I'm at a terrible place with my dad and his dog. Jack is a Blue Heeler pup about 8 months old. He is completely wild. He grabs people's shirt tails and walks underfoot. He almost caused my great-aunt to trip and fall. My dad is a terrible pet owner. He expects poor Jack to just know what to do. I've tried explaining to him that until Jack is trained, he will always be hard to control. My dad won't put any time into him and is ready to sell him for being stupid. I know that would probably be best but it breaks my heart. Does anyone know how I can teach Jack a few manners and maybe a cool trick so at least my dad will see he is a smart guy and just needs some time spent on him? I've never trained a dog and I only have an afternoon or 2 a week that I can spend with him because I live so far away. Any help would be appreciated.
How To Use Dog Training Collars
Recommended Answer:Hannibal: You obviously don't know what you're talking about. You won't get anything from beating a dog except either 1. a freakishly terrified dog or 2. a couple missing fingers on your part.
As for Jack, I don't think he's going to be happy at all if your dad isn't willing to take care of him and patiently train him. Your dad has to understand that a dog, every dog, needs lots of tender loving care, and that they aren't "things," like pieces of furry furniture that sit around and look cute. You sound like a really caring person, so if you can, could you take Jack to your place? Jack is a baby, so of course he'll walk underfoot, he wants attention and love, and he loves your people enough to follow them around.
Sorry, ealier I mentioned to do the Alpha roll. I did some research on it, and I found out that you SHOULDN'T do the alpha roll because it's actually something dominant dogs would do when they're about to kill the pinned dog. >.<
Keeping him from grabbing people's coat tails:
Well, this applies to any "bad" behavior. He does't know better, so all you have to do is say "No!" when he bites. If the noise doesn't startle him into letting go, follow up with a sharp tap to the nose (not enough to hurt him - don't ever hurt your dog). Moment he lets go, he should get a "good boy!" and a treat. If nothing else, offer him a treat when he's biting, while saying "Let go!" and AFTER he lets go and goes after the treat, give it to him and praise him.
Tricks:
How to shake hands/paws
1. Put a treat in your hand, close it, and offer it to your dog in a fist while saying "Paw," "Shake," or whatever you like. You could even say "POO!" and it'd still work, because of course, Jack wouldn't know what "poo" means until you teach it to him ;)
2. Jack will most likely try to get at it by pawing at your fist. When his paw goes on top of your fist, open it and let him have the treat along with a "Good boy, Jack!"
3. Repeat. Keep saying "Paw/Shake" when you show him the fist, and make sure to open the moment his paw ends up on yours. My dog learned in less than 10 minutes :) Eventually, Jack will put his paw in your open hand when he hears "Paw/Shake"
How to Sit (the most basic, you can use this when he's biting/underfoot)
1. Get a treat and hold it up to his face, let him know you have something yummy.
2. Making sure his eyes are on your hand, while repeating "Sit," slowly move the treat just above him, moving toward his tail so that his head keeps moving up and back.
3. If he jumps, pull the treat away. Try again until your dog ends up sitting on his rump from leaning back so much. Give it to him the moment his butt touches the floor.
---OR----
1. Get a treat, and tell him "Sit." He won't get the picture. So gently nudge his butt to the floor while repeating "sit." Remember to be gentle. As usual, the moment his rump hits the floor, give the treat and repeat :)
Leave It (very important, especially if he's after something he shouldn't be after)
1. Drop something yummy on the floor. Jack'll run toward it, trying to get it, but don't let him. Place your foot directly over it while saying "Leave it", and keep it there, even if he paws at it (which he probably will the first time you do this).
2. Repeating "Leave it," keep waiting until your dog gives up and 1. either backs away or 2. sits (only works after you teach him to sit) As soon as you know he's given up, lift away your foot, pick up the treat, and give it to him with praise.
