Dog Health Questions: Do you need a qualification to be a dog trainer?

what college teaches you to train dogs?
how much do dog trainers earn?
which pays more search and rescue dog training,guide dog or police dog training?what subjects do you need to get into these colleges?

The Shocking Truth About Electronic Dog Training Collars

Recommended Answer:
You can join the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and they will give you information and support on becoming a dog trainer. They also have a list where you can talk to other trainers and get their views on subjects. They have a yearly exam which entitles you to "CPDT" Certified Pet Dog Trainer.
http://www.apdt.com/
About the best school for dog training is Jean Donaldson's school in California
http://www.sfspca.org/academy/index.shtm…
This school features intensive training, and is very rigorous, and also very prestigous. You can virtually get a job anywhere once you've completed this training. Or you can open your own place.
As far as how much do dog trainers earn, that would depend on where you work. Pet stores such as Petco or Petsmart pay less than private places, but sometimes offer insurance. One of the best starts is to work with a local Vet and offer pet dog obedience training.
Seach and Rescue organizations usually are volunteer, although you may find a business that would employ you. That requires tracking training, which is very different from obedience training.
Good luck.

Choosing Dog Training Equipment

• There isn't a dog training/showing college.
  Its a trick of the trade, more or less.
  
  I'd get into the breeding world FIRST by going to shows and talking to breeders and handlers, taking notes, learning about breeds. You can't know one thing about one breed and be a breeder. Its important you're well versed and knowledgeable about all breeds. Become an apprentice to someone who breeds the dogs you're interested in.
  You find a mentor, get ONE puppy from a championship line, and show your tails off. Win at least ten shows before considering breeding your precious dog, then find a female with championship lines and that has won several shows, buy her or get breeding permission from the owners, and go from there.
  
  Not everyone can, or should be allowed to breed. Its not a throw a dog in a ring and watch them mate "sport". You need years of training and education on animals. Many breeders have veterinary degrees, others are certified trainers.
  
  There are Hobby breeders, that don't breed for the showing or money, but for the fun of it. These aren't necessarily back yard or mill breeders, but they aren't exactly trustworthy sources for puppies or dogs.


• Most dog trainers just proclaimed themselves to be one. There are no laws against it as it's considered a trade that can be learned on one's own. There are a few good schools, I've attended two myself. Also I'd suggest attending training seminars by respected trainers. Absorb what is useful, disregard that which goes against common sense.


• You should be certified, certified trainers on average make 10-30,000 more than non certified, and if you have a degree for it, it triples what you can make!!! there are many colleges that offer onsite, and off site classes. You want to avoid the online only clases, there are many rip offs out that that teach you theory, but give you no hands on work. I went to Animal Behavior College, its a 2 year school first half is all written and book work, then you get a 28 week internship, and that is the best part- and thats where you can excel in the different types of training. dog trainers make their earnings on their own accord, you can own your own full time business or do it ont the side. lets just say the average price for a 7 week obedience class ( group form) is 70-100 dollars a person. you can charge triple that for private lessons... 60,000 is the average salary on charging the minumum for classes. you can double that once you have a reputation!
  have fun!


• usually u get training for that by doing it. there are a few schools but u should choose what kind of training you want to do. do u want to use positive reinforcement (i recommend this type) , traditional methods, show dog training etc. there are alot of types. for most pets your going to either be positive reinforcement or traditional methods. positive rewards the dog when they do something right. traditional uses prong collars and choke chains to correct the dog when they arent doing the behavior that is desired. u will want to become a member of the association of pet dog trainers (apdt). this will give u credibility when trying to recruit clients. the more experience you have the more u can charge. most guide dogs and alot of rescue dogs are trained on a volunteer basis with the volunteer taking most of the monitary responsibilites. ur best bet would be to contact a trainer that uses methods u agree with and see what they did to become a dog trainer.
  
  hope i helped!

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Dog Health Questions: My 4 year old dog just started biting? how can I stop it? PLEASE HELP!!!!?

My dog is 4 years old. he is a beagle. he is excellent with my 2 yearold son and vice versa.
He still has accidents in the home. I took him to the doctor but it doesn''t seem to be an infection. psychological. This dog has never been beat or anything. He pees in the house regularily so we began to put him in a confined area instead of sleeping on his bed in the living room. we had too. Then he recently began sleeping on the couch when we are not home. he will not listen when I say "get down". Then I go to move him and he bit me. Just a nip but still an attempt. He does not come in when asked and will sit outside for hours. If you try to get him he will bite. He drew blood on my mother-in-law yesterday. I am scared for my son. is there anyway to fix this. He used to listen but now he doesn't , he constantly pisses in the house, rolls in poop, will eat all day long if he could, will NOT listen and now he is biting. This is all NEW behavior (except the peeing). Is there anything I can do. i CAN NOT have a biting dog around a 2 year old. I am starting dog training in september but will it help with biting?

Some Tips To Help You Through All Types Of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I don't know why he's behaved properly in the past, but his current actions SHOUT his claim that HE is Alpha Pack Leader, and as such, it IS his right to discipline you, and biting is how alpha dogs discipline the dogs under them.

You are NOT Alpha Pack Leader. As human family member, you MUST be the Pack Leader. He should not be allowed in the room with the couch when you are gone since he doesn't stay off the couch. Actually, he should never be allowed up on the couch.

The training is good, but you must start NOW to become Alpha Pack Leader so he doesn't bite and get thrown OUT of the training classes!

Visit the websites below - READ them thoroughly and learn how to become the Pack Leader. Failure is NOT an option. If you don't get him under control the SPCA will take him and put him down. -!-

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog

• hold his mouth shut i am being honest and it does work


• Show him whos boss. If he bites hold his mouth shut and shout no, then dont give him good attention. Show him whats good and whats bad.


• This is NOT new behaviour. This is a dog who has never been trained - he's not even housetrained and he's 4 years old! Very simply - this dog has no respect for you and thinks he's in charge. He should have been trained from the day he set foot in the door.
  
  He needs to be crate trained and housetrained just like you would with a 2 month old puppy unless you want to live with a dog peeing in the house until the day he dies.
  
  He needs the obedience classes, definitely to learn that he isn't the one running this household.
  
  And he needs some NILIF - nothing in life is free. That means he gets nothing, absolutely nothing, without obeying a command first. Before he gets his dinner, he has to sit and stay for a full minute. If he breaks the sit/stay, he doesn't get his dinner. He does it again. Before he gets let outside, he obeys another command. Before he gets a pet, he has to obey a command.
  
  He has to learn that he doesn't rule the world. He is not let on the couch. He can't get on the couch when you aren't home if he's in his crate. In short, this dog needs "tough love". He's out of control.


• I am not sure if it will work, but maybe you could let the dog bit on something that tastes horrible. If it doesn't stop him from bitting, put fresh lemon juice (squeezed from a lemon) on things that he usually bites on. That would cure him.


• Why does this dog, that has all of these problems running freely in your house when you are not home?
  He is not having accidents...he is marking his territory!!!
  
