Dog Health Questions: Should I get a dog...?

First off I want to say that I am and have always been a dog person. I grew up with dogs and have always had special relationships with them in my opinion. When I was only a few months old my parents took in a puppy for a friend. I grew up with her and when I lost her from cancer it felt like I lost a best friend. We got another puppy soon after that from the shelter and everything had been going great with that (potty trained in four days and I'm pretty proud of that haha) until it to succumbed to cancer (I know what a coincidence right.) It's been years since my dogs died and I haven't had one since. I miss the companionship and loyalty that a dog brings.

I'm now 16 almost 17 and am really thinking about getting another one (Sheltie in fact as that was what my last dogs were.) My mom (parents divorced) says she is thinking about it. This summer I can devote almost 100% of my time to a dog training it and being active with it. I'm an avid outdoors person so being active is not a problem at all. I have a part time job working about three hours three to four days a week so whenever I would be away it would be for short amounts of time. My mom is also willing to help out here and there with training and letting it out to go to the bathroom.

There's only one problem and that's me going to college in a little over a year. My plan would be to let my mom take care of it for the first year (I plan to go to college locally and would be able to come home during the weekends every once in a while.) After the first year I would move into my own house with some friends most likely and could take the dog back. I am very knowledgable about the care of dogs but I'm really torn as what to do. I'm sure most of you will say that I should wait until after college and I partially agree but I just don't know. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

P.S. sorry for the length.

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

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Yes, I think you need to get your sheltie now while your mom can help you with potty training. The first few months are going to be important in your puppies life so make sure you schedule that while you are out of school this summer and while your mom can help. Check the colleges in your area to see if they have pet friendly programs, they have different rules for different colleges. There are 17 pet friendly colleges and universities. Some have size and spay neuter requirements, and shot requirements. Some require your pet to be in a cage. The most popular colleges are.....
Eckerd college, St Petersberg Florida
Stephens college,,Missouri
New Mexico State University New Mexico
MIT Massachusetts Tistitute of Technology
CALTECH California Institute of Technology
State University of New York, Canton
Shimer college Waukegan Ill
UCLA
Vassar
University of Pennsylvania.

They find that it is a positive experience to bring your dog to college for the student, and there are no limits to pet sitters if you need one. You might try typing pet friendly colleges in your search engine for more information, because they all seem to have different requirements and rules. good luck

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

• Wait till you are finished with college.


• Is your mom home to take care of it? Is your mom willing to take care of it while you're in college? Can you afford it? Can your mom give it the attention it will need? Will she be able to take care of its coat (regular grooming)? Do you have a fenced in yard? Do you have neighbors (shelties can be very yappy)? Will there be human companionship most of the day? Will it have room to run?
  
  If any of these are a problem you shouldn't get one. You need to be dedicated. Hope this helps! (:


• I would wait until after you finish college. Alot of ppl have the same plan as you do but do not realize all the time consumed with College and their social life. You have no idea where you will be at in a couple years so I would not bank on being able to take the pup back with you. Also you would be leaving when your pup is still in the puppy stage. I would wait until you are thru with college and have settled down so you don't have this puppy who would be moved around often. -God Bless-


• Actually I'm a ,senior on my way out the door to college and I think getting a dog would be great, if it's for you and your mom and she doesn't mind the responsibility when you go off to college. But a year away, you may change you mind. You can not like the freshman dorms at the college you want, or you may decide to come home more often yadda yaddaa. I know I changed my mind a lot when I looked deeper into the colleges I wanted to go to when I toured and saw what they looked like, and looked at tuition prices. I am a dog person to and I think they are just great to have around, like another friend. It sounds like your really experienced with dogs, and you wouldn't be a bad caregiver for a pet, so I think you'd be really responsible through the experience.


• I would wait until you where completely done with collage cause you are going to have to pay for gas in your car and if you plan on getting a apartment that will coast you to.If you only have a part time job then it mit not pay enough money for you and your dog. You would also have to pay for food for you and your dog. But then again having a dog is wonderful. I am a dog person myself I know how hard of a decision these could be ope my advice helps you good luck!!!!!!!!

