Dog Health Questions: My dog is biting... too late to fix???

I have a 9 year old corgi/shepherd mix. For years he's had problems where he just attacks out of nowhere. If I am laying on the couch, he'll go right under me and if I get up he will just attack. This is just sometimes..

I've had a trainer come to the house, she was here for about 20 minutes, hand feeding him and giving him little pieces of food to train him. Then outta no where, when she stepped backwards with the food, the dog attacked her feet.

This dog isn't I would say off the bat agressive, but he just attacks and I am wondering if it is too late to train him.. The trainer I had didn't work out. I've taken him to dog training classes in the park, he just sits there and doesn't growl or anything.

The vet thinks the dog is spoiled. She I try and train him myself, not let him lay next to the couch, not let him on furnature... or is it too late?

He bites and then two minutes later he wants to be petted.. He follows my mom and I everywhere.

Easy Dog Training - 7 Top Tips

Recommended Answer:
the dog is protecting you to the extream

Professional Dog Training - The Easy Road in Dog Obedience Training

• I wouldn't say it is too late - you need to be consistent though - and I don't think that food training is necessarily the answer...
  
  Look into another professional trainer - you and your mom need to be seen as the pack leaders...
  
  In the meantime...keep him on a leash, so that he can be reprimanded whenever he lashes out...
  
  Take him for lots of walks (under control - like healing) so he can burn off some energy...
  
  A tired dog is a happy dog...
  
  Be Consistent!
  
  Good Luck.Just read your edit...definitely keep him on a leash...you should never have to tiptoe around your dog, and apologize for moving...help each other out with the leash...to move the dog away, if necessary...whispering, and moving slowly so as to not annoy the dog is not the answer! Keep him off of the couch, and out of YOUR personal space until he can control himself...
  
  Practice, Practice, Practice -


• my border collie pup does this to epexct I didn't do correct him as a baby cause I thought he was playing and I did but he just thought it was a game,so I stop walking and wait for him to move and when he does I walk again,but this doesn't really sound like my dog,I would turn a around grab his muzzle and squeeze it and say "NO BITE!" he will whine cause it hurts sounds mean I know but its helps alot he thinks its a game now so end it ! and then ignore him in for a few minuets dont baby him.he needs to know your the boss and hes not,you feed him and take care of him your the boss,hes controlling you.hope this helps :]


• It is NEVER to late to rehabiliate a dog and train and owner. Explain your situation to a good trainer. If you are having trouble find one call your local humane society or breed specific rescue.
  
  It sounds like your dog is the "Alpha" in the household. You need to change that.
  
  I promise it is never too late to train.
  
  Good luck.


• He has some sort of fear of being attacked first so he attacks before he is attacked...
  
  has anyone ever been aggressive with him? taken his toys or food of him?
  
  There is alot of information on the web re this.....
  its never to late to teach a old dog new tricks........ so training is the right answer.... and socialising.... take him training classes........


• I'm with the Vet, the dog sounds spoiled - If he doesn't get his way, then he attacks for the attention it brings him.
  
  Work with another trainer 1 on 1, a "group class" in the park isn't going to be effective for him.


• honestly being spooled is not a problem when u have leadership well stabilished. Ur dog is biting because he is the leader of ur pack and problem consider that u guys misbehaved somehow. So he needs to correct u.
  U don't really said how he bites. Is that a kind of snap bite?? Or that anger doesn't let go bite??? If its a snap bite he is correcting u. And as I can see u and ur family also treat him as the leader. Otherwise why would ur mother appologize to him.
  
  Honestly I don't think I know any other dog more spoiled than mine!!! But when the subject is leadership I let him know who is the boss.
  Maybe ur vet didnt explain himself well when he said for example to no let him on funiture is a way of stabilishing the alpha. Only the alpha dogs stay on higher position. So for example ur dog should not be in furniture if u are not three and if u don't allow it to be.
  I'm not sure being clear cause my battery is running out and I'm typing tonfsst.
  But let me say, it's never to late to train ur dog. They are very smart creatures. But there is also the possibility that ur dog has something wrong with him. Maybe he Is in pain or even a headache, a toothache, I don't know and that make him snappy and moody. So make sureur dog is phisically ok and then work hard in making urself and the member of ur family the alpha dogs.
  Being the leader is a responsability. And when u take that away from ur dog' shoulders they feel a lot more relaxed.
  I do think uay need a professional help but Id love to give u the pointers my dog''s trainner gave is. U can add me if u wish. I would love to help.
  And btw the secret is consistency and stopping the spoiling for the time being. When evrytuing is right and good u can go back to spoiling without breaking ur alpha role.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…

