Dog Health Questions: Who is your favorite trainer: Cesar Milan, Patricia McConnell, others?

I know its hard to pick a favorite, but which trainer or dog training school of thought do you admire or adhere to the most?

3 Secrets to Dog Training - Immediate Results

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I couldn't begin to choose, and here's why:

Not all dogs learn the same, so sticking to ONE method hinders you when working with multiple animals (even your own pets.) Even if you prefer one to another, the one you prefer may not work (or work as well as another.)

I haven't worked with ANY television trainer/behaviorist PERSONALLY - i do not base my judgements on television alone. I would have to have a consult with them to decide if i liked their methods or them as a trainer/behaviorist.

That being said: if your dog needs help, hire someone to come out and show you the ropes. Every single training show i've watched TELLS you to do so. Doing stuff on your own can be dangerous for you, the dog, and everyone around you.

Add - Had to go check my book list... i found several books to be pretty interesting, even if i don't use their methods... listed by author:

Brenda Aloff
Cesar Millan
Monks of New Skeet
Pat Miller
Victoria Stillwell
Ian Dunbar
Brian Kilcommons and Sarah WilsonAnd a bunch of random trick books.

I have my own trainer who, so far, has pulled through for me a number of times. She uses a bunch of methods from treats to corrections: worked with my dog wonderfully.

Teach Your Dog (And Yourself) Some New Tricks With Online Dog Training Programs

• Patricia McConnell, Pat Miller, Ian Dunbar, I'm liking James O'Heare although he's a bit new to me, Karen Pryor, there's so many. But you get the idea of type of trainers I like from those.
  
  Not a fan of Cesar, sure he's a great guy but I disagree with his methods, and watching the dogs body language and NOT what he's saying paints whole different picture of what's really going on. He also has a pretty good marketing team behind him, I saw at Petco today a placemat, for $15 with Cesar's signature on it.


• I don't use trainers cause I used to train myself. MY education goes far from the basic obedience all the way up to specialized training. From Basic obedience to specialized police dog work, bomb detection, substance detection, building search, crowd control, tracking & the like.
  
  I have not read any book other than my school studies & that was 30 yrs ago.
  
  I train my own dogs.


• I have several and would have a really hard time choosing - Brenda Aloff, Suzanne Clothier, Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson are all right up there. I wouldn't put Cesar Milan in with a group of people who really understand dogs and how they learn and can teach people how to develop a relationship with their dogs.


• My favorite trainer is the trainer we work with in person! We love him.
  
  Now I love reading books on training by Jean Donaldson, Pat Miller, Stanley Coren, Ian Dunbar, and Turid Rugaas. and many others, but I'm having a brain fart right now :)
  
  Although I will read any book on dog training (and have).


• Cesar Milan is my favorite , he comes across as sincere and honest, having the best interest of the Dog and the owners relationship . I have no dogs at this time, and it makes me feel good to have watched his program . I do like Victoria Stillwell and her style of training as well.


• Dear Whimsy Roo, Great ?. I have found over the years many trainers,old school and new wave.What I have seen latly with the new TV based trainers is that their programs need constant reinforcement with canines.I see lots of pets on a daily basis in my "shop".On new clients I have on sign in sheet a ? aking if pet had recieved any trainning.My staff tells me the best trained and most easily handled have been exposed to a long dead English woman Barbara Woodhouse.I've always used her for my Boxers Download or visit library for any of her guides.Good luck.


• I know of a local trainer in my area that I would go to....
  
  if you're talking about televised trainers tho, I do like Victoria Stillwell's show "Its me or the Dog"


• I really like the woman from It's Me Or THe Dog
  she seems sweet and like she understands dogs unlike Cesar who is not nearly as kind to the dog


• *my* trainer is great
  
  I shadow her
  Televised...victoria s. From its me or the dog


• ME I have probably been training since Cesar was in diapers


• Hands down....
  
  Cesar Milan! AKA The Dog Whisperer


• Victoria Stillwell.


• dog borstal the short goodlooking one lol


• Me, my dogs are the most well trained dogs I know!