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

i just got a dog i am going to take to dr and all that but how do i paper train him before giveing him to mom

Dog Training Tricks - Is Anyone Training You?

Recommended Answer:
Does your mom WANT a dog? If so I suggest crate training as well as housebreaking, in fact they can go hand in hand. Check out these excellent websites:

http://dogcentral.msn.com/article.aspx?c…

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cratetrainin…

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/housebreakin…

Using Dog Training Collars to Train Your Dog

• You should put your pup on the paper after they eat and after their naps and playtime. You can buy specially scented spray to encourage them to use the same area each time as well as specially scented "puppy pads" from the store. Being consistent is the key so don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries


• you really shouldent paper train it you should take it out side take it out everry time it wakes up and every time it states sniffin like its lookin for sumthin


• If you have cable look up dog whisper or buy his video's he teaches us to be the pac leader and he is totaly awesome, I swear by this guy, his name is Cesar Milan he will give you great tips and future upcomming problems on how to deal with them


• Dog House Training
  Learn how to train your dog house manners:
  Take your dog out at the same times every day. For example, first thing in the morning when he wakes up, when you arrive home from work, and before you go to bed.
  
  Praise your dog lavishly every time he eliminates outdoors. You can even give your him a treat. You must praise him and give him a treat immediately after he has finished and not wait until after he comes back inside the house. This step is vital in housetraining, because rewarding your dog for eliminating outdoors is the only way he will know that is what you want him to do.
  
  visit samsdogtraining.com
  
  Sam H.


• Here is a good site with some options for you.

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Dog Health Questions: Looking for child's cd. think title or title song is Dog Train. songs by different pple. search can't find

searched amazon and whole net with dog train title and children's cds and it doesn't show up. maybe has a different name.

The Significance of Dog Training Videos

Recommended Answer:
here you go

http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Train-Sandra-B…

Dog Training: What Is Dog Training?

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Dog Health Questions: Any opinions on Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center in Tacoma, WA?

I have had dog training with Ron Pace at Canyon Crest K9 has anyone else had training with him? Jake my GSD has never been better since going to training, everyone says wow he is very well behaved howold is he 2? 3? no he is only 11months old, they are shocked he is this well trained at this age. Anyway Ron Pace is great I just wanted to see if anyone else has had traing with him.

Dog Training Tips - Equipment Needed

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I will go there soon to take my dog also. I hope they do a good job

Dog Training Methods Uncovered

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Dog Health Questions: How can i teach my dog to beg and roll over? PLEASE HELP?

please dont refer to dog training videos or books or youtube videos or trainers
cant waste money and dont have time
so can you please tell me how to teach a german shep mix to roll over and beg really easy??? help :)

8 Dog Training Tips For Dog Lovers

Recommended Answer:
How well does he follow commands like "sit", "stay", "down", or "drop"? You can't expect your dog to learn fancy tricks unless you've established a good relationship with him and know that he'll obey you on the basics. There's also not a "really easy" way. Any behavior conditioning takes time and patience. People who are successful at teaching their dogs new things quickly usually accomplish this because they know their dogs really well. They understand what motivates the dog and what rewards are most valuable to him. Sorry, but books, videos, and/or trainers are the way to go. If you can't even take the time to watch a 2 minute youtube video, how do you expect to successfully train a dog?

It'll probably take a couple of days for him to truly grasp the specific behavior you want from him and to associate it with a visual or verbal cue. You need to be consistent and most of all patient. Training sessions shouldn't last any more then 10-12 minutes, and you need to make sure each session ends on a positive note. So if he just doesn't get it, you have to hide your frustration and have him do something easy that he can be rewarded on. This is keep training fun and exciting for him and prevent it from becoming a punishment.

Know The Basics Of Dog Trainings

• i just held the treat in my hand got on my knees and positioned my dog and put the treat almost in hismouth to temp him and said belly when igot him in the positioon and just kept working with himadn not he just trows tricks at me tookabouyrt a week just get down there and keep positioning himand he willl understand andgive the treat only when he does it on hisowndoonot get frustrated and dogs gr=et boared so 20-30 mins aday is key you candoit severaltimesa day but give them breaks in between you can teach your dog anything on your own
  hope that helps you can e-mailme for any other dog training needs!
  royality1744@yahoo.com


• I will try to explain how we were taught to teach our Golden to roll over....it's easier to say than to type...lol.
  
