Dog Health Questions: How can i cope with getting rid of my dog, when i know its not his fault?

I have a staff, i got him when he was 9 weeks old (10 months now), he was the perfect dog he sits, lays, shakes your hand, plays dead, jumps, speaks and was 100% housetrained up until about 2 months ago when he started to pin down me and my little sister .. poo in the house ... now he just snaps at me if i tell him off .. he runs away all the time ... has started to become vicious towards other dogs .. he has no respect for me and doesn't listen to a word i say, I've tried crate training, neutering him, muzzle training, praising him if he does anything right, dog training lessons ... no one can help .. i walk him for about 2 - 3 hours a day and ever feed him sugary foods, i always stick to the same rules, and yet i love him with all my heart, i am in all day so hes never left on his own .. i cant think where ive gone wrong .. i cant handle him anymore and its making me depressed and i keep taking it out on other people, how can i cope with saying goodbye? and how can i cope when my house is going to be so empty without him, but i cant think of another option :( .. has anyone got any experience with getting rid of a dog as i don't and how can i cope with the emptiness i am going to feel, but i know deep down hes doing me more harm being around me because of his stubbornness.

Dog Training Advice - How To Do Obedience Training For Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Well, why not try one more time.

Your dog needs a good leader.
An emotional leader is not a leader, dogs dont listen to emotion like people do.

Dogs respond aggresively to aggression.

Implement NILIF imediately.
Limit freedom. Tether him to you in the house and only allow him free in a limited room that you can see him at all angles. No sneaking behind the corner for potty breaks.
Take him outside to go potty(think of keyword to give him when he needs to go), on a lead and dont take him in until he goes. He needs to go out every 30 minutes.

If he gives you a hard time, just stand there. Chase him and its a game.

Learn to speak dog. Since you are home everyday, you can start doing more than just walking him. I am sure he would love to go to a field and just run.
Try a baseball field, just clean up before you leave. Pit bull owners dont go to the actual dog park, because it doesnt matter who started it, the pit gets the blame because of the breed.

What are you feeding him?

Muzzles are just a cover up for the problem.

Gain your dogs respect. You have to earn it, and do not treat him like a baby, he is a dog and needs you to become more dog like.

Here are good free articles if you are interested: http://www.flyingdogpress.com You do have to sign up though for the free account to view them now.

Discover Why Dog Training Ebooks And PDF's Are All The Rage These Days

• You do know that puppies go through an "adolescent stage" from 6 months to one year, where they are very, very ill-behaved, right?
  
  This is why people should get adult dogs and not puppies.


• At this point, you need a behaviorist -- not a regular trainer.


• As someone else said, he is in the Adolescent stage- 8months to 36 months is considered the adolescent stage. Maybe he needs more than just simple walks. Try biking with him or rollerblading with him to wear him out, then work on training. Remember, you are the pack leader so you have to behave like one. You cannot ever, under any circumstances be afraid of your dog, or you give him power. I struggled with this one myself when I got my dog. He has to have boundaries and limitations. Do not let him have the run of the house. Especially if he is doing his business inside. Watch some dog whisperer, and maybe read one or two of his books if you can. Also, here is a link to a site that may be able to help you some more-
  www.staffyclub.com. I would say not to give up on him yet. Give it some more time, and if you feel as if you can't handle it yourself, absolutely contact a dog behaviorist. Good luck!

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Dog Health Questions: Do you think I'm ready for a dog?

I'm 13, and I have wanted a dog since I was tiny. But recently I've got much more serious about it, and I want it SO badly, but I now understand that a dog is a big commitment and I need to be responsible about it.
I've done a lot of research into dog training, breeds and care, so I really know my stuff. But I know it's very different to read about something than experience it, I just thought being knowledgeable would help.
My mum and dad are still saying no, and it makes me so upset because I feel I can handle a dog and I know I'd look after it. A dog would mean 2 much 2 me and i would never neglect it.
Please tell me if you think I really could handle a puppy (if not, how can I change) and if you do believe me, how can I convince my parents?

Thank you!! :D

from Beccy xx

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

Recommended Answer:
puppys take a lot of work, and alot of knowlege in training one. Your only 13 right now and soon enough you will be busy with your friends and social life that your not going to have time to take care of it. I would really reconsider until all of your family is on board with having one, because it's alot harder then it looks!

Dog Training Collars

• If your parents say no than there must be a reason that they dont want u to get one. Have you asked them why you couldnt get one


• You seem mature and responsible, but are you sure that you won't just become bored with a dog after a couple of months? You're right: it is alot of work. You have to feed and water a dog twice a day, clean it's cage or let it out frequently, give it plenty of TLC, and have a way to pay for it's vet bills.
  Another idea for you might be to see if your parents would let you take on a smaller animal, such as a fish or a hamster, to prove that you have responsibility. That might seem childish, but it is a step closer to getting a dog!
  Communication=trust ... Talk to your parents and let them know how much getting a dog would mean to you. If you like the hamster idea, bring that up too and see what they have to say.
  Good Luck and God Bless


• I'm about your age, (can't say exactly or I'll get in trouble) and I had that EXACT same problem. my mom said no for years, then the one thing that worked was when i raised the money all on my own. I also promised to take complete care of it and she let me get one. I think you are ready! Just keep trying and never give up!!!!!!


