Dog Health Questions: My dog is a good dog. Is yours?

My eight year old BC is an excellent dog. He potties outside, doesn't bark, minds his manners, eats healthy, isn't possessive of people, things, or food, and knows more tricks and commands than I thought I was capable of learning.

My point? I didn't know ANYTHING about dog training when I got Luke. I didn't know anything about the breed, or even how to potty train. So how did I end up with a "good dog"? Luck?

How about you? What did you know now that you didn't know then? Did your dog suffer from your own ignorance? Mine sure did.

Passive and Active Dog Training Techniques

Recommended Answer:
I know a lot more now than I did 15 months ago - too much for this answer!

How did you end up with a great dog when you started knowing little about dogs? Common sense goes a long way - too bad it is in such short supply!

Basics of Dog Training

• hahaha well about 2 years ago my parents said I could get a dog, and so first thing that came to mind was border collie. BUT after spending several months looking up the border collie and listening to people who have had experience with the breed, I came to the realization that the breed is not for me (at least not at this time in my life) so 747237663672 dog breeds later, I came back to the german shepherd and well I will pick him up in 3 weeks. But no, I usually do research before buying. But you sound like your lucky lol.


• I have actually LEARNED a few things from my dog! She is a 11 month old Pit bull and she has won my trust over for ALL Pit bull Terriers! I could not even think that I would have taught her how to act on a leash (since she is still a puppy) but we have actually just accomplished that! I have also taught her how to sit, stay, lay, fetch and many more things! Something She taught herself was to let us know when someone was outside of our fence...but once they get inside all she can do is wag her tail and try to lick their feet!


• I knew very little when I got my first dog, but you learn as you go along, as long as you teach your dog the basics when they are pups, and you treat them with the respect they deserve, then I don't think you can go far wrong.
  Common sense is one of the main things you need, not just for raising your dog, but in all areas of your life.


• I have had Dobemans for 19 years.
  My first was an adult dog and he was great. Well behaved and great house manners. He came knowing all that.
  WHen we started with Weimaraners it was because I wanted to expand my training abilities and work with field dogs.
  But I visited many breeders and did much breed research before getting the Weimaraner breed. We looked at other breeds but thought this would best fit into our lifestyle and into our home.
  Turns out we were right.
  Now I can say I have trained field trail dogs for upland game bird hunting and Dobermans.


• He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
  


• Titus came from the pound- He already knew everything when I got him. He is a great dog! He's a bit of a jerk to walk though,
  My girl violet...Not so much- she barks when some one comes to the door and she is a bit in your face- when she wants attention. But other then that she a great dog- I think I did pretty good with her so far concidering she is my first puppy. We are still learing and fixing thing together as we go...


• The dog I had before I got Max and Penny was a little Pug/Boston terrier mutt and she was a wild thing. I didnt know anything about training/obedience, I let her do what she wanted. The end result? My ignorance got her hit by a car.
  
  when we got Max our APBT I did extensive research to see if we could handle his breed and what all to expect. I can say now he would be a hellian if we hadnt. We made sure to train him properly to listen to us. An untrained dog is a dangerous dog in my opinion.
  
  I know a lot now after seeing his behavior and working out the glitches here and there with him. When we got our little mutt training was a breeze with her because I was so set on how to train our Pit I did the same for her.
  
  All in all though both dogs are excellant, they listen to us and still need some work done but they are amazing.


• Bailey could have been who he is today so much sooner if I had a better grasp of how to deal with his "issues" as well as I do now.
  
  I certainly didn't know nothing, but I knew very very little about how to deal with anxiety and confidence issues. I have, over Bailey's 10 years, learned a tremendous amount about confidence building and helping a weak nerved dog to best overcome their genetic disadvantages. He and I both suffered from that lack of knowledge. However, today we are both very grateful for each other. Because of Bailey, his new little sister has a huge advantage in life and I think he knows that - he constantly takes her under his wing and trys to help her escape that same fear he once had.
  
  Did I get lucky to have such a well behaved dog? I don't think so, really. I would have to credit far more of our succes to my natural gift for canine communication and our constant working to get better. We've been going to classes for Bailey's entire life because we both enjoy it - surely that's part of it.
  
  While we've suffered our shortfalls together, we've also triumphed together - and that will make a proud mama out of anybody!!
  
  People talk about how because I don't wish to have kids I will never get to see the day my daugher goes to prom, or graduates, gets married, etc...
  I wish people could understand that I don't need those things when after weeks of working on conquering the fear of the agility tunnel, Bailey runs through it at full speed coming out the other side with a smile from ear to ear and an expression that could say nothing other than "I DID IT!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT MOM? I DID IT!! ALL BY MYSELF!! I DID IT!!"


• I have 3 datshunds and all three are very well cared for and listen very well eat well and sit so cute when they beg and they love to be with me 24/7 no matter where I go they are there well when I first got Jacksun my choc male he was fine then developed a rash after several vet cks and over a thousand dollars worth of treatments I found out he allrigic to grass beat that yea Grass But no matter what was wrong I wasnt going to give up like previous owners did. Yes he was a toss away but now hes my best buddy and alls well. Then heres Tink she is black and tan her owners didnt care for her very well she kept running off and stuck in a hot garage all day so she came to us I took home 3 times the last she stayed I had her fixed and de wormed and now shes part of our family too she such a sweet heart and Loved so much.Now comes Jewlee shes spoiled rotten I bought her from a friend. she red and full of spunk and barks some more than the other 2 but she gets you attention when she wants it.All 3 are my best friends sleep with me and sit in lap all at the same time.Jacksun -male 7
  Tink female 1+2mos Jewlee 1+3 mons aLL ARE FIXED AS WELL AND UP TO DATE WITH SHOTS AND FLEA TREATMENTS AND HEARTWORM.


• My poor dogs that I had before Eli.....I was so ignorant. My 2 chihuahuas actually turned out to be good dogs somehow. I'm not sure how. My ex and I worked at the same place. It was an hour drive to work, we worked 12-14 hour shifts and an hour drive home. The dogs were litter box trained as well as outside trained. My ex was a firm believer in the old-fashioned way of training. I remember them chewing the door framing once. He rubbed jalepeno pepper juice up and down the wood then rubbed their mouths on it. They never chewed it again, but, that was the wrong way to go about it.
  
  I have no idea what we fed them. I've been divorced from him for 7 years. I do know that we did give them table scraps sometimes. Peewee loved meatloaf. He'd eat so much that he couldn't walk. He'd stand still or fall over on his side so we'd have to pick him up and carry him to his bed. Yeah, how healthy is that????
  
  My Springer Spaniel got ran over because he wouldn't let him be an inside dog and we didn't have a fenced in yard.
  
  I learned SO much before I got Eli, after I got him, and on a daily basis. The most important things that I think I have learned is positive training, good nutrition and patience!


• My cardigan welsh corgis are wonderful(not perfect) in spite of me.
  I have learned a great deal in the last four years. I have also become more at ease and relaxed and comfortable in my relationship with these 2 lovely boys. Consistence, love, trust, and respect (You know all the ingredients of any good friendship) are key. I did have a bit of an advantage because I work in behavioural therapy with people. The principles are mostly the same. Dogs are more straight forward in terms of their motivations and they tend to be saner than people,
  Always strive to be as good a person as your dog thinks you are.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: What can my land lord ask me about my service dog?

I have an invisiable disability, and a pshyatric service dog that I trained myself.I am wondering what my land lord can ask me about the dog or the dogs training, and if the land lord can still turn me away based on the dogs breed, stating that since the dog was not profesonaly trained it must not be a service dog?

Small Dog Training - Obstacles You Need to Know About

Recommended Answer:
Landlords have much greater latitude than owners of public accommodations have because the duration of the relationship between you and your landlord is considerably longer than that between merchant and customer.

He is permitted to require some sort of documentation of your disability from a medical professional. It is not necessary that this documentation spell out the exact nature of the disability, but it should list off the major life activities that are limited by the disability. Ideally, it would also mention what the dog has been trained to do to mitigate that disability, and a statement by the doctor that in his professional opinion the service dog is necessary.

He may be permitted to require proof of training. I've seen it go both ways in court decisions. For example, in Bronk v. Ineichen the court found that the dog in question was not a hearing dog because the owner was not able to prove it had actually been trained (it was an owner-trained dog).
http://servicedogcentral.org/content/nod…

This proof might be in the form of a training log of all of the training sessions you put into training your dog, or various kinds of certificates to prove at least parts of his training, such as class completion certificates, obedience or other working titles, a CGC, etc.

If the dog is fully trained and working for you before you apply for the apartment, then generally the landlord cannot ban the dog based on breed. However, if he can show that the presence of a dog of a certain breed would cause an undue hardship for him, say an increased cost in insurance, then he might possibly succeed. If that breed is banned by local ordinance, then you are probably SOL.

The FHAA does not require that service dogs be professionally trained (same as the ADA in that respect). In fact, some courts have found that the dog need not be trained at all, but again, I've seen that go both ways, so it's not as clear as it is with a trained service dog. If the PWD can prove training, if the landlord is not exempt from the FHAA, and if the landlord cannot show it would be an undue burden, then generally the courts will side with the PWD (person with a disability).

http://servicedogcentral.org/content/nod… (sample letter requesting a reasonable accommodation)
http://servicedogcentral.org/content/nod… (doctor's letter supporting a reasonable accommodation)
http://servicedogcentral.org/content/nod… (brief overview of disability housing law)

--- edited to add ---

An internet search for "service dog certification" will only lead you to scam sites that will sell "certification" to anyone willing to pay $40 to $250 for it, regardless of whether their dog is actually a service dog. Businesses and landlords are becoming wise to these scams which are most often used by people wanting to pass off pets as service dogs, so save your money. If the agency doesn't actually test you and your dog in person, then their "certification" isn't worth the paper it is printed on and you might as well have printed your own at home.

