Dog Health Questions: Is a Border Collie Dog for me?

I recently got a Border Collie unexpectedly and am debating if this dog is for me of it he is better suited for another family. This dog is currently 1 month old so I will have the luxury of training him young.

- Me and my wife go jogging about 3 times a week for several miles and would take this dog with us
- We enjoy taking many adventurous trips such as hiking, biking, (etc...) which we plan to take him with us
- No kids yet but plan to have a couple within a few years
- Live in a home with a large back yard for him to play in with no real decorative arrangements to destroy
- We currently own a 14 year old chihuahua which is not friendly with other dogs. We were hoping to spare my chihuahua the added stress and get a dog much later (sometime after my chihuahua passes away) but as I stated, my situation happened unexpectedly and now my wife is in love with the Collie
- My experience in dog training consists only of my chihuahua with a "nothing is free" attitude and a "pack-leader" assertiveness

Beyond Canine Basics - Advanced Dog Training Methods

Recommended Answer:
No.

A responsible breeder would have told you that and wouldn't have sold you a dog that's barely old enough to be weaned.

While you are fairly active, a BC can need up to 4 hours of ACTIVITY A DAY. Not walks or jogs. Actual herding or brain activities like agility, flyball, frisbee, etc. Jogging 3 times a week will not affect his energy level and occasional hiking trips will be great for that day, but that's about it.

And once the kids come? 99.99% of the time, new parents can barely handle their baby, much less two dogs.

Getting a dog this young, and that you have an improperly trained and socialized Chihuahua, tells me that you will have no idea about training a BC, especially one that left mom 4-6 weeks to soon.

Sorry, it's best to call BC rescue right now and hand the pup over to them while he's still young enough. Don't ruin him by keeping him.

Google Border Collie Rescue and dozens of rescue groups come up. Call or e-mail them TODAY.

Buying and Using an Electronic Dog Training Collar

• the dog is only 1 month old! that is way too young!!
  if your dog was really unexpected that is sort of acceptable, but otherwise get it back to the mother.
  
  Well the jogging sounds very BC friendly, but what about the days inbetween, there has to be exercise inbetween the 3 jogs a week.
  Train it better than you trained the Chi, take him to dog training classes for socialization and training.
  
  Does the chi and BC get on well together at home or not?


• Well, hopefully you are still feeding PMR adn the pup has seen the vet. A 4 week old pup is barely old enough to start weaning and would need lots of specialized care. A border collie sounds like a good match for your family. A well trained BC makes an excellent family companion and a wonderful jogging partner, however, with a pup this small is will be at least 6 months before that can happen.


• If a puppy still has blue eyes then it should still be with its mother as it is far to young to leave her. Puppies are started on puppy food at 3 weeks old but still need mothers milk for a few more weeks yet. You may find you puppy has health problems later on due to this early leaving of his mum.
  This is VERY sad for the little chap however well meaning you are he should be taken back to his mum.


• Seems like it. To start jogging and hiking with it, wait until he is about 1 year old. I suggest that you train him mentally, and physically, or he will get bored and destroy things. What kind is he? Black and white, red and white, red merle or blue merle? Also, get him lots of toys due to teething. Also, so he's used to it when hes older, bathe him once a month, cut his nails, and maybe brush his teeth(that's what I do with my 3 month old male red merle border collie). If you want, you could send me a picture of him (wink wink, nudge nudge). I'll send you a picture of my border collie! What's his name? I hope you have fun with him! Also, you need to feed him PMR due to his age. Be very gentle. Also, I suggest you don't get any more dogs from this breeder, consider he/she sold him too young. (Should be at least 8 weeks)
  
  <3Animal Lover=3


• Well, Collies are very energetic and intelligent dogs, so he/she wouldn't have any problem with the first two points. I think that Collies will do OK with children if you train them that way. A lot of a dogs attitude is in the training-- or at least it seems like that. However, Collies are herding dogs so they might try to herd children, which may or may not be a problem. I think that you kind of have to see how the Collie will do with the chihuahua because each dog is different.
  Hope this helps!


• I am no expert so don't expect any professional advice from me. A border collie is an excellent dog if you live out in the country and have little visitors, because they can become very territorial. They usually bond with the family taking care of them though. The chihuahua may not like your border collie much so i suggest getting rid of it (its about to die soon anyways, right?). I'm not sure how the collie will do with a new baby, so be on your guard. Hopefully another answer can cover that.


• I wont address the issue of the pup only being a month old, as many people have already done so.
  
  You mentioned jogging 3 times per week. My border collie needs a good run twice a day (more in the summer). He gets about an hour of nearly solid running through the woods each walk.
  
  So are you willing to at the very least walk him on the other 4 days of the week?
  
  How about activities? Border Collies are known for needing a "job". While the most ideal job would be herding, it is not always possible. Have you looked into things such as Agility, Flyball, or Disc? (There are many others as well).
  
  Also, finding an experienced trainer will definitely help the situation.
  
