. This requires the owner to ignore the dog for a period of time, sometimes up to three weeks (Flannigan, Personal comm.). This will not break the bond between owner and dog but it will decrease the dog's extreme dependency and allow it to tolerate its owner¹s absence without anxiety (Machum 1991). Ignoring your favourite pet may be difficult but it is important to keep in mind that a much more healthy and happy relationship will result.
    Read More...

    Tuesday, July 24, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: What to do about my friend's dog?

    Well, our family and my neighbors family (we're good friends) have gotten puppies at about the same time 6 or 7 months ago. Our dog turned out normal and he was easy to train, while their dog is impossible to train, still hasn't been house broken, and goes crazy around any food. They come over pretty often with their dog, and their dog always does his business everywhere in the house. That wouldn't be annoying if it was not for the fact that they don't do anything about it (like try to house break him or watch him carefully). Also, this dog is extreamly crazy around food. We try to feed our dog, and he runs out of nowhere and attacks him. We're scared that he's seriously going to hurt our dog soon (he has really sharp teeth).

    They blame everyone else for their dog being like this and we don't know how to talk to them about their coming over so often with him without hurting our friendship. When the dog is not at my house, they lock him in this small room so that he won't have accidents in their house and then basically ignore him, and the only time they do something with him is when they have company to show him off. The only person in the family that acually tried to train the dog is a 5th grader while the parents don't care about him (unless to show him off) and the other two teens couldn't care less about teaching him too (only to show him off).

    Another thing I'm worried about is that I volunteer at an animal shelter so I see a lot of dogs that get dropped off becuase the owners think that their dog is beyond help, and I think I see them getting to that point.

    They've asked us for advice before and we've explained to them about how we trained our dog, about professional dog training classes, or anything to help him but they havn't taken any of our advice.

    Sorry this got a little long, and if it dosen't seem to go in any logical order I'm a little tried when I'm typing this. So, anybody have any advice or someway to deal with this situation?

    Dog Training Tips - Rules for Dog Trainers and Dog Owners



    Recommended Answer:
    Sounds like you have tried all the right things, maybe they just are not meant to have a dog. I don't say this lightly as I believe that when a person gets a pet they should keep it for life. But if they are doing this pup more harm than good then something has gotta be done.
    Would it be possible for you to work with the puppy? Do you have the time for it and would they be open to it?
    It is an unfortunate situation. I can tell you don't want to hurt the friendship so maybe an anonymous note to clue them in might help.Perhaps he would find a good home with someone from the shelter???
    I hope you get a better solution to this question than I've suggested... It is a tuff one!

    Get the Most From Your Dog With These 5 Dog Training Tips


    • Honestly, there probably isnt much you can do.

      You offered training advice, and they didnt take it. Dont think they will bother with any other advice you offer. These are not "dog" people.. they were not ready for the responsability that comes with owning a dog. They just wanted something to "show off" (although I dont see why you'd want to show off an untrained dog?)

      Perhaps when they get the point that they are ready to dump the dog, maybe you can take it in, foster it, get it trained, then find the dog a GOOD home.

    • Honestly?
      Talk to you animal shelter advisor.
      He or She might be able to remove the dog from that environment before it's too late for the poor thing to be taught how to be a well behaved dog that people would absolutely adore.

      And MAYBE you or your family could adopt the dog and train it?
      So that it doesn't get stuck inside the animal shelter.

    • make them clean up there dogs buissness until they get tired of it, tell them to come over but please dont bring your dog beacuse of what happend last time, or just flat out tell them ur dog is a pain and we like u and all just keep the dog away

    • I would certainly tell them their dog is not welcome at your house.
      I had to do that with my kids dog, who was totally obnoxious with my dogs when they brought him to visit.

      As far as how they treat him at their house, as long as they are feeding him, there is not a lot you can do, other than offer advice.

      Too bad they wont listen.

      If they do turn the dog in, I would do what I could to prevent them from getting another dog - maybe notify the shelter, so they will not allow them to adopt another dog.

