Showing posts with label colorado springs dog training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colorado springs dog training. Show all posts

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Dog Health Questions: How can we convinve him to give us the dog?

I know that right off the bat hearing me say that I'm trying to get someone to give me and my fiance their dog seems a little rude but If you read this, I promise it'll explain everything:

Me and My fiance Tyler are going to a dog training college and you have to take your own dogs and they have to be puppies so we are purchasing two new pups this summer, but Tyler really wants his brothers dog. His brother is 21 has three kids and him and his wife are very low income. They are both gone alot and give away dogs like they are candy. I've know them for 2 years and they have had 4 dogs and a cat that they just kept giving away so they could get new animals. The dog is extremely active and so hyper. They don't take it on walk and they don't have a fenced in area for it. They gave it away once but then got it back. All three kids are very young and have toys all over that the dog tries and eats. When I was over at their house it swallowed a plastic ball and no one would retrieve it so the dog wouldn't choke so I had to reach my hand down the dogs throat to get it. Then it swallowed an aluminum ball filled with chocolate that Tyler had to retrieve from it's throat. They have openly admitted that they won't pry it's mouth open to get stuff it's swallowed because they are afraid. It has no training and they blame it for being hyper when they are the ones who leave it locked up all day. and it slept in a wire crate with nothing but hard wood floor under it so it was sleeping on wire and wood. The other day me and Tyler took it so we could bath it for them and we put it in our fenced in area and it ran and played with our 11 year old husky so much, then we took it on a walk and it was so so happy. When we took it back home it kept running back to us. They don't feed it great dog food. It's not housed trained and I'm pretty sure they don't take it to the vets. Tylers brother pat said we could come get the dog to take it and play with it anytime we want. So we are getting it on thursday and on saturday. We want this dog badly and I'm pretty sure they will give it to us because they can't even care for it but whats a good way to convince them? Should we offer them money for it? I'm hoping if we keep going to get it that they will just see how much happier it is and offer it to us.

Finding the Essential Dog Training Supplies



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Please take this dog!
I also own a toller, and would hate to see one being locked up all day.
I would offer them a small amount of money, but not too much.
This dog really sounds like it needs to be with you, and you seem like you could give it a much better home. As long as it gets on well with your husky, and you have the room for another dog, I see no problem in you having it. Please try and convince them to let you have the dog, as it will be better for everyone. Good luck.

Electronic Dog Training Collar


  • It does sound like that house is not right for any animal and I hope they give the dog to you. However you can't do anything to make them. Offer to take the responsibility off their hands and hope for the best.

  • you need to get the dog out of that house. its not being cared for right and will most likely have to be put down because of aggresiveness if not moved ASAP. do whatever you can to get that dog!!!

  • try anything that you can because the dog will be better with you!!!

  • you could just point blank come out with it and tell them you would like to have the dog after spending so much time with him you have become attached offer them money if you have to but for god sake get him out of there!

  • Oh Geez!

    That's pretty cruel, but I think you should offer money.

    They'll glady (hopefully) accept.

    But unfortunately, it IS their dog.... :(

  • if you offer money then that will just be spent on another dog to replace it...so I wouldn't as it will be in exactly the same position as this one.

    Do what you suggest collect the dog for play or walks or both and do it more and more, maybe even over night, they may just like the responsibility taken off them.......just don't start 'training' it as it will be for their benefit and I say that because I did something simular several years ago, trained it when I collected it and it learnt very quickly so they kept it as it began to behave well in their house.............only to find they later sold it as a 'trained by me' 3 months later when they got fed up again with it...........

  • Offer them money for it.

  • Why pay them? If you know they will give you the dog, just explain to them that you two would really love to the take the dog. Don't down them for how they take care of their animals because that will just start an argument. You can just say that the dog and your current dog get a long great and would like them to be companions. I don't think you'll have a problem with getting the dog.

  • it doesn't sound like they would care much. the only thing you can do is ask. offer to buy him from them. just tell them how much you enjoy the dog and promise it will be well taken care of.

  • I think you should sit down with them and explain to them how you have more time then they do (three kids and all) let them know you are growing very attached to the dog and you feel without the right training the dog will only get worse, maybe scare them a bit LOL so that way they think of him as a hassel not a family member, then you take him and give him a better life! What you are doing is a very good thing, we need more people like you around for all the dogs! :)

  • A Toller???? Ack!

    What does the brother want? Offer it to him!

    Say "boy this dog sure is high energy" and "did it eat one of the kid's toys again" and stuff like that when visiting. Then say that the Toller is great with your dog---any chance you could have the dog so your dog would have a buddy?

    Depending on the brother, you could just ask outright and see how it goes. Does your BF have a birthday coming up? Ask for the dog as a gift.

    Yeah, you need to get that dog.
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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Suggestions for a shy dog?

My husband and I recently adopted an 8 month old mix breed. He has a very very shy disposition towards people or unfamiliar objects (i.e...the car, won't come in the house, scared of the back porch...). I'm very familiar with dog training but have never dealt with a dog who was afraid to this extent. Can anyone recommend a book, website, or method of training to help me deal with this?

Old Fashioned Dog Training



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First of all I want to commend you for adopting a shelter dog. When taking in a dog like this, unfortunately you don't know what has happened to him in the past to cause this behavior. For example: he might have only gone in the car to go to the Vets office or to be dropped off at the shelter. Maybe his wasn't allowed in the house or was abused in the house. You just never know, so you have to take each of these problems and try and turn them into a positive experience for the dog. Let me give you another example: put him on a leash and collar and as gently as you can get him in the house. Make it a pleasant experience by rewarding him when you do (give him his favorite treat and praise him). Do this repeatedly, every time making it pleasant. Patience and consistency are a must. This will not be corrected overnight. If you feel you still need more professional help, go to Busters Canine Supply Outlet's Links Page. They have a few really go websites to Dog Trainer that will answer questions you have. Good Luck!!