  Border Collies are amazing dogs, but not an easy breed for everyone. They need an immense amount of socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation to be happy. Without that, they can become difficult to train, destructive and neurotic - which I have seen far too many times, trust me, a neglected BC is a horrible sight.
  
  If you are willing to accommodate for all of this though, it sounds like you'd make a great home for the BC. Just watch the hyper pup around the chihuahua.

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Dog Health Questions: After you train a puppy to "go" in one area, can I--the now dog-- train them to "go" somewhere else?

So when my three puppies were puppies, we put the puppy training pads down in our formal dining room since we didn't use it. Now we have to use that room and eating beside those are disgusting. Can I replace the pads to my room and train them to go in there or is it too late for that? Thanks :]

Dog Training Secrets Revealed

Recommended Answer:
Yes, but not in a day. The piddle pad needs to move a bit every day: to the door, into the hall, down the hall, at the bedroom door, inside the bedroom, across to the final place. Years ago when puppies were first newspaper trained and then moved out to the garden as they got older, the newspaper moved a little bit every day until it arrived at 'the spot'.

Dog Training Commands - How to Successfully Train Your Dog to Do Certain Commands

• I agree with TK. And get yourself some training treats. Reward them as this process goes on, and they will be trained to go outside in no time. (Now can you talk to my in-laws..they have pads all over the house, it is gross)

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Dog Health Questions: Dog/Puppy Training ?!?

Can Anyone help me find the BEST ebook for Dog training ?
Easy to read and understand, and at the same time covering all the essentials and more ??
I'll soon adopt my Very-first Puppy, and I'm feeling a bit anxious :p

Thanks :D

Clicker Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar. Available for Kindle and Nook.

Dog Training Tools and Advice

• If you're going to adopt a shih tzu puppy. I strongly recommend this site:
  
  http://www.shihtzudogtraining.com/
  
  You can learn lots of valuable information, tips and advices. Goodluck! :)


• http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/dig…

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Dog Health Questions: Need information on Dog Trainer in Southeast Kansas?

Looking for a dog trainer, mainly for manners. This is not my dog, but am the main caregiver as my son is away at college. I love the dog but is too aggressive towards other dogs and recently tried to bite an elderly man that stuck his arm over the fenced in yard. I don't want her to get in trouble and I don't want to ever be forced to put her to sleep. Does anyone know of a really good dog trainer? I don't want to spend lots of money and then find out they were no good. An open dog training class would be out of the question due to her current aggressiveness. I am currently living in Southeast Kansas so any where within 100 miles of that would work. thanks

Dog Training Schools - Which Dogs Are Best Suited

Recommended Answer:
You can check out the

www.fearfuldogs.com

website. There is a link to certified trainers. This dog needs special work and attention. It´s problem may stem from a fear issue. Scared dogs often act aggressively. Do not use punishment, or use a trainer that advocates punishment with a dog like this. You need to change how the dog feels about the things it is aggressive toward. Punishing a dog does not make them more comfortable with these things and can make the behavior worse. This is not an easy problem to solve. The website listed also has a link to good books. Some to considerClick to Calm
Feisty Fido

You could also join the AGBEH group on yahoo. It deals specifically with this behavior. Read the posts and archives for good info.

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

• Call the dog's vet and ask them if they can make a recommendation, tell them about the dog's behaviour and they might know of someone who can help. You can also contact your local breed club (ie. Cocker Spaniel Club of Kansas) and see if they have any recommendations.
  
  Short of getting recommendations from either one of those, check your yellow pages. This could take some time, but it is well worth it. Make a list of trainers that look good, start calling around, tell them about the problems, and see what they advise. You might want to do group obedience + private lessons with the same trainer, I've seen this work before with my trainer and some aggressive dogs. If you've got control of the dog on the leash, then group obedience is still a good option for socialization and basic manners. Add private lessons to the mix, and the trainer can further help you 1 on 1 to target the specific behaviours.
  
  Ask the trainers if you can come by and watch one of their classes, before you sign up with them (either for private or group class). Most good trainers will be more than happy to have you come and check out a class, before you make your decision and pay them big $! Take notes, talk to the trainers and other owners that you meet, see what they have to say about this person's methods and effectiveness.
  
  Good luck!


• GO to www.akc.org or www.ukcdogs.com. Check the club listings. The UKC clubs are listed under the "dog events" tab.
  Or go to the APDT website. You may find a local trainer in your area that will do 1 on 1 training. Or a canine behaviorist.

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Dog Health Questions: Are these legal?? (dog tattoo machine)?

I mean you can buy them, but geeze-seems kinda crazy, a DIY tattoo machine for dogs?

http://www.huntsmart.com/hunt/Dog-Traini…

Dog Training Online - Inside Secrets of Professional Dog Trainers Revealed

Recommended Answer:
they are used by breeders as some kennel clubs still require the dog to be tattooed. Personally I think microchipping is better. With a tattooed ear you are more likely to end up with a dog who's going to be missing part of their ear.