--- edited to add ---

The ADA does not generally apply to housing other than public housing (housing owned by a government entity). The law that most often applies in housing situations is the Fair Housing Amendments Act. It is different from the ADA.

The ADA does not permit businesses to require proof of disability or proof of training. The FHAA does. The answer below me has confused the two laws.

Both the ADA and the FHAA do recognize psychiatric service dogs. The dog need not be trained for a physical disability in order to qualify, but he must be trained to perform tasks that mitigate the owner's disability.

Under the ADA, "Animals whose sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or to promote emotional well-being are not service animals." BUT "The term service animal includes individually trained animals that do work or perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with disabilities, including psychiatric, cognitive, and mental disabilities." (Both quotes are from the U.S. Department of Justice)

The difference is TRAINING.

Now it gets even messier. The FHAA actually does tend to recognize emotional support animals, in addition to psychiatric service animals. HUD recognizes them, but some courts have not. So while the statutory law tends to suggest that a landlord must allow an ESA, the actual court cases run about 50/50 in my observations. An individual case might win or lose and it's very difficult to predict which way it will go with an ESA. However, with a PSD, where disability and training can be proved, the odds should be good the PWD would prevail.

Positive Reinforcement In Your Dog Training

• Sigh @ most other incorrect answers.
  
  Service dogs DO NOT HAVE TO BE LICENSED OR CERTIFIED. However, you do not have a service dog unless he has been trained to assist you with a physical disability.
  
  If your dog is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), then you will need a letter from the psychiatrist who is currently treating you stating that the dog is an ESA. http://www.bazelon.org/issues/housing/in… The burden is on YOU to have a legitimate ESA. Should it go to court, the courts do not look kindly upon those trying to pass off pets are ESA's.
  
  Additionally, the dog MUST act like a service dog. If the dog craps everywhere and is threatening to others, you can and will be asked to leave and it will not violate the ADA.
  
  If the dog is not yet considered a service dog by the ADA, then your dog DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERMITTED anywhere, unless your state/county has a specific law regarding service dogs in training.
  
  To cover your bases and prevent problems, you need to get your dog PROFESSIONALLY trained at least in CGC. The dog should also get some sort of certification. You need to keep copies of all training certificates and you'll need to have your "prescription" for the dog renewed annually.
  
  Unless you can provide proof that your dog has been TRAINED to assist you as a service dog, yes, you can be turned away in most cases (seizure alert dogs have more lenient guidelines). Unless you have a valid prescription/letter from a therapist/psychiatrist, you can be turned away.


• VERIFYING THAT IT IS A SERVICE ANIMAL
  
  People with disabilities who use service animals may often be easily identified without any need for questioning. If you can tell by looking, you should not make the person feel uncomfortable by asking questions. If you are unsure whether an animal meets the definition of a service animal, management may ask the person with the disability the following two questions in a discreet and non-threatening way:
  
  Is the animal required because of a disability?
  What tasks or services has the animal been trained to perform?
  You may not ask questions about the person's disability. You may not ask to be shown certification or a special ID card as proof of the animal's training. You may not ask a guest with a service animal to use a specific entrance, exit or area of the business.
  
  You may expect the animal to behave appropriately and be under the control of the owner/partner/trainer. You may expect the person to clean up after the animal if there should be an accident, but that is highly unlikely as most service animals are trained to "go" on demand and only in specific locations.


• Unless your dog is a licensed, legal service dog, the landlord can treat it just like any other dog- therefore, if the place you're looking at doesn't allow pets, then you and your dog won't be allowed.
  
  If you qualified for a service dog, you should have got one so it's a legal, proper service dog. You can easily end up banned from shops and other places for this- your dog is no different than any other pet.


• If the dog is not certified as a service dog, it is not a service dog.
  
  Service dogs go through a very intensive training that starts at 8 weeks old & will continue for at least another year or more.
  
  Sorry, but your dog is not a Service Dog. IF you actually qualify for one, one would be provided for you. I doubt, very seriously , that you would even qualify for one.


• Psychiatric support dogs are only just beginning to be recognized as Service Dogs in some areas - it's possible your dog may not be covered and he MAY be able to turn you away. Some areas accept them as such, others do not - i do not believe they are 100% covered under the same law as physical Service Dogs (such as seeing eye dogs.)
  
  Could be wrong though.
  
  If your dog is providing needed aid for you to survive then have a doctor and psychiatrist write you out a note for the dog and make the effort to register your dog with a service dog association. Then you'll be set.
  
  Tons of information on this site, under FAQs:
  http://www.psychdog.org/
  
  Info on Fair Housing Act:
  http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/y…
  
  ADA definition of a service dog:
  "Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Guide dogs are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. "
  
  http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm


• Service dogs require registration to be afforded the privileges granted to them. I suggest you contact some local trainers that can provide you with the appropriate registration information. The breed is not relevant once the registration process is complete.
  
  There are multiple organizations that can point you in the right direction. Do an internet search for "Service Dog Certification", you will get all of the information you need to proceed.
  
  Then the landlord can ask to see your card, and not much else.
  
  Good Luck


• If your dog is a certified service dog, you will have a certificate proving this. Contact your local service dog society, they should be able to help with your landlord.


• Maybe there's an answer on these dog sites.


• tell him to get lost

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Being a certified dog trainer at petco....?

Hi. I am in the process of starting my new job at PetCo as a certified dog trainer. I went in asking a question about a school that they are affiliated with and they said they dont use them anymore because they have a mentoring program. Where they apprentice you their. I have not signed my contract yet, though it is 1 year which i am okay with but the question i am having trouble finding the answer to is, when I become certified am i certified under PETCO standards or am i certified universally. after my one year contract with them, is that certificate good to find another job with, or is it basically BS to other people. I have no professional experience in dog training, though i have a 6 year old minpin and a 4 month old chocolate lab that i do the training myself with who are really good,obedient dogs. With petco being my only professional experience is that good to get another training job when my contract is up with them, or will other training schools look at it like a joke? anyone who has worked/works for them who has the answers it would be really helpful. Thank you !

Selecting Quality Dog Training Leads

Recommended Answer:
Certification means very little in the dog world. People select trainers based on results - i.e. titling your own dogs - and on references - i.e. helping other people train their dogs. I have issues with PETCO training in general as the methods are all developed from a PR standpoint at the higher levels. No serious trainer I have ever met would ever recommend PETCO training and I have never met a PETCO trainer that seriously competed in any canine sport with their own dog or a "real" trainer that began in a PETCO-like situation.

If you want the job, then accept the training with a grain of salt and realize it won't transition well outside of that corporation. If you want to be a dog trainer, join a local all-breed club and ask if you can assist with a beginner class, work your way up to being a full trainer and then, when you have enough references and experience, you can start your own business. The training you will learn will not be dictated by a corporation and will applicable to dog sports as well as pet stuff, making your training much more valuable and provable.

Why not start showing your MinPin and Lab in some companion sports like obedience, agility, rally or tracking? You're sure to meet folks who can put in a good word or make a recommendation on where to find a mentor once you're in the "dog world".

From Simple Dogs to Guard Dogs - How Guard Dog Training is Done?

• ask PETCO that question


• You'd have to ask them. I would just do a training class not with them. Go to a school for it, I think it takes about 2 months.


• There is no such thing as a "Certified Dog Trainer" except for private organizations like PetCo - which really means nothing.
  You would be certified (cough) under Petco Standards period. It wouldn't mean anything to anyone else. (Certainly not me)
  I'm unclear about your Addition Details. Are you telling us that YOU have to pay for this "Certified (cough again) Petco Training? If so, do NOT sign that contract. And be very careful about any Dog Training places that makes you pay them, as you also train "their" dogs. ("Their" meaning the dogs other people have brought in for training by them.) What a racket.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Training, Thearpy Dogs?

After Seeing how much therapy pets can do for people, I really want to be part of it! I would like to adopt a shelter pet to become one, but i have a few questions. Ive done the research and know where I'd get his testing done etc, but I have other pets. Their more like family! I difffnitly wouldnt take my lab puppy into a hospital! So I was curious as to how you keep your therapy dog at home? I realize they have to be very well mannered, and obedient . And it seems that having them around other pets it'd be hardier to train. And more confusing for the dog, ex. If my dogs sleep in my bed, but i cant let him get in a hospital bed. Should I keep them separated at home? Maybe crate him at night? Do I need to be more strict with him? Can anyone give me some pointers on anything about therapy dog training! Thank you!

Training A Dog - Fundamental Dog Training - How-To

Recommended Answer:
The important thing is to start training early and often. Enroll your new pup in a puppy kindergarten class - the early training and socialization are critically important into shaping a stable adult dog.

You can treat your therapy dog just like the rest of your dogs. You'll likely discover through your training things that you can modify in your household to make ALL your dogs obedient and confident. Old dogs can learn new tricks, so if a current pooch has a bad habit, you can learn how to address it.

Through training classes, you'll learn the little nuances of training a stable companion.

Before getting a potential therapy dog, you might want to reach out to someone in your area who does therapy work and seek their advice/assistance on locating a good dog for the purpose. Not all dogs are right for therapy work. Go to AKC's website and locate a local training club for area contacts.

Best of luck!

Dog Training: Communicate With Your Dog Using The Call Command

• I suggest that you contact a Therapy Dog group in your area. The Therapy dog group in my town sponsors a training school. Classes are open to the public and they offer a complete dog training curriculum from puppy school all the way through advanced agility. I suggest that you attend clicker training classes or some other positive reinforcement training classes. This will give you one on one time with your partner and the trainers can evaluate the dog for therapy partner potential,
  
  The director of the Therapy Dog group in your area should be able to give you the advice that you will need to select a suitable dog for training. Most of the therapy dogs that I know are just plain dogs at home, but as soon as they put on their uniform ( vest) they know they are going to work and how to behave. The Therapy Dog group in my town is Delta certified as are all the dogs.
  
  http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pi…
  
  Having a therapy partner is a wonderful ambition and desire. It will take lots of work, time and patience. You will also need a dog that is capable of the work, that really enjoys people, is not anxious or afraid.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: How to dog train your puppy ?

learn to sit,stay, down, up, and potty train!

