Dog Health Questions: Can I leave a pee pad in the puppy pen?

I just got a 12 weeks maltese. He has used pee pads few times, but still pees on the carpet or in his play pen sometimes. My husband told me to leave the pad inside the pen, but I read that the pee pads shouldn't be left inside the play pen on some dog training websites. It didn't say the reason.
Does anybody know why I shouldn't do that or can I just do it?
Thanks!

Choosing Basics Dog Training Methods

Recommended Answer:
Potty pads are fine in the play pen as long as it is on the opposite side from there bed, food and water. I believe the reason for not putting the potty pads in the play pen is because you should keep their living area separate so they don't associate it with where to do their business. For the potty training you can get them on a schedule. Usually right after a nap they will want to go, you pretty much have to stalk them =] when potty training. You should also place them on the pad about 30 min after eating once you get them used to that routine they will start doing it on there own its pretty neat.

Learn More About Some Of The Best Ways To Begin Dog Training And More About What Not To Do

• What anal retentive idiot advocates that? The dog is PENNED. What's he supposed to do? Call out to you:
  
  "Ewww, DAAAHLING....I say....I dew need to MAKE STOOL...would you be sew kind as to tether me to a leash and take me outside, luvvie?"
  
  If you can get the dog to hit the pad, that's good. He'll associate peeing with the pad. That's DOUBLY good in the midst of a snowstorm.
  
  These people who don't like the pee pads around are dealing with mastiffs who should get out of the habit of pissing in the house. Little dogs, some of them, can even be litter box trained. In fact, that high end Hammacher Schlemmer store sells an indoor poop/pee facility for dogs, which they advertise as "great for apartments!"
  
  


• They suggest to not leave pee pads in with a dog unattended because they may eat it.
  
  Then you might have a high vet bill for blockage.
  
  I have seen too many dogs die or be ill from people laying things out for there dogs to eat.
  
  The puppy should be in a small- size appropriate crate.
  


• Yes you can i have four dogs and i did with all and it potty trained them


• JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


• sure...

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Dog Health Questions: How to become a professional dog trainer?

I'm asking this question just for my own good

i am currently a high school junior soon to a senior. i am going to go to collage hopefully but the job i want is to be a professional trainer. i am going to start with pre-vet just to gain some knowledge but i was wondering if their are any specific classes or courses i need to take in collage to be able to be a dog trainer. I want to be a vet tech as well so dog training would be kind of a side job for me but im curious if i wanted to do it professionally hat collage courses i would need to take>?

Dog and Puppy Obedience Training - More Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
There are many dog training schools, but I don't know of any affiliated with any colleges. Some are more through than others. Determine what methods of training they use and if you are comfortable with their philosophy and methods. There are also seminars through groups like Association of Pet Dog Trainers - Dog Training Resources
http://www.apdt.com/

Effective Dog Training by Using Collar and Leash

• well search for dog training schools in your areabtw its college

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Dog Health Questions: How can i train my dog?

my mom let me get a dog but she said i had to pay for everything school started i cant work anymore and i have no money to buy him classes is there a site that can tell me how to give him basic training like sit come stay lay down stuff like that and maybe one for agressive dog training he is a 1 year old dog

Dog Training - Basics

Recommended Answer:
get a couple of books from the library and check them out.some dogs are easier to train than others.YOU NEED TO BE PATIENT. Understand that they have a small attention window.DO NOT TRY TO FORCE THE DOG. MAKE IT FUN FOR HER.DO NOT REPEAT THE COMMAND OVER AND OVER . AND ALTHOUGH THE DOG IS 1 YEAR OLD IT CAN STILL LEARN.WHEN THE DOG DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO DO GIVE THEM A TREAT.AND LIKE I SAID , BE PATIENT (costco food in the green bag is very good for the dogs,that lamb and rice stuff)

How to Incorporate Dog Training Into Dog Play and Exercise!

• take him ti a training school


• Go to your local library, there are hundreds of obed training books out there, this was how I learned. I have worked since I turned 14 yrs old and always paid for all my dogs needs.


• Well if you can afford a book, that would be great. There are TONS of books on how to train dogs, mos having all you need to know in one book. however, it seems like if you can't afford training classes, how are you going to afford the dog? it needs constant food, treats, grooming supplies (brushes, shampoos, etc) and training on your own might be risky. whtever makes u happy i guess


• just google puppy training
  go the library reference subject
  buy book at pet store
  
  be patient:dog trainers are patient,persistent,don't coddle the dog
  (so he knows he's under the trainer) people
  
  read Cesare Milan(the dog whisperer) advanced/but good


• here is a good web site to take a look at training.


• Why don't you just make an agreement with your mom?
  It will benefit her if the dog gets its training sooner than later, so why won't she just pay for the classes up front and you can pay her back when you have the extra money?
  
  That way, the dog gets trained, your mom is happy because it has good manners and won't destroy her stuff, and you'll get to meet other dog owners (and your dog meet other dogs) in your class.
  
  It really is the best way to do things, for socialization, as well.
  
  


• u dont need a school. do it urself. u dont need books either. with my dog we didnt use anything just us. so what u need to do is watch and see wat the dogs doing wrong and then try to fix that. u have to be mean tho. trust me the dog will forgive u. then when he has listenned to u or has done something good then reward it so he knoes its doing the rite thing! then when he is behaved start learning him some new tricks, u have to be mean too, and reward it! good luck


• You can start by training him/her with treats. Push on their butt to sit and every time he sits give him a treat, he will eventually realize every time he does something good he gets a treat. A good site is freedogtraininginfo.com


• can i ask you a question why did you get a dog when you are at school.you have got Hadley Any time to care for YOU'RE dog.have you.and you don't have a clue about training it ether.

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Dog Health Questions: How do I get my two dogs to stop barking at every dog and person we pass while on walks?

I have two small dogs who are two years old. I took them to group dog training to help with socializing in the past, they go to the dog groomers and they see people that come to the house. However, every walk I take them on, which is everyday, they bark intensly and pull toward passing people or dogs. If no one is out they walk fine.

Please help...this is driving me crazy. I get angry and frustrated at this as it is really embarrasing. Our walks are nightmarers. What can I do?

Is Your Dog Training You?

Recommended Answer:
Your dogs bark because they can and because they have no idea you want them to stop - you are not communicating with them in a way they can understand.. A big dog attacking your dog -doesn`t matter - because honestly, you need to get past that, and if you are still reacting, you might be part of the problem (if you are nervous now of big dogs your anxiety is transitted to your dogs)

So, my list : you need to relax. If you are tense your dogs will sense it. Its hard I know (I have a big dog and it was bitten by a bigger dog - so trust me, there is always a bigger dog).

Stop having a dialog with them. (I presume you either yell or say `no, quiet, please be quiet, please please please shut-up...smile). Your dog has tuned you out and your pleading or cries or frustrated yells just spur them on.

Its one direction - one correction.
I realize you wont likely accept my advice but I will give it anyway :

- first, take one dog out at a time until you get control The two are feeding off each other.<
- second, put both of them on a prong collar which you can buy in a pet store, and stop thinking its cruel. Its not if used humanely.
- Third, redirect his bad behaviour to good behaviour by communicating with him. When you see someone approaching with a dog calmly tell them `its OK, I see him, leave it`. Then hopefully your dog has some obedience training already, command your dog to heel. STANDING STILL STARING AT A DOG BUILDS SUSPICION which will send a message to your dog to be on alert and begin barking and it also will put the other dog on guard. MOTION reduces aggression - so get moving - not running mind you. Just begin walking and if you feel better, move off the sidewalk or cross the road to put distance between you and the other dog (I still do that now - I`m too old for dog fights)

OBEDIENCE re-directs his behaviour - from what he should not to - to what he should do. Its a positive way to channel him.

- Fourth - your dog will bark - no question. Hes done it all his life till now. So, when he barks out (after all the steps above,) make a quick correction - not so hard you launch the dog into an alternate universe - its called equal force. In other words just enough to get his attention. Prong collars apply pressure equally around the neck - and they will not close on a dog like a regular choker.

So pull just enough to get him to stop - he will look at you for the first time and suddenly see you as his leader - and he will look for direction -

So IMMEDIATELY say :`good leave it`and ``heel` and then commence walking. Dont make a big deal out if - because if you get all wired up - he will start barking again. Maintain your composure, and be calm. Turn a very small circle to refocus your dog - at heel finsihing in the same spot you started with him sitting.

This circle thing to a dog its like a whole new world. They forget about what they were all riled up about, they forget they just got corrected, and look at you with renewed respect. Finally you have control and now your dog is listening.