  When he is in a Down position , face him and have a treat in your hand. Have the treat in front of his nose , and move it over towards his shoulder. His head will follow your hand with the treat. Keep moving your hand over his back , so that his head follows the treat and he rolls over. While you are doing this, say " Roll Over " . When he does it, praise him and give him the treat. Continue until he has caught on.
  
  I haven't taught Beg, but I think if you had him in a sit position, take a treat and raise it above his head so he has to stand on his hind legs to reach it. Tell him the command you want ( " Beg " , I guess ) and reward him when he does it :)


• If ur dog is young, then try this (this is wat I did!)
  get a treat, show he/she the treat, then tell it to lie down if it knows that trick,
  and then GENTLY roll he/she over and say "roll over" and give him/her the treat!
  Repeat this a few times and he/she should catch on! :) Xxo


• Beg: get a treat and and put it above your dogs head to where he sits but keep going back until he tries to beg. keep doing this. it took me 2 weeks to train my golden retriever:)
  Roll over: have him learn lay down. then push him to where he rolls on his side. have a treat and tempt him to get it while you help him rotate. he will soon get the hang of it and you dont have to help him turn. GoOd lUcK:)


• Put your dog in those positions saying the command. Once they are in position, give him/her heavy praise and sometimes a treat.
  
  MOST IMPORTANT Give him/her short two minutes lesson five or six times a day.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training tips?

I am really good at training individual dogs, but with the two i'm currently training, they don't know the significance of their name (i.e. I say Dylan Come and both come). Is there anything I can do to get them to understand this faster?

Who Let The Dogs Out? Pointers For In Home Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I'm currently in the same position. Training our 10wk old Yorkie with our 14month old Golden (well trained!).

I start by having the Golden sit & stay (she knows NOT to move until I say "come"). Then I call the other dog by her name, and reward her.

If by chance, their names are alike (in my case, Keeley & Chloe sound similar; love me wife! ha ha), it will only take time.

If they're both fairly new to training. I suggest, if you haven't heard of it, "clicker" training. You can purchase a clicker @ your local pet store for around $2. You use it as an association with the command.

Be sure to GOOGLE "clicker training" before getting started - using it improper can create a dependence on the clicker, which is something most people don't want.

KEEP WORKING @ it - time will show your efforts!

Dog Behavior Training - Dog Training to Correct Behavior Problems

• the only way to do this is say one dogs name, and make something happen pertaining to it, but NOT to the other dog. If you use treats, chances are hte other dog will associate the first dogs name with the possibility if him getting a treat too.
  
  Just keep at it, they should catch on eventually.
  
  It might help to work on this one-on-one with each dog, withou the other one in the room.


• im not to sure but i have heard that dogs dont understand there names they understand the tone of the way u call them maybe try taking one out at a time calling his name so he gets used to it then swop and use another tone for the other dog then see what happens hopefully they will detect the diffrance


• yea..i know..training 2 puppies can be very hard..they will get jealous of each other and everything..i recommend puppy training school..though i have never taken my dog..i hear its a good way to train your puppies basic commands like come!!


• they need to be work on one on one they prolly dont ever have to be treated as a single dog so they just act as one rememeber dogs are pack animals they will do whatever they can with a partner


• dog training treats. They always work.
  Good luck!!


• try using treats.they may listen to you more

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Dog Health Questions: What steps need to be taken to open a dog day care/boarding facility?

I am almost done with my degree in dog training/behavior and I will also be taking some grooming courses, I really want to open up a dog day care with in the next 5 years...what steps need to be taken? only serious answers please...don't waste my time if you don't know what your talking about..and yes I have looked it up online but didn't have many direct answers. thanks :)

The Significance of Dog Training Videos

Recommended Answer:
First of all put a business plan together so that you can approach banks etc for investment. DO your homework, check out local facilities, prices etc. Make sure that you have covered everything profit, loss and do a SWOT analysis. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) Identify potential premises as well if possible.

It is excellent that you have done a degree in which you can use in later life. Good luck and happy training.