Dog Training - Important Tips

Recommended Answer:
I taught my dog how to fetch at 7 weeks. I later taught him to sit, roll over, shake hands, etc...about 9 weeks. I used doggie treats called snausages. First you have to let them know what you are wanting them to do. Such as.. shaking hands... say "your command" and grab their paw. give them a treat.... keep doing that... soon enough they will be giving you their paw at their own will.
You need to be good with your commands. You need to use the same command name and not switch them. Such as high five.... or shake.... or hand shake... Dont switch them around. Once the dog learns the trick that is the command you need to use. This could confuse a dog by trying to use different words as your command.

Potty Train.... This is a tough one. I trained 3 cats and one dog by doing this.
(You will need to have time to do this)
Take them out every 2 hours... keep them out until they use the bathroom. As soon as they use the bathroom then you need to say good boy.. or good girl... (yanno as if your proud) dogs sense your tone of voice. Take them in immediately. The next 2 hours... do the same thing. Soon enough they will learn that going outside means to use the bathroom. Works like a charm. It does take time and patience to do it this way though.
As they get older you can start taking them out less and less. They will learn to hold it until it is time to go outside. Do this gradually. If they must go they will usually give you a sign by going to the door or scratching at you for your attention. Even barking... They may bark to let you know they need to go. Hope this helps you out.

Dog Training Aids - The Leading Dog Training Methods Revealed

• Don't know about the sit, stay, down and up but I do know about the potty training. If you want your pup to go outside, do not put down papers. He/she will get use to going on that and will not go outside.
  When you feed your pup be sure to take them outside and walk them around within the first 20 minutes. They will do their business, praise him/her and go back inside. A puppy has to go more often than a dog. Once they are out of the puppy stage you can train them to go longer. You may even have to get up during the night to let them out when they are small. Don't worry, dogs are smart. A dog will not go where they sleep either.


• Always positive reinforcement! Say "sit", show them sit, immediate treat. Say "sit", show them sit, immediate treat. Over and over, they'll get it. Be succint. No "please sit, puppy, puppy" or lots of extra words. Say the command firmly but at a normal volume. And no spanking, it slows down the training process. Usually a dog will learn a trick from one person and not apply it to another person, so you may have to have everyone in the house do this.


• With lots of patience, treats, time, and love. I'd enroll him in puppy kindergarden. If you can't afford classes read some books on dog training.


• BE CONSISTANT!!!!!!!!


• To train to sit stay, use a leash, and show them leash and when leash is lowered to ground, say sit, then up and pick up leash. When they learn to sit and rise , you can lay the leash down and say stay, If you use hand signals with verbal commands you probably will find your puppy will learn faster. Potty training is just a matter of taking him out each time you feed him. If he makes a mess clean the area with ammonia in clear water to remove the smell. so your puppy hasn't a marked spot to potty.


• SIT
  What you have to do is say sweetie sit as you take a treat and hold it above his nose. Move that hand behind his head his hips will go down And praise him give her the treat and practice it allot and then she will get the hang of it.
  
  Down
  Make your dog sit, once she is sitting show her a treat and say down sweetie move the treat from her nose to the floor right in front of her front paws. Lead her nose to the floor. As her head follows the treat, your left hand can be resting on her shoulders to help her lie down. If she tries to pop up hold her down with your other hand. Once she is done praise her give her the treat and keep practicing.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: What should I do with a little english setter which has behavior problems?

Hi everybody,

I got this 4,5 months old english setter from my friend, but he doesn't know how to train a dog, neither do I , that's why I started to search for dog training tips on the net. If possible tell me proven methods, and if you want, I put them on my blog -which I started to help to people with the same problem-. Don't worry, if you don't want to share your tip on my blog with other people just put a 'y-o' (yahoo-only) at the beginning of your answer. :) Thank you for your help.

http://the-dog-behavior-problem.blogspot.com/

Therapy Dog Training - What Are the Various Methods of Obedience Training For Dogs?

Recommended Answer:
You can train your dog yourself. It's not hard, if you take the time to study the methods of Dog Training.

See if you can find the book..Good Dog, Bad Dog, by Mathew Margolis and Eric Seigel..It is an older book, but it has everything you need to teach your dog basic obedience.
I recommend you learn basic dog training yourself, because you will understand your dog better and be able to reinforce the training as necessary.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

• look for links on the internet


• Hey, I suggest tivo-ing The Dog Whisperer. Look him up on the net, he's AMAZING with dog behaviors. I watch him every time he comes on...it sounds hokey, but believe me - he works wonders on any kind of behavioral issue you have with your dog. I've learned a ton just by watching him work. What kind of problems do you have??


• http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
  
  this is the best help you ask for


• I have seen people and am constantly helping individuals retrain their dogs after they took it upon themselves to read a training book or get tips off of the internet. Some tips are easy to teach with just words but far too many, need the seasoned eye of the professional trainer to let you know why your dog isn't responding to your training methods. The body language of the handler is so important to obtaining the attention or your dog and the response that you are seeking. The best tip that I can give you is to find a local training school and sign up for Basic Obedience training. Take a course and learn first hand how difficult it is to assess your own body language.


• Instead of trying to wing it on your own, try looking for a local dog trainer or go to obedience classes. Some are available through 4H groups or animal shelters, some are private people. It would really be easiest that way, and then you'd be much more prepared when you get the next dog. Have fun with your new pup!


• Take your dog to soemone that does "traditional" dog training, and not this new age clicker and treat because you you looked at me cute.
  
  By traditional I mean a method that is tried and true over several decades.
  
  Visit the link I have provided, and find out the facts of what I consider "real" dog training, and not the misconceptions.
  
  You will wind up with a dog who is well adjusted, well trained, and most of all is BONDED TO YOU and not his stomach!
  
  Best of luck!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Do most dogs like to watch the Animal Planet channel when dogs are on TV?

My older dog used to take a look and then walk away, but my puppy keeps turned to the TV to watch the whole program. Is this a puppy thing? We watch the dog training programs together .

Dog Training Classes - Dog Training to Unleash Your Dog's Full Potential

Recommended Answer:
my pitbull (9 years old) LOVES watching Animal Planet.. and I'm serious, he watches it. We used to watch all the dog shows, and of course, the dog whisper and him and I will sit there and just watch it for hours.. If it change the station, after a few min he gets up and leaves..

So i know for a fact my dog watches tv.. which is just bad ***.

Schutzhund Dog Training Is Not So Difficult - Read These Top Tips

• None of my dogs ever paid attention to anything we watch. Could be the puppy hears the dogs barking from that big machine thing in the living room, and it sounds just like dogs/puppies, so the puppy is definitely interested.


• lol well my dog Duke will watch family Guy with me. When ever Peter does his wierd giggle/laugh he will make light woofs at him XD
  
  And my cat Simba will watch AP sometimes. when he see birds on TV he will chatter at them. lol I have awesome pets.


• yeah not lying... my dog watches animal planet especially if there are dogs on. if you change the channel he leaves or does something else. its pretty funny.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: What are the good and bad sides of starting a business in a low population area?

I want to start a dog training business, on a Hawaiian island without many people. What are the good and bad sides of picking a location like this?

Dog Training Tips - Equipment Needed

Recommended Answer:
Good side is - Low OR No competitors, and
Bad side - Low or No Demand

So find it out that the Bad Side point should not be there.

Best of luck

Dog Training Methods

• the good side is that you will have a few competitors. the downside is that you will be working on a small market meaning you need to go out and have a majority of the clients in order to be successful

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Question about dog training?

ok. i have a pretty good dog, except that he gets out the door sometimes and runs. and, when we take him on walks, we have to have him on a leash. even if we taght him to heel, he gets too excited about bein outside to listen to us. what do we do?

Secrets to Dog Training Review - A Review of the Best Dog Obedience Training Program

Recommended Answer:
There are a few things you need to do. 1) You need to establish yourself as packleader. I suggest you tune into the dog whisper a few times A week for some tips. There are many good books as well. One way to do it is to put your dog on his back atleast 3 times a day. Hold him down until he is calm and submissive. Do not let him up when he cries and screams no matters what. Eventually he will stop fighting you and submit fast. This establishes you are the pack leader. Dogs are much more controlable when they look at you as thier leader. 2) You need to exercise your dog. I say take him jogging for 30 minutes everyday. If you don't walk him enough he will become hyper. Dogs must get excercise. If you don't have the time pay someone. teach him to behave with a leash before you try to get him to behave without it. I suggest leaving his leash on all the time. So that you can easily grab it and take control.

Clicker Training as an Effective Dog Training Tool

• Block the doorways so he can't bolt or put him on a leash when you know people are coming over. Teach the dog proper leash manners and KEEP him on that leash - leash laws are in place for a reason, and you should NEVER walk a dog without a leash unless you're in a securely fenced in area.
  
  I recommend reading and using the Koehler Method of Dog Training. It will teach the dog to be mindful of where the handler is without using treats to focus attention (therefore without the possibility of the dog relying on those treats to be obedient) - the dog will learn to focus on YOU, and you don't have to do much except let the dog make mistakes. You barely have to lift a finger, you just hold onto the leash and use your body in different turn styles (right, left, fast, etc).
  
  http://www.koehlerdogtraining.com/


• Sign up for obedience training - that way you can learn how to control him better. For now, here are a few suggestions:
  
  Running out the door - you need a good recall - I use a regular whistle = just hang it by the door. Start with him in front of you - blow the whistle, give treat, repeat several times. Let him in a fenced in area - blow the whistle, give treat, repeat several times. Do this for weeks.
  
