Dog Health Questions: My dog started the irritating habit of whining about a month or two ago...is there an easy way to stop this?

My dog will be ten in March. She is healthy and will run down the long hall in my apartment building. Lately, however she has started the irritating habit of whining. If I stop anywhere while walking her she will whine ( when I stop I will be talking to other people), it really started with that a few months ago, now whenever I cook she will whine (for food). She is getting fed enough and has even gained weight in the past few months. Tonight I told her to lay down when the whining started. I really want to give her a little piece of steak, but am getting sick of the whining. Otherwise, no problems. She has extra biscuits on the floor now to eat as needed. She seems to eat those only when I'm out. Two other brands I give to her occasionally. Like any dog she will eat nonstop. By the way I had to feed her canned when I got her a year ago - the person who had her passed on - she refused to eat dry - wouldn't eat for five days plus... She's very smart, housebroken and well-trained and is a Cairn Terrier mix... any advice would help - I don't know much about dog training.

Choosing an Online Dog Training Program

Recommended Answer:
Whining often signals pain. Witha 10 year old i would suspect arthritis. Running , lying down hurts.

I use a heated dog bed, glucosamine/chondroitin supplements and pain meds from the vet.

Sounds like a Senior dog Wellness check is needed.

Learn the Secrets to Service Dogs Training & Get Immediate Results

• When i saw this q i immediately thought your dog was being naughty, but she's ten. Somethings wrong and she is clearly in a form of discomfort. Go see your vet and help an old dog out!


• Perhaps your dog has some sort of condition, like arthritis? She's getting up in years, and sometimes arthritis can be painful. Perhaps your vet can help.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training...tips, help?

I'm at a terrible place with my dad and his dog. Jack is a Blue Heeler pup about 8 months old. He is completely wild. He grabs people's shirt tails and walks underfoot. He almost caused my great-aunt to trip and fall. My dad is a terrible pet owner. He expects poor Jack to just know what to do. I've tried explaining to him that until Jack is trained, he will always be hard to control. My dad won't put any time into him and is ready to sell him for being stupid. I know that would probably be best but it breaks my heart. Does anyone know how I can teach Jack a few manners and maybe a cool trick so at least my dad will see he is a smart guy and just needs some time spent on him? I've never trained a dog and I only have an afternoon or 2 a week that I can spend with him because I live so far away. Any help would be appreciated.

How To Use Dog Training Collars

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Hannibal: You obviously don't know what you're talking about. You won't get anything from beating a dog except either 1. a freakishly terrified dog or 2. a couple missing fingers on your part.

As for Jack, I don't think he's going to be happy at all if your dad isn't willing to take care of him and patiently train him. Your dad has to understand that a dog, every dog, needs lots of tender loving care, and that they aren't "things," like pieces of furry furniture that sit around and look cute. You sound like a really caring person, so if you can, could you take Jack to your place? Jack is a baby, so of course he'll walk underfoot, he wants attention and love, and he loves your people enough to follow them around.

Sorry, ealier I mentioned to do the Alpha roll. I did some research on it, and I found out that you SHOULDN'T do the alpha roll because it's actually something dominant dogs would do when they're about to kill the pinned dog. >.<
Keeping him from grabbing people's coat tails:
Well, this applies to any "bad" behavior. He does't know better, so all you have to do is say "No!" when he bites. If the noise doesn't startle him into letting go, follow up with a sharp tap to the nose (not enough to hurt him - don't ever hurt your dog). Moment he lets go, he should get a "good boy!" and a treat. If nothing else, offer him a treat when he's biting, while saying "Let go!" and AFTER he lets go and goes after the treat, give it to him and praise him.

