Dog Health Questions: Do you need a license to train basic dog obedience...?

Do you need a license to train basic dog obedience skills in Utah? I'm 14 and I love, i mean I absolutely LOVE, to work with dogs and train them.
Thing is, I want to earn money to adopt this dog, she herself is free but my parents don't have the money but say if they did we would take her in. I need a way to earn money and dog training popped into my head at once.
The only problem is:
Do I need a license to teach basic dog obedience?
If so how do I get one?
If not, do you have any business names?
I need something along the lines of... Well anything that goes with training dogs. I want it to be some thing that will catch their eyes though, not just "anna's dog obedience classes..."
I'm going to do one on one training with the dog also, so...
If you think I should not do this or I am legally, to young to achieve this, what else could I do?
I can't walk dogs because everyone around here just lets their dogs roam loose anyways so it would make no difference.
THANK YOU =)
~~

7 Types of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
How many dogs have you trained? Have you handled an aggressive dog? There is an association called North American Professional Dog Trainer or something like that, but I think your age is against you.

I'd get my foot in the door by contacting your local obedience school and see what the requirements are for being an assistant trainer in either puppy class or novice. But I think your legal guardian would have to be on the premises as well.

Walking dogs when there are distractions (such as loose dogs) is part of being a dog walker, and also being a trainer. How would you handle a dog coming after the one you are walking?

Isn't the Best Friends (DogTown) shelter located in Utah? Try contacting them and see what they say.

Show Dog Training

• You need to decide whether you want to start a business, or just make some money. You could simply advertise yourself on billboards, etc, like people do for, say--Piano Lessons.
  
  There are many ways to license yourself as a trainer, but you're too young.
  
  I wouldn't "name" your business, since you don't have a business license.
  
  Just remember to think small, and start small, so you don't get overwhelmed.
  
  Technically, I think selling lemonade is illegal...


• Try houskeeping instead, I know you don't get to work with doggies and such, but it brings in money and it's at a higher demand.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Training dogs = humanizing them?

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

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

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

What To Look For In Dog Training Ebooks

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

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

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

The Importance of Dog Training

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog section: which ones?

OK
So here are a few dog-related careers I'm interested along with dog training (my main career goal)

*Dog grooming
*Doggy day-care
*Work @ or own a bully breed rescue
*any other choices you can think of (other than vet or vet tech)

Which one(s) would go better/pay more?

I need to make a good enough amount of money to show and possibly breed great danes in the future
As well as pay for a lot of meds (im on a lot of expensive meds :-/)

With dog training... ill do obedience, agility, and protection dog training (any other suggestions? Which will be more rewarding?)

Thanks guys!!

Just in case:
What kinds of services do you use with your dog(s)?
Training, grooming, day care etc...

Which One of These Four Dog Training Mistakes are You Making?

Recommended Answer:
1--your own grooming shop would be very good.....your the boss

2--showing and handling your own show dogs, you dont get paid for that, but you can later once the dog has titled, you can make money on stud fees or pups, at least some do....but you have to be very careful or you will be called a Puppy Mill or BYB, so really to just show and handle your own dogs, no money, but sure is alot of pleaaure and fun to boot.

3--handling and showing others dogs is a good living, but your gonna have to prove yourself in the ring and to the owners, they wants winners and they pay very nicely to a handler that can take a dog to the winners ring...

4--your own dog rescue, it wont pay you either, you are rescuing the dogs to replace in homes, at your cost, unless you get donations from oeople....I do Akita rescues, I dont rely on anyone and I do not take donations, it is my choice, and I will not charge for doing it..no money in it,,,just the joy in your heart that you saved another dogs life.

5--I would say to own your own grooming shop would make you more money, just be sure when and if you hire groomers they are all certified all breed groomers and test them on a dog and see if they can do what they say they can do....dont hire someone untested....

good luck

I still think you would make a great vet and you would love it.

and large animal vets are in great need up North, the Horse and Cattle country........Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Utah....they are in demand in these areas.

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

• well i personally want to be a vet and think that is great job, but you said other than that. so out of your choices i would go with grooming of the day-care. i like the breed rescue idea. that would be great. i'm not sure about pay but with the grooming and day-care many people will pay a boat load of money to see their pet happy so i really think it depends on how good you are.
  are you asking who like trains and grooms my dog? me!=P i have taught her many things.


