Dog Health Questions: Dog not quite getting the difference between "Sit" and "Lay Down"?

When I ask Newman to "Sit", he sits. Good, right? But then once I reward him (getting sprayed in the face with the hose- yes, he LOVES it more than treats or praise) he goes and lays down. When I ask him to lay down, "Down", he will go right to laying down. Also good.

My concern is when I ask him to "Sit". He will sit, but then lays down after being rewarded. I'm assuming this is undesired. Do I wait until he has a perfect grasp of "Sit" before weaning him off of laying down afterward? Should I nip the behavior in the bud now, and if yes, how should I go about this?

Dog training is not my forte...

Service Dog Training: Training Your Dog To Perform Human Tasks

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Most people that train would recommend that as soon as he starts to lay down that you should pull straight up on the leash until he is back in position, or use the leash to make him stay in position, treat and then release him,you could also command, treat and then pull him into a stand instead of giving him a chance to chill. The idea is to have him hold position until released.
Now in your situation use the hose to spray him from underneath to keep him from laying down, LOL hell it sounded good when I thought of it.BTW what is your water bill? LMAO at Newman and you.

8 Dog Training Tips For Dog Lovers

• When you were teaching him sit and down did you make him sit then reward him and then make him go into the down position? I did when i first got my pup eventually he started cutting the sit out all together. So I just popped his leash on and every time he went to go into the down position i just corrected him. Now his sit/downs are good but could probably due with being a bit quicker.


• If you are only training for yourself and not competition, then unless it is a problem, ignore it. Down has always been difficult for my dog, and since I trained him for safety and convieniece, a sit or a down is just as good to keep him danger.


• try hand signals and wait a while before rewarding him. if you reward to fast he will think that when you say "sit" you mean to sit for 3 seconds or so, if that happens you might as well not train him at all.


• When he starts laying down, take the hose away and say "no sit" or "sit up". Then, reward again and repeat as needed.


• depends on what you want
  i just don't reward if they down unless i ask for it.


• I would nip in the bud. I'm not sure what method of correction you're using, but I use a tug upward on the leash with an "EHeheh!!" noise until he's sitting again. I'm a big proponent of "sit means sit, down means down, here means here, etc" school of thought. Now you're teaching him that sitting, then laying, is what you want. You want a sit when you say "sit." Being a little strct with what you ask makes the lines clear- he knows what you want, you get what you ask for.
  
  I use a prong, and Remi started doing the same- I'd gotten him in the habit of sitting, then asking for a 'down,' so he started going to sit, then straight to down. I then corrected with a leash pop and re-affirmed "sit" command. For us, it really has helped keep his focus on me when he's sitting (what I want), and made clear what I want from commands.
  
  hope that helps! good luck!

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Dog Health Questions: Whats the best age to bring in a new family dog with a child?

Our daughter Chyler will be growing up in a home with 2 dogs already.

But I know the day will come that Chyler is going to start asking for her own puppy.
Now when I say her own puppy, the family dog that she calls her own but is still a family dog.

Now my parents got me my first dog when I was 7 years old and my responsiblities were to feed him, make sure he had water, and to exercise him outside.

I want Chyler to also be able to be involved in the dog training classes with us and the dog.Also we are planning on getting a dog that is somewhere between 30lbs and 65lbs and adopting from the shelter. (We will getting a puppy)
So we aren't looking at getting a small dog. Which is what we have right now.

Just wondering what you think a good age is to bring in a 3rd dog with a child in the house.

A Guide to Basic Dog Training Principles

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I think you could be bring a new puppy in whenever your ready and she starts asking for one. I feel like since she already has dog experience getting a puppy at anytime would be good

My mom had a Chihuahua in the house before I was born and there was never an incident between me and the dog...I would feed him and play with him but he was more of my moms dog...I then got a cat around 6 years old and then my/family dog at 9 that I asked for.

I started making my own cereal around age 7,so whenever she starts showing some responsibility would be a good age...lol I guess I always figure that when kids start to make their own bed and give themselves basic cereal means that they are pretty responsible imo...or at least responsible enough to help take care of an animal.

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

• I was 4 yrs old when I got my very own first dog. He was an abused 5 yr old chihuahua on death row...I instantly fell in love with him when I saw him. My parents made sure I took care of him and handled him properly. Whenever you feel like your child can handle the responsibilities, with parental help of course, then go ahead and get a pup. I love the idea of getting one from a shelter too! It teaches kids that saving a life is such a special thing, and life time commitments are for LIFE. So many people get rid of their dogs...but children need to learn that they are not "disposable." So, just think about when your personal situation will allow you to get another dog...hope this helps!!
  