Best Dog Training Books


  • Visit your library and pick out a dog training book! Or speak very softly to your dog, award him with treats when he does something good, and make a trusting bond between the two of you.

    I luv dogs

  • you have to encourage him, make it exciting to go new places, bring a favorite toy when getting him into the car so it's fun. when out and about and socializing him (i know you know that this is important) praise him a lot when he goes up to another dog and talk in a very happy voice, but don't cling to him.

  • You've got a dog with a weak temperament....Its genetic...you can work with it, train, but your dog will always be this way.

  • Unfortunately weak temperament if an inherited trait.

    Socializing and training can overcome SOME of it, but not all of it.

    This is going to take a lot of time and effort on your part.

    Training WILL build your dogs confidence.

    Do not coddle a dog like this. Use traditional dog training methods, not bribery.

    http://www.koehlerdogtraining.comADD: I am SURE Bells is my long lost relative

  • Training classes sound like it would benefit her, i did agility with a nervous dog once and he really came out of himself - builds confidence. I would carry treats with me - like cubed chicken or cheese and each time she hears a nose give her a tasty treat and maybe lure her out with that treat to the porch.

  • A basic part of a pup's socialization is based on their mother's attitude--relaxed or skittish--toward people. The way you interact with your new puppy can play a big role, too. Playing, petting, and talking with your pup can help him develop the "people skills" needed to be a good member of the family and the neighborhood.

    Check these links for more info.
    http://dogtime.com/puppy-behavior-basics…
    http://dogtime.com/puppies.html
    http://dogtime.com/bringing-home-puppy-a…

  • In a perfect world, we could protect our dogs from negative, anxious and frightening situations. In the real world, we must help our dogs learn how to cope and respond, in a healthy and acceptable manner, to the spectrum of people, animals, places and things they might encounter along the road of life.

    By exposing our dogs to different kinds of people, animals and environments, which involves everything from dog obedience classes to vet visits to walks to the park, we can help them develop confidence and ease. This goes a long way in helping them become resilient in the face of unsettling situations.

    Further information, http://miniurl.com/28484
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Dog Health Questions: How to train my dog to Walk off a leash?

My dog is about 6. He is very smart I just taught him the past to weeks how to jump, beg, and speak. He also knows how to give a high five, shake, roll over, balance food on his nose, smile, and play dead. The one thing I really want to teach him is to walk without a leash. He is always escaping and running around for a long time without letting us touch him. this is important because in a couple of weeks we are going on a trip and I can't take a chance he will escape in place he has no idea where he is. Please help. I need a link to dog training website or some good directions. Thankx

Dog Behavior: Finding the Right Motivations for Your Dog Training Program



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Teaching a good come command (also called a recall) is a very important command when owning a dog for many reasons. For one, you can have your dog off-leash and feel confident about getting them back to you at any time. But, it takes a lot of repetition, as does all of the obedience before it would be successful off-leash.

Take the command words themselves, seriously.
In order to later be successful off-leash you will want to begin to teach the come while on-leash so that you can back up the command with good timing. What I mean by this is; imagine you have called your dog to come to you while off-leash and they don't come, you have now begun to ruin that word for them because they realized they really don't have to come to you. But if the dog was on leash when you called them you could have made sure they came to you no matter what which makes the command itself have more meaning. Of course you will later have that off leash control but if you do not first practice it on leash you cannot have the proper timing to make it extremely successful.

Teaching the command COME
1.Put your dogs leash and collar on and get a treat ready and in hand.
2.Walk to the end of the leash and visibly show the treat to the dog and say their name and follow with the command come, for example: “Spot, come!”

Always say the dogs name first to gain attention and you should sound very encouraging with this command because you want it to be very exciting and wonderful for the dog to get to you. When the dog gets to you reward them instantly with the treat. They should gobble it down and have a lot of focus on you now.

Do not say the word “come” over and over. You should try to say it once after their name and that would be enough. (Sometimes we repeat the command in the early stages more than once but when you begin to advance you want to be sure you only have to say it once). You do not want them to get into the habit of waiting until the sixth time you've said it!

When you are showing your dog the treat, hold your hand the same way every time. The goal here is that later, when you are not using treats, you will hold your hand in the same way as if you were holding a treat. It makes the dog have a visual with the command as well. The dog then later is visually stimulated to remember that treat and reward when they see your hand look the same whether or not you have a treat in your hand. It will help you have more focus from your dog later when we begin to use treats less.

To understand how close a dog should be when they receive their treat, you will want the dog to be close enough where you could reach out and grab their collar if needed.

If the dog does not come to you at this point it is usually because of one of three factors; either your treat is not enticing enough, or there is something distracting your dog, or at some point in the past you made it a negative experience for the dog to get to you, probably unintentionally. So, try to go into a quiet environment with an amazing treat and be very positive and excited about having your dog get to you!

Your dog should race to get to you when called, NOT stop along the way, sniff and do something else before they come. When we are teaching a good recall (come command) we want our dog to come rather quickly to us without stopping.

The photo shows the dog in a sit but they can be doing anything they want when you practice this command. When you begin this exercise note that the dog is in a release mode doing whatever they want before you call them. You should walk to the end of your 6-foot leash to call them. If they come to you before you call them that's great too! Eventually when you begin to practice this command they may start coming to you before you call and that is a good thing. Dogs are smart and may begin to anticipate your moves.

