Showing posts with label dog training in colorado springs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog training in colorado springs. Show all posts

Friday, September 14, 2012

Dog Health Questions: My 4 year old dog just started biting? how can I stop it? PLEASE HELP!!!!?

My dog is 4 years old. he is a beagle. he is excellent with my 2 yearold son and vice versa.
He still has accidents in the home. I took him to the doctor but it doesn''t seem to be an infection. psychological. This dog has never been beat or anything. He pees in the house regularily so we began to put him in a confined area instead of sleeping on his bed in the living room. we had too. Then he recently began sleeping on the couch when we are not home. he will not listen when I say "get down". Then I go to move him and he bit me. Just a nip but still an attempt. He does not come in when asked and will sit outside for hours. If you try to get him he will bite. He drew blood on my mother-in-law yesterday. I am scared for my son. is there anyway to fix this. He used to listen but now he doesn't , he constantly pisses in the house, rolls in poop, will eat all day long if he could, will NOT listen and now he is biting. This is all NEW behavior (except the peeing). Is there anything I can do. i CAN NOT have a biting dog around a 2 year old. I am starting dog training in september but will it help with biting?

Some Tips To Help You Through All Types Of Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
I don't know why he's behaved properly in the past, but his current actions SHOUT his claim that HE is Alpha Pack Leader, and as such, it IS his right to discipline you, and biting is how alpha dogs discipline the dogs under them.

You are NOT Alpha Pack Leader. As human family member, you MUST be the Pack Leader. He should not be allowed in the room with the couch when you are gone since he doesn't stay off the couch. Actually, he should never be allowed up on the couch.

The training is good, but you must start NOW to become Alpha Pack Leader so he doesn't bite and get thrown OUT of the training classes!

Visit the websites below - READ them thoroughly and learn how to become the Pack Leader. Failure is NOT an option. If you don't get him under control the SPCA will take him and put him down. -!-

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog


  • hold his mouth shut i am being honest and it does work

  • Show him whos boss. If he bites hold his mouth shut and shout no, then dont give him good attention. Show him whats good and whats bad.

  • This is NOT new behaviour. This is a dog who has never been trained - he's not even housetrained and he's 4 years old! Very simply - this dog has no respect for you and thinks he's in charge. He should have been trained from the day he set foot in the door.

    He needs to be crate trained and housetrained just like you would with a 2 month old puppy unless you want to live with a dog peeing in the house until the day he dies.

    He needs the obedience classes, definitely to learn that he isn't the one running this household.

    And he needs some NILIF - nothing in life is free. That means he gets nothing, absolutely nothing, without obeying a command first. Before he gets his dinner, he has to sit and stay for a full minute. If he breaks the sit/stay, he doesn't get his dinner. He does it again. Before he gets let outside, he obeys another command. Before he gets a pet, he has to obey a command.

    He has to learn that he doesn't rule the world. He is not let on the couch. He can't get on the couch when you aren't home if he's in his crate. In short, this dog needs "tough love". He's out of control.

  • I am not sure if it will work, but maybe you could let the dog bit on something that tastes horrible. If it doesn't stop him from bitting, put fresh lemon juice (squeezed from a lemon) on things that he usually bites on. That would cure him.

  • Why does this dog, that has all of these problems running freely in your house when you are not home?
    He is not having accidents...he is marking his territory!!!

    Why is it people buy or get "WORKING" dogs and expect them to be house pets?
    First off you have a dog that has made himself right at home ruling YOUR roost!
    You need a crate..if you don't have one get one. He should not be allowed to run around your house like that esp. if he is showing aggression. You are doing nothing but helping him exert his control!
    I would also put him in it at night...no more free house period!
    Everytime this dog bites I would grab his snout and squeeze while giving the "no bite" command. If he continues to bite, add more pressure till he whines.
    As far as outside..put him on a leash whether your yard is fenced in or not. He should not have access to the whole yard if he cannot listen.
    Get a long lead, put it on him, take him outside, give him some slack and walk away from him a little bit then call him to you. If he does not listen snap the lead and call again. If he still does not listen real him in to you saying "come". Reward him when he gets to you, then do it all over again till he gets it on his own.
    If he bites you every time you get onto him about something invest in a e-collar...they work as long as used properly.
    You need to let this dog know that it is your home and you are the boss.
    You need to give him something to do...he is a working dog not a house dog. He has genetic hunting traits used to track down game...they are natural at this.
    You definitely need to get him into some kind of class for both of you to learn. Maybe you can enroll him in a agility or tracking class for beginners after you get his obedience training down without faults.
    He is bored and needs something to do!

  • put something horrid tasting on your hands like that spray on mouthwash and hell soon learn not to bite
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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Is it bad to leave dog food down all the time?

My dog doesn't always eat all his food but he comes back later to finish it. I watch dog training shows and apparently you should take their food up after just 30 minutes but my dog wouldn't have touched it. He's house trained so it doesn't matter about that and I do feed him at a routine time everyday but I don't know if I should be leaving it down for him to pick at it or not? He loses weight easily so I don't want to risk that.

