Dog Health Questions: Where do you get a dog trained and sertisfied to become a survice dog?

The reason I am asking is My younger dog Titan helped me the other day. I suffer from falling down and sometimes I can't get up. Well this happened the other day so I called Titan because I know Raven my older dog can't help me. Well he came running and stopped right beside me I grabbed his collar in the front and started to lift myself up. Well all he did was move all 4 legs out just a little bit to with stand my weight and i got up. I am thinking he might be a good dog for me to have as a service dog because like I said sometimes I can't get up. I can have surgery but can't afford it. Can you please help me. I am calling vets to find a trainer to train him the rest of the way and certify him.

Thanks

I have tried Paws for a cause but they say he is 2 old to be trained now. Titan is 2 years old.

Time-Tested Tips On Behavior Dog Training For Beginners

Recommended Answer:
In the US, there is no requirement for certification of service dogs.

In order to qualify, both the handler and the dog must meet certain criteria.

1) The handler must be disabled per the ADA. Most conditions have people who are disabled and some that aren't. It is not the diagnosis that matters but how it affects the person.

2) The dog must be trained to do something to that the handler can not do because of the disability. What qualifies as a task for one team may not be for another team. For example, my disability makes it dangerous for me to stoop, bend, or kneel down to pick up items, so my service dog is trained to pick up dropped objects and things that are on low shelves. But, if a persons disability doesn't prevent them from get such items, then that would be a bonus but would not qualify as a task.

3) The dog must be trained to behave properly in public. This is the longest and hardest part of the service dog training process. Most dogs don't have the proper temperament to handle public access work. If you do not have a great deal of experience in the advanced training of dogs, you will need to hire a trainer to both evaluate and assist in the training of the dog.

It takes 18 mo - 2 years to fully train a service dog. Whether or not you will have public access rights with a dog in training will depend on your state laws. The ADA only covers fully trained service dogs.

Top 10 Successful Dog Training Tips

• If you qualify for a service dog you can get one issued to you free of charge.
  
  Contact "Service Dogs of America" to see what you qualify for. See if they will help you train your dog or provide you with one. Some of the training starts at the age of 8 weeks.
  
  Happy Holidays


• you contact trainers in your area and see if any of them will assist with the training.
  
  there's no "certification".. but the dog must be reliably trained and socialized.


• First, there is no such thing as "certification" for service dogs in the United States. In order to have a service dog, you must meet the legal definition of "disabled" and the dog must meet the legal definition of "service dog". The dog must be individually trained to do something for you that you cannot do for yourself because of your disability.
  
  Unless a trainer has advanced obedience experience and experience training service dogs, you are not likely to find someone who will be able to help you in this instance.
  
  Service dogs that accompany their disabled handlers into places of public accommodation are temperament tested and highly trained. It generally takes 18-24 months to train a service dog. The fact that your dog is 2 years old puts you at a disadvantage because by the time he was fully trained, he would be approximately 4. Socialization and early exposure to a variety of situations is very important to raising and training a service dog that is fit for public access work.
  
  A service dog also needs to be healthy. Hip and joint xrays need to be done to be sure that your dog can assist you with mobility safely.
  
  My advice to you is that you consider contacting a reputable service dog organization and apply for a dog that is properly trained to assist you. If you are losing your sight, you may continue waiting until you have successfully completed orientation and mobility training and apply for a guide dog that is cross-trained in mobility work.
  
  A great place to service for resources on choosing a program and deciding whether or not a service dog is for you is Service Dog Central: http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content…


• talk to a trainer and ask who trains for service dogs
  trainer at petsmart knows of one in cincinnati

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Dog Health Questions: What should I name my pet shop buisness?

It's going to be dog training, dog & cat grooming, pet boarding, animal rescuing, as well as fish and birds for sale. I want something catchy and unique (not cheesy or childish) and with my name in it, like Renee_________, etc. The best name will get the 10 points!

Is My Jack Russell Suitable For Schutzhund Dog Training?

Recommended Answer:
---Renee's Every Pet Stop (or Shop)
---Renee's Ultimate Pet Palace
---Renee's Pet Paradise
---Renee's and the Pet Place
---Renee & Pets

That should give you a few good ideas!

Choosing Your Dog Training Video

• Renee's furry friends (sorry kinda cheesy)
  Renee's pet palace
  Renee's pet world
  Renee's pet shop
  Renee's pet market
  Renee's grooming galore
  Renee's pet salon and store
  Renee's world of pets
  Renee's jungle
  Renee's wild world of animals
  Renee's wild world of pets
  its a jungle out there
  Renee's zoo
  Renee's multiple pets
  Renee's many pets
  
  take ur pick
  (well if any of them r good)


• Renee's dog training, dog and cat grooming, pet boarding, animal rescue and pet shop for fish and birds Center.


• Renees Pets and More Galore
  
  Renees Pets Care and More Galore
  
  Renees Pets Care and More
  
  Reness Pet Care and Board
  
  Reness Pet House of T.L.C (tender love & care)
  
  Renees House of T.L.C


• Renee's Animal Rescue
  I hope it's not cheesy for u


• Don't get ur birds and reptiles from mills. That is really bad

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Dog Health Questions: Dog groomer/trainer questions??

I want to be a dog groomer and trainer when I get older. I already know how to tame them but I not to sure about training and grooming yet. so I am going to learn. anyway I just have a few questions,

dog grooming questions:
1)what is the average salary of a dog groomer?
2)What would you do if someone brought you like 4 dogs and wanted them done in a certain amount of time but you could not finish grooming them? (like drying ALL of them off or nail clipping or stuff like that)
3)What if you are bathing a ferrel dog and it bites you or won't corporate?dog training questions:
1) what is the average salary of a dog trainer?
2)what if you can't tame a certain dog? can you get someone to help you?
3)do you take the dogs for walks and stuff or is it just all training and then back to the kennel?questions applying to both:
1)do I have to go to collage for both of these jobs?
2)and can I do both jobs? (like train in the morning till like 3or 4 and groom from 5 til 10 or somthing like that?)

Professional Dog Training Methods Revealed

Recommended Answer:
I've been grooming and training dogs for over 40 years. When I owned my own shop I took home about 60k per year. Most groomers are paid on commission, which means the more you can do the more you earn. Getting proficient enough to turn out 7 or 8 dogs a day takes time and experience. Location will determine pricing, as will local competition.

There are grooming schools you can go to in lieu of college, but a college education will serve you well in any field, so don't discount any such opportunity you may have. A degree in animal sciences, ethology and behavior can serve you well in work as a trainer or animal behavior specialist.

You will learn about timing your grooms with experience, but in most cases you will set the time for owners to pick up their dogs. You will also learn about handling uncooperative dogs at grooming school and with experience. Dealing with a feral dog is virtually unheard of. At the very least you'll want to ensure that dogs you work on have vaccinations that are up to date, something that a feral dog would likely not qualify. You might look for a job as a bather at a local grooming shop to get yourself started. Some groomers are also willing to train you to groom while you work.

I've never been paid for training dogs, though I have taught obedience and tracking for over 30 years. I volunteer through my local dog clubs. Volunteering with a training club is one of the best ways to learn about training. You will meet many experienced trainers and can learn from helping them teach owners of many different dogs. Combined with this experience, if you go to school and study animal behavior and training, you'll be in a better position to earn a decent living at it.

Dog Training Tips for the New Dog Owner

• The average salary of a dog groomer is LOW. Between $20 - $30 thousdand annually.
  If someone wanted four dogs, I would tell the owner how long it would take & ask them to leave the dogs with me for the day.
  Why would you bathing a ferrel dog? If a dog ever attempted to bite me, I would immediately muzzle it.
  Dog trainers also don't make much. It is really hard to get clients.
  No, you don't have to go to college for either of them.....however, you definitely should go to college cuz you are NOT going to like the money that make at either of these jobs & a college education would be helpful in making a better income.


• Hello, depending on where you live will tell you how much you are going to make in both jobs, like here in Calif there are groomers on every corner, along with petco and petsmart. So it can sometime be difficult to make allot of money. So to give you an average salary this is just going to very depending on where you live. You will have more dogs in certain time of the year as opposed to other times of the year
  
  As far as a client that has 4 dogs, you as the groomer tells the pet owner what time the dogs will be done, the client may ask if they can be done a certain time but if you have allot of dogs then you tell the pet owner when the dogs will be done. Now as far a ferrel dog this just dose not happen, ferrel dogs are wild they are not pets so people don't own ferrel dogs. If an aggressive dog dose come in you have every right to refuse to groom that dog.
  
  There are grooming schools some grooming salon will even teach grooming.

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Dog Health Questions: Increase in crime .... need guard dog?

There has been a marked increase in crime in the Poconos including home invasions. So we are considering one or two guard dogs for our home. We have three children in our country house 11, 9, and 6. Two acres of wooded property.

We are considering Doberman Pinscher, German Shepard, or a Rottweiler breed. We are open to opinions on other breeds. Anyone care to opine or give advice as to breed? Whether we should pay extra and get a dog already trained in obedience and guard dog training? Etc. Also opinions and advice welcomed.

Dog Training How Tos - Laying a Solid Foundation

Recommended Answer:
Get an alarm, dogs are pets.

Dog Training Collars - How to Choose One

• I have heard from friends who have them that Rottweiler's are the best to get for guard dogs. They are very loyal and docile to the owners and good with children. And since you do have children, I would definitely get the dogs trained. Better safe then sorry.


• Boxers.... Boxers make excellent family guard dogs because they are known for their awesome temperment with kids. They are also very loyal and very protective of their home. I have one, and my kids annoy the heck out of her, and she never turns on them... the breed is known for acting intimidating, and they sure look intimitaing, but are hardly aggressive.
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/boxer.htm


• You will have to feed several dogs. The best way is to get alarm, video cameras, and maybe learn some martial arts and gun skills.