  ADD: i still have this dog and he is 17 yrs old...he is the best dog and i really thank my parents for giving him to me! I had him before kindergarten and now I'm a senior in high school. It really gave me stability growing up with the same dog for so many years.


• I got my first dog when i was 11. but since you have other dogs give your daughter responsibilities with those dogs to see when she is ready.


• That is something you will have to decide as a family when the time comes.
  
  Determining factors may be if your child is even responsible enough at the time to help with pet-care chores. If your family feels you have the time and finances for another dog. It may also depend on other interests your child has at the time.. say she is into karate, or ballet, or some type of sport.. you may feel that classes/games take up too much time to consider getting a puppy at that moment.


• to bring a dog into the family can really happen at any age but I would suggest the child be old enough to understand the word no and follow your no instructions...ie. pulling the tail of the dog or grabbing the ears.
  My son was 1.5 and he was excellent with our bull mastiff. The dog was a saint to say the least.
  Our dog was simular to the dog in size from the movie "Turner and Hooch". We named our dog "Hooch". He was the best dog I ever had.
  The dog died at 13 from cancer. My son is now 15 and considers that dog like a brother and said the dog was like a best friend to him.
  
  I believe a child can care for a dog by the time they get to about 6 yrs old as long as a parent is supervising.


• You should not assume your daughter will ask for her own puppy. She may not.
  
  There are "dog people" and "not dog people".
  
  You should also not "plan" on getting your daughter a puppy. That is "assuming" on your part she will want one...and most importantly assuming she will be responsible enough for one and will actually dedicate herself to one.
  
  ie: My daughter got a puppy because she demonstrated she had the love, dedication and natural ability to deal with one. My son didn't get a puppy because he didn't have the desire, love, yadda.
  
  I have a 12 year old agility student in our training classes. She is brilliant; has a natural knack in communicating with dogs and dedication to training. She is working with one of the family's dogs she rather "took over". Her sister doesn't "do dogs", she is into sports.
  
  So, don't "plan". Wait, and see if your daughter is a natural. If she has the desire and dedication and develops a responsibility. Age is not as much a factor as maturity.

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Dog Health Questions: Help with dog toy guarding?

my 1 yr lab never had an issue with toy guarding until dog training class. About two weeks ago we were working on recall and the trainer had my dogs attention with a toy and another dog was present. Our dog was interested in the toy while the other dog was interested in our dog. Our dog began becoming aggressive with the dog over the toy (guarding the toy)-- all while im trying to call him. The trainer said he was guarding the toy. Well we decided to get him a new squeaker toy to help with recall (since he will a-line to the noise) and when we gave it to him to play with he became really aggressive- hoarding it, growling at us when we approached. I thought, well, maybe it's just that toy, so i bought another squeaker and same thing. Im soo upset at this because i believe its the class's fault for making him like this. any tips to help?

Dog Training with Hand Signals - Hand Signals Help With Obedience Training Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Its natural. He doesn't want anyone/ thing taking his toy away. Its like you and a child if you have one you don't want anyone to take your child away from you or put it in any danger. Thats kind of whats happening with your dog. Since the other dog at training class was messing with your dog and his toy he is going to be more protective over his belongings.

How to Incorporate Dog Training Into Dog Play and Exercise!

• Get rid of the toy!!!!


• Is it petco or petsmart. If it is one of those two. (that is really bad) Because they can be owners of different animals but not dogs they just can't do it.


• why don't you try this. when giving him food you put your hand on the bowl. play with it and take some food and then put it back. do this for 2 min every time he eats for 2 weeks. this will show him that you are boss and that hands and taking things from him is a normal routine.
  once he is accustomed to this. try this next step. give him a toy, and when he grabs it, let him play with it a while, and then grab it. as soon as you grab it, give him a treat. this will show him that when you grab the object, good things will happen. repeat this exercise for 5 min each day for 2 weeks.
  good luck


• Best you can do is put him in his place. You are not pack leader, if he growles, say NO firmly and if he continues to growl then smack him on the bum if he continues wollop him, its not nice to do but you have to tell him who is boss, he has used his chances up. This is not nice to do , but he will give the toy up and huf, turn your back to him hold the toy if he looks for it shoo him aways if he growls at you smack him, once he had learned you are boss he wont do it again
  
  Try taking food away from him when feeding if he growls then tell him no and give him a smack take the bowl away and then put a bit more food in to tell him its ok for you to take the toys. I know this seems very crule but you must be pack leader and your not at the moment but he will soon learn not to do it :)

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

his 3 month and i don't want too much from him only like simple tricks like playing fetch he goes for the ball he bites it but he doesn't bring it back?