A Beginner's Guide to Dog Training

• Dogs are tattooed with special letters and numbers for identification purposes. If a tattooed dog is found, the tattoo should be called in to Tattoo-A-Pet (or another registry) which will alert the owner that you have her/his lost dog. Tattooing dogs, usually on the inner thigh or ear, was more popular before micro-chipping came along. Some people have their dogs tattooed AND micro-chipped...and have collar ID tags as well.
  
  Yes, these tattoo machines are perfectly legal and are widely used by owners of very valuable dogs.


• Yes its legal.
  
  I actually looked into doing pet tattoos for extra income.. but wasnt sure if the start-up costs would really pay out in the end.You can buy tattoo guns and ink and do your own tats on human skin.. so why would this be any different? As long as the things are only used to tattoo dogs for ID purposes, then its not cruel.


• All greyhounds bred for racing are tattooed in both ears. In one ear is their racing number, the other ear has their birth order and birth date. I don't know that the average Joe would necessarily purchase a diy tattoo machine, but I know breeders are buying them and why.


• DOg tattoos are used for identification purposes. I dont agree with using it on ordinary pets, where the dog lives in a yard, goes for walks, etc. Also the above dogs can wear a collor and tag to be identified (or microchipped)
  
  However, I dont believe it is necessarily cruel and I honestly battle to find sense in calling this cruel when we are prepared to put our dog through an op to get their testicals cut off (as important as it is).
  
  I have trained 3 hound breeds recently and they all had been tattoed. DOgs who are used as hunting dogs often cannot where collars with ID tags due to the fact that collars can get caught on trees, etc and dog tags just will not last on a dogs collar for long. Another reason for it is, that its important to understand that dogs trained in hunting or tracking are not ordinary dogs and can be worth a small fortune. Many people may find a dog like this, remove its collar and keep it.
  Yes, I know ur asking....why not just use Microchips? Yet even Microchips have its drawbracks. Firstly, hunting dogs are mainly used in rural areas where a vet is a hassle to try to get hold of or incredibly expensive. Secondly, not all vets have microchip scanners and thirdly vets only scan if asked to (going back to the point of people stealing dogs.)
  Tattoos are easy to spot, are permanent and reduce the chance of a dog being nicked.


• Tattoo ID is a good idea. It's a permanant way to identify your dog. However, it should only be done by professionals. I would never buy a do-it-yourself tattoo kit for a dog and I'm sort of surprised to see them available for sale.


• Its for identification
  But yeah, seems cruel.


• Yes,they are legal,and the tattoo is not that painful for the dog,just a little uncomfortable - I'm sure a tail - docking or ear-cropping is much worse.It is done on the ear and is very quick. Tattoos are not just used on hunting dogs,they are used on pets,too.The only problem with an ear tattoo is that ears can be cut off - and yes,it happens. People who steal dogs to sell to laboratories and puppy mills would just cut the tattooed ear off so the dog couldn't be identified. That's why it's better to have your vet tattoo the dog on the inside of the thigh or on the belly,or micro-chip the dog. I don't like hunting,either,and my dogs aren't tattooed,but I don't think it's cruel to tattoo a dog.
  http://www.ambassedorrottweilers.com/rot…
  
  Edit: For those of you saying it's cruel - what about people who get their newborn babies' ears pierced? And as I mentioned before,ear-cropping and tail-docking.Even a quicked nail probably hurts more than a tattoo does.


• 10-15 years ago tattoos were the standard for permanent dog identification they don't slip off like collars and don't have the possibilities of migrating or going unnoticed like chips. AKC CAR and NDR still recognize tattoos, the NDR sells the tattoo guns to qualified buyers. Guide Dogs for the blind use a similar technique of stamping dogs ears.
  
  Back in the day you would tattoo a unique series of characters like AKC or drivers license number with lost dog registry phone number. Many tattooers are moving away from tattooing dogs due to questions of "cruelty" and unclear state laws. One example I've seen used by tattooers of why they stopped was the Colo state law against dyeing dogs ( http://peek.snipurl.com/3liv9 ).
  
  When I got my first border collie the vet tattooed her inner thigh while she was being spayed. Honestly just spending some time around these boards and seeing what happens when dogs slip through the cracks, the states have bigger fish to fry than tattoo ids at the same time these should really be used by qualified people like veterinarians, breeders and groomers certified in their use. Dogs skin is built differently than human skin and human tattoo artist would need to know the difference and possibly need different needles if they tattooed dogs in order to minimize discomfort.
  
  Add: http://www.nationaldogregistry.com/nopai…
  "Pet tattoos are not like human tattoos, because there are distinct dimensional differences between the structures of human and animal skin. The epidermis, or top layer of skin, on a human is much thicker, and the lower skin layers are more uneven than the layers of canine or feline skin. The epidermis is the layer of skin that dries up and flakes off, so to tattoo effectively, the ink must be inserted just below it. On humans, the tattoo must go much deeper into the skin, because of the thickness and uneven shape of the epidermis. Canine and feline epidermis is much thinner and is very regular and even. As a result, the tattoo does not need to penetrate as deeply into the skin."


