Dog Health Questions: When looking for a quality dog trainer?

I actually asked this question earlier in the day with no luck some people in the morning are no help and very negative.

So I have gone through about 3 different dog trainers each time learning something new and a fact I absolutely hate dog trainers who are not personable. I have had dog trainers recommend techniques that after 3 or 4 weeks have not worked and they refuse to try anything else. I need someone who is flexible to my dog, but I obviously do not know what constitutes as a good dog train. What are some good questions to ask a dog trainer besides are you certified and what is your experience because I get that when I am telling them hey this technique is not working I get screamed at.

Now I know someone is going to say it is me but I honestly am a very nice person and I never give attitude especially if someone has more knowledge then I do. But after 8 weeks(3 different times) of training with a stubborn beagle using their techniques and 600 plus dollars I am a little irritated. Finally I started modifying the training using tips from other dog owners and observing my own dogs needs. I was able to train her about 90%, but I have been working on walking nice with her and she can do it around people she is fine but if she sees a dog, cat, squirrel, duck, leaf , well you get my point. She immediately goes into play mode crys, pulls, jumps. I never give in and I would like a trainers help just on this problem. I know there are one on one but I want a group because I want her trained with distractions she is perfect in our own back yard.

So what are things I should look for we searching for a good trainer, what are some questions to ask?

Is My Jack Russell Suitable For Schutzhund Dog Training?

Recommended Answer:
That is actually quite easy, what have the dog they have trained WON!

Here is an example of one of the best
http://www.totalretriever.com/about.htm

Choosing The Best Dog Training Treats

• There are several organizations that endorse trainers. Their websites are below. Just because a trainer is endorsed does not make them a good trainer, however this does give you a good start in finding a good trainer. Things that I look for in a trainer include:
  Length of time in training dogs;
  Number and types of dogs trained;
  Their success in dog training (I'm looking for people who have competed with their dog (s) in the obedience ring)
  Methods used;
  References from former and current students; and
  A passion for teaching.
  
  If I'm taking a class, I want to be able to sit in a class or two without my dog. I look to see how the trainer interacts with the people and the dogs. I look to see if the dogs are under reasonable control and that safety rules are being enforced. A good class trainer should be able to match the method to the dog and the owner. She should be able to handle problems that come up in class in an organized and competent manner. I look to see if the class itself is organized such as starting on time. If the instructor is using a demo dog, I watch how well she interacts with her own dog. I also stay away from box store (pet co pets mart) classes. They just are not that good.
  
  No matter who you get as a trainer, doing the homework is very important. This includes taking your dog out of the back yard and training him in other environments. Going to a training class once a week isn't going to solve your problem. The methods need to be followed every day on every walk.

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Dog Health Questions: Just picked up a new puppy today. Know of any great+free training sites? Any other tips would be great?

Wasn't a planned adoption, so i haven't had the time i normally take to prepare for a new pet.

This is a stronger breed of dog(Pit Bull), but she is only 2 months old, i would like to get started early in her training so I wont look out the window one day to see my wife flying behind the dog like a kite(as hard as i laugh about the thought, I don't wanna lose the dog. ;) lol

Any tips will be accepted on other puppy topics, I've had dogs before, but never a puppy, already have my mop primed and ready though. She's in my last dog's crate and seems fine, goes in and wont come out actually.

Supplies i have so far:
Crate, collar, harness, leashes, bowls, food (Purina puppy chow for now, that's what she is use to), a toy, dawn dish soap(noticed a couple fleas on her, some oatmeal dog shampoo (to wash off the dish soap). And a complete idiots guide to positive dog training (that this idiot cannot seem to find at the moment, think it's in the basement somewhere).

I noticed i forgot to grab treats, we'll walk to the local petsmart tomorrow and see if she finds something she likes.

The person i got her from never took her out, walked her, or anything. From the smell of it they went where ever they pleased in the house. I made the mistake of tossing mycoat on the floor next to my washer to clean the smell outta it, looked away from the puppy for a min and guess what happened... yup, mop time.

ok, I'll stop typing now, guess i get chatty when I'm excited about something.

7 Top Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
I would STRONGLY suggest puppy classes and obedience classes sinse you have not had a puppy before. Your idiots guide (lol) should be able to fill you in on the basics.
Once he's finished his puppy shots, get him enrolled.
With potty training, remember not to punish for the mistakes, a simple correction of a firm 'no' and shuffle the puppy outside (please teach him to go outside) and if/when he does go, praise and treat like crazy. If you stumble upon an accident, its too late to correct, just mop up and move on.

Get him used to his collar and lead now. If he doesn't already wear his collar all day, put it on him for a few hours a day, then once he's used to that, do the same thing with his lead and just let him run around with it dragging behind him, once he is good with both, get him used to you holding it and him walking nicely on it, which obedience classes will help you with.

Thats all I can think of for now... OH and pick up EVERYTHING chewable.

Show Dog Training

• Get an appointment at the vet...check for worms and get REAL flea/tick meds. I've heard that Dawn works, but I stick to the good 'ol vet prescribed topical treatment.
  
  When you find the "Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training"...let her play with it...lol. You should at least try to use the combination of positive training and corrections when trying to teach your dog. I had 3-4 different books when we brought home our pup, and used all of them to some degree. See what works with your dog and go from there....
  
  I guess start with basics, sit, down, stay, come here, leave it, off and such. Several training sessions during the day, keep them short since she's a pup. You can get info online on how to teach different commands. Dont allow her to nip...Keep a leash on her at all times, that way you can control and reprimand her when she gets into something she shouldn't.
  
  For housebreaking...BABY GATES made my life easier in the beginning. Watch her at all times and keep her near you...by blocking off the sections of the house where there is no one to monitor her. Take her out every 30min - 1 hour if necessary...praise when she goes outside. When you cant watch her, crate her. Also feed on a set schedule every day, that will make it easy for you to figure out when she needs to go out.
  
  Good luck with your puppy


• http://www.youtube.com/user/eletendre1
  
  I've watched this guys videos and they've helped me.
  