Dog Training is a Priority



Recommended Answer:
i feed my dogs at a schedualed time and they eat all their food up right away. Some people like to allow their dogs to free feed. I would say that is your dog is the only dog in the house it is fine to leave it out and allow him to come back to it, especially if he has a hard time keeping his weight. Make sure that you are still measuring his daily food intake and that you are not laving it out to spoil. Kibble will not spoil if it is left in a bowl but a raw diet or canned food can if it gts warm. (so can kibble that is moistened)

Aggressive Dog Training - Expert Advice


  • It's not too bad but I wouldn't recommend it for the following reasons...
    -imbalanced diet
    -food may become bug infested
    -may get bad just sitting out all day
    -dog may have more poo than usual.

    What I did was take the food out and the whether the dog finishes it or not, I remove it and bring it back out at dinner time. Dogs eating whenever they want is like humans eating a big plate of food and they leave the plate and come back to eat some more and come back to eat some more which makes them snack on that one plate of food all day. My mom would give us food and whether we finished or not, she would put it in the microwave until next mealtime. For your dog, it helps you keep track of how much he eats and schedule his eating time.

  • Free feeding is okay in some instances, where a dog isn't a gobbler when it comes to food. Its okay if you leave one serving down, but don't constantly be filling the bowl up all day. But if you did decide to pick it up before your dog eats it, she will get hungry enough that the next day she would probably dive right in and eat it all.

  • my dog always has food available to her.i measure out w/a measuring cup and place it in a water bottle.1/8 cup of dry dog food(different brands/flavors)in a water bottle.my dog rarely ever over eats so it's not a major issue.her weight is monitored monthly.i also offer can food at least 2-3 times a day.

  • I dont and wouldnt do it for a number of reasons.

    what if he gets sick, you never know the last time he ate. And this can be many problems.
    What if you need to know how much he ate? you wont ever know the exact amount he eats a day.
    over feeding is a major issue as well.

    A dog will NOT starve themselves. It may take a few days for your dog to relize that food is only down for 15mins 2 times a day and thats it. But he will catch on soon enough. I hate the idea of free feeding.

  • You are taking a chance that ants or flies could get into the food. You could try feeding him twice a day. If that doesn't work, leave the food down, but make sure it is fresh and bug free.

  • it's not bad . but if you do leave food there then only put a little bit in at a time .

  • A lot of people will tell you it is wrong but I have free fed for many many years & all is fine (except I think I feed more birds than dogs).
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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Dog Health Questions: How do people decide that they "hate" training collars such as pinch, shock, bark, and head collars?

I do lots of dog training. I have been told that I am a miracle worker. I do positive reinforcement training and in certain cases use a variety of different collar substitutes such as pinch (or prong) collars, shock (actually vibration) collars and head collars (Halti, easy leader, etc). I am just amazed at the looks I get when people ask me what "that thing" around the dogs neck is. When I walk my doberman she stays immediatly to my right with her head at my hip and the lead is always loose. She walks like an angel. But it wasn't always that way. I utilized these training tools and they worked. I don't understand why people think these things are cruel.

The pinch collar pinches ONLY when the dog pulls and is loose when they do not. Having a dog constantly pulling on a regular collar WILL (not sometimes can) cause MORE damage to your dogs throat than the occasional pinch from a prong collar. It is a SAFER alternative.

The "Shock" collars (bark and remote) are actually vibration collars and I have tested every level ON MYSELF. I promise you it feels more like an itch than a shock. Please realize a dogs neck is not anatomically comparable to our neck. It is very different! Besides that, most of these units include a "beep" feature. After training her on this collar she only needs the beep to understand she needs to listen to me. Example: My pup LOVES children, but sometimes they are terrified of her. If she gets excited and begins to pull towards a terrified child I can beep her to calm her down without alarming the nervous child more by bellowing a loud command.

As far as bark collars go, they are the best way to give an immediate response to the issue so your dog does not confuse your "NO's" for a different behavior. And once again, it is a vibration, not a shock.

And finally head collars. When trained properly these are not cruel and unusual punishment for a dog. They are safe, especially if your dog has a possibility for aggression (some allow you to pull upwards turning the collar into a temporary muzzle), and they do not constrict breathing or force your dogs mouth shut. Your dog can eat, drink, breath, pant, and everything else with the head collar on.

Positive reinforcement has its place and should always be used. But aggression and dangerous behaviors need to be addressed in a different way. What do you think the "professionals" do when your positive reinforcement is only going so far? These tools are not for everyone, but if you know how to use them they can cause great success with you and your pet!

Also, I know not all shock collars are vibration collars, but if you know anything about dog training you should know the most widely marketed collars are, in fact, vibration collars.