• well i really hope you know that having one is a big responsibility! you need to feed it, bathe it, walk it, play with it, train it, etc.
  
  it can be alot of work, and im not sure if you would have the time, since you will be in school 5 days a week. who will take care of him in the mean time. if you get a dog, from a shelter, that is already potty trained, etc.. then yes it will probably be easier on you, but you have to make sure u give it lots of love! im not sure how to convince your parents, alls i know, is when i wanted my first pup, i just begged my parents, until one day we went and looked at some pups, and i got one. good luck.


• My hubby and I have four dogs... while I'm sure you would be able to handle remembering to feed a dog and walk it, what you're forgetting is that dogs are expensive to own. Even if you got a free mutt from an animal shelter, vet bills can be very costly.
  
  If your dog gets hurt or sick, you need to take it to a vet in addition to taking it for regular check-ups and stuff.
  
  So maybe if you got a part time job to pay for this stuff, your parents would be more willing to reconsider.
  
  Also, puppies will piss and poop all over your parents' house until it is house-trained.
  
  Dogs can cause property damage, they chew and dig and get into everything they shouldn't!
  
  That said, I couldn't imagine life without dogs, I love them so much! But you may have to wait until you move out if your parents are dead set against it.
  
  They might be more willing to consider a cat....


• Well, I myself have two dogs owned by my family: a Saint Bernard and a mutt. However, we have 10 acres, which is more than enough room for them to run around. If you live in an apartment in the city, then I would say that you should have a cat or a very small dog- a Saint Bernard would not work! If you live in the suburbs, sure! There is probably enough room to give it daily walks, right? I would suggest small dogs, lap dogs, like a poodle or a pug. Talk to your parents about it, and present the reasons why you should have a dog: it would teach you more responsibility, it would provide you with another friend, and if you get a small dog from the pound, you would be saving its life! Make sure you tell them that you will take care of it. If worse comes to worst, you can show them this!


• YES! when i got my dog at about 12.. i did some research to make sure i was geting the correct dog. Now my dog is smaller then other dogs. Maybe talk to your parents about a smaller no shedding dog. I have a King Charles Cavalier Bichon Frise. He is the best dog a person can ask for! he is the BEST with kids, hardly ever barks, was VERRY easy to trane! i could go on forever
  http://www.pets4you.com/pages/images/cav…
  that a picture like him i found on the internet
  email if u have any Q's or other great dogs that do shed like a LAB great dogs!
  guitardancingrl@yahoo.com


• Beccy- i think you should start off with a small animal like a mouse and see that a small mouse takes a lot of work. I also agree that you are at the age where you want to hang out with your friends and will not have time for a dog because pets do it old and boring at times... also, most likely do not have a job to pay for the vet visits, food and toys for a dog. In time you should be ready for a dog.


• hey there beccy!!
  im 13 and i had the exact promlem. i had never had a dog before so i begged and begged my parents! they kept saying nonono! i finally disided............i will show them! im going to show them i can be responsable! so i did! i did extra chores and started a puppy fund so all the money i got i would put in there to go towards the purchuse of the puppy. then after a few weeks of doing constant chores i sat down and said mom dad i think im responsable enough to take on a responsability! maybe a dog? see what they say. dont say I PROMISE I WILL TAKE CARE OF IT I WILL FEED IT EVERYDAY ETC. cuz they think that you are just saying that to convince them. see what they say. if they say no continue showing you are responsable. i think you are ready to take on such a responsability! so good luck,do your reserch on the dog you want to get and save save save!


• You sound very mature but, I would volunteer at the Humane Society for awhile and get some first-hand experience and it might be a way to prove yourself to your parents. However not all people are doggy, and you just might have to accept the fact that your parents just don't want to fool with a dog, my father was that way! Good luck to you!!!


• Hey, I'm 12 my, parents said no, (at first), my parents then supprised me on xmas, and we're doing great! I wanted a dog since I was tiny also, but here is how I convinced my parents:
  
  Start volunteering to take care of dogs, in other words show them that you can be responsible for a dog!
  
  Best of luck!!

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Dog Health Questions: I was really mean to my dog-please help?

Before I adopted my APBT, I read so many books about dog training. Every book said that the owner should ensure that the dog knows who is boss. When I got her, though I was loving, I was very strict and structured. She gets plenty of exercise, food, and fresh air. She is a sweet dog, and everyone loves her. Anyway, tonight I flipped out on her when I came home and saw some of my possessions destroyed. She looked really guilty, and I yelled and plucked her rear end. I am really ashamed of myself, and I feel that she lost trust in me. I was a bully. I saw she was frightened and I took advantage. She is nothing but loving and kind, and I truly do love her. I think I got scared of her bad behavior and felt afraid she would start being disobedient. My husband says that he noticed I am often too strict with her. How do I stop being so stern? I adopted her because I really wanted a dog to love and care for. Somewhere along the way, the love left and the structure came in. Please help. I know some of you may think "she's just a dog", but she is part of my family and I want to be a great pet-parent. Will she forgive me? How do I make things right? Only serious answers please. Thanks.