    • Well, first off, I dont think u should worry so much about hurting these people's feelings. They dont seem to be worried about how u feel. But u should be worried about how this dog acts in your home. They are young dogs now, but this will only get worse if not addressed and then it puts your dog at risk. And it will teach ur dog to potty in the house too as they tend to 'go' where they smell 'go'. I would suggest that if they are such good friends then they know u care about them and their dog and will be open to your help. If not, i wonder if u really need inconsiderate friends like them. Perhaps u could get them a book on puppy training and work with their dog AT THEIR HOUSE, with them.make it a thing u all can do together. But do find a way to tell them that u need them to respect your home and their dog. They do him no favors by making him an unwanted guest and he will lack "socialization" which is very important. Do tell them that u r concerned that they lock the dog in a tiny room as this will make them misbehave and not learn as well as a dog that is made to be a member of the household and is expected to obey the rules. Good Luck!!!

    • Very difficult situation. Are you sure you really want to be friends with these people? They sound like idiots, and inconsiderate too. I think you have to gather up some courage and tell them that their dog is not welcome in your house, and why. There is no reason why you have to put up with a dog doing its business all over your house, and your dog shouldn't be terrorized by this badly behaved dog. At the same time, you have to tell them that you have tried to give them advice on how to train a dog but they haven't taken the advice. Don't give any more advice, you're wasting your time. These people obviously don't get it.

      I'm afraid I wouldn't be as patient as you have been. After someone's dog had peed in my house a second time, I'd be at the door with a leash the next time they tried to bring the dog over, put the leash on the dog and tie it to the porch and say that it can't come in. Something like that might get it through their thick heads that whatever it is they do with the dog isn't working and they'd better find another way.
    Read More...

    Tuesday, July 10, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Getting 2nd dog? Good idea or bad?

    hi, i adpoted a 5 year old desexed male ridgeback about 3 months ago, the family who owned him, had him and another dog at the time. They got along really well. At the moment he is the only dog we own. I have been taking him to obedience training and he is generally good around other dogs and wants to play with them. I cant help but feel mean for letting him live alone - with that being said he is not neglected - we go for a drive to the beach every Friday and have lunch together - he goes for a swim and then we go for a long walk along the sand together. He goes to obedience school 2 times a week and also enjoys lots of car rides. He is an inside dog and has his own bed in my room. So i know he has human company. My other reason for thinking about getting a secend dog (a female puppy) is that i am really enjoying this whole obedience thing and would like to consider competitive obedience. i know i could go further with a dog trained at a young age. I wouldnt love either any less.

    Training Your Dog at Home - Save Thousands of Dollars on Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    There's no reason you shouldn't get one as long as you can handle the responsibility both dogs are going to be. Especially since the Ridgeback was already ok with another dog. Just make sure you introduce them properly and read up on bringing a puppy into your home when you already have an adult dog. Sometimes they do get a little offended and feel like they are getting the shaft for the pup.

    Puppy Dog Training For Obedience - How To Train Your Dog Puppy Properly


    • If you have time to devote to both of their needs then sure, get another dog to add to your pack!

    • If you think you can handle two then go for it. As long as you can afford it and have enough time to spend with both then you are fine.

    • If you have the time, the space and the money for 2, have two..

    • It doesn't sound like you are being mean to your dog at all! It sounds like he has a great owner. If you think he would enjoy a friend, go ahead and get the other dog. You would like to have another dog, too. You can find another puppy on petfinder.com- good luck with competitive obedience.

    • I think you should get another dog. If your dog gets along well with others, then he will love another dog. I have two dogs (australian terrier and mixed breed) and they get along really well together, even though we got them about 5 months apart.

    • Congratulations on adopting the first dog and for going to obedience classes. Nothing wrong with owning just one dog if the dog is a family member as your dog seems to be. Obedience is great, isn't it? Dogs just love it and they become so much better and safer pets because of that. All my dogs are obedience trained and know at least 30 commands, one knows over 75.