• German Shepard, or Rottweiler. Some can be very loving and caring while others can be mean and vicious. Depending on the fact that you have children in the house you better make sure that dog isn't vicious. In my opinion any dog can be a good guard dog as long as they can bark loud enough. But I really don't think a bad guy will be THAT afraid of a golden retriever even though they are really good and loud dogs. If you are looking for "scary" dog...Rottweiler for sure.


• Unfort. a guard dog might not help your situation. In our neighborhood we have had numerous breakins and almost all of those breakins occured with owners having dogs (These houses are located on 1-2 acres). If someone really wants to break into your house they will find a way dog or not. Some people even poison/kill the dog just to break in without a problem. I would advise you to get an alarm system, administer locks on gates at nights, and make sure you always keep lights on or sound on in/out the house when your gone or lights on outside when your at home at night. Good luck!


• Golden Retreivers can also be VERY protective of their families. You have to balance between a good guard dog and a good dog for your kids.
  I had a neighbor that had a break in and attempt at rape and she bought a Trained German Shepard from a place that specifically trained dogs for such things. "Lady" was AMAZING. She knew all the kids in the neighborhood and was gently and great with them but if a stranger walked into their garage or home without an escort...there was trouble and fast!
  It is also always good to put up a beware of dog sign even if you don't have one. Most robbers will see the sign and move on to the next house.
  Hope this helps...stay safe.


• Well to be perfectly honest with you I believe that German Shepard's are some of the best dogs around. I have one that would give it's life for my family. She is very protective of the entire family. She didn't need any special training or anything...It just came natural to her. You could easily train it yourself. If you show a dog enough love protecting it's family is first priority to it. Out of all the dogs I've ever had, by far German Shepard's are the smartest and most loyal dog. I will never own another breed again, other then the ones I already have. By the way...I have two children also...Age 7 and 5 and she is great with them....


• Would you consider these guard dogs as pets, too? Or just there to do a job?
  
  You should research dogs that are good with kids AND very protective, too. Australian shepherds and huskies are very good pets, and very protective and scary to a potential predator. I think, based on what I would imagine the size of your property is, and the amount of trees there are out there, that 3 dogs total would probably be the best way to go, for coverage.
  
  I wouldn't think that obedience or guard dog training would be necessary out there. I think that if you treat your dog like part of the family, give them love, etc., and don't subject them to a lot of other outside people, they will naturally protect you, and let off scary barks at strangers.
  
  I DO think that the dogs are a good idea, not only for your property, but for the kids, too: I think also you should check into home alarm systems as well, for the home invasion part. If someone has been watching your house for awhile (as they tend to do), they'll know you have dogs, and worst-case scenario, they could easily just shoot them to get in. This is another reason why I would reccommend allowing the dogs in the house sometimes, like on particularly cold nights, or just randomly throughout the week. You never know who's watching.


• Don't get any of these breeds with the intent of using for protection unless you plan on going through full-blown schutzhund training with them so they have strong obedience training and follow your commands unfailingly. Anything less and you have a dog that could injure or kill one of your child's friends, the UPS man or even one of your kids. Training for protection is serious businesses and shouldn't be taken lightly. If you want one of these breeds and keep it as a pet and obedience train it as a pet and don't expect to protect fine. In fact, any dog that barks at strangers will do fine. But don't do the protection dog thing halfway or assume the dog will just "know" what to do.


• you don't need big dogs. It is OK if that is what you want, but burglars, etc. stay away from the house where there are loud barking dogs.
  
  I have 1 noisy 9 pound terri-poo
  and 1 noisy 10 pound poodle. No one gets near the house without the dogs giving me warning. they do live inside, though.
  
  But you may be thinking about outside dogs.
  the outside dogs will probably chase and bark about everything bigger than a chipmunk - maybe more information than you want, several times a day.
  
  If you decide you want large dogs, it would be important that they are already obedience trained.


• First, only get a dog if you really WANT a dog. It should be, first and foremost, a pet. A dog has to be bonded to you to want to protect you.
  
  Second, the breed doesn't really matter -- any dog, especially a large one, is a big deterrent to criminals. Any of the breeds you mention would be fine dogs to protect your home.
  
  Dobies are more one-person dogs ... Rotts and German shepherds are more whole-family dogs. That's not to say that Dobies are bad family dogs at all, but they do seem to bond more strongly with one person in particular, in my experience. (In fact, when I was a baby, my parents had to give away our Dobie because she wouldn't let anyone but them come near me!)
  
  A couple of notes: Check with your homeowners insurance before you get a large dog, especially if you plan on training him/her in some sort of protection work. Many insurance companies will not insure you if you have certain breeds (the ones you mention are often included), and protection training makes it even harder to get insurance.
  
  In addition, make sure that you go with a VERY reputable breeder or rescue group and top-notch trainer if you decide you want this kind of dog.
  
  You can find a lot of info about German shepherds and protection work here: http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/ubb… (great forum with lots of very knowledgeable people).


• You got security / video, and you got guns.. And a guard dog is going to do what for you?
  Since Dobermans are very people oriented, and want to be part of the family, included in everything.. You should go with one of the other two breeds you listed.


• Personally... I would consider an "alarm" or watchdog as opposed to a "guard" dog. Without proper training a guarddog can be hazardous... without proper handling (I'm assuming you're not a dog handler) they are definately dangerous.
  
  As far as an alarm-type watchdog I adore my Bernese Mtn Dogs. They're great with the family and children, a bit territorial as they were once farm dogs, are not difficult to train and most will bark at strangers approaching the house. I allow mine to bark at new people (ONLY IN MY HOUSE, never in public) and then simply tell them "Enough" when its time to be quiet. Their bark sounds like the gates of hell have opened and Cerberus is on his way.
  
  They are big enough to be intimidating but sweet and easy to live with. (They do, of course, shed and have a very happy tail).
  
  None of the 3 breeds you mention are breeds I would ever consider for a novice owner.


• All of the breeds you mentioned can be worthwhile adversaries to any would be burglar, however, they are crazy money and very hard to find a really good one that can balance everything you need.
  2 acres is a lot of property for one dog to cover alone as well.
  Do some research into the Fila breed. They have been bred specifically for that job and the right specimen can be A LOT of dog for anyone to deal with should they decide to break in.
  Best of all, a correctly bred Fila needs no training in protection, just raising and teaching it manners.
  Whatever breed yo decide to go with, stay away from any sport type of dog training like Sch, IPO, etc. These dogs are trained in a sport type of atmosphere and are NOT dependable for real life situations.
  Good luck!!
  
  ADD: Protection trained dogs are NOT pets and should not be treated as such. A dog can be good with the family and still protect the house and it's family, because it is TRAINED to do so, NOT because they are its pack!!
  Protection dogs can and do live outside if that is what you choose to have.


• It doesn't matter what breed you get...you can get a teddy bear of a Rottweiler, or a little Hitler of a Chihuahua. So, if you get a dog, the appearance would be more of a "deterrent" than a "guard"...like a blinking red light on the dashboard of your car, but no actual alarm.
  
  Also, dogs are pack animals. If left in the yard by himself, on top of that being super cruel, he won't feel like he's part of your pack and therefore won't feel the need to "guard" you. There's also not much he could do to an intruder if in a kennel or tied-up outside.
  Not to mention, if they ever do bite someone, you're in for a world of trouble and pain. A dog trained to attack intruders will not differentiate between your kids' new friend coming to visit or a burglar.
  I wouldn't recommend getting a dog to guard you...beef-up on security...it's more reliable and less maintenance/responsibility. A dog is a living, feeling individual with it's own personality and physical and emotional needs.
  
  Get a dog if you want a new family member...get a security system if you want a security system.
  
  If you do want a family pet that is also a theft-deterrent, any large breed will do...even a big black lab would be great. Criminals are typically more frightened of large black dogs, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans.
  
  Get a rescued dog...you have an instantly large dog (a puppy will be at least a year before it can look intimidating instead of a goofy little puppy), can test his/her personality around the kids, and don't have to go through all the puppy stuff. You can get ones that are already trained...though knowing commands and respecting you enough to follow them are two different things, so you may have to do some work with the dog no matter where you get him. (see link below)
  
  You and your children should practice pack leadership. I think the NILIF method is the easiest, safest, and most humane and sensible way to do it, but everyone must be consistent with it. It's important that your kids are also pack leaders for their safety with a big, muscular dog. (see last link below) Large, muscular dogs bred for protection can be difficult to control, and are not for the novice owner. It's imperative that you are consistent in training and leadership.
  
  Either way, you can't have an "attack dog" that's also really good and safe with your children (and their friends). So having a large family pet is a good deterrent, and may or may not also guard you, but a "guard dog" isn't really a good idea.


• Are you trained to handle a guard dog? What education do you have that would qualify you to control one especially around your family? Guard dogs are not for the average person and should only be used by those who are specially trained. Unless you are a professional dog handler I would advise against this.


• I owned a Gr Shepard and they are great. Very loyal


• Honestly, if you are getting a dog for protection purposes, I would go with a "scary looking" dog. No burglar in his right mind will climb into a house with a Rottweiler, GSD or Dobe in it, even if the dog is really a total sweetheart.
  
  The reason I'm saying this is that training your dog for protection is VERY expensive and definitely should not be done at home. It's very serious business. You sound far more intelligent than the average 13 year-old who posts here asking "how can I train my dog to bite strangers?" so I will assume you know what I'm saying. That kind of mindset is just asking for a lawsuit to happen - or worse - for an injured child.
  
  That's why I'm saying, unless you're willing to do the work and go the distance to train your dog in protection (and it will be a lot of work, and a long distance) it might be better for you to simply disregard training him in protection and leave him as a deterrent to thieves. All three breeds make VERY loyal dogs and, if allowed to bond properly with their family, will most likely serve as a good "alarm" if not a dog that will bite or kill, which I'm not sure is something you want anyway...dogs get put down for that kind of thing, believe it or not, when the criminals get the right lawyers.
  