Dog Obedience Schools: 4 Tips For Choosing The Right Dog Training Schools

Recommended Answer:
She'll forgive you and probably already has by the time you're reading my answer. You lost your temper, which is only human. Your dog is unharmed and you've learned from the experience, so since it's not something you've done before or will do again (I assume), try not to beat yourself up over it. Play with her, take her for walks, train her to strengthen the bond between you again.

Remember, when correcting a dog, the correction must preferably fall as soon as the dog even contemplates doing something wrong or during the action itself. Later corrections must fall within seconds or they will not connect the correction with the wrong-doing.

I can't tell you how to be less stern, but it might help to focus more on her good behaviours than her bad. Like do you remember to praise her when she's doing something you approve of, like not begging for food at the table or lying quietly in her bed or by your feet when you watch TV, peeing outside etc. - all of the of the things we tend to take for granted that is actually good behaviour.

I communicate a great deal with my dog "ah" and "no" for correcting behaviour and "goooood girl" and silly praise for good behaviour and just for being sweet in general. A correction should always be followed by praise when the dog does as it is told eg. stops biting the couch, so that at any given day, the dog will have received more praise than corrections.

My dog is very focused on me and gets upset if I am angry with her, even when I try to hide it, so if I'm not able to let go of my anger within a few minutes, I usually give myself a time-out until I've calmed down again. Human time-outs are a good thing and saved my sanity when my first dog was in her teen-phase and a destructive and obnoxious brat. The time-outs also prevented me from loosing my temper with her.

Aggressive Dog Training Made Easy

• Well, if she's not sure about you right now, you should regain her trust, let her know that you didn't mean it and is sorry, pet her gently and nicely. And you should only be strict to her if she is doing something wrong, if not, then why should you be mean? If she is loving and caring then it shouldn't be a problem. hope it works out


• She'll forgive you, just provide plenty of love.
  
  You should be stern, but you should also be loving. There *are* times when you can say "good girl" for no reason (as long as she's not misbehaving) or talk to her in a baby voice. She'd probably love that.
  
  Is she still a puppy? Maybe crating her when you are out (as long as it's not for too long) would keep her from destroying things.


• im having the same problem..... i'll put this on my watchlist so i can come bak to read the answers later.
  
  thanks for posting it. i have a APBT too. =]


• Just love her. Play with her and only correct her when absolutely necessary! Soon she will see that you love her and just want the best for her.


• Show me the dog owner or parent who hasn't lost it once or twice and I'll show you a saint. I lost it one time with my dog, when I was rushing for a ferry with take-out food in one hand, leash in the other, and the dog made an uncharacteristic lunge towards another dog and pulled me right down to the sidewalk. I was so mad I was standing there yelling at her in the street, and I don't yell at dogs since I find that a look and a bit of snap in the voice works better. Don't worry about this. A one-time incident won't make much difference if any. It's the day after day abuse and neglect that really affects a dog, and it's clear that your dog, on the whole, is getting what she needs. Everyone has a different style with their dog and there isn't just one that's right. I'm also one of those who gives my dog a lot of structure and I'm not overly affectionate--no baby talk, etc. My dog is also well-behaved, very sweet and very popular. Some might think I'm too strict, but I see a lot of dogs who need more and not less structure. So ease up a bit if it will make you feel better, which is easier to do anyway as the dog gets older and better trained, and make a point of having a few cuddle moments each day with the dog.
  
  You're quite right that part of why you got so mad is that you felt that your dog misbehaving reflected on your training. Very human reaction. It takes quite a bit of self-control and insight at the moment these things happen to realize that the fault wasn't the dog's but yours. However, if the dog does something awful and you show no reaction, the dog may think that whatever it was doesn't matter. I once came home to find that the dog had sh*t on the floor. I decided it was my fault since I hadn't taken him out enough, so I shouldn't chew him out for it. He slunk around the house for half and hour, so I told him off while pointing to the spot. He hung his head and all that until I was finished, then got very happy. He knew he'd done something bad, had been waiting for the punishment, and was glad it was all over now.
  
  Also, figure out if you can what brought on the chewing incident and take steps to prevent it happening in the future. Was the dog lonely, bored, were you away longer than usual, or what? She may be happier conmfined to a smaller area.


• Actually, structure is really good for a dog. My dog likes having a routine and structure in his life. Whenever we have to change that routine, he gets stressed and unhappy. It is also important to be a leader to your dog, and communicate to her what is right and what is wrong. So I think you are already on the right path.
  
  The most important thing in terms of achieving leadership is to always be calm and assertive. That was the hardest thing for me to do, but it really makes a big difference. Every time I feel myself getting angry, I would catch myself, and practice breathing slowly. If I can't control my temper, I will leave for a bit and only come back when I am more calm. I find that talking in a calm voice also helps me control my anger.
  
  For now, I would put your dog in a long-term confinement area (e.g. kitchen) when you are not around. Make sure the space is safe and secure and put in bedding, water bowl, puppy pads (if needed), and lots of safe chew toys and food toys. That way, she only chews on the safe chew toys rather than your prized possessions.
  