  Why is it people buy or get "WORKING" dogs and expect them to be house pets?
  First off you have a dog that has made himself right at home ruling YOUR roost!
  You need a crate..if you don't have one get one. He should not be allowed to run around your house like that esp. if he is showing aggression. You are doing nothing but helping him exert his control!
  I would also put him in it at night...no more free house period!
  Everytime this dog bites I would grab his snout and squeeze while giving the "no bite" command. If he continues to bite, add more pressure till he whines.
  As far as outside..put him on a leash whether your yard is fenced in or not. He should not have access to the whole yard if he cannot listen.
  Get a long lead, put it on him, take him outside, give him some slack and walk away from him a little bit then call him to you. If he does not listen snap the lead and call again. If he still does not listen real him in to you saying "come". Reward him when he gets to you, then do it all over again till he gets it on his own.
  If he bites you every time you get onto him about something invest in a e-collar...they work as long as used properly.
  You need to let this dog know that it is your home and you are the boss.
  You need to give him something to do...he is a working dog not a house dog. He has genetic hunting traits used to track down game...they are natural at this.
  You definitely need to get him into some kind of class for both of you to learn. Maybe you can enroll him in a agility or tracking class for beginners after you get his obedience training down without faults.
  He is bored and needs something to do!


• put something horrid tasting on your hands like that spray on mouthwash and hell soon learn not to bite

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Dog Health Questions: My dog died.....is it my fault?

I couldnt keep my dog because of school, work and stress. I loved her very much, but on a few occasions I spanked her out of anger (when she ate my cell phone and pillows). After many dog training classes and a lot of money, I decided to give her to a family. They ended up not wanting her.

Long story short, I found someone else to take her (I didnt want to just surrender her to the humane association and never see her again. I selfishly wanted to stay in her life). Well, I found the perfect person for her, a retired man that lived near by. Well, she ended up jumping out of his car window, and she died when a car hit her.

I am so blaming myself right now......major guilt trip. I took stress out on her from my school/ job by yelling at her (and spanking her twice out of anger), the first family I found didnt want her, and now this.....any thoughts.

How do I live with this? I came from an abusive house-hold, and I fear I might end up like my parents.....I know it is a dog, but it was like being a parent, which I was not ready for. I enrolled in counseling after I spanked her and been reading anger management books....but can't get over the guilt of this tragedy.....help....does this make me a bad person?

Dog Training Aids - 8 Reasons You Should Cage Train Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
It is not your fault.

It wasn't right for you to get a dog when it sounds like you're very busy, but you tried to do the right thing. A lot of people would have just kept the dog and neglected her, you did the right thing when you realized that you couldn't care for her and tried to find her a better home.

What happened to her is very sad and unfortunate, but you won't get anywhere by blaming yourself.

We all take stress out on our dogs once in a while. We're busy or stressed out, and our pet wants something. Our pets don't understand that we're busy and can't spend our time on them, and they just want some attention. It's not right, but just like snapping at your friends and family sometimes--it's hard not to do.

You should definitely learn from this. When you buy a dog, you're accepting enormous responsibility. Your dog can't take him/herself for a walk, can't feed him/herself, etc.

You've made mistakes, but the fact that you are worried about it, and how you behaved after you realized that you can't care for your dog makes you a GOOD person. You made an initial wrong choice, but the right choices after that. I'm currently on my third dog (had dogs since I was 8, 24 now), and this is the first dog that I make a serious effort to treat right. I've always loved my dogs, but haven't always been able to do the right thing when stressed out or when the dog misbehaves. Sadly, it takes experience (or I suppose parents that know how to do it right AND know how to teach you to do the same). Learning to raise a dog right is like learning to get a relationship right--you'll fail a few times (or sometimes many times) before you learn to do things right.

It's good that you enrolled in counseling, that was the right choice too. If you're afraid that you may have anger or self-control problems, it's best to see a psychologist. You're being proactive about the problem rather than just hoping.

Like anyone, you've made mistakes, but you're not a bad person. Learn from your mistakes, and put your whole heart and soul into making the most of your therapy--it can help a lot if you work on it.

Control Your Aggressive Dog With These 4 Dog Training Tips

• hun i am sorry to hear about the dog but she wasnt yours anymore..the other guy is responsible for his actions. dont make it hard on yourslef. at least you did your best.
  
  mourn her but dont get drpessed when u can handle a dog again get another one.


• I'm sorry for your loss, but please don't blame yourself. I really think you done the best you can do. It was just her time to go. Don't blame yourself, good luck.


• u should not have a dog if u cant handle ur stress that dog had no fault in ur school and work stress
  if u werent ready for it y get one


• it's not your fault
  
  ps you should never have the window down so far the dog can get out


• Of course you're not a bad person. You wanted the very best for your baby girl. Taking our frustrations out on the nearest person or animal is human nature, but how far it goes is within your hands. If you've learned from this incident, then you will know what to do next. Guilt and blame are things we feel whenever we lose any animals to rainbow bridge. We all feel those, you are not alone! Sadness is what really sets in first, then the guilt. All the shoulda, coulda, woulda thoughts don't do a bit of good for our sanity all it does is stress us out more. There is nothing you can do to bring her back. You put her in good hands, although he made a bad decision, therefore having nothing to do with you. Say to yourself I did the right thing for her, and then tell yourself you have done everything in your power to make the situation better. Don't babble over the petty things, thinking and rethinking about spanking her will only make you more upset. It's over. Don't dwell on negative, guilty feelings; they lead to inappropriate levels of shame and self-loathing. Recognize that nobody's perfect and we all make mistakes, and this is one you will not repeat. Engage in activities that are positive and affirming, and where you have opportunities to do good; allow yourself to see how the same mistake that made you feel guilty has now resulted in your being a better, more conscientious person.


• If any of us reading what you wrote think we can throw stones at you because we have never made a mistake.....
  
  I carry guilt over how I treated some of my animals when I was very young, 30 years ago.
  
  The way I deal with it is to rescue/adopt and foster.
  
  The way you need to deal with it is a personal decision.
  
  I would suggest more counseling and find an 'out' for your guilt.
  
  I will not tell say you should not feel guilty. Just find a way to let it out.


• You feel guilty for spanking your dog, but you didn't cause it's death. My brother had a dog I gave him for 6 years. He loved him to death. Last summer he took him up north on vacation. His dog was in the back seat and rolled his head up in the window when he stepped on the arm rest. My brother felt so bad. His wonderful dog died on his way to a vacation. I am sure you did what was write for your pet. And I am so sorry for your loss.


• Hi
  
  Sounds like you have probably learned from your experiences. You will likely make a Great dog owner in the future, when the circumstances are right. Trying to do what you felt best for the dog, is a good attribute, but doing so to keep the dog in your life is selfish. The fact that the dog jumped out the window, is not your fault.
  
  In the meantime, perhaps you can help to educate others. Maybe even volunteer some of your time at a shelter. It's a learning experience.
  
  Best of luck,
  Rebel

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Dog Health Questions: How can I prove more to my mom that I am responsible enough for a dog [not puppy]? She wants one too?

I have a job and am currently saving up for a dog fund (and an emergency fund), I've been researching for months about dog training, nutrition, everything there is to know about taking care of a dog and also the breed I am getting.
I have good grades, no trouble issues, clean room, used to volunteer for a dog shelter for awhile, I'm a "make a plan first" kind of person, and plenty of free time to take care of a dog. She already believes I can afford the dog however she still doubts that I'll take care of it 100% of the time.
My mom doesn't mind and would love to play with it [planning on a chihuahua] while I'm at school however she does not want to do the dirty work (walking, training, etc.) and I understand. She most likely will give in and trust that I won't be lazy as she isn't that stubborn.
But for now, how can I prove to her that I wont be lazy and slack off of my responsibilities?

The Evolution of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Do something that is extremely tough for you and that she knows is but never give up on it. Keep doing it for a month or so and see what she thinks about that dog you want to get.

Finding the Essential Dog Training Supplies

• Go back and volunteer at the local shelter - walking the dogs, etc...
  
  Who will care for the dog once you're off to college? YOUR MOM WILL...so regardless of NOW, think of the future as well.
  