Be encouraging at this point in the training and have it be really fun and exciting to get to you. You want getting to you to be better than some amazing smell or site of another exciting experience that the dog might be focused on so you have to make it like a party when they do get to you. Do not give the treat until they have actually reached you. But, you want to treat immediately when they reach you and not delay it so that they feel very clear as to what you are happy about.

You can also try offering praise with petting or a favorite toy as a reward for getting to you. Make sure there are no distractions and you are acting very inviting right now like squatting on the floor with a treat for beginning to teach this command. If they still do not come to you try walking away to get them to follow you.

It is EXTREMELY important that in all situations it is positive to come to you. Dogs only remember the last thing that happened. So for example, say at one time you were angry at your dog and you called them to you to discipline them. What you actually did was discipline them for coming to you because that was the very last thing they did and that will be what they remember. I came across a client one time whose dog was actually fearful of coming because one time her boyfriend disciplined the dog when the dog came because he was angry about the dog peeing on the carpet. He actually disciplined the dog for coming to him, not for peeing when he did it that way. The dog thought it did something wrong for coming to them. So not only will your dog stop trusting you but they will not want to come to you either! Never make the mistake of having anything ever be wrong for coming to you. You always want to encourage your dog to come to you and make it very positive when they do.

This type of beginning training is laying the foundation for our dog to think that when they hear their name and the ‘come' command they get a very positive experience when they reach you! It instills in them that coming to you is a very happy thing that they will always want to do.

Practice this several times a day over the next few days to weeks in several parts of your home. Your goal here is to be successful 100% of the time with the recall and for your dog to think it is just one big fun game right now. We will of course be making it a little harder later, but for now, it is all positive.Julie Lokhandwala is founder of webDogTrainer, LLC. and has created the interactive Online Dog Training Guide and Consultation www.webdogtrainer.com

You can ask Julie any dog-training question!

"Julie had an immediately calming effect on us as dog owners. She can explain the canine perspective and how we as humans can interact with our dog in a positive way, even when disciplining. Julie was super patient with all of our questions and even fielded our email questions after training ended," said Sina and Ed of Fremont, California.

Dog Training Techniques - The Dog Whispering Technique Explained


  • Keep him on a leash at all times!

    He's not going to learn unless you give him boundaries. Keep him on a leash - especially when you're out of town.

  • I think you really need to teach him to "come" on command.

    I go hiking with my dogs and I let them off leash when we are far from any cars. I am able to do this because they come on command.

    He sounds like he is a very smart dog, so he should pick this up quickly. There are a few different ways to do it. Start by tossing a treat a way from you. After he gets the treat, say "come", and treat him again when he comes to you. If he doesn't come, walk over to him, put the treat in his face, say come, and lead him back to where you were standing before you give him the treat. When you are outside with him in your fenced yard, call him "Come" and treat him. When you are walking him on leash, let him in front of you and say "Come", every now and then, treating him each time. You can work on the "stay" command along with the "come" command.

    The other command you are looking is "heel". That's when they come over and sit next to your foot.

  • Your dog seems to think that it is more fun to run away from you.

    This is one training where you will need to be PATIENT and start with him wearing a leash. Call the dog. If he doesn't come never run after him. This only makes him think he can always get away from you. Catch him when he is off guard. Work with him catching him very quickly when you know you are close to him to be able to catch him. Some people throw something beside the dog to scare it. (sometimes something noisy) I have been successful with both. This will make him think that he cannot ever escape you and he will start to just come or stop on his own. But you will have to be consistant with this exercise. Never let him get away.

  • It will take much longer than two weeks to train him to walk without a leash. When you bring him on the trip, keep him on a leash whenever he is outside. And if he bolts out the door when somebody opens it to come in or leave, teach him to sit and stay while you go in and out the door.
    Make sure his collar has ID tags on it when you go on the trip in case he does escape.

  • 1) Check leash laws in the area you live and the area you are going.
    2) Be the Moose in your dog's life.

  • i dnt agree with.. Pit Bully Love .. one of our dogs, a 7 yr old collie can go with out a leash (we adopted her a few months ago and she did that already) . and my aunt has her 3 yr old dog(she adopter the dog at the age of 2) that can go with out a leash, tho she had to teach her.. tho i cnt remeber how she did.. sorry... ut u may have to wait more then a couple weeks to get him trained.. to really trust that he'll listen..

  • First off, does he walk well on leash? If so, then the transition to off leash should be easier.

    Put him on a leash, but don't hold the leash in your hand like normal. Instead, drape the leash from the dog, around the back of your neck and down the opposite side. This way, as you are walking, your hands will swing free naturally at your side, and the dog will assume he is off leash. (make sure when you drape the leash that there is enough slack so that clasp on the leash is hanging towards the floor.

    If the dog wanders from your side, give a tug on the leash and tell him to heel, and bring him back to where he should be. Every time he veers off, bring him back.However, this may or may not help with him. You say he's "escaping" - when you are walking or is this an escape outside the door or the fence? He needs to know a good recall, a come on command.

    With the dog on leash, allow the dog to roam at the end of the leash. When he is distracted, call his name and the command "come", and pull him in to you. As he is coming in, lots of praise - make him glad he is coming to you. Never let the dog outside without a leash unless he is coming to you every time you call him.

    When he responds to the come command on a short leash, put him on a longer line, a flexi lead, some sort of line where he can get 10 feet or so away from you. Again, call him, only one time. If he does not come to you, literally reel him in - don't allow him to not respond to your come commmand.

    This will help in getting the dog to respond to you when they are loose and get away from you.

  • Why can't you keep him on-leash? It's safer, and it's illegal to have your dog off leash in some areas.