  When you are around to supervise, non-mark her (No) when she chews on something she shouldn't and redirect her onto a chew toy. Praise her well when she starts chewing on the toy.
  
  Following the NILIF program and doing regular obedience sessions will also help.


• It's normal and a good sign you feel bad for how you scolded her. Dogs do need structure, but also lots of love and attention. Your dog probably chewed your possessions from separation anxiety. You should love your dog up, but if you feel like all you do is tell her what not to do she will expect that's all you can give. If you really want your dog to know her boundaries and be obedient why don't you try some training classes. Petsmart offers training classes they are inexpensive, and work well - I got my dog trained there. They will give you techniques to work w/your dog, and you will learn the balance of being to strict to being the boss who loves their dog. Don't beat yourself up, just try spending time w/your dog, give it good praise - you'll find when you praise your dog for good behavior they will be very responsive, and a lot more relaxed around you. And your not alone, their isn't a dog owner that hasn't lost their temper w/the pets. Best of Luck!


• okay, i know how bad you feel. we also have an american pit bull(gunnermack 2.5 years old). anyway, there was one day where everything was just going wrong ( by wrong i mean everything )and all he wanted was my attention. well i was frustrated beyond belief. all he did was walk into the same room as me and ask for a treat. i blew up at him, he went to his couch, hiding his head and shaking. i felt horrible. i sat down beside him, and asked to see his face, the saddest face i have ever seen. i took his head into my arms and hugged him told him i was sorry for yelling at him. it took him about an hour to get off of his couch, but when he did i got the biggest kiss ever. pitties are very sensitive creatures, and i was a very bad mom that day. since then we have taught each other, and have also respected one anothers space. just love her and respect her. she will give you unconditional love, for the rest of her life. not to mention how goofy they are. the best clowns god ever made!


• Don't worry, I think everyone that owns a cat or dog probably looses their patience with them at some point. My recently adopted jack russell/min pin mix has a habit of eating our clothes. Go figure!! And every time I find a chewed up shirt or good pair of jeans I get really angry and call her bad names. I feel horrible and she always looks soo sorry she did it, even though I know she is only reacting to the way I am acting. I have even spanked her. Just know that as long as you are not always hitting her or being abusive she'll be fine.


• First let me say that you are human. We all get frustrated and lose it sometimes. The trick is to learn from our mistakes. Dogs are one of the most forgiving creatures that God made. Now forgive yourself.
  Boundaries and consistency are necessary but so is love and affection. I suggest going to a good obedience class. The trainer can give you some tools for how to react to different situations. Look into some positive reinforcement training. I do not know what you mean by "plucked" but if it meant hit in any way vow to never do that again. Dogs do not understand about possessions. If it looks good at the moment to chew, they chew. We have to teach them what is off limits. Until she understands this keep everything out reach that you don't want destroyed. Confine her when she is not with you.
  
  You sound like you are trying to be a good owner who had a "Moment".
  
  


• Your dog will forgive you, but from now on you need to be more loving and kind to her. Do you really want this dog? How were YOU treated as a child? Were you abused? If you can't be a responsible pet owner, consider giving the dog to a more loving home. And what do you mean that you "plucked her rear end"? PLEASE don't abuse this innocent dog no matter how much she might misbehave.
  
  ***I don't think my answer was unnecessary at all. Some animals endure HELL from abusive owners. And I can't stand that. You either want a pet to love and care for or you don't. Mistreating an animal shows the owner has a temper problem or something similar. Sorry if I offended you, but I just hate to see an animal mistreated. They don't understand.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?????????

Is Wiggles and wags in Lombard, IL a good place to take my puppy?

4 Core Basics of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
erm i think i found their website (http://www.wiggles-n-wags.com/index.html for future answerers!) and it looks good yes!!

Dog Training - Three Stages of Dog Training

• WTF?!


• Never heard of it, look for a website, google it, ot visit the centre. I'm english so I wouldn't have a clue about american training centers lol

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training.?

I have 3 dogs. And 2 cats. One of our dogs is a 8-9 month old dachshund. We can't seem to get her to listen or do anything.
She doesn't even know her own name. I need help on ways to train her on the following:
*potty training
*barking(she is always barking for the cat)
*knowing her name
*come&stay
*"no"
*chewing and eating everything in her path.
*begging

so far, for potty training, we put her in a small cage. with blankets during the night so she wont pee on the carpet. But during the day, she will come right in front of you and start to pee. like is a game. We tried barking collars, but they didn't work, no mattter how tight we put them, all the dogs would help her take it off.

Searching For Cheap Dog Training Collars

Recommended Answer:
Sounds like she is a bit stubborn and is in charge, which I believe is typical for this breed..
My suggestion is getting her into some training classes ASAP...find a local training club in your area.

ADD
to tell you HOW to train for everything you have listed, it would take weeks

Using a Dog Training Harness to Train Your Dog

• Here's a site. Sorry, I don't think I'd be able to explain everything in one post.
  http://www.training-dogs.com/dog-trainin…


• 1. potty training: crate training normally works. They should be able to hold their bladder one hour for every month old they are (or so my vet tells me, and this is up to a point of course based on size).
  