Dog Training For Dog Problems



Recommended Answer:
If a dog can be trained using only a cookie and positive reinforcement, great!

Some behaviors (and some dogs!) need stronger measures. I'm not AT ALL against using 'whatever it takes' to get the desired behavior.

Different dogs do respond to different methods. For example, the Gentle Leader DID curb my Setter's pulling on the leash, but didn't actually cure the problem. His back end danced out sideways. A PRONG collar (high and tight) sure as heck DID cure the problem!

Anything that delivers an immediate correction gets the point across to the dog. Dogs don't really understand 'bad boy' or 'no', but they DO 'get it' when an action causes a swift, negative consequence.

Positive Dog Training Methods


  • I see those training tools become a crutch or replace the needed time to work with the dog.

  • TL;DR

    People hate those collars because they think they cause physical pain to animals. That's really all.

  • The only way I can walk my crazy black lab is with a claw collar. It works and doesn't hurt her.

  • Simple...Lack of knowledge.

  • My dog doesn't use a collar of any type. We walk our Black Lab with a body harness.

  • I think the problem is that they are used by people who don't know how to use them right, and then they can be cruel.

    We have both a choke chain collar and a remote e-collar. We were taught how to use both from a actual experienced trainer. I know that with the choke chain, you don't continuously choke them, but just give a really quick tug as a correction. And that the remote collar is used as a quick noise (or vibration) correction. Other people might not know how to do it and end up torturing their dogs. These things really ought to come with thorough instructions.

    We rarely use either of these collars--just when my dog needs a little "tough love" training. He's a very stubborn dog, and needs to know he doesn't always get his way.

    So, yes, I think they're fine to use, but only if you know it's absolutely necessary for a particular dog, and you know how to do it properly.

  • It's ignorance. Those people obviously don't know how those tools work or how to use those tools correctly, so they foolishly assume they are 'cruel'. Even some ignorant Dog Trainers foolishly think a choke chain (slip leash) is cruel.

  • Personally, I have no problem with training collars. If people want to think I'm mean, let them think it.

    Am I being mean to my big dog for making wear him a shock collar to keep him inside his underground fence? No. Because of the shock collar, he get's to roam over 2 acres. With a chain, he wouldn't be able to go more than 20 feet without getting wrapped around a tree.

    Am I being mean for making my jack russel wear a vibrating bark collar? Maybe a little. But before the collar, he would bark and try to bite anyone leaving the house. Since he started wearing the collar, he's been an angel. So even if people think it's mean, I would rather them think that than have them get bit.

    With proper training, any dog can be a good dog. But too many people are worried about "being mean" so they let their dogs get away with anything.

  • People hate those collars because we don't see professionals using them as tools - all we see is pet owners using them wrong and hurting the animals - therefore, they are bad. Keep them out of the hands of those who aren't smart enough to use them as they should be, and I think that would change.

  • I do not have a problem with the collars that have a beep alternative or that spray something in the dogs face. I do have a problem with the actual shock collars that leave the dog with no warning and ARE painful. A long time ago my uncle had a dog that barked nonstop so he got it a collar that shocked him every time he barked. The dog simply learned to only bark when the collar wasn't on... also, I was shocked by that collar... it SERIOUSLY hurt.

    I also don't have a problem with the "choke collars" so long as they're used properly. I just hate seeing people leave them on their dog all the time and use them to simply force their dog to listen to them... providing no actual training. I always see people casually walking their dog wearing one of these collars and I hate it. But then again, I'm not a big fan of collars period... I'm more of a "step-in" harness person. I hate seeing things pull on dogs' necks.

    As for head collars, I think they're a very good invention for aggressive dogs. Obviously I do not agree with them being worn all the time but if I had a dog with a history of aggression it would definitely be used as a training tool and used in public, for safety.

  • I have no problem with any sort of prong, pinch, slip, or shock (and I'm talking real shock, not vibration collars) as long as they are used a safely and appropriately.

    For example, training a hunting dog half a mile away, you need a way to get his attention! A yell or whistle is not going to do it.

    I don't care for halti's and the like, as I feel you are not really training with those, but restraining. None the less, for some they have a place.

    A trainer who trains only one way with one method is not a trainer.

  • Negative stigma, that comes from the stories of people who went out and bought a training tool without bothering to learn how it's used first, and from the vilifying by some trainers. I've read more than a few books where it was painfully obvious that the authors' had either never researched, or just really didn't understand, the methods they were decrying.
    I have yet to come across any published anti-(insert method/tool here) book that could support their view without arguing common misconceptions.

    Trickle that down to the average pet owner. There are far too many out there who are quick to jump on the bandwagon without doing any research. Some will settle into the first training approach they're introduced to, and they won't take the time to understand anything else. They'll just decry everything that they were told was "wrong".