i have a small dog and it will not stop barking everytime a strange vechicle goes by (we live in the city so we here him barking alot) or when people walk on the sidewalk. its not a vicious bark because sum times we have kids walking home from school or sumthing and they stick there hand through the fence and pet him and he seems to really enjoy it.lol is there a way i could get him to stop barking though.

What to Look For in the Best Dog Training Program

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Have your dog's favorite treat within reach.
Step1
Praise the dog for barking once he starts by saying 'Good job' and then 'What's the matter?'
Step2
Tell the dog, 'Be quiet.'
Step3
Wave the treat in front of your dog's nose. Most dogs will instantly quiet down, because they will be concentrating on smelling and attempting to lick the treat, rather than barking.
Step4
Keep praising the dog. Tell the dog that he is a good dog for being quiet.
Step5
Let the dog have the treat after 3 seconds of quiet time.
Step6
Wave another treat in front of your dog if he starts to bark again. This time, try not to let your dog have the treat until 5 seconds of quiet time have elapsed. Your dog should learn that after each successful quiet-time interval, he will be rewarded.
Step7
Scold your dog every time he makes a mistake. If the dog barks, even for just an instant, as you're waving the treat in front of his nose, say 'Be quiet,' in a louder voice. Then reward the dog immediately after he stops barking.
Step8
Increase the quiet-time intervals by 3 seconds each time: from 3 seconds to 6 seconds to 9 seconds and so on. It is possible to continue to a couple of minutes of quiet time during the first session, which would mean significant progress in curbing your dog's barking habit.

Dog Training Aids and Tools Work! Just Learn How to Use Them

• i would send him to a trainer. and have them teach him like when you say stop "name of dog" and then he would stop barking.


• Sit with the dog in the yard, on a leash. Each time he barks, a quick "snap" on the collar, and a firm "no bark". As soon as he is quiet, praise him and pet him.
  Carry a water pistol, and when he barks, give him the "no bark" command, if he does not stop, squirt him on the back of the head with the water. Make sure the dog does not know you have the water - the water just comes out of nowhere. The water will not hurt the dog, it just startles them so they stop barking. Even if only for a second, praise them the split second they are quiet. They will associate being quiet with praise.
  Another option - take an empty soda can, rinse it out, and put a handful of pebble or pennies inside and tape over the hole. When the dog barks, give them the "no bark" command. If they do not stop, shake the can to make a very loud noise. If they ignore the noise, throw the can, hard, to the floor near them, but not to where it will hit them. Like the water, it's intended to startle to the dog to get them to stop barking, where you can praise them.


• Well,golly gee...........how does one teach *anything* anything???
  
  SHUDDUP,followed by a POP & RELEASE correction!
  Start as easy as you can,go to as HARD as you need to.


• It sounds like he is barking ALOT, I would try one of those anti bark collars. If you cant be on top of a dog every time it does a bad behavior its really hard to correct. We just bought a spray bottle for our dog and it seems to help.


• is your dog barking when its just in the yard/garden at people youll more than likley find its protecting your house and when school kids come up to fuss it your dog realizes theres nothing to protect as there not going to harm youer propetery . tbh your dogs just doing its job . but if its really bothering you i would get a doog behaviourist. wouldnt use a water pisitol as i have had experince with this and it just sent my dog to hate me . and with working with ainimals it just seems to send ur dog bonkers .


• I would respectfully suggest you read a couple of books and watch some videos on raising and training dogs. Also, I recommend two TV shows, "The Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Millan on the National Geographic Channel, and "It's Me or the Dog," with Victoria Stillwell, on Animal Planet. Both programs are very instructive and often deal with the issues you raise here. Good luck!


• I believe that you have to get him socialized with people and dogs too. Here are some guidelines Dog Socialization,
  
  http://lnk.nu/dogtime.com/rx2.html


• Sudden barking can be shocking when you are caught unaware. However, you can't stop a dog from barking.
  