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Dog Health Questions: What kind of dog breed would suit me best?

In a couple of months, I plan on getting a puppy, seeing that I'll be in a bigger house. I've looked up lots of different breeds to see which one would fit me best, but I really couldn't decide. I've compiled a list, to see if anyone can help.

- I need a dog that is more of a house dog, rather than it needing to be outside all the time.
- It needs to be a good travel companion (I tend to drive a lot to lots of places and I'd love to take my dog everywhere with me)
- I'd like to have a dog that has the ability to be trained to be off a leash
- The ease of the dogs training ability doesn't really matter. (I've trained animals before.)
- I'd like him to be sort of a one-person dog, but still be able to get along with other people and dogs.
- I like the bigger dogs with lots of fur, like st. bernards. The bigger the better!

The dog would be sharing a household with another dog, a mini 3 year old shar-pei.

If anyone can help, THANK YOU FOREVER!!

5 Basic Dog Training Mistakes

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A German Shepherd sounds like a good match for you. Mine loves to travel and always goes on road trips with me. She is friendly with other dogs and people, but you can clearly see she only has eyes for me. My GSD is about 80 pounds and is a good size dog. She loves to be outside, but only if I am with her and has never ran away (even when she was a puppy.) If you want a dog that is very in tune to your life, get a German Shepherd!

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

• well up untill your last comment i was sure that a chihuahua would be the perfect companion for you. But they are so not the big furry type. so i dont know what to tell you. But a chihuahua is each of the things you listed prior to that. They are smart, loyal, easy to train, good to travel, they dont have the constant need to be outside. But the big and furry part does not apply.


• Here are some great articles that discus choosing a new dog that will fit into your family and home. The articles raise important issues you should consider before bringing home a new dog.
  
  Choosing Your Puppy - http://www.dog-pound.net/choosing-your-p…
  
  Five Tips to Track Down Your Canine Soul Mate - http://www.dog-pound.net/canine-soulmate…
  
  Why Consider a Shelter Dog? - http://www.dog-pound.net/shelter-dogs.ht…
  
  Good Dogs for Children - http://www.dog-pound.net/good-dogs-for-c…
  
  Best of Luck


• have a read up on the briard very loving and very smart!
  if you want large instead of a st bernard try looking at a leonberger?
  they have st bernard in them but no drooooooooling ! also they have a lions main and i think that's cool great nature


• German Shepard I love them very much and wish i could have one but where i live Big dogs are not allowed. You would be so lucky and they are so smart and known for being cop dogs so makes them great off leash


• Retrievers: Golden or Lab (if you're around water)
  Fox Terrier
  Weenie dog
  
  Check out American Kennel Club for breeds and characteristics


• http://dogtime.com/matchup/question/1 this is a great way to find some breeds that would suit your lifestyle, what you want in a dog, etc. Good luck!


• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is the perfect breed for you!
  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are perfect lap dogs and inside dogs. They are off leash dogs because they are well-trained so much. they are not hyper at all. They are also the best friendliest dog to people and to other dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not the bigger dogs but have lots of silky fur. If you are looking for a dog I would definitely choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!
  
  Here are some pictures:
  http://teacupterriertimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/CavalierKingCharles300x450.jpg
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images16/CavalierKingCharlesSpanielDaphne.JPG
  http://cdn
  www.dailypuppy.com/media/dogs/anonymou…
  http://www.dogsindepth.com/toy_dog_breeds/images/cavalier_king_charles_spaniel_h02.jpg
  http://static.open.salon.com/files/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-00971232597021.jpg


• great danes believe it or not are best suited to small houses, don't buy any sporting or working as they do need a lot more mental activity and will not enjoy a quiet life.
  
  so towards maybe a toy dog, but socialise and train it well because they turn into nasty little brats without PROPER/FIRM training. Which as you have said you are clearly capable of doing.
  
  terriers also need a lot of playtime and walks...
  
  Maybe a spaniel, they come in all sizes have beautiful coats and dispositions, they will lay about or play.
  