  If you have burglars in your neighbourhood that will sneak into a house that they know has video surveillance and a Rottweiler, and try to stare down a barking Rottie, then I really have to take my hat off to them.


• I hope you have tons of money because most homeowners insurance carriers will drop you like a hot potato if they even THINK you have a guard/watch dog. And once dropped, you'll have a devil of a time finding a new carrier - even after you get rid of the dog.
  
  Consider talking to your local military police and/or law enforcement agencies about the use of guard dogs. Chances are they'll discourage you. Follow their advice.
  
  Thing is, guard dogs are not machines - you cannot turn them on or off and they're NOT at your convenience. Guard dogs need to be specially trained - which is expensive and requires special handling on your part. There may even be ordinances etc. that won't allow such animals in your community.
  
  And since you have young children - they would not be safe around the dogs.
  
  Since you already have an alarm system and own firearms (around children? FOOL!!) I wouldn't recommend a guard dog at all.
  
  Think about this - if a bad-guy truly wants to break into your house, he'll find a way to circumnavigate a guard dog. All it takes is a little strychnine in an irresistible treat to silence the dog. A bullet is noisy but just as effective.


• I've met one person who had a professionally trained German Shepherd protection dog out of Czech lines. I'd been skeptical about such "pre-trained protection dogs"....but this Shepherd was one of the most even-tempered, intelligent, responsive, balanced and confident dogs I've ever seen in my life. He was the companion to a solo female truck driver. He was entirely focused on his owner's commands, calm, accepting of strangers, and played with my "Mr. Macho" Basenji, assuming a passive attitude when my dog tried to pretend he was big stuff. But his bearing and demeanor left in no doubt that he could respond appropriately to a threatening situation. A truly well-bred dog, with the proper kind of training, can be a trustworthy family dog in addition to being a trained guardian.
  
  The well-known radio and TV political talk personality, Glenn Beck, has a family with children and a professionally trained guard dog, a German Shepherd named Victor. He speaks often of his dog being a trusted member of the family.
  
  These kinds of dogs are not cheap, and nor should they be something purchased quickly or on a whim. Do LOTS of research if you choose to purchase a pre-trained protection dog. Not all training methods and breeding programs are alike. The safety of your family and the general public depends on you selecting a well-balanced, stable dog for your household. Also, keep in mind that purchasing such a dog does (and SHOULD) involve training for YOU, because you will have to develop a working relationship with your dog, understand how to communicate with him and command him, etc.
  
  However, if you already have alarms, firearms, surveillance and perimeter security, I don't know how much of a difference a 2,000 dollar "personal protection dog" would make, over a normal family dog with "alarm/watchdog" tendencies. Most any breed will sound an alarm and let the family know if someone is messing around outside. Most larger breeds will defend if necessary, without any special training.
  
  With the 3 breeds you mentioned- I would definitely advise LOTS AND LOTS of research. All 3 breeds have their fair share of ignorant breeders who have no clue about the proper temperament or health of the breed. Contact the breed club for whatever breed you're interested in, and find a responsible breeder.
  
  You may also want to contact your homeowner's insurance company- with many companies, owning one of these breeds will either increase your rates, or cause the company to drop you altogether. My parents had problems with State Farm accepting our Doberman when I was a kid.
  
  You may also want to research the Standard Poodle. There are a lot of pre-concieved notions about the breed....but in reality they are a tall, athletic, large dog with a good protective instinct and a deep, throaty bark. Most pet owners keep them in a simple pet clip, without the goofy pom-poms. They also come in dark brown and black- a large, dark-colored dog is more intimidating to an intruder. They make a good overall family dog, with fewer of the "issues" that plague your "guard dog" type breeds.
  
  Just keep in mind, that no guard dog is poison proof or bulletproof. I know you made clear that you plan on having this dog as a family dog and not a "first line of defense".....but with all the other protection you have for your household, it might be better to save your money and just get a regular family dog, or 2....if someone REALLY wants to break in to your house, the dog will be the easiest "problem" for a criminal to dispose of. Should that unfortunate situation arise, it'd be an awful waste of a couple of 2,000 dollar German Shepherd defense dogs....meanwhile, a couple of no-special-training Poodles in the living room may not even be thought of as a 'threat' by a criminal...."aw, they're just Poodles, haha".....until the criminal has a Poodle chewing his arm off.


• If you get a decent quality of either of these dogs it will be fine but if you get some back yard or puppy mill bred of any breed, you will likely regret it. I personally like Dobermans primarily because they are short coated, don't have the undercoat that GSDs and Rotties do so you don't have to deal with all that fluff in the house, and that is where any dog should be, particularly if you are wanting one to be barking at and detering possible undesired entrants. No one breaks into you back yard so it is imparative that the dog be not only a house dog but essentially a big part of the family. It will need to be well socialized and confident with any and all situations and be capable of discerning 'right' from 'wrong' in situations so that it can warn you when something is 'wrong'. You might try breed rescue as getting a puppy would sort of be foolish as they will need to be mature, usually two years of age or older, before they could actually be assessed properly as well as before they could do much in the way of being protective. Also, breed rescues have people that can properly evaluate dogs and homes for suitability and with children to consider, that is important. Find out also where local obedience trainers/classes are since you will need to take the dog to these and learn to properly interact and train the dog as well as bond with it. Be prepared to take your time in your search as finding a good, responsible breeder with a suitable dog or a suitable dog in rescue will not be anything for the impulsive... Good luck...
  
  oh and Dobermans are not at all 'one person dogs' -- at least in the last fifty odd years I have owned and trained many of them that are stable and balanced I haven't run into any that are... that is silly myth. They, like many of the protection bred breeds, bond strongly with their people, not just one person and if you don't want anyone stealing your petunias, then leave the dog outside -- if you want a dog that will deter ENTRY into your home, get and train a balanced companion. 'protection trained' dogs are no more or less a scenario based training sport than anything else... I have had my life saved by dogs that would have never made it through some trumped up protection scenario but have gone the distance to protect me... You can't 'test' that - it either happens or it doesn't but in any case, dogs can be shot just as easily as you can so to consider them as anything but a potential deterent is not wise.
  
  add; Jordie is right about the shooting thing but wrong about House of Hoytt - they are simply a commercially motived puppy mill - that is all - just like Kimberhell and Amaris and a lot of those kinds... if you are going to get a decent dog find a good, responsible breeder that doesn't crank them out like Happy Meals!


• Well bred and well socialized Rottweilers are absolutely the best guardians in my opinion.
  I have no fear knowing there is a Rottweiler in my house.
  I have a Doberman. She is wonderful. Mot a guard dog.
  I love German Shepards but they can be high strung.
  Just know that Rotts need good training and guidance as youngsters and can be destructive up to age 2.


• I dont know what the laws are where you live, but in texas it is FAR less hassle to shoot someone coming onto your property than to have your dog attack them... An intruder can sue you if your dog bites them and they WILL win. Nowadays guard dogs are pretty much obsolete. As far as I've been told (by a lawyer that is involved ...read, his wife is the director... in doberman rescue) that criminals are deterred less and less by dogs now. They just carry guns and shoot them... it's that simple. We had a girl come to us in July who wanted another doberman because her trained protection dog was shot and killed in a home invasion. We didn't adopt to her because that's not why we rescue these dogs and they dont need those kind of homes but I would be worried about the dogs safety as they wont be much protection. A security alarm is the best way to go... besides your own guns. Personally I would rather just shoot someone that broke in rather than let my dogs go after them. Like my parents CHL instructor told them. Shoot once and to kill. Then there's only one story and make sure you say I was in fear of my life.... your likely to get less flack than if your dog maims someone.
  
  JMHO...
  
  but if your set on it. Check out Hoytt dobermans, they're pretrained quality dogs.
  
  I dont know if you have heard about the GSD that is on schedual to be put down for protecting his owner... I'll let you read the story and see how ridiculous it is... The gardener is going to get cash... Guarantee it! If it was a burglar, he would get cash...
  
  http://www.itchmo.com/family-fights-for-…


• Belgian Malinois/German Shepard both very loyal, smart and athletic dogs- good combo (downside:some argue that there is not enough power behind their athletic frames, longer hair-less favorable).
  Cane Corso, also a good guard dog, loyal to their family, a lot of power behind their bite- also consider an American Bulldog. Both really great dogs.
  
  Whichever breed you choose to go with, Good Luck!! and if you haven't already, do some research on owning/handling a guard dog.


• Looks like you touched on an interesting subject and there's a ton of good information. You should also look up information about pit bulls. They sometimes have a bad name, but you get them from a reputable breeder. They are so loving and awesome with even very young children. They love big yards to run around in, and they train very easily. In fact, they love to be trained, and will defend their family and yard by natural instinct.
  
  The only thing is, they require a lot of attention and have a lot of energy, like all big dogs. They need adequate play time and training. Any dog you decide on, remember, they are going to be very hyper and energetic, especially in the first few years. It would be nice if you could rescue a puppy already in need. That's what we did and he's a great guard dog, no worries from me.


• Well, german shepards are good police dogs.
  Rottweilers are fierce.
  Don't know much about Doberman Pinscher..
  
  Just be careful that your kids wouldn't go near the dogs, because they could be bitten.
  You should get a trained dog, it wouldn't cost that much..
  And if you can, yes alarms would be good.

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Dog Health Questions: My dog is crazy.. please help?!?

I have this cute little devil named Jacky. Nearly 1 year old and he's a maltese/koolise (erm.. that's how i think you spell it.. :/

But anyways, i love him a lot but my parents dont because of the way his acting.
Firstly, it's kinda my fault. i was lonely and wanted a friend so i brought him but then i was busy with school and didn't get a chance to take him to dog training classes but we were really close until i had to go away for about 2 months and when i got back he was really happy to see me but it's just the way his showing it.