LESS TALK - don`t babble. Just be calm, be decisive, and be clear about what you want your dog to do. This idea that you can negotiate with him by talking to him, pulling him gently back (which is just pumping him up for more aggression because tension on a lead builds aggression), or somehow cajoling him into quiet because you look embarased is frankly silly.

Again ONE DIRECTION ONE CORRECTION.

EDIT TO ADD: WALK YOUR DOGS ON A LOOSE LEAD. Tension in the lead creates anxiety and builds suspicion. If they dont know how to heel, its a good time to teach them.

DO NOT yank your dog without warning him first that you want him to leave it. In other words, be fair, communicate with your dog to allow him to anticipate what is right vs wrong. It is cruel to just apply negative reinforcement without giving a dog a chance to be right.

Do this every time he barks - it will stop in about a day or less.

Then repeat for the second dog.

When you have them under control, walk them both on prong collars and continue communicating with them.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Dog Training Tips For Hard-To-Train Dogs

• Well first of all you take out one dog at a time and this will immediately help to see if both dogs have a problem, or whether one is winding the other up.
  
  Continue separately until you have managed to train each to stop this behavior.
  
  Even if their walking time is less than usual for you to do both, you should still do it. They don't go out together again until you have stopped it.


• One thing that helps is running the dogs, not walking them. Dogs that are running don't have time to bark.
  
  My Toy Poodle used to be scared to death of people's garbage cans sitting on the curb, and I tried everything to change that. She didn't have time to be afraid of them as we ran past them, and now she walks by them just fine. I run both of my dogs at the same time, on a leash coupler.
  
  If the dogs that approach you are aggressive, SCREAM at them at the top of your lungs, and they'll usually back off. It works for me. If the owners allow the dogs to do this continually, do call the law and report a "stray". Don't mention anything about you knowing where the dog lives.


• well i have a dog who barks at the window when anyone walks by, he is not vicious and he is very lovable but because he is a doberman he is massive. i just hold his mouth together by gently holding the nose and chin together and saying no, he doesnt do it that much now.


• Well you have to discipline the dog you have to teach him not to bark at other dogs and people. You have to gently pull the dog back and scold him/her :)


• training, socialization and discipline


• Sounds like your dog are relying on each other and this bad behaviour is resulting..........one dog will be doing it and the other following suit..........so one dog at time, separate walks and work out which is the one who is leading this.....then you can work on curing it and with only one dog to deal with it will be quick to sort out.....watch for the body language, get the dog attention and while it is watching you and you are walking by without incident you can then praise for good behaviour rather than getting frustrated and embarrassed which will nt help you or the dog as it gives off weak anxious energy and the dogs will think this weakness could be fear which encourages more barking........NILIF is always good to use daily http://k9aro.webs.com/nilif.htm, look at behaviour on the website as well......a change in your behaviour will change your dogs behaviour...........good luck


• Here's a big help. If you have a friend or know some one with a dog(who is usually calm or well trained) as well, that's great. here's what you do. have have your friend walk with his/her dog past your dog(it is best to train your dogs one by one because if one of your dog starts barking, the other one will most likely to join in the barking). if your dog starts barking, turn him/her around or take him/her inside the house so they cant see the other dog. once your dog has calmed down, try again. once he/she stops barking at your friend and his/her dog, reward your dog with a treat. repeat to see your dog understands what to do at this situation. do the same for your other dog. if you think they are ready, try training them at the same time. then try it out with random people and see if it works. dont forget to reward them! HOPE THIS HELPS!

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Dog Health Questions: I try and try and try but I can't walk my dog, help!?

I got a big staffie mix, it breaks my heart to see him in the backyard all day, and I wish I could take him for long walks, because that's what he needs, but I've practiced with him, I've tried everything, -i've used snacks, -ive tried different collars- use the turning around technique when he pulls, I've been calm, but nothin works :( when I think things are going fine, he smells something and just rushes to a pole or grass, and its really frustrating, one time he dash across the street pulling me with him, I was lucky there wasn't any cars driving by, see how dangerous it is, and I can't control him, I just want to walk with him, calmly and happy, I want to cry because its so frustrating, I don't know what to do, sumtimes the only way I could get his attention is if I hold a piece of ham in his face, and I don't want to do this forever, I want him to come to me and sit just by calling his name, and when people pass by, he wants to jumps at them, he doesn't bark, just wags his tail, but I think he could drop sum1 and sumbody could get hurt! I don't know what to do anymore.. Please help me and give me any advice you may want to share with me thanks by the way, I don't have money right now for a dog trainer! There really expensive, and when I sign him up for free dog training seminar, they never call me, when they ask what kind of dog I have I say a staffie mix, and turn that smile into a OH, plz help

Dog Training Tips That Work Best For Smart Dogs

Recommended Answer:
Buy a book called Koehler Method of Dog Training. No trainer needed.

Simple/cheap supplies, simple method, works for almost every dog. The guy's a genius - worked with hollywood dogs and everything. Method is tried and true.

It's the method that the "turn around and go in the other direction" thing is based off of, only a bit more forceful and much more in depth. It allows the dog to make their own mistakes, and each mistake gets a simple uniform correction.

The only praise the dog gets comes from YOU and the simple fact that he/she is comfortable on the leash. No treats, so the dog does not learn to look for the food reward and works for YOUR praise.

Week one is working on a long leash (15+ feet) and teaching the dog to be aware of your position as a handler. Week two starts heel work and the sit. Week three refines the heel and introduces the automatic sit, stand, sit/stay, heeling post. And so on, and so on - it goes through simple/basic commands and troubleshooting for heel work as well.

http://www.koehlerdogtraining.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Koehler-Method-Dog…

Dog Training Basics

• Have you tried a halti head collar? Or a prong collar, it works good if used correctly.


• i'm teaching my sheltie "heel" right now. he's smaller than your dog, but the one thing that's worked for me is using my foot. when he sees someone or another dog, i jerk his head away and say NO, so he's not looking at them anymore. to get him to heel i just stick my foot out in front of him so he'll have to stop. i don't know if it would work for your dog, but it's the only way i've been able to get my dog to heel. he'll pull the whole time on a walk if i would let him. it's a work in progress, but he's getting better. have you tried petsmart? their classes aren't too pricey. or could you tell the free pet place that he's a mutt? i mean, it's kind of a white lie, but maybe it'll get you in. as long as he's good around other dogs i don't really see the problem.


• First, look into obedience training classes at your local shelter. They are usually inexpensive. This dog MUST BE obedience trained. He is out of control and dangerous. Borrow the money somewhere, but get this dog trained!
  
  Then get a pinch (prong) collar. They are not a painful as they look. They cause a small pinch like the mother dog uses to discipline the puppies. Properly fitted, they are very effective and safer than a choke collar.


• You need to get the help of a trainer. First your dog needs leash trained to walk on a loose leash and then you need to learn to present yourself and the one in charge and walks will then go well.
  
  Our grandson has a Pit Bull / Border Collie Mix and a Pit Bull / Rottie mix and both are great on or off leash. Corey is never harsh with them but they first learned all their obedience commands and learned also that Corey is incharge and they listen to him.


• i have a staffie/lab/dane mix lol
  im 14 and im asian(haha so im very short and small and my dog is huge! lol)
  
  he was VERY hard to walk and my mom didnt let me walk with him cuz he would pull horribly
  none of us could walk him other than my stepdad
  u can keep trying what you are doing
  
  dont get a choke chain.they dont work.we've tried
  the anti pull harnesses that make the dog's front legs go up when he pulls work pretty well but a gentle leader works the best i think.atleast for me
  just keep trying what youre doing but get some kind of harness or collar that helps with pulling
  dont get a prong collar though
  even though alot of people say they arent cruel they are.the people who had my dog before us(hes from a shelter) used to use them on him and they would use it properly he got red sores on his neck from it
  
  after my dog got used to wearing the gentle leader we put on the leashe and walked him around the house
  gave him treats and praise when he was being good and turned him the other way when he pulled or lunged
  it worked after a few days then we tried it in the backyard,then on walks and he did better.he still pulls occasionally now but i can walk him by myself without my mom freaking out at me lol
  
  turn him around and walk the other way if he pulls you
  or make him sit down until he calms down
  
  if u got him from a shelter you might be able to go ask them for help too


• hm...well try practicing in the backyard, then take him to a park where there's not alot of people and slowly he'll get used to it. Also try switching his food to something not so high calorie but don't starve him!