  2. barking: This is going to seem counter intuitive but my GSD trainer recommended to teach a dog who barks a lot the "speak" command. Then teach the "stop" command, so when your dog begins barking at something they shouldn't, they know you want them to stop and what you want them to stop doing.
  
  3. knowing her name: I recently adopted a GSD and had the same issue. I was recommended to randomly say his name and reward with praise and an occasional small treat when he responded. This makes him associate his name with positive things. It worked for my dog, so maybe it will for yours as well.
  
  4. come & stay: There really isn't such a thing as a "stay" command. My dog is instructed to SIT or DOWN and is expected to stay there until I give him a release command (can be any word you choose). This is the equivalent of stay. If you tell her to do something she should not deviate from that until you tell her. You may have to have her sit for an extended period of time to get her to understand (just when she tests you by getting up a few times), then give the release word to let her know it's okay to move around when you say that particular word.
  
  As far as come, once she gets her name down all you should have to do is say her name and she will come to you. This should be done regularly with an occasional treat as incentive to get her to stop what she is doing and come to you (I think it is called proofing).
  
  5. "no" : I just recently went through this with my GSD. We laid out dog friendly things like kibble pieces, chews (that were not his), and a stick (not a regular toy) and walked him around the items. Since they are things a dog is naturally interested in, he wanted to sniff them and was corrected with a quick STOP (or whatever word you choose). We did this a few times and now anytime he is doing something he shouldn't I say STOP and he does. Make sure the items are not things she would normally have, because you don't want her to develop an aversion.
  
  6. chewing and eating everything in her path: I haven't really encountered this with my current or past pets, so I don't have any real experience based advice for this one.
  
  7. begging: NEVER feed her while you are eating and ignore her behavior. This worked for a friends dog and mine was starting to develop this problem (due to my boyfriend feeding him snacks while we eat). Make sure all members of the household stick to this or it won't work.
  
  Remember all these things take regular reinforcement to keep them up, inconstancy is a dogs worse enemy. I agree with several other people that a regular training course maybe a good idea as well, to keep you both up to speed. It has helped me recognize some of the bad habits we were developing with my GSD and is a good way to bond.
  
  Good luck! Let us know how it goes!!


• This breed was bred to hunt badgers and they are tough and sutbborn.
  Training is the key if you are not sure how get into some classes and get some help.
  These are great dogs but require patience and lots of training.
  We had them when I was young and they were great dogsb ut it took lots of training to get them to be.
  As for the cats some will never quit chasing and going after the cat. They were bred to hunt smaller furred game. It is instinct.


• Barking collars are cruel and should be outlawed. Dogs bark. If you can't handle it you shouldn't have one.
  
  She is a puppy, therefore her instincts are to bark, chew and eat everything she comes into contact with. Is she getting LOTS of daily exercise? Toys? When she chews on something other than a toy, simply say no, and give her a toy to chew on. She will eventually get the idea.
  
  Don't EVER hit her or use a newspaper, you will only make her afraid of you and not be able to focus on any sort of training. If she pees right in front of you, simply pick her up and place her outside and keep repeating "go potty". Eventually she will do it on command, but you have to think FOR her; take her out every couple of hours and wait until she does, then praise her and give her a treat. She will learn quickly.
  
  I highly suggest you take her to a training class, Petsmart has good positive training and PRACTICE! You can't expect her to learn from one class a week. It takes lots and lots of work to have a trained dog. (I am a trainer). She will be in the puppy stage until about the age of two, so be willing to invest time, money and patience. If you aren't, then you should find her a good home.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Help please?

I'm getting a dog in the summer (either a Jack Russell Terrier or a Yorkie). I have been studying up on taking care of a dog and i even took care of my cousin's dog for a little while. But I still have a few questions:

1. When and how many times do you feed a puppy? What about as they grow up?

2. When do you take your dog for a walk? How many times?

3. When do you let the dog out to do it's business?

Dog Fence Review - Dog Training Rights and Wrongs

Recommended Answer:
10yo's are ***NOT*** capable of properly managing a live animal.
You've just proven this fact.

What To Look For In Dog Training Ebooks

• Be sure about the dog breed that you get because you will have your dog for a long time. Jack Russells are adorable but they are so unbelievably hyper. Yorkies are very yippy. They bark constantly and get underfoot. As puppies you would feed them two to three times a day. I have a two year old Cockapoo and I feed him only once a day. He doesn't necessarily need to be walked but as a puppy I let him out every couple of hours and about twenty minutes after drinking or eating and right after play time. Always put him out first thing in the morning and at bed time. Do crate training. It is the best way to train a puppy. You can research it online. Once your dog is older he will let you know when he needs to go out.


• 1.Many people feed their puppies maybe 3 times a day, after about 3-4 months just feed them twice a day. My dog usually eats just once a day, due to I give her food in the mornings, and forget to pick it back up if she doesn't eat it(she usually doesn't). She eats it in the evenings.
  
  2. I take my dog to a dog park almost every day. She gets a lot of running in that way. If there's one in your area, start this after the third set of shots are done. As for walks, maybe once or twice a day, weather permitting.
  
