I've got one of those Chihuahuas that looks like a pomeranian (five years old), and I just got a Cockerspaniel/Chihuahua/Poodle mix thing (five months old). The five year old dog sometimes bites outsiders (mainly kids), the little one still needs to learn to go outside to the bathroom and he chews up wires or whatever he finds. They both bark a lot and we've gotten a complaint about that. There's other things, but these are the main problems. What is a really good dog training program I can use? I found one at www.thedogtrainingsecret.com it seems good, but it seems a little too good too trust. Is this a good program, or is there a better, yet affordable one?
Electronic Dog Training Collar
Recommended Answer:I wouldn't bother with any gimmicky sites like that.
For the biting, first of all, you need to manage the situations better. Perhaps a little dog like him can't inflict much damage, but still, you need to be doing everything in your power to prevent bites. By now, I assume you have some idea of what triggers him to bite, right? A kid reaching for him, for example. So, prevent those situations. If you're having company and you think it'll be too stressful for him, then put him in another room with a bone to chew on. If there's a kid visiting you, then keep them separated. Make it very clear to all guests what things set the dog off. The dog is your responsibility, so you have to step up and take control; it must suck to be so stressed that he feels that he needs to snap, and I'm sure you don't want him to have to feel so anxious/fearful. Also, on the subject of telling all guests to behave certain ways, you should also instruct them to use calming signals around the dog:
http://www.canis.no/rugaas/onearticle.ph…
Secondly, you can work to desensitize him to the triggers. With consistent counter-conditioning, you might even be able to teach him to enjoy them. Basically, pair the scary things with good consequences, like super-delicious treats (liver, steak, chicken, hot dog, cheese, etc.). Take very small, manageable baby steps so that success is ensured, and do not increase the difficulty until the current step is mastered. Learn more about desensitizing and counter-conditioning:
http://www.clickertraining.com/node/2327
(Yeah, you have to sign up to read the article. It's free and quick to do; you don't have to pay or anything.)
For the puppy who still has accidents, that can only be your fault. I know that might sound harsh, but it's really up to the owner to housebreak the puppy. It's a pain, but it requires ruthless consistency and effort. Follow this procedure perfectly, and you'll be successful:
http://dogstardaily.com/training/errorle…
For the puppy's chewing problem, again, first of all: management. Get wire covers; you can buy them at a commercial pet store or a home improvement store. (I prefer the ones from pet stores 'cause they tend to be easier to work with, 'cause they're not wicked rigid sheathes like the ones I've gotten from a home improvement store.) If he chews on anything else, like shoes or pencils or remotes, then put them away! Keep them out of his reach. If he chews on furniture, don't leave him out unsupervised, and try spraying stuff like wood with a product like Bitter Yuck spray.
Then, you should also teach him the "leave it" command:
http://www.mastiffonlinecommunity.net/vi…
Make sure he has plenty of good things on which to chew, too. He should have a variety of toys: bones, squeaky toys, rubber toys, stuffed toys, rope toys, whatever. If he does but gets bored of them, then rotate them so that they don't get boring. For instance, if he only gets a certain toy one or two days of the week, he's much more likely to pay attention to them then, right? You should also make it clear to him that he's doing the right thing whenever he's chewing on his toys. Pet him! Praise him! Give him a treat! Play with him! Don't focus on the bad stuff and forget about the good stuff. Reward him for doing things right.
As for the barking, why are they barking? If they're honestly just plain yappy, try teaching them to be quiet on command:
http://www.dogskool.com/web/news/summer2…
http://www.findoutaboutdogs.com/Stop_Dog…
If they're doing something productive, then chances are they won't be barking. Keep them busy and focused on stuff other than barking. If they're busy chewing on Nylabones or eating from stuffed Kongs, they're going to be too busy to bark.
Make sure you're exercising both of them thoroughly. A tired dog is a good dog. If they're properly tired out, they'll be much less likely to be barking just to hear themselves bark.
Good luck.