3. As soon as he learns to leave the food alone when you tell him to leave it, try casually throwing a piece of extra good food (say, a piece of chicken, or a carrot stick if he likes veggies - they're good for his eyes) and say, "Leave it" without your foot there. If he bolts for it, start over from Step 1 until he learns not to move. If he sits, give it to him with lots of praise. Works like a charm, my dog learned in 20 minutes, and now he leaves food on the floor when I acidentally spill it, and he even drops things he already has in his mouth (like socks) when I say "Leave it!"If you possibly can, please take Jack home to wherever you live. Training needs constant reinforcement, something 1-2 visits a week can't fulfill. That'd be best for you, Jack, and your dad. You never know who your dad might sell Jack to; they might turn out to be even worse pet owners. Good luck, and thanks for caring so much about Jack :)
Please let me know how things turn out! If you can, please email me at minimozart_816@yahoo.com and keep me updated. It'd totally make my day if this turns out to be a happy ending for you guys. I can tell you how to teach Jack to heel, stand, "down" (for when he's jumping all over you), lay down, and "quiet" (if he tends to bark a lot, this will come in handy) if you want! :D
Dog Training Collars Are Not All Alike
- Just like a child, a dog doesn't "just know what to do." Training a dog is a process. You can't just show him once and expect him to get it. You need to work with the dog several times a day in short spurts until he does what you want him to.
- time , treats , and patience
- Unfortunately, training a dog is something that's an on-going process. You need to work with a dog consistently. Jack needs basic manners by the sounds of it, and that's something that you need to teach every day, all day long. He's probably not getting anywhere near enough exercise for his breed, either, is he? Blue heelers don't make the best pets as it is - they NEED a job to do or they get bored and destructive.
Perhaps it would be the best thing for Jack if your dad were to find him a home where he'd get what he needs, with someone who is able and willing to put the time into him that he needs.
- alot of great answers, He is a working dog, since he is on a farm he will be a happy dog, I am not concerned, If you only have two weeks, what I would be working on is STAY, DOWN, and HEEL. that's all. That is enough to keep a dog safe, and manageable.
My dog took alot more !!! whew. Thank goodness I am patient. I had to teach him not to bite, or be aggressive. I think I was blessed with a canine with A.D.D.
Edit: (just reading these answers)never put your hand on his chest..lol
(wow) use your foot (with shoes on mind you) he will snap, he'll be mad for a while, but your the boss, not him. If you put your hand down you will show fear, after a few scars you'll not like it anymore. I have scars on my hand from my dog, trust me, use your shoes.
Edit: don't ever teach a big dog to shake, I have gotten bruised repeatedly since my dog has become 200 pounds and wants to shake while I'm not looking.
so sorry I disagree, but I would never ever give my dog a treat the same hour he chews on someones coat........to bad for him !! treats??? hek no
everything else I read is great !!!!
- Oh my gosh, I feel SO sorry for that dog and the people who have to put up with it. You're right, the dog doesn't know how he's supposed to act, no one has given him any instruction. I can't right it all in an e-mail. I watch The Dog Whisperer on the national geographic channel. I have the videos from the shows and the training videos. This guy is amazing! I'm going to incorporate his behavioral trianing with basic training. What that dog needs is a combination between behavioral training and basic dog training. If you can start by leash training him, and always keep the dog beside or behind you (teaches him you are the leader) that is the very first step. Once the dog is warn out from a good LONG walk, then the training begins. These dogs need to excersize, which it sounds like he does, and they need instruction. When the dog is calm, you can start teaching him to sit and lay down and stuff using a treat as a reward. I wouldn't use a treat as a reward at first unless he is still really high strung. Only when the dog is calm and obedient can you give him praise. I think the best idea is to get him leash trained and then take him to obedience class and don't let him get away with anything. That teaches him that you are the leader and 98 percent of dogs are totally good with that structure. I wish I could borrow him for two weeks, I think I could turn him around. Problem is, your Dad won't take the leader position and it won't do any good. Actually, I'll be looking for a dog as soon as the run is built. I'm probably too far away to take him for a while and adopt him out. I'd love to do it though.
- blue heelers are really smart dogs, i had one a few years ago (found her as a stray) and she was such a wonderful girl. She was always trying to nip at the feet (not in a hurtful way) of our other animals, i guess that was her herding instinct. is there any way you can get a professional trainer? if not, i would practice walking him on a leash first, get him used to that. then to sit. i watch animal planet a lot and there's a couple good dog training shows on it. keep him on a leash while you're working with him. i would suggest even getting a dog training video, if i can think of the name of this woman trainer (on animal planet) i'll edit this, i know she must have videos out and she's really good. heelers are great dogs, i hope your dad will give jack a chance. *edit.. here is the link to that trainers web site, i hope it helps you!
http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/…
- get a leach. now what you do is you go with the dog and let him walk with you beside you not in front or in back. and make him walk right pay attention. when he is good give him treat. when hes not yell at him abit. show him you are not happy it will get him upset and he'll do better but use treat to accomplish what you want. show him you are top dog not him and you are in charge. that is how its done. if he starts getting to much make him lay on his side and put him on his side holding him down. that should show your dominance. teach him to sit and give him treat. its easy just keep doing this till he has it down take care.