• yes it is legal... its mostly for breeders because sometimes people will steal their more valuable dogs and try to sell them on their own. I think it's abslutely horrible and it SHOULD be illegal, but then again I am also against most breeders


• Even if there were, why would you want one??
  Its so cruel

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training.....?

I have an 11 week old miniature schnauzer that is doing great! She's healthy and happy. I want to get her formal training though. There is a Pet Co and Petsmart both near my house.

Do you recommend one over the other? Have you had bad or good experiences? Thanks!

Myths of Dog Training and Dog Training Solutions

Recommended Answer:
I would strongly recommend your local obedience club over either of those. Since you will get more experienced trainers and normally the classes are less expensive. You can find one near you at http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cf… . Almost all obedience clubs offer classes that are open to all breeds and mixes.

Reward Dog Training

• I would much rather recommend you going to a local kennel club. They have trainers who know dogs and also show them, so they are quite experienced.
  
  If you don't have one, Petsmart and Pet Co will do, although they don't teach the best methods, such as eye contact.


• I don't like either place. Our dog is more likely to be bitten than learn anything. They hire anyone off the streets, no experience necessary. I'd find a good private one in your area. They may cost the same to slightly more but you're dog will actually learn something.


• I took my dog to petsmart but wasn't real impressed. They only show you how to teach them the basics and you have to do the training. They are there to show you how to do it. If you really want to get her trained, go to a professional trainer - more expensive but I think you'd get your moneies worth out of it.


• I personally don't recommend either one. I started obedience training with a local professional who has 25+ years experience. One of our "homework" tasks was to go to Petsmart and sit in on one of their classes (most trainers will let you do this, to get an idea of their methods). Having learned about his methods, then seeing how Petsmart did it (as well as how confident the "trainers" were), I am SO GLAD that I made the choice that I did.
  
  Check your yellow pages for local trainers, and call and ask if you can sit in on a session, and talk to them about their methods. I have nothing against the "all positive" method, but I do also believe that dog training requires HUMANE correction (we use short tugs on the leash).
  
  I watched the Petsmart class, and it was the most unorganized, unprofessional thing I've ever seen. The trainers are basically teenagers, unlicensed and inexperienced. It might cost a bit more, but I recommend a local trainer. Your vet might even know of one that they can recommend to you. Good luck!
  
  My pup is 13 weeks and is doing AWESOME in our class!


• Neither. Look, socialize your dog as much as you can--the more socialization the better. So, in that regard, either Petco or PetsMart aren't bad.
  
  1. But for training and obedience--ugh! First, you get all kinds of drop-ins with little quality control at Petco and PetsMart. Let me translate that into English: your dog (which hasn't had all of its shots yet) could be exposed to bad stuff from other dogs. But a more reputable training school will demand owners produce shot records first or a vet's health certificate. Second, quality of the trainers. Some at a Petco or PetsMart aren't bad. But some are just employees who own a dog--they have little or no experience with multiple breeds and little-no experience actually training. Third, the trainer experience and quality varies from store to store (I know one person who was a trainer at Petco than a trainer at PetsMart) so you cannot accurately say which one offers better training.
  
  2. Find a reputable trainer. Lots of ways to do this. Go to a local agility trial (see the cleanrun site below where you can find out locations) and ask around. I bet probably half of the Masters competitors actually do dog training. But all could offer recommendations. Look at engaging a personal trainer. Look for dog clubs in your area. All of these options are better. than the PetCo or PetsMart.


• I have my dog in Petsmart Intermediate training class now. I have no complaints what so ever about the trainer. I actually highly recommend my trainer.
  I think the best thing you can do I speak with the trainer one on one first. This is how I decided on taking my dog there. I explained to her what I was looking for in a class and what I wanted for my dog as well as any issues my dog had that I was hoping would get addressed. She spend more than half and hour talking with me and answering every single question I had. So as long as you feel comfortable with that place I don't see why you would have a problem.
  
  Good Luck.


• I am blessed with the ability to train my dogs myself. However, most people need a little help from a professional. Several of my friends have used a Bark Busters “in-home” trainer with great success. They are not cheap, but well worth the price if you can afford it. You can locate a trainer in your area at their website at http://www.barkbusters.com/
  
  Any AKC affiliated dog rescue group in your area is another good source to get the names of successful dog trainers. People who work with dogs every day know who does what with dogs. Not knowing where you live, I can't be more specific, however you can email me if you want more detailed information.
  
  PetCo and PetSmart trainers are certainly not the best, but a little better than no training at all, especially if cost is a primary factor.
  
  Good Luck


• It totally depends on the individual trainer. Some are great, some ok. Sit it on each both and see which ones have a well run class, know what they are talking about, don't use harsh corrections with the dog and can communicate effectively with the humans.
  The class should be fun, the dogs are learning, and the teacher not only has a plan but also can answer questions as they arise.
  Trainers should be members of APDT or IACP, have some education beyond their pet store training, and have some experience with Positive Rewards and Learning theory training.
  Good Luck

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Dog Health Questions: Damaged Dog Training. Your Thoughts?