Buying An Electronic Dog Training Collar Doesn't Have To Be Shocking

Recommended Answer:
Roll the ball just a few inches away from you. When he bites it, say "release" while you take the ball. Say "Good BOYYYY!!!"

Treat immediately with a very special training treat reserved for this.

Repeat.

Gradually increase distance.

Speed of reward and consistency are key.

Don't train for more than a couple of minutes, just a few times a day. You don't want him to get bored.

Dog Training: It's Not Just For Adults Anymore

• practice with him..
  like throw it and then take him with you.. and then give him a treat it's step by step.


• Sorry, but before you do that, you should teach him the basics. Lik sit stay and come. 10 minutes a day is all you need, but you need to be consistent. Once you have him sitting and coming, then you can play with him. He will naturally chase and return. As he gets older, he will return better, but start with the basics. And make it fun for him. Praise him like crazy when he does what you ask.


• well you have to encourage him to bring it back like wave something about in your hand and when he comes back take it straight out of his mouth and give him lots and lots of praise and them give him it back the reason for this is that he knows if he gives it to you he will get it back and you will not steal it from him so he will willingly give it to you. You can give him the occasional treat as well, but not all of the time because that will only teach him to listen to you if you have treats and not to if you don't. Good luck with that.


• Tie a thirty foot clothesline, a long rope that's not big around, to his collar, take him out in the yard where there's nothing to get caught on, and teach him to always come when you call. Call him, then gently pull him to you if he doesn't come on his own. Then praise him. Then he'll come when he has a ball too.


• Definatly take him to puppy preschool, it's good for him to socialize with other dogs, but be sure to practice with him at home or it is a waste of money.


• 1. Remember that *you* are the boss; you are his pack leader. You don't say what breed of dog you have, but this is esp important if you have a large breed dog. He is "oh so cute" now at 3 months, but he may grow up to be huge.
  If you are the alpha/pack leader (dogs are pack animals), you eat first; you go thru the door first; you sleep in the bed & he sleeps on the floor.
  
  2. Puppy kindergarten! There is a dog-training course near you for puppies; it's well worth the $.
  
  3. Be patient. At 3 months, he has the attention span of a gnat. Do your training as you are doing it, but for very short intervals. Offer treats (small pieces of hotdog are always winners) after a success.
  
  4. Probably the most important command you can teach him is "Come!" Think of where you might be ... near a busy road? & he runs off? "Come!" is *very* important. Get yourself a long long rope or lead (they make 50-footers) & pull him toward you as you tell him to "come!" This should be a command you only say once. (not "oh, come on, puppy, come here, come here to me,....come on, let's go....")
  
  5. Praise, praise, praise him. Catch him doing something right & let him know he is a goooooooooood boyyyyyyyy! He'll pick it up.


• Keep on trying, use positive re-inforcement (every time he does something good, tell him GOOD BOY and give him a treat immediately). Most of it has to do with timing; if you see him sitting, tell him "sit" then "good boy". Eventually he will catch on. Also, the best thing you can do is enroll him in obedience courses. Some trainers start off by giving puppy kindergarten classes which are a great start, you can probably start training with the trainer at 5 months. Start with the basics before you go on to playing fetch. Teach him to "come" first, so that that way once he chases the call you can tell him to "come" and eventually he will learn how to fetch.


• As for the playing fetch, the best way is to always have an extra toy ready to throw, in your hand. When he goes to get the first one, and begins to come back to you, show him the second toy. Then throw it. He will drop the first one, to get the second. This usually works.
  When your puppy is so small, he will be "turned on" by treats. You can teach simple tricks, such as sitting, backing up, lying down , purely with the use of treats. Prepare treats that will be SMALL so as not to get him too fat. The best treats are usually hot dogs which have been "nuked" in the microwave till they are crispy. Cut them in small pieces first, then "nuke" them.
  Place a bowl of these treats on the table where you can easily reach them. Call your puppy to you. Offer him a treat. Do NOT allow him to jump on you for the treat, bump him back with your knee if he does, then give him the treat in the open palm of your hand. Do this one or two times, until he realizes you have treats in your opened up hand. Close your hand, then allow him to nuzzle at your hand, as soon as he backs off, even for a second, open your hand and give him the treat. This is teaching him that YOU control when he gets the treat.
  For teaching the sit, now he knows you have treats. You close them up into your fist (the treats) and you "lure " him into the sit, by holding your closed hand just over his nose, and putting it up over the top of his head, he will be forced to look up, which will make him sit down, especially if you move your hand over the top of his head towards his back. In no time at all, he will "sit" to get his treat. then you can pair this up with words/commands.
  It is the same for the"down", you will lure him with a treat. After he is sitting, put your closed fist, with treat inside, in front of his nose, drop your hand SLOWLY straight down between his front legs, and draw your hand out (think of the letter "L") ..he will lower his nose, and as he "follows" your hand out he will gradually lie down.
  
