Dog Health Questions: I want my dog to be a autism service dog?

I have a 3 year old autistic son. We are going to be getting a yellow lab for him when the dog turns 8 weeks old. We want to get the dog trained to be a autism service dog. We live in the state of maine, does anyone know how we would go about getting the dog the right training? Thanks :)

Abandoned Dogs Trained for the Hearing Impaired

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Go to CCI.org. Canine Companions for Independence gives service dogs free of charge and fully trained to those it need. It is possible to train your own but VERY VERY difficult for someone to do without professional help. CCI dogs are bred to be service dogs. They are AMAZING dogs. If you train your own, the soonest it would be ready would be at about 2 yrs old. CCI dogs are trained by professionals. There is usually a 6 month to a year waiting period, but the dog is free of charge. I HIGHLY suggest you look into CCI, training for a child with autism is VERY VERY difficult. I have autism. I am an adult, and CCI does not provide dogs to adults with autism, but they do for kids with autism. I really do highly suggest CCI. even with CCI dogs, only like 2 of 5 are service dog material. The pup you get may not be fit to be a service dog, no matter how young you begin training.

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

• The very first step would be to have the dog pass a canine good citizen course. If the dog can't pass that then he/she won't be able to do any further training. Consult with the trainer that you plan to use about what else you'll have to do after passing the canine good citizen course to become a service dog. What will you be expecting the dog to do for/with your son?
  Most service dogs are bred to be service dogs and begin training from very early on based on what they will be expected to do. I have doubts that this is something you can do without being involved in some type of formal training.
  Also, it is important to know ahead of time, not all dogs have what it takes to be a service dog. The dog may be a good pet, but might not be able to pass the necessary courses.


• Are you ready to be handling the equivalent of TWO toddlers in public? A service dog is just about that, a helpful toddler, not a magic bullet.
  
  If you need a dog, go through a program. I've trained both of my own service dogs, and neither of them from a puppy. They were hand picked older dogs. I know you want the best for your son, but handling him and a puppy, before it's even old enough to begin training, will have you pulling your hair out and then some. A regular trainer won't cut it for this job either, and unless you're lucky enough to be in an area with a qualified service dog trainer, you won't get the help you need and end up with a washed out dog who will be nothing more than a pet.


• Yes, you can train a dog yourself, but he might be better off with a professionally trained dog from a program. If you haven't looked into them, check it out. Costs to the family vary widely, anywhere from completely free to 5 figures. Go to www.iaadp.org They list many programs. Many programs are nation wide serving people in every state.
  
  There are also private trainers that can help.


• As was suggested I would look into getting an older dog who has already been trained for this sort of thing as opposed to taking the risk on a pup who may not have the right temperament for the training.
  
  contact these guys - they are located here in Maine and have experience with training dogs for Autism service dogs and can help you in this process.


• These links might help:http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fs…
  http://www.dogster.com/group/Service_dog…

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Dog Health Questions: Can a Pit Bull be a good family dog?

I recently adopted a 10 week old female spayed Pit Bull. We have a 5 year old son and 1 cat. Most of what I heard is that they can be great dogs if raised well. I have only heard a couple of horror stories about the dogs turning on either the owner or another animal, but I don't know all the details of where they came from. I plan to socialize her as much as possible and attend dog training soon. Just looking for some experiences to ease my mind......

How to Begin a Dog Training Career

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Yes, they are the "best" family dogs in my opinion.

They are bred to be human friendly so aggression towards family members is only found in this dog if the dog was badly bred, not properly socalized or not taken care of. Secondly, they are the Second most versatile dog bred in the world so they can deal and live happily in almost any situation or home setting, apartment, farm...ect

These dogs are also wonderful with children, and thats where they get the nickname the nanny dog from. Overall wonderful dog to have in a family setting, but it takes a lot of time, patience and determination to train/socalize such a powerful bred, if you dedicate the time do to that, you good to go.

Do You Need Dog Training Tools When You Train Your Dog?

• Yeah, it'll be a great family dog. If you come near it's puppies, it'll chew you to bits. :) Seriously though, I don't know about having a pit bull around a five year old. Everything I've heard about pit bulls has been negative. People who have actually had them can probably give you better insight then I can though.


• She should be fine. Just work on socialization and obedience training early and often, and don't encourage her to play aggressively (no wrestling or tug-of-war). Enroll her in a puppy class where she can get used to other dogs and get started on obedience. Establishing dominance through training and walks is important. She needs to know her place in the pecking order, and that you (and especially your son) are her pack superiors. The more that's entrenched in her mind, the less likely she'll be to challenge your authority and act out.
  
  Shelters do pretty intensive temperament training with dogs before they adopt them out, especially with pit bulls. This isn't foolproof, obviously, but the fact that they allowed her to be adopted out should be a fairly solid indicator that they saw no evidence of aggression or territoriality during temperament training.
  
  My eye did stop when you said she was 10 weeks old and already spayed. That seems awfully young to me (my puppy was fixed at six months), but...*shrugs*


• "I have only heard a couple of horror stories"
  
  You're a bright one, aren't you? A great parent at that. In the town next to us, a five year old boy went outside where the pit bull was sleeping, scared the pit bull and ripped out his jugular. It is their natural reaction no matter how you raise them. They can be the sweetest dogs, yes, but they react differently then say a golden retriever.


• its not what you want to hear but no, i dont think it would be a good idea.
  
  unfortunately a majority pitbulls tend to be owned by thugs to give them an a certain image, they dont treat theyre dogs well and in most cases train them to attack or kill. because there have been a lot of cases like this pitbulls are now illegal in the uk so if someone notices the breed and informs the authoritys the dog is taken and put down. (i know your from the USA.. just a little bit of extra info for you).
  
  personally i wouldnt have a young child and a pitbull (as most these stories suggest the dog was fine until it suddenly snapped and attaked) but if thats what you choose to do make sure your son is never left alone with the dog.
  
  btw google image pitbull and see how much muscle they carry, if your dog were to latch on to your son you wouldnt be able to get him off... plus i think they look evil anyway, try a friendly loving dog like a labrador. also if youve never had a dog before theyre one of the easiest breeds to care for
  
  and to the user "eyes of a warrier" its a staffordshire bull terrier thats the nanny dog, not a pitbull, your talking rubbish.
  x


• From what I saw last night NO
  
  My 6 month pup sniffed a pit bull and it bit down on his nose and would not let go.
  I had to kick hard in the head then the pit bit another man that was trying to help.
  Absolutely not be trusted. Dangerous dogs.
  