    Others will get frustrated, but instead of taking the time to do research/talk to a trainer, they'll look for a quick fix, and go grab the first training collar they see. Maybe they saw someone else using one, or maybe they just walked into the store and asked an employee what they would use. Then they'll go home, put the new collar on their dog, and expect a miracle. Maybe it was an electronic collar they bought. When the dog doesn't respond the first time they use it, out of frustration, the uneducated owner jumps right to full force. During the resulting fallout, whatever that may be, they turn it against the collar, rather than admit they were wrong in how they used it. Then it goes on to perpetuate the stream of reasons "not" to use something.

    At the end of the day, it's the fool, not the tool.

  • I think it is for any number of reasons. Some of them have seen them misused and being uninformed a about the appropriate use of the tool think that is how they are suppose to be used. Some just jump to the concluding they are cruel because they "look mean" or it "sounds like it would be cruel" so there fore it must be cruel/mean. Others just jump on the band wagon. Someone told them it was cruel, they read it was cruel etc and so it must be cruel. Still others are of the option everything other that positive only training is cruel. All in all it is basically a lack of educating themselves on the tools

  • i think they can be used right but there are just too many idiots out there. my dog wears a chain choke collar. weve had so many problems with her breaking collars and getting out of them. i think she perfers the looseness when shes not being walked. last time i tried a regular collar on her she sat in front of me glaring at me until i put her choker back on. i think if people know what theyre doing they can use whatever training technique works best for their dog. my vet reccomended a shock collar when i was having problems getting her to go outside. i strongly considered it because when i tried to take her out she was showing aggression. because of price i decided to just try to work with her my own way and it worked.
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Dog Health Questions: HELP!!!!!!!!DOG TRAINING!!!!!!?

ok i have had a maltipoo for a little over a year and im tired of everytime i get her out of her play pen her peeing and pooping on the carpet and tile! she is a mix between a maltese and a poodle so i know she is smart but she doesnt listen! i have yelled no and hit her when she climbs on furniture and eaten food laying out but she doesnt get the messssage! i dont know any effective way to train her! i need help!

Are Electronic Shock Collars Great Dog Training Devices?



Recommended Answer:
why would you hit any dog let alone your own? That might be how some human parents teach children, but it's not how a mother dog would teach her pup, so your dog has no clue why she's being hit and has just become fearful of you---which is a good reason as to why she's peeing in the house around you. When dogs are scared of you and don't know what you want from them, they sometimes urinate when all else fails. To other dogs, that would be a sign of submission. To you, it just makes you more mad, but she does NOT know that, despite how smart her breeds are supposed to be. plus, that breed-intelligence study is not scientific, and besides she's a MUTT, she's not guarenteed any smarts or anything else.

You have to take her out more. starting with every 30minutes. And work your way up to 6 hours. It will take time. It may take months, or it may take only a week, but consitency and PATIENCE is the key, plus POSITIVE REWARDS(praise and treats) for the behaviors you want.

Now, if YOU were 2 years old, and your mom left out a brand new game or toy on the kitchen table then your mom stopped watching, would you not climb up and get that toy? Think of your dog as having the maturity of a child....but remembering it is always a dog and will only understand things that dogs can understand.

please get a book about positive and clicker training! "The Dog Whisperer" by Paul Owens is a good one (it's not affiliated with the TV show)

Dog Training - Tips For Consistency


  • You have a classic example of no pack leadership and using violence as a way of training. This is not going to work. Your dog is in serious need of learning boundaries and limitations. I could write you the whole package on how to rehabilitate your dog and train you. But your best bet is to go to Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer website and order one of his videos.

    I have 9 dogs and they are all Cesar trained. I and my husband make the rules and they follow. In other words, we are Pack Leaders.

  • Yelling and hitting the dogs is not training. Don't leave food out. Don't leave the dog out running around the house. Crate train and send her out to pee and poop as soon as you let her out.

  • You're probably making critical mistakes in your dog's obedience training and don't even know it!
    It's not your fault. you aren't a dog so you won't be expected to know how they think and what makes them "tick"......
    however ther's no excuse at all for ignorance because there are some incredible training courses and knowledge bases out there that can very quickly and effectively help you manifest a fantastic relationship with your dog.
    you have to educate yourself on how not to abuse your pet & still train them to your satisfaction.
    i think you've taken the first crucial step to doing this and taking SELF RESPONSIBLITY by asking here. so well done there.

    If you really truly want a healthy well trained dog who will LISTEN to you wherever you go... if you want to be respected by other dog owners as someone who takes great care of their dog... then there is no doubt in my mind this link below will work for you.

    http://tinyurl.com/6pdwtu

    i've done some quick research and found this to be the BEST resource material for you as a dog carer (you see you don't "OWN" a dog or anything else for that matter...think on this deeply and just following that insight will solve your problem) :)
    this should change your situation around completely if you go for it.
    here's the link :

    http://tinyurl.com/6pdwtugood luck and many blessings
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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Whats wrong with my dog? - Training help?