Every time i see him now, he'll run up to me like a crazy maniac, jumping up and down and won't stay still no matter what i do. And if like i put my hand near his mouth he'll lick like crazy (like really roughly and stuff)..So is this is excess energy or something?

If so then all tips and advices on how to calm/control him would be appreciated. :)

P.S... hurts to say but i didn't get him desexed when he was little.. so.. is that the reason why?

Dog Training Basics - Avoid These Five Common Mistakes

Recommended Answer:
My advise might not work but, still just give it a try. From what I see, I think your dog has separation anxiety. Since its a small dog (thank God), it can't topple you over. Every time you leave, and come back, when he jumps and goes crazy, freeze. Do NOTHING. Totally ignore him until he stops and calms down. Wait for a 10 seconds and praise, pet, treat him. Doing this, you're teaching him that if he continues to be crazy, he will be ignored. If he's calm, its rewarding and you will give him attention. Dogs crave attention. Trust me. Also, whenever you come home from anywhere, don't go rush up on him and give him attention. Ignore him, maybe put on the kettle, sort out the groceries, just wait for 5 minutes, or 5 minutes after he has calmed down, then call him to come, only give him attention then.

Maybe you should break the process down into smaller steps. You can simulate the situation again by doing this exercise. Let him see that you're going out, open the door for two seconds, then close it. If he doesn't go crazy, praise-pet-treat. After a few times, open the door, go out, close it and immediately come back in. If he remains calm, praise-pet-treat. Continue this exercise for a few times, then gradually increase the amount of time you leave. Once you can stay outside for few seconds without him barking the house down, increase the time to one minute and continue to improve.

As for licking, improvise on the "attention" rule. Whenever he licks excessively, stand up, and ignore him. Wait for 20 seconds, then continue playing with him. If he does lick excessively, stand up and ignore again. Continue until whenever you sit down and he did not lick you, praise-pet-treat. THis way he learns that you don't like him to lick you.

But remember, patience is the key. Don't expect these method to work within minutes. Give him at least 2 weeks time before you can actually see results. This is because his habit of going crazy every time you come back has been reinforced for almost a year. (This means every time you come back, when he goes crazy, you give him pets, or you talk to him, or you scold him, or even kicking/physical punishment, all of these are rewarding in a way to him because you give him ATTENTION) It can be hard to change. But eventually you will get there.

Excess energy might be an issue, but I really doubt it. But do bring him out for walks. Walks are one of the things dog enjoy a lot. Good way to burn off excess energy, its very interesting for them as they can be out for fresh air, more things to smell about or see. As he is a small dog, just a 30 minute walk per day should be okay.

Just remember, for other bad behaviours that you don't want, ignore him. When he does something good, or something you want, praise-pet-treat. Any attention is good, even bad attentions (being scolded or physically punished) Dogs would rather be kicked than ignored if you get what I mean.

Sorry if this post sounded a little confusing. Its already very late here in New Zealand and English isn't exactly my mother tongue.

Good luck and all the best! =) You and Jacky will get there in time.

The Importance of Dog Training

• Take him for walk, give him exercise and tire him out, yes it's excess energy and yes it's alot of work to tire a dog out but if you didn't plan to do that work then you shouldn't get a dog.


• I would not say that he is crazy, he just needs walking and he needs to do a bit of excersize!!!!!


• It is never too late to start training Jacky. You will be happier, your parents will be happier and even Jacky will be happier. A well-behaved dog gets to do more fun things, go on outings with his family, perhaps dog parks, lots of things.
  
  And yes he probably needs _lots_ more exercise. A tired dog is a quiet, well-behaved dog in general. Taking him for walks does more than tire him out it also allows him to investigate, safely, interesting places and things. If he is tied up or even in a large fenced yard, everything is the same every day. Dogs love to use their noses to smell out new things.
  
  As to neutering, it is best for the dog. A neutered dog doesn't have sex on his mind all the time so he will be better behaved and he will also avoid some of the physical problems that come with not being neutered.
  
  My advice: have him neutered, find a good positive dog trainer and go have fun with learning with Jacky,


• Take him on some long walks to tire him out and if that does not work when he jumps up grab his collar and firmly but kindly make him sit then when he does make a fuss and he will learn to sit when he sees you .

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Dog Health Questions: Should i get rid of my dog?

my dog is scared of everything i take him twice a week to dog training he is 6 months old border collie/lab he snaps at other dogs he barks and runs away from everything scared of cars scared of people he sits at the window and barks all the time i love him so much but i don't know what else to do im so stressed out enough with my life now i have to stress about him i have tried my hardest with him i don't have the money for a personal trainer or anything like that i have been taking him 4 15-20 min walks a day to get used to things but still no luck please help thanks

Dog Training Success - 10 Don'ts to Avoid in Order to Achieve Successful Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Contact a rescue to assist you with a socilization process.

Online Dog Training and Puppy Training

• i agree with everyone else- but also you ned to take him for longer walks and give him mental challenges (agility obedience games) he is bored and needs the people around him to be less stressed, because it rubs of on him. I know you try your best but how would you feel if everyone around you was stressed and unhappy? try to bond with him more and don't give up on him just yet..
  i hope the best for you and your dog :)


• For a border collie x labrador, 15 - 20 minuets is not a long enough walk. Both breeds need a lot of exercise, both dogs being a working dog. You obviously didn't do your research when you brought that dog. Give him to some one who has time time and money to care for him.


• to basil wallace i think you are the idiot! this person is asking for help! its people like you who make it difficult to find help and advice! she is clearly trying so that does not make her a bad owner. you obviously dont have any patience so maybe you should not bother giving people answers on this site! find a different site where they allow losers to comment!


• Wow, apparently you have no clue as to what PUNCTUATION is. Being part Border Collie, when your dog gets to be a year old, get him started working livestock.


• Agree with Basil.
  
  If you knew you couldn't take this dog on, you shouldn't of gotten it.
  
  People like you are the reasons shelters fill up so quickly.
  
  Any way the dog acts is YOUR fault-NOT the dog's.


• Generally, if you have to ask whether or not you should "get rid" of your dog, the answer is yes. Given that you can't afford a professional to help you handle this dog and fix the problem, then the answer is yes. Find a breed specific rescue, or other type of no kill shelter, etc... that can help you re-home him. You have two high energy, high strung breeds mixed together. 15-20 minutes a day is NOT long enough, by far. Sounds like the dog outright needs firmer leadership, and more exercise to get rid of the pent up energy. Boredom can very easily, and very quickly, lead to issues like this, especially in very high energy breeds and mixes.


• You have a very high energy mix of dog and the number one thing I would say is excercise...pent up energy can cause anxiety and aggression (also barking, etc). He needs at least an hour of physical activity a day and some more time besides spent working on the training that you learn in the class. When you walk him, walk him. If he barks, tries to run, etc just keep walking...hes on a leash isnt he? If you react or get frustrated or nervous he will feed of that energy from you. If you dont feel that you can dedicate the time to fixing this issue (which will get worse as he gets older) then yes you should surrender him to a rescue where someone can work with him while hes young and its a little easier. Excercise and training every day will build his confidence and yours.


• I know this might sound strange, but he may need an antidepressant. They make those for cats and dogs.
  I wouldn't recommend getting rid of him because you obviously love him and it may not seem like it now but you will regret it and not feel good about yourself if you do. Work with him, be as patient as you possibly can when he's being loud and wait for a solution. If you have some type of pet insurance, an antidepressant shouldn't be too costly. Good luck
  
  PS He may also just need more attention from you or more alone time. When he snaps and barks at other dogs, correct him immediately by raising your voice and saying 'No'. Instilling guilt in him this way could make him more aware of his behaviour.
  
  Edit: My answer was very good and it got 4 thumbs down?! WTH is wrong with people? There are obviously trolls (with multiple accounts) on this question...


• i got 3 of those types of dogs you describe , i am sticking with it knowing they calm down in a year or so .
  my pups only 6 months old and complete lunatics , they have a appetite for destruction and i dread to come home some days " knowing something has been destroyed "
  
  dogs are there own personality and they grow into it .
  
  take your dog for a cycle ride for around 15 mins at a time 4 times a day , and it will still be hyper , a collie would like to be active most of the day
  .
  so with a 30 min cycle ride and a 30 min training session and you will notice a real difference within a fortnight


• Don't you get any advice from the dog trainer in his class? She (he?) is in a position to watch the dog and see if there are any triggers. Also, you've probably taught the dog "sit" and "wait" or "stay" by now. Border Collies are very smart. When you go on a walk, when you see people or dogs approaching, put your pup into a "sit/stay" and reward him w/ a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time he has to sit there for the reward. Reward him profusely (praise and treats) when he sits and lets people pass him. You might recruit a friend to help you here, one with a well-behaved dog. Have them start out by being not so close while you put your dog in position. Then walk a little farther and have them do it again, gradually getting closer. Don't rush the process. It's not going to change overnight. Also carry treats with you and ask "strangers" to, without attempting to touch, and without looking at the dog, slip the dog treats while talking to you.
  
  And I know it's terribly stressful, esp. when the dog barks constantly, but if you could figure out a place without a lot of dogs that he could safely run off leash and get rid of some of his energy...
  
  The stress in your life is probably complicating things right now too. He's bound to pick up on it. So any thing you can do to relieve some of your own stress will help the dog too.


• He is scared of cars and people because he doesn't KNOW them. 15-20 minutes walks even if done 4 times a day are crap for a high energy dog his age!
  I dare say that at this point you need to take this dog out at LEAST 4 hours everyday into high populated areas till he gets completely used to seeing strangers, cars, other dogs and whatever else might cross his way. You should also work on his training (commands and such) several times a day for about 30 minutes or so.
  My guess is that this will be to much "trouble" for you so it would really be best if you find him a new owner, someone with responsible enough to actually care for the dogs needs and not just treat him like a cute toy that is fun to have around as long as there is no work involved.
  I would also suggest a stuffed animal for the next time you feel the urge to get a pet.