• There's a book called "The Loved Dog" by, Tamar Geller.
  I have found it very helpful for me and my dog.
  I think your dog is bigger than mine, but I'm sure reading the
  book would be helpful. You should be able to get it from your local library or see if your local freecycle has it and then you can get it and keep it for free. Good luck


• the dog is you master. you need to show that you are dominant a choke chain is good for that, just give it a good jerk when it tries to go somewhere you don't want to. if that doesn't work let it head the way it wants but hold the leash and let the choke chain do its work. the dog wont try it for long


• The prong collar is a very good idea. You should also get a very short leash. There should only be enough leash so that he can walk right by your side. Don't let him move around or get next to anything or anyone. Below is the absolute perfect video that should help solve your problem. I hope this helps:


• if the dog wasn't trained when it was a puppy he/she will never learn, especially if they're bossy.
  I would suggest obeidience classes
  OR a harness, it "controlls" their uper area from leaping.
  good luck!

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Dog Health Questions: I need to find a good dog training place. NOT MANS BEST FRIEND....?

I work with bomb and narc dogs and all the trainers that I know work with explosives or drugs...
I dont want a narc or bomb dog...
I have a German Shepherd and I am looking at getting him trained in Attack and detain... To use him while working in the future to help catch criminals.

I dont want to use my companies trainers as they pretty much rip the personality from the dog and they turn it into a walking weapon...

I need him to be able to play nice too...
Any ideas?

Dog Training Career - How to Become a Dog Trainer

Recommended Answer:
This question smells like BS to me.. First, you work with detection dogs and you have access to trainers in your company that can train you a protection dog, but, they will turn said dog into a "walking weapon". WOW!!!!!! Why don't you tell me the company you work for, the trainers names and the real reason you want a dog like this, "to help you catch criminals in the future".
My email is open, let me know!!! This sounds like a 10 year old wrote this post. Talk to me!!!

The Basic Commands of Dog Training

• Not knowing where you are it is hard to suggest someone in particular but you can always check with the USCA site or DVG site or even the French or Mondio Ring sites and see if there are any of these sport training clubs in your area. Often they will have local law enforcement either in the club for training or will have helpers and trainers that have worked with law enforcement dogs and can evaluate the dog and let you know if you are barking up the right tree with the dog -- I will say we have had LE bring out a number of dogs that they thought would be great but lacked the drive and confidence to do well in the training... but that is what evaluation is all about :) I will say that a lot of the characteristics that tend to make good detection dogs help a lot in the protection end of it but you just never know. A LOT actually depends on you/ the handler and how much committement and skill you can or will learn. I wish you luck...
  
  Add: I am down in Corpus.. the Houston Schutzhund club just held their trial in conjunction with ours in Mathis weekend before last! You missed it... thank goodness :) Anyway, there is a schutzhund club there that is a USCA associated one - you can find contact on the regional site - http://www.southcentralregion.com - not sure if it is Dena that is the contact now but she might be able to help -- also there is another guy that was up there doing some training - he is in Montgomery?? Had his contact info but not sure where I put it on the computer... You are welcome to contact me privately and I will see if I can help...
  
  add again: hahaha somebody's paranoia is showing down there :)


• I don't know, but your vet could most likely point you in the right direction.


• Try searching for Shutzhund trainers or clubs. Part of Shutzhund is holding so they should be able to help you. You need to let us know what area your in to help you btw.


• I believe what you might be looking for is Schutzhund.
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schutzhund
  
  Here's a book that can help:
  http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?I…
  It's pretty dense. But then again, you're getting in to a complicated sport and you'll be working with extremely focused people (and dogs). I like Sheila Booth's approach because she does not want to remove a dog's personality, as far as I can tell. She gave an excellent talk at an Agility camp that I went to. Sorry to hear that that's the agenda of you company's trainers.


• If you live in Australia and NSW, I can thoroughly recommend the following place as per the websites below. They are at Berkshire Park (St Marys/Windsor). I have sent my dog here for training (general) and boarding and they also do guard dog training with over 30 years experience.
  
  They have two websites, the pet one is for general training, and it also shows where your dog will be staying, the second one is for guard dog training. They don't mind if you drop in either to have a look and a chat before sending your dog there.

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Dog Health Questions: If we were to end up getting another dog, what would be the best dog for us from this list?

This is an if we decide we need to go ahead and bring in another dog. In this I mention a bit about us and our lifestyle. I mention our other dogs personality. And some breeds that have been recommended for us.

My wife has contact at our local shelter, her contact runs it. And she said even though we have a baby if we were ever ready to adopt again she would let us adopt. They don't have a child age limit but They do it on a case by case basis. My wife volunteers there and they know us. If we do bring in a new dog, I'd have to bring in a young puppy. I don't think our current dog would accept an adult dog into her pack. But she is very nurturing toward puppies. She just does better with dogs she has known from when they were pups.

A little about us:
We have the best dog in the world, she is a 2 year old Terrier mix. We have had since we adopted her at 12 weeks of age. She is an amazing dog. Obedient, eager to please, well behaved. Good with dogs and most cats. Great with kids.
She is the perfect apartment dog, she doesn't bark much unless she thinks something is up. She is very active when outdoors but inside she is a real couch potato. Pretty much lays around and watches tv and plays with her toys. She is very calm and gentle by nature. So that is her personality.
We do currently live in an apartment. They are pretty lenient about dogs here, we have Pit Bulls living here even. But in order to own a Pit Bull, Doberman, or anything like that. You have to have special permission from the landlord.
We are pretty active on the go people. We take our dogs out with us a lot. Being that we are in an apartment we make sure plenty of exercise opportunities are given. We even take our dog with us when we travel. We have a baby, currently 4 months old. If we brought in another dog it would be later this year.

You may say, you don't want the stress of a baby and a puppy. But compared to the stress I've been under the last year or so with a very sick dog, and being pregnant with a high risk pregnancy, and taking care of a newborn and a sick dog.

Training a puppy and taking care of a baby will be a breath of fresh air. I'm a stay at home mom by the way so the dog would barely be left home alone, and if we did leave there will still be our other dog here. Any more info you need, just ask.

This is a list of breeds that have been suggested to us, obviously we are open to a mix because we want to rescue. No small dogs, done with small dogs. We would prefer a dog that is not prone to being real loud and barky as well. Dogs bark, but some dogs seem to be incessant barkers.

Here are the breeds that we like that were suggested to us:

German Shepherd

Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Really like this one but would need landlords permission, told they are fantastic with kids)

Siberian Husky

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Shiba Inu

Bluetick Coonhound (though I am aware hounds can be vocal)

Doberman Pinshcer (Has been recommended highly to us by several people but would have to get landlords permission)

American Bulldog (Have to get landlords permission)

Manchester Terrier (smaller dog but I love them)

Golden Retriever (I like them, spouse isn't too crazy about them.)

Weimeraner

GreyHound

Austrailan Cattle Dog (Hear they are good dogs, but not always good with children)

Smooth Coated Collie

Border Collie

Great Pyrenese (love them but not to crazy about the shedding)

These are just different breeds we have been told about and looked into. We know they are very different dogs with different needs. Wife prefers Terriers and Bully breeds. The short coat does best with her allergies. She has a harder time with dogs with longer coats. But she loves dogs and she has always wanted a Husky, not real practical though I guess. So a Terrier or Bully Breed or short coated dog would be most practical for her.

Any suggestions?

No dogs smaller than 30lbs please.
Thanks

How to use the Remote Dog Training Collar

Recommended Answer:
All of the herding breeds are known to be nippy with children, however if trained properly, the odds can be reduced. Further, dogs like Borders, Cattle Dogs, and Weimeraners, require TONS of exercise. Way more than a game of fetch a day, or a couple of walks. They will run your household and drive you crazy if you don't give them a job to do like herding, agility, or obedience.

That said, it looks like you have a great list and endless options, especially since you're willing to get a mixed-breed. Don't rule out an older dog (even a year or so). They're still puppies, really, and it's likely that if the introduction is done correctly (the shelter can help you with that) your current dog will be just fine with it.

I'd like to add one more to your list: Great Dane

They are wonderful, amazing dogs. They don't shed much, they're not small, they're great with children and small dogs, and they don't require a ton of exercise. (As a matter of fact, they're giant couch potatoes.)

Take your time, visit the shelters, and talk to breeders and see what they recommend, (even though you're not buying from them a responsible breeder will be more than happy to advise you on whether their breed is right for you).

Bottom line, it's your decision.

Show Dog Training - Be A Winner!