  Heeling - as soon as he gets excited - stop walking. Use the "watch me" command - take a treat and hold it up to your nose saying "watch me". Once he does, treat and give lots of praise - repeat, repeat, repeat. Do not move foward with your walk until he calms down.


• If he is young or a puppy, he needs to be taught strictly and he needs to grow.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog training - have a puppy and need help!?

We have a puppy living in our apartment. He's a little over three months and we've been trying to train him. He only goes to the bathroom on the tile in the kitchen, and refuses to go outside. We'll take him out, and two minutes after he gets in THEN he'll use the bathroom. Any tips?

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog

Recommended Answer:
1st & best way to train is with a crate. Give him breakfast in there & have him stay in there for about an hour, then take him outside (or visa versa), but be consistent. Same for dinner. Now when my dog knows it's "food time" she immediately goes in her "bed". It's her safe haven. While a pup, for several wks., keep him in the crate & only take him out when you can totally supervise him - indoors & out. He won't pee or poop where he's sleeping or eating.

Dog Training - How to Housebreak an Adopted Dog

• A puppy that age cannot hold its bladder for more that 2 hours. It needs to go outside 3 times a day if you can, but you need the time to train him, and then he will learn where to go.


• maybe try crate training dogs dont like to pee where they sleep there are tons of useful websites on crate training plus that way he wont chew stuff


• if you catch him going to the bathroom on the kitchen tiles then pick him up right then a take him outside. but you have to do RIGHT when hes going to the bathroom because you want him to learn that its bad to go in the house.


• Take him outside and leave him out there for a long enough time and he won't be able to hold it any longer. Then as soon as he goes, give him a treat and praise him. Do this every time and if he's quick, then he'll pick up that he gets a treat whenever he goes outside. Also, try feeding him outside. It will help make him feel more comfortable and want to go outside and relieve himself. Give him a treat every time he goes to the bathroom outside and eventually he should get the message. Oh and when you pick him up in the middle of it and take him outside, if he goes, give him a treat.
  
  Hope this helps!


• Try a puppy pad. Watch him closely and when he looks like he has to go put him on the pad and if he gets off keep putting him there until he goes and then praise him for going on the pad. You have to pay close attention he will start to sniff and circle alot.
  
  P.S. puppies need to go to the bathroom after they eat, when they wakeup and after they play.


• I would recommend crate training. Put him in the crate while you can't watch him and at bed time. When you take him out of the crate take him directly outside. If by chance he doesn't relieve himself put him right back in the crate wait a few minutes and then try to bring him outside again. The crate should just be a tad bit larger than him so he has room to stand and turn around, any larger he will use one side as a bathroom and sleep at the other side. You are right to pick him up in the middle of the act and rush him right outside. If he finishes outside reward him like he just did the best thing other. Also always use the same terms like potty, pee pee, bathroom...etc. He is still young he'll get it soon enough :-) I hope I helped.


• Hi there! There are 2 things your puppy needs - stability and a routine. You should get him into a routine where you are walking him at regular times of the day and night. For instance, as soon as you come home, take him out. That way he'll learn that when he sees you come through the door, walkies will follow. Walk with him until he eventually goes to the toilet. When he does, make a big fuss over him, telling him he is a good boy, and patting/hugging him, give him a dog treat etc. Only then do you take him back into the apartment. You may be outside for some time, but trust me, it will work in the end.
  
  If he goes in the house, don't obviously give him any treats and just sternly say "Bad boy!" Don't shout. He will soon learn the tones of your voice. Dogs only ever want to please and once he learns how to please you, he'll be better behaved.
  
  I don't believe in punishing him or using a crate, that's just cruel, he's only a puppy and he has yet to learn right from wrong, and it's up to you to teach him. Also, if possible, work with him on a one to one. It's much better if he gets instructions from just one person as opposed to 2 or 3 people, different commands from different people will only confuse him.
  
  Lastly, if you haven't already have him checked out by a vet, do so. He might well have an infection, and when dogs are unwell, they tend not to want to venture too far from home. Good Luck! 8-))
  
  

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Bird dog training cost.?

What can I expect to pay to have my German Shorthair Pointer field trained. I am looking for average cost. Also cost to train a Chesapeake Bay Retreiver to duck hunt, or are they about the same? All help appreciated. Thanks.

Do You Make These 4 Common Mistakes in Dog Training?

Recommended Answer:
Anything over $500.00 is way too much.

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

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: How do you know when your dog training has worked?

Usually when the front door is open my dog Duke will go outside in the front yard. But this morning the screen door was shut and I walked up to the door and Duke just sat right by the door.

It made me happy because usually before I let them in the backyard i tell them to sit at the door before opening then I open the door and let them out. I have been doing this or my bedroom door too.

i was proud of him!
<
thats him!

The Newest Kind of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I think You know the training has worked ~~~ when you command them to do something
and they Obey... after a while.. it just becomes habit, and you don't even have to
say anything.. they just do it.. that is success....

I have found when you have a screen door involved you gotta be careful... if they
are in a hurry to get out. they will break a glass door, or rip out the screen in a
screen door..
It sounds like the sitting technique is working,, now on to the leash.. keep a tight
rein on him.. no slack.. until he learns his manners.. he is not to go out in front of
you.. you are the master.. you lead the pack.. good luck... take care

How to Find the Perfect Dog Training System

• Sounds like it has. Just keep up the reinforcement and he will retain it.


• Sometimes, it's just what you described! They just suddenly seemed to exhibit the behavior that you wanted instead of the behavior that you anticipated. That is a GOOD DAY, as you are usually surprised when a dog STOPS doing something you really need him to stop doing without a command. That is a day that you do a victory dance! Congratulations!
  
  But usually, it's that your dog will consistently attend to you and respond to commands regardless of environment and circumstances, also called 'proofing'; or consistently fails to exhibit a behavior you sought to eliminate with no commands needed.


• if it wants to do more training!!!!!!


• When Chaos does a command I tell him to do, on the spot, with distractions. No saying the command more than once and no luring with treats/toys.Congrats on the training, glad everything is going well. Cute dog, btw.


• Just keep reinforcing the behavior with positive things like treats and praise. Sounds like he has learned.


• When this happens, it is called a default behavior and is the result of the dog being rewarded each time for doing the behavior. In this case, the reward is going through the door. It takes many repetitions to get a default behavior. Ussually the behavior is trained without the cue first in specific situations, such as going through a door, greeting people at the door, or when you are eating. Trainers generalize the behavior to other locations, then add the cue so the dog knows what the behavior is called. Once the dog knows that, then they drop it again in that situation and wait for it to get the behavior as a default. Of course the reward each time is going through the door.
  
  Just keep at your loose leash walking in low distrations areas and slowly increase distractions levels and he'll get that too! Which method are you using? I use the penalty yards approach by Sue Ailsby. http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/Levels/LevelBehaviours/TL15Leash.html
  
  If you want to learn more about training behavior, check out "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Pryor.
  It shows the 8 possible ways to train or change a behavior. Works for all animals including humans!


• When they repeat the same behavior at least a dozen times without being told.
  
  Bingo.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Parenting and Dog Training?

Do you think both go hand in hand? As in, how you discipline your kids and how you train / discipline your dogs are similar?

Example..I am not against punishment and a good ol' butt whooping when needed with the kids. I'm actually FOR it...same for my dog. If I need to correct him with a prong/chocke b/c he's behaving like a little demon ... I have no problems with that.

If you have both, kids and dogs, is the way you approach discipline similar?LEGIT: Random question based on something I observed recently:
Your dog is loose. Takes off running and approaches the neighbor's property. They have electrical fencing for their rather LARGE mutt. Both dogs start barking, hackles up...whole nine yards. What would your dog do?
---approach the random dog and cause a fight
---bark and retreat

Service Dog Training - How to Prepare Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Well I don't have kids - my significant other says he thinks I would be harder on my kids than I would be on the dog lol. I agree to an extent.
I mean my child's livelihood will be based on how I raise them and if and when I decide discipline needs to come into action. Letting my dog get away with something he is not supposed to do is a whole lot different than letting my kid get away with something - humans can make poor judgement, can harm themselves in multiple ways, can leave the house at a certain age on their own free will - dogs can't really do any of that. Does that make sense?

I do use corrections with my dog - and when I have kids, depending on the individual child, I will be okay with giving them a spank if needed.
We were talking about this the other day actually, me and my friends - to make the comparison, there are kids who can be stubborn and dominant and kids who are non-confrontational and submissive. I wouldn't discipline both kids the same way because the latter probably wouldn't need a good spank. Same with dogs - if I had a little submissive dog, I wouldn't train it the same way I train the dog I have now.

Legit: If the dog comes at Quattro, Quattro's response is always fight and not flight. If it starts with him but doesn't approach him, Quattro usually will just give the dog a bunch of crap vocally and then leave.

6 Step by Step Instructions For Dog Training Preparation

• While I don't have kids, I think I am going to have to concede this theory to you. I do think that the people I know with kids and dogs did the training, or lack of training/parenting the same. Parents who did not parent their children, also had dogs that were not trained. Parents who raised good kids, also have behaved dogs. I am not sure how to scientifically prove your theory, but there does seem to be a pattern. I would not tolerate bad behavior from my dogs, and I certainly don't tolerate it from nieces and nephews either, despite how their parents raised them. My house, my rules. I think you are right.


• No I don't always correct my kid the same way as the dogs....my kid loses privileges & the dogs get corrections, both get rewards for good behavior.
  
  To them all- I am the authority figure.Legit- My dogs would never make it to the fence, as soon as I gave them a command, they would listen & not act unruly, but if left to themselves it would depend on which dog I was referring to. One would ignore the mutt altogether, 2 of them would try to fight, & the other would bark & retreat.


• Your first question was perfectly legit. For the second one, my Toy Poodle would come back to me crying, and my Miniature Poodle/Schnauzer mutt would ignore all the dangers and go right through and be the big man on campus..until the big dogs eat him alive.
  