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog

• Business license, since it would be a business. Look into that area then go on into looking into health and safety regulations for animal facility care. Also when you open up you should require paper work (vaccinations, vet visits etc) to prevent sickness from spreading like kennel cough.
  
  But look into rules and regulations for businesses that would be a good start.


• It would depend on what your state laws are or requirements are for where you are at. What state are you in? You would need a business license for sure, which I'm sure you were already aware of that. Since you haven't had much luck looking online you may want to contact your local animal service for information, just a thought hope this helps.

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Dog Health Questions: Any input on dog obedience training?

I am considering dog training for my 1 year old mix(mixed with everything) She is big and crazzzzyyy!! I don't know what to expect as far as time and cost. I would like any info you could give me. Thanks!!!

Enroll Your Pet to Dog Training School to Modify Behavioral Problems

Recommended Answer:
I'm a big advocate of "clicker training" for dogs. Clicker training is a rewards based training program based on the science of how dogs learn best. There are certified clicker trainers in most metro areas. We even have one in our little town in rural New Mexico.
We signed up our daughter's Lab puppy for an eight week program that cost around $75. You go to class once a week and you have to work with the dog on lessons between classes.
There are other rewards based programs besides Clicker Training, and in my experience, if you are willing to put in the time in class as well as the homework, there is no better investment you can make for the health and well being of your dog.
I'll link to the Clicker Training web site below. You can learn more about it and see if there is a trainer near you.

Training Your Dog at Home - Save Thousands of Dollars on Dog Training

• Obedience training is the foundation for establishing a better relationship between you and your dog. Obedience training helps establish the owner in the role of "pack leader". Obedience will lay down clear behavior guidelines that your dog can follow. A well-behaved, obedient dog is more than just a pet of pride. The difference lies largely in the training, and good training can save a dog's life.
  
  These articles will give you tips about how to best train your dog.
  
  Dog Training - http://www.dog-pound.net/dog-training.ht…
  
  Dog Obedience - http://www.dog-pound.net/dog-obedience.h…
  
  Repetition, consistency, practice and correction are what it takes to train a dog to be happy and responsive. If you follow these simple steps you will find that your puppy can grow into an obedient well-adjusted dog.
  
  Repitition and Consistency in Dog Training - http://www.dog-pound.net/repetition-cons…


• It depends on where you go, and the knowledge of the trainer. Call around, or ask your vet if he is familiar with any trainers he could recommend. All dogs need obedience training, and it is well worth the time and cost. My dog's classes cost about $100 to $125 per class. As far as the time it takes, you cannot expect to "train" your dog just by going to a class once a week. Whatever you work on in class, you need to work on at home. I used to take my dog to the park, let her mess around, then work on her training, and then let her mess around a little more before we went home. So to answer your question, you will have to put in the time to have a well trained dog. And if your dog is big and crazy, she definitely needs obedience training. Plus it's a lot of fun.


• well, it depends on where you go for training..i know you can sign up at like a petsmart or something, but im sure there's local places too. it's pretty expensive, not sure exactly, but probably at least 100+ for a class. its definitely worth it tho. they'll teach you obeying commands, potty training, how to walk, etc. im pretty sure there are specific classes for the age of your dog. but the most important thing is to remain consistent at home to build the habits that the trainer will teach you and your dog. good luck!


• I would train the dog yourself... Its really easy. Just google on how to do obedience traning on your own. Save your money and train how you want the dog to be. Also go to the dog whisperer website.. Hes great.. Also make sure if your dog poops outside to use POOP911. Its an awesome Pet Waste Removal Service that I use and love it. Their number is 1-877-POOp911


• a one year old dog is already hard to train but you can try training him.. i hope this helps


• I trained my bouvier for 2 years. 1 year obedience and 1 year attack. It was 4 times a month at $20 a time. Some dogs in the school attacked everything around them which was a pain but otherwise it was worth it.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training, to lie in his spot?

Is is mean or cruel, to have my dog lie down at 'his spot' in the house, just for training purposes. -Only for short sessions throughout the day? (Only about 15 mins, just here and there random times throughout the day..) The spot isn't away from everyone or anything. Just to get him to listen to me, and so that way when we tell him to go lie down while were busy or eating, he knows where to go to?
Do you think this is a good teaching method or would could you advise something else?