  Or try to get a mixed breed so you will not run into any problems that arise in purebreds through the inbreeding to keep those breeds pure, that's why pedigrees/pure beds get certain physical health problems that are prone to that one breed.


• Hmm... that's quite a list you've compiled, but definitely detailed! Its good that you know what you want.
  
  Have you considered a Great Dane? They do enjoy being outside, but would much rather be inside lounging on the couch. They aren't furry like you said you like, but they are HUGE! They are friendly, smart dogs that generally get along with others. I had a Dane growing up, and he was trained to be off leash.
  
  Also, if you enjoy St. Bernards, maybe you should look into that. They do tend to enjoy the outdoors a lot more than inside I would think. With all that hair, it would probably get pretty hot being inside.
  
  A Golden Retriever is also a great pick! They are extremely smart, loving dogs. They have long, beautiful coats and like other dogs. They are friendly, very happy-go-lucky dogs. Since they are smart dogs, it would be easy to train one and have it trained to be off leash. I have a golden retriever mix and she is just brilliant!

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Dog Health Questions: Are there any ways you can help prevent hip displacia with German Shepherds?

I'm getting a new purebred,8 week old German Shepherd puppy, and i've been doing my research on dog training, health problems, etc. And I've noticed that a lot of ads include German Shepherd hip displacia, and in some cases owners pets have died from it. I was wondering if anyone knew any ways to help prevent it, I am planning to get this puppy to be fully trained and extremely healthy. ( Her name is Lily, and we get to bring her home February 13th, 2011)

The Smart Way To Dog Training

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I have a German Shepard too, he doesn't have the hip problem because it has been breed out of him. It's sad when German Shepards have that, that's why it's wise to get a dog from a breeder.

Service Dog Training For the Hunting Dog

• The parent dog need to be tested and have there hips pass that is how you prevent your pup from getting it. They don't die from it but a lot of dogs get put down as they no longer can get around properly and they quality of life would be bad. Make sure you ask and see the health certificates of the parents hip xrays no certs don't buy a puppy from those breeders.


• Ask the. Breeeder if the pupps parents are ofa hip certified and to show you the health certificate if they don't have the papers find another breeder that does the displacia is genetic. If the pup does get hip displacia hydratherepy and a great diet with glucosime and cholodrotin supplements help a lot sorry about the spelling


• There are some new methods that are for puppies under five months that are supposed to work.. But it's still not proven. Otherwise just lots of exercise or if you could find out if either of the parents had it that might also be helpful. But purebred dogs tend to have more health problems then mutts and mutts have great personalities!


• Hey I see that you need some sort of guide that will give you tips and tricks to help your dog become fully trained and more healthy. Recently one of my friends really needed some advise on how to train his dog. He followed the dog training academy course to successfully have a full trained dog in a few weeks.


• Hi
  My dad wanted to train his dog to do a few tricks and things as he is 84 and needed help, my dad that is not the dog! So i found something on the internet that seems to be just the ticket for him, the dog and my dad!
  
  maybe this could be what your looking for?
  
  Good luck


• I was able to completely change my dog from being an annoying dog puller that would try and run me to the ground and bark at any other dog he would come across, to a dog that would stay by my side no matter where we go. This was a HUGE improvement and makes our walks so much more enjoyable.


• i just learned this from my vet: to help prevent it: keep your dog at a good weight(easier on the hips)
  do low impact exercises, like walking . no jumping, no running hard. buy dog food with glucosamine and condroitin in it.
  YOU WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS SINCE SHE IS JUST A PUP, BUT GOOD TO KNOW FOR WHEN SHE GETS OLDER.
  ENJOY YOUR NEW PUP


• displacia is genetic. only good breeding can prevent it. the disease can be crippling and very painful. only buy from a reputable dealer who has hip guarantees for both parents of your puppy.


• Yes, you purchase a dog whose parents are OFA'd excellent. That is the *only* way to prevent hip displacia.

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Dog Health Questions: Does anyone know how to get Bloodhounds to stop digging holes?

I have two Bloodhounds. They are almost 3 years old. I do not have the money to take them to a dog training school. Any advice would be appreciated!