  Remember that the first year is pretty expensive - vaccines, spaying, etc...and the last years of a dogs life are expensive as well...good food, parasite preventative, training, vaccines, bloodwork, vet checkups, dental care, basic supplies - can all add up...having a dog is a huge responsibility.
  
  Be ready to give up ALOT OF STUFF for the dog!


• Well, the thing is, no one ever really CAN take care of an animal 100% of the time, because lets face it- we're not superhuman- sometimes we're not home, we have work to do, or something else crops up.
  
  Don't promise your mom that having to do those things will NEVER happen, just make sure she knows that 9 out of 10 times, you'll be the one doing the 'dirty work'.


• Make like a report about it and show like a peace of paper of responisibility idk and if u have a petland. go to there and bring ur mom show her the cute dogs, BUT DONT BUT THEM THERE, BUY THEM FORM A BREEDER!!!!!!!!!!!1111


• Prove it to her by doing a responsible action. Like if you don't clean your room start cleaning it or if you don't do your chores do them without complaining,


• Tell her that you will buy it and if you don't take full care of it then she can bring the dog back to the petstore or shelter.


• maybe your mom wants a Nargle instead


• I convined my parents too not sure how though...it mostly depends what kind of parents you have. I did the same thing you did though.


• Have a huge party and say I was able to organize this I think I can handle a dog.


• Just keep telling her. And do things around the house and in front of her to demonstrate to her how well you will do.

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Dog Health Questions: Emergency dog training tips?!!! please help!?

My family has fallen on some though times and with that being said a family member has been evicted and moving in with me along with her 3 young daughters and their chihuahua until they get their own place which shouldn't be long because she has a job. Just that her eviction is tomorrow and needs somewhere to stay in the mean time. Before I carry along, my question is about my 1 yr old pit bull. He is real sweet heart but he's just too excited for a lot of people's liking. He jumps (a lot) and at 80 pounds that's a very heavy jump. My aunt has a 3 year old daughter I am particularly stressing over. He pulls on the leash very forcefully so I cant take him on long walk and tire him out. Also, even though he is EXTREMELY friendly he is very dominant with other dogs. He doesn't know how to play well with other dogs but he doesn't come at them with bad aggression. My aunt is coming with her chihuahua as well (like i mentioned). I have taken him to dog runs before and i trust him with other dogs, however, i don't trust other dogs with him. A lot of dogs have not taken his forwardness so nicely and the chihuahua is very sweet but snappy! What are some ways I can help my dog?? I would like to know how to correctly train him. I don't want to take him to a shelter because when my aunts gone, so will he and if I had money to room him somewhere, I would. So please no fostering/shelter opinions. I understand this is no overnight remedy. I'm willing to work on it with my family to improve his behavior. Thanks!

Overview of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
You need to drain his energy, plain and simple and socialize him more. He will calm down with long walks and lots of exercise. If he pulls, which 90% of pits do because the owners do not know enough to get that under control, you need to get an HALTI. It is not a muzzel, they can fully open their mouth it allows you to control from the head and gives you an advange, their neck is very strong and you will not get the same control with the collar. Every time he rebels because the the HALTI pull up and have him sit until he relaxes then walk again. If he pull to see another dog dont stop and walk forward pulling him. These are two ways for you to show you are the leader and and the boss. Trust me this worked with my 1 yr old HYPER Pit and my 120lb Rotti. If you have a treadmill use that, it will help alot too, its really easy to train. I have trained my 2 Rotti/Cane Corso crosses, my 4 year old lab and 4 month old English Bantam Bulldog. It is really hand for super cold weather or after a walk if they are still not tired. This would be handy for your guy. But stright up, he needs to be walked at LEAST 1 hour a day, at least. After that he will calm down, you also need to let him get used to other dogs and people so he cares less when meeting them. Dog park is always great for that he will get tired out and meet dogs and people all in one shot! Take him for a long walk and time how long it takes for him to calm down each time with visitors, youll see the time gets shorter each time. Lastly Chihuahuas think they are pitbulls. He wont have a problem telling your pit what he thinks. Just be there so your pit doesnt get too excieted and starts pawing at him to play. Like someone said in another reply walk them both for a long time before they meet and then walk them together. Dont stop to let them play make them walk together without any fuss, be determined and dont get fruastrated. Walk them together until they are dead tired. Then bring them to the house together but make sure they are tired. Then have them meet the kids. Teach the kids some commands and how to tell the dog no, this will give them power and the dog will look at them as leaders too. If you dont do anything it will go exactly how you are worried it will, your guy will be excieted and will jump all over everyone and everything. Then he will get locked up in a room while they are there and that is not fair to the dog.

Four Dog Training Tools That You Must Use

• Your dog must be a mix, because a male PB is 35-60 pounds. I have to wonder why you've allowed such unacceptable behavior, letting your dog jump on people, and allowing him to pull on a leash? I suggest that you contact a trainer and get your dog under control. How about keeping them in separate rooms, or crating them? Should have been properly trained months ago.


• Have you tried walking the dogs together? - maybe with the family member who is staying? - this can help dogs bond, don't let one walk in front of the other, but next to each other [but no in reaching distance so the other dog doesn't snap] also when you introduce them, if they haven't already, make sure it is on neutral territory [otherwise your dog might get territorial] also keep them both on their leader while introducing them and do a little research on noticing bad body language in dogs, try this site - http://qualityaussies.webs.com/thelangua…
  if you notice any bad behaviors or if one of the dogs looks like it might snap, a tug on the lead will stop it, also you could try shaking a bottle full of stones, the noise distracts the dog [doesn't hurt them] make sure you shake it loud enough.
  if they dogs sniff each other nicely, i recommend using a clicker. click it and give both dogs a treat (you and your aunt to your own dogs)
  this will take time, but it should work.
  
  and to help with jumping, if he jumps, turn your body away and arms up and shoulder height, with a stern no, this will also take time for your dog to learn not to jump.
  and tell your aunts children when they walk in to ignore the dog, [children can cause dogs to be more hyper, with their squeals when a dog is trying to play with them] and to ignore him until he calms down, then pat him nicely.
  
  Good luck! - i hope it works!


• The new dog is small and could be kenneled and managed in the house without to much problem so really that is what I would do first. Your dog can also be kenneled in the house or placed in a bedroom behind a door. Next I would go out and walk the dogs together in a neutral place so they start to bond. I would also if I was you train your own dam dog, you basically are telling the world you have a pit bull that is poorly trained if at all. Look this breed all ready has enough problems and for you to not train one is just so irresponsible.


• Start with the site below. You should separate the dogs--keep them in different rooms-- if there is any negative behavior.
  
  Train sit to begin for at least a week before adding another command. Down should be next. You should put your dog on a sit anytime he gets excited around the children and only allow them to be in the same room when they have adult supervision. (This is the only safe way to have young kids and dogs). Good luck.


• Well, for one thing. Pure-bred apbt's do not get that big. #2. MALE pits make LOUSY house pets just for the reasons you mention. Thats why I always tell people who come on here asking which is better, males or females. Even neutered, the dog aggression does not go away in this breed. (That would be like expecting a pointer to stop pointing after being neutered.) He's only 1 year old which is still considered a pup. And believe me. It's going to get much-much worse. If the chi is an intact male. Its curtains. If you didn't establish yourself as above him in the pack early on when he was small, it will be very difficult now. He may learn to respect you, possibly even obey you. (somewhat.)Depends on his mental stability and his breeding. Good luck, I hope others on here have a more positive out look. But it will take TONS and TONS of training if this dog hasn't gotten too out of control yet. And you can't get that over the internet and without hands on approach.