• I have had two baby german sheapards since i was 11 (im now 15) and if you raise them right they can be the most laid back dogs. since there used for Police dogs there easy to train (sit come rollover ETC.) there very playful and great around children. but i recommend getting one when there less than 3 months old because you want to train them at a young age. Hope this helps!!!


• go with the american bulldog or the bull terrier both great dogs. O and we have an american bulldog Weimeraner mix and she is one of the best dogs we have ever had so keep your eye out lol


• I have an AmStaff and he is super with everyone---especially children. A specific breed is not a guarantee of behavior though. Just find a dog that fits. We can't tell you what you want. Only you know that. But shelters are full to bursting with American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire bull terriers and mixes...so I would say if you get a shelter animal you are hard pressed to find one that isn't a cross of one of those. lol.


• I have a Norwegian Elkhound and I really like it. Mine is huge because I think we fed it to much. The dog is very territorial and bonds to family, but you have to get them while they are puppies because they like sticking with one family. This dog can also bark loud. I live in the country.
  
  Some of the dogs you listed like the outdoors. The smooth coated collie is a herding dog, so I do not think that is very practical for an apartment. Go with the German Shepherd.


• I would have to go with a german shepard. But get on at a young age so that the dog and baby can grow together. They are very protective and listen very well


• First of all, I'd recommend making the decision first and then going to the shelter to visit with dogs. Find one that is a potential match for your family and then have the whole family, your existing dog too if allowed, visit with the new, potential pack-mate. Trying to narrow down to one breed when you're looking to adopt from a shelter makes the search a little more difficult, so be prepared to be very patient.
  
  The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an outstanding dog! Very good with children. As are several of the other dog's on your list.
  
  Not sure about your experience with Shiba Inus, but my recent personal experience has been displays of agression. I visited with several at local shelters before getting my pup and each one growled, barked and charged the kennel gate. I chalked that up to just the shelter environment and whatever they may have experienced in their lives. But then I met a couple of them in my apartment complex and they bark from a distance as soon as they see me and my dog and others in the area. They exhibit very aggressive behavior and cannot be socialized with the other dogs in our dog park. One of them actually came over and snapped at and bit my dog on the muzzle. I hold that against the owner as he should have known his dog's behavioral pattern. Anyway, I always liked the look of the Shiba Inu, but recent experience would make me shy away from one.
  
  Love Weimaraners, Golden Retrievers and Great Pyranees (but be sure you know how large he's going to get and what sort of environment they do best in - temperature and humidity). Another dog to consider is the Bernese Mountain Dog. Very large, sociable, great with children, but again large and be aware of environmental concerns.


• I definitely don't recommend a siberian husky their are beutiful dogs but are very stubborn dogs when it comes to training.
  
  German shepherds are fantastic. They make a great family pet they are also a bit stubborn when puppies but are very inteligent as well as labradors. (Chocolate labs I'm not to fond of their whinny dogs and also are very hard headed.)
  
  Collies are wonderful family dogs. Active but good.
  
  Greyhounds are good dogs too, not recommended with smaller dogs (depending on their history if it is a retired greyhound from the tracks)
  
  Weimeraner are good. In cases I've seen its best to get them young.
  
  Most of the other dogs listed aren't common in a shelter.
  
  I would recommend:
  Rottweiler
  German Shepherd
  Labrador Retiever (yellow or black)
  Doberman Pinsher
  Mastiff
  Great Dane
  
  Good luck with you search.


• If you live in an apartment i wouldn't suggest a collie type, they require a lot of attention and excercise which with a new baby you might not be able to give. same with weimerarner, they are hunting dogs so need loads of exercise and stimulation.
  German shepherds i love this breed. are great with kids (i have one with a 4 year old and he can be a bugger with her) but is size an issue? also they shed alot.
  staffordshire bull terriers, great with kids, great personality, but again need alot of exercise.
  retriever and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, very clever dogs, they are more 'chilled out' than some of the other breeds you mention. need to make sure as the baby grows up they get too many scraps as prone to weight gain.
  Grey hound, i love this breed too, they only need one or two good walks a day, or if you can get a field or park to let loose even better, then they love nothing more than to cuddle somewhere warm. so would fit into your current dogs lifestyle brilliantly. and short coated so better for allergies. not sure how they are with kids but a friend of mine has a couple of whippets and two young kids.
  another breed that i love, although it is small but its brilliant with kids is a cavielier king charles spaniel. they don't shed really badly, are quite calm but active outdoors. i grew up with one and she never once showed any aggression and we used to dress her up and everything.
  any i've not mentioned i have to experience of so can't comment. hope it helps though.


• Most of the dogs you mentioned shed a lot. Why don't you want a small dog? We have a Shitzu and he is a very good dog. They were bred originally for Chinese emperors because they would rather sit next to you or on your lap. they are very smart and good watchdogs.
  
  I had 2 Schnauzers, they don't shed either and are a good dog, but they tend to want to make a break for it if you leave a door opened. One of our Schnauzers used to look at you and say "out" when he wanted to go out and instead of scratching on the door to get back in, he would actually knock. Sounded like a human knocking on the door. Highly intelligent. I'd have to say the smartest dogs we ever had.
  
  We had a German Sheppard. They are very protective of the family and not so friendly with strangers. They shed really bad, but would lay down their life to protect you.
  
  We also had a couple Poodles. They come in 3 sizes and don't shed, very smart.
  
  A lot of short haired dogs shed too. Those short hairs in your throat are rough. That is what I always look for,, a dog that dont shed.


• My choice would be the greyhound from an adoption program.. Not a puppy.. These dogs are very adaptable and do well in apartments. A reputable adoption program will match the dog to your circumstance, allow a meet and greet for the dogs to ensure their compatability. They are a clean gentle quiet intelligent dog who are couch potatoes. They love a daily walk but do not require hours of exercise. They drop little hair, have very little 'doggy' odour and are simply the most delightful dog. Most are good with children. We have two and our kids were only small at the time and we have never had a problem. and we cannot imagine our home without them.

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Dog Health Questions: I am looking for a trained service dog for bipolar disorder does anyone know how i can go about getting one?

i was given a letter from my psych doctor so i can get a service dog but i cannot find a dog trained for bipolar disorder. any ideas on where and how i go about getting one

Electronic Dog Training Collar

Recommended Answer:
You need to apply with a program. Which program will depend in large part on where you live. Here's an article on how to find a program that trains service dogs: http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content…

The typical wait time is about 3 years. Remember that it takes 18-24 months to actually train the dogs and the demand exceeds the supply, especially in these economic times. Most service dog programs these days are asking their clients to do some fund raising to offset the costs of procuring, vetting, and training the service dog. About $5,000 in fundraising is typical. A good program will assist the client with fundraising. Since the actual cost of the dog is typically $20,000 to $40,000 for a service dog, the rest of the cost is absorbed by charitable donations and volunteer workers.

Contrary to what one answerer said, there are real service dogs for people with psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder if it is severe enough to be disabling. Here's an article about them: http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content…

According to Federal regulatory law, "Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler´s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal´s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition."

Choosing The Best Dog Training Treats

• are you sure it is for a service dog or for an emotional support dog ??? big difference ... a service dog does a service like turn on lights, pick up the phone, lead a blind person ... an emotional support dog provides emotional support but is in no way a service dog, it is a dog that provides emotional support only ... a service dog is welcome anywhere, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. ... an emotional support dog, the only benefit is you could live somewhere that is no pets with the doctors note ... there is no service dog for bipolar, but people with bipolar can have emotional support dogs ... there is no special training for an emotional support dog other than some go through the good canine citizen training which is good if you plan to bring the dog with you everywhere ... curious what you would think a service dog for bipolar would be trained to do for you ???
  
  "Dogs used for emotional support, that are not task-trained, are called emotional support animals. They are not service dogs."


• Yes, there are such things as service dogs for people with bipolar disorder, and no they are aren't ESAs. They are called psychiatric service dogs or PSDs. They do do tasks/work like other types of service dogs. Very few doctors know the difference between a service dog, therapy dog, and ESA; much less how to go about getting one.
  
  Asker, you need to do a search for Psychiatric Service Dog Programs.


• Your psychiatrist/psychologist should know where to get a service dog if s/he is going to recommend one. But if not then call local veterinarians, trainers, etc. until you find someone who knows where to go, who to call, or just try looking it up online. Try a search for something like "Service Dog Trainers in Omaha, NE" and you should be able to find someone. You will also need to know what you want the dog to do for you...


• http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content…
  http://www.psychdog.org/
  http://www.freedomservicedogs.org/
  
  Use google and type in "service dogs (enter your location)".