  You can use Bark Control products such as BC-200 which is a static bark control collar http://www.innotek.com.au/products/bark-control
  
  The BC-200 uses a small, sealed and waterproof collar unit with a NiMH rechargeable battery for long life. Automatically sets to one of 7 levels to suit your dog. Whenever your dog barks, the collar will be activated and gives a correction. So, the dog will learn not to bark


• You can try, this handy manual is a comprehensive guide to what's arguably the most widespread, challenging and frustrating issue faced by any and all dog-owners: house training.

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Dog Health Questions: How do u train a dog to tell its owner that it has to use the restroom?

dog training, yorkie

Dog Training Problems - How to Overcome Them

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Some dogs simply don't tell their owners when they need to go outside. It's important to keep a steady schedule. However, I did train my dog to go to the door once. Every time she went near the door, I took her out. Simple as that. There are some problems with this method, such as the dog just wanting to go outside to play. Make sure she gets plent of playtime outside to keep this habit from forming. Make her stay out there until it uses the bathroom, then take her immediately back inside to teach her that going to the door this way is for potty purposes. Good luck!

Dog Training Technique - Correcting Dog Behavior

• This is what I did with my puppy. I hung some bells on the back door (since a Yorkie is a small dog, I would suggest hanging them somewhere he can reach) and every time I would take him out to go potty I would ring the bells. I gradually moved on to using his paw or nose to ring the bells and he eventually caught on. Now he rings the bells when he wants to go outside (potty or not, though I can usually tell when he HAS to go).

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Dog Health Questions: My dog won't submit to me when around other dogs.?

I have a two year old pit bull, she's spayed. I take her to the dog park, she gets tons of excersise. I have another mix breed, neutered. Whenever people are involved (ie when they aren't paying her attention or sitting with the other dog) she gets aggressive and inisiates a fight, I pull them apart and roll the other one over to submit, and with her she WILL NOT do it, she fights like hell to stay up right, she never gets aggressive to me when I try to put her on her back to calm down, it's like she knows she wrong but doesn't care. She is NOT aggressive to people, she isn't aggressive with food, toys, beds, the couch, just over the attention of people to other dogs.

Please help! I've tried dog training to no avail, I'm at a loss???

Secrets to German Shepherd Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I figured I'd answer since I didn't agree with the other two answers. First, you're in a dog park so a leash isn't what you need. Also, rolling your dog over will not frighten your dog and make it more aggrassive although it is a form of intimidation so they no that you are in charge. My dog fights it sometimes but I just pull her legs out from under her so she has no choice. I would recommend getting a shock collar to correct her. I got one for my dog and it works wonders. You say no and if she doesn't stop you shock her. Pretty soon she stops just from hearing no without the shock.

How to Incorporate Dog Training Into Dog Play and Exercise!

• This is NOT dog training... this is an attempt to frighten your dog. The only time dogs roll each other over is if they are going to kill the other dog. There is no reason for you to ever roll over either of your dogs. It is an agressive act from you, in attempts to intimidate her. If you keep doing this she WILL become agressive towards you.
  
  Take your dog to a PROFESSIONAL trainer or behaviorist. Until you get to the trainer, manage the situation. Don't put her in a situation where someone will be paying attention to another dog and not her. If you've tried dog training you've surely crate trained her. Put her in the crate when people are going to be paying attention to your other dog.


• just putting her on her back after she has already started barking/fighting wont do a thing.
  
  firstly - keep her on a leash and if she even looks sideways at another dog, say NO (loudly and firmly), and pull her back to your heel (close, next to you). you should NOT be waiting for it to get to the fighting or even barking stage before you reprimand her. reprimand her immediately every single time she looks like she might get exciting or start going for another dog, not after she is already there.
  keep a look out when walking her - you know the situations when she starts doing this - the SECOND she tugs on that leash, pull her back immediately. stop it before it starts.
  
  You MUST be consistent or it simply wont work.
  .

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Tips?

Ok I just got this dog. It isn't a puppy a older dog. Small terrier it has a problem of peeing in the house what is the best way to break this habit.

He is older not a puppy. I have had him for nearly a month still trying to find away to break this habit.