  These things do work best with YOUNG puppies.

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Dog Health Questions: How to train a hunting dog?

My brother-in-law just bought a new chocolate lab, Belle. He is an avid duck hunter and plans to use Belle to retrieve the ducks. However, he was called Wednesday with a last minute notice that he had to report to Ohio to work. We live in Louisiana so obviously he won't be able to work with Belle while she is still young. Before he left he asked if I would work with her, since my sister has a young baby. Without hesitation, I agreed! Afterwords, I began to realize I have NO dog training experience. I have never had a dog or any other pet for that matter. I know nothing about duck hunting or what a duck hunting dog is required to do. A private trainer is out of the question because of the expense.

Any tips on basic obedience, advanced training, gear, treats, or anything else would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks so much!

Clicker Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Without any experience of training a hunting dog, you will do more harm then good trying. Check and talk to pro hunt dog trainers, not sure how much that would cost as its not my field of expertise, but, you have nothing to lose. Hope I helped.

Dog Training and the Dog-Human Bond

• I have a German shepherd pointer, and she is born for hunting. So I don't know how you could train a dog, especially a lab to hunt. However dogs like to go chasing after just about anything so my advice from here is don't go taking her out in open land as a puppy. She could run away chasing anything and end up in the middle of nowhere.


• You need to ask people who know, and the majority of us who will see your question here at YA will NOT know.
  
  Find a professional trainer or a duck hunter who's experienced and has a good record as a hunter. Those are the people who can help you or train you how to train the dog. -!-


• watch a lot of dog shows. take the dog to a park and down to a farm or something so it can explore the wilderness. you need to have a lot of patients and i sugest you get a god clicker as it will really help


• Training a dog for speciality reasons is more demanding than basic obedience. I would see help from an experienced hunter who has trained their own dogs. I'm sure you'll find someone.


• Is there any need to hunt innocent animals, ever heard of karma....?


• You are lucky! There are now some wonderful resources for training gun dogs available to positive trainers. My favorite: Positive Gun Dogs, Clicker Training for Sporting Breeds by Jim Barry. I have been to his weekend seminar and he is great and the book is wonderful--complete with training resources. There is even a positive gun dog training group on line (don't recall the name right now)
  Also, The Clicked Retriever by Lana Mitchell
  And, Clicker Gundog by Helen Phillips (English author)
  
  Good luck! My Lab mix was clicked to retrieve plastic water bottles and deliver to hand it was easy for her to make the leap to ducks. Took 3 weekends in the field and she is now superb. Better than my husband's previous gun dog, a Germans Shorthair Pointer who was positively trained, but not clicker trained.
  
  Woof,
  Elta Woodliff, M.Ed., CPDT-KA
  Training Mentor, Animal Behavior College
  Training Director, Mark Luttrell Correctional Center PPAWS Program, Memphis,TN


• In the Alexandria area there is a lab hunting club on/off hwy 165 I believe. I pass it when I'm going to see my parents. I think your best luck for the advanced or hunting-related training would be to get together with one of them and not to get advice here. If you don't live in CenLa, there is probably another hunting club which would be glad to help you and give advice.
  
  For the basic commands? I would buy or use the stinkiest treats you can find. It doesn't have to be treats as much as anything edible that smells a lot. The smell will draw them to you. For leash training I would start with a 6 ft leash and a choke collar. Many will say this is cruel, but labs are made to go through discomfort to retrieve. You just want to give a quick jerk and release. If this doesn't work for leash walking (it didn't for my dog), then you want to get a Halti. This will control the dog in the same way a horse is controlled. It will move their head and force them to look at you. The instructions for proper Halti use are included with the item. I would also look online for other training methods. The "dog whisperer" is not necessarily a good trainer. There are training certification groups online that have book lists if you want to learn more.
  