  Get a Golden retriever and don't even second guess your question.


• they CAN BE a great family dog under the circumstance that he sees NO OTHER dogs
  pitbulls have a history as fighting dogs but they can be sweet but they can turn on you in a snap
  he may hurt the cat


• A well bred American Pit Bull Terrier can be a great family dog.
  
  As dogs of bulldog and terrier lineage that were selectively bred throughout their history as fighting dogs,the potential for dog/animal aggression and prey drive are high.Animal aggression is independent of and does not evolve into human aggression.
  
  Should be friendly and outgoing with all people.Human aggression is out of standard and should never be accepted.
  
  Very high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.Without it they can be easily bored and become destructive.
  
  Eager to please,easy to train if they have a firm consistent owner.
  
  Not a breed for the first time,novice or meager dog owner.
  
  More info can be found here:
  http://www.pitbull-chat.com/forums.php


• Just to start out... I am a pit bull owner and I have a 1 year old son. I also have a 3 year old schnauzer mix and a 1 year old schnauzer mix.
  
  I want to start out by giving you some heads up on what they are like to own. Or what my experience with Stella, my pit bull was. In the puppy stage, she was high energy. She always wanted to play with her toys, was always up for a walk, wanted to chase a ball, wanted to run in the yard, she liked to dig holes in the yard, always wanted to just go, go, go. She's now 3 years old and has calmed down a bit, but it took probably about a year just to get her out of the "puppy stage."
  
  As far as whether they make good family pets, the answer is a resounding yes from me on one condition. That condition is that you are the pack leader. You are the one in charge. You are the one who tells her where to go, what to do, when to eat, when to go outside, and how to play. Believe me, dogs love this. Having a dog that has to make all these decisions and has to protect his pack too makes him nervous and unhappy. Which are feelings that make him unstable. If you are not the pack leader, the dog will assume the position and feel like it's his job to protect you and your family, stressful for a dog.
  
  Socialization and dog training are wonderful steps to having a lovely pit. Just be sure you pay close attention in training. I've found that training is more for the pet owner because if you have a stable dog, he'll do whatever you tell him to.
  
  Now, with that out of the way... Let me tell you about some of the perks to having a pit as a family dog as opposed to my schnauzer mixes... Pits are breed partially and unfortunately, to withstand pain. My one year old can pull Stella's tail, pull her hair, put his hands in her eyes, push on her... (pretty much everything a one year old would do...) And Stella takes it like a champ. She just sits there and lets him do whatever he wants, as opposed to my other two dogs who basically just run from my son. They see him coming and quickly maneuver themselves to another room or a higher place on the couch while Stella will sit with him on the ground all day and let him try to figure her out. My son has even grabbed a hold of her neck and jawls only to have her lick him.
  
  Keep in mind though, that she has been trained, socialized, and is not the pack leader in my home.
  
  The only problem I'd foresee with having a pit, is that they do get big, but they always think they should be able to sit in your lap, and cuddle with you on the couch. An 80 pound pitbull does not make a good couch napping partner seeing as though she takes up at least one whole cushion herself.
  
  With the right training, socialization and exercise, you will find your new addition to be one that you never knew how you lived without.
  
  Good luck with your 80 pound lap dog. :)


• Ummmm, I've never heard of a nice pit bull. In fact, your hear all the time of where children accidently were killed/mauled by a pit bull. It is GENETIC with them. Even if they are raised with the best owners, they always always have this in them.
  
  I work in a pediatric ER and have seen kids faces RIPPED OFF by dogs............
  
  Please give this dog to a no kill shelter and get a safer breed for your 5 year old. You know how kids are, they are bound to do something to anger the dog, taking a treat away, anything.
  
  PS..............did you know that your homeowners insurance will probably drop you? There are certain breeds of dogs they do NOT allow.
  Some dog breeds make premiums go UP and some they will cancel you. Think about it. Your kid has a play date and your Pit Bull kills or mauls your kids friend ?? The parents are gonna sue you and take everything you have and your homeowners insurance is NOT gonna pay.


• I believe that pitbulls are one of the best family dogs around! We had two when my son was born. One was rescued at about a year and a half old(in terrible condition) and the other was on her way to being sold as a fighting dog, when my husband bought her. She was 6 months old at the time. My son came along a few months later.
  
  Pitbulls(Am Staffs, Staffy Bull Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers) are well known for their undying loyalty, high level of emotional intelligence and high pain tolerance. All of these combined with socialization and consistent, fair discipline make for an exceptional family dog.
  
  Jazz, the female, was 'game bred,' had lots of energy and a very strong prey drive. Kato, the male, was far more laid back and usually just wanted to cuddle. Although our dogs had very different personalities, they were both wonderful with our son, especially when he was a toddler! As a clumsy and rough toddler, he often walked on, fell over poked or pulled on the dogs(usually on accident) and they never growled or snapped at him. He even ate some of their food right out from under them once, and they just sat back... a little confused.
  
  As far as other animal, however, it would be best to be very careful and never leave them alone with other animals -just in case.
  
  Kato(70 lbs) was submissive when he was rescued and for several years after, but when he was about 5, he became dog aggressive. From then on, he had issues with most other males. He was terrific around cats though. In fact, he helped us foster more than a dozen kittens throughout the time we were blessed with him. He was never aggressive toward people. He once growled at a large drunk man who scared me and he once peed on a man who had been smoking crack (I guess it reminded him of a previous bad encounter from before he was rescued?). He was often surrounded by neighborhood children and was a real champ despite their loud, erratic, and occasionally rough play.
  
  Jazz(60 lbs) always had very strong prey drive and was never trustworthy with other animals, such as cats or birds. She was fine with other dogs until about a year after my ex took her(4 yrs old?). Now she is ok with some dogs, but not others. Jazz has always been a people lover. She used to get a little too excited and butt bump my son sometimes, knocking him off balance.
  