Dog Training - How to Potty Train Your Dog & End Your Frustration - It is Easier Than You Think
- Well your first issue is that these dogs are extremely difficult to train. Most chihuahuas are never trained to properly defecate outside. Potty pads might be an idea. As far as biting children and strangers and even the barking.. that has a lot to do with socialization. Perhaps you could bring them to a dog park.. let them get some exercise and socialize with other people and dogs. Also contact your local vet for good training.
- The Toy Poodle is a very intelligent dog that is usually fairly easy to train. The most important thing you can do is to understand this dog's personality. They love people, and are generally very perky and happy. But they can become timid and even nervous if you do not properly socialize them. It is also very important that you establish yourself very early in the relationship as the "pack leader."
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Begin by establishing yourself, and the rest of your family members, as the "pack leaders." Every dog, even the little ones, will make an effort to take over the household once they come in. This is very simple: You make the decisions. You decide when he eats, where he sleeps, even when he gets love and affection. Yes, he is adorable. But do not let that cuteness manipulate you. When he jumps all over you demanding attention, teach him to become calm before he gets it. Crate-train him, which will also help with housebreaking, if needed. Always be sure you are the first one who goes out the door when you go for walks. Dogs will follow the leader.
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Start socializing your dog. The socialization process simply means that you take her into different environments, and get her used to meeting people and other dogs on a regular basis. She may be shy at first, but with your words of encouragement and praise, the timid attitude is usually something that dissipates rather quickly. You must get your dog comfortable with you, and with various surroundings, before you can begin to train her.
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Find a slip chain collar that fits your dog, and begin using this in the training process. It should be snug enough so that it will not snag on things and get pulled off, but loose enough so you can fit about two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. Understand that these collars do not hurt your dog, they just give you the control you need so you can contain him and make sure he does not get away from you and get into a dangerous situation.
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Begin by teaching your poodle to walk nicely on a leash. Let her walk ahead of you a bit on the long lead. As she begins to pull, pop the leash firmly (using the slip chain collar) to get her attention, and say the word "easy" loudly and firmly, then change your direction. The idea is to get her to stop, look at you and then change direction with you. Be sure and praise her when she does this. This command also works to teach her to walk slowly alongside you without pulling. Just use the same technique, but without changing your direction.
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Use treats to teach him the basic commands. Sliced hot dogs are inexpensive, and all dogs like them. Slice them into very small pieces to train your poodle, and put them in a pack that is around your waist for easy access. Have him sit for you, and reward him when he is sitting calmly, close to you and looking up into your eyes. This is called "focused attention." Keep repeating the "sit" command until he does this correctly without you having to push his back end down.
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Teach her the "down" command when she is in the sitting position. Step to the side to give her room, then take your hand (with a piece of hot dog) and basically guide her down to the ground with a sweeping motion while you say "Down." She should follow the hot dog with her nose as you stretch your hand down to the ground and out in front of her. Push down between her shoulder blades to help her down. Then reward her by dropping the treat between her two front legs. This will take a lot of repetition, but she will get it if you are consistent. This command comes with an "automatic stay," so she should stay in the down position until you release her with the command "OK!" Keep repeating the word "down" while she is in the position, so she will know you want her to stay until released. When you say "OK!" it should be in a very upbeat, happy voice.you can go to the source for more information on Poodle Care,Poodle Grooming,Poodle Training and Poodle Picture
- If a dog bites into an electrical cord they may just receive a minor jolt. However, it could also result in burns, electrocution, cardiac and respiratory arrest, and even death. Additionally, dogs do not want to be bad and it is their nature to attempt to please their owners. Regrettably, dogs do not always understand what actually pleases their owners, and they try to get your attention any way they can. This is usually a good thing, however, some attention is negative. All day, all your dog wants to do is please you. If you give him something to do, he will be much happier and less likely to chew on things you don't want to be chewed upon. In regards to cats and kittens, every cat has their own personality. Every cat has their own quirks and attributes that makes them distinctive. Some cats have an inclination to chew wires and thin cords-particularly cords that run to modern electronic equipment. So please be careful of what your pups are chewing on!