- In the course of a veterinary examination, your veterinarian will determine if there is a medical reason underlying your dog's aggressiveness. For instance, a dog with neck pain may show aggression when pulled by the collar.
Once medical causes have been ruled out, your veterinarian will refer you to a behaviorist. At the behaviorist's, you'll be asked to answer many detailed questions regarding your dog's behavior. The session may last a couple of hours. An accurate description of your dog's behavior is necessary. Keeping a journal is helpful. You should note:
# What elicits the aggression
# How often it occurs
# To whom it is directed
# The specific behaviors
# The dog's postures at the time
Videotaping your dog's behavior is helpful for the behaviorist, but don't get hurt while making the video. Answers to the many questions asked can lead the behaviorist to establish the cause of the aggression, and then outline an individualized approach to its treatment. The behaviorist will also provide a professional opinion of the risk involved.
Aggression is influenced by several factors, including: genetic predisposition, early experience, maturation, sex, age, size, hormonal status, physiological state and external stimuli. Behaviorists use a classification system based on patterns of behavior and the circumstances in which they occur. This is done to determine the dog's motivation and the cause of the behavior. The classification is as follows:
# Dominance-related aggression is one of the most common types of canine aggression that behaviorists treat. The aggressive acts are directed toward one or several family members or other household pets. Dogs are pack animals, and they relate to humans as members of their own species and pack members.
# Territorial aggression is directed toward approaching animals or people outside of the pack in defense of a dog's area (home, room or yard), owner or fellow pack member.
# Inter-male aggression between adult males usually involves territorial or dominance disputes. Inter-female aggression occurs most frequently between adult females living in the same household.
# Predatory aggression is directed toward anything that the dog considers prey, usually other species, but sometimes any quick-moving stimulus, like a car or bike.
# Pain-induced aggression is caused by a person or animal that causes pain. It often occurs when a person attempts to touch a painful area or when injections are given.
# Fear-induced aggression occurs when people or animals approach a fearful dog. This is common when the dog cannot escape, and is sometimes seen when an owner uses severe punishment. Active, unpredictable children may also stimulate this type of aggression.
# Maternal aggression is directed toward anyone that approaches a ***** with puppies or in false pregnancy.
# Redirected aggression occurs when a dog that is aggressively motivated redirects the aggression from the source to another. For example, a dog that is barking at the door may redirect his aggression onto an owner that is pulling him back. Dominant dogs often redirect onto subordinates.
Treatment
Treating aggressive behavior may involve a combination of behavior modification techniques (habituation, counterconditioning and desensitization), drug therapy, surgery (such as neutering/spaying), avoidance and management (such as leash or head halter). Each case is unique, and the success of treatment varies depending on the diagnosis and in accord with your capability, motivation and schedule.
Even with successful treatment, however, there is no guarantee that the aggressive behavior won't return. In most cases, the frequency and severity of aggressive behavior can be reduced but the aggressive behavior cannot be eliminated completely. The best that may be hoped for is to reduce the probability of aggression. You must weigh the risks of keeping an aggressive dog against the benefits.
Home Care
If your dog is unpredictable, consider using a comfortable basket-style muzzle until you can get professional help. Until you receive professional help, avoid all interactions that trigger your dog's aggression. Do not attempt physical punishment. This can increase the intensity of your dog's aggression and may result in serious injury. Avoiding problems may involve:
# Keeping your dog confined in a separate room when visitors or children are present
# Housing or feeding your dogs separately if they are fighting with each other
# Removing objects like bones or rawhides that your dog may be guarding
Do not allow children to have unsupervised access to your dog. Children should be taught to avoid interacting with dogs that are eating, chewing on a bone, or resting. They should not be allowed to tease or hurt dogs.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times. In the home, you may want to attach a thin nylon leash on a buckle collar, which your dog can drag comfortably. This will give you safer control over him. Indoor leashes can be attached to head collars for even greater control. If your dogs are fighting, do not get in the middle. Interrupt the aggression using water, a loud noise, blanket or spray.
- beat the dog...