  I had no idea when I got my puppy and I was just winging it all (sit, stay, fetch, eat, weez etc). Some of them although he got them, they weren't mastered. His videos helped me and also taught me how to loose lead walk my dog. It's been a great help. He also deals with crating, clicker training and house training.
  
  There are lots of other videos on youtube also which are quite good.


• Here are some tips, use what helps. I use a crate* to potty train with, but only for potty training and then I break it down and store it. I put blankets and a small food and water dish in the crate. Dogs don't potty where they eat and sleep. When they are first little, I only expect them to hold their potty for 4 hours, and then 6 hours, then 8 hours and so on. So when they are first little, I set a timer or alarm clock to wake myself up at night to take them *out. I only allow my puppy in the bedroom* or the living room, only one room at a time. They have to graduate to more space. If I allow them to have full run of the house, it will overwhelm them. I take them out the same door each time. I tie a dinner bell to the door handle. Do not use a jingle bell as they could get their toe caught in it. So when they are little, I ring the bell for them, and then open the door to go *outside to potty. When they get bigger, I take their paw and whack the bell and open the door to go potty. Eventually getting to the place where the puppy will ring the bell and let me know when they need to go potty. Dogs want to please you, so it is your job to let them know what behaviors please you and what doesn't. So when my puppy goes potty, I give her a treat*, and clap, and make a fuss and praise her. So she learns that going potty outside makes me happy. If she has an accident, make a disgust sound like “tsst” and take her out right away. I never yell* or spank* my puppies. Take them out when they first wake up, after they eat or drink, before nap, finish romping, when their activities change, or when they are sniffing around. Some puppies go pee right away, but may not go poop until 10 minutes later, so wait for the poop. I have a little play time here, because sometimes I think they are done, and they are not. Puppies train at their own pace. While I may have a puppy that hasn't had an accident in several weeks, I don't let my guard down. I don't expect my puppies to be "fully potty trained" until one-year-old. If they have a setback, shake it off, and start over. I only have my puppies in the crate when I am not watching them. When I am sleeping, cooking, ironing, doing chores, basically when I am not watching her. All other times, she is out of the crate practicing being a "big girl." This is the time I train her how to behave in the house. So we are practicing "no barking", 'no biting", "no jumping", and "don't eat the furniture." I also have to practice "playing inside" so she doesn't knock over things. You must keep the puppy in sight when they are little because they don't know the difference between newspaper and carpet, and you don't want them sneaking off and getting into trouble. Some puppies can sleep through the night around 3-months-old, but their bladder is grown around 6-months-old.
  
  REVISIONS:
  *I use a CRATE to train with. It is the method I prefer, compared to other methods I have tried. I noticed that if they are in the crate, while I am doing chores, they are o.k., because the crate allows them to see me and be re-assured. The crate can also be a comfort when stored in the basement for dogs who live in areas where thunderstorms and tornados are an issue. . However, use the method that works best for you.....a laundry basket, a cardboard box, a woof-woof house, x-pen, child gates, whatever works for you.
  *OUTSIDE, pee pad, litter box, whichever method you are using. When the puppy is first little, keep the pee pad, litter box near the food and water dish, so the puppy can eat and drink, and then go potty. You can move it away as they get older. The pee pad has a scent that smells and initiates potty. Sometimes a pee pad makes a sound that scares some puppies, so you might want to use a litter box if that happens. The pee pad allows a puppy to walk around, but a litter box keeps the puppy in one place.
  *BEDROOMS, I use the bedroom and living room for training, because it works for me. Choose rooms that work for you, but watch for rooms that are damp, or drafty. While my puppies sleep in the bedroom during training, once they are trained, I let them sleep where they want to. They don't have to sleep in the bedroom forever.
  *TREATS. While I use treats for training, you don't have to. I like Charlee Bears for training (a little cracker for a little mouth,) I use them for training, but once they are trained, I cut back on them.
  *SOME PUPPIES will go potty in the same spot each time. Some puppies have to be told to go potty. A command like "go out" for pee, or "go finish" for poop, might work for you, keep saying “go finish” until the puppy poops. This is a good thing to train if you travel with your dogs. By using commands, the puppy won't get confused when you are visiting someone, on vacation with you, or when you get to a new home. The command will tell them what you want them to do in an unfamiliar place. You might also want to use a leash method, so the puppy doesn't sneak off, or for strange places.
  *YELLING. It is not a good idea to "yell" or "spank" your puppy and then take them outside when they have an accident. They may get confused and think that going outside is punishment. While you want to correct them, if you are extreme, they may not want to go outside again. Shake it off, and resume your schedule. You have to keep it real. Puppies train at their own pace, but a puppy can only hold their potty for a few hours. A guide would be 1 hour for each month of age, plus 1 hour, so a three-month-old puppy should only be expected to hold their potty for 4 hours at most.
  SOURCE: These tips, tricks, and ideas were contributed from many brilliant minds. Thanks for your help!

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Dog Health Questions: Training dogs = humanizing them?

So yesterday I was at a dog carnival doing an OB(Open level) & Agility performance with Amber & when we were done, we just stood around & talked to people who were surrounding us, asking us questions about how I trained my dog, bla bla bla & some were complimenting us & THEN, there was this couple who walked passed us & the husband said to his wife, "These people are stupid. Humanizing their dogs. Sheesh. Stupid people." They did not say it very loudly but loud enough for me to hear. They were pretty close behind us. I was kinda like baffled to what he said! At that point I wanted to stop them & tell them that training dog is NOT about "humanizing" them. Training opens up a world of communication with us & our dogs! Training is not about making them "humans". And I think by not training your dogs, it is cruel. You know what, I can go on & on about this but my answer is going to pretty darn long.

So I just want to hear what you guys have to say. Is training really all about "humanizing" our dogs?

Sheesh, obviously these people never own a dog before or they do own a dog but have NO idea about training. These guys are in dire need to be educated...

What To Look For In Dog Training Ebooks

Recommended Answer:
They think training a dog is humanizing it? Obviously they don't understand dogs... or any pet for that matter. Dogs love to be trained. My dog, Max, would never be happy if he couldn't learn. Learning is what he tries hard at. If he was being "humanized" he probably wouldn't like it because it wouldn't be natural for a dog to be doing it. You'd be changing his ways and instincts. Well, a dog's ways are what his human TRAINS his ways to be.