• You have a border collie mix and you only take him for a walk for 15-20 minutes 4 times a day? OMG a Border Collie needs hours of exercise EVERY SINGLE DAY and I mean HOURS of exercise and training or they become frustrated and bored, they bark, they destroy they become a nightmare to own if you cannot keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Did you research Border Collies and Labs before you adopted one or were you the type to just fall for a cute puppy? Did you go about properly socializing your dog to people, other dogs, cars, buses, skateboards, bicycles, children the car etc?
  
  Your dog is under exercised and under socialized and has an owner that does not understand their needs properly to "fix" these problems in order to make your dog happy and healthy. If you cannot handle this dog then yes, you should rehome him or give him back to the shelter you adopted him from a Border Collie mix is too much dog for someone who is clueless on the breed.
  
  When you consider a dog you research the breed before you adopt/buy. I have a Weimaraner, I knew all about the breed before I bought one, she gets daily hour to two hours of exercise every single day, she has been trained constantly since puppyhood and this is my first dog. What I didn't know I READ BOOKS ON, I watch every dog training show on Animal Planet, I learned how to train, I read every book I could on dogs, dog behavior etc and I worked hard to have a well behaved dog. She is my first dog and she is a pleasure to own, she's well behaved, she does not bark, she is off leash trained, has her CGC certificate and has been tested for Therapy work which she passed all because I did everything I could to get her to that point. If you are not willing to put forth the considerable amount of work required to own a Border Collie mix, then you need to rehome him.

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Dog Health Questions: My dog is leash reactive/aggressive?

My dog is a sweetheart off of the leash. He plays around with other dogs and people just fine. However, when I'm walking him on the leash, he'll growl and bark at other dogs and if a runner or biker comes up on his blind side (he has a cataract) he will jump and attack. I've heard this called leash reactive. He doesn't ever hurt them, but he certainly scares them. When someone is coming, I have him sit, stay and he does really well, but if someone comes up from behind me and I don't see them, he'll react aggressively, when is probably him reacting to me being tense from surprise. He's already taken dog training, which didn't seem to help this issue. Maybe I should see a specialist?

Dog Training - Getting the Basics Right

Recommended Answer:
There's a name for every problem now aye? "Leash reactive" I call it false bravery/Poor training. Like a drunk talking crap from a distance, but all of a sudden when somebody holds him back? Pshhh now he wants to fight! Or, it could be a dog who is excited and wants to play but is frustrated by being held back, either way? It's poor training. He doesn't decide when you play or who to intimidate, you do, the behavior should be corrected.

When he displays the behavior say "No" and pop the leash, if that doesn't work you'll have to use a different training collar (fur saver, prong). Anyway, good luck!

Dog Training Methods - Different Ways to Teach Your Pet Dogs Some Useful Skills

• Yes, a professional trainer will be able to assess the dog and his triggers, and work out a plan to help you recondition his responses.


• Totally.You must have a really hard time.

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Dog Health Questions: Anyone know the name of the dog trainer I am looking for in Kansas City?

A few months ago I was surfing the internet looking for a dog training program for my dog.Then school started and I wasn't able to get into any of the programs with my schedule. I remember there was this one dog training program in the KC area that that advertised having your dog trained while you were on vacation. I remember that it was kind of like a boarding place, but they worked with your dog in a training sense, not just boarded it for you.

I only ask this because I rescued my dog from a shelter, and they suspected he was abused. I have further decided that he had been abused by a man, because new men come around that he doesn't know, he growls and is very unfriendly, but he doesn't do this with strange women that he meets. He understands sit, down, stand, stay, and come. He is a very well behaved dog. However, he still lacks confidence, he occasionally does the nervous peeing thing, he doesn't really know how to play with toys, and he still is not comfortable when strangers (men) come around.

I also ask this because, not that I don't want to be involved with his training, but I am leaving for a week at the end of March. I was going to leave him with my parents and brother, and they love my dog...but this nervous peeing thing has started up again more so than normal lately, and my mom isn't a huge animal fan, especially on her new carpet. I would just really hate to leave him there, him get freaked out, squirt, then my mom start yelling, making him more nervous, and he pees more. It just seems like I am setting him up for failure.

I figure if I need to board him, I might as well board him somewhere where they will work with him, and maybe help his confidence and fear of strangers. Problem is, I can't seem to find it on the internet anymore. Does anyone know the name of the place I am looking for?

How to Identify Good Dog Training Schools

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I did a search on Google Maps and came up with "A Dogs Fun Playce". They are in KC, MO and they do boarding training. Hopefully this is the one you were looking for?? Just make sure it's positive reinforcement training.

Here's the link: http://www.adogsfunplayce.com/index.html

Discover the Secrets to Guard Dog Training

• No idea. A word of caution about board-and-train - most of them (especially those that have been in business for 10 years or more) use punishment (including shock collars). I don't recommend this for any dog but certainly not one who has fear issues. Research carefully and make sure that positive reinforecement is the primary teaching tool. And, of course, your dog should meet the staff before you commit to make sure he isn't afraid of them.
  
  Also, you didn't mention which state!
  
  Here is one that looks promising in KC, Missouri. http://goodpupkc.com/

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Dog Health Questions: Serious dog training experts? important questions!?

when i first got my puppy i potty trained him all wrong. now hes a little over a year and almost trained correctly now (he is indoor potty trained with a pee mat downstairs). But since my dad thinks he might still have a lot of accidents (since we used to let him pee around this house when he was little) he has to sleep in a small bathroom with his pee mat in it. my friend told me dogs shouldnt sleep/eat where they relieve themselves but my dad says when we go to sleep he has to stay in there incase he needs to pee. but since i've seen him walk downstairs by himself to pee i think hes ready to sleep around the house at night. and one other question about this is: im afraid he'll eat things at night. he likes eating/chewing things hes not suposed to. i've tried bitter apple but i cant spray the whole house!
HELP please!!

Want to Learn How to Train a Dog? Simple But Important Dog Training Techniques

Recommended Answer:
You really should crate train your dog. Then he will sleep in the crate at night. He can hold his pee all night by now, he doesn't need to have access to pee pads any more thru the night if you crate train. Just make sure you take him outside to pee before bed time, then first thing when you wake up take him outside again to pee and it should work fine. Crates are not too pricey, you should be able to find a sutible one at Walmart for about $30 or so. Good luck.

Added: At his age he can hold it all night. He has full control over his bladder muscles now. And if he doesn't go right away you need to stay out for a few minutes with him. If he still doesn't go then he will really have to go in the morning. Sometimes it takes my puppy up to ten minutes out before he will go outside before bed time. You just need to be patient. Good Luck!

Finding the Essential Dog Training Supplies

• Buy a dog crate. Your dog will not have to sleep where he eliminates, and, you won't have to worry about him at night.

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Dog Health Questions: I have another question...does anybody know where i can find a good website or book on dog training?

i have a 12 week old american bulldog and he really needs to be trained or discipline or something and i don't want to discipline him by yelling or hitting him i've searched but haven't had good results.....can sumbody plz help me!!!plz!!!!

Puppy and Dog Training - How to Train Puppies and Dogs on a Lead - Easy to Follow Dog Training Steps

Recommended Answer:
Try Clicker Training.......You will have the most fun...Clickers are just $2-3 at your pet shop.
http://www.clickertrain.com/whatis.html
http://www.clickerlessons.com/
http://www.dogpatch.org/obed/obpage4.cfm

Dog Training Schools - Who is Being Trained, You Or the Dog

• try google for a website and the library or pet store for a book when you try google type in the breed of dog and it will come up with pages of info


• There are so many books out there. As a trainer I recommend training for dummy's but this wont help you if you want to compete. I say go to a training lesson with a good obedience trainer in you area.


• i frequent "Pet Smart" pet store. if there's a chain around you, you can find either an actual class there or i'm sure they can give you info for your area.
  my neighbors took their dog to Pet Smart's dog training class and it worked really well!
  
  also, there may be some listings in your yellow pages.
  
  Good luck!!!!


• u go to ur vet and ask him about a dog trainers address or the book stall where the book is available .....i am sure he will tell u .


• This MIGHT work, give it a try:
  
  Visit my website for book finding resources.
  a link to my site is provided below. Scroll down to the
  "Books" heading and the link is there.
  Search is free.
  Good Luck! Visit:
  
  The place to find old class yearbooks - ourclassreunion.com.http://www.ourclassreunion.com/resources…

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Dog Health Questions: Unsatisfactory dog boarding experience with my greys?

Yahoo community I need your help. We went on a 9 day vacation and left our 2 greyhounds with a lady who does dog training and boarding at her home. She was recommended by the local rescue group. We went for a visit before we dropped the dogs off to discuss their issues.. mostly that greys are delicate and NOT yard dogs. We paid a premium price to board them in a home environment. And now that my dogs are home we realize that is not what we got. They have callouses, chapped skin, missing hair, and sunburn. They are stiff, lame, and sore. I already paid her and didnt inspect them closely until I got home. I was very tired when I picked them up and I trusted her and her reputation.

What would you do?

Dog Training Secrets - The Most Important of All Secrets to Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I would not use her again. I would also call her and ask what the heck she did to your dogs to cause this. It will be relevant if they need vet attention. If you have to take them to the vet for treatment, ask her if she will pay for it, if she refuses, and the bill's significant, take her to small claims court. Oh, and phone the rescue that recommended her and let them know what happened. They may be willing to stop recommending her to others.

Dog Training With A Clicker

• First go to your vet and explain the situation. Get documentation and take pictures of their wounds/health condition. Ask the vet what they suggest you do. I would contact a lawyer and see what advice they can give as well.
  Once armed in writing with this info., I would go to her and let her know she did wrong, and you have the proof. Tell her you want a refund (or what ever it is you want) and if she doesn't comply tell her you'll take her to court. She neglected your pets and you should not have to pay if they were harmed and she did not give the service advertised/requested.
  Animal abuse is a crime and she should be punished. I am sorry your babies were harmed. It is like daycare for children, you can check and recheck but you never really know how they are going to be treated for sure. Again, I'm sorry.
  Best of luck with you and your dogs.