  • you can't & certainly not in a couple weeks. why has it take you 6 years to teach him anything?

    there is no such thing as a boundry trained dog that you can guarantee & it only takes one mistake for the dog to be dead.

    he already takes off every chance he gets, why would you think he would do any differently if you were trying to train him?

    keep him safe & don't let him get out or off leash anywhere

  • It takes a long time to train a dog with a solid recall. You need to work with the dog around distractions, and if you're out somewhere new, the dog may find the distractions more enticing then you.

    But start with the name game and targeting. You'll find info about both at this site. It's written up for fearful dogs but applies to all dogs.

    www.fearfuldogs.com/targeting.html
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Monday, September 10, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Signs of a dog(lab/german shepard) going in to labor.?

Okay so first off I did not breed this dog. I got her from a rescue case. They could not place her and were going to destroy her. When I got her I had no clue she was pregnant. As for the puppies I have arranged for all of them to be sent to service dog training programs to help handicapped people. And I am going to spay the mother when the time comes. And she will be staying with me and my very large family of dogs( I have 10 all rescues). Please help with your knowledge. And please no jabs about how I shouldn't be breeding and that I'm adding to the homeless dogs in shelters and what not. I help find homeless dogs homes. I am going to find them all great homes where they can help people. I really would like to be better off prepared for the birth. To help her out any way possible.

Dog Training Aids - Get The Right Tools For The Job



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first of all i think its wonderful that your going have them trained to be service dogs.. well my dog has had 3 litters, when she was getting ready to have them she would want to go outside every 5 minutes, (but if u let her out watch her because she might pop one out while peeing) and then she would start panting, stay by my side also she would start nesting and walking back and forth, when she starts having them then she will lick her self then she will lay down and start pushing. when the pup is almost out then she will pull her pup out the whole way and clean it up but you got to watch her the whole time. because she might have them to fast and wont be able to break the sack in time and you might have to help pull her pup out because sum times its to hard for them and it can take up to 2-4 hours for each pup to be born and after the birth you might need to give her water by hand because she wont want to leave her pups.

p.s after having her puppy's she might have at least one more in there that started fertilizing to late in the pregnancy, but if she does it will pop out in 2 or 3 days after all the others are born and it will come out dead it is called "still birth".
hope this helps

p.s again.. the first time my dog gave birth she had 1 pup, the second time she had 10, the third and final time was 4 and that was December 5th 2008 and they were pitbull puppy's.
so i don't know if it is different for each breed on how much puppy's they will have

Is Your Dog Training You?


  • Pacing, whining, going in and out of the nesting area, rearranging in. Good luck

  • She will tell you, she will park herself near you if you are her person. Panting most of all is the sign but it could be 1 hour or 12 hours before pups. Good for you for helping her. I was Dula for my dog, helped her push against my hand with her back leg. If any are not breathing at birth you can hold them head down and swing them with full soft arm swing. If any bleed at cord cut, you can twist off with dental floss and keep away from mom licking for an hour or two. Mom needs PEDIALIGHT. Its a kids drink for dehydration mix 50% with water for during labor and two days after to assist mom with hard work. My mom dog had to be pryed away from pups n first 48 hours to go pee outside she was so anxious to leave them. Best wishes to you and new mom dog and all the new baby dogs. Read them the Dr Seuss book, Go Dog, Go!

  • First, make her a comfortable spot that is out of the way (like an open closet or build an open top box that she can get in and out of, blankets or a big dog pillow for her to lay on is good. When she is in this spot, advise everyone to leave her alone,,,this is her comfort zone and where she will go to have the pups if she feels safe.
    Labor. when she starts panting hard, circling around the house or digging and hiding in closets or blankets she is starting labor, She will also lick herself a lot to stimulate the birth. Pick up all food and leave only fresh water close to her at that time. Stay calm and keep her calm.

  • hi, you dog will become very uncomfortable and possable not moving around much, she will shake and pant when she is near, but it has been hot so she will feel even hotter because of her condition. I expect by now you have a whelping box already for her and you have already settle her into it, she will need a quiet room, pups will need some blankets, an old towel will be excellent for you to dry and rub pups before mum feeds them. You will need a pair of sissors to cut the cord, most girls will cut/bite there open but not all will. You may have to open the sac your self and clear the airway and rub pups until the breath. Some pups are born head first and a few feet first. Mum will need more food after she has had pups and she will need a drink as it is thirtsy work!

    Pups will need worming around day 14 and will need to start on solid food around week 31/2 - 4 weeks. Eyes open around 14 days. You may have to put pups on mum to feed for a while as they cant see or hear mum only smell.
    Dont let other dogs near her, because she may turn her own pups away. Don't worry to much if you loss a pup it is very common, even though they seem healthy. I no its really not nice, and no one wants to loss one but natures way of saying there is a problem with him/her.
    I wish you all the luck.

    http://dog-pregnancy.com/top-5-symptoms-…Gooooodluck..
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Monday, August 27, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Do you think I'm ready for a dog?

I'm 13, and I have wanted a dog since I was tiny. But recently I've got much more serious about it, and I want it SO badly, but I now understand that a dog is a big commitment and I need to be responsible about it.
I've done a lot of research into dog training, breeds and care, so I really know my stuff. But I know it's very different to read about something than experience it, I just thought being knowledgeable would help.
My mum and dad are still saying no, and it makes me so upset because I feel I can handle a dog and I know I'd look after it. A dog would mean 2 much 2 me and i would never neglect it.
Please tell me if you think I really could handle a puppy (if not, how can I change) and if you do believe me, how can I convince my parents?

Thank you!! :D

from Beccy xx

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



Recommended Answer:
puppys take a lot of work, and alot of knowlege in training one. Your only 13 right now and soon enough you will be busy with your friends and social life that your not going to have time to take care of it. I would really reconsider until all of your family is on board with having one, because it's alot harder then it looks!

