Dog Health Questions: Dog Leash Aggression.?

I have a Rottweiler x Labrador mix whom is now a year and eleven months old. He loves -loves- other dogs when he's allowed to play with them in the yard / in an enclosed area off the leash. He plays fine with my friend's dogs when we walk them together, with our other dog, and the neighbors dogs.

When we're on a walk and he sees another dog, be it in a fenced in yard or walking on a leash down the street he becomes a completely different animal. He lunges, barks, growls, the hair around his back and the base of his tail raise up, and he looks extremely scary. I cannot control him when he does this, I weigh 115 pounds and he weighs near 100 so it becomes a battle to keep him away because the other dog owners immediately assume he's going to come and attack and I don't really blame them.

When he does manage to drag me up to the other dog, he stops and just checks the other dog out.

When he was a puppy, around four months old he was about thirty pounds, so other people would let him approach their dogs, no problem. He never whined, barked, lunged, he just sat and waited for me to bring him over.
As he got older and got bigger, people stopped letting him near their dogs even though he still sat and waited because of his size and breed I would assume. This resulted in him whining anxiously as we passed the other dogs, occasionally the fur on his neck / tail would go up but it was hardly the reaction I get now.

I'm thinking he doesn't understand why I've suddenly cut off his socialization with other dogs, but with his reaction there's no way people will let him near their dogs willingly.

My question is, how can I get him to pass other dogs more calmly. I've gotten numerous rope burns from walking him and I'm actually afraid to walk him during the day now because of fear of coming in contact with another dog.

I've considered dog training classes but most refuse "aggressive dogs" and I figure a Novice Obedience class keeps all their dogs on a leash so I don't know what to do with him.

I'm only seventeen so I don't really have the means to go and afford an at-home trainer, 'nor do my parents so I figured it was worth a shot asking.

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I noticed the other answerers keep suggesting all these collars that would be useless so I figured i might as well suggest one that would actually work. get the Illusion collar. the smartest out of all the collars that have so far been invented. But as with any tool you use, remember you, the handler, is still the most important tool, so don't expect the collar to magically fix your dog. it will help, but you ultimately have to know what you are doing.that sucks that so many classes have turned you away for not allowing aggressive dogs. i would stay away from classes like that anyways because the reason they turn aggressive dogs away is usually because the trainer has no idea how to handle them and can't risk looking like a fool in front of all his paying clients. just look harder for a class that doesn't turn away dogs with issues. those are the ones with the best trainers.

and ok you are young and may not have much money, but couldn't you find a way to get it somehow? anyone you can borrow a couple hundred from? a neighbor? a friend? aunt? uncle? grandparents? have a garage sale? there is always a way to scrape together some money.

Effective Dog Training by Using Collar and Leash

• When your dog starts to pull you, shorten the leash where you are only allowing the dog about 3 inches, and walk slowly. When he lunges, stop and make him sit, to calm him down. If he sits, they keep on walking, but don't let him have control. Hold the leash tightly to you only allow him to have about 3 inches of the leash, so you dont have a battle of tug of war


• Your dog is simpy not properly leash trained. You have an issue with control of your dog, and that is the main problem. You have to control the dog and make him pay attention to you and your commands over the other dogs.
  I recommend purchasing a pinch collar/prong collar. with larger dogs and dogs with thick necks like the pit, rot, and german shepherd it is the most effective way to control with the least resistance.
  I have a german shepherd rhodesian ridgeback mix who is currently 75 lbs. I myself weigh around 106. So, I understand where you are coming from.
  I have worked with dogs who are hard to walk, and I have tried everything from the halti, choke chain, and head lead. None have worked better than the pinch collar.
  What you need to do is remove your dogs standard collar when going for a walk and only use the prong collar because the normal collar will get in the way and render the pinch collar useless.
  You attach your leash to the pinch collar and at the beginning of your walk when he tries to pull away from your side you go AH as you give a firm Tug /Release. The key is to make the pinch. You want to maintain slack on the leash, and only use the pinch when your dog tries to walk in front of you.
  When you pass the dogs you will notice your dog to start posturing. He will most likely raise his head, tail and ears as he targets the other dog. You have to correct his behavior before it starts. When your dog goes on alert you do the tug and the AH. Every time he reacts to the dog you do this, but the key is to keep walking. Never stop walking.
  Up until this point you have been catering to your dogs whim by allowing him to get to the dog to investigate and thus reinforcing the bad behaviors he is having on walks.
  He needs to learn that a walk is just that, and it is not social hour. Make it clear to him that while he is on a walk he is not to interact with any other dogs, and he will surely get the idea.
  I hope this helps.


• My dog used to do the same thing, but I'm getting her under control now. I will be first to tell you that I do think that your dog could go to obedience because from what you have described you do not have an aggressive dog. O.k., now for the training part. You need to first work with your dog on basic obedience - train your dog to listen to you first and get his attention riveted to YOU, then you can tackle the challenges of walking past other dogs while on leash. Start in your home and yard with some extra yummy treats. Ask your dog to come and sit. Use a clicker or one special word like "good" - it is important that you say it exactly at the moment the dog does what you've asked. Then feed a treat. Practice this a lot until your dog is very good and turning on a dime and sitting on command. Then, you can take him out on a leash. Make sure that you ask him to sit every 5-10 feet. If you see another dog, ask your dog to sit facing you (away from the other dog). Feed your dog treats every couple seconds if your dog is able to sit while the dog passes. If the dog is barking and pulling, don't reward it.