• You didn't look hard enough. My first search brought this up.
  
  "service dogs for bipolar disorder" I used yahoo search
  
  http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=service…


• There's no such thing.

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Dog Health Questions: How do you professionally train a dog to sit?

Looking for any additional advice, though I will share what I have found so far, which is a thorough instruction guide for dog training. All comments welcome!

How to Train Your Dog to Sit

http://www.ehow.com/how_4718111_train-dog-sit.html

Clicker Dog Training is Extremely Reliable and Can Be Done by Anyone

Recommended Answer:
Hold a treat in front of his nose. Lift the treat up, just above his head, where he could see the treat. He will sit. Praise him and give him the treat.

Dog Training - A Fun Activity

• Well I find it quite easy depending on the dog.If the dog is encouraged by food then reward your dog with a treat after saying the comand sit. Start by raising the treat over the dogs had and move it back intill your dog is in the sit position. Reward your dog with a treat and say good dog. It may take a lot of patiance and treats! good luck!!!!!!


• Once on animal planet i saw this show where they were training young dogs to do simple tricks, one of them being sitting. They took a treat and put it above the dogs nose and slowly moved the treat back until the dog sat. Or you could try just pushing the dogs butt down and saying SIT, out loud.


• I just started telling her to sit, and pushed on her butt, and would reward her with either a treat, or a good girl and pet her and play with her a little.
  
  Edit: I agree with the poster under me, which is why I more leaned on the praise. The treats maybe happened once a day.


• The answer above is good, except the 'treat' part. Any animal, like children, should be trained to respond to prase and positive reinforcement of good behavior.


• oh yeah, pretty cool one. My cuz had me to read this site, though, where I learned a lot of training basics.
  
  http://tinyurl.com/7lwgfd


• Sit is the easiest command you can teach a puppy. That is one a novice can do.


• Say "Sit BooBoo!" and if it doesn't sit rub its nose in its own mess. Then rub your nose in it. Then give each other eskimo kisses.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training Tips???

How to teach my dog to shake? And real answers please.

Dog Training School to Help Solve Dog Behavioral Problems

Recommended Answer:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_qu…Best way is to watch how someone else does it.

That link has several thousand videos showing you how.

Dog Training Schools - Who is Being Trained, You Or the Dog

• Make training fun for your dog. This means in order to get your dog to listen to you you need to reward him when he does things right. This means you need to praise your dog with treats and hugs.
  
  Be very patient as your dog learns new behaviors.
  
  Never hit your dog. It's very important that you don't use any form of physical contact. Dogs need to trust there owners. If your dog doesn't trust you any more then you will find it hard to get him to obey.
  
  Be consistent with your demands. If one person in your home lets him sleep on the bed then the rest will have to do the same. You simply can't have one person praising your dog and the other person screaming at it for the same thing.
  
  These are some basic tips and advice for training your dog. It does help to have a good understanding of a dogs behaviour, but it certainly isn't needed. The most important thing you can do is to just love and praise your dog when it obeys.
  
  If you are motivated to learn about training your dog you're about to discover how to put an end to your dog's behavior problems once and for all by using proven techniques that give you immediate results.


• I taught my lab puppy to give a high five by lifting her paw and saying high five then giving her a treat. I repeated a few times for a couple of days and now she does it and without getting a treat. A lot of the time if you lay your hand flat out while your dog is sitting they will instinctively put their paw in your hand. That's when you say shake and give them a treat. Repetition and Reward usually works for dog tricks.


• Everyone else's answers on here pretty much sum it up.
  
  I taught my dog "paw" as opposed to shake...our parrot's command is shake and I just thought it would cause too much confusion! lol
  
  But yeah, we started with sit. Once he had that down, I would ask for his paw and then take his paw in my hand and tell him how good he was for it with a treat in my hand.
  He actually picked it up by the third time - I never gave him the treat until he tried it himself. He is a really quick learner! He's a Dobe, he's naturally smart lol.


• Have the dog sit.
  
  Then take a finger and run it down the back of her leg til you get to the pawpads. This will cause most dogs to lift the paw. Say Shake as soon as she begins to lift the paw. Treat and praise.
  
  Most dogs catch on right away!


• Aduial has the right idea! Have your dog sit, and then say "shake" and pick up it's paw. Praise the dog and give it a treat (if you use treats to train). Repeat... eventually the dog will pick up on it.


• Say "shake" and pick up her leg. Then praise her and give her a treat. She'll catch on and start picking up her own paw for you. That's how I do it.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training help puppy?

i have a 11 week old northern inuit puppy ***** she is called zara and i need efficient ways of house training her and also she likes to chew on fingers is this just puppy behaviour and will she grow out of it~?

Are Electronic Shock Collars Great Dog Training Devices?

Recommended Answer:
I laugh sometimes especially when people say you must be firm and consistant you must do this you must do that. Your puppy is a baby as you know. I suppose its just like parenting you have to get to know Zara's signs and behaviour pattern. We have Luke he is 18 months old now (my baby) what we or should i say I did with Luke was simple. When he woke up i grabbed the ball made some weird playing noises and ran outside, he would play for a few moments and i would keep saying to him go wee wee i did this when he ate when he played and when he woke up. As soon as you Zara sniffing about get her outside i never picked Luke up as this tended to make him think he was in trouble if i rushed over and scopped him up. I would just run outside and say wee wee when he did he got a great big fuss and loads of cuddles. When he did mishap i never scolded him or shouted at him, I would simply look at him and take him outside and not play with him for ten minutes (god it was agony) but luke learned very quickly. Even at 18 months before we go to bed or out in car i still say to luke go wee wee and he does because it is a word i have associated with him when he does he gets a fuss and cuddle. even now. As for the chewing i agree this must be stopped quickly Zara does not know she is doing wrong and remember she is teething. When Luke chewed often on my toes one day i screamed out like an injured puppy and he was so sorry i ignored him for a llittle time, when he tried to chew me again i would yelp. again this made him think he was hurting me. We gave him plenty of Hide chews and rubber balls as you know puppies can be very destructive a sharp no and a point does not injure a puppy but a scolding does. You have a lot more to come but you will get there and in the end you will have the perfect girl. Gd Luck and Love to Zara x x

At-Home Dog Training Tips

• Try this resource


• For housebreaking, use a crate. When you are not able to watch the dog, crate her. Make sure she has adequate time outside of the crate with you. Get her on a feeding and walking schedule.
  When you take her outside, always go to the same area of the yard. this will become her "potty spot". When she goes outside, a lot of praise, petting, and the occasional treat.
  
  As for the chewing, do not allow it. This is not something she will out grow. When she chews, a firm "no", give her something of her own to chew on. She will be teething, if she hasn't already, and will need something firm to chew.


• As far as the house training- take her out every 30 minutes or so and don't go back in until she has gone to the bathroom. Also, try to take her out the same door all the time. She will associate this door with going to the bathroom. I also always gave my dogs a treat after they went outside. The chewing on your fingers is a puppy thing, but don't let it get out of control. Set limits now or it will become a bigger problem in the future. Try a nylabone for puppies. Good Luck!


• The chewing is just a sign of teething. Get her some toys before she starts on shoes!!! Get some puppy pee pads from the store and place one in each room. Show her to each one and let her sniff it. Then the next time she goes (inside or outside), take her to one of the pads. Soon or later she will use the pad when needed.


• Try this
  
  http://kuso.cc/3kc6
  
  and this
  
  http://kuso.cc/3kc8


• put her nose in it and put her out side but if you can not put her outside all the time put news paper down for the puppy the puppy are puppy pads and put her nose in it and put her on the paper or pan and if she use the papper or pan say good and so the name or if so go out side do the same thing
  all was put the pan or papper in the same palce so she will know werw it is at all time and pick a plce out side and ever time you take her out make sure to go to the palce you pick ou and say good and her name get same to keep her in whin you are at work are not home and whin you fee of water the pup that her out becouse 10 min she will use thr bath romm dont for get that and the time time the pup is pup is palying in the house have papper or puppy pad down in the room you are in whit the puup you need to do same thing about it whins the pup is doing or she or he me not know why you are doing what you are doin i hope this hlape you if you need to know more about pupa you e-mail me at baby20tx@yahoo.com


• I would recommend crate training her first, it will help you not only in potty training but all other aspects of training. The Chewing is generally normal but you want to get her out of the habit as soon as possible. I would recommend a book that I found that solved all my MAJOR problems I had with my Puppy Linus. It is a great book and really helps you understand your dog. You can read about the problems I had with Linus and there is a link to the book there too. Check out my blog for more info.


