Dog Health Questions: Is the collar I just bought okay for my dog?

I have a 150 pound, 30-32 inch tall black Labrador. He is a pure bred(so don't tell me he is not) and is a 1 and 1/2 years old.
He is very sweet and expressive, but yesterday he tried to kill my neighbors cat, the cat luckily got away. Then today his best friend (which is a beautiful French mastiff) walked to our house to play and my dog attacked him brutally biting the inside of his neck and shaking it and also biting his head. The mastiff got really sad and shied away. My dog (his name is Thomas) really just became crazy aggressive and it was not cool. But right after the french mastiff left, thomas was happy again. then when the french mastiff thought it was okay to go near, thomas attacked him again.
I slapped thomas and took him inside, the french mastiff was really sad because he lives his days alone and his owners do not let him inside hishouse. So he roams.
When I went inside, I bought a metal Prong collar on ebay and then a 1 and a half inch black leather collar for him.
Will you think the prong will help?
He also pulls me to a point where he drags me and he growls and it is crazy.
Where did he get this mean all of a sudden?
And the rest of the times he is super nice and sweet.
Are these collars the best way to control him?
I also plan to take him to dog training.

Bird Dog Training - How Hunting Dogs Are Treated

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First order of business is a visit to the vet. many ailments will manifest themselves in aggression. If he is not neutered, do that first. Have a full thyroid panel done. A prong collar is fine as a training tool but you need to learn to use it properly and enroll him in training as well. Be up front with the trainer about his issues- a regular intro obedience class is not what you need.

The Many Types Of Dog Training

• well you can try the collar it may help. However you may just want to consider taking your dog to the vet, since pure bred dogs have a higher risk for health problems and disease (some of which cause aggression). I hope the collar works for you. its not a bad idea.


• I think that those collars should be banned they are cruel. Your dog should have a muzzle on and you should get some professional training one on one until your can be with others.


• I have a friend that swears by this guide he purchased online. All I know is his dog is very well behaved and really protects his family, especially the girls.


• yes


• I have a pit and i have a problem with her pulling and trying to drag me down the street and i got one like your talking about and it works wonders! She will stay right with me and she never gets out of her collar anymore. I'm sorry i don't think its cruel either. if your dogs doesn't pull it doesn't bite. If you dog keeps trying to pull away from you he is gonna pay for it. all of the people with aggressive strong dogs out there have to do something, we have to take them to the vet and stuff just like you guys.


• Training is the best way to control him. Without proper training, NO tool will be effective.
  
  You need to keep your dog on leash at all times. You need to build a proper fence. You need to supervise him when he is outside. You need to take 100% responsibility for your dog.
  
  Your dog is a liability. If he attacks a person, he could be euthanized. If he does not get euthanized, there can be sever restrictions placed on him that include a muzzle when he is off your property, a leash that is 4ft, getting him neutered, special licences, you will need more insurance and other things.

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Dog Health Questions: Trying this again, my anti social dog.?

I have a 6 year old Parsons Russel Terrier who we got from a breeder at 15 months.. he was supposed to be a show/stud dog so he wasn't neutered until about 18 months.. anyways, although he spent his first 15 months living with a breeder with other dogs he is VERY afraid (not the best word) whenever dominant dogs are around and sometimes fights with submissive dogs. To be honest we haven't done much to fix it in the past since its never been a problem. He was able, at one time, to be around other dogs without a problem, and did fine in his training class of about 15. Otherwise he is a saint and listens to everything i ask of him. He is much better around female dogs then male, but basically they can all be problems.

Anyways, right now my family is thinking about getting a second dog (not a puppy, probably an older (4-6 year old) greyhound) and we're worried about how Ace will re act to this, besides him being very attached to me we don't know if he will ever get used to having another dog around all the time.

I am the his primary "trainer" and do lots of work with him, along with providing the largest part of his care so i would like to work on getting him used to other dogs before we try to bring one into the house. Any tips on doing this?

-i am willing to go to a pro. trainer to help this, but i'd like to try it on my own first if at all possible.