    • Getting a second dog is an awesome idea, I have 3 dogs =D (a 11 year old, a 4 year old and a 1 year old) they keep each other company when no one is home. and they all play together. they are best friends, and I would Never have just one dog, they need company when their owners are at work and whatnot. Also, you COULD go further in obedience with a dog trained at a young age.

      hope this helps, =D

    • Good Idea

    • Personally I would give this guy more time to settle in and feel part of your family. Three months is sort of a 'honeymoon' period... he would probably do fine with another dog but I think he deserves to embed himself into your family. Think about it being like adopting a child (not baby) - he has already been disassociated from his previous family for reasons he has no idea what are - he is accepting your family well but then bring in another child/baby and take much needed attention away from him at this point in time -- I am not saying don't eventually get another dog if you have the time and are capable of dealing with two dogs, but I would just give this guy a little more settle in time. Congrates on having him!! Sounds like he has found a great new family!!
    Read More...

    Saturday, June 2, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: I need dog training advice!!?

    I have a female 5 1/2 month old Yorkie who STILL isn't potty trained. Everyone has told me to crate train her but I feel awful listening to her whine and bark all day. Also, she does not listen to me when I call for her when she's outside playing, she will just ignore me and keep running. Sometimes on a very rare occasion when she's feeling nice she will come. She also doesn't listen very well when I tell her to stay when we are trying to get out the door, although she has been MUCH better with that. Oh, her worst subject would definitely be with bathes she's absolutely horrific, and with being a Yorkie they need baths every week because they have hair instead of fur. I was also thinking of breeding her once when she's around 1 1/2 years old and I was wondering if that would help with her obedience, or should I just get her fixed at 6 months? Please do not leave comments telling me to get rid of her or to find someone more reponsible because she is my baby and I wouldn't give her up for anything! My mom also said that if she didn't start listening better that I would have to get rid of her and that's not happening!

    Dog Training Aids - Do You Know How Safe The Methods Used For Dog Obedience Training Are?



    Recommended Answer:
    This is what we did and it worked. We would bribe the dog to the door with treats. Once it was at the door we would give her the treat. She goes outside and does her business and we give her another treat. Keep doing this and he'll pick it up pretty quick. We still give her treats when she goes just because she's so darn cute. It should take a couple of weeks or so, just be patient.

    Dog Training Made Fun and Effective With a Few Good Packages


    • I'm sorry...when you bought her where you looking for a dog or a live doll?

      Dogs are a different species! you are aware of that, right?

      Either grow up and treat your dog as such, or get rid of her.

    • 5-1/2 months is still very young. Be consistent with her and, as she gets older, you WILL see results. I didn't even know about crate training when my dog, Angel, was little. Treats help a LOT!!! When she does come to you give her a treat and say "good girl" and pet her. She will learn that good behavior gets her treats. Always have little treats in you pocket for her. THIS IS A MUST! Give her one immediately after the behavior that you want. Dogs want to please their master but you need to train her to know what you want. Actually, training a dog is really "training the owner".

      Good luck to you, your companion and your mom.

      ps: When she (the dog, not your mom, haha) has an accident on the floor, be sure to clean it up right away. Also, spraying white vinegar on the area will discourage her from using that spot again.

    • Go to the pet store or where they have training and get her some training ASAP. And practice what you are told by the trainer consistently and constantly. It is your job to train your puppy right and if you don't know what you are doing, she won't either.

      And get her fixed ASAP as well. You do not need to add to the puppy overpopulation by bring more puppies into the world. Letting her have puppies will not train her in any way to go outside to the bathroom.

      YOU have to train her to go outside. Take her out every couple of hours and let her do her business outside before she comes back in. Take her out after she eats, wakes up, plays etc. When she goes outside and does her stuff, then tell her good girl and then pet her and love her up. Don't make a big deal out of her going to the bathroom inside, but make a big deal if she goes to the bathroom outside.