An untrained dog would be unhappy, I believe. I am under the impression that by training a dog, you make a stronger bond. If you let your dog do whatever he wants, whatever he pleases, whatever whatsoever, I'm sure he'd be unhappy (mostly because he'd have a very limp bond with his owner). He wouldn't be stabilized or balanced. He wouldn't know what to do.

Sorry if I went off topic. I love dogs and am still learning more and more about them. ;) But I definitely think that training a dog makes him happier and it's not humanizing him.

The Importance of Dog Training

• I'll just keep my answer short.
  
  Not sure whether I would of stood there with my mouth wide open at that,
  
  Launched into some sort of verbal lecture which would of lasted some while
  
  or
  
  Given them a whack and called them a few choice names.
  
  lol. I'm with you TOTALLY and there is nothing better for our dogs than obedience and agility and working of some sort. Mine do obedience, and heelwork to music - and the odd one agility depending on size/suitability.


• Bullies are just cowards that are jealous of you. It does beg to ask what they went to the dog event in the first place. I will concede to you I have an extensive training program for my dogs, however, there is nothing better than a well trained dog. The more I know people, the more I love my dogs. Hurting people, hurt people.


• Hi from France ♫
  
  Normally, training dog is about canalizing their instincts ...
  
  Have a nice day,
  
  Cat.


• "humanizing them???"
  
  hmmm next thing you know, they'll be sitting at the dinner table, speaking english?
  
  that doesn't even make SENSE, let alone be correct.
  
  dogs ( real ones, not lapdogs) were bred to work. most of those jobs are now defunct, thanks to modern stuff. so what's the best way to show off their skills? TRAINING! AGILITY! SPORTS!
  
  i believe i would have responded with something to the effect of
  "we're not humanizing, we're replacing hunting with a more humane activity. would you rather i kill ducks to show you my dog's ability?"


• If only you could humanize a dog, I'd love my dog to clean up after himself...lol now that is humanizing a dog.
  
  I don't see how they think training humanizes a dog, even with the best training, it still doesn't teach a dog how to do human things. Training is required to have a stable, well mannered dog, and that is just basic training, even with the advanced like agility and what not, still see nothing human like there.
  My guess is they're kind of like tree hugging hippies, wanting to let nature do its thing and let natures creatures do what they do naturally. Thats what it sounds like to me


• In that context it seems they were talking more about socialisation than 'humanising'. Some people view dogs in the way most livestock is viewed - with cold uninvolvement, and believe dogs are best left to be 'just dogs'. I know about training too, love training my dog and I know that my training him makes it easier for him to live in my world, in my house, it adds intrest to his life much as environmental inrichment adds interest to the lives of zoo animals. Without the training I wouldn't have him at all, or I'd have him in a pen and outside, but what is the point of that? To just say, "I have a dog." to just have something to waste money on?.... it'd be a p@$$ poor hobby at least.
  
  Why would someone like that even bother being at such an event?


• Don't you just hate hearing ignorant folks spout off about something they clearly don't understand!? You are, of course, correct. Training has nothing to do with humanizing and everything to do with being a responsible dog owner who cares enough about their pet's well being to put in a real effort.
  
  Training is our way of bridging the communication gap between humans and our domesticated pals. It relies on us learning how to respond to their most natural instincts. It also serves to keep a dog mentally stimulated, well-socialized and content.
  
  If anything, I tend to think of untrained dogs as more "humanized." Some people prefer to treat their dogs like human babies, spoiling them and even allowing them to act aggressively to other people and animals rather than learning what's best and healthiest for their dog and how they can achieve that.
  
  Besides, training is really more about teaching us than teaching the dogs. Dogs already know how to be awesome--we just need to learn how to bring that out in our companions.


• That's so annoying! Dogs aren't humans and im pretty sure that trainers understand that more than anyone. I mean if they were human you wouldn't train them to specific hand gestures/ words.
  
  I think that dogs are pets. And the reason why we care so much for them is that they sit and listen to us, without interrupting or talking back. They make the worst day tolerable. how can you be mad/sad/depressed looking at big puppy eyes.
  
  I loove dogs whether or not we are humanizing them or not. Most dogs have better souls than humans.

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Dog Health Questions: How do you break a horse in for riding?

I do not own a horse but was wondering how you train/break it in. I do dog training and that seems very straight forward but i may be getting a job on the stables and just want to know a little more about horses. Also if you can tell me how care for them that would be very helpful, thank you!

8 Ways to Improve Your Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
This is a very broad question, just like caring for dogs, it takes lots of work. I agree that maybe taking a few lessons would really help you to get comfortable. Horse training is different than dog training, it can be very dangerous, and should be handled with someone that knows how to care for a horse. So lessons would be a great thing to get into. Also, do all of your research to learn behavior, care, can even history of horses. Hope this helps!

Dog Training - How to Handle Outdoor Dog Training

• As much as I would like to help you this is to broad of a question. If you email me I would love to help you. Here are some basics though-
  Ground Manners
  Ground Work
  Getting Saddle/Bridle on and off QUIETLY
  Getting used to being touched everywhere
  Leg Yeilds
  Canter Leads
  Flying Lead Changes
  Etc...
  Way to much to list! If you get a job as a trainer, I would consider taking lessons just so you can get a better idea :)


• well in training them you normally start with ground work such as leading, lungeing, and theaching them walk trot and ext. wile lungeing then trying lungeing with a saddle on and also a good idea is to ground drive them so they already know what eveyrthing is before you get on them and as far as careing for them there is lots of things to do like feeding watering grooming takeing them to a farrier and a vet makeing sure they have negative coggins and utd on shots and lots of stuff like that


• Ypu should probly ha ve a perfessional help you. My friend broke her last horse, and she got kicked, thrown off, reared. It is safer to have a professional.