  No, the training shouldn't be similar. Frankly, children do need spankings from time to time. When a child tears things up or whatever and refuses to listen, bring it on. But when a dog tears things up and such, well the dog isn't getting the exercise or training it needs.


• I don't think the methods are always the same--but the principles sure are. Some things are just basic, and apply in all walks of life. . .just my opinion.
  
  I don't have children of my own, but my mother is a teacher. It's amazing how I can understand her methods of dealing with the children she deals with AND the best ways children will learn, because it is similar to dog training. Not identical, no, but the basis is the same.
  
  Hope that makes sense :)
  
  Legit: Holly or Lexy MAY go in to stir things up (I really think Lexy would) . . .the two Shelties would bark and retreat.


• Well I don't have kids, but if I did I would certainly not be afraid to be tough with them, like I am with my own dog. I hate this new aged "ignore bad behavior/time out" crap, it just does not work. Both kids and dogs need to know what's right from wrong, and if that means harsh punishment, so be it.
  
  Legit: He would start a fight, no question. But that would assume I was an idiot and allowed him to be loose like that.


• Problem with kids is that they're so unpredictable, though I have to say my methods would be much the same.
  
  My dog would more than likely try to play with the other dog, and then with a loud yelp realize that those wires there kind of hurt. She tends to get along with most dogs, I don't think she's met a dog yet that she can't get along with.


• I think they do go hand in hand. I won't pt up with kids or dogs that are badly behaved, I don't have the patience for it. I use the punishment that works. I have had friends tell me that they are sending their kids to me because "you don't take any crap"
  
  Legit: Mine wouldn't have hackles up, they would run like little girls


• dogs cant understand what youre saying kids can kids can talk dogs cant kids know what youre saying and if they dont do what youre doing then you already know they knew what you meant so....and dogs cant unless they know body language and you taught them hand signals or dog school but if you didnt its not ur or the dogs fault so the dog wont understand u soo... thats the difference.btw im a kid lol


• Wow - why are people like you even permitted to have kids and/or pets? Shouldn't you be out back of your house playing a banjo and gnawing on chewing tobacco instead of adding more problems to the world?
  
  I seriously hope that someone calls the Humane Society and/or Children's Services on you.


• well i use positive reenforce ment... i will make a noise or say "no" loud and bold if hes doing something wrong.
  and when im older, i dont want kids, but if i had some id probably be a lil stricter.
  
  i see nothing wrong with your method, as long as you dont mis use it or hurt them ( im sure u wont though:) )
  
  add: sorry i forgot the legit! mine would bark and retreat, hes a 9 yr old lab mix. :)


• I'm strict with my dogs. Same routine. Command. No. Correction.
  
  I'm just as strict with kids, I love Bernie Mac's part of the Kings of Comedy "I'll knock a kid out!"...lol.
  
  Dr. Spock...the one who started the no "spanking" phenomenon? His son committed suicide...go figure.


• I don't have kids cause im like below 10. but for a dog i would just yell at it. and once its sad i feed it and it loves meh again heh


• Let's just say my dogs don't get away with s***!
  
  They are trained properly because I can't stand dogs that are not trained, never mind bratty children who whine and cry to get their way. Same principle goes for my dogs, I can't stand it when dogs literally walk all over their owners.
  
  I do not have children, nor do I plan on having children any time soon...but I would like to think that my parenting skills would be similar to that of my dog training methods. I would have a firm and no buts about it attitude.. I honestly think these days that kids are FAR too spoiled. They get whatever new gaming system comes out, whine and cry for the newest cell phone etc. There are some kids who actually work hard to achieve these novelties in life, but all too many I see are just snotty brats.
  
  Not to say I WASN'T ONE at one point in time, but let's just say I've learned from being on of those conniving children. I knew how to work my parents, they were all about no spanking etc. If I wanted something I typically got it, to say I was spoiled...yes. Have I learned from that? Most definetly! I don't think in a million years I would want a child like me! LOL.
  
  It isn't enough that when I was waitressing I would see so many ill mannered children out for supper with their parents, but to actually see VIDEOS of ONESELF acting out in that way...yeah that was the eye opener for me. I NEVER want to have a child that is spoilt, same thing goes for my dogs!
  
  Legit: My Labrador Retrievers would probably try take on the dog. They can sometimes have dog aggression. I would be holding my breathe, hoping nothing happened! They usually are good with other dogs, it's typically small dogs they don't care for. I sum it up to countless Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and other toy breed attacks on them. Small dogs just don't like them for some reason...
  
  My Basset Hound on the other hand would probably tuck his tail between his legs, pee himself and then fly away as fast as his little legs could take him! He is VERY submissive, and gets very scared of other dogs, especially ones that are larger than him. =(


• I raise my children and train my dogs in much the same manner. I can usually tell what type of parents people are based upon their dog or vice versa. I am very consistent (typically) with both my children and my dogs. For my kids I give them a verbal warning that i do not like their behavior (and why if it deems fit) followed by a correction (time out, spanking, additional job etc depending on the situation) I simply do not talk twice. Same with my dogs...command followed by correction, if the command is blown. My 5 yr old son is going through a demon stage. Gets me frustrated. I made the joke the other night that if he were a dog he would be tethered to me or crated at all times, thus inhibiting his chances of sneaking off and getting into trouble. haha.
  
  Legit~ My AB would stand with chest out, tail high acting very bold. However, she would be pretty insecure (just a pup) but try really hard not to show it. Thus, causing a fight response from the other dog. I think she would probably not step down and get her @ss whooped...not sure tho? My Cavs...would never bark and growl back...they would merely ignore the other dog or bark/run away :p


• Very interesting question Bells !!
  
  Just got called into work for a few hours but will definitely answer when I get back.Back.. :)
  
  I didn't have to ponder this question very long.
  
  I have never raised a hand to my children or to any of my pets. Not to say that I hadn't thought about it at times however, I think that you get a great response by showing respect as the leader or being the head of the household than by fear of getting into trouble.
  
  I found that simply telling my children that I was disappointed in them did far more than screaming would have and for my dogs I simply used the ignore technique and saying no, which in both cases has always worked well for me.
  
  Of course in both children and dogs, at some point they will try and test the waters by doing something they shouldn't but I always stand my ground. Respect is a high priority for me and I will not waiver. I treat people and animals as I would like to be treated.Legit:
  
  I personally don't like electric invisible fencing due to the fact of other people's dog can come on to the property, but....
  
  My dogs I think would try and go after the dog/s. Although that would have to be when no walked on a lead. There is never a time that would even be considered. I like to have mine under my control at all times.


• I believe that our philosophies are similar, even if methods are far different.
  I don't raise my voice, nor my hand to a child, a horse or a dog.
  I have never found a reason to.
  I am a quiet and non-violent person, and a communicator.
  I can always find a better way to communicate than smacking or screaming.
  
  For me, it is a challenge to find the most effective communication.
  
  I have raised 21 foster children, plus 2 of my own. For many years, we always had seven children in living in our home. Children listen to me, and have never been disrespectful. I used to be our church's children's minister, and worked for another children's outreach, as well as being the director of YKids, after-school day care, in the early 1980's.
  NEVER has a child shown disrespect or spoken rudely to me..Not even my own kids.
  
  I am pretty much the same with dogs. I have worked with well over 300 dogs, of all breeds and ages.
  I speak very softly, and dogs pay attention and strive to please.
  
  I am the same with horses, and get amazing results.
  
  It's all about finding the right motivators and learning to communicate.
  
  Added:My Afghans have little interest in other dogs, so wouldn't approach or react to them. I have never seen their hackles up. hmm..( do they even have hackles?) My little dogs wouldn't leave my yard.


• I'm not a parent but I worked at a daycare as mainly the 1.5 to 2.5 year old teacher. I used time outs and positive reinforcements. It was very successful and the kids and I shared a loving relationship. I thought of them as my own family and felt honored as their "temporary mother replacement" person and did not hesitate to gasp in dramatically and put in time out if one did something they shouldn't. They understood. Only time out for as many minutes as their age though. The positive reinforcement was for teaching potty training and being good at circle time or whatever. It was usually a stamp on their hand and a star by their names if it was for something really good.
  
  I guess I am the same with my dogs. I reward their good behavior, different rewards for difficulty levels. And if one does something I don't want, like they are allowed off leash but if they decide to not come that very second I say "come" then they get the leash on. I've had to use a prong collar for 2 situations. But I think there are many ways to achieve what you want and different ways will work better in different situations and for each individual dog. Children were easier, they all worked the same way for everything hahaha.
  
  LG: my dogs wouldn't run up to any dog or person. I love the freedom of letting them off leash so I spent many months teaching them how i want them to act off leash and constantly reinforce it.
  
  add: I love DeeDawgs answer! PREVENT, TEACH, CORRECT- AMEN!


• No kids. Their cute, but they would suck the life out of me. I mean no disrespect to parents and those that love kids, simply that I believe the world is too overpopulated and I appreciate my freedom.
  
  I believe, along with several others, that a nice rule of thumb is to have 2 kids, one to replace Mom/Dad and one to replace Mama/Papa. That being said, I think Jon and Kate have already had my kids.
  
  I was born to good parents, who just happened to lead double lives as a heroin addict and diagnosed depression (often suicidal). I was punished regardless of whether or not I did anything wrong. My parents love me, don't get me wrong, but knew that if my dad was high or my mom was having one of those days I could be the nicest kid in the world and my dad would still forget to pick me up or bring me out all night and leave me in the car while he hanged with friends, and my mom would yell at me and threaten to kill herself (on the worst of occasions, she would threaten to kill us both).
  