We went to a training class from a very reputible trainer when we first got Ace, i did all the work with him and still continue the training today.
I understand that this may be bigger then me, but i also believe i have the ability to do it. I am a horse trainer so i know how the training process works, and i've been perfectly capable of teaching Ace everything that he knows, including starting agility on our own. He is not a vicious dog and understands that i am the leader at all time, he listens to me whenever i command his attention. When around other dogs he looks to me before acting on anything.
I am NOT the classic Y!A person hoping for a quick fix, i know that this is not going to be an easy thing to fix, i know we should have delt with it before but it didn't effect us then. I am willing to do anything to fix it at this point (within reason) but i can't go back in time to do it.

If you look at this page: http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm
you can see the training method that i use, we follow every one of these practices everyday, at all times. He is not "out of control" just not able to socialize with other dogs.

-i am only repeating this question to better clarify our situation, and my hopes of at the very least starting this training on my own. I pride myself by doing all of my dogs training by myself and would, at the very least, like to see different methods of how to help his problems.

Small Dog Training - Small Dogs Need to Feel They Are Pleasing You

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I am going to suggest Bark Busters training methods to you. They worked very well for my dog. I enrolled her for life and that meant that the trainer could come back for a session any time I had a problem or complaints from neighbours.

It does not look as though you will have complaints from neighbours. However, I think based on what I have leaned that it would be unwise to introduce another dog until this dog is trained and settled. It would also be very unwise to have two dogs that are so different is size and breed type as a Grey Hound and a Parson Jack Russell.

This could be a recipe for disaster if the big dog was aggressive and attacked the smaller dog that you say is not aggressive or a good mixer.

I will give you the Bark Busters web site and I hope that all turns out well for you. You can find your nearest Bark Busters trainer on this site.

http://www.barkbusters.com.au/

Good Luck!!!

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

• hmm.....Im sorry that your dog is acting like this.
  I really dont know what to say.
  Im against breeders and showdogs.
  
  


• get a professional trainer... if you teach him wrong, he may never learn how to do it right...


• like you said it will take more time, i think you should go to a professional not Y!A.


• if you get an other dog, they probably will get along and be friends but it will take a while to get both of them used to eachother
  I had te same problem b/c my two goldens would fight and really bad but we went through it slowly intruducing them and now they can't live without eachother
  
  god luck and if it is nessesary, get a pro trainer


• This is a tough one. The training that you've done so far is basically what I have been using for my greyhounds and they are perfect but they were perfect before. Now they're just better trained.
  
  I truly don't know how to socialize dogs to get along with other dogs other than giving them a variety of encounters with dogs and keeping the upper hand. Cesar Milan http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/ has excellent ideas on stuff like this. He introduces them to other dogs while he has control BUT he's a professional.
  
  Greyhounds have to be "small dog" tested before you adopt them. Some have such a high prey drive that they're not safe with small dogs. Other greyhounds are so submissive that they will let any kind of animal lay by them. We have a behaviorist that works with our greyhound adoption group and she would probably have the greyhound visit your house before you adopted it. You will have to muzzle the greyhound to make sure but it sounds like you may want to muzzle your guy too. Greyhounds have very thin skin that tears easily. While a labrador would just have a small puncture wound after being bitten, a greyhound could have a gaping wound.
  
  Here is my group's site. http://www.greyhoundadoption.org/. I'm not sure where you're located but I'm sure you could find one near you on the internet and call them to get their opinion. It wouldn't be fair to get a greyhound and then have to give it back because your dog doesn't like it. Best to have it under control first. A behaviorist might be a good person for you to consult.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog` Training???

I'm getting a wire fox terrier next week. Does anyone have advice on training a 3.5 month old puppy.

Also, I was told it has an over bite....is this something to be concerned about?

Top Three Problems Solved by a Secret to Dog Training

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Not to worry about an over bite. It only means he can't be shown in breed competition and he should not be bred. That could be carried on to his off spring. Lucky for him a much happier and healthier life.