We just pulled a 6-8 month puppy from a high kill shelter and we knew he would need some training. We want to work with him, but need to know whats wrong before we can. I have worked with stubborn dogs and I have worked with abused dogs. We found that when we got him, he knows NONE of the cammands. Not even "come" or "sit". As we started training I find that he has learned "No" in the short time (2 days) that we have had him. He doesn't seem to get sit or come. But the way he acts is that he almost can't hear the commands. Like maybe partially deaf. He also acts like he was MAJORLY neglected growing up and never worked with in anyway. We are trying to house break him and obiedience train him. If he is deaf, we will have to work with hand signals but he does not pay attention to any of that. But sometimes he also seems to understand the quiter voice. So that makes me think he may not be deaf. I would say he is ignoring us, but he doesn't actually act like he is ignoring. More like he doesn't understand or can't hear. I have trained plenty of dogs and find that the simple sit command can be learned within the average of like 5 min. He just does not get it.

Helpful Tips on Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
The easy way to find out is in another room start preparing his dinner or say you are going for a walk and get his lead and see if he comes....or go and have his hearing checked at the vets.

Whatever, deaf or not set him up so he can't fail....that is put him on a long lead and teach him come by gently pulling him towards you each time, keep training sessions short so he doesn't get bored.

Google NILIF and get him earning everything he gets.....think you will find he shows more respect once he realises you are the provider of all his resources and he needs to take note of that.

One of my mini poodles behaves like this....she is now 13 years old a fully trained and titled breed, obedience and agility dog...I know she is not deaf as I have had her tested as like your dog she 'pretends' she doesn't hear, then looks up shocked when I walk towards her like she had no idea I was even there.....so she gets put on a lead, all my dogs have to earn what they get and she is the first to sit if I have food in my hand for her, if not she ignores, so I gently sit her like a would do a pup....as if I let her get away with anything she takes advantage.

Dog Training With a Halti or General Leader Collar


  • What did you vet think when you took the dog in for it's first visit?

  • I've worked with a 2 year old dog who knew nothing except his name, and he was slow. Dogs that have not been trained at all usually need more time to grasp the whole concept of training, so since you've only had him for 2 days, I would simply give him more time.

    Did you try with the clicker? The only thing that worked for me with this 2 year old dog was the clicker. He was absolutely clueless when it came to learning sit through the standard luring method, which like you say most dogs learn within 5 minutes.

    Even if you do not plan on clicker training your dog, it can be a doorway to that brain of his. Try loading the clicker first with some extra yummy treats and then start out with simple "touch" training with a target stick (or your finger or a pen or whatever you want to use). The target can then be used for "sit" and "down" - and once he's gotten the whole idea of what training is all about, you can switch to whatever training method you prefer.

  • Think about this. If you were abused as a child, would you be interested in obeying more abuse when you were finally set free? Be patient, give love, and when your puppy feels safe, he will respond to other training.

  • If its deaf
    Google NILIF (Nothing in Life is Free)

    Make sure she works for every bite of food she gets.

    Google "Training a Deaf Dog"- loads of info

    Get a laser pointer for when you want her attention (be sure not to shine it in her eyes) train her that pointer means food.

    Remember... a hungry dog is a dog who will be looking for a way to get fed... in my household, a hungry dog is one that wants to work (yes, there are some dogs who couldn't give two hoots about food.. but a bulldog shouldn't be one of them).

    I usually start a new training regimen with a 12-24 hour fast.
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Friday, April 13, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Emergency dog training tips?!!! please help!?

My family has fallen on some though times and with that being said a family member has been evicted and moving in with me along with her 3 young daughters and their chihuahua until they get their own place which shouldn't be long because she has a job. Just that her eviction is tomorrow and needs somewhere to stay in the mean time. Before I carry along, my question is about my 1 yr old pit bull. He is real sweet heart but he's just too excited for a lot of people's liking. He jumps (a lot) and at 80 pounds that's a very heavy jump. My aunt has a 3 year old daughter I am particularly stressing over. He pulls on the leash very forcefully so I cant take him on long walk and tire him out. Also, even though he is EXTREMELY friendly he is very dominant with other dogs. He doesn't know how to play well with other dogs but he doesn't come at them with bad aggression. My aunt is coming with her chihuahua as well (like i mentioned). I have taken him to dog runs before and i trust him with other dogs, however, i don't trust other dogs with him. A lot of dogs have not taken his forwardness so nicely and the chihuahua is very sweet but snappy! What are some ways I can help my dog?? I would like to know how to correctly train him. I don't want to take him to a shelter because when my aunts gone, so will he and if I had money to room him somewhere, I would. So please no fostering/shelter opinions. I understand this is no overnight remedy. I'm willing to work on it with my family to improve his behavior. Thanks!