• OK, you need to set some ground rules. Its wise to acknowledge a big dog can do more damage than a little dog. And yes, chi's can provoke any dog - that still doesn't make it ok.
  
  Get a crate. Put it in your kitchen or a well travelled area of the house. Take turns putting each dog in their. Don't use it as a punishment, rather a "secure" place for one dog to observe the other.
  
  Get both dogs on lead in the house. Jumping can be prevented if the dog is leashed.
  
  Consider muzzles for both dogs - yes, that is likely not going to go over well.
  
  I honestly feel you have to be very firm about what they both do. No grey areas.
  
  Keep all dogs off the couch, and on the floor.
  
  I have 3 dogs - they have their own beds and they are on-lead in my livingroom because I dont want them playing in my house. In other words, I'm very firm about what they can do.
  
  With a tiny dog - the risks are greater -so if the Aunt cannot manage her Chi on lead - then agree to have one crated at a time and separate them outdoors.
  
  In other words, separate them indoors - separate them outdoors - use leashes and crates to manage it.


• Have you ever watched the show (its me or the dog or dog whisperer) . the problems you have are very common and by changeing simple behaviors you may be able to fix the problems pretty simply. who knows maybe this overlode of people could be the best thing for him . day and night training. but it has to be a team effort tons of praise and hardwork .
  
  good luck.

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Dog Health Questions: Protection dog training?

I want to know more about schutzhund trainers, how do you become a trainer. Do they get good business and pay. Is it a fun job to be in.

Beyond Canine Basics - Advanced Dog Training Methods

Recommended Answer:
There are other Schutzhund people around here. I was a certified agitator at one time, but quit because I screwed up my back big time.

Most Schutzhund trainers are folks who have started in other dog venues and then gotten involved in Schutzhund work. In other words they are typically very advanced dog trainers.

Most of this is involved with club work. All of the folks are volunteers, ie. no pay. They do it because they enjoy it.

You shouldn't be viewing Schutzhund work as simply protection work. There are three components to Schutzhund, obedience tracking and protection work. To teach any of the three components you have to prove that you can not only teach your dog how to do the work, but also that you can teach other people how to teach their dogs how to do the work.

Most clubs that I have seen have people apprentice as an agitator for the protection work. For a variety of reasons you really need to know a lot about dog behavior to do this work. You can screw up the dog's training, or you can get hurt, if you do the wrong things.

There are people who do turn this into a business. Again it's something where you have to prove yourself. There are a lot of self-proclaimed experts out there, like anything else.

Dog Training Jobs - How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer

• You should learn more about Schutzhund- I know people who like it- not lucrative though. Protection is only 1/3 of it, tracking and obedience are the other two parts. Most people I know who do schutzhund have had dogs (mainly gsd's) their whole lives. I find it too hard (not hard as in difficult- hard as in watching my dog get hit with a bat is too much for me) for my personal tastes. There are Schutzhund clubs in almost every major city. I'd start there, go to some field trials, get a feel for it, then start one of your own pups- one that has been volhard tested, and see how far you get....
  Good Luck....

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Dog Health Questions: Could you help me with dog training PLEASE?

ok. I just got a Siberian Indian Dog. Yes, he's half Native American Indian Dog, and I really really don't want to hear the "he's part wolf" crap. Here's the situation-

He's doing ok in house training. The only thing is he's jumping on people and furniture. Then, when I try to get him off, he tries to nip me. he also gets aggressive during play. he's usually a rather sweet dog, but not when he's excited. He's going to be ten weeks old this week, and he's around 17-20 pounds. Yes, he's big. I need this problem to be solved as soon as possible. When playing, he accidently bit my sister, and now she and my other sister are terrified of him. Like I said, he's usually sweet, but I guess he's just trying to play or trying to figure out who's the boss. help??

Understanding The Concept of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I understand completely! I am going to go with a dog whisperer answer for you on this one!

Your dog knows what he isn't suppose to do but he is testing you.

If he jumps on you simply turn your body so you are facing away from him. He will slowly learn that if he jumps on you he will just fall. Another option is before he jumps on you bend down to him and give him a second of attention so he will be appeased

Also if he is on the furniture and you try to get him down, when he nips at you lightly pop him on the nose and tell him no, then pull him off. Again he is testing you

Dog Training - Avoiding Common Training Mistakes

• Get a trainer. If people are already scared of a 10 week old puppy and he's nearly 20 lbs you are going to need more control and help than just an answer on here. It's going to take time and commitment but it'll be worth it to have a smart relaxed puppy.


• He thinks he's dominant. You can't let him get away with that. The wolf part isn't crap. They are bigger and more dangerous, so you have to really make sure they are well trained. He's probably too young for formal training. Buy a book or video. The dog whisperer is very good, and he did a show on wolf/dog hybrids. Check him out.


• Sounds like you may need obedience training. Here's a great article with info on how to find the perfect local dog trainer...
  
  http://www.doglirious.com/how-to-choose-…


• Ok, wake up, he is part wolf and you need to deal with the situation now. Keep him on a lease and use it to teach him not to jump on people by saying NO in a loud, firm voice. When in play he starts to get "excited' play needs to stop and not resume until he is calm. You need to take firm and loving control of the situation now, while he is 20lbs because when he is 90lbs he will be out of control and dangerous. Also have him neutered ASAP. Good Luck


• You absolutely need to get the help of an experienced dog trainer. This will get bad if you dont. When he get older he will get much bigger, and you are going to be terrified of him. He will be very dangerous. Please dont try to do this yourself. Many people try to do something without a trainer, and the dog ends up biting someone nad and gets euthanized. You must use positive reinforcement methods. If the dog is taught through fear (physical pain), the dog will get ever more aggressive and maybe start to "fear bite". good luck!


• Why not attend a training class in your area. Your local kennel club can refer you to one. The problem is not going to get any better without professional help. Sounds like you bit off more than you can chew with this dog.


• Anytime a dog jumps on a person it is because he/she feels that they are dominant. You, as his owner, need to be the dominant role in your relationship. You need to assert yourself so that he sees you taking the lead. Here are a couple of things to do: Lead when walking on a leash; never allow him to be in front. Be the first one through the door whether coming in or going out. You eat first and then he eats - make sure he sees you eat first. Teach him obedience - sit, stay, come, heal, leave it. Have him on a leash when visitors come so that you can correct any bad behavior instantly. A quick jerk on the lead should correct any bad behavior. Don't be hesitant to flip him on his back if he doesn't listen to you. A dog on his side or back is a sign of submission. He should stay on his side until you don't have to hold him physically any longer.
  
  Here are a couple of things not to do - do not pet him when he barks (ie "it's OK, calm down honey"). Never allow him to win when playing games like tug of war; you must walk away with the toy not him.


• I say "no jumping" lift the legs off of me and dance the puppy backwards, when the puppy sits, I say "good boy" They don't like to be danced backward, so that doesn't take long to teach. For "no biting" I point, snap my fingers and say "no biting" when the puppy behaves I say "good boy" You teach the puppies the behaviors you allow and the ones you do not allow and praise them when they do good. Puppies want to please you, so you have to show them what pleases you.