• try here, this works really well too
  
  http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobedienc…


• Dogs are like humans. They are all slightly different. There are lots of different methods that you can use. Its important to find the methods and experiment with them. Have a look at http://www.best-dog-training.com . There you will find lots of articles, tips and tricks on dog training and potty training your dog.
  
  Cheers

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Dog Health Questions: What do you all think about dog attacks?

How can we educate the public on this issues regarding canine attacks? I get heart sick whe I hear of a person who has been seriously injured by a dog, any dog!

From reading the answers here, many people recognize that it is not the breed, it is usually a combination of several issues that cause attacks. How can we educate people so that we may avoid this?

I feel that if we require the owners of loose dogs to take dog training and obedence classes with their animals, many issues would be corrected before they even happen. What do you think? Is there a better way? Do you think we should ban chaining dogs outside, since "dogs who are chained for a long period of time can become very territorial about the area within the radius of the chain and attack anyone who comes within their territory." Any and all opinions are welcome. (Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion, regardless of how stupid it is!)

Let's AVOID giving ANY thumbs down, OK? My goal is free expression!

Dog Training Tip - Leash-Collar Training

Recommended Answer:
Dick Koehler used to say that the reason dogs bite people is because people drive cars with bumper stickers that read: Spay or Neuter Your Dog.

But seriously, how can you expect average dog owners to keep control of their dogs any better than average parents keep control of their children? They attack just as often - and with far more deadly results.

Now, I have no stats to back this up, but I'll bet that (in one calander year) underaged drunks kill more people from behind the wheels of their cars than dogs kill around the world. And I'll bet that they (children) attack more people than dogs do, too.

In both cases, is it not the owner's whom have ultimately failed, what do we do about that? Educate the public?! How 'bout we hand them a mirror, engraved: Broken, Needs Repair

Tony A-

A Review of Secrets to Dog Training

• I do not thnk any dog should be chained outside.
  
  All dogs should be leashed when not in a fenced back yard. Leash laws should be enforced.


• i really think they should teach young children how to aproach an unknown dog (or how to avoid one), and how to properly handle their own pets. like kindergarten age. it seems like a lot of attacks happen because a young child in running around a dog they dont know, or because they are pulling on ears or poking them or something like that.
  
  i was bitten because i grabbed for my dog when she was terrified. my mom wanted her out of the house immediatly, i know it was me that was in the wrong and my dog just didnt know what was going on.
  
  i also agree that dogs shouldnt be chainned up, fences are the best option, but even then they can become territorial of their fenced area, so education really is the key.


• I'm sorry, but having a dog is a great responsibility.
  IMHO more than half "participants" here shouldn't own a dog.
  When a completely dog illiterate person owns a little chihuahua, I'm surely less concerned than when it's one of the favorite "bullies".
  And yes, I'm worried about my well trained and behaved Lab.
  Late Entry : and absolutely NO chaining of dogs!!!


• Here is my opinion. I have never chained a dog outside I have always had a large yard for my dogs to run in and we put a chain link down the middle so my son could play on the other half of the yard without worrying about the poop issue (we own 4 lots). That being said we had an american bulldog who was just sweet as can be never bothered no one and would let my son from the time he could crawl crawl all over her pull her ears and when she'd sit up (she was about 100 pounds) he'd push on her back acting like he could make her move. Around the time she turned 4yrs old something inside her head must have clicked and she started to climb 10 foot privacy fences to get at other animals that were being walked past our home we then built her a chain link kennel she'd climb that then the privacy fence and again attack any dogs walking by (regardless of if they were being walked by a human or roaming at large) so we put link ontop of the kennel and she'd dig out! There were times we'd be on the front porch hear a scraping look over and there would be ICE coming over the top of the damn fence. We took her to classes we did everything we could I promise you (including taking her to the vet for testing to make sure she didnt have a brain tumor which was altering her behavior). Then she started to attack passing cars looked like a scene out of CUJO in 6 months I paid 15 vet bills from the damage this dog did. She was never reported as we live in a small everyone knows everyone type town we just paid. We'd sit outside with her and she'd take off we couldnt stop her. So I did what was best and had her put down. The American Bulldog resuce wouldnt take her due to aggression and no matter what we tried we couldnt stop her. She was NEVER abused in anyway. So I think its NOT the breed its just certain dogs because she was treated NO different then my other dogs and none of them have ever gone after anything. Dont know how to educate the public just wanted to share my story
  
  To the lady that said dogs that arent altered are more prone to aggression. ICE was altered by 6 months of age she was the companion to my terminally ill daughter (who passed on 9-3-07) and showed NO aggression towards her yard mates, or people. We purchased her when she was 9 weeks old so again goes back to the individual dog NOT the breed and certainly NOT all owners of "aggressive dogs" should be to blame. With ICE we couldnt walk her after she turned 4 she'd break every leash, collar, harnes, lead that she was on including the choketype with the metal prongs that faced inward (that was my husbands last resort idea)


• I hate it when people chain a dog outside and neglect it. I adopted a Dalmatian that was chained up for the first two years of his life. Needless to say he was aggressive. People get dogs without considering the amount of time and money it takes to have a well adjusted pet.
  My community has outlawed pit bulls and related breeds because those problems. People would leave them on a chain or alone for days and they get out of their yards and attack other animals or people.
  I also think our communities should spay and neuter our pets at no charge.


• I think almost any attack can be traced back to irresponsible ownership. I think leash laws need to be strictly enforced, due to the sheer number of dogs around...and for the safety of the dogs and people in the neighborhood. I think tethering should be banned as well...there are other ways to allow your dog outside safely without tying him to a tree. And, I think there should be public education about proper dog ownership, and fines enacted if any dog belonging to any individual is found to be unlicensed. I think vaccinations should be mandatory, and fines enacted for any owner of an unvaccinated dog.
  
  I could go on and on....but there's a start.


• I agree with leash laws - but number one this all comes back to our favorite talking point - breeding. When people breed simply to pop out more and more dogs, they aren't selecting dogs of the best temperment - they simply throw dog A and B together and think - yay!! Puppies. And if dogs A and B have aggression issues - that gets passed down. Properly bred and socialized Am Staffs and APBT's do better on the standardized temperment test than cocker spaniels, chihuahuas, golden retrievers, all breeds of dachshunds, greyhounds, and the list goes on and on.
  
  If we spent our time and money on something to prevent backyard breeders, I think we would see bite statistics FOR ALL breeds of dogs decrease dramatically. Not to mention, we would also decrease shelter populations. It seems like a win win situation to me.
  
  Other alternatives that would be (initially easier to enforce than cracking down on or legislating breeding would be).
  
  1.) no chaining of dogs - at all - outside
  2.) enforcing leash laws - at all times (where appropriate)
  3.) fining the owners big bucks for a dog that is aggressive and requiring that owner and dog to enroll in obedience classes (we make therapy, alcohol abuse, drug abuse classes required for people taht violate substance abuses and hurt people or themselves, why not make it required for owners?)
  4.) if a dog does injure a person or (god forbid) kills them, hold the owner responsible - meaning fines, jail time (involuntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon whatever) as opposed to attempting to blame the breed.


• I know that part of the problem where i live is difficulty enforcing any of the animal control laws because we have 3 animal control officers for the entire city (pop. 500,000+) and they have to cover all shifts. So, any new laws would be just as likely to go unenforced the majority of the time. I think just trying to educate the public about being responsible dog owners is the best we can do for now (it's slow and frustrating but what can we do?). I do know that euthanasia of unwanted pets (in particular dogs) is way down in my city thanks to the tireless efforts of the many shelters and humane societies in my area (but again it has taken years to get this far).


• * never keep a dog chained out
  * enforce leash laws
  * cheaper dog licensing for dogs that have been in obedience classes
  * shelters/rescues & breeders need to tell every prospective dog/puppy owners to never leave their children unattended with pets.


• Dogs that are NOT spayed/neutered have more aggresive tendencies than those that are "fixed." I don't know of many communities that offer free or discounted spay/neuter clinics to the general public. Now THAT would be a good idea.
  
  And I think the media should quit with this ridiculous "pit bull" obsession and publish some useful articles / air news segments, like how to raise a non-aggressive dog, how to socialize your dog properly, and what NOT to do with your dog (chaining, fencing, etc.).
  
  And yes, I do believe that leaving dogs chain unattended for a certain period of time should be illegal. (Don't know how this would be enforced, unless neighbors are very vigilant.)
  
  Even though dog licenses are required, maybe this could be more strictly enforced somehow?
  