  It is very possible that our dogs got dog aggressive because we slacked off on keeping them socialized with other dogs. I don't know.
  
  Please keep in mind a few things: Pitbulls have been bred for a very long time to never be aggressive toward people, but to be aggressive toward dogs. It is very likely that at some point you will face a dog fight. Train her, socialize her, have a breaking stick and don't take unnecessary chances. Many pits never get dog aggressive. Many pits live very happily with cat and never have problems. Make sure [for the rest of her life] that any human can take her food, treats, toys and personal space with out a problem. Be consistent and fair in your discipline. Love her as she loves you. Finally, BLESS YOUR HEART for giving that little pit a loving home!


• Every dogs temperament can be different from genes, to its parents temprament, or how it it raised. I own a pit bull and both of his parents were friendly dogs. When the mother of my dog had her pups she let us go near them(us, meaning the people she knew) but when another dog approached her litter, she jumped at him. thats just pit bulls sense to protect, as well as any other dog. My pit bull is very friendly and hyper like his parents. If you socialize the dog with humans since a pup there should be no worries, unless you're abusive towards him. You will need to train your dog to sit and not jump. besides that they like to please their owners. good family dog, will protect the house, can sense when something is wrong.


• All dogs can be a family dog if they are raised right. As shes young she should be fine. Just make sure you set boundaries and she knows shes at the bottom of the "pack". The dog training and socialising is a great idea do it as soon as you can.


• I would not want a pit bull with a child - just my opinion but the breed is not trustworthy.


• Not being mean at all but you should always research the breed before adopting the puppy. In answer to your question, pit bulls are amazing family pets and excellent with children! What is most important when having a dominant breed like this is to immediately establish yourself as the pack leader. Always use CALM and ASSERTIVE energy. Things to nip in the bud right away are nipping, jumping, food aggression.
  
  As for nipping, is he nips make a "yelp" noise. This will startle him and he will probably stop, If that doesn't work when he nips, replace your hand with a toy but do NOT quickly pull your hand away, more freeze up.
  
  As for jumping. If he jumps on you immediately turn your back to him. After a few weeks at most, he will get the point that jumping gets him ignored.
  
  The proper way to feed your dog is to make them sit and "focus" on you. He needs to look in your eyes. This will make him realize that you are the one who feeds him. Sometimes people just put it on the floor and the dog will begin to become food aggressive. NEVER do this.
  
  Another things is to remember the order you must do things in order to be a good pack leader. This is the order:
  
  1) exercise
  2) discipline
  3) affection
  
  We tend to do affection, affection, and more affection, but our dogs actually want guidance and structure. One last thing. Never give free treats. Always make the dog work for his rewarding (including petting as this is a reward) So example, ask for a sit and when he complies reward him with a treat
  
  This is a good start for you. Best of luck and congratulations on your new addition to the family.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training confusion?

i dont get it some pro trainers say make your dog submit to you if he bites you too rough and some say dont do that... some trainers say punishment doesnt work some say it does... some say time outs and such are not understood by dogs and some recommend it.... most trainers say use tone of voice... but guess what no matter what tone of voice i use my dog acts the same way.... jumping around excited biting... ive had many many dogs before and ive come to the conclusion that dogs are like people some are just not as smart as others...i just love them and dont want to be mean to them... treats and praise as positive reinforcement work for some things but how do you use positive reinforcement to eliminate biting and other behaviors where its hard to give positive reinforcement to fix

Know The Basics Of Dog Trainings

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There are conflicting messages because there are different schools of thought on this. On one end of the spectrum there is the "yank and crank" whose most famous advocate was a man by the last name Koeler, who founded the Koeler method. This is the school of thought saying that you use physical punishments of correction to show a dog how to behave. This can be produce fast results but the long-term drawback is that it will motivate a dog to not get corrected, not necessarily create a love of work. In extreme cases it can cause resentment from the dog which can lead to them turning on their own handler.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the "happy feel good'' method. This is what is taught by the big box petfood warehouses like Petsmart, Petco, ect... This is where you only use positive reinforcement and only correct by firmly using the word "no" or some other command. This works well on a very small percentage of dogs that are very mentally soft. With dogs, if you have to use a word more than once, be it "no" or some other corrective word it begins to lose it's meaning. Ultimately if the dog learns that your worst doesn't have 'teeth' to back it up, they view you as weak and will not follow you. It is repetitively seen that dominant dogs often go into these obedience classes and come out just as dominant. They may learn how to do some tricks, but they do not learn to respect their master.

Somewhere in the middle is where the most successful trainers typically fall. These are those who train dogs for work; police, search & rescue, seeing eye, or herding. The school of thought here is that you initially teach a dog the meaning of words using motivational tools like treats or toys. Once the dogs knows what the command means and refuses, the dog is corrected, usually with a pincher, choker, or electronic collar. The dog learns several valuable lessons simultaneously; their handler is to be obeyed and respected, when their handler says something refusing will result in consequences but obedience will be rewarded. This is what creates the most motivated and joyfully working dogs.

Biting is one thing where you can not bribe a dog to stop, that will teach them to bite more. The dog must respect you and associate biting you with bad things. Pinch their muzzle after they bite and stair them directly in the eye and firmly say "NO BITE." When they look away let them go. If that doesn't work, grab them by the back of the neck and shake them saying "NO BITE." If that doesn't work hit them on the snout. Usually the second two aren't necessary for most dogs. For perticularly hard dogs like German Shepherd, Dobermans, or Malinois I would be shocked if the muzzle pinching alone works. With these kinds of dogs this is a very serious matter that may seem minor when they are puppies, but a 95lb German Shepherd could send you to the ER, this can be a life and death matter if it is not 'nipped' in the bud immediately. Do not play around with a dog biting or showing teeth and growling. If you think this method is extreme observe wolves, they offer the best insight as to how to lead a pack of dogs.

Electronic Dog Training Collar

• just like you came to the correct conclusion that some dogs are smarter than others, you will have to come to the same conclusions as to what training methods to take ... if you have a difficult dog this time around with training, do you live somewhere that you can take training classes ??? classes are great as the dogs are exposed to lots of other dogs in a controlled environment with hopefully a good trainer leading the class ... you have just figured out something important in life, there is no ONE thing that works for everyone and everything ... you have to see what works for you and your dog and come to conclusions that work for you ... have you tried exercising the dog to exhaustion a few times a week ??? that can really mellow out behaviour ... dogs with too much energy will find ways to get rid of that energy if you do not do it for them ...