Thanks so much for your help

Secrets to German Shepherd Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Look for clues that he is "telling" you that he needs to go outside. Sometimes we may mistake the clues to them wanting attention. If he comes up to you, out of the blue, ask him if he needs to go outside and then take him out. Always make sure to tell him that he is a good dog for doing his business outside. He will start wanting to do it more. Keep on his schedule of vacating, as horrible as it may be sometimes, and you should be fine. Good Luck!

Dog Training: It's Not Just For Adults Anymore

• Is he intact? What I mean is, has he been neutered? If not, do that first.
  
  He may have developed a very bad habit of marking his territory inside the house. You don't say if you have any other dogs in the house, if you do, he may be marking the house because he is stressed from the other dogs. If no other dogs in the house, then he just may be stressed from other things going on. You have only had him a month.
  
  Terriers are pretty high-strung dogs. How often to you walk him, and for how long?
  
  Do you play with him? Terriers need a LOT of exercise and attention.
  
  Maybe an obedience class would be helpful. He might not be taking you seriously as the pack leader.


• Crate training will help. When you aren't supervising him, put him in his crate. Let him out every few hours and right after meals so he can do his stuff, and praise him for going in the right place. If the problem is marking, neutering may help, but so will telling him "no" and supervising him.
  
  You have some great advice! Definitely take him to a beginning obedience class. Terriers are very smart and benefit from obedience training, and you will too! Even if he knows the basics like "sit," I bet you'll get some good advice. You'll also have a trainer to talk to about your specific issues. Good luck!


• First off you should definatly get him neutered. Adult male dogs will mark their territory. As per training, positive reinforcement is always the best key.
  
  When you catch him in the act, move him. Although it may seem pointless, because most likley he's already finished peeing, but move him to the place he should have gone anyway. Make sure to clean the soiled spot thouroughly with an amonia free cleaner.
  
  When he does go outside. PRAISE HIM. Make a huge fuss and give him cookies. I only give our dog cookies for training purposes. You will be surprised how quickly they catch on. For them its as simple as 'if i pee outside, i get a treat....if I pee inside, I don't'
  
  It just takes patience, the more repititon the better the dog will catch on.


• Get him on a schedule first. For example, a good walk in the AM before you leave the house and when you get home - 30 min - and that should tire him out so and empty his bladder. Is there someone who can come and check on him while your not home so he gets a break while our gone. Also watch him like a hawk if he looks like he about to pee tell him no right away and then take him straight outside so he can pee. Always use the smae door and eventually he will associate that door with having to go. After awhile you'll see him go to that door when he needs to go. Some dogs learn this very quickly some may take longer. You need to be consistent with the training as if your not he will become confused and revert back to his old ways. It will take a lot of work - Good Luck!!


• I have a male terrier myself, hopefully i can help you in some way. First off do you know how old he is? Because is he is over 6 months of age it is natural for male dogs to mark.....if they are not neutered.
  Second, you NEED to get him neutered. If this is a marking issue and not just a potty issue, then the neutering will help subside it. It will not make the marking go away. If marking is the answer. It is also healthier for animals to be spayed/neutered and they will live longer.
  Now, you need to purchase a crate, no larger than for him to sit, turn around and lay down. No bigger than this. You need to crate train him for pottying when you are not able to supervise him or when you are away from home at any time. Get him on a schedule. I will use my dog's schedule as an example. I crate him as soon as we go to bed, the next AM, i take him out immediately (do not let him run around the house) he will need to potty very soon after you let him out. I walk my dog and let him do #1 and #2. I keep walking him until he does both. I have him on such a good schedule he ALWAYS does both. You will get your dog on a similar schedule with some time. If the dog does only one number and not the other, then you need to bring him in the house and WATCH him. Do not let him out of your sight. If he gives you signs of peeing or leg lifting you need to correct him. A sharp NO and loud clapping of your hands will do it. Then grab him immediately and take him outside. Praise him when he does it outside. Repeat this process each and everyday until he understands that peeing in the house is not appropriate. The other comment with treats and cookies is perfect. This will give him incentive to do his business OUTSIDE not inside. Whenever i an not at home my dog is always in his crate....ALWAYS. When i take him out, i repeat the process above. Crate training helps with marking and potty training and also keeps him safe. This will take time and work but you can break him of this. Crate training is the absolute best thing i have ever done for my dog and my household. Good Luck!!!!