Dog Training Collars


  • If your parents say no than there must be a reason that they dont want u to get one. Have you asked them why you couldnt get one

  • You seem mature and responsible, but are you sure that you won't just become bored with a dog after a couple of months? You're right: it is alot of work. You have to feed and water a dog twice a day, clean it's cage or let it out frequently, give it plenty of TLC, and have a way to pay for it's vet bills.
    Another idea for you might be to see if your parents would let you take on a smaller animal, such as a fish or a hamster, to prove that you have responsibility. That might seem childish, but it is a step closer to getting a dog!
    Communication=trust ... Talk to your parents and let them know how much getting a dog would mean to you. If you like the hamster idea, bring that up too and see what they have to say.
    Good Luck and God Bless

  • I'm about your age, (can't say exactly or I'll get in trouble) and I had that EXACT same problem. my mom said no for years, then the one thing that worked was when i raised the money all on my own. I also promised to take complete care of it and she let me get one. I think you are ready! Just keep trying and never give up!!!!!!

  • well i really hope you know that having one is a big responsibility! you need to feed it, bathe it, walk it, play with it, train it, etc.

    it can be alot of work, and im not sure if you would have the time, since you will be in school 5 days a week. who will take care of him in the mean time. if you get a dog, from a shelter, that is already potty trained, etc.. then yes it will probably be easier on you, but you have to make sure u give it lots of love! im not sure how to convince your parents, alls i know, is when i wanted my first pup, i just begged my parents, until one day we went and looked at some pups, and i got one. good luck.

  • My hubby and I have four dogs... while I'm sure you would be able to handle remembering to feed a dog and walk it, what you're forgetting is that dogs are expensive to own. Even if you got a free mutt from an animal shelter, vet bills can be very costly.

    If your dog gets hurt or sick, you need to take it to a vet in addition to taking it for regular check-ups and stuff.

    So maybe if you got a part time job to pay for this stuff, your parents would be more willing to reconsider.

    Also, puppies will piss and poop all over your parents' house until it is house-trained.

    Dogs can cause property damage, they chew and dig and get into everything they shouldn't!

    That said, I couldn't imagine life without dogs, I love them so much! But you may have to wait until you move out if your parents are dead set against it.

    They might be more willing to consider a cat....

  • Well, I myself have two dogs owned by my family: a Saint Bernard and a mutt. However, we have 10 acres, which is more than enough room for them to run around. If you live in an apartment in the city, then I would say that you should have a cat or a very small dog- a Saint Bernard would not work! If you live in the suburbs, sure! There is probably enough room to give it daily walks, right? I would suggest small dogs, lap dogs, like a poodle or a pug. Talk to your parents about it, and present the reasons why you should have a dog: it would teach you more responsibility, it would provide you with another friend, and if you get a small dog from the pound, you would be saving its life! Make sure you tell them that you will take care of it. If worse comes to worst, you can show them this!

  • YES! when i got my dog at about 12.. i did some research to make sure i was geting the correct dog. Now my dog is smaller then other dogs. Maybe talk to your parents about a smaller no shedding dog. I have a King Charles Cavalier Bichon Frise. He is the best dog a person can ask for! he is the BEST with kids, hardly ever barks, was VERRY easy to trane! i could go on forever
    http://www.pets4you.com/pages/images/cav…
    that a picture like him i found on the internet
    email if u have any Q's or other great dogs that do shed like a LAB great dogs!
    guitardancingrl@yahoo.com

  • Beccy- i think you should start off with a small animal like a mouse and see that a small mouse takes a lot of work. I also agree that you are at the age where you want to hang out with your friends and will not have time for a dog because pets do it old and boring at times... also, most likely do not have a job to pay for the vet visits, food and toys for a dog. In time you should be ready for a dog.

  • hey there beccy!!
    im 13 and i had the exact promlem. i had never had a dog before so i begged and begged my parents! they kept saying nonono! i finally disided............i will show them! im going to show them i can be responsable! so i did! i did extra chores and started a puppy fund so all the money i got i would put in there to go towards the purchuse of the puppy. then after a few weeks of doing constant chores i sat down and said mom dad i think im responsable enough to take on a responsability! maybe a dog? see what they say. dont say I PROMISE I WILL TAKE CARE OF IT I WILL FEED IT EVERYDAY ETC. cuz they think that you are just saying that to convince them. see what they say. if they say no continue showing you are responsable. i think you are ready to take on such a responsability! so good luck,do your reserch on the dog you want to get and save save save!

  • You sound very mature but, I would volunteer at the Humane Society for awhile and get some first-hand experience and it might be a way to prove yourself to your parents. However not all people are doggy, and you just might have to accept the fact that your parents just don't want to fool with a dog, my father was that way! Good luck to you!!!

  • Hey, I'm 12 my, parents said no, (at first), my parents then supprised me on xmas, and we're doing great! I wanted a dog since I was tiny also, but here is how I convinced my parents:

    Start volunteering to take care of dogs, in other words show them that you can be responsible for a dog!

    Best of luck!!
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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

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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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dog training tips (excitement when off leash)?

so I would love to have other dog owners come over to have doggie play dates, but my dog Bear does not listen to me under exciting circumstances. he knows the basics, sit, stay, leave it, all with treats and when nobody or dogs are around. if he is off-leash, forget it! i cannot control him running around, especially with other dogs. he gets this "freedom" and goes nutty and misbehaves (stealing things, sprinting circles, nipping calves, etc) it is not aggression, but if i needed him to come or calm down, he will not listen. help me so we can socialize and have people/dogs over! he is 1 so still a puppy, but how can i control him?