Overview of Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
You need to drain his energy, plain and simple and socialize him more. He will calm down with long walks and lots of exercise. If he pulls, which 90% of pits do because the owners do not know enough to get that under control, you need to get an HALTI. It is not a muzzel, they can fully open their mouth it allows you to control from the head and gives you an advange, their neck is very strong and you will not get the same control with the collar. Every time he rebels because the the HALTI pull up and have him sit until he relaxes then walk again. If he pull to see another dog dont stop and walk forward pulling him. These are two ways for you to show you are the leader and and the boss. Trust me this worked with my 1 yr old HYPER Pit and my 120lb Rotti. If you have a treadmill use that, it will help alot too, its really easy to train. I have trained my 2 Rotti/Cane Corso crosses, my 4 year old lab and 4 month old English Bantam Bulldog. It is really hand for super cold weather or after a walk if they are still not tired. This would be handy for your guy. But stright up, he needs to be walked at LEAST 1 hour a day, at least. After that he will calm down, you also need to let him get used to other dogs and people so he cares less when meeting them. Dog park is always great for that he will get tired out and meet dogs and people all in one shot! Take him for a long walk and time how long it takes for him to calm down each time with visitors, youll see the time gets shorter each time. Lastly Chihuahuas think they are pitbulls. He wont have a problem telling your pit what he thinks. Just be there so your pit doesnt get too excieted and starts pawing at him to play. Like someone said in another reply walk them both for a long time before they meet and then walk them together. Dont stop to let them play make them walk together without any fuss, be determined and dont get fruastrated. Walk them together until they are dead tired. Then bring them to the house together but make sure they are tired. Then have them meet the kids. Teach the kids some commands and how to tell the dog no, this will give them power and the dog will look at them as leaders too. If you dont do anything it will go exactly how you are worried it will, your guy will be excieted and will jump all over everyone and everything. Then he will get locked up in a room while they are there and that is not fair to the dog.

Four Dog Training Tools That You Must Use


  • Your dog must be a mix, because a male PB is 35-60 pounds. I have to wonder why you've allowed such unacceptable behavior, letting your dog jump on people, and allowing him to pull on a leash? I suggest that you contact a trainer and get your dog under control. How about keeping them in separate rooms, or crating them? Should have been properly trained months ago.

  • Have you tried walking the dogs together? - maybe with the family member who is staying? - this can help dogs bond, don't let one walk in front of the other, but next to each other [but no in reaching distance so the other dog doesn't snap] also when you introduce them, if they haven't already, make sure it is on neutral territory [otherwise your dog might get territorial] also keep them both on their leader while introducing them and do a little research on noticing bad body language in dogs, try this site - http://qualityaussies.webs.com/thelangua…
    if you notice any bad behaviors or if one of the dogs looks like it might snap, a tug on the lead will stop it, also you could try shaking a bottle full of stones, the noise distracts the dog [doesn't hurt them] make sure you shake it loud enough.
    if they dogs sniff each other nicely, i recommend using a clicker. click it and give both dogs a treat (you and your aunt to your own dogs)
    this will take time, but it should work.

    and to help with jumping, if he jumps, turn your body away and arms up and shoulder height, with a stern no, this will also take time for your dog to learn not to jump.
    and tell your aunts children when they walk in to ignore the dog, [children can cause dogs to be more hyper, with their squeals when a dog is trying to play with them] and to ignore him until he calms down, then pat him nicely.

    Good luck! - i hope it works!

  • The new dog is small and could be kenneled and managed in the house without to much problem so really that is what I would do first. Your dog can also be kenneled in the house or placed in a bedroom behind a door. Next I would go out and walk the dogs together in a neutral place so they start to bond. I would also if I was you train your own dam dog, you basically are telling the world you have a pit bull that is poorly trained if at all. Look this breed all ready has enough problems and for you to not train one is just so irresponsible.

  • Start with the site below. You should separate the dogs--keep them in different rooms-- if there is any negative behavior.

    Train sit to begin for at least a week before adding another command. Down should be next. You should put your dog on a sit anytime he gets excited around the children and only allow them to be in the same room when they have adult supervision. (This is the only safe way to have young kids and dogs). Good luck.

  • Well, for one thing. Pure-bred apbt's do not get that big. #2. MALE pits make LOUSY house pets just for the reasons you mention. Thats why I always tell people who come on here asking which is better, males or females. Even neutered, the dog aggression does not go away in this breed. (That would be like expecting a pointer to stop pointing after being neutered.) He's only 1 year old which is still considered a pup. And believe me. It's going to get much-much worse. If the chi is an intact male. Its curtains. If you didn't establish yourself as above him in the pack early on when he was small, it will be very difficult now. He may learn to respect you, possibly even obey you. (somewhat.)Depends on his mental stability and his breeding. Good luck, I hope others on here have a more positive out look. But it will take TONS and TONS of training if this dog hasn't gotten too out of control yet. And you can't get that over the internet and without hands on approach.

  • OK, you need to set some ground rules. Its wise to acknowledge a big dog can do more damage than a little dog. And yes, chi's can provoke any dog - that still doesn't make it ok.