• im surprised nobody has mentioned this before but there is something called a gentle leader which works wonders at controlling a dog who likes to pull on the leash i used to have a golden retirever and she pulled so hard but once i used the gentle leader she didnt pull at all and it helps u to have better control of the dog if the dog pulls on the leash the gentle leader turns the dogs head to look at you so this way if your dog sees another dog and wants to lunge this is prevent him from doing so

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Dog Health Questions: Dogs: squirt bottle for training?

I am reading a dog training book and it says to use a squirt bottle to discourage barking... when my dog barks, I'm supposed to squirt her mouth and say NO (or "quiet).
I tried it a couple of times and she was so surprised she kind of got jumpy and wanted to escape.

Is this a good idea or not?

The book is Leader of the Pack
http://www.amazon.com/Leader-Pack-Nancy-…

Learn the Significance of Dog Training Courses

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Holy cow. Well I don't use negative methods to train my puppies. I want to train them, not terrorize them. When my puppy starts barking, I say "no barking" until she stops barking, then I say "good girl". I address this again when she barks again, and say "no barking" until she stops barking, then I say "good girl" She learns barking makes me unhappy, and being quiet gets her praises. I do this until I win the battle. The time you spend in training will pay off when your dog gets older, the more you put into your dog the more you get out of them. I vote that the method in your book is a very bad method, for the reason you yourself mentioned. This negative method did not stop your dog from barking, it just made her frightened of you. Dogs want to please you, so you have to teach them what behaviors make you happy, and which ones don't and remember to praise the behaviors you want from them.

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• It's a good idea if you don't do a lot of grooming. I wouldn't want my dogs to associate a spray bottle with a correction. . . they might develop an issue.


• It works for some dogs, not others. Some dogs love being squirted with water, so it's obviously not going to work. Dogs who hate it will learn to stop barking. Your other alternatives are to say "no bark", or you put either gravel or coins in the bottom of a plastic bottle and throw that in her direction. The idea is you throw it close to her to startle her and she's not to see that it's you throwing it - she just thinks it happens when she barks. If you do it right, you should only have to do it a couple of times. Or you could get a shock collar.


• it worked on my german shepard


• I don't agree with that method.
  
  Check out these websites from Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer).


• Wouldn't work with my guys, they'd be getting attention, they don't really care what kind of attention it is, its still attention.
  
  Ignoring them when they bark and giving loads of attention when they're quiet has done wonders.


• It works for my parrots but I wouldn't use it on the dogs. I find that props are not that good with training, you don't always have it handy when you need it and that just confuses the dog. Voice commands are better.


• It doesn't actually fix the problem it only temporarily fixes the issue and the dog will go back to barking when the threat of punishment [the squirt bottle] has been removed.
  
  If you insist on using the squirt bottle then you should use it in conjunction with positive reinforcement training for example if you squirt and say "quiet" when she is quiet you reward with a treat and say "good quiet" personally I'd just practice using quiet when she barks, when she does you can say loudly quiet, when she stops immediately reward. Over time she won't stop barking at things but she will shut up quicker. Reinforce the behavior you want [quiet] and ignore the behavior you don't want [the barking] or redirect her to a behavior you can reinforce [the quiet].
  
  I've used the word before my dogs get "out of control" at something I know is going to set them off. My weim will just grumble but she won't actually bark and if she looks at me when I say quiet I instantly praise. This takes time but will help.
  
  However, if you own a yappy dog like a Pomeranian then I'm afraid barking comes with the territory. I suggest reading "The complete Idiots guide to Positive Training" it'll tell you that punishment methods such as squirt bottles actually don't work unless you always have the bottle with you.
  
  Personally I found the squirt bottle didn't work, they just ran out of squirting range, but quiet works much better.


• It depends on why the dog is barking. For example, this method works great to stop my schnauzer from continuing to bark when I have guests. In my opinion, the dog can bark at first, then needs to stop when the guest is let in.
  
  Why is your dog barking?


• I tried this for my dog, but it had the opposite affect. She LIKED the water and thought it was a game and would bark more in hopes of being squirted.


• I have used a method like this where I squirt water in the dogs face when they bark and tell them quiet. You are leaving out an important part of the process though. You should always praise the lack of barking the dog gives you after the squirt. I wouldn't try to squirt the dog in the mouth because to do that you would have to put your hands on the dogs face to get the squirt into the mouth. That would take to much time from the time the dog barks to the correction of squirting it in the mouth and can also make your dog shy away from you hands. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to groom or put a leash on a dog that is afraid of your hands. So if you are going to continue to use the squirt bottle aim for the face and tell the dog quiet and praise the dog as soon as it stops barking.

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Dog Health Questions: Difference in dog trianing?

is getting a video of "do it at home" dog training or actually taking a puppy to class the better way to go. what are to the pros and cons of each?

Dog Training - A Vital Component of Your Dog's Life

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There are actually some very good dog training videos out there that I'm sure you would be able to train your puppy with. However, there are distinct advantages to taking classes. Your dog will be around other dogs, and it's always good to socialize early. Plus it's nice to actually have a trainer in person to answer questions, whether about technique or just dog stuff in general. It's good that you are aware of the importance of training. You and your dog are going to be great together.

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• Either way would work, however by taking your dog to a class, you are socializing him and training him how to behave around other people and other dogs. Hopefully a class instructor will use positive methods when teaching. I suggest you go and observe a class before signing up for one.
  You can then decide if this is something you want to participate in without spending the money only to find you don't like what the instructor is telling you to do.
  I've used both methods with my training, and I like the class situation the best, but I follow it up with videos taught by trainers whose seminars I've attended. Here's a good training site for positive training;
  http://www.r-plusdogtraining.info/


• A class with a real trainer is better. Lots of reasons.
  