Dog Training Leads And How To Start Dog Training Products Business?



Recommended Answer:
you could try practicing recall in low distraction areas and slowly move to practicing when there are more distractions ... a dog that will not come when called when there are distractions should probably not be let off leash yet for safety reasons ... every time he gets the "freedom" it is just reinforcing the behaviour you do not want ... he is young still so just work on the recall ... another good thing is getting them to sit for everything ... sit is a command most dogs can learn quickly and you can get the dog to sit in lots of different situations such as to get the leash put on, before the food is put down, before you cross streets, you get the idea ... and treats are great, just don't reward every single time with a treat, especially if they already know what you are asking ... sometimes you say sit and the dog just looks at you, well if you just look right back as if to say to the dog, sit or else, and with patience they will usually sit with no treat needed ... he sounds like an exuberant happy dog and just needs a little training, they all do at that age :O)

Dog Training Hand Signal - Train Your Dog To Sit With Only Showing Your Hand


  • You need to start doing on leash distraction training first. This means expecting him to behave properly with other dogs around. Taking him through a good quality group obedience class will help. Then take those basics home and use them. I'm always amazed at the people who train their dogs very well in training class but don't use those techniques at home. Instead of letting the dogs have a free for all at your house, have everyone do a bit of training first. Some simple recalls, stays, and walk nice on leash will be enough to take the edge off of everyone. Play time can be done after training time.

  • funny.

    my dog acts right off the leash. when on it, he wants to put up a fight.
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Sunday, April 1, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dog training shock collar?

is a shock collar they sell at pets mart cool to train my dog with its says humaine do they work

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



Recommended Answer:
Okay, I have to address Patient Paws answer about putting an electric collar around a child's neck. DOGS AREN'T CHILDREN. Would you put a flat collar and a leash on a kid and walk the child around the neighborhood, would you put a child in a crate?
Nothing bothers me more than saying something is cruel because we wouldn't do it on people. Human mothers also don't BITE their kids to correct them, dog mothers DO! Dogs are very different than us, we can speak to kids and reason with them, you can't sit a dog down and explain to them why they need to stay out of the street.

I don't believe in shocking a dog for every little thing, nor do I believe in using a higher setting than absolutely necessary but I WOULD use it on my dog even if I would never put it on a child. I also wouldn't spray a child with water to correct it or shake a can of pennies. Does that mean sound aversion training is cruel because you wouldn't do it with children? That is comparing apples and oranges. I have used a shock collar on myself and on the lower levels it is a vibration that is far from painful. Dogs have very strong necks and a stimulation from a shock collar is not painful, when done correctly, it's just surprising to get their attention. It's not any different than spraying your dog with water or using a loud sound to teach it not to do something.
Now, just strapping a collar on a dog and shocking the crap out of it to the point of pain IS cruel, but ANY training tool can be used cruelly just as any training tool can be used humanely. It's the person using it, not the tool that makes it cruel.

Effective Dog Training Tips


  • oh plz dont !!! i h8 those collar things they're so cruel! i use a water gun on my puppie.

  • It really depends on what type of training you are trying to accomplish. My training club uses them for advanced off-leash obedience training, under the coaching of our master trainer. This is ONLY after Novice and Intermediate courses have been completed.

    Have you considered signing up for Novice 1 classes, to learn how to train your dog with a regular leash and training collar?

  • Nope.

    These should only be used as an absolute last resort when its either that or death for the dog.

    They should only be used by experienced people. You can quickly ruin a dog, or cause behavioral issues misusing these tools.

    Enroll in an obedience class instead.

  • HOW is shocking a dog-- a humane thing to do. Use positive reinforcement techniques.

  • i would recommend a remote control citronella collar. that way you actually train your dog, not shock the crap out of them without warning.

  • This is what the United States Humane Society has to say about how "humane" those shock collars are:
    http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publicatio…

  • Listen up.................... NEVER USE A SHOCK COLLOR, its a form of abuse, think about it, would you want to be shocked when werer learning to be potty, and every time you went you dipper, you were shocked? The best way to train a dog is with positives, such as treats, and praises, that's all that dogs want relly from you when they do a good job. So again never use a shock collor.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • no. they make the dog be afraid of u! shock collars are NEVER a good idea...so get invisable fencing... yes it shocks the dog a little but since they get shocked 1 or twice they learn not to go to far..as for regular training use a squirt bottle and everytime ur dog does something wrong spray her.. hope this helps!

  • Don't use it! Please! That's a cruel way to train your dog! There are other, more nicer ways to train dogs!

  • you can use it at a last resort but just put it on a low level so it doesn' kill you dog! ;)

  • It depends on what you want to train your dog to do, or not to do.. and it depends on your dog, and it depends on whether or not you are going to take the time to learn how to use the collar properly.. Depends ..

    Shock collars do NOT kill dogs.. That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard so far today.. Yeah I just got here, but still.. it's insane to even suggest that.

  • With proper supervision of a professional trainer, a shock collar can be a valuable training tool.

  • Its kind of mean...don't you think? You should be able to train with just a spray bottle a leash and some dog biscuits. Those shock collars are mean...how would you feel if you were your dog?

  • please don't use one of these as ive heard of dogs dying from such use. If you really want to train your dog without expensive lessons try things such as compressed air a whistle or chicken. Trust me these method are much friendlier and safer for you dog.