      Unfortunately bathing a dog is not always easy. If you find it is too hard for you to do yourself, then take her to the groomers. Bathing once a week is too much anyhow. Once a month is more like it. You could be drying out her skin. I have never heard of a dog who needed weekly bathing, they all have hair whether it is short or long.

      When she doesn't listen to you and runs away when she is outside, do you get mad or yell? If you do then of course she is going to run away. When I was training mine to come back when I called I kept my voice even and once he came back I petted him and said good boy, gave him a treat and loved him up. I didn't yell or get mad because he didn't listen. I also train with the snap of my fingers. When he hears the snap he knows I gave a command and he listens. It was a lot of working with him, but he is 6 months now and understands the snapping of the fingers and what it means.

      The more time you spend with training, the better your puppy will be and the better adult dog it will be. Even though she is adorable and your baby, it doesn't mean it's all play and no work. You have to give her training and then you will both be happier together!

      Oh and if you have a crate, THROW IT AWAY! Train your dog, don't crate it. Crating a dog can lead to the owners being lazy. When the responsibility of training it becomes a chore, you can just lock it in it's crate and forget it, right? No, it's a live animal and needs your guidance all the time. And honestly we call it a crate, but it really is a cage right? So in reality, you are putting your friend and buddy in a cage. Ummm yeah not a good idea.Good luck!

    • To get you dog to come back to you quick and easy. Make a noise, call her name, or just basically scream and then fall to the ground and dont move until she comes running over.

      Most dogs no matter how stubbern or stupid they are will notice that their master is no longer standing and come over to see what happened.

      My friend has probably the stupidest dog on the world.. she never comes when she is called unless someone starts running away from her. anyways i tried this on her and she came running

      Hope it works =-]

      when she comes to you give her some chicken or something... she will eventually come without you having to fall over.

    • I have 3 small dogs and using treats had worked best for me. She will get used to the crate eventually. I used to breed and they will probably whine for a while but you'll just have to stick it out. As for potty training, well i had mine trained in 2 weeks, and i did it by going to the sliding glass door and asking him if he wanted to go potty. You should wait by the door with treats and then let her out. Going outside with her until she goes potty is a good idea. After she's done give her a treat and then bring her back inside. Do this often and she'll learn. Also the bathing, my dogs hate bath too, but unfortunately i started to late. You need to go slow and gentle, and do it often so she gets used to it. Use treats for everything in the beginning but then steer away from them and she'll just listen to you. Definitely dot get rid of her, she's very young and is still a puppy so it will take time and patience. Giving her away is just giving up and thats not good for her or you. You must remember to be consistant and stern! Breeding is HARD work. I wouldn't recommend it for you, but thats a personal choice.
      hope this helps...email me for more advice!!

    • go to www.pawsitiveexperience.com

      on the training and behavior tips page print up crate training, wait at the door, stay, housebreaking, restrained recall, and off leash recall.
      You can also find videos of these training tips at www.kohd.com and scroll down to "Khody's Tail Waggin Tips.

      I would also get your dog into a training class so you learn how to train your dog. The articles and videos will buy you time until you get into a proper class.

      Fixing her will not help with obedience but I would have her spayed anyway. Unless you have knowledge of genetics, inherited diseases, and have helped care for (more than once) a pregnant dog and puppies you should not take on such a responsibility.

    • Truly for dog potty training to work you do have to set some boundaries.  Sounds like you are being pretty easy on your dog and because you don't want to hear him bark or whine.   If you don't set good boundaries your dog will continue to do this. So here are some things you can do. 
       1. Restrict the areas your dog can go in your home until he potty trained.   Crating is a pretty good method, because it teaches your dog not to use the bathroom where they sleep.  If you don't want to use a crate try setting aside a small room in your home to potty train. Cover the room with training pads. 
       