• Think BB has given a pretty good answer only thing I would add is tell the rescue group to make sure they never recommend her again.


• First - I would report your displeasure to your rescue group, so they do not refer others to her.
  
  I'm sure you'll never take your hounds to her again.
  
  Did you call her and ask her what happened to your hounds while you were away? I can't think of any reason that Greyhounds would get callouses and sunburn while being boarded inside someones home. The missing hair could be from playing with each other, as you know how easily these guys can get scuffed up.
  
  In the future maybe you can exchange dog sitting with other people within your own rescue. This is what our group does, and then instead of paying board, we make a donation to the group. So we are helping the hounds, as well as each other. (and your dogs stay in a home with other Greys)
  
  I'd be fuming about now ..........but if she did feed and care for your dogs, then I doubt you could get a refund of any type - as she did provide the service you contracted with her for.
  
  But I would make it well known to all pet owners I knew that the woman does not provide the quality of care that she advertises.


• Don't use her again, I don't think there is much you can do legally, I would call the rescue group that gave her the recommended her and let them know what happened, was the rescue group the greyhound rescue?? If not call the adoption group you got your greys from, I'm in the Phila.,Pa Area and the NGAP boards and the greyhounds get wonderful care, state of the art med care, paddocks to play in, best of food, they will do their teeth (laser) cut nails, have it all done if you want, maybe there is a NGAP in your area, they all treat the dog's great, but I think Phila has the med. center next time try them it is a large organization, I think there all over check the web National Greyhound Adoption Program.

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Dog Health Questions: Is something wrong with my dog ?

Hi i have a dog called Corneil, hes a border collie an 3 an half years old. sometimes when i walk into the room hes in i see bits of paper an a pencil lying around near him an this didnt really mean anything to me until my kids said they had nothing to do with it. anyway then i started to see my old dog training books laying near him, again nothing to do with my kids. And now ive really got worried. then my friend Romio called me an said that id tried calling him when he wasnt in, i knew i hadnt or infact anyone in our house had. but then he let me listen to the voicemail left. it was in a rough voice i hadnt heard before and then at the end of it was a bark.
now im cirtain my dog can talk, like the one in watch my chops. this is a big coincidence since all the people related in my question are in watch my chops. is my dog talking,reading, an writing, or is there something else going on ?

Professional Dog Training Methods Revealed

Recommended Answer:
i seriously doubt your dog has made such an evolutionary advance as reading writing and talking since the only animal out of billions that has made that advance is humans and the brain capacity for all three took millions of years to develop (to be able to represent figures with sound or a meaning)
more likely someone is playing a joke on you

Positive Dog Training Methods

• I'd consider that someone is breaking into your house..


• r u sure this is all true? well if u wanted to capture him doing anything, u might want to set a video camera while ur away. that way, you'll see the truth.


• it's really spooky question....lol....anyway....i agree with "q"...she's right....if u really want know wats going ...u should put up a camera....n pleeaaaasssseeee dont let any1 know tat ur doing this.....not even ur kids.....it will work......goodluck......

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training?

I have to train my dog, and was considering the SPCA, is this a good idea??

Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
If you mean the ASPCA yes, it is a good idea to use

their suggestions

you can read this

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pag…

Best wishes

Dog Training Collars

• It depends on the individual who is teaching the class. Some are great, some ok. I also would worry about the spread of disease. Is your training area the same area that the shelter dogs are trained and spend time, have there been any outbreaks of diseases lately? Usually the methodology used at the SPCA is very good, but teachers vary on how good they are...sit it on a class and evaluate it yourself.


• Yes, training is a good idea. SPCA? Well, you gotta start somewhere. First place I went was Mans Best Friend. That was another life ago, but it's where I started.


• Training your dog is very fun. Im thinking that if you go to the aspca it will cost money. But its a lot of fun to teach them yourself you just have to have a lot of patience.


• some vets offer free training classes. they teach you the basics... and then all you need to do is practise with your dog every day.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training help!?!?

How can I train my dog to do tricks, for example,
sit, stay, play dead, roll over,
I have a chocolate lab puppy and need advice fast,
Please and Thank you :)

Do a Good Job of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Training = Patience from the owner and pup + lots of treats!!!!

My yellow lab knows sit, come, a bit of down and stay, get a book, that really helps!

Discover the Secrets to Guard Dog Training

• how old?


• these are basic commands...go to a class...all dogs need that anyways...also books help. A couple of tips that I can give you: Say what you mean and say it once not ten times "sit, sit, sit...." they heard you the first time. Show them if they don't know. Also find two different words for down...such as..."lay down" or "down" and "off" when you want them off the furniture. If you say down...they may get confused and think it's "lay down".


• for sit. push here butt down and when shes sitting give her a treat. kept doing that until she get it right


• I have a 3 year old dog and I have trained her very well! Find a snack that your dog likes (I used bacon bits) and work with your puppy everyday on one thing and give him/her the snack each time he/she does it right.
  
  Start with sit, say the command clearly and show him/her what you want by gently pushing on his/her bottom and adjusting the puppy.
  
  The best way to potty train is to take him out every 2 hrs and after he eats/drinks and first thing in the morning. If you get into the habit of always saying "go potty" when you take the puppy outside it will get used to hearing that and go on command. That way if you are at a park or on someones lawn he/she wont automatically go the puppy will wait for the comand that it is OK.


• It's important with all dog training but especially with young puppies to use lots of encouragement, praise and rewards (positive reinforcement) in your training. Start your puppy training sessions as soon as your little puppy arrives at your home. Set your puppy up to succeed, concentrate on developing desirable habits in your puppy and preventing undesirable behavior. It's much a better alternative to put your puppy on the right path from the start, rather than trying to correct established problem behaviors later on.
  
  Keep your training sessions short, consistent and always have fun. The key to shaping your puppy's behavior is to start out with very easy commands, continue to build on these successes and apply heaps of repetition. Base your training sessions around trust and mutual respect rather than old school methods based on punishment and harsh corrections. In this environment you will find that your puppy loves his training sessions and his confidence will grow with each and every session.
  
  Always remember that you are dealing with a very immature young animal. Be realistic, flexible, patient and always fair. Your puppy doesn't just automatically know this stuff! It's all new to him and he is bound to have the odd slip up and mistake along the way. Don't worry about these mistakes, just move on and do your best to prevent them in the future.


• Labs are an intelligent breed.
  You simply need the time to dedicate to training. If you have some basic knowledge of training a dog you are already ahead of the game.
  There are numerous books out there on training as well as websites that offer guidance.
  
  Patience, rewards, and teaching one thing at a time (don't attempt to teach more than one trick) is the best approach.
  
  Teaching your dog 'tricks' like sit, stay, and down are very useful when it comes to tending to your dog.
  I also teach on your side so my dog will lay on its side with its head on the ground.
  Settle and leave it are a couple of other lessons that can be beneficial too.


• well i have 2 golden retrievers.
  so somewhat the same.
  
  time.
  patience.
  treats.. depending on the dog.
  
  to teach them *sit* you first say sit and thier name firmly then you kinda act like there is a string attached to thier nose and you start at thier nose and have all your fingers touching you thumb (to give you an idea of what your hand should be like) then you bring your hand upward. this tends to bring the dogs attention to your hand so it follows your and the back end goes down. another way is tapping thier back end above thier tail which gives them the idea of sitting. always reward the dog by saying good dog, petting it, or a treat.
  
  lay down you get it into the sit position and do the same hand thing but bring your hand downward to the ground. otherwise you can pull out thier legs lighty to bring hten to the laying postion. again reward it.
  
  play dead... never tried it.. my dogs dont have to big of a brain ; ]
  
  roll over is tough but just guid ethe dog onto its back. and praise it.
  
  (remember to always say firmly what you want it to do first)
  
  stay takes time. start with the dog sitting at your feet hold your hand out as if you were saying stop. start at its nose and slowly take steps backwards, repeating stay the whole time. if dog doesnt stay and it moves to you you must bring it back to where it was to begin with and try it again. dont give up. when you get the dog to stay from the distance you want say come and put your hand down. then reward it.
  
  extras:
  
  shake.. just say shake and pick up your dogs paw. it will get it eventually
  
  high five comes easy once they get shake down.
  --------------------------------------…
  its best to work with your dog for short periods of time and more often. so like 10-15 minutes maybe 2-3 times a day to give you an idea. just for being they dont have to long of attention spans cuz they have alot of energy. also reward it after by playing fetch or an activity your puppy likes!
  --------------------------------------…
  
  well thats all the stuff i learned and how to do it!
  it worked on my dogs.
  i really hope it helps you and good luck!
  =) have fun with your puppy!
  i bet its adorable.

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Dog Health Questions: Who has a better puppy training course? Petsmart or Petco?

I want to enroll my puppy in a dog training course at either one of these places. Here's my deal, okay so my brother in law manages the Petsmart closest to my home and he says tha they are much better. The Petco by my home is much much closer and they claim that they are better. They are both about the same price but I don't know who's telling the truth and who really has certified trainers. If you know please help me out! Thanks!

Positive Reinforcement In Your Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I work at Petsmart and before people heckle me about anything I want to say, I won't boast. It really is personal preference. Even private trainers who are "certified" can still be bad trainers and people who aren't certified can still be the best trainers. I cant speak for petco but Petsmart actually trains their people and makes them work with an experienced trainer. Unless that particular store has people with questionable morals, most people don't take on classes on their own unless the experienced trainer feels they're ready. At my store there have been quite a few trainers I don't care for and only one I recommend people to.
Also, certification differs greatly with pet training. People disapprove of various methods all the time. I've had people argue with me that shoving a dog's face in it's feces is the best potty training method and hitting a dog when it "acts out" is the best way to control them.
I just pray you don't go to someone who uses aggressive methods to train dogs. I have had a family member take his dog to a private trainer that used spiked training collars and shock collars to train his dog. Before working at petsmart I took my dog to a private trainer that treated the dogs very well and only used positive reinforcement.
You need to set up a meeting with any trainer of your choice and have them show you their methods of training. Also take into consideration the trainer his/herself. See if they can be stern but non-aggressive and make sure they're not too sweet or shy as they may not be able to handle the dog.