  The reason I say to get together with a club for the advanced hunting is because I have a friend who duck hunts whose dog was brought to a supposed hunting trainer. The dog is now terrified of noise. Dogs do have personalities. Two huskies, labs or any other breed will not necessarily be exactly alike and you cannot train them the same necessarily. If you do not know what you are doing for the advanced training, then you are more likely to do more harm than good.


• Your best bet is to find someone in your area that trains hunting dogs and work with him. This may require some early mornings as many gun dog trainers will train early in the morning because of the heat. I got my experience by being a bird thrower for a field trial trainer. I showed up at 4:30AM every morning to throw birds before I went to work at 7:30. The experience was invaluable. Plus he helped me train my own dogs and gave me lots of pointers. I have good hunting dogs because of working with this guy.
  
  If you don't have that opportunity, check or some videos and read some books. Anything that Mike Lardy puts out will help you a lot. Martin Deeley is another excellent trainer. Both trainers use e-collars for the advanced exercises. However you most likely will not need this tool starting out. Some things that you will need besides a leash and collar, are a dog training whistle (not a silent whistle), retrieving bumpers; a starting pistol; and some dead frozen ducks.


• Hi there!
  I would still advise you to seek professional help for this matter for it will help you a lot, even it seems very expensive at the start but later you will see that your expenses in training your dog is nothing compared to when you have an unruly dog in your area.
  But if you stick to home train your dog then it will do but you need to buy some books or cd's or dvd's regarding behavior training (cessar millan for example) & some obedience training books, cd's or dvd's.
  In your case since you have a Labrador retriever you don't need to worry about it's ability to hunt specially if your lab is a pure breed. It is in your lab's blood to hunt. All you have to do is to master the recall ability of your dog then you are ready to go...
  
  hope this will help your inquiry.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

I have a 2 year old Australian Shepherd and a 10 year old Schipperke. When we go to the park, there are always people and dogs there. Their dogs are quiet and good and behave while ours are barking like mad and pulling! It's not like it's always been like that, it's just been the last 3 weeks or so. We go there every Saturday and today we couldn't go with them because in the first 2 minutes they were barking like mad! And it's not that they want to attack the other dogs, it's that they want to sniff, because once they get close enough, they'll just sniff their behinds and move on. It's just embarrasing to have our dogs be the only ones making trouble! How do we stop them from doing this? We've tried doing Cesar Milan's trick: 'tchh' and poking them, but that doesn't do a thing because they're to focused on the dogs they're barking at!
Help!

Easy Dog Training - 7 Top Tips

Recommended Answer:
Dogs always "test boundaries".

You said this started 3 weeks ago.

Well, before that, they didn't know they could get away with it. It probably happened the first time by mistake, you didn't do anything about it, so now it's a great game for them.

What to do?
Practice at home, in your yard, and around your neighborhood.
Start over with their obedience training and don't take any non-sense.
At the park, stop in place and INSIST they sit before proceeding on the walk.
Get a spray can of Citronella to get their attention. Lemon juice in water works too. When they're ignoring you, spritz their noses. It just interupts their thought processes and makes them aware of you again.

Good luck.

Dog Training and the Dog-Human Bond

• Go at a time when not lots of people are there.


• Are your dogs male? Neutered or not? Its possible that there's an unaltered female in heat nearby. If it keeps up, you might want to consider a professional trainer though. Good luck!


• Well, i think that you should show your dog that you are the master, and if you said no barking, then there is no barking allowed. When you are with your dog, you have to feel like their leader,and then they will feel it too. When they bark, say No! in a firm strong voice, and give them a quick yet sharp jerk on the leash. It should startle them into stopping. Then reward them. Try to get their attention on something else. Also it might help if you work with one dog at a time, so try taking turns bringing them to the dog park.
  Best of Luck


• Don't know i've never had a dog do that before but we don't have any of our dogs neutered or spayed so I wouldn't know. Maybe even if they r neutered they still do that kinda thing.


• First of all sniffing is just how the dogs introduce their self to other dogs; like a human handshake.
  
  Many of the dogs at dog parks probably go everyday or at least more than once a week. They are socialized and familiar with the park.
  
  Walk your dogs around the park and make them sit and be calm before you let them go and run with the other dogs.
  
  If you've watched Cesar then you know they are picking up on the owner's emotions.

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Dog Health Questions: Boxer Dog training help?

How can I get my boxer to not be so jumpy when she greets people? To walk with out a leash. Not to get in trash?