  How about less tolerance for dogs who bite? How many times does a very serious dog attack occur, and the idiot owner says "I had no idea... he's never shown aggression before..." Come to find out that the dog has 3 or 4 priors?!?...
  There's such a think as mandatory rehab for humans... how about mandatory rehab for dogs? If a dog attacks, the owner MUST bring the dog to a trainer within a certain time limit or face a hefty fine.


• 1. dogs should not be chained up
  2.if your dog gets loose and isn't wearing tags you should have to pay a fine to get your dog back.
  3. animal shelters/pet stores/breeders should be very very careful on who gets their dogs. there should be an interview process
  4. breeding should be strictly regulated. you should have to have a license to breed and only a certain amount of each breed should be bread in a certain radius.(one city doesn't need 20 pit bull breeders or 30 Yorkie breeders)
  5. every elementary school should have an animal education program.


• Here in New Zealand there is a push from the CEO of the Auckland SPCA for all dog owners to be licenced instead of just focusing on registering the dogs (which costs between $35 and $170 a year depending on if it is desexed, if you have an approved status and so on).
  
  I have approved dog owner status from my city council which means that I had to sit a test showing that I know all about the needs of caring for a dog, the responsibilities of owning a dog, that I know why a good diet, woming and flea control are important. That was also a required property inspection where they came out to my property and checked my fences, made sure that I cleaned to yeard up often enough, that the dogs were well cared for (dogs who live in the house with their own comfortable bed - I definitely passed that part), and while they were there they observed what my dogs were like with me and made sure that I had control of the dogs. I also had to explain their exercise and so on.
  
  Going through a test like I did to become an approved dog owner is not a big deal for anyone who is ready for a dog, has owned dogs in the past, or who really cares about doing what is right for their dog. People who are not interested in passing this kind of test shouldn't own a dog in the first place because they obviously don't really care about the welfare of their animal. I know that there are some people who may disagree with this licence idea - or even just what I am saying - which is fine because everyone is entitled to an opinion.
  
  I use my dogs to help educate parents and children about safety around dogs, and Animal Control and the SPCA in my local area both take safe dogs to schools and drill home the safety around dogs message. The New Zealand government has also set up a website http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.n… to help with the dog safety message as well - mainly because there was an attack a few years ago that caused a national outcry (we have a population of about 4 million so a national outcry isn't that hard). Ultimately the attack was an unsupervised little girl who was bitten badly on the face - no one knows if the dog was provoked in some way or if it just attacked. Taking the message to children in schools and early childhood centres each year means that the dog safety message gets drilled home to kids.
  
  There are some breeds that I would personally like to see faced with compulsory desexing so that the breeds eventually "die off" so to speak - mainly because there are some breeds that are more prone to being agressive or dangerous through selective breeding and from being the dog of choice of gangs and so on. There are four or five breeds which have been banned in New Zealand and can not be imported or bred from - and they are the main breed that I would agree with.
  
  I hope that I haven't offended anybody - responsible dog owners are probably going I do that, I do that - but the problem is that the people you really need to reach and educate aren't likely to think that they are doing anything wrong in the first place.


• I agree 100% that training dog owners needs to happen. I would also like to see non dog owners better "trained" I can't tell you how many times I have cringed as parents instruct children to run up an pet the puppy. My girl is great with kids but too many non-dog people seem to assume that if a dog is out in public then it is fine for their kids to run up screaming and try to play with it or "pet" it


• I live in a very small town. We have not only leash laws but we have also that if your dog is found to be tied up long than 4 hours outside they will issue you a ticket and you must bring the dog inside, then your monitored for at least a year. If your break the law again the dog is taken away from you. We also have a strick pooper scooper law here too. Dont pick up after your dog a 150 dollar fine.
  We are very dog friendly here and we do love our dogs. Here we have not had one dog bite in many years. The only ones I hear of now are within the home. Not a stranger who the dog has bitten. No one can control what other do within their homes If people are stupid enough to allow a bad tempered dog to be in their home than there is nothing that can be done once the dog has bitten a family member.
  If a dog manages to get away from it's owner I usually see the entire family out looking for the dog.
  I dont condone dogs that bite at all, good breeding is the key to not producing dogs with bad temperments in the first place. Bady bred dogs will be the first to bite!


• Every incident is different, but most are caused by a stupid human. If EVERYONE who ever owned a bully breed was against fighting and unprofessional aggressive training, we wouldn't see over-abundance of media stories about pits attacking people. The morons who get this type of dog and then abandon (sometimes on a chain) it after the thrill is gone should be the ones getting mauled. Sure, little kids pull and poke and provoke, but a well trained dog (even little lap cushions) wouldn't respond with aggression had they been properly reared in the family pack. One of the biggest mistakes we humans who love our dogs more than our relatives make is treating the dog like an equal. They are not equal and should know teir place in the order. We don't let our kids hit or bite us do we??? Why should we let our dogs behave similar? Training starts with first contact and continues for a lifetime. Stupid human = bad dog.
  
  Xtra: I think this debate will go on as long as we allow "anyone" to own a dog. We can't realisticlly pass laws to prevent people from having dogs either. Education is the best medicine, whether you prefer a Pitbull or a Chineese Crested.


• More people get bitten by dogs that are spoiled and untrained then those that are tied out. Dogs should be treated and respected as dogs, the animals they really are. Would people appreciate being treated like any form of animal? You cant make a dog a human any more than you can make a human a dog. They each have specific needs and abilities. People will never do it right no matter what you make them do. It is something inside a person that makes them care properly for an animal. They have to want to do it. You cant force people as long as they have free will. I wish there was an answer but, I dont see one that is fool proof.


• i don't think required classes are the way to go, there are many alchoholics who go to classes and never change...i live in a very small town and i constantly see dogs running around, they stop in the middle of the road and im the one who goes to get them out of the street its not even my dog...i've seen kids screaming from the dogs running around and once again im usually outside tending to the yard or just hanging out so ill run over there and take the dog to their yard and hold it there until the kids are far enough away i can let him/her free again...I own four pitbulls..now if it were my dogs running around out there they would be picked up and put down...what are you offering these people besides chaining them?? fences can be expensive (we paid $2000 for our dog run and our yard is already fenced) i personally think that there should be better breeders out there...i breed my dogs but there is an extensive screening that goes along with getting one of our puppies and we take back any puppy that is unable to be cared for no questions asked and reembursed their money....i run a daycare and many parents are afraid of my dogs just because they are pitbulls...so along with helping kids learn to approach a "strange" animal i show parents that by them showing fear is putting the fear in the kids...i show them the correct way to pet, hold, and i even show them commands and let them give the dog a treat if they did the command correctly but i tell them that not all dogs are approachable..don't be afraid of the animal just don't go up and try to pet all of them...you can look at them from a distance...dogs are naturally territorial...that is gonna happen weither they are chained or not...i think number one we just need to be more selective on who gets a dog and who shouldn't....breeders and dog pounds should take their time when finding a home for a dog and not just think about one less dog on their hand or making alittle extra cash quicker...i do wish that the leash law would become national...in my town they are comming down hard on the barking dogs but doing nothing about the dogs running around free...makes me a tad bit mad...


• I think owners should socialize their dogs I myself have a pitbull/boxer mix alot of people are afraid of him because of his breed.I socailize my puppy, with many different people and dogs. Also I think parents should teach their children how to handle a dog or a puppy, dont just run up to a puppy, or dont pull his tail. I never leave my puppy alone with anyone they cant pet him if im not around. I wanna keep control of the situation. I never taken my puppy to training shcool but I work with him alot myself.
  
  Also the chain thing I think its good to chain your dog up,but not to live on a chain.They should live in the house,my personal opionin why get a dog if its not going to be in your home. There are so many dogs being killed where i live because they are not on chains they let them roam. The reason why these dogs are attackin is because the only love they get is when they get fed. Its ashame but true. they are not use to human contact. This is why they attack!! Its cruel!!


• The number one biter of record, according to emergency room records, is the Golden Retiever. I was so surprised to hear that from the Dog Warden after my son was bitten by a golden who used to live down the street. The sad thing is ; I knew the dog was a ticking bomb, and I did not forbid my kids from contact with this dog. I grew up with goldens and never had a mean or unbalanced one. But this dog was owned by a timid owner, they had never had a dog before, and they let the dog take over the house.
  
  I have become a big fan of Caesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, he encourages exercise, disipline, then affection.
  He defines excersize as individual for each dog. A big working dog needs to pull or carry. A sporting breed needs to fetch or swim. A lap dog is okay with a leash walk. Disipline - does not mean punishment. The root word in latin means "to teach". And affection to the dog is food, shelter and to be allowed to sit near his leader.
  