  Needless to say, I don't know much about parenting. I know that my dad punished me by giving me timeouts. It was probably the only thing I ever learned from. It was annoying, long, and humiliating. I never swore at my father again unless he really deserved it. I never learned anything from spankings, I would run and hide, scream, throw things. I would bite if they caught me. So they only tried twice or so. To this day, I dislike spankings. I get that some kids deserve them, but I've met plenty of parents that were jackwholes, can I spank them? (Looks hopeful)
  
  I don't use leash corrections. I don't need them. I can't think of the last time they behaved so badly that a pop on the collar was warranted. They're well behaved in general, and a verbal correction is enough to show them when they are doing something wrong.
  
  I learned best from timeouts AKA crate training? Getting off leash has to be earned?
  I responded to spankings with more violence, I don't think that's why I don't do leash corrections. I used to use leash corrections but they aren't necessary any more.
  
  LEGIT: Neither. Cameron is too pigheaded to turn away, but to smart to advance. Duncan is to cowardly to advance, but to curious to turn away. They would both stand their ground and stare and/or bark. But Cameron and Duncan wouldn't have their hackles raised to begin with. They don't pick fights, if another dog attacks them they'll defend themselves, but other dogs have growled, lunged, snapped at them and all they do is stare back.
  
  -Alika613


• There are similarities, but the goal is different.
  
  Children will eventually grow up and live their own lives. They need to learn how to do things for themselves, how to make decisions, and how to be independent. Dogs will always be dependent.
  
  Frankly, I raised my kids much the same way I trained my horses. If I had it to do over again, I would do some things differently.....kids are different.
  
  However, my tolerance for badly behaved children and animals would not change.....I expect both to have good manners.
  
  LG - it depends on the dog. I have dogs that would fight and dogs that would run.


• I guess in a way you could say I did..except I did'nt give the kids a treat..I was never a strong disiplinarian as my mother was and I said I would never be that way with my kids..My kids are now married and can maybe think of one time I smacked them on the behins,and boy did I have a guilt trip over that one..With my kids and dogs it was an everyday thing with me as far as training went..So I guess in a way you could say I did..
  
  Legit..I did approach my neighbors 2 Retreivers when my Pekingese thought he was tougher and bigger and crossed over 3 yrs ago when I moved here.Thank Goodness nothing happened as their bark was bigger than their bite..But the funny thing was to see the faces on those dogs when my little one ran over to them.They did'nt have a clue what it was..and kinda backed up..


• "well i use positive reenforce ment... i will make a noise or say "no" loud and bold if hes doing something wrong."
  
  LMAO !! making a noise or saying "NO" is positive punishment, not positive reinforcement.
  Sure glad that kids know all there is to know about Operant Conditioning these days
  :-)
  
  The problem is that you can sit a child down and explane to them why something is wrong -- the method doesn't work all that well with a dog.
  However; Dr Spock is a theory, not a law.
  
  edit:
  "Is there a Dr. Spock for dogs? Please tell me its not Ceasar"
  
  ya, Edward Thorndike, John Watson, and B. F. Skinner (ie; Operant Conditioning)
  
  edit:
  "Murphy was chasing Bambi yesterday (2 small deer). It was just interesting to see him in that situation. Both dogs barked and looked threatening. Mine ran back to me after a minute or so...and the other dog didnt charge or try to attack either."
  
  geez, a Beagle that hasn't been "trash broken" would have chased that bambi all the way to the next county.


• Sortof. I think a lot of the things dogs need to be happy and healthy, kids need, too. Structure, rules, boundaries, consistency and reinforcement are all essential for dogs and for kids. I also have a generally "unless I see blood, everyone's OK" approach. It's insane too, what trends you see and how they're the same for kids and dogs. I was at the pharmacy the other day where two kids were running around, grabbing stuff off the shelves, and being brats. Their grandfather, who was behind me in line, said "I'm pretty sure those kids don't even know the meaning of the word 'No.'" Likewise, walking my dog the other day, we were rushed by a golden who was barking aggressively and running at my dog. Remi will NOT tolerate that from other dogs, particularly when he's on a leash. The owner came over and said "Oh, ___ You found a friend! Aw look, their friends!"
  
  WTF? Growling, tails and hackles up does not mean friends. These two events literally happened within hours of each other- similarities?
  
  Legit: I'm not sure. Remi would probably stand his ground until the other dog moved. If the other dog took so much as a step forward, it would probably escalate. He might bark, but I don't think he's retreat, unfortunately. We're working on his tolerance!


• I never had kids, but allot of people treat their dogs like children.
  Many of them try to train them like kids. I have seen numerous questions about putting dogs in time out.....come on do people you really think that does any good.
  Dogs are dogs and need to be treated like it. My dogs are better trained then allot of these spoiled rotten kids that train the parent instead of the other way around.
  
  My dogs will not entice a fight but they sure won't back down.


• I think that training/disciplining is different. I don't have kids, but I do take care of my brother. When he gets into trouble and starts not listening, he goes into time out. Sometimes he'll be destructive and start throwing stuff while in time out, and that's when I spank him.
  
  It's the same with my two dogs(a 4year old wolf mix and a 6-7month old chihuahua). I would only spank or use physical force if that was the only thing I that would help(like if my wolf mix happens to get into a fight). I actually don't like prong/chock collars. I don't think it's humane at all, but, eh, to each their own.
  
  Legit: My chihuahua would bark and retreat, then go back, yap, try to be threatening, but then end up just running back home with his tail between his legs. My wolf mix... Well, before, when he was untrained, he would approach the dog and fight. Now that he's trained, I think he might stand and stare down the other dog, but if I called him back, he would come back. If he was outside by himself and I didn't notice he had gotten out, he would approach and fight. Unfortunately, when he's out on his own and no one is with him, his wolf instincts take over, and a dog barking at him and displaying dominant behaviors would be hard for my dog to ignore. If the dog submitted to my dog, then my dog would be happy with that and just walk away.


• I am for corporal punishment of human children.
  
  I am not for corporal punishment of dogs. I may use some physicality on them - but its mostly to pop them out of their bad mode and get their full and focused attention for my correction
  
  LEGIT: my dogs would retreat. Jake is too mellow to fight and Roscoe is too chickensh*t - even though Roscoe can look pretty ferocious, for a 25 lb dog.
  
  Here is Roscoe kicking his brother's azz.
  
  http://www.flickr.com/photos/52566436@N0…


• As a person who has instructed many dog training classes for youth an d adults, I can tell you that both go hand in hand. Parents with well behaved outgoing children have well behaved outgoing dogs no matter what breed. Both the children and the dogs learn the rules and expectations through consistency. The parents and owners have taught the children and dogs understandable discipline and corrections for poor behavior. They properly praise and reward good behavior. they do not give many grey areas as to proper behavior. They are fair and and consistent in the use of their methods.
  
  Any more, I can tell the success of an owner in training class by the behavior of their children if any.
  
  Legit: One of my dogs would want to play. She would show this behavior by play bowing and barking. The other two would just ignore the other dog. All would come back to my whistle. I too contend with many "Bambis" in and around my yard. The deer are thick this year. Sadly so are the mountain lions.


• child training and dog training? for me, they're ABSOLUTELY similar.
  
  PREVENT inappropriate behavior with good diet and lots of exercise. this is as important for humans as it is for dogs. my kids and dogs are exercised together (we all run together in the woods, and i run with the dogs while my daughter rides her bike with us)
  
  TEACH them what you want them to do, and reward them in some way when they are doing what you want. this can be as simple as food or play for a dog, and compliments, hugs, stickers, allowance, etc. for a child.
  
  CORRECT behaviors that you know they KNOW are inappropriate. if it is something they have not learned yet, a simple NO, and telling them what they ought to do should suffice (with a dog, i might just give it a conflicting command, with a child, i'd explain to them WHY they can't do it) then the performance of the desired behavior can be rewarded. intentional disobedience calls for a stronger correction. (dogs- collar correction, etc., children- age and infraction appropriate punishment, like spanking (rarely) time out, grounded, etc.LEGIT:::::::::::::::::::::
  good recall prevents that situation from ever happening, and training- they won't leave the yard unless i tell them to. BUT, hypothetically, they would approach the dog, and probably kill it.


• Yes, I do think I approach discipline in the same way for both kids and dogs.
  
  I don't have kids. At this point in time, I'm not sure I want any in the future.
  
  When I was growing up, my mom NEVER resorted to physical punishment aka hitting, punching, slapping, spanking, etc. She believed that trust is far more important than having your kid fear you. All kids are individuals, (What works for one, may not work for another.) but I believe that you should never raise a hand to your children. I was raised successfully WITHOUT physical punishment. To this day, I have a great relationship with my mom! I don't fear or hate her for memorable physical punishments because there were none!
  
  Don't get me wrong, my mom did NOT use the ignore method. There were groundings, loss of privileges, time outs, verbal warnings and writing lines. She was always fair and picked the appropriate punishment out of the ones above.
  
  I do NOT approve of today's kids! I DO think parenting has gone down the drain! Like I said above, I don't believe that anyone should still be using the spanking crap, but today's parents just stand back and do NOTHING!
  
  It's pitiful! You can't even say “Johnny and Michael stop doing that” no, you have to “invite” them or “ask” them to stop! If you TELL them to stop their “self esteem” might be hurt! Now THAT is the stupidest thing I've ever heard! And people wonder why suddenly there's an epidemic of bratty kids! That's because we cannot raise our voices, TELL them what they can and cannot do and say words like “Stop” and “No!”
  
  Now with my dog, I don't use physical punishment. Obviously, I can't issue “time outs” and things like that, but I can get my point across verbally and with a collar correction when I need too. Changing the tone of my voice is one of the easiest ways to get my point across. I don't classify corrections as physical punishment. Prong and choke collars aren't painful or harmful when used properly unlike a good slap which is going to hurt.
  
  Legit: First, my dog would never be running loose. But if it did happen, she'd probably bark ferociously and run for her life. If the other dog approached her than she would fight because she'd feel like she has no other choice.


• When I was in Jr High, my parents had me take our family mixed breed to obedience classes. We loved it! Went to a couple of fun matches and I was hooked. Parents bought me my first Sheltie when I was in High School for my competition obedience dog. Then married, got into conformation showing and breeding.
  