  Especially for a puppy, socialization is SO important. Puppy classes are FUN! You and your pup will learn the basics of obedience training and have a blast doing so. Even if you only take one or two sets of puppy classes, you will have a strong foundation upon which to build the more advanced and complicated obedience commands.
  
  Also, a trainer can observe the way you command and reward your pup, and can correct where necessary. So much of basic obedience is correct tone of voice, body language, and timing ... the trainer can help you fine-tune all of those.


• Training class pros:
  Your dog benefits from socialization with other people and dogs.
  Someone is there to help you and answer your questions
  Trainer can guide you through the training process with hands on help
  Training class cons:
  It costs more than a video
  Video pros:
  You can train in the comfort of your own home
  It's cheaper than a training class
  Video cons:
  It's harder than you think to follow the training steps that are given in a video
  You can't ask the person in the video for help
  You will be less likely to stick to a video training regimen than you would a class


• It's best to take your dog to class. In class the instructor can show you how to do it right.
  
  Make sure, that you sit in an watch a class before joining. You want to see how the instructor interacts not only with the dogs, but also with the owners. You can find local obedience clubs thru the AKC http://www.akc.org
  
  With a video, while you may get so good ideas, you don't know if that particular training is right for your dog. You also don't have anyone to correct you when your doing something wrong.


• If you have a puppy and are enrolling in Sirius Puppy classes, get the DVD, too. You can start working with the DVD at home before the pup is old enough to begin classes (at age 12 weeks) and have a head start on the class plus better control over your pup. It really helps and it's a great way to get started.
  
  Otherwise, it depends a lot on the quality of the classes or the DVD you are considering. There are good and bad available in both. If you aren't going to puppy classes, please reconsider. Your dog needs the classes. If your dog is too old for puppy classes, then call the places you are interested in going to classes at and ask if you can watch a few lessons before you enroll. See if the instructor explains clearly what to do and how to do it. See how dogs are handled in the class. Talk to some of the best and worst students after class to get their opinions on it. Ask yourself if you want to train your dog with those methods. Think it over carefully.
  
  There are many different approaches to dog training. You don't have to use a choke chain. You don't have to ever yell NO or use force. Dog learn remarkably well from force-free methods that use positive reinforcement. The best of these is called Clicker training.


• It all depends on how your puppy responds to training...I was able to train my APBT perfectly fine at home and even had him CGC certified and we are working on his therapy dog certification...however my other dog, I ended up having to take her to classes as she just wasnt responding to me and it helped having that little bit of extra guidance. I would suggest trying on your own and if that doesnt work, sign up for classs.


• Getting a Video isn't good because you really don't know if your doing it right. And you might be doing more harm than good. And it doesn't tell you if your doing it right or not.
  
  I would say taking a puppy to class is betting because you can meet other puppies, the trainer can show you want your doing wrong. and Teach you to do it right. And you will come out a lot better in the long run.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training: clicker or my voice?

should i use a clicker for teaching the dogs tricks? or should i use my voice? also, can i stop using the clicker after the dog learns the trick?

Dog Training - The Right and Wrong Way

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1. Clicker or voice? Yes.

Look, it's not about a clicker. It's about a marker--something that explicitly, clearly MARKS at an exact point in time that the dog unequivocally associates with "you done good." About 99% of humans are incapable of EXACTLY matching their voice every time. They say "yes" but it's in a slightly higher pitch. Or louder. Or more drawn out. It's different in some way. But I use a clicker. And I use my voice. And other trainers have used a key-light (for a deaf deaf) and another used a thumbs up sign. SeaWorld trainers use whistles (since the click doesn't carry underwater). It's all the same--it's about a "marker". It's not that a clicker is magic, you need to "load" the clicker (so the dog associates the click with a reward and thus the click means "you done good" and you need to get the timing down PERFECTLY. Ditto with your voice. Or whatever you use to mark with. The reason that clickers work so well with dogs is that the clicker doesn't get louder or longer, it doesn't change smell, it only makes one sound. But humans change their expression, we focus on something different, we give off pheramones, we get louder or softer. And the dog gets a mess of signals in there, only one of which is the "yes" that we say. So it tends to get lost in the mess of other messages. Because dogs are more visual and olfactory based when it comes to humans--our voice commands and language comes in a distant third in their perceptual focus.

2. Read up on operant conditioning and behavior shaping and you'll find out all the answers to this issue as well as how to train your dog. But in the meantime, of course you can stop using the clicker, just like you can stop rewarding or stop using your voice.

Example: when I was training my dog to heel and not pull on the leash when walking, we'd walk 5 steps, I'd click and treat and praise. We stopped clicking at 5 steps and moved it to 8, then 10, then 15, then 20, then clicked when he stayed focused on me during the walk instead of going for the squirrel. And variable reinforcement also applies--research shows that you get a better response if you don't treat every time.

For more details, check out Shirley Chong's website (www.shirleychong.com) or read Karen Pryor's book on operant conditioning (Don't Shoot the Dog). Or google "behavior shaping" for dogs.

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• it doesnt matter what method of reward you use its the timing, it has to be perfect for the dog to learn what they are doing is the right way. after the trick is learned you can stop using the clicker.


• I use my voice for commands done very close because I can give her a treat straight away but if Im doing target practise where she has to go and touch an object I use a clicker to pin point the behaviour at the right time so she knows

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Dog Health Questions: Am I going about this dog training the right way ? Help !?

I've began to start training my 3 year old Chi that I am the dominant one, since he believes that he is alpha. I had only recently discovered this since I had not known how to actually correctly train my dog. But now that I have kept studying carefully, I am now applying training dominant and obedience tips.