• An open dog day care!
  It's where you separate the dogs by size and let them roam free in areas rather than having them kenneled. You do need to have dog smart staff though. You could also offer training for an additional cost while they are at the daycare.
  
  Good Luck!
  
  Edit: as for sevices I use... I have always groomed my own dogs. But I did put my pup in a kennel for a few days after the baby was born.


• Before you start raking in the money (seems to be your priority), you need to learn to do your own research and write a correct sentence "good enough money" is not exactly literate.


• I think a dog handler would pay more. If you want to show, you would be at the show anyway and it would help cover some of your expenses. Don't overlook the fact that some of your expenses could be then used as a business expense for tax purposes. We used to be a 2 income family to cover the cost of our dog showing. We showed our own, but if we had used a handler we couldn't have afforded it.


• Then I would suggest getting a job doing something else as well. You won't make much with all the business expenses you'll incur.
  
  But if you want to go to work for someone else, then yes, dog trainer and/or groomer would probably be the way to go.


• Training is a difficult way to make a living...training is the first thing to go when there is an economic downturn.
  
  Owning a rescue will not make you $$... unless you are big enough that you can move a LOT of dogs.
  
  Doggy daycare - you have to have enough steady clientele.
  
  Dog grooming is a decent way to go... although you probably won't get rich doing it.
  
  My daughter says "I want to be a Dr so I can afford my dog habit"... I think THAT is the way to go.
  
  As far as services ~ the one I use the most is a self-wash grooming place. $20 for big hairy dogs (they sometimes argue with me and say my dog is not "big" and want to charge me $18 but I'm usually doing multiple dogs). I go to training classes so my dogs learn to ignore other dogs and NOT for the actual training - but I do go.


• Well the shelter/Rescue thing won't make you any money infact most of that is voluntary and you require donations to keep it going.
  
  I would say dog grooming is pretty good.
  
  From what I understand some places you get base pay plus 50% commission and tips so you make out okay.
  
  I would like to have my own grooming business one day....but I'm not certified yet.
  
  You could work at at Doggy Daycare/boarding facility those are popping up a lot lately.
  
  You could even open one oneday.
  
  You could be a trainer or behaviorist. That would be rewarding
  
  I know you need the money to survive on so I would look into Grooming or becoming a Behaviorist.
  
  And look into doggy daycare and such.Good luck.
  
  You have a big heart


• I too what to have a career involved with animals. For my Personal self, I either want to be a vet, or an animal right activist and work in DC (here this may make some money)
  
  Out of the choices you named, I would say you should open a doggy day care, that also offers grooming. So, you can turn two jobs into one.
  
  A rescue would be a great and rewarding thing, but most are non profit, and you wouldn't make very much money.
  
  Well, Good Luck!

Read More...

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

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

8 Ways to Improve Your Dog Training

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

Dog Training - How to Handle Outdoor Dog Training

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


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


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


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


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

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Has anyone had success with Petco and/or any other dog training classes?

Hello! I am currently seeking a trainer for my psycho daschund mix. I have two other dogs that I took to Petsmart to be trained and it worked out great, but the Petsmart by my new house has given me grief before (let's just say I will never go back there!), so I have turned to Petco. I am willing to do private lessons with a small company or with a person who is certified on their own. Has anyone had success with Petco or any other trainer(s)? I live in Northern Massachusetts (and close to the So. NH border), so anywhere near where I live would be great. Thanks for the input!

Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I have a friend who had a good experience with one of the Pet store training's (I can't remember which one off the top of my head). It didn't work out for my German Shepherd rescue though, and I needed to get him in to see an experienced GSD trainer, and the experience has been a LIFE SAVER!

I live in PA so the trainers name may not help, but he may know someone in your area that would be good--he deals with "special" cases who either have aggression or past abuse issues (and helps them get over their problems).

His name is John Jones and the following is his website: www.JohnJonesCanineTraining.com

He has been a lifesaver, so even giving him a call with questions could help!

Good luck!

Show Dog Training

• I don't know about your PetCo, but my PetCo Classes have been a lifesaver!


• I know that the Petsmart classes really do work. It is not the training the dog but YOU training the dog. Because it also helps build a relationship.