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Dog Health Questions: Has anyone taken their dog to Petsmart Dog Training Classes?

I'm looking for some information on other people's personal experience with the training classes offered by Petsmart. Please only answer if you're someone experienced with training a dog OR if you have personally taken these classes yourself.

How well did they help you and your dog?
If you had to do it over again would you?
What are some of the methods they teach you and your dog?

They are recommending with my dog that I take the beginner class. Where I'm not exactly sure that will help as my dog already knows the basic "sit, stay, no, lay down, and quiet" commands, but it can never hurt to relearn the basics.

The reason why I am thinking of these classes is because he's a hyper active dog who refuses to listen to instructions when he's excited (I'm sure many people have this problem). He's well fed, well exersized, and gets plenty of attention. The biggest problems we have with him are:
~Doesn't listen when excited, constantly excited.
~Barks for no reason and continues barking after being told not to.
~Bullies his way through doorways taking out anyone in his path (hallway doors, outside doors)
~Chews on the cats (never in a harmful manner always playful but being a large dog he could possibly hurt them at any time)
~Plays aggressively with the older dog when she doesn't want to (she generally can put him in his place when she doesn't want to play though)
~Always eats as though he's never seen food before despite the different methods we've tried to get him to slow down (vet said he may not stop this until old age though no matter what we do)
~Constantly pushes his limits example: when we tell him to lay down he will scoot on the floor forward constantly until caught and told to stay, or waits for you to look away and gets right back up again.
~Always at the back of your legs whenever you stand up and walk through a room, nosing at the back of your knees and has caused people to fall down before.
~Extremely agressive towards ALL other dogs intimidating them (not in a playful way) It seems like he trying to prove something, charging at them, barking, showing his teeth, trying to corner them.

We have tried:
Krate training
Muzzle
Ignore bad behavior method
Constant attention method
Dog massage method
Distraction with toys method

Petsmart is offering an 8 week class for $109.00 that we can come back to for refreshers anytime we want to for free.

Those who have taken this class before do you think it will help considering the quirks that this dog has? Do you think that maybe I should go for something a little more strict? If anyone else has a dog like mine and has tried these classes what are your experiences?

Any help that could be given would be great!! thank you in advance!

How To Download A Book On Dog Training

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First, We have taken the beginner class with our 2 Goldens. The trainer was very good and knowledgeable. She did recommend, however that it prolly wouldn't hurt to take it again separately as our dogs, the male especially, suffers separation anxiety when not in the company/line of site of the other. But overall we were fairly satisfied with the class. I'm not entirely sure that the beginner class is what you need though. I'm thinking Canine Good Citizen training might be the better way to go. Just a thought

That always at the back of your legs? My Aussie Cattle Dog/Terrier mix used to do that a lot. I think it was her way of herding me. lol

The majority of the issues your describing sound like your dog does not see you as the pack leader. I suggest even more exercise for starters.

Good luck.You don't say what kind of dog you have. Have you thought of having him wear a doggie back pack when your husband takes him running? The feeling of having a job to do while he's exercising might help some.
I'm still thinking that the Citizenship training might be the best thing for him. Or even obstacle course traing. Just some more thoughts.

Oh! Congratulations on the upcomming blessed event. You are certainly going to have your hands full!

A Look At Bird Dog Training

• Before signing up for classes at pet Smart I would ask what the trainer credentials are. I have stood and watched some of those trainers and they don't know squat. I think they will hire just about anybody.


• I have a small dog that is somewhat hyper as well. She jumps alot and barks alot. We completed the beginners class (8 weeks as you stated) and she did learn the basics. I believe if we would have continued the training process that she would have benefited from the classes. She is more manageable now, and we are able to "get her to pay attention."
  
  I recommend the classes and they are reasonable.


• I have a dog that took the beginner class and a dog that took all of the obedience classes (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
  
  I LOVE their classes. It is fun for you and your dog. The trainers are very knowledgeable, and really want to help you and your dog. I would do it all over again because that is how much it works. You can ask all your questions when you sign up for the class. They also have a private lesson where you can work alone with the trainer on things you think the dog needs to know. Like you said he knows all the commands, but still barks a lot, then they can teach him how to be quiet and stop.
  