I have a 3-4 year old rescued American Bulldog Female. She was badly abused before we got her. It took my wife and I almost a whole year to get her used to being in the house. Everything goes fine, but it seems out of nowhere she up and decides to defecate and urinate all over the bathroom. She is allowed ample outside time, as well as exercise. More specifically she only seems to do it, when she is not allowed to go in the car. Obviously this poses problems as my wife and I cannot take her to work. Please any thoughts or ideas on how to break her of this new idea. We have had her now for 2 years and this has never been a problem until last week.

Dog Training Man's Best Friend

Recommended Answer:
This could be simply that at one time the week she began doing this she had to go really bad and chose the bathroom as the place to do it. Reguardless of how she came about using there, she continues because now her scent is there. We can clean our bathrooms spotless, but a dog will always smell that scent even though we cant. Do you have a throw rug in your bathroom? Maybe change to a new one...put the one she used outside long enough for her gather that this is where she goes. If it gets out of hand and cant be stopped that way you might need more drastic measure. Like if you catch her (you have to catch her in the act for her to know what she is doing wrong) using the bathroom in the bathroom...get a news paper and tap her a few times with it as you head her to the door sternly telling her "no, you go outside". Best thing is to prepare to catch her in order to train her. ( Be sure and let her know after she goes outside that she is a good girl.) The newspaper is harmless and it doesn't hurt...it just makes alot of noise. And if all fails....be lucky its in the bathroom and not in the livingroom carpet!

Understanding the Differences Between Various Dog Training Courses

• Start putting the animal in a cage when she behaves badly. If you only leave the animal with a small amount of room, they will not go to the bathroom where they have to lay.


• i would go to like a veternarien and see if theres any thing bad thats happening in her body that has her do those things!!!!
  
  ps: i am only 12 soo i dont know alot about this stuff but i do have 2 dogs and i know how to handle them!!!!


• Crate training dogs is good for them and you.... maybe try that.
  
  Good luck!


• I always suggest exercise in the form of daily walks for unwanted behavior. But, it is important that you also use the walk as the way to establish yourself as the leader of your dog, not the other way around.
  
  Your dog may now think of herself as the leader of your pack (most dog owners allow this to happen unintentionally). Her defecating and urinating may be her way of showing her anxiety and dissatisfaction with other members of her pack leaving without her because as dogs see it, the leader makes the rules and decides when the pack goes anywhere.
  Some people call this "seperation anxiety". But it happens because the dog considers itself the leader. That can be changed by you establishing yourself as leader.
  
  You can change this behavior by reestablishing yourselves as the leader/s.
  Mastering the walk is the first thing you want to do. If you want to be considered the leader of the pack (which is the language dogs understand) you must be able to walk the dog with you in front and the dog next to or slightly behind you, because as the dog sees it, the leader is in front and the rest of the pack follows behind.
  
  You must also walk through doors first, in and out, before the dog.
  If he is leading you, then he will consider himself the leader and thus he will think that he can make the rules. Obviously this does not work except in a pack of wild dogs but your dog will not know the difference. They are really quite basic in their thinking, leader leads, rest of pack follows and waits for direction from leader. So your first mission is to master the walk and become the leader.
  
  You should start with the leash just long enough to allow the dog to be next to you comfortably, no longer. The dog will probably try to pull, you should tug on the leash when he does pull but immediately release. This tug is meant to distract him from pulling. If you continue to pull back, he will only pull the other way. So, tug, then release. You may have to also use a control word like NO or STOP. No other talking and do not use their name, just the tug and the control word. You must also remain calm because your dog will sense your energy. Your calmness will help the dog to remain calm.
  
  Practice this when the dog is calm. If he becomes excited on the walk, stop walking, allow him to calm down then begin again. Just start walking when he is calm, no words needed, just start walking, like the leader of the dog pack would do. You dog will eventually get this new way of walking. Some will get it immediately, some will take a few walks. If you are consistent, this works everytime.There are a couple of other things you should do to establish leadership, at feeding time, prepare the food, when the dog is calm and waiting patiently, then and only then you set the food bowl down.
  
  Also, never allow dogs on furniture, beds, etc unless they are invited by you, the leader.
  
  Be consistent and calm. This is the way to change your dog's behavior.


• Only thing I can suggest is to start from scratch, leave the house for just a minute or 2 come back in give lots of praise(if she doesn't poop) and let her out. If she does poop don't acknowledge it. just let her out.
  Build up your time away. For some reason she is developing a bit of separation anxiety.


• Limit freedom until proven worthy again i.e baby gates, tether to you. Maybe the bathroom reminds her of something. Try another room.
  
  It could be separation anxiety if you were not there. I would start NILIF and working up in the amount of time she can be home alone.
  
  A good long walk, think atleast an hour up and down hills, will also help any dog be too tired to be anxious or bored.
  
  http://flyingdogpress.com/hostage.html


• this could be a form of separation anxiety. a few months ago I rescued a golden retriever from a family who never spent time with him. When we left he would act up only when we left even though we never left him longer than to go to work, he even went to dinner with us when we ate out. We got him a cage and when we leave put him in it. my boyfriend will come home over lunch, or if he can't we have a friend come over and take him for a walk during the day.
  In short, I would recommend getting a cage and talking to your vet. If it is separation anxiety they make a medication called Clomicolm (don't know the spelling) specifically for separation anxiety.