• I took Candi to private obidiance corses she needed the 1on1 attention


• Howdy! Well, I am unaware of how sucessfull the Petco training programs are, but I have had a beagle and a golden retriever, both which we took to "puppy kindergarden" classes. They actually were full of information, whether or not the dog learned anything, you did. Its mostly a class for you that teaches the owners how to properly train a crazy/spazzish puppy/dog. lol


• I know that from experience that Petco works great. They work with you and the dog and teach you simple ways to teach your dog. Good Luck


• Both PetsMart and PetCo use the same type training techniques. You might want to talk to the trainer at PetCo. Talk about your questions and concerns about your dog. Some of the people who train for these outfits are quite good. The have some "dog sense" and are able to teach their techniques quite well to the public. Others aren't so good. Personally, I have done better with trainers who don't train in the petstore setting. The links below have lists of trainers that maybe in your area that help people train their dogs. Good luck and happy training.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Positive reinforcement dog training has failed me. any tips?

I am trying to train my dog to not be a spaz. she is so hyper when she see's new people, and i am trying to keep her off the couch. i have tried for a long 3 month and more. everyone says do the whole positive reinforcement. and i do very strictly. i am very coincident but she just dint get. are they are like whistle i can blow when she does wrong. i don't wanna harm the dog but some ting else to try. my family coming for the holidays i cant have her like this. she has neve been allowed on couch sine we got her at 8 weeks she is 1 year old now. i only play with her on the floor. ( I sit on floor with her)

Dog Training Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
try putting balloons on the couch. just the cheep kind you blow up.

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

• the only good way to do it is positive reinforcement.
  i get all this from victoria stillwell on ITS ME OR THE DOG
  ever watch that show on animal planet? she's a very good dog trainer so here are some tips i learned from her:
  
  1. Hold your dog back until she calms down and give her a treat
  2. priase her when she does something good
  3. when she gets too excited, do not give her ANY attention at all
  4. when she stops barking, give her the attention
  
  trust me it'll work


• it would be hard to train your dog yourself. there are specialists at the pet stores, but if you want to do it yourself, here are a couple tricks i think might work.. not sure though.
  
  if your dog ever jumps on the couch, gently push her off (so you dont hurt her) and associate a word with it, like "no" or "down" or "off"
  and when she gets off, give her a small biscuit
  keep saying the word every time she goes to the couch, and still push her off or restrain her from getting on the couch. you might need a lot of dog biscuits though
  after a while, she should get off the couch whenever you say the word. the same would apply to meeting people i guess.
  
  im not really sure if this will work, but hopefully youll see some improvement soon. good luck


• Try and crate your dog when guests are coming over. Once the guests are in the house and the dog stops being a spaz then you can try and let your dog out. If she goes into spaz mode put her back in the crate until she calms down.
  Getting your dog to stay off the couch. THis will be difficult since you have ingrained a behavior that was acceptable to you. You allowed her on the couch for so long but now you want her to stop. I recommend place training. Get yourself a dog bed or a carpeted door mat. Put you dog on this and call it "Place" Teach your dog to stay on "Place. This will take some time and the dog will learn that this is the "Place" she needs to be.


• How often do you exercise her?
  
  It is very very normal for any puppy to be "hyper." Training doesn't necessarily help to calm a dog down. It helps to keep them focused and to learn. Puppies are naturally active and have tons of energy. Even with training puppies can stay hyper up until 3 years old.
  
  If you are worried about your guest then maybe keeping your dog in another room may be an idea or having her go to a doggy daycare during the day. I'd also try giving her more exercise, longer walks. Give her one before they arrive to get some of the extra energy gone.


• It sounds like you're doing really well! I would try giving her more excerise time and also take her to more socialization times. Keep going with the positive re-enforcement training. Try talking to the trainer you had and express your concerns. If you didn't have one maybe consider taking a class and then you can express concerns and review basic commands.
  
  Keep consistant with your words. You may need to block her off from the family room until your family leaves is she won't settle. What we did was block them off during food and let them out afterwards.
  
  Good luck!

Read More...

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

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

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

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

All ideas and walking advice are appreciated!