  I really think you should give it a try. It is great socialization for your dog, and you learn how to be closer to your dog and how to be in control. Also, at any Petsmart store, if you aren't satisfied, you can re-take the class for free!


• We just finished with beginner and intermediate classes at Petsmart. We have a 65 pound 4-year-old dog. She had issues with excessive barking, jumping on people, listening only when she wanted to, ignoring us when called, taking items off countertops, chasing/tackling our cat, and FAR too much energy. In addition, I couldn't walk her as she pulled too much. In short, she was driving me crazy.
  
  The beginner class will focus on the building block commands: leave it, sit, come, stay, take it, drop it, lie down, etc. In addition,
  the instructor will speak about grooming, diet, etc. The classes are largely shaped by the challenges of the people/dogs in the class.
  
  The intermediate class builds on the beginner class by adding upon the 3 D's distractions, distance and duration. An example of the 3 D's is having our dog come to us in a busy store with treats/toys littered along her path...she responded to come, leave it and drop it. We never would have thought this possible a few months ago. It is a HUGE improvement.
  
  The training occurs as group training in the middle of the store. I was dubious of this at first, but it actually helped with the training of our dog. If we did well in that busy setting, we were able to do well in a busy park and it was easy at home.
  
  Our dog proved that the saying that 'you cannot teach an old dog new tricks' was wrong. The training has taught us how to better understand our dog and to work with her so that she is MUCH better behaved. It was a journey for both me and my dog. You have to learn the commands and be consistent with them. Our dog thought learning these commands was a fun game and she did well. The training has bought me closer to my dog.


• A: Yes, I've used them.. (I actually got beginner for free because I work there).. I was given a one year old schnauzer from a breeder who NEVER socialized or trained the dog in any way.. (aside from being around dogs, as he was kept in a run for the year with other dogs).. I could not get him to listen to anything.. or go near ANYONE.. he didn't even take treats the first two weeks.. With him, the beginner class did wonders, he is getting MUCH better around people, does EVERYTHING we were taught.. listens for the most part.. (well, I have 3 other dogs pushing him around when he is trying to do a sit/stay.. but he trys)
  
  B. Actually, I am doing it again, I am starting his intermediate this week.. (and I do have to pay for this one)..
  
  C. In your situation.. I think a private class would be better, .. did you have a counciltation with a trainer with the dog present?.. (I know at our store we do those for free.. takes about 15 minutes)..
  I think it WILL help, but some of those issues are beyond the beginner class.. (as for the food.. look up the "brake-fast" bowl or something similar.. it is designed for dogs who eat too fast.. makes them work to get it out.)
  
  The dog aggression MIGHT be an issue.. especially if you have a crowded class.. (with only one other dog it might not be a problem, but if there are 5 or more.. dealing with your dog might cause a problem for the other's in the class)..
  
  I know it won't hurt, and our trainers deal with these situations well.. not sure about your local store however.. Oh, and I see you said a muzzle helps.. have you tried the halti/gentle leader?.. it goes around the head, so if they try to lunge, or pull their head comes back towards you.. making them focus on you.. I have seen how wonderful these can be.. I am a cashier so I've had customers who come back in and let me know it worked for them.. ..


• I used to work at petsmart and i've seen many many people go through this training. i'd definitely recommend it because i think it's a great program.
  
  I've never personally taken my dog to the class but i've met many people there who say they love it.
  
  they only thing i'd say is that these classes only really work if you're persistent. You'd have to continue with the training even outside the class and when the class end.
  
  Most of the trainers there love helping you and your pets so if you're pet need extra help simply asking for it can lead to extra training for free just because the trainers really want to help.
  
  you're pretty much guaranteed to be satisfied and have a well behaved pet on your hands.


• your question was way too long. I didnt even read it.

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Dog Health Questions: DS: What do you see in the future of dog training?

In the past, dog trainers were more aggressive in their approach when it came to training dogs. Treats were rarely used and most trainers got their way through force or avoidance training. Currently, positive training, with little to no physical discipline, is the popular method.