  • Honestly I don't like them however they do work say if you have an animal that constantly wants to run out the door taking off but just for fundamental training I'd say no...my sister received a dog that had been trained on one of these and she's very mean due to the shock collar...my sister is just now trying to get her out of this habit but it's a hard one to break...so it's humane however please don't because it could have adverse effects...try a water bottle or a newspaper...but it's up to you and it depends what you're trying to train the dog for

  • An electronic, like other training tools, can be an effective training tool- if used appropriately- and for the right reasons. But, you have to know what you're doing in order to use it. Just buying one and slapping it on your dog won't solve your problems.

    If you have a training issue, I would suggest finding an experienced trainer in your area and discuss the problem with them.

  • Hello Sunshine has it right.

    You shouldn't use a shock collar if you're trying basic obedience. (Sit, stay, come, lay, etc). If you need a shock collar to train your dog on basics, go to a professional trainer (petsmart, dogbounce, etc) and have them train your dog.

    Depending on the dog, a shock may make them fearful of collars and leashes, owners voices, and can make them aggressive too.

    I don't like them, personally. I trained all of my dogs without the aid of any type of corrective aid (chokes, prongs, shocks, etc).

    And here is a question to you if you think its humane: Would you wrap it around a childs' neck and press the button?Many people disagree with them, many agree with them. I don't like them because I personally wouldn't want it used on myself, and I'm pretty sure my dogs wouldn't either. I prefer my hot dogs on a bun, not on my leash.

  • My friend used one of those once and some of the puppies fur came off. I think it's really cruel to use but if you want to go ahead.

  • It's so humane it's forbidden in several countries, mine included. We train our dogs without shock-collars, prong collars (also illegal here unless the prongs are below a certain size), alpha rolls etc. and the dogs are turning out just fine.

    If you decide to get a shock-collar then make sure your dog is old enough to wear one, that the problems you want to address can be corrected with a shock-collar and have an experienced trainer show you how to use it. Don't just buy one and start zapping your dog.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dog training... help me!?

I have been trying to teach my dog to speak, but he's mostly a quiet dog and doesn't bark that much. When I try to teach him he doesn't seem to get it and doesn't make a sound, how can i teach him to speak?

Dog Training Tips For Hard-To-Train Dogs



Recommended Answer:
It's hard to teach a dog to speak when he hasn't discovered his voice yet. Try saying 'speak' and then making howling sounds and repeating this with your dog. Sometimes dogs get excited by this and join in. If you're able to get your dog to 'sing along' with you he'll soon connect the command 'speak' with barking. Although he's usually quiet, when he does bark, say 'speak' so that he connects his voice with the command.

Good luck!

Hunting Dog Supplies Can Help Ensure Proper Dog Training and a Successful Hunt


  • there are a few ways, you can try to get your dog very excited with a toy or a treat, if he even makes a sound say "Yes" and reward the sound will become a growl then a bark, then start to add a hand signal and command evey time, to get him to do it on command.

  • speak is a tough command esspecially if the dog does not bark. Many people teach speak as a way to control barking. You may want to try a different trick as speaking is not something the dog does readlilly
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Friday, January 6, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Question. Watchim command...?

I have a 2 year old GSD, which I have been training since he was about 3 month old. He is very obedient, and He knows the command. The problem is, that he wont do it like clock work, like every other command he knows. He only barks on command when he wants to, and will not do it towards anyone. When he does it, his bark is ferocious. I have tried all of my previous training methods, which works wonderfully with all other commands. Any tips or insight would be appreciated. I live in a horrible neighbor hood, and I am somewhat immobile. But, I walk the dog at night, and some people get to close if you know what I mean. I am NOT training him in bitework. I just want him to bark like clockwork. He does this in my yard, but not so well on the leash.

The Ten Best Dog Training Tips



Recommended Answer:
Make sure you always have very delicious treats and treat him immediately when he barks. Little cubes of cheese, bits of hot dog, something he'll really work for. I bet he'll be as quick and consistent as you are in under a week, maybe by the end of the first day, if you ask several times for short periods.

Helpful Tips on Dog Training


  • When your in your home put your dog on his leash and go to a quiet room. Then issue the command once and only once, if he does not do it let him know that is not what you want using the methods you used in the past. After a five second pause try again always saying the command once. The second he does the command properly reward him. Do this for about fifteen minutes a day. After he is continually doing it in the house start introducing new distractions or even trying in the yard still on the leash. After consistently doing it on the leash outside progress it to whatever other conditions you want. Just do it in small steps. Good luck.

  • When I walk my dog, I take treats with me and have it ready in my hand for when I want her to do what I tell her. Usually, I don't need it, but I certainly get a quicker response when she knows I have a treat.
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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Dog Health Questions: Any good dog training schools?

I want to get into a school to learn how to train dogs for a living but I am having trouble finding any info.

Can you help?

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



Recommended Answer:
If you're talking about colleges, i don;t think that any have a program for dog training.

If you are more just talking about a training place, just find a local dog academy, or school. Where they teach classes meant ffor just to train your dog but not professionally. They probably will offer some sort of training for new trainers.

If you are talking about college though, because i don';t think there are any, you should just go to college and learn about something else that interests you. Just for the experience. And then you can train dogs.
~i hope this helps

Dog Training - Advantages of Clicker Training


  • http://www.wonderdogs.bc.ca/training/index.html This site is one i have been looking at for a while and although I can't go right now i believe it is in my future
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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Dog Health Questions: WHAT IS THE BEST DOG TRAINING/CARE DVD?

Hi can someone tell me the best dog training/care dvd that could cover housebreaking, potty training, commands, walking,etc., that it could also work with a 3 month old puppy and 5 year old dog, and you have actually used it n it worked perfectly well for you?