As far as training, I guess you mean housebreaking and crate training is the best for that. At his age he will be teething like crazy so make sure you have chew toys for him, and don't let him bite on you or anyone else! That's a very bad habit, so nip that in the bud asap if he wants to start. His gums will be sore so before you get him home get some washcloths and soak then in water or chicken broth, wring them out and freeze them. This is a great puppy pacifier. So when he starts chewing take one out and give one to him. All the best you're in for a lot of fun! Congrats;^)

Dog Training Collar

• A wire hair fox terrier can be a real live wire!!
  
  I recommend that you take this dog to a training class. Look in your phone book for training schools in your area. Terriers are a handful and wire hairs are a double handful. The best thing to do is go to a class. The classes provide an opportunity for you to socialize your dog around other dogs and people. That alone will make for a better more well behaved pet. You will learn the skills you need to teach your new pup lots of things.


• An over bite is just when the top teeth are a long way over the bottom teeth. It usually isnt a problem but a dental check at your local vets is probably a good idea.
  Foxies are very energitic and happy. I had a foxy, she died earlier this year, when she was a puppy she always needed something to do, i gave her plenty of toys and during summer I used to freeze in a small bottle beef stock in water and when I went to work I would stab holes in the bottle and put it in the sun, it was a great all day sucker which kept her cool and a great toy at the end.
  I started odebience classes with her when she was 4 months old and they taught me how to control her. Jumping up was the worst habit to break. If your puppy starts this everytime it jumps up, step towards it or lift your knee, and then ignore it. Keep doing this it will work eventually. If it comes up to you and doesnt jump up then praise.
  My biggest advice is take it to obedience classes they are well worth the money and time and its not only training but its also bonding with your dog.


• i have a wire hair/chow mix. shes an awsome dog, good for you! i can HIGHLY reccomend petsmart for training. both the trainers at the one by me rock.


• no an overbite is nothing to worry about this means her teeth are not straight take to puppy classes and then to obedience


• You will love having this great breed. I rescued a wire fox terrier that was a year old and he has been quite a challenge but I wouldn't trade him for the world. Ripley is so happy to be in a loving home instead of in a cage. He is a joy. We had alot of obstacles but it was all worth it. The most important thing I have learned about training a Fox Terrier is to use love and rewards, not punishment. Best of luck to you and your new baby!


• Teach her basic commands, and she will make a great dog. Don't worry about the over bite, it is normal, especially in terriers.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training with smells...?

I understand that dogs do not like garlic. The problem is that they like to dig in my housplants. I don't want to keep them off the floor, rather to simply train them. Most of the times I cannot catch them in the act and I will never spank them. Do you think that this is cruel: Dice up a garlic clove and put it in the plant. And then just rub a little on their noses. They won't like it. And then when they go back to the plant they will associate that smell with something that was unpleasant to them. The garlic will not smell particularly nice in my house, but it is temporary, until they build the memory. What do you think? To me this seems very logical. i would rather them have to deal with a smell that they don't like for a little while, rather than this be a constant battle. And they know when I am mad at them and they get sad. So it makes me feel bad.

Dog Training Problems - How to Overcome Them

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Many dogs love garlic, and you may accidental train them not to let your hand come close to their nose (because this was unpleasant).
They make wonderful motion detectors that emit a terrible noise and or a squirt of spray that is usually not acceptable for dogs. By placing them near your plants, when the dog comes near the plant, the noise and spray would come out and this usually works. In other words, booby traping the plant is a great idea and the motion detector makes it clear to the dog that coming near the plant is what is unpleasant, not your hand or the smell of garlic etc. These products do not use shock - that would be too cruel, but rather an unpleasant noise, and sometimes a spray of water or unpleasant scent.
The name of some of these products:
Sofa Scram, SSCAT, Comet, Scraminal
It usually only takes a couple of times for the animal (dogs and cats) to learn not to go near the plants.
Good luck

Dog Training - The Reward Way

• Well, your idea is good, but I'm not sure you are right about dogs not liking garlic. The show people always cook their meat with garlic, bc they say the dogs like it better. Maybe raw garlic is different?
  