• I start out in free rein. No saddle or bridle. I don't work in a round pen, it's to boring for the horse.
  Now the masters like you to start in a round pen, which is fine. a lot of ground work, teaching the basics of forward. Back, and stop, and to turn, than they also desensitize by using a flag, though I don't always agree with the masters. I have trained over a hundred of horses in my life time, and I find that even with a halter on, and take your horse out grazing, practice leaning on him, than slowly getting up on him. The way i do is lay on him, than I get off, and do it again. Showing him I mean no harm. When I do start him, I will start to bend him, getting a nice forward motion, always reward, and be soft with his mouth. Using your legs, soft talking tone, and some loving. Most of this on bareback. Move all over his body. Sometimes on a nice day, I'll even take a Horseman Magazine and read on my Welara Mare, while she is grazing.
  I'm not saying you should start this way, en less you have been around Horses a long time, and your a good rider.
  Now on the feeding- My two Mares, and that is all I want because it is much easy er taking care of two than some do with ten.
  The cost for me and that is at my home. is over four hundred a month.
  Their diet is Beet pulp, and hay cubes soaked in very hot water, with dried molasses mixed in. 14 percent Grain- 10 percent of body weight, and corn, plus my fly feed program for the summer, and dayle vitamins. That is morning and night.
  Worming every two to three months. Shelter from the sun, and from the cold winter months.
  Their hay manger is always kept full with 2nd cutting alfalfa, which they don't always finish.
  These are two happy Mares, never bred, and love to go riding. Although, since I trained my Welara, she won't let anyone else on her.
  She has my trust, and I have hers. We are best friends.
  I forgot to add, she kept throwing off the last trainer whom was a Master Trainer, and said no one would be able to ride her. Well, was he ever wrong, with her Arabian blood, she was just overly smart. She went for me, because I'm tiny, and I dumped the saddle. I never use it, until we are into training at least two to three weeks.
  I hope this helps you some.
  If you do hire a trainer. Please watch him, her, and you will later have to ride the way he has trained her.
  That is why it is better when we train our own horses!
  And they love us for it.
  Always use kindness, just like your dogs, and plenty of rewards!
  You will have a friend for a life time!
  I wish you luck with your new Horse.


• (This is going to be very long...sorry!)
  Well, I don't mean to burst your bubble, but training horses take a LOT more time and skill than training a dog for two reasons (there are probably other reasons, but these are the main ones).
  1. Horses are Prey animals, we are predators until we prove other wise. In other words, a dog (assuming he has not been abused) will learn very quickly to trust/ respect you because he is also a predator by nature, so...it comes more NATURALLY that he can trust you.
  
  2. You don't ride a dog, and a dog is very easy to manipulate, being that most dogs are less than half our size/weight, aside from a few really big dog breeds.
  It's easy to teach a dog to sit on command, because of he doesn't listen you can "Force him to" by grabbing his collar, and pushing his rear down. If you try to force a horse to do much of anything...well, I can promise it will be much more complicated to do, and will usually result in injury and an unhappy horse/ human. That's where the trick is. You know you can not "make" a horse do anything. So what you need to do is SUGGEST that you can force them rather then displaying it (using your energy, and simple exercises to gain respect and dominance, (NONE of which btw should cause the horse pain or fear...that would break the trust and instead of building a nice relationship, and you end up building a fear based dictatorship, which almost always backfires!) and use things like body language, lunge whips and such (again SUGGESTIVE! You should never actually touch the horse with this, just snap it behind him when he gets too slow, and he will/should move forward. If he is totally ignoring you you can TOUCH him with it just to snap him out of it, but you never want to hit him with it. Some times when you are using say, spurs of a crop to urge a horse forward you may have to used them ONCE so he knows they are there, but after that he should respond better by you just suggesting the use of the crop/spurs. NOTE: Crops and spurs also have many other uses besides urging the horse forward, such as refining certain cues/ moments...but that is another topic..) that can reach the horse while you are far away to suggest you are larger than him.
  Many people think that the biggest horse ion a group is always the most dominant, or that the horse is always a male. Both of these are wrong. it is equally likely that a Shetland pone mare could be the head honcho, as this is a game of vibe and leadership, not size and looks...
  In the wild, all herds are led by the lead MARE, not the stallion. the stallion forms the herd and breeds the mares, to help the family grow, but the lead are is higher on the "tree" so to speak. She can boss him around, and it;s her job to keep the family from danger, and to find food and water. she is the one you walks in front of the other horses, leading them to safety/a good meal. The stallion usually takes up the back making sure no one falls behind, and that no new threats appear from behind. Anyway, I am getting off topic, but the point here was to explain leadership, and that the dominant position should be won over mentally, meaning you prove to he horse that you are he boss WITHOUT physically breaking his spirit. For this reason, i will refer to "breaking" as "teaching" instead.
  Now, how to teach a horse to be ridden. Well, there are many many ways, some of which make more sense, but no matter how you put it, you will not get a good horse in a day. Some people can get on a horse in one day, but the only way to make sure it is going to be a positive, safe experience for the horse, is to properly prepare him for it with weeks, even months of groundwork. Explaining exactly how to teach each of these things to a horse would take far too long, so I will just write a check list of things a horse must know before I will get on him. If you want to know more, send me a message...I would be THRILLED to explain!
  Before the first ride,a horse must know:
  How to walk, trot, canter, whoa, and back up (usually taught on a lunge line)
  How to stand patiently tied for over an hour
  How to stand while he is haltered, and know how to lead properly (best when done as a foal)
  He must give to gentle pressure (such as move his head down when I pull lightly down on his lead rope, and also know how to move his hip/shoulder away from me when I press his flank/ shoulder.)
  He should accept a bit, and let me put a bridle on hm. he should learn to give to bit pressure..basically re-learn everything he does in a halter with a bit.
  He should allow me to put a saddle and saddle pad on him.
  He should learn to be comfortable with me touching him all over, and swinging a rope all over his back/belly
  he should allow me to tighten/ hold a rope around his cinch area (called his heart-girth) where the cinch will be.
  He must be comfortable walking on a tarp, walking next to cones/poles (which are often used in the arena when riding) and he must let me rub him all over w

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Dog Health Questions: Dose anyone know any good dog trainers in NC?

i need my dog trained

Helpful Tips on Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Check the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. You can search for a trainer who uses positive, dog-friendly training methods. THere are members all over the country and in other countries.