  Back on your comments:
  Many towns have "no tie out rules", like our town. Everybody has invisable fencing, even a cat around the corner! A few years ago we had 2 dogs that kept comming through the woods and coming into our neighborhood to pester the dogs that live here. I called them the first two times. Then we dropped the dogs off at home another time, with an advertisment for invisable fence. The next two times, I let the dog warden take care of it. The fine is $80. per dog, after $320.00, the fencing was looking cheaper. I bet they got fencing because the dogs don't come anymore.
  
  Many dog owners are good and responsible. The law is holding those careless owners accountable for the dogs actions. More education is needed.
  If you keep it up - I will too!


• I guess that I'm simply a pessimist on this issue.
  
  How do you legislate responsibility? No way that I know of.
  
  As a percentage the HUGE majority of these incidents are with untrained dogs, or dogs that have been intentionally taught to be aggressive (ie. dogs owned by gang members). These folks are not your normal law abiding citizen.
  
  The only thing that I see you can do, is try to prevent these incidents from happening. That's not an easy solution because resources have to be committed to the solution.
  
  - Your dog is roaming free? That's a fine.
  - Your dog shows ANY aggression? That's a fine. (This weekend we went to a local fest. Dogs are allowed. My Utility trained Aussie was with me. As we're walking along this "gentleman" was with his dog. His dog starts lunging at my dog and growling. He then asks me if MY dog is friendly!)
  - Your dog bites anyone? That's a fine.
  - More than one bite, unjustified? That's a fine AND you go to jail for a couple of days.
  
  Educating the public to me means that you show them that Breed Specific Legislation, etc. doesn't solve the underlying problem.
  
  Folks such as Cesar Milan are part of the PROBLEM. He gets folks into this quick fix mindset.


• i think that they are bad i had a dog who got in a fight and he died i was sad but i got over it.so that is what i think


• I am leaning the way of DogJudge. It is difficult to enforce any of this. There are not enough ways to ensure that people will obey the laws. I do think that people's attention will be caught if it costs them money when they screw up. The more money it costs, the less likely they are to be irresponsible. Look at seatbelt laws. It used to be an impossibility to get people to wear them, but now it is successful in most states.
  Unfortunately, I have seen bad things happen to the dogs when some people get fined or charged. They end up loose somewhere, or dropped off at the kill shelter, or worse...
  
  I like New Zealands policy-kind of like not being able to drive without taking that test first!
  
  Goldengal, I want to live in your town! I spent months trying to convince my neighbor across the street that one of those 16 times his dog got out, it might end up as road kill in front of the house. I finally had to convince them to give it up to a local no-kill shelter, where it was adopted out to a responsible family. My heart was in my mouth every time I saw that dog out-she liked to chase cars.


• Unfortunately we're never, ever going to be able to make everyone stop being stupid about their dogs. Its a sad fact, but the best you can do is to educate people around you. Dogs are not naturally agressive animals, its how they're raised and conditioned. If people would raise their dogs in the way that the *dog* needs with proper excercise and leadership then we would have problems of people being attacked.
  
  But... sadly people aren't willing to listen to anything like this. All anyone sees is the 'big, scary rottie', or 'its a pittbull so of *course* its mean!'. And then we end up with these breeds being banned. It should be the people who are screened and tested for whether they're suitable to own any animal, let alone ones that require a firmer hand, as opposed to just removing these 'problem' breeds from society.
  
  Chaining a dog out for any period of time is the stupidest thing anyone could do for a dog, especially high energy ones that can be easily frustrated. And then people wonder 'why is my dog so bad?'

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Dog Health Questions: A few questions about dog training...?

1. What is the order one usually follows when training commands to a dog?

2. How long in each training session should I be training?

3. How many times per day should I be training?

4. On average, how long might it take a dog to learn a new command?

5. When can I be confident that it is okay to move on to the next command?

Thanks to all. Good, free web resources appreciated, if you have them. And yes, I know I should take her to obedience training and will look into it eventually, but money is a little tight right now so I want to try to do as much on my own as possible.

Dog Training Tips That Work Best For Smart Dogs

Recommended Answer:
1. What is the order one usually follows when training commands to a dog?

Its up to you really, although I usually start with the basic Sit.

2. How long in each training session should I be training?

Several sessions of 5 minutes throughout the day are better than one long session.

3. How many times per day should I be training?

Whenever you can. I never skip an opportunity to work on my dogs commands during the day. But for actual session 3-4 times a day is good.

4. On average, how long might it take a dog to learn a new command?

Really depends on your dog.

5. When can I be confident that it is okay to move on to the next command?

I don't stick to teaching one command until its solid before moving onto the next. The only time I'd do this was if whatever I was teaching was a behavior chain, then each piece of the change would be taught solid before teaching the next piece. Or I might work all the pieces of a chain, but wait until all pieces were solid before linking them altogether.

At one session you could work on Sit, the next down, etc.

http://www.clickertraining.com

Some Less Obvious Benefits of Dog Training - Help For Owners of Older Dogs

• 1. Sit, heel (walking), down, wait (they have to wait until you call them) Stay (they can't move until you come and release them), stand.
  
  2. Only an hour, but make it fun. They will absorb more with repetition over time, not all at once. Use treats, SMALL treats, tiny bits of cheese.
  
  3. One serious training session a day. Get a collar with a loop that you feed the end through so when you pull on the leash, it tightens around the neck. it shows them that "it's serious time" and they won't pull or fight.
  
  4.Depends on the dog and the thing. Generally a week. Walking takes a while.
  
  5. You must always build upon what you have learned. In each training session work on multiple things. Your first should be sit and walking. Then add another after a week. But always review everything in every lesson.


• You didn't say how old your dog was. Puppies have shorter attention spans than older dogs.
  Mastering the sit/stay will be key to any other training. I use small bits of vienna sausage as my training rewards, they are soft and easily swallowed and the risk of choking is less. I stay away from any harder surface treats.
  I work with my dogs 30 minutes per session twice a day.
  After sit/stay is mastered move to the come command. I use a long string with a snap on one end. I put my dogs in a sit/stay position and walk a few feet away. Then I squat and motion to my chest and say "come" if they don't come, I pull the string and bring them to me and reward. Repeat lengthening your distance.
  The down command is taught after dogs have mastered the "come" command.
  You will know when they have mastered and can move to the next.
  Good luck!


• The orders you've been given are fine, but there aren't really definite answers to most of what you've asked. How old is your dog? A puppy might be done after a few minutes... a dog much longer... what you want to do is to quit BEFORE the dog gets that glazed "Shoot me now!" look . Many small sessions are usually more productive than a single long session, for a dog or puppy.
  
  The other thig is: what are you training for? If you are wanting to train for competition obedience, a lot of what you will be doing will be different than if you are training to have a well-behaved pet... a sloppy sit is fine in the kitchen but bad news in the ring, and bad habits are much more easily avoided than fixed.
  
  A book is a much handier thing to have than a website. A book can go outside with you or to the park. I would look for a book written by a person who competes with either your breed or a breed similar... training a Border Collie is not the same as training an Airdale.


• no u dont need to take to obdience classes u can take the dog ur self but offcourse u need lots patiences.
  first the younger the dog it a lil easier n learn quicker, but all in all the learning depends on the dogs,since some learn faster than others.
  1, You may want to teach sit first ( its the easiest) now that it learned sit, teach stay, than lie down, walk well on leash, these are just basic commands but are good for dog to know , when it got all these down it make it easier to teach other tricks.
  2. it aways important to keep it short, quit while its still fun, and always end in a postive note
  3.it depends
  
  4.like i said it all depends on the dog, always remember that when trinng always praise, and be consistant
  5.when the dog learned the first , and so on.....


• Actually, you can teach your dog some basic obedience commands on your own. Patience and consistency are very important factors here. Here are the guidelines, http://dogtime.com/basic-commands-obedie…
  
  You're welcome! :-D


• There are some great answers already but I would chime in that I believe "attention" is the first thing you should teach your dog. Holding a treat up to your nose, look at your dog just over her eyes, not directly in them (they don't like that) and ask your dog to "watch me" or "look" and try to keep eye contact. Reward with a treat given from the other hand, not the one by your nose. Eventually, you'll want to move the treat a little further from your face, give the "watch me" command and as soon as their eyes meet yours, treat! Timing is very important so watch their eyes closely. You really can't teach much else if you don't have their attention first. I hope this helps!

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