• I am a breeder of Native American Indian Dogs. Please take your puppy to a public puppy class such as pet smart or Petco right away. Your puppy is at the stage where he is trying to learn what he can get away with. The trainer will help you with all those behaviors that you describe. All puppies go through the "terrible two's." This is also in response to Cindy: Maybe you should wake up!!Your statement is wrong, Native American Indian Dogs and Siberian Indian Dogs are NOT WOLF HYBRIDS. They are a combination of Chinook, Malamute, Siberian Husky and a little bit of German Shepherd. They may look slightly wolfy, but then so do Malamutes and Siberians. It is disturbing when people spout off that these dogs are Wolf dogs when they don't know the true facts!! Good example, take a look at the Tamsakan dog, this dog looks more like a wolf than the NAID, and yet, this breed is almost the same as the NAID. Depends on the dog breeds used. Did you know that the AKC German Shepherd breed was developed using wolf blood, yet no one calls them wolf dogs. It is sad that people have not grown beyond the "Big Bad Wolf" stage.

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Dog Health Questions: Problem with dog training?

I have a 4 month old chihuahua that I've had for about a month now. I've been trying to house train her but it's not going well. I take her outside every hour, and she usually pees, but she comes in the house and pees or poos very soon after. I don't know how to go about training her, and cleaning up her messes is getting hard because I'm 6 weeks pregnant and in the midst of morning sickness. I heave everytime I even see a mess she's made. If I used a dog trainer could they teach her how to go out side and alert me if she needs to? Do they teach housebreaking? I've never used one, how would it work and how much would I expect to pay?

A Working Dog - Training

Recommended Answer:
I just got a puppy too. ( minature pinture he's 3 and a 1/2 months)

Anywhoo, I got a dog trainer for this too, and she tought it like this...
So every time you see it going to the bathroom in the house clap your hand and say OUTSIDE POOP or OUTSIDE PEE in a very sturn voice. Than quickly scoop it up and take it outside to finish off.

Eventually it will learn and everytime it will need to go pee or poop it will scratch on the door to tell you it needs to go.

I know some people use newspaper but then you'r going through newspaper like crazy. And it looks very unsanitary in your home.. plus then once it learns how to go on the newspaper you have to put the newspaper outside and re-train it to go out there...hope that helps :)
good luck.

How Good Dog Training Makes For a Happy Dog

• When my dog was a puppy, my mum put newspaper out and the my dog learnt to use the newspaper. I think we did this during the night to start with just while we were house training him but it worked and makes it much easier to clear up any mess. If you got a personal trianer or took your dog to a training class (thats what we did with ours) then they will teach your dog and help you house train him. Good Luck and congratulations on your pregnancy.


• Chihuahua's are small dogs and she probably has a small bladder. Try taking her out every 30 minutes instead, and if you can't watch her, put her in her crate. Then you should take her out as soon as she is let out of her crate. Taking her to a puppy class could be beneficial to you both also. She needs to be socialized and the trainer would be able to give you tips. My trainer gave us great tips on housebreaking amongst other things.


• Yes trainers work wonders. Most are about 3 weeks programs and they teach the dog to wait at the door when he or she need to use the restroom. They teach them that it is bad to use the restroom in the house. I would estimate on the cost of a trainer to be around $50-$100. You can go to Petsmart and they can get you a trainer there or tell you where to get one
  Hope this helps!


• I would read up on crate training. I'm crate training my yorkie and it works really well. Here's what you need to do:
  -Buy a wire crate at a pet store and fill it with her favorite toys, blanket, etc (btw dogs will not potty where they sleep, this is why crating works so well!)
  -Have her in an area where you are usually hanging out so she doesnt' feel lonely, you want her to like the crate. When you put her in there, praise her, give her treats, etc.
  -She should sleep in the crate all night. Take her out first thing in the morning! She should be taken potty everytime she comes o ut of the crate before playing. You have to be consistant. If she has an accident in the house, take her out immediately and show her where she needs to go.
  I'm sure it's hard since you are in your first trimester! Good luck!


• Wish i could personally train your dog! I love dogs and know alot about them. Usually girl dogs learn quicker so it shouldn't be too hard. Okay heres what you need to do.
  1. When she does have a accident in the house pick it up in a paper towel and put it outside where you want here to go.
  2. When ever you take her out take her to the spot that you put the poo.
  3. When she does go outside praise her and (make sure you have doggy treats) give her a treat. (like this--- "GOOD GIRL!" *trreat*---"GOOD GIRL!") I hope i helped! And congrats on your pregnancy!

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Dog Health Questions: Therapy dog Training? ?

I'm going to train my 1 1/2 year old puppy to be a therapy dog. I've looked at all the websites that say what i need to train her, but i was wondering if there are special training classes i can take with my dog to?

Dog Training Tips - When Should Dog Training Start?

Recommended Answer:
Some local therapy dog groups and dog schools offer classes to help you prepare for a therapy dog test. Check with your vet, kennel clubs, other dog clubs, and pet stores to see if you can find a local therapy dog group to work with. If there isn't a therapy dog class available local to you, look for a CGC prep class. It covers a lot of the same material.

As far as I know, Delta is the only national organization that has designed a therapy dog class for those wishing to certify with them.

Here are Delta courses: http://www.deltasociety.org/VolunteerAbo…

If there is no class available near you, you might consider Delta's home study course:
http://prostores2.carrierzone.com/servle…

---edit---
I wouldn't mess around with obviously commercial sites claiming to tell you all about dog training when really they're just trying to sell a book or video. If you really want some good quality dog training advice on line, stick with the well-known experts who give real, practical advice without spamming to advertise books.
http://www.clickersolutions.com/ (email list + great articles)
http://flyingdogpress.com/artlibreg.htm
http://www.clickertraining.com/
http://www.clickandtreat.com/Clicker_Tra…

Hunting Dog Training Equipment

• Check out local groups in your area which may be involved with therapy, That's probably the only way to find classes. A good place to start is with your vet or with the local animal control/shelter. They often know about things like this.


• Look for the places that do the test and often they also offer training. You can also ask you vet to recommend a trainer/place that does training too. Make sure that they practice positive reinforcement! I personally prefer the click'n'treat method of training and have used it successfully with my 3 dogs. One that we also intend to do therapy work with.


• Other than trying to figure out which dog obedience class is good..(by the way they only teach very basic tricks for a fee that don't come cheap), why not tried if you can train it yourself following some good dog training videos tutorials. It is not that difficult. One good resource I found in internet is this simple but straight to the point site on dog training => http://www.DogExpertReveal.com/
  

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Dog Health Questions: How much does dog training at petsmart cost?

i have searched the pesmart website up and down but i cant find a price can you help?

Electronic Dog Training Collar

Recommended Answer:
Call up your local Petsmart. Here in NC it's $109 for an 8 week class. So it will probably somewhere around that in your area.

Dog Training Aids - Get The Right Tools For The Job

• Where I live in Washington State it was $80 for an eight week class. This was for all classes Puppy, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Once you take a class keep your paper work because you can take that class again and again at no cost for the rest of the dogs life. I find that taking a class over is a good way to keep refreshed.


• You will need to go to your local petsmart. They have flyers there.
  
  I live in the daytona beach area in FL and I htink the prices are $90 for each class except hte advanced training which is $109 for 8 weeks.


• Each location is different.
  I suggest looking into a private trainer. PetSmart just wants your money, they don't care if your dog learns anything or not, and most of their trainers aren't very good.


• The one where i live is aout $200 for about 10 sessions. Call petsmart and ask them what they charge.


• ONE red cent is TOO MUCH!!!
  CRAP,taught by imbeciles!


• you need to call & ask as each place is different

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Dog Health Questions: Is it good when you would us a dog training collar for you to pull back as hard as you could until the dog cry?

just to let you know that my dad would pull back as hard as he could until the dog would cry because the dog would try to run and my dad was told that you should pull back the training collar until the dog yelps.