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Yea we were in that same boat with our Black Labs -- they just love to dig!! We had to sprinkle Cayenne Pepper in the places we didn't want them digging and just give up certain areas that were easily filled in -- kinda a doggie sandbox lol But the pepper works -- they don't like the smell or taste -- can buy it in bulk or cheap -- find a Hispanic market for lowest prices or some place like Costco. Can be generic doesn't have to be a name brand -- sprinkle liberally in areas where you don't want them.

How to Locate the Proper Dog Training Program For You and Your Dog

• it's in there nature


• I wish you the best of luck anything short of training will fail. Bloodhounds love to dig by nature.


• stop burying the dead bodies where they can smell them


• they are hole diggers by nature ,try to separate them and work with one 2 hours daily when walking and he try to dig say no with a loud voice if you succeed the other one will imitate him by nature good luck.


• Bloodhounds do love to dig, however there is one way that you may be able to stop it. If the dogs are digging repeatedly in the same places, you can try burying their own poopies in the places they've dug. When they dig there again, and encounter their poopies, they usually stop digging. It turns them off.


• If they are digging in a certaing area you can put down chicken wire on the ground. They don't like to dig through the wire and it does not hurt them.
  
  Dogs also dig when they are bored. Try to give them toys and things to do when they are outside.


• look blood hounds have a very good sense of smell matbe there is somthing under that ground that can make u rich

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Dog Health Questions: Puppy training?

Does anyone know any good dog training websites? I need to train my pup, and I don't know how to get started. Any help would be apprecitated.

Dog Training School

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Look up "Ian Dunbar" , "Turid Rugaas" , "Karen Pryor" and "Patricia McConnell" ... then go to your local library to get books and tapes by these folks, and do interlibrary loans.

Also, look up "positive training" and "Calming signals"

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• In no particular order.....


• Google clicker training - good stuff!!


• Helen, you can check out this free dog training site: http://howtodogtraining.blogspot.com/

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

ok so im getting a silky terrier. Do you think i can train it to use a litter box why im in school? and if so what kind of litter box should i buy

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Here you go..everything you need to know about litter box training your puppy! > http://www.kturby.com/litter/litter.htm

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• crate training is the best. It should not poop or pee in the crate. You can leave it there for up to eight hours, I would say, while you are in school. I would think it would be quite difficult to litterbox train a dog.


• It is not impossible. I trained my own schnauzer, Manolo, to pee and poo on a litter box, sand included. It's a bit difficult in the beginning, because you have to be a bit rude with your dog and ever carry it to the litter box every time it shows signals of "going".
  
  If it does it outside the box, wrap it by the neck, show it the body of evidence, and then bring it [the dog, not the evidence] to the box, so it can relate pee or poo = sandbox. You should also give it some reward when it does as taught.
  
  Hope it helps.


• Everyone and every dog can be trained to do anything. But mostly, in the beginning the dog will go potty everywhere, but after a while they accommodate and do only in 1 spot. So yes, you can train it.

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Dog Health Questions: Any ideas for high value treats during dog training class?

At home, I could use anything as a treat and my english bull terrier does great. When we go to class, however, he is more interested in the other dogs. For 2 of his previous classes he would only work for Wendy's chicken nuggets that i would chip into bits. By the end of the 2nd class, he lost interest in those. He is really dog driven. He loves other dogs. The club has so many dogs and you really cannot let them socialize and distract them from their work. You have to keep your own dog paying attention to you. I understand all this, but really need some ideas for a high value treat. i know I will have to have a variety to switch up on each day. I only use them for class so he is not bored by the time we get to class. Here is what i have tried: hot dog bits, string cheese bits, and chicken nuggets. I have also made tuna cookies, but the starch or flour in them didn't go so well with his tummy. Please help!! Thanks.

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Baked chicken, beef liver, pork liver. Hot dogs sprinkled with just a touch of garlic and then microwaved for a minute or two. You can also get a food tube and fill it with a canned dog or cat food.

Vary the treats you use for class, mix several together or at least switch them up every class.

And remember the stinkier the better.