Get the Most From Your Dog With These 5 Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
Find a good training school and take some classes.

Basic Dog Training Commands - Improve Your Dog's Behavior

• obedience training

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training equipment?

I asked this question before but im always trying to find new places to buy things like tugs, balls,leads,collars etc etc that are good quality and a cheap price.
Anybody know of any good websites?
Thanks

Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
leerburg has pretty good prices and they always have a sale - if you sign up on their website or "like" them on facebook, you'll get notified of sales.
they're also pretty good at exchanges and returns.

hallmark is also a great place (not sure of the url, just search hallmark k9) i order from them and i usually get my stuff the following day.

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

• www.JeffersPet.com stay away from stuffed toys that start with an I in the product number as they come from China and are made cheap. Pet Edge has lower prices but you don't get charged extra for not ordering their minimum and the customer service can't be beat. If you have a problem with anything you get from them they make it right.


• Try ForDogTrainers.com


• http://www.kvpet.com
  http://www.PetEdge.com
  yahoogroups;
  DOGSHOWSTUFF@yahoogroups.com


• Try www.clickandtreat.com. and www.clickertraining.com


• pets at home ;)

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Dog Health Questions: My dog is being hyper-active during Agility training. What should I do to calm him down?

I have an 8 1\2 months old Australian Shepherd, he is very friendly to everybody & to other dogs, trained & well-behaved at home. He usually gets 2 long walks and a play with his friends everyday. He is currently attending agility classes 2x a week and a basic obedience course (that makes him 3x a week at Dog School). On trainings, as soon as we enter the training ground, he starts to get wild, he barks a lot (w\c is unusual for him 'coz he' s so quiet at home) he jumps on me and is not following the "sit, stay & come" commands (stuff he knows already). I always end up having a short training time with him on the field 'coz of his behavior. But as soon as we are out of the training ground, he is back to his "well-behaved" attitude. I don't know what to do or what's wrong with him. Anybody, pls advice.

Abandoned Dogs Trained for the Hearing Impaired

Recommended Answer:
First, it's impossible for anyone to say for sure. That's because the appropriate tactics/approach depend upon WHY he's behaving this way. And there could be a couple of reasons why he's behaving this way:
--lack of focus
--fear/over-stimulation
--lots of drive
Depending upon which it is, the appropriate answer is different.

For lack of focus, check out the Deb Jones books and DVD's "In-focus." Do a lot of shadow handling and flatwork first. Expose him at a distance and work on focus/control. Don't do leadouts. Don't ask him to wait at the start line--walk on up and then GO!!!

For fear/over-stimulation, check out Leslie McDevitt's book "Control Unleashed." Do the Karen Overall relaxation protocol. Work on socializing with other dogs. I also wonder if the behavior is the same with the obedience class as it is with agility. Or if you train all 3 classes at the same location (and if not, if behavior is a bit different). The fear/over-stimulation issue, it could be a number of candidates that are pushing his button. And until you know which one, you don't know how to build up his tolerance for it so it no longer sets him off. I'd also video yourself--I found out that my nervous dog was losing it as a novice when my cues were late or confusing.

Lots of drive--don't use toys or tugging, rely on food (which tends to relax) during class. Don't try and run a full course--just run 2-3 obstacles, reward and end. Don't run him until he loses focus and control and zooms, run him and reward when he's still under control. Do use leadouts. Do cue early and clearly(a high drive dog can get frustrated and lose it when cues are late).

Second, I know you say some of the bad behavior happens as soon as you enter the school, before you even make a run. Well, he's associating whatever it is (the chance to do what he loves, exposure to what he fears, something that he loses focus on) with the school or on the grounds. Any chance of doing a private lesson on the grounds when no-one else is there? Take him there on lead and just practice heeling and focus?

Third, get the Susan Garrett DVD "Crate Games." Trying taking him to the grounds and just practice crating him, control and focus. Reward for good behavior in the crate, open it up but he has to stay, call him out and reward, send him back in, reward for good behavior.

Bird Dog Training - How Hunting Dogs Are Treated

• Work on his obedience while you are waiting your turn on the obstacles.
  
  He needs to learn that the commands apply there as well.


• Agility dogs do better when they have the basic obedience commands down pat before moving into serious agility work. It sounds as if your dog is associating the agility ring as playtime instead of work time. I recommend working more on the focus cue which is part of basic obedience training. Good luck. It will all come together with time and consistency. If you anticipate him misbehaving he can sense that tense energy and will misbehave.