Although it has only been the start of the week I can see the changes in my dog's behavior.Such as acting much more submissive when I am around, and becoming less aggressive with me with food, toys and playing. He use to not come to me when I call him(he already knew this trick but refused to obey me), but now with a bit more training he comes. He seems to respect my space. I can tell he gets a bit confused on how to behave, because this is all new to him-- I want to enforce this new behavior without adding large amounts of stress on him. Any tips with that ?

Do you know if I'm going about it the right way ? Should I try other things ? Any opinions ? Thank you.

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As long as you are satisfying his basic needs and drives then it will not put a lot of stress on him. Make sure he is still getting play time and able to run routinely and allow him socialization at well. You can still be dominant and keep your dog happy at the same time.

Puppy and Dog Training

• Just keep doing the new thing and give him a lot of patient and praise. What way are you training him? You can also try taking a local training class at a pet store or somewhere to help bond with him through the training process and get some more pointers. =)
  
  hope this helps!


• I think its great your trying to correct his behavior. I think in the end you both will be happier :)
  
  here's some tips:
  http://www.cbrrescue.org/articles/packle…


• you are certainly going about it the right way, I would suggest that you think about this in the way that your dog views it, put yourself in his shoes, its probably not that he thought of himself as the alpha, its just that he saw that you were unsure of yourself.
  when a dog sees a leader as being unsure, they decide that it is time for them to take the lead.
  in the wild, in pacs, you will find that the leader can either change frequently, or very rarely.
  so it doesn't hurt him any to find that the leader has changed, in fact with some dogs, it may very well come as a relief.
  try some basic dominance exercises for a few weeks, that is to say, start buy snapping your fingers by your eyes (in the wild, the eyes are one of the vocal points for communication with all canines) get him to look at your eyes, but don't show challenge, communicate your intentions through your eyes, show him that you are a kind, gentle yet FIRM leader, and that you only have good intentions, in other words, look at him the way you would your son, or a possible employee.
  In about two weeks teach him the lay down command
  laying down is the way a dog shows loyalty, and in the wild, alpha dominant dogs will demand this of their subordinates in order to re affirm their own dominants. practice this command every time you see him for at least one week, then once every time he challenges you for dominance, which, if you show a firm, and decided dominance, you should never have to do. remember, every time he challenges you for dominance, it is a sign that YOU are doing something wrong, not him.


• The dominance theory suggests that dogs will constantly challenge and test their owners until they are forcefully shown human leadership. From this theory evolved exercises and training to prevent dogs from becoming dominant or leaders of the house. Some even told owners to hold or force their dogs into submissive positions, sometimes roughly, to the point of creating fearful responses while in reality, there is no evidence that these procedures prevent dominance, aggression or any other behavioural problem. Do not hold your dog down, do not stare your dog down, do not alpha roll him.
  
  Alpha does not mean physically dominant or most aggressive. It means in control of resources that are important to the animal. What the animal dictates as important is flexible. It changes depending on the dog's motivation, the context, and the situation at the moment.
  
  This information is imperative if we are to forge a social relationship between dogs and owners that creates a bond instead of a status-type dominant-submissive relationship. Leadership should be obtained through positive means by rewarding appropriate behaviours that are acceptable to humans and by not taking the “spirit” out of the dog and suppressing aggression and other behaviour problems.
  
  Dogs learn by the immediate results of their actions or by discoveries from important events in their lives. When training a new behaviour, a correct response needs to be reinforced for it to have a strong probability of happening again. A reward serves as immediate gratification for the action being performed.
  
  You need to get you and your dog to a positive dog training class. It will make a world of differnce and will also help you to communicate with your dog in the right way. There is too much information to provide just in a small answer such as this!


• you sound like your doing fine just a couple of hints....don't bombard him with commands...take one command a week and work him as often as you can then the second week pick a new command and work that into the routine of the first command ....catch the drift there are 10 commands a dog trainer will teach you...not your dog because you will teach your dog...1. sit 2 stay 3down 4 come 5 heel then you will go 6 sit/stay 7 down/stay 8 come/stay 9 heel/stay and finally 10 all of the commands at one time...generally this training technique takes 10 weeks.....it is called The Good Boy Training used by trainers of Police dogs who are just starting out with their young dogs


• That is Great! You can also try if you havent eat you eat first before he does that pack leader always eats first...also aplha dogs sleep alone so try it. also rolling him over with out him trying to roll back over is a great way for him to submit to you. make eye contact and dont look away until he has looked away. Sounds like your doing great but just remember a little each day then once he has completly submitted do you keep doing at least one aplha exercise a day so he doesnt forget

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training issues need help?

does anyone know of a dog trainer or dog classes i can take my dog to? i like in birmingham uk, i have looked at barkbusters but they have got loads of bad reviews. i have a border collie and need some help training her ASAP, thanks

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Your local vets should have a list of dog trainers or classes in your area.

Also if its issues with seperation anxiety, jumping up at guests etc...if you stop giving your dog attention for a couple of days apart from walks and feeding, she will realise she is not the centre of attention and is not the boss..stop eye contact for a coupld of days, no fussing or petting, no sleeping on the bed....etc.

For obediance training its just consistency with positive rewards , treating her and praising her good behaviour and ignoring bad behaviour.

Best Dog Training Book - Attention Dog Lovers, Read This Now

• Try Yourube
  It teaches you dog tricks


• PetSmart has dog training classes. I think they have group or private dog training. It should be good for your naughty pooch.


• I don't know about classes, but I know you can watch "It's Me or the Dog" on Youtube.