What Is The Best Approach To Dog Training?

Recommended Answer:
It's an excellent training method! I have owned dogs all of my life and each and everyone of my dogs has been taught to do this. There is no need for a dog or dogs to be roaming around the house unsupervised. Allowing a dog to run the house at will also makes it difficult to train a dog. It allows the dog to get into stuff that he is not supposed to get into or makes it possible for him to go to the bathroom in the house.
I currently have 2 Boxer's and a Shih-Tzu. The Boxer's have a homemade western style bed with a baby mattress in it. The Shih-Tzu has her own bed and both are in the livingroom. When we are at home the dogs have are not allowed to just walk around the house at will. They have to stay in the livingroom. If/when we tell them to go lay down, they are expected to go and lay on their bed.
They will go and lay there and are content to do so because they are in the same room with us. We can even eat in front of them and they will not leave the bed nor will they come to the table and beg.
Every once in a while we will call the dogs over to us so we can pet them and sometimes they are even allowed to come onto the sofa (one at a time) and lay with us. This is by invitation only!
When we have visitors the dogs also have to lay on their bed. Nothing more annoying then visiting somewhere and have dogs jump on you and scratch you or be in your face the entire time.
We do have a large fenced yard where the dogs can romp around and play in and I do take them to the river occasionally where they can run and play in the water and just be dogs.

Do's and Dont's of Dog Training

• Its a perfect base for dog training. Extremest might see it as mean, or just plain cruel. But in real life its a great thing. It teaches the dog to listen more, and show him who's boss, and it also helps at dinner time or when you have guest in you house. Also during training a dog needs to be in a place hes familiar with so hes not on edge and constantly looking around being in a safe place lets him learn the new trick with out any problems =]


• Training a dog to go his spot, or mat, is a valuable thing. However, in the beginning of training this, 15 minutes may be too much - start small and work up. Reward the dog for short stays in the mat and make sure you release him with an OKAY or FREE before he breaks from the spot. Then increase the time you want him to stay there by a minute or two or three at a time - build his training to stay so that he is successful and always release him before he gets up. You need to get a baseline on what he can do now, and then increase, with releases and rewards for staying, until you release. This is perfectly appropriate training, not mean or cruel. Just know your dog and build with success.


• I dont understand why you want your dog to be in "her spot" is she not listening to you? If not you need to spend more time with her take her for long walks so she is tired. Then she wont have a lot of energy to do things or to annoy you. Or maybe you should just teach her to lie down. and stay. Or a good one is to when your eating is to give your dog his favorite toy so he doesn't beg. Or even put her in a kennel. I thnk that having her own small spot is ok. its not cruel. just make sure you reward her after.


• its perfect.. give him a bone or something to keep him busy sometimes. and he will also learn the spot isnt a bad thing it can be fun to. best of luck =)


• It's essential training. But start with much smaller durations. 15 minutes would be like a bazzillion years to a puppy just starting this exercise. I taught the place command so my dog will go to whatever spot I point to. I taught him the down command. I taught him the stay. He should know those commands before you put them together to teach this. Right now my dog is 8 months old and I don't expect him to stay for more than 2 or 3 minutes. I can get him to stay longer if I give him something, a bone or a stuffed kong but that's just preoccupation it's not obedience to a command. You would have to use punishers to train the dog to stay long under obedience. If you use negative punishers (no-reward markers) it could take a long time. Most people would train this with positive punishers. Typically, you'd have a helper with a long-line to correct the dog if they broke their down stay. A remote would work great for this. You can do it yourself if you stay in sight or if you want the dog to learn to stay when you're out of sight, you hand the remote to someone else that can watch the dog. The down-stay with the handler out of sight is a fairly traditional exercise. Positive punishers work well because the behavior you're seeking is a passive. It's easy to just discourage everything else.

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Dog Health Questions: Free dog training - Opinions?

When I graduate my dog training school instead of going to some internship or working at a petstore before I start my own business, I'm just going to put an add for free private lessons on craigslist. I'll ge't the experience and I won't have to work for someone else. I figure once I train about 10 dogs from start to finish I'll have enough hands on to call myself an experienced dog trainer. Opinions?