• He's very excited - in agility you want them to be this way, though you also want them to obey commands! I would take some time during the week to bring him to the course and training fields and work with him. Like Spooky Basset said, he needs to learn that the commands are supposed to be okay even when at the training ground when he is excited.
  
  I would also try walking him once before the training - that may calm him just enough to get him to obey. My dog used to go nuts when going to her class and walks (plus more frequent visits) got her to calm down almost instantly. Maybe you could go early and work on commands before the class even starts?


• That is not at all uncommon and is something you WANT as it is good that he enjoys the training but YOU need to learn from the instructor how to direct this wonderful excitement and use it to get him to be a top agility dog! You need to learn how to direct his energy, not inhibit it!
  
  Think about this... in a competition situation he will be EXTREMELY excited -- if you train him while he is in this high excitement state, then in competition he will be marvelous. In schutzhund we actually work hard at getting a dog more and more excited so that the training is done and perfected while the dog is VERY excited (as it will be automatically in a trial situation) so that they know the commands and will follow them regardless of how excited they are. Same holds true in agility - as the dog competes he will automatically be extremely excited in a trial -- you will be way excited and this will pass to the dog so it is important that the dog learn to follow your cues while he is way excited.


• Hi there, i also have an aussie who LOVES agility but occasionally gets 'the zoomies' from the sheer excitement of it all. His previous agility trainer suggested the book Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt. The book has a definite 'agility' slant to it, and yet the information is useful even for those who don't do agility and want better behavioral skills from their offleash dog. Dogwise.com carries it. Another thing we would do, since it was practice not competition, was arrive early, and let my dog run around, sniff, and get comfortable being there before class, and that worked well.

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Dog Health Questions: Does anybody know any free books on dog training on internet that i could print or read online?

=]

Train Your Dog - Don't Let Your Dog Train You

Recommended Answer:
this website totally helps and it's all free no sign ups nothing.
http://www.loveyourdog.com/training.html
hope this helps. It also teaches you more than just dog training that are also helpful.

If you like you can contact me at hotstufME428@aim.com or hotstufME428@yahoo.com and i can tell you about training dogs without treats so you don't always have to carry treats around. I'm not a proffesional trainer but i'm learning to be hope the website helps.

Find Out How To Prevent Your Dog From Becoming Too Aggressive By Using Some Dog Training Skills

• http://www.dogstardaily.com/files/AFTER%…


• http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content…
  
  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/


• These sites have good articles and/or videos -
  
  http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles…
  http://www.clickertraining.tv/ (some are free)
  http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup
  http://www.positivepetzine.com/


• you could try http://learndogtrainingsecrets.info/ or http://www.bestk9deals.com has a couple of downloadable e-books on it that may have something in them. hope you find something that helps.


• http://flyingdogpress.com/index.php
  
  Suzanne Clothier - Lots of free articles though you do have to register.
  
  http://www.clickertraining.com/library
  
  Karen Pryor

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Dog Health Questions: What is BH and IPOI dog training?

Hi everyone, I am getting ready to get a new dog who's owner says he is bh and ipo1 trained. What does that mean? Help :)

Finding the Best Dog Training Supplies

Recommended Answer:

The most internationally well-known and popular dog sport for working and service breeds is Schutzhund, which was originally developed in Germany more than a hundred years ago. In the beginning, Schutzhund was designed as an examination to evaluate the German Shepherd Dog's temperament, trainability, and physical soundness for breeding purposes.

In German, the word "Schutz" means protect, and "Hund" means dog. Schutzhund is a very exciting and competitive sport.

The purpose of Schutzhund is to identify dogs that have or do not have the character traits such as:

Strong desire to work
Courage
Intelligence
Trainability
Strong bond to the handler
Perseverance
Protective Instinct

Schutzhund training tests these traits. It also tests physical traits such as strength, endurance, agility, and scenting ability.

Dogs must pass a temperament test called a B or BH (Begleithundprüfung, which translates as "traffic-sure companion dog test"). The B tests basic obedience and sureness around strange people, strange dogs, traffic, and loud noises. A dog that exhibits excessive fear, distractibility, or aggression cannot pass the B and so cannot go on to schutzhund.

In some countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands, Schutzhund is also called IPO or GHP, but they are basically the same program governed by different organizations.

Do's and Dont's of Dog Training

• I dont think you should be getting this dog - IPO is Schutzhund (protection sport) which is bitework, obedience and tracking. These dogs can be hard drive and need to work all the time especially if he has started already. Just to warn you this dog has been trained in bitework before and passed level 1 of 3.
  BH is the first step in IPO and is a temperament/obedience test.
  Also to let you know just because he has IPO1 does not mean he will make a good guard dog if that is what you want him for. Some IPO dogs can go one and become properly trained guard dogs but most cannot cope with the pressure.