Free Dog Training Tips - Train Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Wow.....poor dog. The dog is pitching his weight against the collar, turning it into a tug of war between your father & the dog. Not good as yanking ineffectually on a dog's neck teaches it nothing & may cause long term physical damage.

Any piece of of training has to be used correctly & is only as effective as the handlers ability to use it. Suggest to your father that he either works with a decent trainer on a one to one basis or sign up for obedience classes.

Be a Responsible Dog Owner and Consider Using a Dog Training Collar!

• No, this isn't going to help and you risk injuring the dog. Instead try using a no-pull harness, available at Petsmart and Petco. These hook the leashes onto the front instead of the back. The purpose is so that when the dog lunges forward or tries to run all the owner has to do is stop walking and the placement of the leash will actually cause the dog to turn slightly to the left or the right. This eventually discourages them from pulling as they are no longer able to do so. I have used it with my dog who was a nightmare to walk and now our leash is totally slack while walking because he's not pulling.
  
  http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751027


• What kind of collar is your dad using? If it's a buckle collar - then he can cause severe damage to the dog's trachea - even potentially causing it to collapse.
  
  There are other training methods and safer collars to use - have your dad sign up for obedience training and find a safer collar to use.


• no thats bull and mean.. you dont hurt the dog when they disobey.. you dont teach anything making them fearful, you teach by praise when they do something good, then they will continue doing it because they get praise. tell your dad to watch the dog whisperer and i would quit letting him take your dog on walks because thats just cruel!
  
  http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/basic… print this out and teach your whole family how to walk a damn dog!


• ....no! Just a slight tug to make them aware thats not what they should do. If they try to pull you, you should stop and wait a few seconds, then go again. Include the slight tug also, but stopping is the best method i think.


• Good grief, what idiot told your dad that one? You all need to go to a training class to learn how to handle the poor dog.


• well if somebody put a collar around your neck then yanked it really hard would that teach you anything? NO, it would just create fear!


• Never do anything to make your dog yelp when training..bl

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training?

We have a Yellow Labrador who is seven months old. He has already learned how to sit, lay down, and put his hands up. I really appreciate the breed. I was wondering if there are any classic tricks or skills that I could teach him. I know that labs tend to be water dogs and we have a large lake in front of our house. If you have a trick/skill please explain how to go about training him. I also would like to train him with a whistle but I have no idea how to go about doing it. He is very willing to learn and seems to enjoy performing. He is a purebred, his father was bred for show and his mother was a hunting dog. He came from a reputable breeder and is an amazing dog.

Considerations When Buying Dog Training Equipment

Recommended Answer:
The best tricks we taught my collie/lab mix to do were to wipe his feet when he comes inside the house and to put his toys away before he goes to bed.

The wiping the feet trick... we really just taught him to walk in a circle around the carpet in our mudroom (if its really muddy, of course, we get down on our knees and towel him off) but this trick is good when he's just coming in from dewy morning grass. We just used a treat to get him to move in a circle and repeated "wipe your feet" over and over.

To put his toys away, we just made sure it happened every single night right after he came in from his last potty run and before he went in the crate for bed. At first he got a treat for each toy he brought to us and put in his toy basket but now we just give him one after he is all done and inside his crate. This one really isn't that hard as long as you do it every single day... dogs love a consistent schedule and will learn to love anything you do whether it be grooming or walks if you do it the same time every day.

GOOD LUCK!

Puppy and Dog Training

• If you want them to come to a whistle you have to whistle and he will probably come to see what the noise is then you give him a treat. Do this 2-3 times a day and you will have him trained to come to a whistle in no time.
  
  Good luck!


• My dog likes "BANG" (play dead). Here is how:If he already knows lay down, here is what to do. have the dog sit. point your fingers like a gun at him, and fire, saying "BANG!". Then gently push the dog over till he falls over onto his side. rub his belly so he put his legs up. Do this over and over!
  
  I got my dog to do it, when i say BANG he falls over and puts his legs in the air. He loves it cause he gets his belly rubbed when he does it right!He also likes ROLL. here is how:
  get him to lay down. gently push him over until he is on one side, then on his back, then on the other side. all while saying ROLL. when he is on the side and almost done, stand up so he will have to finish the roll to get up. as soon as he does, praise him. That is how i trained mine!
  Here is another way if the dog will not let you roll him over:
  get him to lay down, and put a treat in front of his nose. slowly move the treat around and above his head until he rolls, be sure to say ROLL as you are doing this. This didn't work for my dog cause he just moved his head to get the treat, but it may work for you. my dog also let me push him around onto his back, which you dog may not want.
  
  This may sound really stupid, but a good way to train is with PRAISE ONLY, that is how I train. If you do it with food reward, the dog may not do it if you don't have food. when he does a trick say GOOD BOY, GOOD ROLL, GOOD ROLL!!!
  or what ever you are getting him to do. then he will learn why you are praising him. I do not use food ever, my dog does the trick because he wants to make me happy and get praised. But be careful, always praise at least a little bit, so the dog will feel appreciated, even if he has known the trick for a long time, it is important to show him he is still doing is right.GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!


• This site can help you for train your dog, http://theclickinfo.com/dogtraining.go


• Hi, I just started a website that I offer a FREE dog training 6 day course that will solve all your dog training needs!
  
  The whole course was developed by a certified professional dog trainer and normally sells for $59.97, however I am giving it away for a limited time ABSOLUTELY FREE!
  
  Head on over right now to http://www.6DayCourse.com to get your free 6 day dog training course.
  
  Good Luck, I know you will love it!

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Dog Health Questions: When did "positive reinforcement" become the preferred dog training method?

I remember a time when the "rolled up newspaper" method of dog training was the accepted norm. Back then, many trainers taught their dogs to do amazing things (and do them quite well) using methods that most folks today would consider "cruel". I'm not advocating any particular school of training here, but I was wondering: What happened that most people changed their training habits? How did positive reinforcement start, and do you think it will continue to be the preferred method of dog training?

5 Basic Dog Training Mistakes

Recommended Answer:
I think it started about the same time that spanking your kid became "cruel". The world is so full of candy-a** idiots, that we have to consider everythings "feelings" first.
Now, I am not for the rolled up newspaper per se, but the people that can't stand to MAKE Fido behave make me sick. "I can't get the doggie of the couch because he will bite me, so I lure him off with the biskie". That is today's "positive reinforcement"!!!!!!

Of course you are going to be thought of as a dog "dominator" and not a dog "lover" if you use harsh methods!! That is how people think now days.

I am not a fan of hitting a dog at all. Heck, my Newfies would pee themselves if I did that. But actually MAKING them do what you wnat, and maybe the odd ear pinch, is necessary.
Many people that train with positive reienforcement are not TRAINING, they just BRIBE the dog to behave for the moment. Then they wonder why when the hand is empty, the dog doesn't listen. What have they trained???? Nothing. They do the same with their kids. "Behave in the store and you cna have a toy". If you are not going to give a toy...no behaving.
That is my beef with "positive reienforcement".

Time-Tested Tips On Behavior Dog Training For Beginners

• Great question! I think there have always been people who don't want to scare their dog into submission, who would rather have their dogs want to be near them. A lot of dogs have devolped fear, aggression and injuries from traditional methods
  
  The same is now true with humans dealing with their children, I got spanked when I was a child, and I didn't like it. When I had children, I was not going to put them in that type of fear that I went through. I have never spanked my children, ever in 13 years being a mother. I don't want my pets to live in fear either.
  
  A lot of people feel that their dog will not listen to them if they use positive methods, that is absolutely not true. I have tried choke collars and the "traditional methods", and I can tell you as soon as I switched to positive methods, my dogs trust me more then ever and want to listen.
  