      2.  As your dog starts using the bathroom in this room, start removing the training pads until he has only a small area to go.  This helps because dogs normally like to use the bathroom on the same surface.  
      3.  As far as using the bathroom outside, make sure your dog is fed on a set schedule.  This will help you determine how soon he goes to the bathroom after he eats.  Once you know the schedule you can take him outside around that time. 
      4. Let your dog sniff around until he finds a comfortable spot to use the bathroom.  
      5.  As you set up a routine, your dog should be come pretty constant in using the bathroom.  
      6. Also reward your dog when he does potty when and where you want him to with a treat or praise.  Should help the training along.  
       
       
       

    • Yorkshires are known for being very active and smart, also bold and stubborn sometimes. On the training part, follow these rules
      1 - Only one person should train her.
      2 - Make sure that the rest of your family uses the same commands
      3 - Also, make sure she knows who's in command. Be very authoritative and clear with your commands.
      4 - Always reward her when she does something good, NEVER hit her when she does something wrong, dogs understand when you scold them. Make sure she knows why you're scolding her, otherwise its useless doing so. Never pet her or do anything else that might be intercepted as affectionate when she does something wrong, that will only end up her not trusting you at all and not following your orders.

      I doubt breeding her will solve her obedience problem.

      Now, regarding potty training, when she goes in the house, firstly you must let her know that what she did was wrong, push her nose into what she did (don't overdo it, just so that she knows what about you're talking) and scold her. Put on her leash and take her outside and so that she goes outside, praise and pet her when she does. Don't hit her and also don't let anyone else hit her on any circumstances. Usually when she needs to go she will try and get your attention and bark or jumping/scratching at the door. I'm sure that you're probably not all day at home, so make sure that the rest of your family will understand this and help you with it.

      "COME" command - put the leash on her, wait till she's busy doing something else then say "Come" and just after pull your dog into your direction, if it fails the first time do not give up until she understands what you want and she does it, praise her and give her a treat that she like as soon as she does as you like.
      "HEEL" - again, with the leash on, don't let the leash loose much at first, walk with her, suddenly stop and say heel, if she doesn't stop, yank the leash in your way, making sure she stops, praising her after, start over.
      "SIT" - hold the dog's collar so she won't run away, and push her rump down after saying sit. praise and pet when done of course.

      Try and find a treat that your dog simply can't get enough off and give that to her, in small bits when you're training, do not give her this treat often, otherwise she might get bored of it.
      Yorkies are very intelligent, they learn pretty quick, if you're training her and she does good, then suddenly stops answering your command, it's not because you haven't succeeded, but because she got bored of the trick and wants to learn something new.
      When she goes aggressive towards other dogs or just not listening to you at all, you need to get her attention back, you can poke her hard enough to just get her attention and say to her "NO" or "BAD", you can poke her at her ribs, thats the most likely place to get her attention, don't hurt her in any case.
      When leaving her alone at home, make sure she has a toy or two to play with, otherwise she will go at your shoes/furniture/anything that she might find fun to chew, also the toy you're giving her when you're leaving the house should be one that she hasn't seen the rest of the day, otherwise she won't play with it, being bored.

      Well, that's about it atm, good luck!

    • well lets start with basic dog 101...dont leave her in a crate all day. dont bath her every week, fur is furon animals, not hair like us, brushing is good enough to keep her clean as well as trims at the groomer, she is not attached to you like you are to her., give her more attention, uncrate her and read books on training...Do not breed her...its not good for her, and you dont know squat about breeding..she could die, and you cant guarantee her blood line is pure enough.Get her fixed at 6 months...Dogs usually are not potty trained fully til a year old.
    Read More...

    Monday, April 30, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Where would i go normaly to have my dog trained as a hearing dog?

    im hearing impaired and my dog sofar has been excellent in guiding me around when i cant see at night or hear.. i iwant to get him triand for it so i can take him in the grocery stores too... where would a person normaly take them?

    Dog Training - How to Train Your Dog in 15 Minutes - Is it Possible?