• I personally like the removal technique I found it works for my dog. However all dogs are different.


• All dog training is a matter of opinion, based on the trainer's experiences, learning, training, and general attitude to dogs and even to life in general. That's why people have different methods to try to get to the same result.
  
  My Dachshund barks and barks and barks at people, and has run up to them to nip. As he's a small dog I haven't tried to teach him not to bark and bite at people. Instead I'm teaching him to obey commands to come to me and stay with me until I tell him he can leave - I also did this with my JRTx, who jumped up at strangers as he was just so happy to see people.
  
  So I can use rewards when they come to me, which will increase the likelihood they will come to me when I ask, which gives me the positive reinforcement. If they are walking or standing close to me, they can't be running off and jumping or biting, and the less they do that, the better.
  
  As my Dachshund learns that I can 'protect' him from people - ie when he is with me they don't try to touch him - his interest in chasing them away and biting their ankles decreases. My JRT I don't think will ever lose his desire to leap all over people, mainly because some people want him to do that by giving him biscuits but it's working for the Daxie.

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Dog Health Questions: I have a Bichon Frise dog that barks 24/7?

I have a Bichon Frise dog that barks 24/7 and I don't know how to make him quiet with positive dog training. Please help me!!!

Electronic Dog Training Collars

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Spray him with water whenever he barks unnecessarily -- sounds mean, but it worked with my dog. I have a friend that had her Westie's voice box altered (something like that) but I think that's just awful. It seems like any dog could be trained not to bark with the right attention. Good luck -

Is My Jack Russell Suitable For Schutzhund Dog Training?

• Go buy a little squirt bottle and fill it with water everytime he yaps squirt him in the face! It is not cruel and teaches bad response to bad behavior. Or call the dog whisperer!


• To tell you the truth...you can't really stop a dog from barking but you can try this.....when it barks....say hush or something like that and when you say it close his mouth shut!!


• You can use a breath fresher that is a spray.
  When the dog barks, you say "No Bark" and when it does it again you spray the dogs mouth with one squirt and say "No Bark" again. They hate the taste of the breath spray but it won't harm them. Usually works about the thrid time unless they are a little hard headed and then I have had to use it maybe 7- 10 times before they get the jest.


• one way is to get a tin soup container and put pebbles in it and put something on the top to seal it then every time the dog barks you shake and say QUITE!


• the squirt bottle is good, but when you are not home they forget the training. the best thing that worked for my dogs was the citronella bark collar (you can find it on-line). what it does is that when the dog barks the collar automatically sprays citronella on the nose. it's not bad and they will learn quick. and you don't have to walk around with a spray bottle all day.


• .22


• I also have a bichon, the best one around. I found that the remote contol collar by Innotec is the best friend. She never barks and never goes in the street. This item was a Godsend.
  I tranied her with it and she is the perfect companion.


• you could also try a barking control collar that makes a noise that only dogs can hear when it barks.


• take the dog to the vet and get it debarked ( a procedure where the vocal cords are snipped) and then she will have a quiter more tolerable bark.


• first of all you should never take the dog to get "debarked" . that simply horrfies me!!! I cant believe any vet would ever do that for any reason other than if the dogs life was in danger. i am very upset that anyone would even recommend that!!!!! you should be ashamed!!!!! my friends dog was debarked by its previous
  owner. i have to tell you it is sad to see the dog try to bark. besides what if the dog starts barking because something is on fire. i bet you would be sorry then that you couldn't hear them. i know that bichons are the best dog ever he probably barks just because he likes the sound of his voice!! i know some people who talk for that reason hahaha. but i think he is perfect the way he is. why dont you give him a big hug and a big wet kiss for me. and for the person above me well i will pray that you feel sorry about what you did.


• Buy a citronella collar - they run around $80, but its more humane than the electric bark correction collars. The way it works is that whenever the dog barks, the collar mists citronella spray - which the dog does not like. Eventually, the dog will associate the barking with the spray and stop altogether.
  
  They sell them at petedge.com at a good price.


• They don't like noise. They are very possessive of their masters. They are wonderful, they just want to know where you are and what you are doing. I've had one for 12 years, He watches every step I take or make. They are just like human children. Talk to them with a calm voice. They do not require spanking. Just love and attention. They are very sensitive. I'll be watching for any more questions you may have. I have a book on this type dog.
  
  Temperament: Gentle, mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is the hallmark of the breed and one should settle for nothing less. These little dogs in their snowsuits will work their way nto your heart and home. Once you live with a Bichon you will always have one. This is not to say that you can't have another breed, for the Bicheon's gentle and nonthreatening disposition makes it possible to own other pets. This is a true face, I can testify to that. cat, birds. They are very intelligent. It was said tha King Henry III, was never without the company of his Bichons. This was during the time of the Renaissance in Europe.
  
  The Bichon in the United States;
  In 1972, the Bichon was officially admitted to the American Kennel Club permitted the Bichon Frise to compete in the Miscellaneous class at AKC dog shows. In 1973 the breed was biven full recognition by the AKC and was allow to compete for championship oints and be shown in the Non Sporting Group.
  
  Grooming and lots of it. They need it and they love it. They can even be trained to take their own showers. Trained to use a cat pan for urinating during your absence. They thrive on being feed and exercised around the same time every day.
  
  MORE INFORMATION ON THE BICHON FRISE:
  National Breed Club
  The Bicvhon Frise Club of America
  Denise Richardson, Secretary
  186 Ash Street
  Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
  
  The club can give you information about all aspects of the breed, including the names and addrsses of local breed and obedience clubs. Inquire about membership.


• that is very unusual i have 6 bichons all very quiet

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Dog Health Questions: How do you think your dog thinks of you?

What do you think about your dog?
What Type of dog is it & how old and is it A boy or A girl?
Have you trained you dog or has your dog trained you?
Do you like the pick of my dog? He is my avatar.