How do you think dog training will evolve in the next several years? We are sure to gain more of an understanding for dogs through more time and scientific studies. Do you think this will affect the way the general public train in the future?

I wouldn't be surprised if more bans on what some people deem as cruel training tools (such as remote trainers or prongs) were put into effect to make way for purely positive training. I don't see a balance between the two extremes ever becoming a reality. I think things will continue to get more and more positive. Your predictions?

Using Body Language in Your Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
You know, I really can't predict it. I do know if we are going to continue to use dogs in police work, military, personal protection etc the *training tools* and physical compulsion is going to have to stay.

You made a very interesting statement. *I don't see a balance between the two extremes ever becoming a reality*.

In my house? There IS a balance of the *two extremes*. I use both. I have found the *balance*.

I do believe many people on this site see me as completely pro-prong/e-collar/physical compulsion when in reality I have and do use positive reinforcement with the above, at times, instead of the above.

I use what fits the individual dog and the situation. It is not rocket science. Thank goodness. Because I am really bad at science.

ADD: I completely agree. And the problem, lies with the mindset of the *extremes*. Neither want to or will they *give* alittle. Not happening. Whereas I am not hard core either way. I believe in a balance of training and I also don't believe one type of training fits ALL dogs. That, to me, is not possible.

Training Your Dog - Dog Training Tips and Advice

• I have been around dogs for over 43 years and my training methods have'nt changed at all.I worked at GSD school and trained and they were given treats or whatever made them listen and get the attention needed,The only training tool that was asked to be used was the chocker or prong..I have found when tring dogs,all dogs that I have dealt with,treats are used and I get the attention and results that I need..always..My style has never changed..are you talking about a special type of training???


• I saw a trainer at the dog park working with two dogs and the pups owners in a private section on it. Whenever someone passed and they would bark/growl, they trainer threw a water balloon right in -front- of them, and they'd shy away from it. She'd say "Aahhh!" but make it sound like a growl. After about 10 minutes the dogs weren't barking anymore. It was interesting.


• I see a lot of people humanizing their dogs and not wanting to "be mean and hurt the doggy's poor wittle feelings".
  
  Before we know it it'll be all click-n-treat methods. I can't find ANY books or trainers not saying "negative reinforcement will make your dog sad and hate you forever blah blah blah". I only expect it to get worse.


• Dogs will remain the same, however, people tend to swing from one extreme to the other.
  They change directions, and then swing back once they realize what the problems are with the new theory.
  
  Its very possible we will eventually end up back where we were 30 years ago.
  And then head back the other direction :o)


• they can take some tools away. but i will always have a foot to plant up his *** when he don't listen


• Training tools won't be banned, there are still going to be people that approve of them and use them, plus the AKC says it is okay. That isn't going to change. However, people that are inexperienced and only get their training advice from tv shows will use positive reinforcement. Dog trainers that stick to the "old ways" such as myself will still believe in physical correction. In a pack, if a dog got out of line the leader would beat the crap out of them. It is effective even if we humans wouldn't go that far. But like I said, with the newer dog trainers they will use positive reinforcement and tell other people to do so as well. So, yes, I think that group will grow.
  
  A lot of people don't want to bother with training their dog if it shows even the slightest stubborn behavior. They think they can train their dog in a snap and don't realize it takes a lot of time and effort. With the positive reinforcement group growing tools will be used less (though I don't think they will ever be removed) and they will replace it with treats. Because it won't work with the more stubborn breeds then, yes I think more dogs will be given up and put down. Though to train serious issues I think some would eventually resort back to physical corrections. Some owners won't try though and just give away the dog and replace it with those stupid runt "teacup" dogs.
  
  As for barking, a trainer I go to uses a plastic bottle with coins in it. When the dog barks she repeatedly slaps the bottle on her thigh or hand. The really loud noise scares the dog and they stop after a couple times.


• I would say that positive training is going to become even more popular than it is now!
  
  For me, (in a perfect world) I would love to see a middle ground! I would like for dog training to become “settled” once and for all!
  
  Purely positive training and dominance/alpha training are BOTH extremes. Neither side gets along well with the other. I can tell you right now that BOTH sides are not going to go away without a fight. There'll ALWAYS be people standing by their chosen side no matter what.
  
  Here is how I categorize dog training.
  