• This is a list of classes/schools and dog trainers within Birminghamhttp://www.yell.com/super/dog+trainers/b…
  
  

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Dog Health Questions: How to give training to dog?

Good dogs aren't born; they're trained. Older dogs as well as puppies can benefit from proper and consistent dog training techniques.

Dog Training Made Easy - Find Out How

Recommended Answer:
watch the show "its me or the dog" starring victoria stilwell or go on youtube and type in dog training

Beginner Dog Training Classes

• Training a dog is an important aspect of your dog's life. It will help you create a really wonderful relationship between you and your dog. It is always advisable to start puppy training classes in younger days as the fresh mind of dog's can easily capable of young mind will grasp training methods more quickly. Never give a command in anger or when you are out of control of yourself. To the dog his master must be beyond change or weakness. Give the dog a few seconds of time to react, to understand your command, and above all, to save his pride.


• I would add, good dogs are trained by dog owners that understand dog mental triggers well. Once you understand how dog reacts and how easily you can train them to follow your commands, your dogs can be a source of joy for the whole family and the kids.
  
  I would also say that self mastery in dog training techniques is even more important than sending your dog to dog obedience school which your dog will forgets once they graduated and the owners fail to follow up consistently.
  
  I found the source below which gives some review and tips of the dog training techniques you could use immediately.


• I have brought my dog to obedience school and spent hundreds of dollars training them. In the end, when she came home, she revert to her old habits again. One of her bad habits is jumping on me when i back home. I find a very useful website www.dogexpertreveal.com that gives good tips on managing dog behavioral problem. Learning online also gives me the flexibility of training her at home!


• Hey I see that you need some sort of guide that will give you tips and tricks to help your canine become fully trained and more healthy. Recently one of my friends really needed some advice on how to train his dog. He followed the dog training online course to successfully have a fully trained dog in a few weeks.


• A good friend of mine has been breeding dogs for years and when I needed help training my Cocker Spaniel, he recommended a site he sends all his clients to that best describes how to train dogs and keep them healthy.
  
  It is good to see someone like yourself that understands the fundimentals.
  
  Regards...
  
  Regards.


• Get your dog`s favourite food.Show him/her it and say the command you want it to learn.If he/she do the command give him/her the treat and say:Good job,I`m proud..This helped me and my dog is now very well trained !


• I got Ceasar Milans book, a longwinded waste of time at first. Once I made it, skipped, through to the parts I needed it is a very effective book. Just the right balance of discipline and exercise.

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Dog Health Questions: Im in a dog training class and my teacher said that YOU sould decide when the dog drinks water or not...?

as in dont leave the water bowl down all day. can someone please explain that? we leave our water bowl down all day. we have 2 dogs, one is diabetic... i just dont see why you souldnt keep your water down

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Your trainer is misinformed. Yes, water can be a powerful tool, but it is not good for your dog and dangerous to restrict water.

Your trainer is stupid and cruel, find a new one.

www.ccpdt.com

Finding Careers in Dog Training

• Hmmm mabye because so the dog dose not pee in the house, i never heard this only with food tho.


• The only reason I can think of is during house breaking, so you can get into a good cycle with them. But, if your dogs are already house broken, they should have water readily available.


• Well thats kinda stupid..they cant talk and tell you when theyre thirsty and with one of your dogs being a diabetic they should always have fresh clean water down at all times.


• Perhaps you misunderstood? Dogs do need access to water 7/24.
  Not same with food though.


• that is strange. well, maybe it's if you have a dog that likes water way too much, that it's indangering it self. but if your dog is not like that, I don't see the problem.


• Well, maybe for training purposes, but if you are gone all day, leave water out.
  
  I have never heard of that and wouldn't do it.


• I never heard of withholding water from your pets, to me thats cruel, an animal should be able to get a fresh cool drink ANYTIME it wants.


• i personally think a dog should drink whenever.


• Well as a dog trainer myself, maybe your trainer ment that the dog should not be allowed to drink water while your playing, training, or bonding with your dog. I will not allow my dogs to go drink water while we are running in agility. But just on a daily bases when I am not working with my dogs, they get water whenever they want it. Dogs have about 60% water in there bodies and constantly need to keep stable and hydrated.


• Sounds like you need a new trainer to me. I would NEVER limit my dogs' water intake.


• That is ridiculous - and dead wrong
  Dogs need to ALWAYS have access to fresh water, their kidneys can shut down from lack of it, especially in hot weather.
  
  You either misunderstood that teacher or he should be run out of business.


• I dont agree with your teacher, but i do see her point. Your dog should drink his water and food, when it is given to him, not when he feels like it. Remember you can't let your dog have control, you have to be the pack leader, in the wild, the pack leader controls when they eat sleep, and even drink. If your dog sees you as the pack leader, he will respect you more, and be more obedient, all dog psychology.
  When potty training you have to control what the dog drinks and eats, so you know when he has to go. Like i was taught to take my puppy outside five minutes after he ate or drank anything to prevent accidents. anyway i hope i helped.
  
  best answer please!!!!
  signed dog psychologist expert, lol!


• that is by far the most unhealthy and illogical instruction I have yet to hear! You should ALWAYS leave water out for your dog! There is no way that you the owner is going to know how much and how often your dog will need to drink, and it is even more important since you have a diabetic dog!
  I know I am getting upset, but my goodness that is so rediculous!
  The only thread of hope I have for your teacher is that perhaps she meant to not always have FOOD out for your dogs, and not WATER. That would make much more sense! Please ask her about it, and if she sticks to the water theory, please find another instructor and advise your "classmates" to follow you.