• I wish I had a short answer for you. However, when I wrote my book Training the Hard to Train Dog, I included an entire chapter on house training issues for a reason. Here are some don't. Don't think this dog can't be trained. Don't try punishment of any sorts. Absolutely no shoving the dog's nose in anything or scolding.
  
  If you do get my book and still find you have issues, please email me from my website. Mark it as Bull Dog House Training and I will know to give it attention instead of deleting it as junk mail.
  
  Good luck.
  
  Peggy Swager
  APDT-Behaviorist
  author of Training the Hard to Train Dog
  www.peggyswager.com

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Dog Health Questions: Hand signal for stay and high five are the same - dog training?

i'm training my 7 month old puppy. shes doing really well except gets confused when i tell her to stay or give me a high five because the hand signal looks the same.
how do i change this to make them look different? i don't want to confuse her any more.

p.s.- i dont want to put my hand up close to her face when i tell her to stay because that wouldn't be realistic if i'm out somewhere or need to tell her to stay in a hurry, without running up to her to put my hand in her face. i want to be able to tell her to stay from across the room. and she's picked up well with the stop sign hand signal, its just that i use that also when i ask her for a high five.

Dog Training Advice - What Or Who Do I Believe?

Recommended Answer:
This is understandable and even I stumbled upon this conflict while training my dog.

The "stay" command is fine. Putting your hand up and shouting stay is great.

Now for "high-five" - I have a solution. I called my "high-five" - "Paw". I put my hand lower than the dog's head with my palm facing up wards and said "paw". Training the dog into responding to paw is just as effective. Paw and high five are basically the same thing. Once the dog has adapted to "paw" with your hand below the head and palm upwards - when you say paw in the future, your dog would be able to touch your hand no matter what position it is in.

There shouldn't be problems with paw and stay being a like at this time because not only are the words different and the hand jester different but, you have to be closer for a paw or as you like to call it "high-five".

I hope I helped, good luck!

Aggressive Dog Training: 6 Tips to Civilize Your Dog

• Ok hi-5, keep you hand up high, keep it normal
  
  For stay, I lower my arm and palm so it is diagonal or you could even flatten it out completely.


• Heh, for my dog we use a different hand symbol. We put the hand sideways so we don't confuse him.


• for 'stay' my boyfriend and I point and say stay. It worked well with her.


• out the high five lower and turn your hand like a handshake.
  
  thats what i do with my dog(:
  
  BEST ANSWER(:


• Just change one of the commands. Start by using the new hand sign in conjunction with the verbal command. She'll realize on her own that this sign means to do that command. For the command that stays the same, only reward her if she does the action you want. It's pretty easy to recondition puppies to new commands provided you're upbeat about the training and offer incentive (treat, praise, play, etc...). For future commands, try to make sure the hand sign isn't too similar before you start training it. There's no set hand sign for any command. There are commonly used ones but you don't have to use those. My dogs all respond to hand signs and none are the traditional ones. I chose my own because that was easier for me. As long as they are being trained, it really doesn't matter what the sign/command is. All that matters is that your dog understands what you want and does it.

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Dog Health Questions: Question About Dog Training?

Okay, I have a 3 year old maltese/poodle mix, and he is well trained. I've always been good at training dogs, but this scenario has me stumped. Before I give him a treat I have him do his tricks just to keep his training up, but when I do this, he whines and growls like the most pathetic thing you've ever heard. He does his tricks correctly, but he whines and growls the whole way through them. He only does this when he knows i'm going to give him a treat, if i have nothing he does his tricks without problem. I've tried telling him "No" everytime he makes a sound during doing his tricks, but this i think confuses him, because he is doing the tricks correctly. How can I associate his noises with wrong, and not his tricks as wrong? Any thoughts will help, Thanks.

Find Out How To Prevent Your Dog From Becoming Too Aggressive By Using Some Dog Training Skills

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dog trainer 30 plus years -

I had to laugh at the thought of your dog whining and growling all the while doing what he is told. I agree with the first answer. Omit the treat for training...and just give him one once in a while "just because". I will say, it is so good to hear someone being so attentive in teaching and training. It takes a lot of love, consistency, and time. Your dog is very blessed to have such a great owner.

Basic Dog Training - Starting Off on the Right Paw

• Take out the treat, when using treats in training, they're usually taken out of the picture once the dog has got the hang of a command. At this point there is no longer any need to treat, he's got it right. A simple pat and praise will do just fine or if you want to give him some thing, use his fav toy instead.

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Dog Health Questions: How do I change my small dog's aggressive behavior toward other dogs?

He was neglected, wild stray I adopted. He will challenge pit bulls and the dog training advice doesn't help. He is good with people and responds to reward training.