  Teaching "come" is a good example, people become angry at their dog if they don't come right away. Then they scream at them COME, isn't that like saying come get your beating?
  My dogs come to me about 90% of the time, because I make it a good thing to come to me, praise and sometimes a treat. And for the 10% of the time they don't come, maybe they were distracted, or didn't hear me. They are allowed to make mistakes too, just like we do. Do you say to someone" I need you to get me something" and expect them to drop everything and immediatly get it, or can they quickly finish and then get it? When my husband asks for something sometimes it takes me a minute to respond.
  
  Sometimes, I think we put too much pressure on our pets and we forget why we brought them into our lives.
  
  Try to think of it this way, would you rather have your spouse say, Make me dinner? or You are such a good cook, can you make that dish you make so well? I like positive reinforcement don't you? It makes you feel good and gives you confidence.


• I think that asinine term started about 10 years a go and has grown out of proportion since then. I am not sure who started it and why, but, it has ruined more good dogs then I care to know. Most proponents of this idiocy have never run across a real dog that would eat their a s s rather then listen to their excuses, only dogs that had every ounce of work ethic and drive bred right out of them, so, they have to love it and "ignore" it when it does not act like they want to and acts like a dog instead. Look at some of the answers given here about dogs that are biting their owners and are terrorizing entire households. :Just love him more, never correct him and always remember that aggression breeds aggression"
  I am old school Ginbail, my dogs get trained to listen to me the first time, every time, period. They do not do it because they fear me, they do it because they respect me and realize who is in charge. They wear prong collars when training and Electric collars when training becomes more serious. They do not sit on my furniture and I do not have "talks" with them about their behavior. I will never correct a dog for not doing something that he does not know how to do, but, I will correct him, HARD, for not listening or disrespecting me when I know he knows how to do it and simply refuses to. I do not hit dogs unless my life is being threatend and I do not use undue force unless the dog shows me that he needs it. All of my dogs have been either certified in their fields of work or have gotten their titles in competition. I am not sure what the future trend will be, but, I really hope this "positive reinforcement' is not it. Many more good dogs will be ruined if that continues.
  
  Watch how many thumbs down I get for this one.
  
  ADD: Thank you anne, I will gladly take them, from you or anyone else here who gives them to me. Did you bother reading all of the answers, or just mine? Did you read my ENTIRE post? I like having dogs that listen, I like having dogs that do a job and do it better then most dogs. I like having dogs that score high in competiton, as I do not compete for my health.
  
  ADD Again: Ginbail, my mother used to tell me when I was a little kid that "even the angels need something to be afraid of".
  
  Add: To the dogs, I agree with you 100%.


• I'm not sure when it became the preferred method, but here's something I do know: These days, people have grown to love their dogs more than ever. And hitting your dog with an old newpaper would be like hitting their family. That's probably why people consider it cruel. Yes, it probably will be the preferred mothod in the future as well.


• The most compelling argument I heard about this was concerning your dog chasing a cat or something - do you yell at it for running off or wait for it to come back and click? (My answer now is "neither" but it made sense then.)
  
  It will ebb and flow. People will get so sick of permissive parenting/dog ownership and start the beatings. It will ebb and flow. Both methods work, and I'm in the middle. I have more fun looking for things I like my dog to do, but there's a time for "no."


• The tree huggers started it. When I was a teenager growing up, whenever my friends and I thought of getting in trouble. It wasn't the police I was afraid of, it was my father. Hell, if I'd of gotten caught for some of the things I did when younger I would have begged the cops to keep me rather than send me home to him. It always made me think more than once. I have dogs that can reach over two hundred pounds. Talking to them wouldn't work, Sometimes you have to let them know who's boss.


• I have to agree with Torbay, it started about the same time as the no spanking kids movement and look at what that has gotten us, a bunch of badly behaved kids that do not know or understand what responsibilty is.
  Dog training should be fitted to the dog you have, there is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to dog training.
  Beg and bribe does not work for all dogs.
  
  ETA: To Jackie G,
  A lot of dogs have devolped fear, aggression and injuries from traditional methods
  This is untrue, dog do not become aggressive because of training unless the training was unusually cruel, unjust and the dog did not understand what was expected, then the dog would come to fear the handler and become aggressive because it had no choice but this is not what is being discussed. If you were a knowledgeable dog trainer, you would know that all dogs do not react the same to every training method. Also, I just want to add that I do use corrections in my training and my dogs do not fear me, as a matter of fact, I have 5 shadows everywhere I go because they see me as the leader and they respect me. Dogs are not humans and they do not view things the same as a human would.


• Well most dogs, like mine are walking stomachs so I think thats where the idea came from, however you see alot more overweight dogs now than you did 10 or 20 years ago. Positive reinforcement works very well for some dogs. I really think "positive reinforcement" (in one way or another) is here to stay for at least a while as long as it is at all effective. I think more people should be trained themelves before getting a dog. Dog wouldnt misbehave if the owneres didnt let them. Get what I'm saying? LOL


• there are still situations and dogs where the rolled up newspaper is the most effective training tool. And there are other situations and dogs where it seems not to be.
  
  Seems to me the preferred training method ought to be whatever works for the person and the particular dog. If, instead of embracing an entire methodology we would look at them and learn from many...we'd be much more effective as trainers and as people.


• I guess I am a mixed bag. I think that positive re-enforcement is a good thing. I also think there is nothing wrong with a bark collar. It is a very effective tool. And it works very quickly. I do think that at times a swift swat can do wonders. When the right behavior is done, reward is fine. Some of my dogs have been very hard headed(just like my kids,at times). All the smiley,sweet talk and worry about hurting the poor thing, just doesn't work for me. My pets love me to death, and I them. But I do believe that a "Little" fear goes a long way. With children as well as dogs. With a little fear, they learn to give some respect.


• People decided to change when they realized that dogs aren't as stupid and without feeling as they (most people) thought. I hope it continues to be the preferred method of training because dogs should be treated with respect and they should lead happy lives while they can, because they're not very long. Maybe you should think about which is more important- showing off a dog who does great tricks, or having a happy and healthy dog.


• Oh, they've been around for a very long time, but no one noticed them simply because they were all mostly just ring filler. But then this group of frustrated non-trainers, unable to meet the requirements of this country's oldest and only qualified association of obedience instructors, felt dis-infranchised because they had no voice. And why should they, they could not even meet the standard of being able to teach their students novice level obedience.
  
  So these folks got together to form what I like to call the Association of Platitude Dispensing Trainers - and the whole positive movement then had a collected voice ... and boy have they got a lot to say (you'll soon see what I mean). And the best part ... to this very day, the only membership requirement is that members have to keep their dues paid. Members do not have to be able to train any dog, heck, there is no requirement to ever have even owned one. If you can fill out the application and a check ... you're in.
  
  Funny as all heck ... at their annual conferences, attendees are discouraged (I've heard prohibited) from bringing any dogs ... can't be trusted to manage them in public places. How's that as a statement for the measure of the positive movement?
  
  How long will it last? Part of me says: I hope forever ... they are great for business!! But then I see the numbers of dogs they are failing, or breeds they are contributing to the banning of (by failing to get the dogs trained and the owners motivated) and I hope they go away, before my best friend does.