  I knew a lady who used clove oil to repel chewing. It smelled heavenly and she said it stopped the chewing. I've not tried it. The old-timers dog repellent recipe is cayenne pepper and salt peter mixed into dish washing liquid. Again, I've not used it, but it is supposed to work great.
  
  Final thought- will it kill your plants? No idea. You might need to look into that.

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Dog Health Questions: How Do I Go About Becoming A Dog Trainer?

How do I go about becoming a dog trainer? What are some Pros and cons? What are some good dog training businesses? Is Animal Behavior College (ABC) good?
Thanks!

What You Need to Know About Dog Training

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The easiest way to find this out would be first researching on-line and going into your local Petsmart or Petco and asking trainers on site for their recommendations since you will get the real deal on the dog training business for someone who has experienced it and done it on a regular basis. Good luck :)

Overview of Dog Training

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Dog Health Questions: Is it possible to have a dog trained to go to the shop and buy chocolate for yourself?

I work long hours and do be very tired during the day and my dog doesn't get much excercise so to help us both out and kill two birds with one stone i was seriously wondering is it possible to get my dog trained so that i can send him to the shop to buy simple things like chocolate for me?nothing too heavy.

id really appricate some help:)thanks:)

Hunting Dog Training and Snakes

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Possible? Yes. Practical? No.

I have a friend whose service dog gets her basic groceries when she is unable to leave the house. Her dog has about $50,000 worth of training. She lives in sight of a small mom & pop grocery in a small town where everyone knows her. She can watch her dog all the way to the store and all the way back. The store owner knows the dog and when he sees her will check her pack for the grocery list, load the items in the pack along with the change and send her back.

But look at the risks.

Few areas permit dogs to be off leash. A loose dog could be impounded. Very few city ordinances would permit pets (as opposed to trained service dogs) in grocery stores.

Few store owners would want to take the extra time to deal with a dog and fill out the order for someone who was just being lazy as opposed to someone who couldn't come to the store because they couldn't get their wheel chair down the icy road without risking death by exposure.

Only one dog in a hundred has the mental and physical make up to do this kind of work. Most would help themselves to the groceries, including the chocolate (which is toxic to dogs) the moment they were out of sight.

Save the $50,000. Hire a dog walker and have your groceries delivered instead.

The Benefits Of Positive Dog Training

• Yes, but you would need a special trainer. You sound too lazy and tired to do it yourself. Maybe a budgie is easier and quicker, though it would carry less I would worry the dog would get distracted easily by every passing mutt and lampost on the way


• Of all things, CHOCOLATE?!


• I wish! When they work that one out, I'll definitely get a dog!


• Even if you could manage to train your dog to go buy your chocolates, you can bet that he would be eating it before you got it out of his clutches.
  
  What a doofy idea. Take your dog for a nice walk to the shop, buy your chocolate and get your dog some dog treats while you are there - don't ever give him chocolate, it can kill him.


• Hahah, yes, it's possible - but not probable. That would take a lot of training.
  
  The simplest way would be to pin a note to his collar and arrange a deal with the shopkeeper... You can't attach cash without it being stolen. Then he walks to the shop with the note, the shopkeeper attaches the item to the dog (in a sealed package), and the dog walks home.
  
  Possible... but not probable. :)


• If you didnt have time for the dog then why did you get him in the first place? and 2...you don't have time or are too tired to walk the dog but you have time to put up stupid questions on here. I feel sorry for your dog and any future pets you might have.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training..First day?

Ok so im going to be taking my one year old dog to a dog training "school" sooner or later.Now i would just like to know what to expect on the first day.Like what to bring and other stuff thank you.Also what can i do with my pup to get him ready-Like should i work with him a bit more??? Thank You So Much!!

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

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Not sure what you mean by school? Do you mean an hour a week at a training group class? Take with you a normal length lead, not a flexi-lead. Take loads of treats... and that's about it really!

The group I took my puppy to was a closed group. We all started the same week so we all started with the first thing (teaching SIT) and then all progressed on to the next thing the next week.