Dog Training - Important Tips

Recommended Answer:
How about volunteering at your local shelter. There are plenty of dogs that need trained there. You will also be able to build a name for yourself as people will see you as the person who trains dogs at the shelter. Plus this will help many of these unwanted dogs get into homes. Most dogs end up at the shelter because of training/ behavior problems. You will have the advantage of training many problem dogs.

Getting involved with 4H, your local comunity college, and other comunity organizations that need class instructors will help, Plus with the exception of 4H you will get a stipend for teaching classes.

You need to train at least 100 dogs before you can remotely call yourself a trainer. You need to train at least a 1000 with consistent results before you can call yourself an expert. The biggest part of pet and house hold dog training is problem solving. You do not get the problem solving skills without experience.

Guard Dog Training Tips & Tricks Revealed

• No reason why you can't do it that way, however the best way to get your name around is to train and show in obedience,rally,and agility and get some titles. It will help you with hands on experience and teach you a lot of things that they don't talk about at dog training schools. Good luck, you're in for a great ride.


• I don't think 10 dogs qualifies you as an "experienced dog trainer."


• Experience is earned over years of training dogs yourself to a high standard. Do you mean a dog trainer or instructor? How can you instruct others if you have not gained the experience yourself/
  
  What makes you think the public will come to a young kid straight oout of college who has never trained a dog to do anything himself and has no personal training?
  
  ETA: Josh - you say you have only trained two dogs? Not many is it? And what have you trained these dogs to do? Are they obedience or tracking titles dogs, or do you mean you trained them to just come when called, walk on a leash and basic pet exercises. There is so much more to training, and as others have said, you need idemnity insurance, plus a great deal of tact in dealing with their owners!
  
  I suggest you start getting much more experience with your own dogs and with a trainer/instructor/mentor before you start calling yourself a competent instructor and don't let me put you off if this is what you want to do. Just don't go out half-****** !
  
  Enjoy the learning journey.
  
  Ö


• To become a behaviourist or dog trainer takes many years of hard work practical experience and study.
  
  Ten dogs does not an expert make, 200 plus and you may be getting somewhere 2000 plus and you will be moving towards what you need to do to be able to consider yourself experienced.
  
  You need to work with rescues and re-homers and you need to constantly continue to study the latest scientific findings which are constantly changing. Ask to follow an acknowledged expert for as long as it takes to gain practical hands on experience. Join an organisation that will help you gain knowledge and practical experience.
  
  I personally believe it takes a minimum of seven years to become a good trainer and behaviourist. Education on its own is useless, it must be coupled with practical experience.
  
  I do hope you do not believe that graduating will equip you to work with dogs? Most degrees are purely academic with no practical hands on requirements.
  
  Added*
  Listen to Felicia Josh she is a wise lady. With regard to your question owning dogs and training them professionally is a whole different ball game. As Felicia said you have to deal with the general public 75% of your work will not be training dogs it will be training people. Guess what is the hardest animal to train. I will give you a clue it is not a dog.
  
  7 years of training dogs professionally and you can start to call yourself something of an expert. The more you work with dogs the more you realise just how little you actually know.


• Hi Josh...
  
  Sounds like you are diving in which is awesome. But... if I were to add two comments? Be careful doing anything on Craigslist. There are some dang crazy people in there.
  
  I think Cookie had great suggestions...and obviously new comer Stan (below) is going to bring a WEALTH of solid knowledge to the Y/A table. Also, consider leading a canine 4-H group to that list. I led canine 4-H for 2 years and my kids mostly had old farm dogs etc. We cleaned swept the fair two years in a row. My kids took Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in the Obedience and Showmanship classes.
  
  Amazingly....the kids were far easier to work with then their parents (go figure). Anyhow.. it's a great way to get to work with a variety of dogs, a variety of people...you make a huge difference in getting kids involved in something positive (while teaching them responsible pet ownership)...AND you're away from the element of Craigslist. I have bought a couple things locally from Craigs...but I hear a lot of very unsettling things about it too. Lots of off the wall individuals lurk there.
  