• It was gradual really. My 15 yr old dog with a CDX degree was trained with a pinch collar and lots of jerking and pulling. But, we had started to use food rewards, which we never did with the old Kohler training methods.
  I went to a Gary Wilkes tricker training seminar when my Rottie was a puppy. She is 11 1/2 now. I used clicker training on her and was amazed at how fast she learned and how eager to learn more. But, I didn't find the clicker training worked to get a competitive obedience dog. So, to learn what she needed to get her CDX title, I used a pinch collar and lots of jerking and pulling and the ear pinch for the retrieve. But, I did use clickers and positive methods to teach her tricks and for agility training. Also, used tons of food in obedience training along with the pinch collar.
  My current dog has never had a pinch or choke collar on him. He has been trained with a clicker. However, I never tried to do competitive obedience with him. He does agility.
  He is not as reliable as my force trained dogs. And, I'm not really convinced you could ever have a high scoring competitive obedience dog using only positive methods. Most the competitive obedience trainers I know still use force when the dog knows the exercise and decides to not do it.
  
  I've seen enough pet training classes to know that many times an out of control dog needs more than a clicker and treats. Dogs who are undersocialized and out of control are not going to pay attention to the treats, but they will to a pinch collar. I think it's like everything else, we go off on a tangent, but in reality there is a time and place for the old fashion punishment based training.


• There will always be trends in dog training just as with any other sport or hobby. I have two dogs with two very distinct personalities. I use two very distinct training methods with them. My lab is extremly dominant (female) who will try to mount pretty much every dog in sight. She scent marks her territory too! This have obviously lead to some dog fights, she used to be a horrible leash lunger and resource guarder as well. She has worn a prong collar and has seen some more corrective types of training, and it's worked. I can't deny that.
  
  I also have a b.c. mix that is a sweet pea and wouldn't fight with another dog, ever. He is clicker trained, never worn a prong or choke and never needed to. He's a natural follower, looking to me for guidance at every turn.
  
  I think positive reinforcement should be used for household tricks and behaviors. Sit, down, stay, speak etc. And also for dog sports--my lab has 3 years of agility under her belt, 100% positive training.
  
  However I have never garnered a clear understanding of how a clicker and some treats are supposed to stop or prevent a dog fight. Or prevent my lab from trying to dominate every dog in our neighborhood.
  
  It's a mixed bag for me, you have to tailor the training to the dog. Both methods have been proven to be effective in various situations. What worries me about the resurgance of corrective methods is that with little information the average person has the potential to harm their dog with these techniques. No easy answer I suppose.
  
  Greekman--for the type of work you do, the training you use is spot on. I would argue however, that just as many good dogs have been ruined by corrective training as those ruined by the positive training. My border collie would break under that kind of pressure, however he would never be the type of dog to use in protection work or ring sports. Each dog has a job to fullfil and your training methods depend on that entirely!


• It happened at the same time that parents stopped punishing their children. Parents now a days think that they can simply reason with their children at too young an age. Taking something away is negative, spanking their child is negative. They don't want to hurt little Tommy's feelings. They don't want him to feel bad. And then that carried over into, let's not keep score at basketball and football games because the kids on the losing team will feel badly, so let's pretend that tommy didn't get his butt kicked so he never learns how to deal with not winning, not coming in first, not being the best. And then these kids grow up to be self-centered, I deserve everything without having to work for it adults and all this carries over into how people deal with their pets.
  
  I'm a teacher - I see these kids every day. The ones with no accountability, no sense of responsibility because they aren't getting it at home - and neither are their pets. So they raise brats for children and brats for dogs.
  
  Do dogs deserve spankings no - but think about it people. Negative reinforcement need not be abuse. Negative reinforcement can be as simple as shaking a can of coins at a barking dog (which I got thumbs downed for by the way - how cruel!!). Negative reinforcement can be as simple as - you are pulling me this way so I am going to go in the opposite direction because I decide where we go.
  
  My trainer does NOT advocate intimidation but she pointed something out - that I think a lot of people forget. In a pack - even a pack of dogs (not wolves) somebody is leader - and if my lower on the totem pole dog does something the pack leader doesn't like, the pack leader is going to put him in his place - quickly, swiftly, and with no remorse. Dogs don't feel bad about putting an ill-behaving dog in its place. Nor should we. if need be, if you need to control an out of control dog, people need to think like a dog. I'm not saying alpha roll or beat the dog, because you are a human and your dog isn't going to get it. But life is NOT always about positive things - you have to teach humans and pets to deal with negative things as well - it can be just as powerful if not more so.


• Postive reinforcement teaches the dog to continue doing the thing you like, so it will learn to do more of what it'll get rewarded for than what it will get ignored of. Animals are family.


• It has been discovered that this type of training is far better then the "Old School" method. Better results come from it. If you understand the way a Dog processes info that you are giving him, it really makes perfect sense.I was raised with the "Old School" methods....but after I learned the positive effects of positive reinforcement, and saw how much better it was...I would never do it any other way. Dogs are very eager to learn and please......this method addresses that and builds on it. My experience with this method has been very satisfying and productive.....and I might add....they learn very quickly from it also. How can you complain, when using this method...your pup is house broken in 2 days?Dogs respond with love and respect to kindness and patience and understanding , not with yelling and hitting with a newspaper. Think about the effect of that from a dogs point of view.....how they are perceiving it? They don't think like us...they are taught right from wrong...they are not born knowing it.


• First thumbs down, Greekman. You can return the favor if you want.
  You are an extremist. There is a happy medium between what you do and what some people "think" positive reinforcement training is. It is certainly not having "talks" with your pet. It is simply rewarding the behaviors you want the dog to have, and controlling the behaviors you don't want, but are natural dog behaviors. A dog will understand the reward and repeat the good behavior, because we have spent thousands of years breeding into them the desire to please us.
  Your method leaves no room for the intelligence of the animal, which in some dogs is more than some people I know.
  My dogs are not perfect, but they are well-trained. No people are perfect either, so I don't expect perfection in dogs either.


• I think basically what happened is people realized hitting isnt the best method. Just like they realized hey, beating your wife because she doesnt listen to you or beating your children because they misbehave doesnt work either.
  
  The idea behind positive reinforcement is your dog doesnt learn to fear you. Any person that wants their dog to fear them doesnt need to have a dog anyway, thats irresposible and immature.


• Same time people stopped beating their children "for their own good". Violence simply breeds fear and more violence - in kids and animals.
  
  Trust and communication are the key to respect and love - now, if that were just as easy to implement as it is to figure out ----


• Well this article puts it with Ian Dunbar.
  
  http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?fi…
  
  Karen Pryor with her book "Don't Shoot the Dog". Everything keeps showing the 1999 edition, but I know the book was written well before then. (I'd love to see her expertise, applied operant conditioning talked about here vis a vis dominance.)
  
  Gary Wilkes was in the early 90s
  
  My guess in retrospect is the early 90s.
  
  You're always going to have the "beat the dog up" crowd. Sort of like children.


• i agree with Greekman & Shehperdgirl. i'll stick with old school.
  before i say more, let me make it clear i don't believe in mistreating animals or children.
  and their is a difference between a beating and a swat on the butt with a news paper or belt.
  the don't fear me and they are happy to see me when i come home. they will both kill to protect me,
  time as proven that positive reinforcement doesn't work, time out doesnt work, our schools are a perfect example. the teachers are afraid of the student's who don't have to answer for their bad conduct. hell spend a day in wal mart on the week in and watch the kids run wild.they are rude they don't mind there parents and they scream and holler when they don't git their way.
  no they don't fear there parents, but they don't respect them ether.
  both my mom and dad spanked me when i did wrong, they didn't do it because they wanted to but they had to teach me that when i did something that was wrong there was a penalty to be paid. they love me and tried to give me a good upbringing. i didn't turn out exactly like the intended but when i start to do wrong now i all ways stop and think is it worth what it will cost me. do i wont to pay that penalty.

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