• I'm down all the way with renodogmom. (above) The trainer is using behavior methods that are just not acceptable to either the animal or the owner. She's dead on........... Get yourself a new trainer.....Pronto!!
  
  Peace,
  Buzzy


• Did you check this trainer for rabies as they sound mad!!! A dog knows when it needs water just like they know when to eat grass to settle an upset belly. they know when they are hungry unless trained a certain way like pavlov's dogs. they know when they want to play, sleep, go to the bathroom... . your trainer needs to see what it is like to be deprived of water!!!


• Sounds like the trainer needs a few lessons of thier own. You should never ever ever take away your dogs access to fresh water. If it's for potty training or even dominence the only thing you would need to control is food intake.
  
  Not only is it a possible case for cruelty and neglect but it can also lead to an easier chance at heat stroke and dehydration if you take away their water. Tell you trainer to check her facts. If she stills insists that controlling when a dog can drink is fine I'd report her to the local aspca so they can have a talk with her and straighten her out cause chances are she's doing it to her own dogs.
  
  Other than that the only reason she might be saying it is if she's meaning only at night since they're sleeping they don't need all that much water but still there should be some left out at all times no matter what.


• You leave water down all day. Therefore, YOU decided that your dogs can have access to water whenever thay want.
  
  I believe the teacher was trying to explain that dogs are totally dependent on their owners, and it is up to the owners to establish control over their dog by dictating when and where the dog would eat, sleep, eat, poop, etc. Don't take it personal.


• WHAT A CRUEL TEACHER!!! does your dog decide if and when you can drink water??? suppose you forget to put the bowl down... fire that teacher and find a new one!!!
  a dog should ALWAYS have a bowl of fresh water.

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Dog Health Questions: Positive dog training, anyone?

I've been researching the Shiba Inu for a couple of months now and found a breeder within 200 miles that is very respectable. Most the sites say the same thing, independent, smart, good watch dog, and loyal. I have to train the dog with positive dog training methods because they don't take to slapping on the nose. I would research this too, but all the sites want money for a program and others make no sense. Now I was wondering if anyone knows of good positive dog training methods?

Please help and thank you.

5 Advisory Tips For Good Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Hi,

Here are a lot of trainings for your dog that will give you a step-by-step tips without money. These are indeed positive because training is the best investment you can make in your relationship with your dog. Check them out:

http://dogtime.com/training.html

Online Dog Training - Train Your Dog Using Your Computer - Seriously!

• The best thing you can do is take the puppy to puppy kindergarten followed by basic obedience classes. Nothing is free, but the cost of the classes (usually about $100 for 8 weeks) is well worth it. This is especially true with stubborn, independent dogs like Shiba Inus. These classes will teach you how to train your dog. And if you are unfamiliar with positive training, this is the best option.
  
  On the cheap you can go to the library and check out some books on positive dog training and dog behavior. It is good to start before you bring the dog home.
  
  Books on dog behavior:
  Don't Shoot the Dog- Pryor
  The Other End of the Leash- McConnell
  Culture Clash- Donaldson
  
  Books on Positive Dog Training:
  The Power of Positive Dog Training- Miller
  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training- Dennison
  Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs- Pryor

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Dog Health Questions: Why aren't there any service dog training centers in Nebraska?

I googled and couldn't find a service dog center(or whatever you call it) in Nebraska.

Get a Well Trained Dog With Dog Training Guides

Recommended Answer:
If you are close to Kansas, Concordia has CARES which is a wonderful place to get a service dog and Washington has KSDS who specializes in dogs for the blind, but does other service dogs too.

Dog Training Secrets Revealed

• You could ask that questions to the following:
  http://www.inch.com/~dogs/service.html
  http://www.iaadp.org/info.htm
  http://www.adionline.org/
  http://vachss.com/help_text/animal_train…
  
  The Delta society had this listed on their web page:
  SAR Unit
  C>J.Chelin
  813 Hwy 1, Murrat, NE 68409
  402-235-3148

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Dog Health Questions: I would like to buy a dog, i need a low maintenence, medium sized dog. where do i start?cost of training etc?

what's the average cost of having a dog trained for things like potty training and barking(i live in an apartment). how much am i looking at spending up front not counting the cost of the dog.
all shots
spayed
training
toys
food and whatever else there may be.

Know The Basics Of Dog Trainings

Recommended Answer:
Go to rescue shelter,i went this past week0end and got me a medium sized dog for a fee of $75.00.That included his neutering,shots,chip and a free check up at a vet.He's 3 1/2 months old, so I'm training him.One accident this week.I use a crate and he seem to like it.Oh, he's a JRT/mix and very smart.Good luck on whatever dog you get.

8 Dog Training Tips For Dog Lovers

• Dogs are a big responsibility, so dont get one unless you are willing to keep it for life- up to 16 years. pure breds can cost up to $1000.00 or more but you can always go to the shelter and get one for a lot less. The start up cost of everything that you mentioned could add up to about $500.00. I have two dogs and it is very worth it my dogs are great and I love them to death.


• Please check out Petfinder.com
  
  You can find great dogs on there that have already had their current vaccinations and have already been spayed/neutered. Adoption costs may vary, but it is much cheaper and very rewarding to rescue a shelter dog. There are all kinds of breeds to choose from and you can even search your local area.
  
  I took my shelter dogs to obedience training and it cost me $80 for a six week class. That is actually dirt cheap and I'm not sure where you live but it will probably be a little more than that.
  
  You can get safe, cheap toys in the WalMart pet section. And every brand of food has a different cost. Please make sure to use the type of food he/she is used to until you can wean him off and feed him the food of your choice.
  