  There are the alpha/dominance old school/traditional dog training people and the positive reinforcement dog training people.
  
  I've found that the alpha/dominance old school/traditional dog training people are extremely close minded and set in their ways. They scoff at ANY and ALL positive reinforcement training. They believe that corrections all the time with a quick pat on the head as praise is the way to train a dog. They tend to be OBSESSED to the point of just borderline crazy (just my opinion) with corrections and being the pack leader. Now, I'm not saying ALL traditional trainers do this, but some of them use physical abuse as “training.” Some trainers, hit, slap, punch, spank, alpha roll, pinch, strangle, and the most popular hang their dogs as discipline. This is considered animal abuse to me and I WILL NEVER do that to my dog. To be blunt, these people are very hard to be around (I personally despise them) and I definitely would not want to associate myself with them. The end.
  
  I much prefer the positive reinforcement people. These people really care about building a relationship with their dogs and training them in a humane way. Positive reinforcement includes training with clickers (clicker training) treats, praise and toys. The only thing that most positive reinforcement trainers DO NOT advocate are the use of tools like choke collars and prong collars. This bothers me a bit because I've seen with my own eyes that these tools do not cause pain or harm to the dog when used properly. Notice how I didn't mention shock collars because in my opinion, this tool does NOT go under positive reinforcement. How can it? You can't change the fact that you're still issuing an electric current to your dog.
  
  My dog has a prong collar and I do issue corrections when necessary but those corrections do not hurt her in any way. This is the only place where I differ from the positive reinforcement dog trainers.
  
  I've found a middle ground between the two methods. I LOVE all aspects of positive reinforcement training and that's how I mostly train by but I also use corrections.
  
  I hope this all makes sense lol!
  
  ADD: In order to find a middle ground or balance in the dog training world, PEOPLE will have to open their minds and change. People definitely don't take to change kindly, so it will take years for the perfect balance to be found. That's sad because I know a couple of people have already found it including me. We'll just have to wait for the other slow pokes to catch up and swallow their prides.


• I predict that +reinforcement is going to gain more ground. It's hard to argue with it since it WORKS. I'm not denying the older methods work, they do but if you can get the same results without force, why not?
  
  We're still learning and if you refuse to even try new ideas, you come off (General you) as ignorant to me. I don't care how many dogs you've trained, the profession is always growing, more research is being done.
  
  And I still stand by what I've been saying, FEW that are against + actually know what it is.


• I look at it this way...IF IT AINT BROKE...DONT FIX IT
  
  Dogs were trained in the past to herd, hunt, assist in warfare, assist in police work.
  
  I dont see a reason to switch to a different way of training dogs! If you could train your dog to carry a stick of dynamite into the enemy territory...w/o being caught and w/o fearing for your own safety...that's good enough for me. I'd rather listen to someone who trains with the same ideas...than some idiot Pet Smart trainer who's stuffing treats down my dog's throat for no apparent reason.

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Dog Health Questions: What is the best dog training dvd? Any suggestions?

I am fostering a catahoula/sheperd mix and he had been living in a shelter for 3 years so he doesn't have any idea on how to play or learn any obedience words. I wish to purchase a good dvd, simple and direct to the point. Nothing too expensive or too complicated.

Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I would suggest "It's me or the dog" by Victoria Stillwell She has a TV show I watch every morning. I've used a lot of her tricks and the little mutt my DIl brought with her that was driving us all crazy is behaving like a perfect little angel. I'm even learning to like her. (The dog).
It is based on positive reinforcement. and has tackled some of the worst dog problems I've ever seen.
*It's me or the dog* In on animal planet. around 6 am.

Which One of These Four Dog Training Mistakes are You Making?

• There is an excellent training video called "Train Your Dog before Your Dog Trains You". As far as I can tell its only available on VHS so hopefully you still have your old VCR. http://www.amazon.com/Train-Your-Dog-Bef…
  
  http://www.cyberdog.com/training.htm


• watch the Dog Whisperer, or get his books. he might have some dvds out now. but he's fantastic with dogs, highly recommended.


• anything by Ceasar Romero the dog whisperer.


• Check this site out for more info. Good luck with your mix Shepperd: www.itspawsibledvd.com.


• idk

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