Dog Training Videos - Learn by Watching

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Strays have a habit of defending them selves from other. Have you tried spraying him with water in the face when his acts up toward the other dogs and say NO? and keeping doing until he learns. It will take time. I had to do it with an older dog that I brought into my home as a teen. Good luck

Common Gun Dog Training Equipment

• Watch The Dog Whisperer! That is the best show and it really works! Try snapping your fingers at him instead of yelling when he is doing something unacceptable(go towards him, shoulders held high, and make a kind of shhh noise and snap and point at him and he will back away). My doxie was crazy before I learned this..It even works on my husky and once they learn they get corrected EVERY TIME they do this behavior then they will stop it(it didn't take long with my dogs).
  
  Also, try lying him on his back and holding him down and letting bigger dog(s) come and smell of him..When he realizes he can't do anything he will give up and (hopefully) eventually give up the aggression. When a dog is on their back they are "submissive" and when you hold them down and they stop fighting it then they are surrendering to you..This will help him mind you and be more obedient.
  
  Good luck!


• You need to socialize him take him with a dog you know won't be aggressive back and keep them both on leashes and whenever your dog starts to be aggressive pull on the leash and tell him "NO" and when he is friendly towards the other dog give him a treat and lots of praise


• First off, kudos for adopting a stray! It sounds like your pup has a problem with being in charge. He is a big dog in a little dog's body. I have two doxies who think they can take on a lion. You could try showing your dog who's in charge by laying him on his side/back and putting a bigger (preferrably much calmer, more secure, even tempered) dog over him. Make sure to hold your dog down lightly...enough that he can't get up to attack until you feel him relax and accept the fact that he isn't in charge. Because he was a stray, he is used to having his way, having to fight for his place in the world. He's not used to having to obey the social rules. You might have to do this little exercise for a few weeks until he doesn't fight you anymore and just accepts the bigger dog. I'm no expert by any means so please be very very careful when doing this. I did this with my dogs and it worked. I even put them on their backs and pressed (LIGHTLY but enough to let them know I was there) my hand to their throats to simulate a dog mouth to let them know...I, not them, was in charge around the house. Made training them soooo much easier. Hope this helps some and let us know how this works.


• if he responds to reward training then make him sit and have another dog pass in front of him---if he sits still give him a reward, if not redirect him to sit and try again: I personally have never had luck with punishing animals: training methods based on reward and redirection works best...good luck!


• There are several things you may or may not have tried already:
  1. Have the dog neutered.
  2. Find out if he reacts to EVERY dog, or only some dogs.
  3. Begin a NILIF and controlled feeding program.
  Also, make sure you don't put him in a situation where he is "challenging pit bulls" at all. Every time he practices this behaviour, it makes a path in his brain (think a river running, eroding it's way deeper and deeper into the ground). Keep him safe and confortable while you work on his behaviour.
  As far as actually changing his behaviour around other dogs, it can be done, but I would need alot more information to provide specific tips.


• This dog need socialization and training. You and the dog need to enroll in a good obedience training class. Sounds very much like your dog is fear aggressive, that is it fears other dogs. Not uncommon for a dog with that history. So you need to socialize him and that will teach him that there isn't anything to fear and train him at the same time. The training will give the dog confidence and teach it that a human and dog relationship is desired.
  
  Do not ever use a squirt bottle on a dog with this history. That is a the last thing you want to do is have the dog fear you. Squirt bottles work because they are aversion training. You might as well roll up a newspaper and swat the dog, just as effective.

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Dog Health Questions: I'm so frustrated.....dog training......need advice?

Okay I have two dogs. First of all.....They are perfect when we aren't at home, they are perfect in public, but at home when we take them outside they are awful. Inside they are fine.

We have done everything by the book.

Training and training classes. We put them through training so we wouldn't have this problem.We work with them every day.....we exercise them. But they are slipping and its things that have been out of our control that cause it.

And I'm scared. Now whenever they see a kid or another dog or just some man or woman in the breezeway they start barking at them like crazy. They are becoming extremely territorial and they can't be we live in an apartment.

I'm overwhelmed and I've done tons of research on how to fix this but the more I try its seems the faster they slip.

I mean I put them in classes to prevent this not for this behavior to become worse.

It all started when we moved to this apartment complex....we used to be upstairs now we are on the first floor.....there are lots of bratty kids who yell and shriek and throw things......they are nervous wrecks and I am too.I know they need a behaviorist but we don't have the money for that.....our one dog is sick and most of our extra money is going to vet bills..... We just can't afford a behaviorist.What can I do? I'm running out of ideas.

Its gotten to the point where at home I am isolating them. Only taking them out when no one is around, only walking them when no one is around.We can take them anywhere and they are perfect but in this complex they are awful and I don't know why?

Moving here was the biggest mistake we could have made because the cost could end up greater than it was worth....(it could cost us them)What can I do? What info can I find

Dog House Training - Complete Dog Training Tips and Tricks For Training Your Dog in Your Home

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You need to re-assert yourself as the pack leader. Pre-empt the triggers for the unwanted behaviour and correct it with noise/touch/distraction (whichever used to work best for you) before they are allowed to carry it through.