  We were not going to have kids, as the majority I saw in public were obnoxious, bratty, whiny, screaming, wild heathens. Their screaming was like fingernails scraping a blackboard to me and I would actually start shaking inside.
  
  Then, after being married for 10 years...oops! (So I ended up running around the conformation ring with a big fat belly!) My daughter was dragged to dog shows from the time she was a baby. Two years later, oops again, my son. (One would think I would have figured this out)
  
  My kids are grown and gone. And I survived! They drove me nuts, but all in all were pretty good kids. Considering they were still kids. Never got into any "real" trouble. Have good morals. We always got compliments on them.
  
  Generally, we used the same concepts for our kids: set the rules, praise for good, correct for bad, earn freedoms or lose freedoms.
  
  For the kids, I explained that "we" did not punish them. That by their decision to not follow rules, they, themselves, chose the "consequence". Plain and simple.
  
  After a sister/brother fight outside when they were like 6 and 8, my son came running into the house and I found him on the time out chair!
  
  My reflections on dogs vs kids. Dogs are so much easier!!!! You can put them in a crate and leave them at home when you go to the store. If they bark too much, you can have them de-barked. If you don't like them, you can give them away. If they are really bad, you can put them down. If you do this with kids you go to jail! :)....yeah, yeah. I know I am going to get thumbs down. Or a violation for the above. Because I am not PC, and people don't have a sense of humor anymore.
  
  Being in the "dog world" my entire life (most people I know are breeders, trainers, and compete with their dogs in all areas) I have to say the majority of "dog people's" kids are much better trained than the general public's.Legit question: If I had a neighbor with a large dog inside an electric fence, and I had my dog off leash, and she was running ahead and got close to the fence, and the neighbor's dog started barking with hackles up......my dog would not bark, she would not approach the fence. She would stop, startled, stand and look to me. And I would call her to me and praise her. This would be the scenario on our first walk. Any further walks, she would be sure not to get too close to that fence!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Guard dog training or natural?

i just rescued a mixed breed puppy, part lab, maybe shepherd, maybe maybe part pit bull... i am wondering, when wanting a dog who will bark at intruders and generally guard the house, but, also be a good friendly and trustworthy dog, is that something you can train them to be or is it something they are born with? like, do they have to have a guard dog personality to be a good watchful dog?

Residential Dog Training Vs DIY Home Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Most dogs will protect their territory by barking at intruders. It's an instinct. You shouldn't have the dog trained as a personal protection or guard dog, as it's a liability nightmare and your homeowners insurance (or rental insurance or whatever) will go sky-high. Once he's nearing adult hood, if you have developed a bond with him and he is comfortable in his home, he will likely guard the home. Make sure you socialize the dog with strangers outside of your home so you don't end up with someone being bitten while you are walking down the street. Mine will bark at people at the door they don't know, or people in their front yard, but are fine in other locations, which is perfect for me. They're tiny, so wouldn't scare off many intruders, but at least they serve as alert dogs. It doesn't need to be taught, it's instinct, and if your dog doesn't become watchful and protective on its own, you will likely not be able to train the behavior.

Effective Communication in Dog Training

• Most dogs will instinctively bark or growl at noises or knocks at the door. Most can sense when you are uneasy about a person/animal and will instinctively either bark or growl until he/she senses that you are ok about the other person/animal. HOWEVER! do NOT rely on your dog to "guard" your house or you, get an alarm system and a can of pepper spray. If you raise your dog right most of the time they will be loving towards everybody, and if you raise him to be mean he/she will be that way towards EVERYBODY, including you and your family members.


• I think most dogs just naturally bark when they hear a noise and they don't know what it is. We resuced a girl a few months ago and never heard her bark at all until she was more settled in here, and now she barks when she hears something weird. I know there's breeds that are prone to not being barkrs, but I'm sure in no time your doggie will be barking at weird sounds!


• It's instinct for dogs to bark when they hear a weird noise or someone at the door, so you don't really have to train them. You SHOULD NOT want a dog for a security system, but yes, they will bark for intruders.


• I do NOT recommend training your dog to be a "guard dog".
  
  You do not have a German Shepherd, and I doubt you'll get him into Schutzhund.
  
  So let his natural instincts kick in.


• All dogs have some degree of 'guard dog' in them. Mainly after they have become adjusted to their surroundings and know their limits (ie yard, house, etc).
  
  Training your dog to be a protection dog is something that his wholly different. Personality and temperament play a large roll in being able to be a protection dog. Some dogs have it and some dogs don't. I can only suggest that you contact a dog trainer and see if your dog is suited for protection work. Having a professional evaluate your pooch will help better understand what you want out of him and what a professional trainer can provide.
  
  My purebred GSD comes from a long line of police and protection dogs. He does have the natural instincts that come with it. However, he has the personality of a gentle giant. He is a funny fuzzball with everyone and is very loving and playful. But from time to time, his heritage and situations dictate that he needs or wants to 'step up' and 'say something' he does. And the whole neighborhood hears him. I hope this helps. Good luck.


• I really don't see why people train dogs to become watch dogs because the majority of dogs bark naturally at intruders. However, if you wanted to train your dog to bite, that's a whole other story.
  
  But I really wouldn't recommend that because it takes a dog who is extremely good in obedience, with the right kind of drives, etc. to become a protection dog.
  
  But anyways, it really depends on your dog. I know some dogs that will walk right up to a complete stranger and wag their tail and roll over expecting a belly rub.
  
  Whereas others will bark until their owners come and show some kind of sign that the person isn't a threat. My dog in particular will NOT bite, but she will bark and walk right up to the person.
  
  If we come out to see what's up and she realizes there is nothing wrong, she'll just go sit down and mind her own business.
  
  So again, it really depends on your dog. Chances are, your dog will bark, but there are some exceptions that won't.
  
  {{...*Spontania*...}}

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: How do you train a dog humanely?

Every dog training guide I see talks about hitting your dog. Ok, I like my shoes in one piece like anyone else, but I am not going to inflict corporal punishment on my dog. So what are the options?

Dog Training Techniques - The Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
Look into clicker training and positive reinforcement training. You'll find lots of books in that vein that will never recommend hitting your dog (in fact, really? There are multiple guides that recommend hitting?)

Some places to get started:
* http://www.clickerlessons.com/
* http://www.clickersolutions.com (has a great Yahoo! group)
* Book: "The Power of Positive Dog Training", by Pat Miller
* Book list at http://www.clickersolutions.com/reading.…
* Can also simply search "clicker training" in Google and Amazon

Clicker Training can make training into a fun game where your dog not only does what you want, but also can't wait for the next training session. What more could you ask for?

Abandoned Dogs Trained for the Hearing Impaired

• repetition and reward. Ignore all inappropriate actions and reward the action that you are trying to encourage.


• Noise association. Blow a whistle or make a loud noise. The dog will find this unpleasant and will associate the bad behaviour with the noise and will eventually stop. This can take just a few hours or a few days. Be consistant. It does work.
  
  And just like the previous answerer, reward for good behaviour to encourage what you want to achieve


• You don't need to hit your dog to train him. I would suggest an obedience class. They will help you learn the best methods of training by reward.


• I do not hit my dog when she is bad unless she bites someone. (she did that once and I bit the dog right back instead of hitting her and she never did it again. She was so confused by that. lol)
  
  When my dog is bad I treat her like a small child. Yell no. say what she did wrong or show her. Then give her a "time out" crate, sitting outside...stuff like that.
  
  Whenever my dog is good I say good girl, rub her belly and give her a treat. I teach her that it is good to be good. every day I catch her doing good and tell her like I do my kids. I hate hitting. I dont think it works either.


• You need to find better training guides. I have never seen one that says to hit a dog. For puppies loud noises can deter them from doing certain things, best to not let them know it is you making the noise. Also the first word they learn should be "no".


• Positive reinforcement is the most humane but will take you much longer to teach the same commands as if you were to use negative and positive reinforcement. My second choice would be clicker training.


• In some instances spanking your dog is not a cruel punishment if you do not abuse it, just like in spanking a child if they do something wrong. However, it depends on what they've done. Sometimes I give my dog, and even my cats, firm spanks on the butt or nose if they do something wrong but it's only enough to sting a bit, not enough to actually hurt them. Majority of the time I will tell my dog to go to her room and I don't let her out until I feel she's served her time. If your puppy does something inappropriate then I would recommend a time-out in his/her kennel which should be kept in a room where you can close the door. If s/he starts whining, COMPLETELY IGNORE HIM/HER. Even by saying "hush" or "quiet" will give them the attention they're trying for. At this point, they don't know the difference between good dog and bad dog. It's just attention for them. And negative attention is better than no attention at all. Dogs by nature are pack animals. Look at wolves, their closest cousins. They want to be with the pack. If you separate them and they can't see you and you don't acknowledge them in any way, they'll learn. If you are trying to train your dog do not hit them. It will have a negative affect on both your dog and his/her training.
  
  When you're beginning, give them treats when they do what they ask and as they start getting better lesson the treats and lavish them with attention. This way they will learn to listen to you but they won't expect a treat every time. If they do not do what you ask of them then keep trying to give them the command. I they still won't listen then stop the training for five minutes. If you have been working with them for over 30 minutes then maybe it's time to play a bit. If it's been more like 10 minutes, then ignore them for the 5 minutes and try again. They could just be stubborn. For more answers ask your veterinarian or an obedience trainer. And keep in mind that everyone has their own opinions and each dog has their own personality. Some dogs will respond well to my ideas while others will not. Just keep your dog's personality in mind and if s/he catches on to the type of training you're trying to do.