  Please consider rescue, he/she will be so grateful and you will feel so good!!!


• I'd say the best thing would do to narrow down your options first. Look at what you are willing to spend and also consider if the dog will shed, behavior of the breed of dogs, etc.
  
  I personally LOVE pound puppies, just for the fact that they are looking for love so when you're able to give them that love they are going to love you just as much.
  
  Many pounds or humane societies will include raibes shots, spay/neuter, etc. in the adoption fee.
  
  I adopted a 8 week old chow from a local pound and her adoption fee was $65 and that paid for the rabies and spay, my bill with all the other shots and testing for worms and what not still ran about $90 afterwards.
  
  A stray I found that we had to take to get all his shots because we weren't sure if he had any ran about $140 and he wasn't neutered but I'd suggest it unless you plan on breeding.
  
  Most dogs will bark, but you could always go to a local specialty pet store (i.e. PetSmart, PetCO) and purchase a bark collar, which may run you a pretty penny, I'd say anywhere from around $40-150.
  
  Some training will work with the barking and simple commands, training will varies with where you go and what not but the puppy/dog has to be a certain age and have shots and what not.
  
  The hardest dog I've ever tried to potty train is a cocker spaniel because when they get excited they like to litterly show you.
  
  You can always crate train the dog (which I don't really like but some people perfer it) where you buy a crate and give them so much room and let them know thats where they potty at.
  
  Also, what has always worked with me for potty training is when you catch them using the bathroom (eventhough it sounds harsh) rub their nose in it, pop them, say "NO!", and send them outside. Make sure you also clean it up very very good and get the smell away because if they smell it again they will be sure to use it in the same place once again.
  
  As for toys, many dogs vary. My dogs are terrified of toys that make sounds but love the hard toys that they can chew on for hours, you really just have to experiment.
  
  I hope this helps a little.


• Well, if you adopt an adult shelter dog, which is a great idea, you'll get the shots, spaying, some training, AND the dog for usually between $100-$200. It's a great way to go, and most shelter dogs are adults that are partially or totally housebroken, and often have some basic obedience training. Plus you know exactly how big the dog will stay, and a few hours of bonding will tell you the dog's overall personality.
  
  If you insist on starting with a puppy, you're looking at:
  
  $200 shots
  $500 spaying (varies greatly by vet)
  $200 for 6 weeks of training
  $100 toys, treats, collars, leashes, bowls, etc.
  $50 per month in food (depending on quality)
  
  The great thing about shelter dogs is that most are mixed breeds, which dilutes their genetic tendencies. For example, most medium-sized short haired dogs are either hunters like Labs, or herders like Cattle dogs, both of which are very driven and need a lot of exercise. Shelter dogs still need good long walks, but they don't have the genetic drive to work that purebreds do, so you don't have to constantly engage them in activities.
  
  Potty training and barking, spend $50 on some good books, because those are things you have to do yourself- you can't potty train or bark train in a classroom.
  
  On the subject of food, pay a little extra and get the good stuff, and you'll save a ton of money of vet bills later.
  Good: Artemis, Avoderm, Chicken Soup, Canine Caviar, Wellness, Wysong, Verus, Timberwolf Organics, Nutro Ultra, Fromm, Merrick, Organix, AgarX, Canidae, Innova Evo, Eagle Pack, Solid Gold.
  
  Okay: Nutro or Nutro Max, Eukanuba, Bil-Jac, Nature's Recipe, Pinnacle, Royal Canin.
  
  BAD: Purina, Alpo, Pedigree, Kibbles N Bits, Iams, Cesar, Beneful, Hill's Science Diet, anything sold in a supermarket.
  
  Good luck!


• Reconsider getting a dog if you live in an apartment. It's hard to housetrain when you have to go up and down stairs, and neighbours aren't impressed with a barking dog when you leave. Cats are fine for apartments, dogs like a house w/ a yard.


• you can adopt a dog from a rescue organization or group in your county. there are several i found which i listed below, all of which you can find near your area.
  
  the rescue organizations are non-profit groups that rescue animals and find homes for them. all they charge you is the actual cost of the shots, neutering or spayding and what it cost them to care for the dog. they also train them before they give them up for adoption.
  
  we just got two great pyranees a month ago and these dogs are the sweetest and most wonderful dogs. the rescue organization trained them, cared for them, had all their shots done, had them neutered and spayed (we have a male and a female). these folks are all volunteers so they really care for these animals and treat them with such affection.
  
  the gentleman who dropped the dogs to us gave us a list of types of food to feed them, how often and how much (cups). he also listed all the shots they had and when and how often to clean their teeth, ears and how to do it. he arranged for their tags with our name and number on them, their leashes and chokers.
  
  i will assure you will never regret acquiring your pet from any rescue group.
  
  http://adopt-a-small-dog.1-800-save-a-pe…
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rescue.htm
  http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm
  http://www.adoptablepets.net/index.html
  http://canines.com/cgi-bin/afardb/search…
  http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/cgi-bin/…
  http://www.netpets.com/dogs/dogresc/bree…

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Dog Health Questions: How do I get my dog into Rescue Dog Training?

I have a 1 year old white german shepherd i'm hoping to go into wilderness EMT training in the summer/fall and would like a job where i could bring my dog with...how do i accomplish that?

How to Find the Perfect Dog Training System

Recommended Answer:
AS ABOVE

Dog Training - Most Common Mistakes While Training Your Dog

• If you email me your county, I can put you in touch with the SARS club in your area. They have ongoing training sessions.
  Just a note..all of the clubs that I know, require the dog to be neutered/spayed..the one in your county may be an exception..