    Recommended Answer:
    service training .com
    thay can help

    Dog Training - The First Steps in Training a Dog


    • this is a very special and intense programme, and it starts when the dog is a very small puppy. for one year he will live with a family who train him all the basic obedience and more. when he "graduates", he goes to a special training facility where he receives more specialized training. then you are matched for compatability, and you start training to work together as a team. there is intense training for both or you.
      I don't know if you could get your current dog into the programme, but if you have a local society for the deaf, you could ask them about it. it's about a 2 year programme.

    • A guide dog school...thats mainly wat its called,or a dog training class i guess

    • to a hearing aid--lol

      1.
      Steve Welch & Associates, Inc., Article - Canine Ears Hearing for the Deaf
      The San Francisco SPCA hearing dog program takes a different approach to training its dogs. ... to include hearing dogs and service dogs (for handicapped) ...
      www.stevewelch.com/hearingfordeaf.asp - 21k - Cached
      2.
      How Do Service Dogs Help People With Disabilities?
      Hearing dogs may use a ... Many Hearing Dogs wear bright, blaze orange collars, leashes, and vests. These orange accessories signal that the dog is a Hearing Dog. ...
      www.servicedogssavelives.org/help.html - 17k - Cached
      3.
      Open Directory - Society: Disabled: Service Animals: Dogs
      ... House - Dog information on Service Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Guide Dogs, Clicker ... and companion dogs, also dogs for the emotionally and mentally handicapped. ...
      dmoz.org/Society/Disabled/Service_Animal… - 20k - Cached
      4.
      Remember Your Loved Ones are Affected by Your Hearing Loss Too
      Hearing Aid Repair. Hearing Dogs. Hearing Loss Organizations. Hints and Tips. Kids' Stuff ... In a way, they also become handicapped when speaking to you. ...
      www.hearinglossweb.com/Issues/Family/jc.… - 37k - Cached
      5.
      Hearing Dogs
      Dogs are trained at the Lions Hearing Dog Training Centre in South Australia. ... spend a lot of time alone or with some other deaf or handicapped person. ...
      www.lionsq3.asn.au/projects/heardogs.htm… - 15k - Cached
      6.
      American Dog Trainers Network -- SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE DOGS
      ... a directory of organizations involved with guide dogs, hearing dogs, support dogs, search and rescue dogs. ... Assistance Dogs for The Handicapped. For ...
      www.inch.com/~dogs/service.html - 45k - Cached
      7.
      Maryland Handicapped Assistance Dogs ~ Seeing Eye Dogs ~ MarylandPet.com
      Maryland handicapped assistance dogs and seeing eye dogs. List your Maryland service dog or therapy ... Today, dogs help the hearing impaired, the blind, ...
      marylandpet.com/.../maryland-handicapped… - 25k - Cached
      8.
      idea
      Hearing Aid Repair. Hearing Dogs. Hearing Loss Organizations. Hints and Tips. Kids' Stuff ... of the original Education for all Handicapped Children Act. ...
      www.hearinglossweb.com/res/gov/fed/law/i… - 32k - Cached
      9.
      Assistance Dogs - Working Dogs - Service Dogs - Canada's Guide to Dogs
      ... organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs. ... Dog Foundation has recently expanded their services to include ...
      www.canadasguidetodogs.com/dogjobs/wrk_s… - 29k - Cached
      10.
      Dogs,Cats and more at Uri Beckman's world of dogs
      Dogs for the handicapped. For thousands of Israelis, a dog is a declaration of their independence. ... Hearing dogs. Hearing dogs serve as ears for the deaf ...
      www.uribakeman.co.il/english/main.asp?id… - 21k - Cached
    Read More...

    Wednesday, April 18, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Need serious dog training help!?

    I have a one-year-old female cockapoo who is spayed.

    For a while, now she just simply won't let my sister or I pick her up. Whenever Mandy (my cockapoo) even has the slightest feeling that my sister or I want to pick her up, she immediately growls. Then, if you try to physically move her, she'll go crazy like an ill dog and sometimes even bite.