Show Dog Training

• go to online to your local aspca site, they will hook you up with some good trainers, and they usually do not charge very much, the trainers, and the aspca is free info..
  
  also, Petsmart has great training classes with certified trainers....

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Dog Health Questions: I am going to be a first time dog owner (Lhasa apso) and I'm really nervous. Help!?

I've read a lot about dogs, training etc. but have never done anything practically. Its going to be like having a new family member to take care of...more like a new baby. I'm extremely nervous and its one of the biggest decisions of my life. How do I get confident about making this decision?

Choosing The Best Dog Training Treats

Recommended Answer:
I have a Lhasa mix and he is the best dog ever. Yes they are a huge responsibility, but since you are already aware of that you should be fine. Sign up for training class right away so that you can get off to a great start. Plan to walk alot and play alot. A tired dog is a good dog. :) Plus it will give you alot of bonding time. Get your puppy spade or neutered. This makes a better pet and is the responsibly thing to do to.
Good luck, and enjoy...

Choosing Basics Dog Training Methods

• I guess it's normal to be nervous seeing as it IS like having a new born. Puppies are so much fun, but also consist of A LOT of hard work and LOTS of patience. You need to be consistant with you're training if you want a well behaved dog that you can trust and have fun with! But looking past the bad stuff, puppies bring so much joy to your life. He/she WILL become youre bestfriend and you'll never be lonely =]
  It takes a lot of work but it is SO worth it.


• It takes a lot of patience to train a puppy but well worth it if dog turns out calm and submissive. Read about vaccines and check ups. Remember not to baby him too much only praise when they have shown good behavior and not overly excited (could cause anxiety in the future). It also depends on what type of dog your getting to fit your needs for example a french bulldog does not like to exercise that much compared to a golden which requires a lot of walking so research the breed or mixed before you take the plunge. Hope this helps a little bit:)


• yes having a new puppy is like having a new baby.
  so much fun and lots of work.
  its such a joy and bring you much pleasure

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Dog Health Questions: My dog whines after she messes her cage not when she has to go out?

Shes 4 months old and seems to have no bladder control. After she drinks she will pee like 6 times in an hour and a half but she doesn't appear to have a bladder infection because she doesn't seem to have any pain. The crate seems to make her hold it sometimes but that doesn't translate to when she is just running around the house. I don't want to keep her in the cage all of the time cause I hate bathing her every three days but I don't want her peeing all over my house.
Also she is a large breed dog.
Are there any other effective methods of dog training besides crate training?

Beginner Dog Training Classes

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Dogs have a high tolerance for pain compared to humans. Do not assume she doesn't have a urinary infection but you don't think she has pain. A simple urine test at the vets office will eliminate urinary tract infection if that's the case. Take her to the vet and get the urine test done it sounds like she has one.

Secrets of Dog Training Professionals - Why Use Food?

• Keep crate training it is best. Take her out on a schedule. That young, many times a day at the same time should help.
  Even at night, every 3 hours take her out even if she does not have to go. The thing is to give her a chance, walk her until she DOES go and she will soon get the idea.


• she is just being a spoiled lil wench! trust me, i have 3 and only one that acts that way!


• What do you mean, "seems"? You should take her to the vet regardless - just because she doesn't appear to be distressed or in pain does not mean there isn't a problem.
  
  You can buy training pads, and confine her to one part of the house such as the kitchen. After each meal, place her on the training pad and say something like, "Use the bathroom," or "Go potty" (whatever you want). Usually after each meal, about 10 or so minutes later, pups need to use the bathroom. So if you put her on it, and say the phrase, she should do it on the pad. Praise her, and continue to do this after every meal, in the morning and at night, and when you notice her circling around/sniffing, looking like she's about to pee/poo.
  
  After a while, you can move the pad to another area of the house (and eventually outside), and she will know to use it. Once you move it outside, after a day or two, you can trash it completely and she will know to go outside. But you still have to take her outside, obviously, or she will go in the house.


• She seems to be drinking and peeing at an alarming rate, I sincerely think its more medical than mental. Personally, i think it sounds like the beginnings of kidney disease, even failure. Take her to the vet ASAP.


• She may have warms.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training help needed! Lunging/Aggression Problem?

I just adopted a 2 year old Boxer/Chow mix and we're working hard on getting his walk together... He's starting to pick up on heeling but completely loses it when he sees another dog. If he ever gets loose on me he doesn't seem to try to hurt other dogs aside from doing the "boxer" thing with his paws. I'm starting to feel a lot calmer whenever we're in that situation, but it's time to get the behavior fixed.

I've read that yanking on the leash and keeping constant tension whenever he's lunging at other dogs will only make him more determined to attack.

What are some ways to break his fixation and keep him calm? This dog shows some signs that it may have come from abuse, and he's VERY strong. A quick tug on the leash doesn't even register.

All ideas and walking advice are appreciated!

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If all he does is lunge and act like a jerk on leash chances are the leash is the problem. He's already excited by seeing another dog, the leash is amping him up with opposition reflex (you pulls, he pulls) and the dogs can over-react to each other because they are pulled artificially into a body language that suggests they are challenging each other. This gets called leash aggression, but I'm a fan of labeling it as reactivity (the leash/tension disappears, the reactivity subsides). But if it doesn't get replaced with an alternate behavior, you're right, it will get worse and can turn into something a lot more serious.

I wouldn't use a choke or pinch collar to correct the problem. This assumes the dog is somehow going to figure out that his behavior is wrong and by acting friendly the punishment will stop. In my experience, dogs are simpler and more straight-forward than that and learn the simpler association that other dogs predict punishment for him, which tends to increase the aggression.

That's why I became a dog obedience instructor 10 years ago, by the way. I tried using punitive methods to correct the increasing reactivity in my shepherd and after many classes with highly-thought of instructors I got a dog who not only screamed her head off at the slightest suggestion of another dog, but one who went in for the kill. And then I was told to "get rid of the dog" that they helped me to create.

