I'm not completely sure where I should actually ask this, but I don't exactly know where else to ask.
My dogs aren't out of control most of the time, but I know that they are much more out of control whenever I'm not around. My parents I know don't understand how to control them, especially with my older dog who is a miniature dachshund. My mom gives him whatever he wants, usually whenever he wants it (being let up on the couch/bed, etc.).
Feeding is also an issue, as the dog needs a special type from Science Diet, which my father continuously argues is just as good as Beneful from the supermarket where he gets our food as well. He is a public defense lawyer, and it is hard to change his opinion on anything. He thinks that the Science Diet is just a much more expensive version of the Beneful, which I know not to be true, and he won't even go to our veterinarian to talk with him since out vet was the original person who suggested we feed that to him.
My dad also does not understand the concept of feeding the dogs the right way, and it shows in the dachshund. He's fat again now, and when we had him on the Science Diet and the right amount of food twice a day, he looked like a dog should look. But that changes, and, due to his weight, our dachshund has already had to have an expensive back surgery that we were lucky enough to get out of paying for the rehabilitation afterward, but I know that if it happens again my parents will have to pay for everything when they're already tight on money.
Another issue is that they bark, a lot, especially when the door is being opened by anyone. I've tried keeping their attention with treats, but that doesn't work. The dachshund is a guarding breed, I know, but I believe he has taught our other dog, a small labradoodle, to bark as well. I think this is true because usually in the car, when the dachshund is there they bark at any person they see. However, when I only drive with the labradoodle, he acts just fine.
One thing I would especially like to teach the dogs is not to roughhouse on my mom's bed. Leaving them on the floor or out in kennels for the night won't work, as my father needs what little sleep he already gets, and he has an anger problem when he doesn't get that sleep, and I don't want him to end up hitting the dogs for crying all night. We tried the kenneling once and my dad can't handle it.One big problem that I've been trying to tell my parents how to fix is begging. The dogs don't whine or anything, but they don't stop staring at my parents when they have food. Most often than not, my dad feeds them scraps from his plate before he's done eating, and says it doesn't hurt anything when he does.
I want to say I know how to teach my dogs, but I can't be the one teaching them. My parents have to do their part in teaching them. I'm sure that if I somehow got a professional dog trainer to come in and tell my parents how to train the dogs, they'll do it, but they never listen to me. I'm going to college soon, and even though I'll be living in our basement I won't have much time at all to keep nagging my parents about training the dogs so that they can behave better, and so that my dad will buy the right food and feed the dogs right. I don't really know what to do about all this.
Importance of Dog Training Videos
Recommended Answer:You don't have to write a novel. Keep your questions short and sweet and more people will reply.
You don't know as much about dogs as you think. Science Diet is a HORRIBLE food. Beneful is also horrible. They are completely corn based and that is so bad for your dog. It also gives your dog excess energy. Corn is digested directly into sugar and that leads to frustrated energy. Frustrated energy can cause excessive barking.
The barking means the dogs are not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.
You need to look into crate training. They will cry for a little while so get your dad some earplugs.
They beg because they get food. Giving people food to your dogs needs to stop now. Stop cold turkey. When the dogs beg they should get one "no" and if they continue to beg then you need to remove them from the room. They should get a time out.
Training only works if everyone in the house is prepared to do it. Talk to your parents about maybe going to an obedience course as a family. Find a positive reinforcement trainer and they will be able to help you with everything you talked about.
The Basics Of Dog Training, Teach Them To Your Dog Before It's Too Late
- Not going to read, way too long.
- I hate to agree with your parents, however in some respects I do. Vets recommend Hills Science Diet, because they get a kick back from the manufacturers. Vets in the UK and possibly in other parts of the world do not sell other brands because they do not make enough profit and the majority of vets are more concerned with profits than our dog's welfare.
The Science Diet contains grain and the experts have now found that some dogs have a problem digesting grain. Dog get skin problems, impacted anal glands, diarrhoea and other health problems if they cannot cope with grain. I cannot comment on Beneful, however if it is grain free it is healthier than the Science Diet.
As you know dachshunds often suffer from disk problems and I realise that an overweight dog will have more problems.
Dogs are not automatons and even if you had full control, I doubt that they would ever behave perfectly.
You are obviously young and you have an Xbox360? You also have your own car or the use of one which is provided by your parents. Your parents also pay for the dog food.
Feeding dogs scraps does not have a detrimental effect on their digestive system, however it does make them think that they are supreme. I give my dogs my leftovers in their own dish after I have had my meal.
When you go to college and move into the basement, you can resolve the problem of your dogs roughhousing your mothers bed, the dogs could sleep in the basement with you.
Some college students don't have anyone to look after their dogs and you have parents who will do this. Your nagging has been unproductive and you have parents who love your dogs. In your absence and in the past, you have been unable to dictate to your parents and they do care about your dogs.
To summerise. I think that you will be living rent free in your parents basement. and they pay for your dogs food. Your parents have always looked after your dogs when you are at school and when you were socialising. In addition to this they will love and cherish your dogs when you get a job.
You have use of a car and other benifits that your parents have provided and you are concerned that you may not have time to keep nagging them.
So what if they beg and bark. You have been at school and your dogs have had love and companionship. Without your parents they would have been miserable and lonely in your absence. Stop nagging and appreciate the fact that you have parents who care for your dogs and the benifits that they provide for you.
- Get them a book they can pick up and read over when the dogs get naughty
try Amazon this one -
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Training-Advice-Tips-Essential/dp/1453637400
- Ahhh, irritating. I can understand your frustration. My advice would be to get the professional dog trainer in your area to come to your house, like you mentioned. I know the local animal behaviorist here has shed a TON of light on the realities of animal behavior, and that the whole dominance aspect is thrown around way too much (and has also been scientifically proven as detrimental to the dog's behavior). However, she also makes sure that positive reinforcement is used right. Because there IS a science to it. You don't want to end up having to bribe your dogs every time you want them to do something. So my advice would be to find a well respected non-force based trainer in your area.
As far as the food goes....scraps are bad. Any old food at the super market- bad. Science Diet is not that great either, even though it is recommended by vets. Just take a look at the ingredients on the bag. It is filled with by-products and unnecessary additives. My advice would be to take a look at the organic foods at a specialty store- a food like Natural Balance or Wellness, two popular brands that come to mind.