How to Understand Your Dog by Using Good a Dog Training Manual

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dog Training And Electronic Shock Collars

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

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: OK, REALLY dreaming here...but what would the ULTIMATE dog training center have?

I found some property in my area, 178 acres for sale, not far from the main city, easy to access, close to the Lake. WISH I had the $$ to buy it. My dream training/show center....
Property TOTALLY fenced in, house for judges to relax/sleep, vet on call with a treatment room, 50 acres set off for RV's/campers with 1/2 acre fenced in area around the site for the dogs to run. Two or more story training center (with crates set into the walls that are heated and A/C'd). A place where you can train your dog from pup classes to Agility, Therapy, SAR, Open, Utility etc..A fully stocked grooming area. A Bed and Breakfast again with crates set into the walls. A doggie day care, complete with pools, slides, shaded areas, lots of fun stuff for them to do

Full kitchen so you can get some GOOD food to eat:) And, of course, someone to pick up the poo!!

So what am I missing in my Ultimate training center?

Dog Training - The Reward Way

Recommended Answer:
A public education room for seminars ranging from "Where to buy a puppy" to "Should I breed Fido?" to "Genetic inheritance patterns for advanced breeders". Education is the key to responsibility!

ADDED: Oh, this is FUN! How aobut a vet for both emergencies and mundane stuff like vaccinations? A spay/neuter clinic? And a groomer?

Dog Training Leash - A Basic Method You Need To Have

• So what am I missing in my Ultimate training center?
  
  A dock for dock jumping and a boat house to store the canoes/boats/doggie life jackets, and retrieving bumpers! And you didn't mention the agility/lure coursing field or the go to ground area. Or the pasture with sheep for herding. Oh, and nice trails (wood chip, packed dirt, or paved) for hiking or perhaps a freight haul for a carting/drafting/sledding/skijoring type activity.
  
  And of course you should have poop garbage cans every 15-30 feet. That way you don't need to hire someone to pick up poop...with a handy poop can always nearby the kind of dog owners you would be hoping to attract wouldn't have any excuse for not picking up their own poop!


• Doggy rehab center with treadmills and exercise pools, and a walking track for folks to walk with their dogs...gotta have a lake and also somewhere for the 2 legged kids to be occupied while mom and/or dad play doggies??
  
  I have my own dream doggie center plans....."some day", ya know?


• Oh yes, you definitely gotta have the sheep thing going on and don't forget ducks and goats! You could have herding clinics and seminars as well as trials with property like that... oh yeah!


• 1. Sheep, ducks, cattle
  2. Indoor swimming pool (for water therapy as well as exercise)
  3. Outdoor pond
  4. Field for pheasants/grouse... and some tunnels for terriers
  5. Big enough ring area to hold breed specialties
  
  Yearly membership with discount for working (co-op?)

Read More...

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

Why or why not?

Dog Training Collars - A Helping Tool

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

5 Effective Tips For Successful Dog Training

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Which do it yourself dog training ebooks are the best?

I want to learn a positive approach to dog training I can do myself.Which do it yourself dog training ebooks are the best?

Dog Training Techniques - Which Ones Work?

Recommended Answer:
In my opinion the best e-book so far that I found on the web regarding dog training is secrets to dog training.

It will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog - this is truly cutting-edge material!

Over 63,997 dog owners worldwide, just like you, have used this unique course to fast-track their dogs learning, while having loads of fun in the process. To see what "Secrets to Dog Training: Stop Dog Behavior Problems!" can do for you, in just 3 easy steps.

http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.c…

Dog Training DVD Review - It's PAWsible!

• The ones from Pet smart or pet co work awesome!


• Clickertraining: The 4 Secrets to Being A Super Trainer by Morten Egtvedt & Cecilie Koeste is fantastic e-book. Fun to read, in depth, great explanations. You also get a couple videos with it as well.
  
  You can find it here http://dogtrainingbyjess.web.officelive.… and yes its worth the money.


• I used Maran and ABC to dog training books when I trained my "BABAK"
  here's a list of the dog training books at avaxhome.ws
  
  http://avaxsearch.com/avaxhome_search?q=…
  
  Good luck, be nice to your dog, a happy dog behaves well and never hit your dog.
  
  Also please buy a CLICKER. read about it more in the book

Read More...