    Get a crate. Put it in your kitchen or a well travelled area of the house. Take turns putting each dog in their. Don't use it as a punishment, rather a "secure" place for one dog to observe the other.

    Get both dogs on lead in the house. Jumping can be prevented if the dog is leashed.

    Consider muzzles for both dogs - yes, that is likely not going to go over well.

    I honestly feel you have to be very firm about what they both do. No grey areas.

    Keep all dogs off the couch, and on the floor.

    I have 3 dogs - they have their own beds and they are on-lead in my livingroom because I dont want them playing in my house. In other words, I'm very firm about what they can do.

    With a tiny dog - the risks are greater -so if the Aunt cannot manage her Chi on lead - then agree to have one crated at a time and separate them outdoors.

    In other words, separate them indoors - separate them outdoors - use leashes and crates to manage it.

  • Have you ever watched the show (its me or the dog or dog whisperer) . the problems you have are very common and by changeing simple behaviors you may be able to fix the problems pretty simply. who knows maybe this overlode of people could be the best thing for him . day and night training. but it has to be a team effort tons of praise and hardwork .

    good luck.
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Monday, January 2, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Help with service dog training?

I have depression and panic attacks, and I know it's not a big deal to most people, but it is to me. Anyway, I have depression and panic attacks, and I'm going to Job Corps in about a month, I would like to have my dog trained to be my therapy dog, since I am going far from my therapist. I would like to train my dog to be my service dog and take her with me, since both my mother (who gets me through my panic attacks) and my therapist (who gets me through my depression) will be in Portland when I'm five hours away in Yachats. I would like to have my dog trained to get me through the things my mother and therapist get me through, and am in need of suggestions.

Finding Careers in Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
I really don't think there is a way to train your dog to respond to that. Instead of having it come to you, how about you go to your dog? When I go to stores I hold held my service dog. Be sure if you are to go into public places with it, to have the certification that the dog is a working animal, and have a red vest on it with words clearly seen "Service Dog" to prevent idiots from calling you a retard <3 {Past experience, made me want to cry >_>}

You should also have your service dog socialized, so when out and about with it {if you plan to be}, it won't want to go and say hi to everyone it meets. Unless of course you want it to, then there's no need to correct the behavior. Get it used to sliding doors and other things that may frighten the dog.

I recommend having a small dog that you can carry around, catches less attention therefore less panic attacks, and I find it easier to control the dog. I'm not saying having a big dog would be a huge mistake though =) If you have a panic attack and pass out it would be good for balance.

Remember to have a backup plan, such as comfort food, or anything comforting, like calling your mother/therapist. Because you can't always rely on the dog, just as you can't always rely on your mother/therapist.

Hope I helped~

Dog Training Has Many Benefits


  • First, there is a big difference between a Therapy dog and an assistance dog. Furthermore, depending on your state laws, dogs for depression and panic attacks are not considered assistance dogs. I have trained assistance dogs in North Dakota and Michigan. However, I have trained dogs for individuals in wheelchairs and mobility problems. I do know that some states are starting to allow the types of dogs you are talking about, while others are slow to allow it. I am currently training in England, and I do not have my normal references to the webpages for assistance dogs. However, I found one of my state reference pages by doing a search. I would suggest having a trainer that is familiar with assistance dog training evaluate your dog to see if it is a good candidate for assistance work. If you do not plan on taking it out in public, then nothing that I said applies. If you have any further questions please email me.

    P.S. Oh and just so you know on page 144 of the link below it states what a service dog for emotional support must do to be catergorized as a service dog.

  • First, you must have a disability that limits one or more of lifes major functions such as seeing, hearing, walking and mobility. Second, the dog must be specifically trained to alleviate the effects of the disability. Training can take up to three years for service dogs, depending on what tasks the dog needs to learn.
    From what you describe, you are talking about a companion dog, not a service dog.

  • wht type of dog do u have? if its hyper it might be hard 2 train. but, yeah consult a dog trainer.

    btw, i train service dogs! (when there puppies) w/ guide dogs 4 the blind:)

    good luck!

  • your dog cannot be trained to aid you with a panic attackyou need medical attention to say the leastdoesn't your dog just being present calm you down?

  • Consult with a professional dog trainer to guide you and inform you.

    Good Luck to you.

  • 1. There is a difference between a psychiatric service dog, an emotional support dog and a therapy dog.

    2. You will need a medical diagnosis of a disability combined with a prescription for what a service dog will assist you with if, indeed, it is a service dog you are looking for.

    Here are a couple of websites you should look through.

    http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content…
    http://www.psychdog.org/
    http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html

  • It takes a lot more than a month to train a service dog. It typically takes 18-24 months to fully train a service dog, with about six months of that working on public access skills. And of course you have to be disabled (about 3/4 of people with a diagnosed mental illness are not considered disabled by that illness). Your medical caregivers can help you determine whether you qualify as disabled.