• The BH is the first title in Schutzhund training, Begleithunde. It is loosely translated to traffic sure dog. An IPO is the same as a Sch title but given by a international working dog club, FCI. I have trained several dog in Personal Protection/Schutzhund and titled one to his BH. They were all very stable sound dogs of impeccable temperament but not all are. Instead of the footstep tracking Schutzhund requires I do more Search and Rescue type so did not compete for a Sch 1. It can be a great foundation on a sound dog with an intelliegent owner for more dog sports. Mine were also shown in AKC shows.


• It means the dog has sports training in him, that is it. In no way does this translate to real life protection or anything remotely close!
  Good luck!
  
  ADD: Whatever you do, don't listen to the guy below me, he has no idea what he is talking about. IPO is a sport, a game, I mentioned that in my post, not real life protection.
  If you have no idea what your dog will perceive as a threat, you have some real problems.


• LEASHEDFORLIFE.....BH is a BARK & HOLD???? What kinda crack are you smokin'????
  
  Loosely put into "layman's" terms, he's a companion dog that has demonstrated courage, obedience & tracking at a minimal level.
  
  IPO is basically schutzhund using international police rules.


• ffg


• BH is Bark + Hold -
  
  here's a vid-clip of IPO testing from Germany -
  http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-mwiMYTe…
  
  if U don't know what these rankings mean,
  Do NOT get this dog!
  
  a Schutzhund-trained dog in the care of a pet-owner who knows nothing about the training is a very, very bad idea.
  these dogs have been taught to do a full-force, full-mouth BITE -
  on cue, or on 'threat' - and what the DOG thinks is threatening, we cannot know.
  
  someone could be badly hurt - and Ur liability would be total.
  injuries, medical care, lost time + wages, emotional damage, etc.
  U could be sued, and be beankrupt by ONE bite.

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Dog Health Questions: Can you recommend a dog training book?

I have a 2 year old Australian Shepherd. Excellent dog, trained to the nines. When she wants to be, she listens beautifully and really shows off how well she is trained and how great a listener she is. All she wants is to please. BUT, sometimes, she gets a little obstinate, or as if I've made her dead to my signals. It's kind of like she says "Eh, maybe not today". I would love to read up on training techniques that sensitize a dog to her person again or get her excited about training. Any book suggests would be great!

Thanks!

Basic Dog Training Commands - Improve Your Dog's Behavior

Recommended Answer:
There are a ton of Dog Training Books out there, some are free, some are not. But a few good ones that I know of are:

"Your Dog Is Your Mirror" - not literally a Dog Training Book but it's a good read!
"SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems!" - the best in my opinion, very informative!

Check out the source if you're just looking for free ones, they're also quite informative if you ask me!

Tested Dog Training Tips - The Way to Hone a Dog's Behavior

• There's this training manual entitled "The Theory of Corrections in Dog Training" I find this book very helpful. I hope this will help solve your problem :)
  
  http://www.dogtrainingloki.com/upload/h6…


• you can watch the dog whisperer.
  
  its on at 5:00pm mondays through friday on the geographic chanel.


• Ceaser Millans books are pretty good. I don't agree with everything he says but he is a great trainer.

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Dog Health Questions: Therapy Dog Training Facilities?

I have two 5 year old boxers. One of them is crazy (in a way only another boxer owner could understand lol) but the other is calm and is a complete sweet heart. I think she would make a perfect therapy dog.

where should i to go to start the proper training so she is an official therapy dog ?

Dog Training - Beyond Conditioning

Recommended Answer:
The top three therapy dog programs in the U.S. are:

http://deltasociety.org
http://tdi-dog.org
http://therapydogs.org

You could check with those organizations to see if there are any classes or evaluations scheduled in your area, or if there are any active chapters in your area.

If you know what facilities you'd like to visit check with them to see what they require. Some require registration with a certain organization and/or liability insurance, and some simply want a CGC certificate and proof of vaccination. Each facility is different, and regardless of whether a dog is registered as a therapy dog you'd still have to have the facility's permission before visiting so you might as well save time and get whatever credentials the facility wants in the first place.

Your local pet store, veterinarian, dog trainers, dog club, and even the folks at the dog park may have information about local therapy groups.

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

• I found a good article. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content…

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