Abused Dog Training - How to Train an Abused Dog



Recommended Answer:
Hi JesusFreakk,
I recommend My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD)
Great guide for training a dog of any age. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446578…

Dog Behavior Training - Dog Training to Correct Behavior Problems


  • Several months ago I looked at all the options myself, as I had a problem with my dog. I could not afford professional dog training sessions and dog classes, I read can sometimes distract dogs from the task in hand. I looked at what was available in the form of dog training videos/books - beware of ebooks that are not written by a professional dog trainer! I looked at Leerburg who one of the answers above refers to - he uses electric dog collars (that he advocates you buy from him!) as part of his training methods, which I know are not necessary to train your dog. I wanted a non-cruel method of training my dogs. I quite liked the idea of dog training videos, especially as you can replay them and watch them as a family if other people need to learn too. In the end I bought a book by Cesar Milan and a dog training DVD course by professional dog trainer Andrew Chastney. I got 21 videos (downloaded), an ebook and 5 hrs of audio which was the whole book. It covered everything from puppy training, potty training right through to specific dog obedience problems. I get newsletters regularly with advice about dog care and I can email Andrew any time with a query which he answers personally. The dog training DVD course is easy to understand as Andrew uses really simple methods - (neither was he pushing me to buy any expensive equipment). I found a review about this course on a proper dog web site supplying dog life jackets and safety information. I can thoroughly recommend this course from personal experience with my dog. My dog loved the training by the way! I paid about $55 for all this. I've left the site address below for you. The other good solution I considered was all Cesar Milan's DVDs but the cost was too much for me. Good luck.

  • Call your vet and ask them to recommend someone in your area to help you with training. You can't just watch a video, and magically learn everything that took us a lifetime to learn. I am only aware of Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer. Keep in mind your puppy is only 3-months-old, so there are just some things that come with time. I clip a leash on a collar at three-months-old, I don't expect a puppy to be able to cope with walks that young, usually 4 to 5-months-old. Come, sit, stay are around 11-weeks-old. The bladder is not grown until 6-months-old, they are not fully potty trained until 1-year-old. Carrots for teething, puppy teeth come out between 4 and 6-months-old. Keep it real, some things just come with time. Training is all about repeating and practicing. None of us just give a command once and tap the puppy on the head and they are magically trained. We all have to work on it, and repeat and practice things. I don't use the command "no" it confuses puppies. "Know, no" come up in conversation, so it is confusing. I like the command "shame" and remember to praise good behavior. When your puppy is done with the walk, make a big fuss. Ask someone in your area to help you with training.

  • dog training yard with a trainer.

  • To the losers who are saying a 'real trainer' is better,well guess what,MAYBE some of us don't have the $6,000 to do it with,have you ever thought of that??Pfft....you rich people are hilarious.

  • A dvd's a poor sub for real trainer

  • leerburg.com
    or
    http://www.koehlerdogtraining.com/

  • dogtraining.com...on the web free
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Saturday, October 15, 2011

Dog Health Questions: I Need a Dog Training Company Name?

Need a unique name for a dog training company. Looking for a title that seems friendly and also sounds like its a knowledgeable company. Thanks

4 Tips To Be Succesful In Dog Training Biting



Recommended Answer:
Trained Pets, Make Happy Pets

This is a great article about - How to Select a Company or Product Name - http://www.developer-resource.com/how-to…

The article has some good advice on how to research names, and what to becareful of.

Here are some tips on selecting a domain name http://www.small-business-software.net/c…

Should get you started!
Best of luck

Passive and Active Dog Training Techniques


  • dOGGIE bE gOOD IS COOL!

  • K-9 College, Give Me Your Paw, The Smart Pooch. Doggy Haven, Hot Dawgs

  • How about Doggy Be Good?
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Monday, September 19, 2011

Dog Health Questions: How do I go about training and certifying a dog to be a therapy dog?

Hopefully in the near future, my fiance and I are looking to get a puppy and I have always wanted to be able to go into hospitals, especially childrens hospitals, with my dog and give those kids a better experience.

We're looking to get a Lab, Boxer, or German Shep. (Unless something else comes across out paths.) We live in SE Wisconsin, right around Milwaukee.

So basically, I'm looking for any and all information I can get about therapy dog training and certification.

Do a Good Job of Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
Therapy dogs are not certified. They are tested, registered, and insured to go with its owner to visit facilities like hospitals and nursing homes to cheer up patients. Note that like other pets, therapy dogs are only permitted where they are invited. You still have to have permission from the hospital to visit, so it pays to check with the facilities you would like to visit and see what they require. Some will only accept therapy dogs registered with a specific organization.

The top three therapy dog organizations in the U.S. are:
Delta Society http://www.deltasociety.org
Therapy Dogs International http://tdi-dog.org
Therapy Dogs Incorporated http://therapydogs.com

Each has it's own test and registration requirements, and each provides liability insurance for its members.

Therapy dog registration is based primarily on temperament. The obedience requirements are minor: walk on a loose leash, sit, down, and come when called all on a plain buckle collar are about it. For most well-behaved pets, an eight week course would be sufficient to prepare for a therapy dog test.

You can use the sites listed above to look for clubs, classes, evaluators and tests near you. If you are unable to locate a class nearby, you could try Delta's home study course.

The Worth of Dog Training


  • Visit a couple of the therapy dog websites.

    Here are a couple of United States based groups.

    Therapy Dogs International (TDI)

    Love on a Leash

    Delta Society

    Therapy work is very rewarding.

    Some hospitals have restrictions on breeds. I visit a major trauma center near Los Angeles, CA.
    They DO NOT allow Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers of Dobermans, no matter what.

    That is the only facility I have visited so far that had those restrictions.

    Your dog will need to be able to get his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) as well as some additional requirements from the threapy groups.

    My dogs are certified through TDI, who seem to be a little more costly with their membership fees and yearly veterinary tests.
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