    I've already tried picking her up and shouting, "no," whenever she growls, but it didn't work. I then tried to reward her with treats every time she didn't growl/bite, but that didn't work because - you guessed it - I can't even pick her up. Ever.

    Choosing an Online Dog Training Program



    Recommended Answer:
    Well bravo to the idiot who bred this mongrel!

    It may be genetics it may be the parents being aggresive or the DNA mixing either way go get some professional training and congrats on the mutt.

    Dog Breed in Relation to Dog Training


    • Aggression is a serious issue that should be dealt with using a professional dog trainer, rather than an internet forum.

    • you need Professional help good luck.
    Read More...

    Thursday, April 12, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog training. HELP! 10 points best answer.?

    I'm having troubles training my 1 year old Mini dachshund. When we take him out to potty we stay out with him (we live on a farm and don't like him getting into things) and as soon as we take him out he will shut us out and won't listen to us at all. My boyfriend and i can call his name and he will ignore us. which usually leads us to have to go get him and scold him. Which isn't doing any good for him or us. We've tried taking him out on his leash but he won't go potty at all unless he is off leash. It's lose/lose On leash he won't go, off leash he won't listen even if we fallow him around he won't go. We will NOT use a shock collar or any things like that because it's inhumane and cruel.
    We are getting him a Grass Pad for days when it rains and bad weather where we can't take him outside but what can we do to get him to listen when we take him outside. What are our options? Please let me know anything we can do because we love our little boy sooo much and we need to figure this out ASAP.

    3 Essential Dog Training Tips That Every Dog Owner Should Know



    Recommended Answer:
    All I know of is leash training, which I recommend to everyone. I live in the suburbs so obviously it's different than a farm, and I know people have had success with off the leash training, but I've just seen too many many tragedies happen off the leash.

    He won't go when he's on the leash? He will, you'll just have to wait forever lol When he finally does, tell him what a "Good boy!!" he is and give him a treat. He'll learn. Annoying, but it will work. Do the same for Grass Pad training.

    In theory, the same practice will work for your off the leash situation. I'm only entertaining this notion because I always wish my pup could run around in a big farm yard lol Bribery will go a long way. Get his favorite treats and shake them and hold it up while calling his name. When he listens, tell him "Good boy!" and give him a treat. When he doesn't listen, use a stern and negative voice with a command you'll use often, "Bad!" or "No!" or whatever you like. Leash training comes in handy because you can demand his attention by giving a gentle yank on the leash while telling him "No!".

    It may be difficult off the leash, and some dogs are trickier than others. But positive reinforcement with rewards and happy pride in your voice will go a LONG way with your pup. You won't need any other kind of treatment to him. Scolding more than a minute is unnecessary, and will just confuse the dog because he'll no longer realize what you're yelling about. He stopped the behavior, yet he still gets yelled at; that's how he'll see it. An attention grabbing "No!" and an IMMEDIATE reward is the key.

    Ignore the inevitable "dogs are like wolves so they need and Alpha pack leader" replies, they are dated and wrong. Wolves don't do that, and dogs aren't wolves. My adopted 70 lb, dog-hating Pit Bull behaves himself just fine on the leash with my training methods. He still hates dogs, but he knows how good he's being when he behaves himself so he doesn't go crazy when he sees a dog anymore--because of rewards and pride, and nothing else.

    God bless you for not using a shock collar or any other inhumane treatment :)

    Why One Size Does Not Fit All In Dog Training


    • If you want your dog to come to you when called then you need to make it a good experience, with praise and treats. By scolding him he learns to avoid coming to you when called in fear of being scolded.

      If you are just hanging out outside then randomly treat him when you call for him, without bringing him in. That way he doesn't associate being called just to come in. He instead sees he is rewarded by only coming to you when called.

    • If u wanna teach him go to any pet store and they have book tht shows you how to teach them and affter you teach your dog give him a treat so he will listen and do it when u ask him to do tht trick. Or you can go on pet whisper.com if tht works but the top anwser works the best :)

    • U probilli have 2 train him

    • You say you will not train him so what's your question?
      You won't wait him out to train him on a leash, you won't use a remote trainer to train him off leash.