Would Purchasing a Dog Book Or Dog Training Book Be Useful?

• Of course they will boast about themselves.... No good business will say "we suck."
  
  With either place it's literally a shot in the dark, a crapshoot if you will - some places have decent trainers who know what they're doing, others have crap trainers that learned to train by watching a couple of videos. Either way they tend to focus on ONE training method (which is the petsmart/petco approved method) and won't even consider trying another even if your dog doesn't respond.
  
  If i where you i would try looking for accredited trainers that are associated with your local kennel club, or at least someone who has years of experience with various training methods.


• Honestly, they are about the same. There really isn't an accredited certified trainer program. People go through programs and think they can call themselves "certified trainers" but it's really just BS. Both will claim they are better because they want the business. Either will be fine to teach you and your dog basic house manners.
  
  I prefer to look for dog training clubs or independent training centers as the folks there typically practice what they preach. I would rather have a trainer who has trained her dog into the upper level of competetive obedience/agility/rally teach me about dog manners than some "certified trainer".


• hmm.. around here, PetSmart doesn't have trainers but PetCo does. These kinds of trainers are not certified nor had any real canine psychology training. They have been through the "PetCo" trainers training and basically take already good puppies and teach them to sit. I actually get the referrals from many of our local PetCo trainers when the issues fall outside of their comfort zone. They can't and won't deal with anything other than perfect puppies and do not have the skills to deal with behavioral issues or more complex issues. I would highly recommend you find a certified trainer and spend your money there. Of course good trainers are a crap shoot so use the "find a professional" link on the IACP (http://.canineprofessionals.com) to find one. Good luck.


• It depends...
  
  Mostly on the trainer that the store happens to employ. I work at petsmart, my store has a GREAT trainer who is very flexible with techniques. He has used snapple lids to clicker train shy sensitive dogs (regular clickers were too loud!) using 100% positive reinforcement only to using leash corrections/prong collars for more difficult dogs. He's been training for over 18 years and actually trained for the US Army. Outside of his training in petsmart he is very active with Search and Rescue training new dogs and he works his own dog. On the flip side there is a store in my district who's trainer has never even owned a dog.
  
  Long story short - you have go and meet with the trainers talk to them both before you decide.


• They're both pretty piss poor. The reason is that the trainers are basically given a big handbook to teach from. They are not allowed to deviate from that handbook, which is impractical because all dogs are individuals with their own unique problems and ways of learning things.
  
  I would find a good, qualified trainer in your area. You might need to pay a bit more, but in my opinion if you go to either petsmart or petco you're waisting your money. You'd be better off reading a dog training book and teaching from there.
  
  Here's a link where you can find qualified trainers in your area:
  http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/default…


• Neither. Call a few local vets and ask for reccomendations in your area. Petsmart is terrible. They carry a small supply of overpriced junk. They are corporate minded and carry products based upon money. There trainers for the most part have limited or no experience in dog training. They read a manual and simply go thru a script. My biggest peeve is that the employees will answer your questions with the wrong answer and try to act like they know what there talking about.


• I wouldn't go to either of those because they don't have the schooling for dog training they are people that think they can train dogs. Trust me my mutt named Titan was in rolled in pet smart, because he wouldn't stop biting well lets say she got bit more on the way she acted then I did. I end up training my dog with a dog trainer on the side giving me tips. That had the classes be hind her.


• NEITHER.
  
  To be a trainer at either of those places means you flunked at restocking shelves or cashier or could not make it as the Wal Mart Greeter
  Seriously.
  
  Find an AKC obedience club near you and sign up with a real trainer who has titled dogs.
  
  http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/trai…
  
  Remember your dog does not need to be a purebred or AKC registered to participate in these classes.


• Ugh! Go to a real dog trainer. Sure they both have certified dog trainers...certified by Petsmart/Petco.


• Neither..


• neither

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Dog Health Questions: 37th/341st Training Squadron (Military Dog Training)?

I am interested in training military dogs, but can't seem to find information on the MOS or requirements for the job. I know that MPs work the dogs once they are trained, but that's not what I want to do. I want to train the dogs and the handlers to work together, which is what I understand the Training Squadron at Lackland does for all of the branches.

Does anyone have experience with this unit, and can anyone provide information on what it takes to get into it? I know Lackland is an AFB, but is the Training Squadron Air Force only? I'm looking into joining the Army, so that's where I've looked.

Considering a Dog Training Career

Recommended Answer:
They do not have an MOS just for training the dogs. Its a long process. First you will have to join the Army (any branch will work) and then after 2 years as an MP (MOS 31B) you can put in to become a dog handler (not the easiest slot to get). After you are a dog handler for a while to can put in to become an instructor at Lackland....

Its a long process because they cant have someone that has never handled a dog before train other people on how to do it.

4 Tips To Be Succesful In Dog Training Biting

• talk with your recruiter or someone from the different services. recruiters this time of the year you'll find them at fairs, fall festivals, colleges and schools...ask them straight out about the MOS or requirements and as to what branches handle the training squadrons. to be all you can be ...you must do what you dream.

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Dog Health Questions: Start dog training tomorrow... any tips?

My pitbull and I begin training tomorrow and I am a little bit nervous.... I'm afraid she'll get too excited and I won't be able to control her. If anyone has anything that may make the day go smoother I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Dog and Puppy Obedience Training - More Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
Good question! I am assuming this is a group training session? You probably won't be the only one with an excited dog. We took our lab for puppy training and intermediate training so I've been through it a couple of times. The instructor should know how to keep the dogs under control and they expect the first class to be somewhat crazy. After all, that's what you are there for. A firm tight leash (that cannot be chewed through and won't choke) is a must. You can ask your instructor for tips before you go- they are more than happy to help you to help them. If the training involves treat rewards, make sure you bring a supply. Don't be nervous, expect to have fun!

Why it's Important For New Dog Owners to Take Dog Training Seriously

• If you're nervous, she'll get excited and uncontrollable. You need to just calm down. Make sure that you pay attention. The classes are as much for you as they are for your dog.


• well if she gets excited then you need to be aggressive they are aggressive dogs so be careful


• You can always try some homeopathy like 'Rescue Remedy' made up of Bach flowers etc. on your dog just to keep her a lot more relaxed and calm. Might help you too if you're feeling a bit stressed out by the whole event. Keep in mind that the way you feel will always transmit itself to your dog too.
  
  All the best with the training, I'm sure both you and the dog will be fine ;)


• Take plenty of treats, and stay calm.


• You need to be calm and cool. Dogs can pick up on your feelings and if you are nervous your dog will sense that. That is not a good thing.
  


• This is a learning experience for both of you! Relax and have fun. If you are tense, your dog will more than likely act up one way or another, so, take a deep breath and have fun.


• She might get excited, so what. The other dogs will be excited too.When she is older she will be more controllable and that's what training is all about. Tomorrows class is just the beginning and you must practise what you are taught at the class every day.


• Heh, dog class is always fun. People are usually very tolerant of misbehavior because chances are, their own dog is hyper and misbehaves in the same ways as well.
  
  Here are some things that may help:
  
  1. If you can, go into the classroom early and let your dog explore and sniff around. This will make him more comfortable in the new surroundings. Try and do this before he has to deal with the other dogs.
  
  2. Meet and chat with some of the people before class. This will get you and your dog more comfortable with your classmates. If you meet some really nice people, you can later invite them for play sessions with your dog. 3. When I used to go for classes at my SPCA, I would meet up with some of the owners and let our dogs play for a bit before class begins. This lets them drain some energy so that they will be more calm during class.
  
  4. Make sure you are as calm as possible so that your dog will pick up on that and be calm as well. Don't be too embarrassed if your dog misbehaves, everybody else is probably in the same boat.
  
  5. Bring really high priority treats so there is a higher likelihood that your dog will focus on you.
  
  Above all, have fun, meet new dog pals, and make sure to practice the class lessons with your dog at home.

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Dog Health Questions: What to say in a email asking about my dog, please read?

My dog is in private dog training all week. He's going to be there day and night. What should I say, I don't want her to know I can't live without my dog. I just dropped him off this morning.

Helpful Tips on Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Who cares if she thinks that you can't live without your dog. It just shows how much you love and care for him. I would send an e-mail or just phone and ask how he is. I would be the same but I'm sure they are taking good care of him and he will come back to you in a week a new well trained dog.

Dog Training With a Halti or General Leader Collar

• First of all, you will not die if you're separated from your dog for a week. Secondly, if this is a concern then perhaps you should not have placed your dog in private training. Anyway, you can just send an email asking how your dog's doing and thank the training people for working with him.


• I would no more let someone else have my dog day AND night than I would fly to the Moon. Unthinkable. Daytime, fine, nighttime, no.

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Dog Health Questions: Can anyone give me any tips for home attack/ guard dog training?

I have a pit mix 42lbs thats has been through obedience school training and has passed and done well. since she exibits good guard dog traits (never mind the pitbull part .she has no problem biting strangers and holding them back ive seen her do it many times lol) are there any tips that i can do at home to make her a bit more aggressive to intruders when they come in to my house. she only guards me on the street. she wont even bark when someone comes into that house. i tried some attack dog techniques on her but it didn't work. any help?