  3. At first, when we got her, she was four months old. Younger puppies need to go potty every 45 minutes or so. We take her out every hour to 1 1/2 hours. I don't believe in letting dogs out, but taking them out instead, so I can supervise and they don't run off.
  
  Edit: I have a question for you. Have you researched where and where not to get a puppy or dog?
  
  Don't ever buy from a pet store, flea market, etc. Here's why...http://stoppuppymills.org/ http://saynotopetstorepuppies.com/ http://millbusters.com/
  
  Please, rescue a puppy or dog and save a life.
  
  http://petfinder.com/
  
  They have listings of shelters in your area and the puppies or dogs available for adoption. Most dogs in shelters do not get adopted out as no one wants a grown dog. These dogs ultimately get euthanized.


• 1. The puppy should not be younger than 8 weeks when you bring it home. At that time they can eat twice a day (morning and evening about 12 hours apart) and what ever the food bag recommends for their weight is what you should feed them. Puppy food until 1 year old and then adult food.
  
  2. We have a fenced yard so we don't walk our dogs, but when we had to walk them, we took them out first thing in the morning, after they ate, after they exercised or played, after their naps, when we got home from work, before bed, and any other time they asked. With a puppy you will be going on lots of walks because they can't hold it very long. small dog=small bladder.
  
  3. See above answer.


• why don't you volunteer at a local shelter? you will learn a lot about caring for dogs & about different breeds.


• There are similarities and differences in these two breeds. Most Yorkies are easier to train than most Jack Russells, and I'm not talking a little difference. That is because many Jack Russells can be the most challenging dogs to train. There are techniques that work well for both.
  
  First off, you need to use positive techniques for both. Don't use punishment to try and get compliance. If you haven't done a lot of dog training, then sign up for a class to learn techniques. Make that class a positive based training class--no choke collars or jerking on the dog.
  
  If you get going with positive techniques right from the beginning, you can still run into issues with Jack Russells. They are a very assertive breed and by nature will want to take charge in all situations. They are also very creative and will want to input their ideas on everything you do. You will either enjoy this from the dog or hate it. If you are looking for a more compliant dog, look into a different breed. That doesn't mean you can't get compliance from a Jack Russell, but you do need to work for it.
  
  If you run into issues with training your dog, grab a copy of my book. The books starts with basic training, then moves onto power training which sets you up as the leader of the pack. Then the rest of the book discusses issues you can get into with more difficult dog. You will see a lot of stories about resolving issues with Jack Russells or Jack Russell mixes.
  
  Good luck with your choice. I hope you enjoy your new dog.Owner of a Jack Russell Terrier named Cookie
  Peggy Swager
  APDT-Behaviorist
  author of Training the Hard to Train Dog
  www.peggyswager.com

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training - petsmart or elsewhere?

Has anyone had experience with petsmart's training classes? I have a 1.5 year old boxer/germanshepherd mix and a 9 month old australian shepherd mix (both males). They already know basics such as sit, down, beg, bang, shake, and crate. They need to be taught to stay, to walk on a leash nicely, and to not get so excited and jump when company comes. Will a class at petsmart provide these results, or should I look somewhere else? Any suggestions would be so much appreciated!

Dog Training Advice For Training Your Best Friend

Recommended Answer:
Petsmart might work well since your pack do not seem to have behavior issues. For more involved training beyond the simple basics, you could contact your local humane society and see what classes and individual instructors they suggest.

Your pack happens to have some challenging, inventive breeds. It would be worth it to at least call around to instructors.

Dog Training - Basics

• I've watched some sessions at PetSmart and they seem to be pretty good. I also like the fact that they have classes with other dogs, so they learn how to socialize.


• I'M NOT SURE BUT I WOULD THINK THAT PETSMART WOULD. I WOULD CALL AND MAKE SURE. I HAVE HEARD REALLY GOOD THINGS ABOUT PETSMARTS CLASSES


• Man's Best Friend!! They're expensive but it works!!


• I would look into whether there's a dog obedience or training club in your area. Also, check into classes run by local kennels. The trainers at these locations typically have much more experience than those hired by PetSmart. Also, the classes are typically held in a larger area. The confined space at PetSmart makes training more difficult. Also, the smells and sounds of the store are distracting to the dog. This is my experience based on training two dogs there and training others through other groups.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training help please?

I taught my 7 month old dog to sit, stay and down.
Then just yesterday after a very long training session I taught him to kneel (bow) and now everytime I tell him to sit or down he just ends up kneeling.

I have a feeling I might have messed up or something. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me how to get him to tell the difference

5 Dog Training Tips to Stop Barking

Recommended Answer:
You haven't messed anything up so don't worry. It is because your dog has learnt something new and that is at the front of his mind.

Tomorrow go back to the sit command and he will remember it and then after a break go back to the kneel.

He will soon learn the difference.

Sounds like you're doing a great job with him keep it up.

:-)

Dog Training Tricks - What Is The Best Dog Training Trick?

• He may be kneeling because its a novel way to gain rewards. If you ask for a command and he gives you another simply don't reward him for it. Instead, wait a few seconds for him to correct himself and do the correct behavior. If he doesn't, give a no reward marker, have him sit, and repeat the command for no reward. Then you can ask him to do the reward a third time for a treat.
  