Get a Well Trained Dog With Dog Training Guides

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1. "Squishy woman, doesn't let me have any fun (i.e. bark at the cats out the window, bark at the Chihuahua in our house, bark in general), but gives GOOOOD ear rubs, gives yummy meat"

2. I think my dog is the damndest thing since sliced bread, she's actually not mine, but a long term foster.

3. American Pit Bull Terrier, named Ruby, unspayed female, 1.5 years old

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee334…

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee334…

4. Uh, I think she's mostly trained me. LOL

5. Your doggy looks like he's having fun, so fluffy.

Basic Obedience Training - Secret of Having a Well-Behaved Dog - Training Tips For Different Dogs

• Warm lady give food throw toy.She's 4.5 years old. We've trained each other.


• My dog thinks I'm the best thing ever. He's a 2 year old pug, trained by me. He's a pain in the neck sometimes, but I think he's the best. Your dog is very cute, too!


• I love them
  i have 3 chihuahuas 3 boys, ages 1.2,1.8,12.10years old
  i've trained them
  Yes,He's(or she)is sooooo cute
  what kind of dog is he/she?


• I don't know what he would say. But if dogs could talk, we all would be in trouble and probably be sent to our rooms for the rest of our lives. Maybe it is a good thing they don't talk.


• How do you think your dogs thinks of you?
  She loves us so much. :)What do you think about your dog?
  I think my dogs are amazing, they are beautiful, well trained, happy, healthy, they are well loved, they are Spoiled, loyal, and very loving. :)What Type of dog is it & how old and is it A boy or A girl?
  I have 2 dogs::
  I have a Black Lab mix she is a Female and she is 3 years old
  http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg274…
  and i have a American Akita she is a Female and she is 10 months old
  http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg274…
  
  Have you trained you dog or has your dog trained you?
  And i trained both of my dogs!! :)
  
  Do you like the pick of my dog? He is my avatar.
  He's cute!! :)
  It he a papillon?


• My dog is a shih-tzu and I love him to bits.. If 'carslsburg made a dog it would be my Banjo. He is too gorgeouis for words


• my dog thinks of me as her bodyguard, and a friend. when she gets scared, she runs behind me and hide behind my legs. when she wants to be held, which is always, she tries to climb up to my arms.
  i see my dog as a friend. she's an adorable, sweet dog.
  she's a maltese and she's about four months old.
  i trained my dog to stop biting my fingers.
  cute dog, good pick.
  
  my dog (she looks big in the picture):
  http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq244…


• Mine think " you are getting sleeping, very sleepy, You want to fetch me dinner, snacks, walk, and then we will take turn sitting on your lap and getting our ears rubbed.
  2 Rotten Rotts 5 & 8 boys
  They are well trained in getting what they want.
  Very cute


• i think of my dog as a very good dog.
  he is very adaptable, and submissive.
  hes golden retriever, a male, 4 yrs old.
  i trained him in the beginning, and then he trained me that i didnt have 2 b so rough on him, and all other things. key word here: patience.
  yes it is pretti.
  oh, and he probably thinks of me as like a sister, cuz hes mom and brians dog.
  he probly thinks of me as rather more of high rank in the 'pack' and knows very well communication. he dont think of my mom as so high tho.... unfortunately.
  he knows that brian is the leader tho. which is the most important thing.


• I own 3 beautiful dogs!
  
  What do you think about your dog? They are my babies. They are very spoiled!
  What Type of dog is it & how old and is it A boy or A girl? Mutt, 6, male-----Shih tzu,5, female------Golden Retriever, 22 weeks, female
  Have you trained you dog or has your dog trained you? They all train me! Thy have taught me to give them treats, give them lots of belly rubs, and to lift up the covers, so they can sleep on the bed!
  Do you like the pick of my dog? He is my avatar. He is adorable! You can see the golden in my avatar!
  
  Best of Luck and enjoy!


• love her, she is crazy and cuddly
  she is a yorkshire terrier, she is 7 months old,girl
  ehh a little of both i guess
  so cutee!
  
  what kind is it?


• My dog thinks of me as the vehicle through which she gets "good stuff": play, walks, agility, herding, food. Hence, I am her chosen person of the family.
  
  I think Wren is simply marvelous and feel so very, very lucky to have chosen the "right" pup from her litter. She is sweet, biddable, very smart, very fun, makes me smile and laugh, and is just plain "a good dog".
  
  4 year old spayed Border Collie.
  
  We have trained each other! She is my agility dog, and pretty dang spectacular....I really have to be on my toes on the course! We also go out for herding lessons, which I love to able to offer her.
  
  The photo of your little dog is adorable, am glad you love him so much. Dogs are just the best!


• I love my little puppy so much! She's a sweetie pie!
  My dog is a full Breed Black German Shepherd!
  I have trained my dog! And good!... Kinda....
  Your dog looks like a sweetie pie too!
  My puppy weighs 85 pounds! Alot compared to your doggy! And my doggy is only 10 months!

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Dog Health Questions: How long do you have to keep a dog in crate training? Also will this prevent "excitement dribbles?

We rescued out adult aussie/husky mix, Remmy, from the pound last weedend and we soon figured out she wasn't potty trained yet. So, I read through my dog training book and searched on the internet, and came up with this "crate training method". My dad bought her a good sized crate and this is the first day of crate training.

What the book told us to do it keep her in the crate throughout the day, exept for letting her outside every hour. (I take her on a long walk everyday after school too) When she eliminates outside I praise her and give her a treat. Then I take her back in the crate. I've been keeping track of the times she's peed/pooped outside today and I will do this everyday this week until I can see a pattern and predict when she normally goes. If I keep this normal schedule up how long do you think this training will last until she has become potty trained?

Also, she has this problem whenever she gets excited (like when I wake her up in the morning or when I come home from school) a few drops of pee lands on the floor. Can potty training stop this too or is it a different problem?

Understanding the Differences Between Various Dog Training Courses

Recommended Answer:
Are you feeding her on a regular schedule as well? That's a necessity.

You don't have to crate her all the time. It's not supposed to be a prison. A crate is where she should hang out when no one's around to supervise (when you're at school and when you're sleeping), but under supervision there's no reason for her to be cooped up in there. Just keep walking her every hour, and watch out to make sure she doesn't try to go indoors.

The submissive urination is a separate problem.