I like to start off training this type of dog by teaching attention and there is actually some exciting new training being offered called "constructional aggression" which doesn't use treats but uses the concept of taking pressure off by having the strange dog move away when the dog offers a more acceptable behavior than lunging. The results look incredibly promising with this protocol.

I'm a huge fan of Gentle Leaders halter collars (these seem to be losing favor, but I've used and loved the things for years). My aggressive dog is over 12 years old now and I've managed her behavior over the years. She learned her lessons well, she hates other dogs and tolerates the rescues I've brought home through the years.

It's a lot easier and effective to reward the behavior you want than to try to teach what you don't want. My opinion, anyways.

Dog Training And Electronic Shock Collars

• I suggest that you enroll in a obedience class, they are very good.
  Try using a choke collar, not a nylon or leather collar when walking your dog, you can also use a prong collar with the little rubber tips on, never use the prong collar with out the tips, you can hurt your dog.
  Keeping constant tension on the collar doesn't work, you have to snap and release, that why you need a choke collar, when you do that it mimics the mother dog giving the puppy a warning bite to let him know he's not behaving.

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Dog Health Questions: Best dog training,For an older dog.?

I recently adopted a one year old Shepard husky mix dog. From a shelter. She doesn't even know her name. Any help? Thanks

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I used to have the same problem. I have had 7 terriers, and they are naturally hyper, as you may already know.

I have tried trainers, books, etc. all with not much luck.

A few years back, I bought an ebook training system called "The Secrets To Dog Training," from a website called Puppy Professor http://puppyprofessor.comyr.com/training and it made all the difference in the world.

I won't need another trainer again, this book has it all, even a chapter on dog whispering, like Cesar Milan, that is way cool.

I encourage you to check it out. It has saved me time, and most of all money. It's like $40 i believe, but it's 7 or 8 books all in one package. Really, it's an incredible deal, and a tremendous help.

The link is in the resource box

Thanks

Dan

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

• Obedience classes. Also look up NILIF.


• one year old isn't too old. she's still young. you should be able to train her quickly. just set aside time every day if possible that you can work with her...30 minutes maybe, depending on her attention. if she's never been trained, she may be super into it and want more time with you.
  
  you also could go to a community center or PetSmart to take some classes there. they are really reasonable.


• The Monks of New Skete.
  
  http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/


• Poor thing. We recently adopted a shelter dog too, and she didn't seem to know her name too well either.
  
  Whenever you give her a treat, mention her name. That's how we got our dog to recognize her name. Also, whenever you praise her, say her name. Just keep saying her name, again and again and again, until she finally realizes that that's her name. You can also try saying her name, and when she looks over at you, give her a treat and say, "Good girl, ______!"
  
  Good luck and congratulations on the new addition.


• Try different names to get her to respond. When she does, stick with it, or variations that are more acceptable. Names that have an "ow", "ee", or "ah"sound to them seem to work best. Remember though that a one year old is still a puppy and you can name it what you wish.
  - Tug

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Dog Health Questions: I have a question for people with experience in dog training?

This is a long story but I really REALLY need some help here. I am moving tonight and we are allowed to have indoor pets only. I currently have a 7 year old Australian Sheppard that I absolutely refuse to part with. The only thing is, she's been an outdoor dog all of her life. She's the type of dog that enjoys digging holes and sleeping in them just so she can be extra dirty. Her other hobbies include, chasing cats, killing birds (it's so gross) and rolling in horse manure and/or dead animal carcases. Okay so the real point of my question is, do you think she'd be able to be trained to be an indoor dog? I really love her to death and I refuse to take her to the pound. Has anyone had any experience in training dogs? Please, I need all the advice I can get!!!

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Yes of course all dogs are incredibly adaptable with the right encouragement and training but you are probably going to need to go back to basics - house training etc. Also she is going to need Lot's of exercise and stimulation. Good luck!!!

Dog Training - A Vital Component of Your Dog's Life

• I think that the transition from outdoor dog to indoor dog can go very well. When we got our dog he was an outdoor dog for 6 years. he does great inside aside for when we leave, then all "heck" breaks loose. He is a Newfie/Chow so I'm sure you can guess how much trouble he gets into. However, we started crate training him a week ago and it's going REALLY well. and the best part is, he loves the crate! I would suggest this, especially since he likes digging holes to hang out in. While your gone, it will give him the sense of safety and security he needs.


• Yes the dog can be trained and yes it should have a long time ago. Now you see why sticking the dog in the yard isn't an answer to not training. Hire a certified trainer to teach you how to train, follow thr link to find one locally.
  
  http://www.apdt.com/
  
  Make sure you follow through and work the dog every day. The training only goes as far as you go with it!
  
  *** OK if you have a digger and if it's a pleasure you don't wish to take away from the dog, build it a spot so it can dig! I had my husband build a big sand pit in the yard and taught my dog that was the 'digging' spot. That way the actual yard stays intact and the dog can still have her pleasure! I'm not sure what you're specifically wanting to train the dog to do...not dig in the yard or not use the house for a toilet? What exactly are you trying to train? Just trying to get her used to the indoors?


• The real question is, do you think she will be happy cooped up in a house all day?
  
  You have a real dilemma. Personally I believe dogs were meant to run.


• she can adjust, but it won't be easy on her. she'll have to resign herself to being walked on a leash and she may disturb neighbors if she shows her unhappiness in a vocal way.
  is there anyone who can foster her for you that will allow her to live the way she's used to? i have a mal/wolf x that hates being inside and we had to spend 6 months in a 3rd floor apartment and he was not too happy. i almost sent him to a refuge.


• Yes, you should be able to train her. Australian Sheppards may have a wild side but they are also a very smart breed in general.
  I have some experience with training outside dogs become mostly inside dogs. But, in my case I did the transition slowly so there was very little difficulty. The sudden change could be harder to do. But it is possible. The only real advice I could give is you need to establish discipline. I don't know what your previous relationship with the dog was but many people with outside only dogs tend to leave them to do their own thing. The dog stays a little wide. That is not going to fly with an inside dog. You must establish your position as pack leader for your training to succeed. I wish you luck.