Example, if you are walking with them and you see a man coming, you know they are going to bark so get there first. Put yourself between the passer-by and the dog on the inside, keep walking withou hesitation and correct any lunge or bark just before it happens with short quick tug on lead at the same time as saying "ah ah" firmly. When they pay attention to you, give lots of light voiced praise and maybe a chunk of ham/chicken etc.

Dogs will sense your discomfort and tension, maybe try to project an assertive, in control kind of energy to them instead of all the fear your feeling.

Like anything you want to be good at, face the fear and just practice practice practice. The more you do it the quicker they'll learn from it.

Hope this helps

Finding Careers in Dog Training

• Watch the dog whisperer episodes. He shows owners how to deal with this time and time again.


• I was actually having the same problem with my dog when we were living in an apartment. She wouldn't go crazy at people though--just dogs. (And there were a lot of dogs).
  
  You said you've already done a lot of research so I don't know if there is much more that you can do. I would look again at the book the Divine Canine because there are some good ideas in there.
  
  Also, if you can, be patient. I've heard that sometimes dogs are just being bad at a sort of adolescent phase. Keep up with the training you've already been doing. Be consistent. And try to stay calm when you are outside with them (***easier said than done I know!!***).
  
  Another good thing to do might be to take them out--but away from your house someone more neutral--and work on training outside. Practicing all of their commands like sit, stay, down, heal (if they know it). That way that start learning that they need to pay attention even outside. Then try doing that outside of your apartment when nobody is outside. (Maybe really early in the morning when people aren't up yet). Practice again, and again. Try to reclaim the space as a training space.
  
  You might also think about using some sort of lead where you have more control...and maybe taking them out one at a time? That might give you the opportunity to see which dog is the instigator!
  
  I don't know, that is all I can think of.
  
  Good luck!


• Hi!
  
  It sounds like you have a lot going on. Living in quarters like that is hard, when people are noisy!!
  
  It seems like you need to work with them one on one, at first, to get used to the noise. Maybe bring one of the dogs outside to be walked, while you work on the territorial issues. Working with two dogs at the same time can be hard.
  
  When the dogs bark at seeing people, you should make a loud noise that distracts them. Or, you can get a whistle, or a horn that makes a noise that distracts them. When they get distracted, move them away and give them a treat. This is going to take a while. Do this with the dogs one at a time.
  
  What types of toys do you have in your apartment for the dogs? It is possible that they are bored too!! make sure that you have plenty of chewy toys, like Nylabone, and put some dog treats in a kong. It keeps my dog busy for hours.
  
  You are the doing the right thing by walking your dog. You might also want to try www.cesarmillan.com or animal.discovery.com, and my vet also gave me veterinarypartner.com. Hope this helps!


• I have 2 dogs myself (Beagle and Golden, who is a big suck!), and they still bark and pull, but they don't attack. If that's what your talking about, then I have a good resource for you! It would also help if your dogs are just misbehaving. I'm not sure if you've ever heard of Cesar Milan, but he has a show called the Dog Whisperer. It's crazy how good the dogs end up being. Now, you can watch his show on Discovery, or you can buy his book. I think you can also contact him. He takes all sorts of cases and you can get monthly emails from him. Just Google (or Yahoo I guess!) Cesar Milan, or the Dog Whisperer. You can watch his shows on Youtube. Also, if you have an iPod, and even if you don't, you can get something called a podcast. I think it's his show. No, never mind. It's actually little preview of episodes, but they'll give you some tips. You can read the ratings before you subscribe, but its all free. You can download thepod castt fromtuness,and downloadtuness from apple.com (Yahoo it!)
  
  Hope this helped, and good luck!!


• remember something marie they have had changes in their little lives lately moving home and then zack being so sick it maybe is that they are a little anxious as you were both so worried about zack and sasha may have picked up on it and they only way to let it out is to bark at everyone it could be a way of releasing the tension and anxiety they were feeling

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training?

What are some resorces to do attack training, or guard dog training? If anyone knows, please post back!

Dog Training Made Fun and Effective With a Few Good Packages

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I did a quick internet search of K-9 trainers in your state. Check out the links below and give them a call.

Good Luck!!

Dog Training Tips For Hard-To-Train Dogs

• why do you want to do that to a dog?
  If you are threatened and your dog are with you. he\she will protect you with no training. it is just their instinct. Off course some dogs have more of this instinct than others.


• where are u located? If u r in southern cali, i know of a place


• Schutzhund is a competition sport that channels a dog's aggression into controlled exercises. It is suitable for police officers and security guards or business owners needing a protection dog. However, if you have trained your personal dog to bite, you have an enormous liability on your hands. A bite from a trained dog inflicts much greater damage, since their inhibition against biting people has been removed. If he bites your neighbor's kid or the mailman, you can be held legally and financially responsible. You may lose your right to homeowner's insurance. You can even go to prison, like the couple in California whose dogs mauled and killed a woman in the hallway of their apartment building.

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