    Honestly, I'm not sure this kind of drastic change is the best choice for you if you are unable to function without assistance.

    Contact Job Corp and ask if you'd be permitted to bring along a pet just to stay in your living quarters with you (not to take on the job, which as I mentioned would require a LOT of training). If you're disabled, tell them so and if your doctor agrees, offer a letter from your doctor stating the presence of your dog is necessary for your mental health.

    In all honesty,
    1. You can't get a service dog trained in a month. It just plain cannot be done.
    2. Because it's a job, not a public accommodation, you'd have to provide a lot of medical documentation proving disability and need for a dog, as well as proof of training if you claim her as a service dog.
    3. The stress of arguing this point if they don't agree to it off the bat is going to be very dangerous to the health of a person who is disabled by mental illness.

    If I were you, I'd look for a therapist in the new location if you are determined to go. Perhaps your current therapist can recommend one.

  • A therapy dog is a person's pet that is trained to visit other people in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, etc. to cheer them up. It is not a legal designation and no legal status or access comes with a dog being declared/certified a therapy dog.

    A service dog is a person's dog, not a pet, that is trained to do tasks that mitigate the person's disability and is trained to behave impeccably in public places to the point nobody realizes the dog is even there. What tasks one needs depends on their individual symptoms; for somebody with disabling panic/anxiety attacks where their attacks leave them not able to move through their environment or not knowing where they are, a task would be for the dog to guide the person out of the offending environment (such as out of a store and to the person's car) or to a safe place (such as a place the person can safely sit down). Things like the dog's presence for emotional support, cuddling, kissing, etc. are not legally tasks and do not make a pet a service dog, as legally a service dog must be trained to do something that mitigates the person's actual disability. (Carrying medications in a pack is not a task when a person can carry medications in their pocket, purse, or other bag - plus it is not something that is trained. Retrieving items when a person can get their own items without issues is not a task, as it does not mitigate the person's disability.)

    Like others have said, there is no way to train a dog to be a service dog in one month. It takes one and a half to two years to train a dog to be a service dog - and that is a dog that has the right temperament to be one. Not too many dogs have the right temperament to become service dogs; likely your pet cannot be a service dog.

    The bigger issue is if you even qualify for a service dog. Just having depression and panic attacks does not qualify you for a service dog. You must be actually disabled by them - have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as seeing, hearing, walking, caring for self, etc. If you are not disabled, you cannot have a service dog, as by law they are only for disabled individuals.

    Even if you did have a legal service dog, you still might not be able to use your dog at your job, depending on what the job is and other factors. Some people who are without a doubt disabled and have a legal service dog have problems getting their work to approve their service dog working for them there, problems which can last many months and take a huge physical and emotional toll on both the disabled person and the service dog.

    No matter what, I highly recommend that you find yourself a therapist in your new location - your current therapist may be able to recommend somebody who is there and you can give them permission to discuss your health issues with each other so everybody is on the same page and it won't feel like you are completely starting over again. It would also be good for you to make a few good friends who you can rely on when you need it like you have relied on your mother in the past (that is something you need to do no matter if you live near your mother or not).

    If your emotional illness is disabling, your doctor might prescribe you an emotional support animal. This is not a service dog - it is not trained to do tasks or to be in public beyond what a good pet is trained in - and you have no right to bring the dog in public places, but you would have the right to have the dog in no-pets-allowed housing with your doctor's letter. Your dog's presence at home (and pet-friendly places like pet stores, on walks, etc.) will help you emotionally.

    Good luck in your new endeavor! I hope you are able to adjust well, find a good therapist, and make some helpful friends.

  • Try Caesar Milan Inc. He helped someone in your exact situation, and is still regularly in touch with them
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Monday, November 14, 2011

Dog Health Questions: How much does dog training at petsmart cost?

i have searched the pesmart website up and down but i cant find a price can you help?

Electronic Dog Training Collar



Recommended Answer:
Call up your local Petsmart. Here in NC it's $109 for an 8 week class. So it will probably somewhere around that in your area.

Dog Training Aids - Get The Right Tools For The Job


  • Where I live in Washington State it was $80 for an eight week class. This was for all classes Puppy, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Once you take a class keep your paper work because you can take that class again and again at no cost for the rest of the dogs life. I find that taking a class over is a good way to keep refreshed.

  • You will need to go to your local petsmart. They have flyers there.

    I live in the daytona beach area in FL and I htink the prices are $90 for each class except hte advanced training which is $109 for 8 weeks.

  • Each location is different.
    I suggest looking into a private trainer. PetSmart just wants your money, they don't care if your dog learns anything or not, and most of their trainers aren't very good.

  • The one where i live is aout $200 for about 10 sessions. Call petsmart and ask them what they charge.

  • ONE red cent is TOO MUCH!!!
    CRAP,taught by imbeciles!

  • you need to call & ask as each place is different
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