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Dog Health Questions: Hi,I got a puppy two months back now she gonna be four month old, i want to leave her for a dog training.?

I am from chennai, can anybody knows about the good training school for Dogs.

I want training like obeying, guarding,barking, swimming. since she is a Labrador i want to give a good training.
Please help me with the training academy only in chennai.

Dog Training - A Systematic Approach

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Try training her first ....It is so easy with labs just go get a book about positive renforcment training.

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Dog Health Questions: Do you see dog training as a willing partnership between dog and owner?

Why or why not?

Dog Training Collars - A Helping Tool

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Oh yes, of course it is. Dogs are pack animals and do want to know their place in the pack and want to "fulfill" that place. Which is just another way of saying that they want to please...need to please in order to find contentment.
Training is a form of communication. It is how we humans let the dog know what it is we want him to do.
Have you ever seen the expression on a dog's face...no, their whole body...when they"get it"? When they do the thing you want them to do and they know they got it right? As a dog owner/lover,that is priceless!
**********
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Hey everyone...this question doesn't ask whether it is an EQUAL partnership...of course it is not. But are dogs willing to be trained? Yes. It is up to the human to find the right training method for each particular dog because it is the training itself that is the communication. Just because a d dog is obedient doesn't mean that it is being forced. Most dogs WANT to be in a partnership...that makes them willing!

5 Effective Tips For Successful Dog Training

• The wording is slightly off.
  
  "Dog training" is not a "willing partnership".
  
  As bells said, as raising and disciplining a child is not a willing partnership.
  
  That said:
  
  In life/society there are "rules" so all get along. It is not acceptable to wreak havoc ;) Same within each home and family.
  
  If one decides to have a dog join their family, there need to be rules to keep the harmony. Thus dog training.
  
  Proper dog training creates a bond, a mutual understanding, between person and dog.
  
  When the dog is trained, it can be trusted. When trusted, it can "go more" and "do more" with you. It has earned some freedoms.
  
  As TJ referred to the dog sitting in the duck blind with it's person:
  
  Wren, running agility with me. Wren herding sheep. These are willing partnerships. These are activities she thrives on. And being able to do them is the result of training.


• I don't know about the training part, but tell you what, the days spent together in a duck blind are sure a "willing partnership".
  
  edit:
  For the PR advocates, it is impossible to train a dog without using corrections. Even "ignoring a behavior" is by definition a correction. The only thing that changes is how a correction is applied.
  
  edit:
  stacie, WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING AT US ! ! !
  (it's only teletype machines that don't have lower case, and I doubt that anyone is posting on the internet using a teletype machine)


• Willing partnership? Hmmm I don't think so - or at least not entirely.
  These are domesticated animals, they have a pack mentality to a degree - they are happy having someone play alpha in their lives and to establish alpha takes training in obedience at the very least. Even if you do some sort of sport like Schutzhund - the dog had to undergo some sort of basic obedience training and a lot of it is using compulsion of some degree (whether it be food or physical). Because let's face it, no dog is just going to wake up one day, do every command you ask on the first try and continue that way for the rest of their lives - they are still animals, they still have a pack mentality, they will poke around for the alpha position at some point (not all, but some).
  
  Look at people that "train" their dogs for dog fights. The dogs don't generally want to do that and they are PHYSICALLY compelled to do it under extraordinary and cruel conditions - but they still do it. They take that submissive role and they do whatever you want - and I don't think in this kind of a circumstance the dog is actually "willing".
  
  But on the flipside - when you see a dog out on an agility course or even the Schutzhund trial fields and they just look like they are having the time of their lives listening to their master - there is a willing partnership there. It is willing on the owner for putting the time and effort into training their dog for that kind of stuff and there is willing on the dog's part for the simple joy the dog is clearly displaying. Again, this goes for some dogs, not all.
  
  Hope that makes sense lol.
  
  ADD: I just wanted to add something after reading DeeDawg's answer...
  
  I agree that there are some dogs that are clearly forced to do more than just obedience training - I mean there are some dogs that clearly don't even want to be obedient, but they have no choice there lol - I'm talking about dogs on trail fields.
  
  Although I use corrections in my training - I would never force my dog to do something like Schutzhund if he really didn't like it. Even Schutzhund is supposed to be something fun for the dog - so no matter how much I might want to do it, if he doesn't want to then there's no point.
  I use corrections in obedience training because to me he has no choice but to be obedient - especially out on the walk. He has learned everything first with food and then have it phase out - but, since his drive is pretty high, sometimes the food won't catch his attention and then some sort of physical compulsion needs to be used. He KNOWS what is expected so he knows if he does it he gets rewarded and if he ignores it than there is a consequence (pop on the leash).
  
  ADD2: @DeeDawg - sorry, I'm not completely knowledgable about dog fighting (I'm sure you know quite a bit as I'm sure bully breeds are your choice breed!).
  I was reading something the other day about Michael Vick and how he would use like cattle prods to compel the dogs to fight. I think a dog could be scared by such physical compulsion to do whatever it is that you were asking it to do, no?
  Because then you see those pit bulls that were fighting in those dog fights and now they are living in homes with other dogs getting along just fine with no desire to fight.


• I see basic training and obedience as not so much a willing partnership, but a master and underling deal. Simpy put, Im the boss, my dog's the worker. What I say goes.
  For more advanced training (ie, sled/weight pulling, skijoring, frisbee catching, dock jumping, protection, hunting, schutzhund, tracking, etc) I believe a bond must be present between dog and human. These "advanced" trainings require your dog trust you and require you to really know your dog- it's limits, it's likes and dislikes, knowing when it's bored of the training, knowing when it's happy and eager during training, etc.
  Take protection training for eg... as well as police dog training... any dog trainer worth his/her weight will tell you that firstly, the dog must be cut out for it... not any dog can do this type of job or train this way. Secondly,. they will tell you that they have to evaluate and get to know each dog individually before they can truly make training breakthroughs. Just like humans (children is a good eg) everyone learns differently, expresses frustration differently, expresses happiness differently, etc. So to this point I say that yes, a human needs to have a good bond with the dog they are training.