Dog Training - Avoiding Common Mistakes During Dog Training Sessions

• The dribbling is submissiveness. This will resolve itself as the dog feels more comfortable at your home. Just ignore it. Making a big deal of it will just make it worse.
  
  I always let my rescues out of the crate for a while after they have gone outside. I only put them back in the crate when I can't watch them. If you look for the signs, you know when they have to go. Of course, watching for the signs means not watching anything else but them, no TV, no friends, no homework, you get the idea. This should only take a couple a weeks at most.


• Sounds lik you're doing just perfect with the potty training! She should catch on quite quickly since she's an older dog- and the fact that you're praising and giving a treat after she does is great. When she does go though- I'd suggest putting a command to it like "go potty" she'll start to associate the two quickly and after awhile you'll be able to use the command to TELL her to go when you want her to.
  
  Once the potty training is a little more solid, try having her drag a leash around instead of the crate or restricting her to a kitchen with a babygate so she's not going from the crate to a big open floor plan.
  
  The potty dribbles are another issue altogether. Its called submissive peeing, ad stems from some slight unconfidence- although probably not due to you. I write a dog blog @ www.shespeaksbark.blogspot.com if you go there use the search bar at the top and search for these 2 articles. "Dealing with submissive urination" and "giving confidence a boost" both have tips that will help you out with these issues. She should get over it as she begins to feel a part of the family. Good luck and congrats on your new pooch!


• Each puppy trains at their own pace, so do dogs. Limit the space she has in the house until she can behave in that room and graduate to more space, supervised of course. She should only have to be in the crate if you are not watching her, all other times she should be practicing how to be good in the house. Use a bell method so she will let you know when she needs to go. I use a crate* to potty train with, but only for potty training and then I break it down and store it. I put blankets and a small food and water dish in the crate. Dogs don't potty where they eat and sleep. When they are first little, I only expect them to hold their potty for 4 hours, and then 6 hours, then 8 hours and so on. So when they are first little, I set a timer or alarm clock to wake myself up at night to take them *out. I only allow my puppy in the bedroom* or the living room, only one room at a time. They have to graduate to more space. If I allow them to have full run of the house, it will overwhelm them. I take them out the same door each time. I tie a dinner bell to the door handle. Do not use a jingle bell as they could get their toe caught in it. So when they are little, I ring the bell for them, and then open the door to go *outside to potty. When they get bigger, I take their paw and whack the bell and open the door to go potty. Eventually getting to the place where the puppy will ring the bell and let me know when they need to go potty. Dogs want to please you, so it is your job to let them know what behaviors please you and what doesn't. So when my puppy goes potty, I give her a treat*, and clap, and make a fuss and praise her. So she learns that going potty outside makes me happy. If she has an accident, make a disgust sound like “tsst” and take her out right away. I never yell* or spank* my puppies. Take them out when they first wake up, after they eat or drink, before nap, finish romping, when their activities change, or when they are sniffing around. Some puppies go pee right away, but may not go poop until 10 minutes later, so wait for the poop. I have a little play time here, because sometimes I think they are done, and they are not. Puppies train at their own pace. While I may have a puppy that hasn't had an accident in several weeks, I don't let my guard down. I don't expect my puppies to be "fully potty trained" until one-year-old. If they have a setback, shake it off, and start over. I only have my puppies in the crate when I am not watching them. When I am sleeping, cooking, ironing, doing chores, basically when I am not watching her. All other times, she is out of the crate practicing being a "big girl." This is the time I train her how to behave in the house. So we are practicing "no barking", 'no biting", "no jumping", and "don't eat the furniture." I also have to practice "playing inside" so she doesn't knock over things. You must keep the puppy in sight when they are little because they don't know the difference between newspaper and carpet, and you don't want them sneaking off and getting into trouble. Some puppies can sleep through the night around 3-months-old, but their bladder is grown around 6-months-old.
  
  REVISIONS:
  *I use a CRATE to train with. It is the method I prefer, compared to other methods I have tried. I noticed that if they are in the crate, while I am doing chores, they are o.k., because the crate allows them to see me and be re-assured. The crate can also be a comfort when stored in the basement for dogs who live in areas where thunderstorms and tornados are an issue. . However, use the method that works best for you.....a laundry basket, a cardboard box, a woof-woof house, x-pen, child gates, whatever works for you.
  *OUTSIDE, pee pad, litter box, whichever method you are using. When the puppy is first little, keep the pee pad, litter box near the food and water dish, so the puppy can eat and drink, and then go potty. You can move it away as they get older. The pee pad has a scent that smells and initiates potty. Sometimes a pee pad makes a sound that scares some puppies, so you might want to use a litter box if that happens. The pee pad allows a puppy to walk around, but a litter box keeps the puppy in one place.
  *BEDROOMS, I use the bedroom and living room for training, because it works for me. Choose rooms that work for you, but watch for rooms that are damp, or drafty. While my puppies sleep in the bedroom during training, once they are trained, I let them sleep where they want to. They don't have to sleep in the bedroom forever.
  *TREATS. While I use treats for training, you don't have to. I like Charlee Bears for training (a little cracker for a little mouth,) I use them for training, but once they are trained, I cut back on them.
  *SOME PUPPIES will go potty in the same spot each time. Some puppies have to be told to go potty. A command like "go out" for pee, or "go finish" for poop, might work for you, keep saying “go finish” until the puppy poops. This is a good thing to train if you travel with your dogs. By using commands, the puppy won't get confused when you are visiting someone, on vacation with you, or when you get to a new home. The command will tell them what you want them to do in an unfamiliar place. You might also want to use a leash method, so the puppy doesn't sneak off, or for strange places.
  *YELLING. It is not a good idea to "yell" or "spank" your puppy and then take them outside when they have an accident. They may get confused and think that going outside is punishment. While you want to correct them, if you are extreme, they may not want to go outside again. Shake it off, and resume your schedule. You have to keep it real. Puppies train at their own pace, but a puppy can only hold their potty for a few hours. A guide would be 1 hour for each month of age, plus 1 hour, so a three-month-old puppy should only be expected to hold their potty for 4 hours at most.
  SOURCE: These tips, tricks, and ideas were contributed from many brilliant minds. Thanks for your help!