  Continue practicing all the tricks, mixing up the order you do them in, and give clear hand signals as well. Then you'll also make sure they know them well by giving only the signal sometimes, and only giving verbal cues sometimes.


• What I do with my dog is I say the command and also make hand gestures so she knows the difference. You have to make them very different from eachother and make the command clear. For example when I want her to sit I put my hand in a fist and turn it upside down. When I want her to Lay I slowly bring my hand down in a flat position and when I want her to turn I make a twirling motion with my finger.


• If you were particularly excited when he finally picked up on 'BOW', more so than when you were repping the other commands he already knew, the dog may have sensed this. If he feels he got a better reward or a better reaction for bowing he may be going straight to a bow to try to impress you more.
  
  Some suggestions:
  
  Mark correct execution of a command with a positive marker immediately followed by a treat. Mark incorrect execution of a command with a negative marker and no treat. An easy and common method used in verbal marker training is 'YES' + a treat for correct behaviors and 'NO' + no treat for incorrect behaviors. Make sure if you use no to mark incorrect behaviors you say it calmly and evenly. NEVER use this same word in a mad or frustrated tone of voice, or to correct BAD behavior that isn't an honest mistake on the dog's part. The first few times you may have to say "NO", then coax the dog to stand, then give the 'SIT' command again. But when they finally react properly and you mark it with a positive word and a treat, they will start to make the connection. The 'NO' came because they bowed when they were supposed to sit. To fix the situation they should go to a sit. When you do this right the dog becomes a natural problem solver, making a conscious effort to figure out what he's doing wrong on his own and then fix it any time you say the word 'NO' during your training.
  
  Always rep commands in different orders. Avoid cycling through commands in the same sequence. Once the learning phase is over and you're just reinforcing what the dog already understands, you can do it one of two ways. I would suggest minimizing hand gestures or body movements while you give commands so the dog learns to focus on the word and not on your gestures. A dog could learn to key in on a hand gesture you're subconsciously making every time you say 'BOW' without you ever even realizing it. Then if you move your hands in the same way from time to time when you tell him to 'SIT' he may instead 'BOW'. If you want to use hand gestures, that's fine. But you have to be consistent and use the same ones for the same commands, ALWAYS.
  
  Heavy praise is good for some situations, but when repping commands, avoid getting excessive about it in any given situation. It might put a higher value in the dog's mind in some commands as compared to others. Meaning you may say 'SIT' but if he knows you always go crazy with praise when he 'BOWS' he'll go that extra mile for you.
  
  I don't know what you define as a 'long' training session. But realize, a 7 month old pup can only stay focused for so long. It's better to limit sessions to 10 minutes TOPS and focus on teaching one thing at a time. It could be if your dog is getting mentally tired and losing focus towards the end of the training sessions, the best he can do at that point is keep reverting to whatever command he learned most recently that's freshest in his mind. You want your training session to end on a good note, before he gets to that point.

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Dog Health Questions: Any good dog training schools?

I want to get into a school to learn how to train dogs for a living but I am having trouble finding any info.

Can you help?

Dog Training Aids - Do You Know How Safe The Methods Used For Dog Obedience Training Are?

Recommended Answer:
If you're talking about colleges, i don;t think that any have a program for dog training.

If you are more just talking about a training place, just find a local dog academy, or school. Where they teach classes meant ffor just to train your dog but not professionally. They probably will offer some sort of training for new trainers.

If you are talking about college though, because i don';t think there are any, you should just go to college and learn about something else that interests you. Just for the experience. And then you can train dogs.
~i hope this helps

Dog Training - Advantages of Clicker Training

• http://www.wonderdogs.bc.ca/training/index.html This site is one i have been looking at for a while and although I can't go right now i believe it is in my future

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training tips for a dog that just runs off?

I have a problem with our 20 month old dog. We have only had him for about 5 months and when we first got him he was pulling at the lead and was unsocial, his previous owner never took hm for walks. Now we take him for walks 3 - 4 times a day. I have stopped him from pulling as much now just by stopping every time he pulls and it seems to be working. But the trouble is that he goes absolutely mental every time he sees another dog. He barks , screams, he jumps up and will not settle. We have tried letting him smell the dogs and sniff them ( doesn't work ) and if we turned back ( around 180 ) every time he sees a dog we would never get anywhere. We just don't know what to do. He is only a terrier cross, not a big dog.

Also he keeps on escaping and we can't catch him. He has done this 3 times now. He runs and runs like a grey hound and the more we call him or shout he runs ! He nearly got run over today :(
3 times he ran across the road.

Can anybody give us any good advice ? We can't let him off his lead and are at the end of out tether . Half of the dogs he goes mad at are well behaved !

Is his only option paid dog training ?
Or should we get a choke collar ?
Or should we get a clicker ?

Any help will be appreciated.

Are Dog Training Collars Humane

Recommended Answer:
Hi, I feel for you.

What your dog needs is basic obedience training. Train him to sit and then stay ( in and outside ).

When he first starts to react to other dogs turn around and take him away

You can train him with treats and by using a whistle or clicker if you prefer. But you don't need a whistle or a clicker. Just treat training will work.