      He's a Dachshund. You can't jerk him around by the neck and you can't spank because of the risk to their spine.
      I'm assuming he knows his name and the "come" command. If you can't teach "come" well enough that he knows he has to listen to you in all situations, even when his drive is at its highest exactly what do you propose you do?
      Many are food motivated but if he's not listening he won't be listening that you have a treat. You need something to get his attention off what he wants it focused on and at least part of it to remain focused on you.

      You need to get off your kick of deciding what you WON'T do based on ignorance and decide that you will get your dog trained no matter what he requires. They were bred to fight badgers, your idea of cruel is not the same as his.
      They're stubborn dogs and if you're not willing to train him things will be done on his terms (which being small dogs can be tolerable but you have to accept he is not trained because you weren't willing to train him).

      Go buy or borrow a PetSafe Yard and Park e-collar. Stick it on your arm and try settings 1, 2 and 3. If you think that is cruel return it.
      If not, follow the directions for teaching the good and bad tones and finding the lowest setting it takes for him to react. For what you describe it's likely the tones are all you will need to break his concentration and get him to listen and be off-leash obedient.

      Otherwise keep him on a leash and wait.
    Read More...

    Saturday, February 4, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Any recoomenationds on HRD dog training aids?

    I have a 18 months old dog that I am training for HRD. I am working with SEVERAL instructors who have said she has AMAZING drive and will make a fine dog with more training. My only problem is that my closests intructor lives an hour away, so i have no regular access to training aids.. and as we all know consistency is everything! We had scheduled a trip to visit the "body farm" in knoxville TN but a recent abuse of privaleges (by some one else) has caused them to pull all support. Are there any good places to obtain training aids? I have heard of sythetic aids, i think its called SIGMA? is it worth it or should i hold out for something better? I really want to be able to work with her DAILY instead of once every few weeks when i can gain access to training aids. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

    Dog Training Schools - Who is Being Trained, You Or the Dog



    Recommended Answer:
    As well as your local med examiner, contact some of the training clubs to see if they have connections in your region:
    http://www.caninesearchsolutions.org/con…
    I see 4 or 5 KY resources here:
    http://www.comdens.com/SAR/sarlinks.html

    Here are three helpful books:
    http://www.amazon.com/Cadaver-Dog-Handbo…

    They used to use fetal pigs, harvested from the nearest hog farmer. Now, they claim that the pigs lead to a confused training. That is likely true. But, it has worked for many years, as that was what was available..
    I'm hoping that those books will give you some good ideas.

    Dog Training - Beyond Conditioning


    • Check with your local medical examiner/coroner. He may be able to assist you or point you in the right direction.
    Read More...

    Sunday, December 25, 2011

    Dog Health Questions: Should you take your dog gun dog training classes or can you do it at home ?

    if any experience any good dog obedience classes near chelmsford, essex
    or even better any gun dog trainers near chelmsford :P

    regards M

    A Long Tradition of Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    I've known Eric for many years.
    His gun dog forum is a good place to find the information you want.
    http://gundogandbirddogforums.yuku.com/t…
    http://gundogandbirddogforums.yuku.com/d…

    Dog Training Tips - Equipment Needed


    • You need basic obedience before you can do gun training (or any other kind of training).

      Take the classes. In addition to obedience commands, your dog will acquire priceless socialization. And the classes are fun.

    • Is that a gun specifically for use on dogs or a gun shaped like a dog?

      No, I know. Take classes. Dogs are naturally scared to death of loud noises. I'm not near chelmsford. Look on the web or...HEY! In your PHONE BOOK! No...they probably wouldn't be in the phone book...

    • This question is best asked of people who are avid hunters. I know that I have family members that hunt and they train their own dogs without spending money on classes. And the dogs are great.
    Read More...