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Dog Health Questions: Seeing Eye Dog Training?

I was wondering... Are seeing eye dogs trained for protection also?

Dog Training Books - Choosing the Best Dog Training Book

Recommended Answer:
no. my family raised seeing eye dogs as pups. at the first sign of aggression they are removed from the program

Hunting Dog Training and Snakes

• No, they are not!!


• Absolutely not!! NO they are not!

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Videos....?

Okay I posted a question I think about a week ago about send my dog to a 3 week training program ($285.00) where I take my dog drop him off (I cant see him for the first 2 weeks) then go back and train with him on the Wednesday and then again on saturday and bring him home if he responds to me like he did the trainers.

Okay for my question now is that I was wondering what are some good dog home training videos that would help me accomplish the same thing as they would teach him at the class. What I would really like to teach him is to Leave It (he already kinda understands but ain't completely got it yet) Stay/Wait, Quite, Come when called, Heel, No Jumping (on people), That he ain't allowed to eat anything unless okay-ed by me, etc. If they are anything that you can think of that would be really good to teach him feel free to tell me. I would like to teach him all that I can while he is still young!! Feel Free to email me with any questions that you have.

I also want to learn him hand signals so that if he ever loose his hearing that he would still understand what I was saying to him. He is a 5 month old Dal and he already knows how to sit, down and shut doors

What is the name of the videos? How much do they cost? Have you used them or know someone who has?

We dont have a local trainer that I could go and attend a class with, I dont live close to a petsmart or anything like that either!!

Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
http://www.sitstay.com is a great place to buy dog training dvds. You can contact the nice people who own/run the site, tell them your wants and needs and they will help you to pick the best dvd or book, etc. The best dvd/book for you depends upon your level of experience and your type of dog, etc. so it's better for you to go to the site and have the experts there help you choose. This is a clicker training site and you will find clicker training AMAZING!

Choosing an Online Dog Training Program

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Dog Health Questions: Does anyone in the Chicago land area (near west suburbs) know of any good dog training classes?

I am looking to take my puppy to a puppy kindergarten class. She's a beagle that is only 2 months. Does anyone know of any good dog training classes/puppy kindergartens in the near west suburbs of Chicago, such as Oakbrook, Hillside, Lombard, Elmhurst etc. I want a good solid training for her. Here are a few places I found but I can't find any reviews on them... Has anyone attended any of the following classes? Did you like them? Or do you know of any other good place I could go?

dog gone good: dog training inc.

The Fine Cancine Dog training at Elmhurst animal care center

Canine Obedience Training Inc. in Villa Park, IL

Thank you :)

Pick the Best Dog Training Collar to Train Your Big Dog to Walk

Recommended Answer:
Visit apdt.com for locating a good trainer. Many offer classes or individual training.

House-Training And Housebreaking a Dog - Training Guide

• I took my dog to a training camp it was great. He learned how to sit, stay, lay down, and walk or run. I was only there for a short time 2. I forgot what it was called. If you need help with training ur pup email me at axechick10@rocketmail.com
  Good Luck!!!


• You have the option to teach your dog by yourself if you know the proper techniques. Put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog behavior problems! ...AND slash your dog obedience training time in half by using techniques that give you immediate results!!" To learn more visit http://dogscorner.great-discovery.com/

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Dog Health Questions: I am about to graduate from dog training college. Any ideas how to drum up business?

I really want my own business and my husband is supportive. I just don't have many ideas on how to get clients.

Best Dog Training Book - Attention Dog Lovers, Read This Now

Recommended Answer:
"Dog training college"? I've never heard of such a thing! What is the exact degree you've earned? (just curious)

The trainers that I have known have all learned through training and competing with their own dogs and through hands-on mentoring by established trainers. They began their training schools after laying the ground work as instructors for local companion/performance training clubs that they were members of and then beginning their own business as demand increased for their classes. When hiring trainers for a 4-H dog project, or even seeking out private trainers, I've always gone by word-of-mouth recommendations. I've never hired or participated in classes led by anyone with a "degree" in dog training, most also had a different job at least part-time to help pay the bills.

The first place that I would start would be looking into teaching a community education dog training class in your area, if you are good, people will tell their friends and they will begin to find you by word-of-mouth. Offer more advanced classes in rented, shared space until you have enough clients to support owning/leasing a facility of your own. Make sure to stay active in the dog world! It's all about word of mouth! If you get your foot in the door through local 4-H dog projects by becoming a judge or trainer it will also broaden your references and renown. Keep active in a local dog club that trains for your sport and keep putting titles on your own dogs as well, those you rub shoulders with may be your clients and will recommend others to you.

What You Should Know About Dog Training Techniques

• I work for a shelter and we have a volunteer dog trainer that comes in and works with our dogs. When he works with the dogs he places little cards on the dogs cage saying"I am being trained by dog trainer Alex" then Alex lists all the things he is working on with the dog. The way Alex gets his clients is through the shelter. He offers one free class with each dog adoption.People who adopt LOVE the idea of a free lesson.Then once Alex gets the new owner to the class he works with the dog and new owner and they usually sign up for more paying classes.It is a win win situation for the shelter and the new dog owner and YOU. Most shelters will jump at the chance to have a trainer work with the dogs!! And you can get your name out there and get some clients. Alex our trainer is really involved in the shelter now. Now that the weather is warming up we have many things going on at our local parks with the shelter. Next week is Bark in the Park people come out and walk dogs and booths are set up with local vendors. Alex is having a dog training class set up for the visitors to watch. He takes a dog from the audience and works with it. Then his wife runs his booth and signs up new clients. The shelter is a GREAT way to start


• Have some business cards made up and ask if you can put some in the reception area of Vet's offices in your area. Also, you could put several postings on Craigslist.....in the pet section, services, general, etc. Put a listing in the Yellow Pages or even have a website made.


• I agree with all of the statements made so far: Youtube, Website, Newspaper, Radio, TV, Vet's office.
  
  I would put a card/flyer at bulletin boards at ALL of the vets offices in town as well as pet stores, grocery stores, laundromats, animal shelters, etc.
  
  In addition, you could volunteer your services to your local animal shelter and they might be able to give you referrals for people who adopt new pets.