It sounds like you are going to be a very conscientious dog owner and that is the most important thing.

Marie x

Dog Training - You and Your Dog

• Hi!
  
  There's a short period in a puppy's development, from very early puppyhood to three or four months of age, when his experiences have a big effect on his entire approach to life. If he has lots of positive encounters with other dogs, all kinds of humans, and new situations during that developmental window, he's far more likely to grow up to be a confident, relaxed, and friendly dog. Trainers call this process socialization.
  
  Click the link below for more information.
  
  Thank you!


• First I'd say that continue to turn him in the other direction every time he has ANY reaction to another dog. 'Getting somewhere' can come after he's trained. As far as his 'escapes' are concerned, if you do heavy obedience training with him (you can take him to a group class which will be less expensive than individual training or attempt to train him yourself), and put him in a sit - stay every time the door is opened, you shouldn't have any problems. Until then, he can't be allowed anywhere near an open door as your luck is bound to run out. Neutering (if he isn't already) still might help with his urge to roam.


• the other dog thing is going to need some training.... but the running off has to stop....... set up a berrier of how far you will let your dog wonder........ get that device that when it passes the barrier it sends a little shock into its system....... it will not hurt but it will get the point across........ the dog will eventually learn and befor too long will not need that device any longer


• As for his escaping, no leaving him outside, unattended. There are MANY things that could and do go wrong when people do that. We almost got our first two dogs stolen. Thank GOD our neighbor caught the two guys.
  
  Also, be sure this dog gets plenty of running. Leash him up, and run him for an hour a day. Not likely he'll stop running to go ballistic. He'll probably be too tired to do it.
  
  In your case I would suggest basic obedience training.


• "We have tried letting him smell the dogs and sniff them ( doesn't work )" How have you done this? Nose to nose at the length of a tight lead so you can pull him away when he gets anxious and barks or lunges? Or the correct 'meet and greet' that doesn't give him the wrong information?
  
  Eye to eye,( nose to nose) can be aggressive in dog language, you holding a tight, tense lead tells this already anxious reactive dog that you are fearful too....so no it won't work
  
  Treat him to a muzzle, this is not because he is badly behaved, it is so you can be sure as a responsible owner that YOUR dog won't bite another dog, find a well behaved dog, ask the owner if you can help your dog to socialise as he is fearful of other dogs, ask the owner to turn their dog around so your dog can sniff the other dogs butt, ( let him sniff) try to keep a loose lead ( as tension means he will pull and is likely to react), then turn him around, the easiest way is put him through your legs so each leg contains and supports him and he is then not looking at the dog and let the other dog sniff him, praise ( if he is good ) and while it is going well say thanks and walk away ( don't stand around and allow him to become reactive) You need to do this at least once a day and every time even if he has met the dog before. As a rule of thumb, for every one bad experience you need 10 good experiences to balance it. Try not to talk to him ( it is information he doesn't need) as he needs to concentrate on 'speaking' to other dogs. You will find after a few goes you can tell him 'speak' and many dogs will automatically turn so the other dog can speak to him. Don't use dogs who are as reactive as him, as it won't help him..........then book some classes so he can start to learn how to behave around other dogs who are working and close to him...............
  
  Google NILIF and start this training today with him at home..........basically he has to earn whatever he gets, so no off lead until his recalls are 100%, no strokes until he does something like sit, buy him a kong and fill it daily with his meal and let him earn it, the chewing with relieve some of his anxiety, it will reduce some of his excess negative energy and he will tire and calm down and sleep


• Something that helps is NOT yelling at him when he finally returns home. If he knows that is what is in store for him, he will not be inclined to come back easily.
  I would try starting the training indoors and everytime you call his name and he comes either give him a treat or praise him. He will soon learn that coming when you call him is a positive thing and something he will want to do-this may mean keeping treats in your pocket when you are outdoors.
  As for the agressiveness towards the other dogs, try to ignore the other dogs yourself and keep on walking calmly by. As soon as he starts to give a reaction upon seeing them, give a quick tug upwards on his leash and say "no!" then resume your walk. This will need to be repeated MANY times but after a while it should get better. Try to remember to stay calm-this will help!

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Dog Health Questions: Where can i get a free dog training book shipped to my house?

preferably about pitbulls.

Basics of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
The internet is full of training sites. You don't need a book and pit bulls don't train any differently than any other breed.. Positive training methods should be used with all breeds, especially the bully breeds. Aggressive treatment will get you aggressive behavior
http://www. dog-obedience-training-review.com
http://www.companionsforlife.com
http://www.dogtrainingbasics.com
http://www.urbandawgs.com
http://www.leerburg.com
and for clicker training;
http://www.r-plusdogtraining.info

Therapy Dog Training - What Are the Various Methods of Obedience Training For Dogs?

• Before anything else, try to visit the site below. They've got good dog training modules and books which is really useful and effective for your pet. I actually bought in that site for my own pet.


• Go to the internet and search something up.
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
  check this site out, it talks about pit bulls and about how to train dogs.


• Google is your best friend for free.


• ah nowhere ,but they aren't to much money , Cesar is free on nat geo

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