• Call your local animal shelter,

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training??

I'm 28wks pregnant and am starting to think about the big changes that are going to take place when the baby arrives. One of the changes that is a MUST is obedience from my 6yr king charles!! She has been "the baby" of the house for so long now and honestly she rules the roost >> that is until April... My question is do you think its too late to start getting her into the habit of not being aloud in many of the rooms in the house ie; no upstairs, no living room etc... also how and when should i start this training and any good tips on how to make it work?? Pls note she is VERY spoiled!

Dog Training - How to Housebreak an Adopted Dog

Recommended Answer:
I'm sorry, but you shouldn't have treated her so 'well' before if you are going to want to keep her now as 'only a dog' after your baby comes. I doubt that there is any 'dog training' in the world that will help her cope with 'losing you to something better' so I would suggest finding her a good new home with people who will love and understand her and not 'ban her' from places she's always been able to go before.

Successful Dog Training at Home - Having the Right Mindset

• Edel: yes it's an good idea for put your dog in "Obediance School"
  because that way she would be properly trained with each command! yes even 6mo puppies got to be scolded also middel
  aged too .So think about this ok?
  GodBless


• I think that your dog will associate these new changes with the baby and feel seriously demoted. You will have a broken hearted dog on your hands if you start keeping her out of rooms because there is a new person in your house. I would take the dog to obedience school now. I would treat this situation like I would treat a new baby coming into a house with an older sibling. MAke sure you let that dog know that you still love her and that she has a place in your heart. Also, about the hair, etc.- I read an article recently that said children who grow up with pets, are less likely to develop allergies, etc. than children who have no pets. Their bodies are used to all the allergens, etc.


• The old saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" holds absolutely no truth to it, and that's a good thing, because you can teach a dog new things at any point during its life.
  
  The type of training I would recommend you look into is called NILIF, or Nothing in Life is Free. It's not so much about formal obedience, but about establishing yourself as the "leader" in your household. Most dogs require strong leadership or they will test the boundaries and find out what they can get away with. Since your dog has been the "baby" of the house and is "very spoiled", it seems to me like there's currently no leadership in your home.
  
  Do a Google search and you will find many websites about NILIF training. You may want to read through some of them to get an idea of what it's all about, and then start introducing her to your new rules. Teach her where it is and isn't okay to be, and what she is and isn't allowed to do.
  
  You have to be very consistent with training - especially since she's had free reign of your home for so long. Once baby is born, you will have to still remain consistent and make sure she understands what she is and is not allowed to do. Correct her for the behaviors that are not acceptable - you can use a verbal correction, such as "no" or a leash correction, or even just quietly walk her to another room or her crate and give her a "time out".


• If you want to train her, you need to start immediately. You've let her get away with pretty much everything for six years, and now it's going to hurt you. It's going to be extremely difficult to change the routine that she is used to.
  
  Perhaps it would help to know exactly what your dog DOES know. At first, it sounds like your dog doesn't know any commands, since you say she must learn obedience. Then, you say that she comes when called from the stairs. Clarification, please?
  
  How many rooms are you planning to restrict her from? Assuming the baby will have it's own room, why not just restrict your dog from that room? Since your dog is so used to having room, it's going to be difficult enough to keep her out of one room, let alone four or five or entire areas of the house.
  
  When the baby arrives, you can't completely shut your dog out. This is another reason it's a good idea to only restrict her access to one room, the baby's room. The arrival of the child would be a major disruption of your dog's life even if you aren't going to restrict her. If this child appears and suddenly your dog is unable to go through most of the house anymore, she's going to develop some major behavior issues. Her whining and separation anxiety could get worse, and she could even start to get destructive. She'll have no idea why she can't go all the places she used to. She'll just know it happened sometime around the arrival of this tiny pink thing.
  
  Again, only restrict your dog from the baby's room. To do this, put a baby gate in the doorway so she can't get through. You need to do this immediately, to start getting her used to it.
  
  Do allow your dog to meet the baby. If you try to keep her away from the baby, she'll become overly curious and could cause unintentional harm to the baby in her desire to see what the fuss is all about. This isn't to say she needs to be in the baby's and your face all the time, because that's rude. Just let her meet the baby, and be sure that you are very calm about it. Let her see that it is nothing for her to be overly concerned about, and pretty soon she'll just be glancing at it going "Oh, it's a baby" and go on her way.
  
  You are going to be extremely busy with this baby, as you know. But you need to make sure that you still spend time with your dog. (Assuming you are married) perhaps you and your husband can take turns caring for the baby and spending time with your dog. Hire a babysitter for an hour or so two or three days of the week and take your dog for a nice long walk and spend some good quality time with her.
  
  Yes, you will be very excited and consumed by your new child, but you made a commitment to this dog six years ago.


• You lost me. Why do you have to train your dog or keep it away from the baby? Your dog is going to want to protect your new baby as well as you. Do you anticipate your unborn child is going to be allergic to dogs?
  
  Edit:
  Treat your dog the way you would treat an older child and have a new baby on the way. Don't ban your dog from contact with the baby - just introduce them and let the family be a family. Your dog will understand that she has a new person to watch over - and you'll be surprised how well adapted your dog will be to the new little person that means so much to you.
  
  Don't get a babysitter so you can take your dog for a walk. Instead, take your dog with you when you take the baby out for a stroll, to the park, everyplace you used to take your sdog - and then some. I think you are about to learn that dogs are more perceptive than you realize.
  
  You aren't having your first baby - you are having another one. Your dog is going to have one, too. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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