Clicker Training as an Effective Dog Training Tool

Recommended Answer:
You REALLY shouldn't have a pit bull.. or any dog (or animal.. or plant) for that matter.. I'm so sad for your dog.. I don't care if you didn't train her to bite strangers.. encouraging this behavior is HORRIBLE.. I only wish I could give more than one thumbs up to Catherine S...

Dog Training Devices - How Using One Can Help Correct Stubborn Dog Training Problems

• Wow...
  
  So are you trying to start trouble?
  
  I just saw your answer to a "cutsie" question about pitbulls and you answered negatively.
  
  Get a life.
  
  And no, if your dog is behaving that way, it needs to be euthanized. That is AGAINST the standard for the APBT. You shouldn't own a dog, but do you want your RIGHT to own a dog taken away? That's what's gonna happen when morons like you give fuel to the AR/BSL fire....


• You jackass your the one who just said stupid sh*t about pits on my question. But anyway back to your question, if you want to do it yourself look up Leeburg Video and Kennel. They sell a lot of stuff that has to do with Protection/Shutzhund/Tracking. Anything like that. They have alot of great videos about training dogs yourself for protection. Here's a link to there website and sorry for calling you a jackass.
  
  http://leerburg.com/equip.htm


• I could tell you exactly what to do, but I wont. Nothing personal, but I just don't want to be sitting next to you at the defense table.
  
  A barking dog is already a great deterrent. I would just leave it at that.


• You have no business owning a pit or any other breed. You should rehome the pup to someone who knows how to train it before it injures someone!


• You've got a dog that's locked and loaded. Better hope she turns on you and not someone else. It'll be much cheaper for you.


• Wow! When your dog is seized and put down and you are sitting in jail, you will have time to ponder your folly, I am sure.


• yeah i don't really think biting strangers on the street is a good thing.


• The thing is, you want an easy answer and the fact is, you likely couldn't do it and wouldn't be responsible enough to do it properly. She 'nips' - that doesn't mean she is protective dear. It means she will nip when she is frightened - she is responding out of defense / fear and teaching her to have a better bite or be more 'aggressive' takes knowing and caring about what you are doing and it doesn't really sound like that is what you are. You do realize that regardless of where you live, if you knowingly own a dog that will attack and bite someone that YOU are libel for anything she does and not only that but simply having her will be grounds for any homeowners insurance company to drop you in a heartbeat or for any langlord to evict you in a second, right? Half-a$$ training a likely poorly tempered dog to attack is what will likely come of this. You need to locate someone that has a clue about reading dogs - knows what they are looking at and doing and can and will give you honest input as to what the dog is like. I have had dogs protect me without a second thought -- the ones that have were the ones I didn't train in protection - go figure :) Your comment that you 'tried some attack dog techniques on her' that didn't work kind of gives anyone that knows anything about training be able to know everything about you that needs to be known though... Sorry but if you are limited enough to think that anyone can give you 'tips' on attack/guard dog trianing over the internet, well, again, says what one needs to know.
  
  Go back to obedience training as that will continue to teach you, hopefully, and no, one class being passed and 'done well' means nothing -- more evidence...


• Biting strangers???First, how can your dog pass obedience training while she is biting at strangers? You are going to have some good law suits filed against you anytime now along with having that dog PUT DOWN!!!
  
  "any tips that I can do at home to make her a bit more aggressive to intruders when they come in to my house."
  
  **** ADDED
  
  "She only nips at strangers if they touch her. as for my house OF course my windows and door is locked i live in a big city."
  
  THEN..................YOU should NOT be letting strangers PET your DOG...........or you should have her muzzled. Obviously, YOU don't seem to have control over your DOG nor the people around YOU. You are still considered negligent, again lawsuit!!! I don't LET STRANGERS pet my SHEPHERDS when I'm out for a walk. YOU will still be held accountable for a dog you know that BITES!!!! AND again, if you lock your doors you should NOT be having ALL these intruders entering your house. As far as intruders entering your house, REALLY? I'd say LOCK your doors and windows!!!


• Isn't the fact that she's a pit bull mix enough to deter intruders? Do you have a big problem with people breaking into your home? Why in the world has she bitten and held back strangers many times?
  
  This breed (and any breed remotely resembling them) are being banned all across the globe because of people who encourage them to be aggressive when it is not in their nature.
  
  Perfectly wonderful, healthy pit bulls are put to sleep every day (6,000 a day in the US in 2007) because many city and county shelters are afraid (or not allowed) to adopt them out because of the breed's reputation.
  
  If your pit bull mix WERE to bite someone even if they are breaking in or threatening your life, there is a HUGE likelihood that she would be taken from you, deemed vicious euthanized and you would be held accountable.
  
  A couple of years ago a man broke into the home of the owner of a purebred American Staffordshire Terrier which was titled in utility obedience (the highest levels attainable) and a non-aggressive dog. At 2am, the family awoke to the intruder hitting the dog which in it's own defense, bit the intruder but did not cause a major injury at all.
  
  The intruder sued the owners, the case went to court, the highly trained Amstaff was held as evidence. The intruder won and the dog was ordered to be put down. A pit bull that bites someone or even threatens someone, no matter the circumstances is usually a dead pit bull.
  
  If you want to protect yourself buy an alarm system but do not encourage your dog to be aggressive towards humans. It makes the rest of us have to fight so much harder to repair their reputations.


• I own a very friendly pit bull(which is correct temperment for the breed). Even though he is very friendly, people still are wary of him. I wouldn't think you'd need to make your PB agressive, just his presence will put most people off.
  
  As to his unprovoked 'nipping', please get this under control! What if a child walks up to him on the street? If you look at the the part of a small child that is level with a pit bull size dogs mouth, it is the childs face.....
  
  If you want to feel safe, maybe you should take martial arts or self defense classes. Then you can defend youself even when you don't have your dog with you.
  
  JK


• Thanks a lot!!!
  With this stupid post you have probably undone a lot of the work people like me who own a member of the 'Dangerous Dogs List', have done to convince people it's Deed not Breed!
  Ask me how to control the 'guarding instincts' your dog has, and I'll willing help you.
  Ask me why she isn't acting aggressive or barking and I won't. I can't take the chance! you might just be intelligent enough to work out from that how to make her!
  
  Though why do you want a dog that barks at your family and friends? I'd hardly call them 'Intruders'.
  
  If her guarding instincts are 'normal level' she would certainly react aggressively if someone broke in!
  Pray that if it ever happens, she doesn't take it any further than barking! If you do train her, Pray also that she never mistakes a child for an intruder!
  You say she bites people well I hate to tell you this but even Burglars could sue you if your dog so much as scratches them! If they complain the dog was overly aggressive you'd have the Police coming to take it away and unlike a human it will be quilty with no time allowed to prove innocent!
  Dogs see things differently and perceive them as threats even if you know it isn't. A friend thumping you playfully is the same as a stranger doing it, in the dogs eyes. How can you insure she doesn't go for him too? Or don't you mind your friends being attacked? Are you sure they won't take you to court?
  If you really loved her, you wouldn't want her on Death Row!
  Teach her anything but please, DON'T encourage what you can't control. If you love her, then learn to understand her and learn the difference between Guarding and Attacking!
  
  No pet owner should ever need to train a dog to guard them, even the tiniest breeds will try to.


• we are far from militant we are concerned dog owners. You are not showing good sense or responsiblity. Your dog should not nip at anyone without your consent and if she was a well trained gaurd dog they are to never bite or hold someone unless given a command to do so. Therefore your dog is not well trained and a liability. IF you are having such problems with strangers breaking in your home its time to move to a diffrent place and give that dog to some who can handle it. Get a stuffed gaurd dog that barks real loud when you trip the infared beam. Thats called an alarm. I own a Cane Corso/APBT mix and he doesnt bite anyone, he doesnt protect me and he never has growled at a person. I am so happy with this. He is a good specimen of a dog.


• Firstly, a dog nipping/growling/barking at strangers in the street is most likely to be out of fear aggression & not protecting you. This is not a display of good gaurd dog qualities ... quite the opposite.
  
  Any guard dog that is properly trained to be a guard dog waits for its pack leaders command before he warns or attacks.
  
  The dog may feel like you are not the top dog and is therfore trying to take that position when out on the street. This is a dangerous position to be in and could wind up having someone seriously hurt and you having to have your dog put down.
  
  Please address this problem asap as it is serious! Before someone gets hurt.
  
  If you want to train a dog to be a guard you must be in complete control and have them checked out for mental stability to make sure they are capable of the job - not all dogs are! And then, only then you should consult a professional to do the training for you ... you are clearly not qualified and this type of training takes someone with a great deal of insight and understanding of doggie behaviour to pull it off!


• Unfortunatly, because of the breeding history of the Pitbull it is unusual for them to be agressive to strangers. They have had a need to please humans bred into them. The nipping thing she does is highley unusual for the breed.
  
  I have an American Bulldog/Pit Mix. I also have a 6 lb Chihuahua/Italian greyhound mix. I had someone break into my house last month, my Pit mix knocked the guy over and liked him to death, the Chi mix? She bit the crap out of him. The result? I am now being sued because of my Chi.
  
  I honestly would not encourage the behavior in your dog, if your dog truly feels you are in danger, she will gaurd you.


• I don't believe you for a second and if your contribution to the bad rep of an excellent dog then your a piece of trash.. No dog that shows aggression like that is allowed to be a pet epically if she did that in obedience classes hahaha give me all the thumbs down you want but why would you need so much protection! lol I bet your one of those guys that think their thugs and has pics of themselves with 5 20's in their hands..... God your weenie isn't getting nay bigger... maybe you should take some self defense classes instead of looking like a little girl having someone else defend them lol.... your a tool!!!YOUR MORE OF A DOG THEN YOUR DOG IS!
  
  People like you shouldnt own dogs.. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT IF A DOG BITES SOMEONE, EVEN IF THEY ARE ON YOUR PROPERTY THEN THAT DOG WILL BE KILLED!!!!! DONT USE A DOG TO PROTECT YOU! lol you really look like a fool

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