• never it a dog. again never hit a dog period but i see you don't want to do that any way. i was mostly writing that for people that read this and think hitting a dog is okay. it's not. you train a dog by rewarding good behavior. so till your dog learns your shoes are not a chew toy, keep them in a closet. provide plenty of acceptable chews for your dog. when your dog chooses one of her/his toys, praise her/him. there are Kong's you can put treats in, that will keep them busy for a while. always praise the dog for choosing the right thing when the dog chooses the wrong thing tell him/her a firm "no" take the item, replace with a dog chew. when the dog accepts the dog chew...praise her/him.


• You should never hit your dog, in any case and if the dog is very, very rebel you should grab the back part of the fur and make sue he lays on the ground, just to remind him you are the Alpha male. As any teenager they fight against authority and will put you to the test. The best thing to do is ignore him completely and absolutely when he does something naughty, like if he didn't exist, lay down watch TV anything. On the contrary if you get back home and everything is in place, giving hugs and cookies and jolly out, eventually he'll get the point.


• a dog learns by rot ,like it or not


• The Basics
  SIT, COME, DOWN, STAY, HEEL. SIT
  
  Holding a treat in your left hand just above the pup's nose, gently rest your right hand on pup's rump.
  Slowly move the treat in an upward motion while applying gentle pressure to the rump. ( you dont want to push hard because if you do the dog will sit every time someone touches him and this is not good for competitive obedience)
  as soon as pup sits say in a very happy excited tone "GOOD SIT" and give the treat.
  Repeat excersize 7x. then take a play break and move on to something elce.
  very young pups should not train for more than a half hour each day
  every time you put food bowl down or give a treat give the sit command, and wait for the sit. then once pup sits give treat or food down.
  DO NOT move on to something new until pup has the new command down pat. COME
  
  walk away from pup about 10 feet to start. say pup's name and "COME" in a happy voice. once pup comes praise it lavishly have a bit of a play and give it a treat.
  Gradually increase the distance you walk away. and eventually once pup knows command only treat every 3rd come. tappering off until he comes every time with out treat using only praise.
  this will take a few days to learn if you practice every day. DOWN
  
  Start with pup in sit. move hand with the treat between the pup's front paws on the ground.
  Say "DOWN" in firm but not loud voice.
  pup might try and get treat without going down, dont let him have it until he downs.
  praise in happy voice "GOOD DOWN"
  repeat 7x STAY
  
  Start pup in down possition. say "STAY" in firm voice. walk to end of leash, backwards. if the pup moves say once only "AP" in a not pleased tone. go back do not say anything. put pup in down again repeat "STAY" walk backwards to end of leash.
  pup does NOT get praise or treat untill he stays for 30 seconds, then a minute, then 5 minutes. move times up each week.
  after he can do a 5 minute down/stay every time. move on to a sit/stay doing exactly what you did for down/stay.
  Once on leash sit and down/stays are reliable for 5 minutes each. drop the leash and walk away from your pup, your back to the pup. about 10 feet away. wait 5 min. recall your dog. with dog sitting in front of you once he reaches you. treat and praise.
  
  
  HEEL
  
  Please do NOT train with a choke collar. i recomend martin gayles.
  with dog on a short leash exactly beside you on your left side say "HEEL" if the dog starts to pull give a correction snap with leash on collar. and recomand "HEEL" the second your dog complies peaise with "GOOD HEEL" in happy voice. and continue to walk , correct, and praise for 30 minutes. Allways end training sessions on a positive note. Never get angery with your pup for not responding to a command. Praise lavishly every time pup responds to a command.
  NEVER hit your dog. NO reason is an acceptable reason for physicaly abusing your pup.


• Read the book "Cesar's Way"
  Cesar Millan... the "Dog Whisperer"
  show is on the National Geographic Channel
  friday evenings.
  
  I'm 1/2 way through the book.... already
  saw some changes at the shelter I volunteer at today.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Question about dog training?

Not having any problems, but I was just talking to my Dad, about say like, if you had a Pitbull, or a dog that you were warned could be aggressive with other dogs. If you had other dogs that were alot smaller and unagressive and couldn't defend themselves whatsoever from the dog. If you had the dog eat after both you and the other dogs you had in the household, and crated it while you were gone and let the other dogs roam free, would that teach that the other dogs have dominance over it? And what would be some other ways to establish the dominance that both you and the other dogs have over that dog?

Now don't go tell me not to get a pitbull or something, I don't wanna hear it, and it's not even what we're talking about, we were just wondering what you would want to do.

Clicker Dog Training is Extremely Reliable and Can Be Done by Anyone

Recommended Answer:
No, and I like where you're trying to go with this, but it won't make the difference. Here are a bunch of comments:

1) The order of eating isn't really that big of a deal. In practical terms, yes, higher ranking dogs will eat before lower ranking dogs if they are all standing around and there is some kind of limited supply of food, but this is because the lower ranking dogs are too scared to approach, not because they are lining up politely to wait their turn. Artificially orchestrating the feeding order will not change the order of rank in the house. I can feed my shepherds and then eat afterwards and it does not remotely make them think that they are higher ranking. Consider that they still have to sit and watch me eat in front of them and you bet your booty that they would never dream of trying to muscle in to take my food, which a high ranking dog *could* do to a lower ranking dog. Likewise, I could not just change feeding order to change the way that my dogs have arranged themselves... it just doesn't work that way.

2) Same thing for crating -- it would be a very good *safety* move, but would only shift rank in a very minor way and really, a Cane Corso is going to need to not be crated all day once they are old enough to be trustworthy around the house. If you were to crate a Cane Corso all day, you'd better be REALLY prepared to tire his butt out for the rest of the evening when you get home because he would be wild and ready to rock by the time you do get there.

3) Getting down to the meat of things, aggression actually has very little to do with dominance. A truly high ranking dog does not EVER need to attack a lower ranking dog. A truly high ranking dog needs only give "the look" and the lower ranking dog will try to figure out how high to jump. The vast majority of aggression cases I work with on a weekly basis are founded in fear, anxiety, and/or insufficient socialization.

4) Continuing with the meat of the matter, there is one very real concern with the idea of bringing in a Cane Corso, and that's the size difference. You say that the Pugs are all "unaggressive" and I'm not really sure what that means. Are all three of them very soft dogs who will not say boo to another dog? Social ranking for dogs is all about the personality of the dogs and has very little to do with physical size. It is highly possible that one of the Pugs could completely boss around a Cane Corso, especially if they already have seniority in the pack. The risk, though, is of the Cane not knowing his own size and dealing out damage to the smaller dogs by playing or interacting too roughly. This is compounded by the fact that Cane Corsos are very powerful for their size. Plus, idiot puppies and idiot adolescent dogs don't really read the books on this whole "pack order" thing, and they can go out of their way to be obnoxious and/or dangerous to other dogs in the house regardless of their actual social status.

Basically, if you were to bring a Pit or Cane pup into the house, I would work VERY closely with a GOOD breeder. I will tell you right now that many good breeders may turn you down cold if they are uncomfortable with the situation, and honestly, any breeder that does not grill you and ask you a million questions is not a breeder you want to work with, ESPECIALLY for these types of dogs. Then you should expect the breeder to help you select a puppy with a softer (but not too soft) temperament that would fit in with your other little guys. And then, yes, I would try to keep them separated when you aren't around just for safety, and I would do that for at minimum until two years old, but if you can separate by putting them in separate rooms that would be preferable to long-term all-day crating for the Pit or Cane pup.

Good luck convincing Dad!

Dog Training Evolution

• lol no thats not the right way to do it i have a 200 pound mastiff and a mailionua and the trick is to let the dogs know that ur the domiant one and there will be no fighting , yes they might get into tussles but still a dog should be well balanced before u bring another dog into the family and then there will be no fighting


• I have pitbulls and they are not what the media portray. I also have chihuahuas and there is no problem with aggression against them from the pits. The way to control the dogs dominance is to walk with it often and be the pack leader 100% of the time. If you notice aggression, then you address it before it escalates. I have been using the Dog Whisperer methods (Cesar Milan) and all my dog problems have been solved in regard to my dogs fighting and so on. You have to be calm and dominant yourself. But the methods that you describe would not result in a submissive dog. For example, a dog confined while the others roam free is going to be angry and frustrated, not submissive. Cesar teaches a quick 'touch' method that has worked for my small pack very effectively. Also, I have used the method of flipping the dog on his back and making him stay there if he starts to escalate. It works so well that when somebody's dog got away from them at the vets office and jumped on and attacked my 100 lb pitbull male, he turned way from the attack and looked right to me for guidance instead of defending himself.


• i have a pit bull and she is always around smaller dogs they can be aggressive to other dogs if u dont train them right the key is when they are young u have to bring them around other dogs and if they are around alot of dogs when they are a puppy they will most likely not be aggressive towards dogs my pit bull loves all dogs and i think that it is a little unfair to keep one dog pined up and the other one not that would cause jealousy


• Some pitbulls don't like other dogs, but if you had one and you treated it like you said and were otherwise kind to it, it would grow up to be a well adjusted, well behaved dog. You can also establish dominance by turning the dog over on its back so his belly shows and making sure he never wins any tug of war games, etc. with you. It also helps to make the dog "work" for his food and everything else- make him sit or lie down to get food, attention, etc.


• Well, I wouldn't bring that dog home if I knew it was aggressive towards other dogs and having other smaller dogs ... I just wouldn't take that risk of this new dog killing the others. I don't know if it would be possible to retrain that dog or not, he would probably be happier in a single pet home.


• Can I recommend this site:
  http://www.pitbullforum.com
  
  It's one of the best forums on pitbulls I have seen: a LOT of very very good info on training, health, equipment. They do not condone abuse, puppy mills, or dog-fighting. Go take a look !


• Get a female. She will soon learn that she is bigger and stronger but have a strong sense to nurture and take care of the other dogs. I had a pit (female) and my wife had a chihuahua and they were the best of friends. My pit died and I now have a lab/doberman mix (female) . After 1 full year together the chihua hua and lab mix are great friends still, with no problems. I too am a big fan of Cesar and his ways they really work. Good luck

Read More...