• Advertise. If you have a camcorder, record a short advertisement showing off your training skills with a few dogs. Load it onto youtube. When you advertise comment on this link to youtube as proof of your skills.


• Advertise.
  
  Radio, newspaper, internet.....

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training - The wisdom of allowing a dog to play rough. Recommended or not?

I have a dog and I'm not really sure of the breed, but I think she's a bird dog. She's a great dog with me, my wife and our 3 kids.

I enjoy playing rough with her. We wrestle on the ground and she will growl very loudly and wrestle back. She will mock bite me, never biting down or anything, but she'll get my arm or hand in her mouth. She never gets near my face.

I think this rough play freaks my wife out because the dog gets really aggressive, even though it's still obviously play. She'll growl and bark, but all I have to do is hold my palms out and say "Brook, Calm" and she'll calm down. Her tail is wagging the whole time during this rough play and she has never hurt me.

Lately, her growling is getting louder, but I just attribute it to the fact that she's comfortable with the play, not because she's getting more aggressive or anything.

Anyway, would a dog trainer say that this is dangerous or foolhardy? I'd hate to be training her by doing this and putting my family at risk.

Service Dog Training: Training Your Dog To Perform Human Tasks

Recommended Answer:
Aggressive play can lead to some aggressive tendancy's. It is good that she will calm down when you say too. That shows that she does see you, (at least sometimes), as a leader. The problem lies when she trys to rough play with someone else, example: your children, your childrens friends, or strangers. Anyone that may be either smaller than the dog or doesn't know your dog. Read the Article: "How to tell if your dog has a superiority complex, and what to do about it." at the website below. Does your dog show any of these traits? It is important to teach your dog that you control play time. If your dog initiates the play, you must ignore her. Giving in to her demands signals to her that she is the leader. This also goes for normal petting as well. If you do not have full control at all times the rough play can lead to more serious problems. Although you may see it as playing, other people may not and you can get into alot of touble if something goes wrong. I would suggest playing that makes your dog use her mind. Example: hide-n-seek games and "Find it" These will be just as fun to your dog and will diminish rough behaviour.

Dog Training - Tips For Consistency

• it is very dangerous...you let her do it to you but how about the kids you are telling the dog that its ok to tackle u to the ground so one day she might do it to your kids if it becomes a bad habit


• I do not think it is good to play rough with the dogs. Now, rough play between the dogs is okay as long as it does not get to the point where they get mad. I would just be afraid that the rough play with you might end up making the dog aggressive.


• If you do it, the kids may try it. If they get overexcited or scared, the dog may sense it and actually attack. It's not a good idea.


• when your dog is playing with don't ever let her put her hand in your mouth.She will strat biting you if she thinks it is ok to do that.My dog had the same promble when he put my hand in his mouth i would snap then put my hand up and say.NO!


• no rough play premotes fighting and fighting promots athoities putting him down


• I wouldn't reccommend teaching your dog to play rough because your dog will eventually look at u as a equal or below them. All respect for you will be lost. In my case, my dog loved to play fight with me, but when I was getting ready to spank her for peeing on the floor, she snapped at me. That was exactly when I knew the play rough game was a bad idea.


• I would say do not play for the very reason it builds aggression.
  Your dog may be fine with you playing this way but it may get out of hand if it were your children or wife playing this way. It is best to not teach the dog that this is ok. A bark is a warning before a bite in most cases as well. This may not be your dog in a way to bite but the wrong circumstance it can be. A dog is an animal and this is one behavior not recommened. :)
  Also, a reply to another answer prior to mine about spanking a dog for peeing, never never hit your dog. There are other methods of training.


• It is not only not bad but it is good if you have done it from the time she was a puppy as it is the only way a dog learns Bite inhibition.
  Dogs learn just how hard is acceptable to play and bite by playing with their brothers sisters and parents. (which is you)
  If they don't learn then they will hurt someone.
  Look at wild dogs... They play very rough and when they overstep they get a warning growl or nip.
  
  I have worked with dogs my whole life. Trained in Obedience and assisted in Schutz Hund (attack, tracking, obedience)
  I see all the time dogs playing with another and it becomes a fight because one doesn't know how to act.
  I have a 150 lb. Bullmastiff and we play like that all the time, It scares the hell out of anyone that watches (except my wife) and they usually say what the others above said, but they don't know what they are talking about.
  The whole issue should be that the dog sees you as her pack leader as well as your wife and children. I also have three children (boys) and my dog has to defer to them, my 6 yr.old can take his food from his mouth.
  I wouldn't ask a VET about Behavior issue's anymore than I would ask my Doc why my son might get bad grades.
  It isn't their occupation.

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Dog Health Questions: Can I find a dog training schedule online?

I trained my basset hound with out a real tentative schedule but my pit bull needs more structured training, he does not have behavioral issues, and is generally a good dog, his issues include, jumping not sitting when told, barking out side, and so one. If any one knows of a planned training schedule online, that is like Day 1, do this, Day 2 do this, and so on and so forth.
Thanks,
B

Choosing Your Dog Training Video

Recommended Answer:
I have tried trainers, books, etc. all with not much luck.

A few years back, I bought an ebook training system called "The Secrets To Dog Training," from a website called Puppy Professor http://puppyprofessor.comyr.com/training and it made all the difference in the world.

I won't need another trainer again, this book has it all, even a chapter on dog whispering, like Cesar Milan, that is way cool.

I encourage you to check it out. It has saved me time, and most of all money. It's like $40 i believe, but it's 7 or 8 books all in one package. Really, it's an incredible deal, and a tremendous help.

The link is in the resource box

Effective Dog Training Tips

• yes you can


• Try this place. I think they have breed specific training to. I love it so far!

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Dog Health Questions: You know those dog training classes they have at pet stores?

Would you ever take a cat to a training class like that? And yes, cats can be trained the same as dogs. So knowing that your cat could be trained the same as a dog, would you ever take your cat to a class to learn obedience or tricks?

3 Steps for Teaching Fido the Basic Behavior Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I already taught one of my kittys how to sit (It's so cute!) so definately.... I think it would bring cats and their owners together..

At Your Service: Service Dog Training

• Sure why not? But it would have to be a cats only class ;)


• of course i will :)

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