  I wish you the best...
  .
  ADDED: Legit
  Stan,
  Agreed... it's like 2 vets getting out of vet school. One going into practice for 10 years and one going into research. Both legit veterinarians....but I want the one with 10 years of "in the trenches - hands on" experience treating my dogs. You can read up on something until you are blue in the face...but... reading and applying are TWO very different things.
  .
  ADDED #2 - Legit
  Josh..
  ALL hands on experience counts for something. But...be very careful with the theory of "the college kid who wants no money over the professional who wants $150 an hour". There are people who will happily pay $150 an hour for someone who's got a lifetime of experience in their field. Free is good to a point. But (as you will learn) after dealing with the public.. that "free" offer will bring on an element of "expectations" from people that will ultimately make you very sorry you e-v-e-r whispered the word. ESPECIALLY if someone thinks you did more harm then good. You can't get a behavioral quirk ironed out in 2-3 sessions. It may take you 2-3 sessions just to really figure out what makes some dogs tick. So...if some inexperienced dog owner comes to you (and you attempt to help)...but the dog reacts poorly to the method you used (there are many ways to skin a cat)...trust me...you will get accused of making the dog worse. Then you'll have that to deal with in addition to the dog.
  
  The other "news flash" you better BRACE yourself for is that working with the animals is the easy part... dealing with the general public is a WHOLEEEEEE other side of your pending education that's going to be rough one. No matter what business or field you decide to go into....it takes a thick hide and endless patience to deal with a v-e-r-y demanding... highly "judgmental" public.
  
  If you want it bad enough...you'll succeed at becoming a trainer...but.. there are MANY rungs on this ladder... so... take cautious steps while climbing it...that's all I'm saying.
  .
  .
  ADDED#3 Legit
  Stan-
  Not so much wise as "bludgeoned into reality" after dealing with the public for so many years. I attended and graduated from the "School of Hard Knocks"...and then went on to get my upper level education at "Murphy's Law" University....LOL
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Dog Health Questions: What problems do you have with your dog training?

I have a cocker spaniel who goes completely mad for 1 hour every night at the same time! I wonder what persistent problems you have with your pet dog?

Dog Training Schools - What a Typical Course Covers

Recommended Answer:
My two main problems are:

1. My dog finds fetching pointless. I've been working with her and she will fetch, but she's still not a fetch kind of dog. It's quite frustrating for me, because my first dog was a fetch-oholic and there are just so many tricks and commands that require a solid fetch.

2. This one is entirely my fault. My dog is so attached to me that she's like a large piece of black velcro (except when I'm eating) - to the point where I have to close the bathroom door if I don't want a full grown Groenendael on my lap while using the toilet. I really need to work on the "go on your blanket" command - the only reason she's not good at this yet is because I've been lazy. It's much easier just to have her sit next to me on the couch. Yeah, bad human. Bad!

Dog Breed in Relation to Dog Training

• None.
  
  My dogs are well trained.
  My dogs were not trained with some click and bribe method, they were trained with traditional methods that include proofing ones dog.
  
  Obviously if I had a persistent problem it would be due to some lack in my training. However I am better than that.


• Nothing that isn't entirely my fault.
  
  My highly intelligent and athletic Min Pin gets into things (opens cabinets, gets on the counters, and has now figured out the foot pedal on the trash can) if I don't give him enough interesting activitties to spend his time on. So, when he gets into things he shouldn't I tell him 'No' and then I say 'bad owner, no biscuit', and give him something more productive to do.


• Problems? Owners that want to argue with me. Oh, you mean with my dogs - nothing at the moment. Sounds like your dog has the ya-ya's: a burst of high-spirited activity that helps burn off some of that pent up energy. Cockers are originally active hunting dogs. Try a longer daily walk at a brisk pace.


• one of mine is a bit too focused on other dogs but hes improving with training.
  
  Just an idea, if your spaniel goes crazy at the same time each day why not take them out 5 mins before its due and let them run in the field or quiet dog park? Let him get it out his system.


• The problem with dog training is the trainer.If you spent the time in obedience school you will notice that the instructor is spending more time with the people then then dogs.Remember at last resort read a book on how to do what ever it is that you want your dog to do.