• I see it as a mutually beneficial relationship....we both get something out of the deal.
  
  How willing the partnership is depends on the dog....my chi does everything under duress, because she sees herself as queen of the world. My Westie mix is the "good girl" and will gladly do anything you ask her to do.
  
  None of the dogs get much of a choice, of course - they are stuck with me whether they like it or not, and must put up with the rules and regulations I establish.....kind of like government. :o)


• for my own dogs, and my own training, YES.
  it's not universal though, some dogs are clearly forced to work, or are working just because they HAVE to, to get food, or to avoid correction.
  
  a lot of that has to do with the training method, and the temperament and drive of the dog.
  
  for example, Woodchuck? NO. he's a lazy, useless bum. his drive STINKS. his obediences is good, and yes, he'll comply with anything i say, but not because he enjoys working for me.
  
  for Tank? YES- he LIVES to work. he LIVES for his ball- he LIVES to please me- and so yes, we're a team, and it's a willing partnership.


• yes dog training is a willing partnership between owner and dog.Training creates a bond between owner and dog, it establishes trust between the two. However if you do not make it fun and interesting for your dog he will not want to work because he or she will associate it as a negative experience.


• Sort of. We live together, so if we can have a good relationship, that's great. However, it's not an equal partnership. I bought him. I own him. I feed him, control when and where he eliminates, and when and where he exercises. In other words, I'm in charge of pretty much every aspect of his life. That comes with more responsibility on my part. I'm responsible for his care and protection, and helping him live in a people's world.
  
  That's not equal. That's not to say that I don't think of him as a partner. I hold him accountable for his behavior (for the most part- he's still a dog!) in return for all I give him.


• Yes. At least in my ideal world. I certainly know it isn't that way for everyone, and find that a bit sad. My favorite analogy is that we are a team, and I'm the team captain. I compete in agility, and am working towards competing at the national and international level- you don't get a dog able to do those kinds of courses, at those kind of speeds, by cranking down and insisting on perfection at every little step- that way lies hesitation, a reluctance to try to fear of being wrong, a loss of speed as the dog waits to make sure the handler really wants what he thinks he wants. And yes, I work with trainers who have "been there, done that" at the international level, winning and placing multiple times, and with multiple dogs, so they know what they are talking about.
  
  When I have a puppy, I focus a lot of energy on setting things up so the pup learns what I want it to learn easily, without having to resort to aversives or harsh corrections. Part of my time, especially initially, is spent on teaching the dog to learn, and working on motivation and relationship, rather than specific skills. I've spent money and time on books, seminars, and websites, learning about canine ethology and cognition so that I can better understand my partner and improve my training and relationship. I find it very sad when I can look at a dog and see the various stress signals, and the handler is oblivious, asking more and more of the dog, until the dog disengages, or worse, and then gets blamed for being stubborn, or stupid, or some other fault of the dog. I've taught my dog to signal me when she gets stressed by something we're doing- that doesn't mean she doesn't have to do it, it does mean I can evaluate the situation and make a choice about how or if we work it.
  
  One major reason I see training this way is that I have enormous respect for dogs both as a species and as individuals. They are not automatons, and they have distinct personalities from birth. My goal is to bring out the best that I can from each dog, yes, in the agility ring, but most of our life is spent outside of agility, and I want dogs I can enjoy spending time with and hanging out with. Treating them as willing partners is the most enjoyable way I know to spend time with them.


• I think that dog training shouldn't be willing. I think it should be wanted and that it's highly needed. When you train your puppy/dog, you build a bond that allows your dog to trust you and have them believe that you will always be there for them and that you love them.


• I guess as much as being a parent and disciplining your kids is a "willing partnership"
  
  Whether or not its a WILLING partnership.....eh...possibly. I see it more as...I'm telling you to do something and you DO IT. Whether or not you're willing or want to do it...is irrelevant.


• Yes. I don't do anything my dog doesn't want me to do. He's trained me to scratch his ears, rub his belly, fill his food bowl and fetch a ball. If he didn't want to do those things he wouldn't.


• Dogs are by nature a pack animal and always looks for the most dominant leader, if the person doesn't show the dog that they are the leader the dog will take over that roll


• That's not the point.
  Humans set the rules,teach them & dog complies. Animals don't get a vote.


• well yes, this is teaching your dog to trust you, and understand you

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

is it possible to hire a professional to potty train my puppy to use a wee wee pad all the time. i dont want to take her outside as i live in a high rise and im in a wheelchair. im not getting anywhere with training her.

Any idea what this would cost? how many visits would the person have to make to my apt?

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I have heard of small dogs being trained to use litter boxes as well. I am sorry you are in a wheelchair, and everyone deserves the right to own a dog, especially you sweetie. I would think that the pup could be trained to go on the pads, as many are papertrained when living in apartments. I don't have any idea what it would cost, but it shouldn't take too long to train the puppy. Good luck to you, and take care!

Bad Dog Training Tricks - How to Correct Bad Dog Behavior

• Bad idea to train a dog to use a dog pad!. Sorry, but if you are wheel chair bound and live in a highrise, then you shouldn't own a dog! Dogs need to go outside


• why dont you train your puppy yourself...check this website http://www.4-ur-dog.com


• You should give your dog up for adoption, so it can actually have a real life. Maybe you should consider a cat.. i think it would be better suited for you.


• im sorry to say this but hes not happy probaly he would be better at a different home give hime up for adoption and u should buy a cat fish bird hamster turtle something like that but for u can go to pet land and there giving away free animals!dont worry ur dog would be in a better place and u know what whoever u give it to u can ask to visit it like every week or so on and u should ask ur neighbors if they want it!


• I have nothing to help you because I am not in wheelchair and can take my dog out


• in houston there is a place called "mans best friend" and i think awhile back my friend called them about this and they had a 2 week camp where they keep him 24/7 and do basic dog obedience and potty training (maybe only outdoors though). it was very expensive, around 1000 dollars, but it may be worth it. try looking in your yellow pages under "pets, trainers" or ask your vet for recomendations. good luck!!!

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