*Out of what I mentioned above the pork liver is by far the stinkiest, open your windows when you bake that lol.

The Importance of Dog Training

• i just use her regular dog food
  with treats mixed in every so often
  have to work on keeping his attention


• I have found that Salmon Jerky keeps my dogs attention. Very smelly, but it keeps her occupied.


• To me bacon is best.
  A whole strip cooked but not crispy but a little floppy, they love that!


• In order for food to truly work, you need a hungry dog. So pick up all the food for 6-8 hours before class. Do not give any treats. The high value treats that I use in training include broiled steak fat; cheese in a can; dried hot dogs; little smokies; canned fish flavored cat food (dried in the oven); cheerios; chicken; liver; pieces of carrot; pieces of apple; and anything that I can get my dog to work for. Use very small treats and take a variety into each class. Remember the most important treat has to be you. This means that you must keep the dog's attention with more then just treats. Playing and physical interaction make you much more fun then the treats in your pocket or the other dogs in the room. It is good that you have found a real training class and not a dog socialization class. this training will give you a much better dog in the end. after all you want to dog to pay attention to you and not play with the other dogs.

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Dog Health Questions: I have a question about dog training?

I have a 9mth boston terrier male, who is completely housebroken, he goes on puppy pads that around the house, he rarely has an accident. I just got a one year daschund female mix from a friend, she has lived outside her entire life, I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers on how to help her get housebroken? Any ideas would be great. thanks

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Whenever you see her starting to go potty, pick her up and bring her to the puppy pad. 15 minutes after you give her food or whater, right when she wakes up, before she goes to bed, and every 2 hours bring her to the puppy pad and encourage her to go. Encourage her to go when the other dog does too.

If you find she had an accident, rubbing her nose in it and making her feel bad will not do anything. She will be upset she made you upset, but she wont be able to understand how she did it (no matter how convinced you are that you got through to her) she wont get it and she wont know what to do differently next time.

Good luck !

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Dog Health Questions: How much does dog training generally cost? Mainly for obedience?

I'd like to know how much dog obedience training usually costs

Or even where I could personally learn how to train and influence my dog's behaviors.

Thank you for helping

Dog Training

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obedience classes are usually five to six weeks in length , and cost between $ 125 dollars to $180. Look for a trainer that uses positive reinforce training methods in teaching dog training Private lesson may cost you as much as $50 per session , which last for one hour. Group less ions are usually one hour. The best time to start training a dog is when he/she is 6 months old. En roll your dog in puppy classes, and than in the beginning dog training class and than in the immediate and later on in the advance class . Each level takes 5 or 6 weeks to complete. Many dogs if they start early enough get to the immediate level when they are four months old. There are some basic dog training techniques like , food luring to get you dog to focus on you that you can do on your own. If you find a dog training class in your area , you can go there and ask the trainer if you can sit -in on one of his/her classes to see if it fits your needs This will give you a chance to evaluate the class , ask questions, and do not be shy about asking the trainer about his/her experience and references. Good luck

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• I take my gsd to obedience training, and it costs $85. for ten classes. There are usually eight to a class and they have been great. We have learned a lot, and you need to be trained with the dog. It also helps with a group situation for your dog to socialize.


• Of course it varies from location to location. But it seems like most group classes that last anywhere from 6-8 weeks for basic obedience cost about $100. Group classes are probably the best place to start for learning how to train your dog. (I still attend group classes for everything from obedience for shy dogs to agility and freestyle - I learn much more in a group setting than I ever could on my own)


• There are several good books/videos on the market but if this is a first for you then I would suggest basic training classes at least. It is good bonding for you and your puppy in addition to getting a good start on basic training methods that you can expand on later by yourself and is usually $100 or less - check with your local Petsmart


• It's been my experience that training courses usually run around $100 for an 8 week course.
  Uncle Mattie has a pretty good do it at home course.
  http://www.unclematty.com/


• commerical operations are out to make money and charge over 100 for 6 weeks, check to see if the local kennel club offers classes, it isn't a business for them so they aren't trying to make $

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