Reading the answer below me by Daisy - IGNORE IT. You do NOT teach a dog to sit by pushing its bum down. You will meet resistance and that is NOT the way to teach. You use a treat held above the nose and lift it up and back very slowly so the dogs bum hits the floor, then you give the treat.... you do that a few time then start adding in the "cue" word SIT. Don't push the bum down. You are better off waiting until you get there and see how your trainer "teaches" you. At my group we were given hands out.... and had to practise practise practise in the week, until the next class.

You can't "teach" reliable good recall without going through the other steps first..... teaching the SIT and DOWN commands are relatively easy.... it helps you learn HOW to teach and train, it helps you bond with your dog and gets the dog to pay attention and listen to you... reliable recall comes much much later... its actually one of the hardest things! Its like wanting to swim a mile when you can't even do 25 metres! You have to start with the basics and progress.

Free Dog Training Tips

• Bring a good strong lead, about 2 meters in length and have a sturdy collar on your dog. Also bring treats and dogie poopie bags for that unexpected dump (freezer bags will do).
  
  You will most probably learn how to lead off with the left foot with your dog beside you. How to turn left and right with your dog beside you. You will also learn the basics for stay (stepping in front of the dog whilst it is in a sit position). Then the sit. You will learn the correct hand signals for each command. You will also learn when to praise your dog and the correct time to treat your dog.
  
  Do not expect big things the first few weeks as the distraction of the other dogs will be huge. Over time, the dog will hopefully learn to focus on you more and less on the other "distractions".


• To Bring: treats and a good leash. You should work with your dog for the basic commands sit, stay, down, leave it and a good walk. The sooner the better. Most people start at about 3 months, but that doesn't mean he won't learn anything.


• you'll probably start with sit or something try it at home first, push his bum down while saying sit and then make a big deal out of rewarding him


• Talk to the school, the instructors will tell you what to bring. The sooner the better


• You should bring:
  -leash
  -treats
  -vaccination records if you haven't registered already

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Dog Health Questions: Is petsmart's dog training class good?

I have two 8 months old shelties. one is very gentle and friendly but the other one is barking toward anything. the barking one is very aggressive(barking) and frighten of anything. does anyone know if the dog training class in petsmart really work? or any recommendations for the MD (DC) area?

Dog Training Tips

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The trainers at Petsmart would be capable of helping you train your friendly dog, but I would not, if it was my dog, take the other one to them. You need someone with a lot of expertise, a trainer who can evaluate each individual dog, by watching that dog's interactions and reactions to situations, and can devise a plan for that individual dog. Someone who uses only 1 method for each and every dog, no matter their temperaments or problems, is not the right person for your other dog. He needs specialized treatment or he might get worse instead of better. Sounds like this one is very lacking in confidence and needs positive reinforcement and lots of little successes to make progress.

7 Important Dog Training Tips For You

• I took my dog to petsmart classes when she was a few months old. They work if you continue to work on the behavior on a daily basis. You have to reinforce what your dog has learned.


• Petsmart training is good for the general stuff, I.E. come, sit, down, leave it...for actual behavior modification, I would recommend calling breeders in your area and asking for referrals.


• yeah pets mart is good but u should try training the dog yourself because its your dog not pets-mart's dog


• No they are not good trainers there!


• i dont know about petsmart training for dogs, but me and my boxer pup go to the petco training. and its great. the lady has been training dogs for years also they not only train your dog but they train you.


• Look into local obedience clubs to go to training at. Petsmart trainers do not have very much experience in training dogs.


• I think you'd get better results going to a private trainer. Seems like the petsmart classes teach the basics, but you may need a little more help with the behavior problems your dog needs to work on.
  
  Good luck to you!
  AJ


• I used Petsmart training for my dog and I thought it was good. They teach you the things that you need to know and show you how to teach the pup. Then you take what they teach you that week and teach the pup and then the following week they go over what you should have practiced and then they show you more. It really depends on how hard you practice at home as to how much you get from the class. Good luck


• I would NOT recommend going to Pet(not so)smart for training classes. They only hire people without experience and the 'trainers' are terrible at problem solving. The ones I have watched have no business trying to teach training classes.
  
  Go to an obedience or kennel club.

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