• W/the animals?
  None;it's the idiot humans' inability...refusal....to use the correct commands.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

I have a Boxer pup.. She is only 9 weeks old.. We have had her for 1 week... This is my first time training a dog to use the bathroom in the house in her designated area.. And i am having a real problem with her, one time she will use the piddle pad and the next she won't.. We take her out side when we can... I guess my real question is do you all have any tips? Could us taking her outside to use the bathroom then turning around and bringing her inside be causing her to have a conflict ? Please help? I have tried to reward her when she does use the pad.. But then 5 minutes later she's using it on the floor...?!

Dog Training - 4 Quick Steps to Good Doggie Manners

Recommended Answer:
I hate puppy pads. If you want your dog to learn to go OUTSIDE then take her outside. I would research crate training, it's the best method of potty training as well as giving the dog a safe place to go when shes tired or scared. It can help you keep the dog from destroying your house, and a boxer puppy WILL destroy your house if left out. Go get a crate, it needs to be large enough for her to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortable but no bigger, if there is room for her to potty and still lie down, she will. Keep her in the crate when your not watching her. Take her out when you wake up, after she eats, after she drinks, after she plays, before bed and every hour or two in between. When you take her outside, don't let her play before she goes potty, if she gets distracted, pick her up set her back down and tell her to go. When she goes, make a HUGE deal about it let her know she's a good girl. If she's outside for 10mins and doesn't go, take her back inside and put her back in the crate for 20 mins. If you can stick to this for a few days or a week, she will eventually get it. If she's 9 wks old she can hold it for about 2 hours. If she has an accident, don't scold her, rub her nose in it or punish her in any way. If you CATCH her doing it, pick her up, tell her NO firmly and carry her outside. Even if you get peed on. Another word on training. There is nothing wrong with telling a dog no. Punishment is after the dog has done something wrong. When a dog does something they forget it almost immediately, so punishing her (after she's done something) will confuse her and scare her, she won't connect the action with your reaction. Correction is when you catch them in the act and CORRECT the behavior, if you catch her chewing, you say NO and take the shoe away, replacing it with one of HER toys. Correction works better than punishment because the dog was interrupted during the behavior. Interruption sends the dog the message that what they're doing at that moment is not allowed. Girl, I would get her into some training classes, not all boxers are that calm dignified dog in the dog shows and pictures, shes gonna be a handfull so I would start early!

Even if you live in an apartment you can let her out onto the porch or out into the lawn with the same effects. If your not going to do SOMETHING your not going to have any luck training her.

The Importance of Dog Training

• G


• She's not going to have it all figured out at 9 weeks, but you are making things harder on her by not having a schedule and just taking her out when you can. You should probably do one or the other.


• You take her out when you can? Are you allowed in the bathroom when your parents can allow you there? Dogs need consistency. That's all I have to say. It does not sound like you are offering this dog a routine, at all.


• put more than one piddle pad, and take her outside more


• Piddle pads and litter boxes often teach to dog to pee inside the house. I would recommend letting her out every couple of hours to pee outside and crate training her. Out door training is the best, even if you have to get up @ 3 AM to let your doggy out! (Think about a doggy door!)


• there should definitly be a schedule, that way your dog's body gets used to relieving itself at certain times.
  
  also, when your dog is done with her business outside, make sure when you enter the house again right away she gets a treat and/or praise for going to the bathroom in the right place. soon she will begin to understand that when she goes to the bathroom outside is a good thing, and it will become a natural behavior.


• Get rid of the puppy pad! They rarely work because all they teach the puppy to do is to use the restroom inside. Purchase a crate and crate train your puppy. You and your puppy will be much happier!


• I second the crate training. Get rid of the pad, it just teaches them to use the bathroom inside. Crate train instead, puppies won't usually want to use the bathroom in their crate because it's their safe place. This doesn't mean you should leave her in her crate for extended periods though, start with short sessions. Definately try and give her a routine to adapt to though, that will make it much easier!


• dont punish her if she goes on the floor yet, just reward her wih a treat when she goes in the right place. right when she squats to pee, run her outside or wherever she's soposed to pee. after about 2 months she's still goin on the floor, punish her. she'l get the hang of it!

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