Tricks:
How to shake hands/paws
1. Put a treat in your hand, close it, and offer it to your dog in a fist while saying "Paw," "Shake," or whatever you like. You could even say "POO!" and it'd still work, because of course, Jack wouldn't know what "poo" means until you teach it to him ;)
2. Jack will most likely try to get at it by pawing at your fist. When his paw goes on top of your fist, open it and let him have the treat along with a "Good boy, Jack!"
3. Repeat. Keep saying "Paw/Shake" when you show him the fist, and make sure to open the moment his paw ends up on yours. My dog learned in less than 10 minutes :) Eventually, Jack will put his paw in your open hand when he hears "Paw/Shake"

How to Sit (the most basic, you can use this when he's biting/underfoot)
1. Get a treat and hold it up to his face, let him know you have something yummy.
2. Making sure his eyes are on your hand, while repeating "Sit," slowly move the treat just above him, moving toward his tail so that his head keeps moving up and back.
3. If he jumps, pull the treat away. Try again until your dog ends up sitting on his rump from leaning back so much. Give it to him the moment his butt touches the floor.
---OR----
1. Get a treat, and tell him "Sit." He won't get the picture. So gently nudge his butt to the floor while repeating "sit." Remember to be gentle. As usual, the moment his rump hits the floor, give the treat and repeat :)

Leave It (very important, especially if he's after something he shouldn't be after)
1. Drop something yummy on the floor. Jack'll run toward it, trying to get it, but don't let him. Place your foot directly over it while saying "Leave it", and keep it there, even if he paws at it (which he probably will the first time you do this).
2. Repeating "Leave it," keep waiting until your dog gives up and 1. either backs away or 2. sits (only works after you teach him to sit) As soon as you know he's given up, lift away your foot, pick up the treat, and give it to him with praise.
3. As soon as he learns to leave the food alone when you tell him to leave it, try casually throwing a piece of extra good food (say, a piece of chicken, or a carrot stick if he likes veggies - they're good for his eyes) and say, "Leave it" without your foot there. If he bolts for it, start over from Step 1 until he learns not to move. If he sits, give it to him with lots of praise. Works like a charm, my dog learned in 20 minutes, and now he leaves food on the floor when I acidentally spill it, and he even drops things he already has in his mouth (like socks) when I say "Leave it!"If you possibly can, please take Jack home to wherever you live. Training needs constant reinforcement, something 1-2 visits a week can't fulfill. That'd be best for you, Jack, and your dad. You never know who your dad might sell Jack to; they might turn out to be even worse pet owners. Good luck, and thanks for caring so much about Jack :)

Please let me know how things turn out! If you can, please email me at minimozart_816@yahoo.com and keep me updated. It'd totally make my day if this turns out to be a happy ending for you guys. I can tell you how to teach Jack to heel, stand, "down" (for when he's jumping all over you), lay down, and "quiet" (if he tends to bark a lot, this will come in handy) if you want! :D

Dog Training Collars Are Not All Alike

• Just like a child, a dog doesn't "just know what to do." Training a dog is a process. You can't just show him once and expect him to get it. You need to work with the dog several times a day in short spurts until he does what you want him to.


• time , treats , and patience


• Unfortunately, training a dog is something that's an on-going process. You need to work with a dog consistently. Jack needs basic manners by the sounds of it, and that's something that you need to teach every day, all day long. He's probably not getting anywhere near enough exercise for his breed, either, is he? Blue heelers don't make the best pets as it is - they NEED a job to do or they get bored and destructive.
  
  Perhaps it would be the best thing for Jack if your dad were to find him a home where he'd get what he needs, with someone who is able and willing to put the time into him that he needs.


• alot of great answers, He is a working dog, since he is on a farm he will be a happy dog, I am not concerned, If you only have two weeks, what I would be working on is STAY, DOWN, and HEEL. that's all. That is enough to keep a dog safe, and manageable.
  My dog took alot more !!! whew. Thank goodness I am patient. I had to teach him not to bite, or be aggressive. I think I was blessed with a canine with A.D.D.
  
  Edit: (just reading these answers)never put your hand on his chest..lol
  (wow) use your foot (with shoes on mind you) he will snap, he'll be mad for a while, but your the boss, not him. If you put your hand down you will show fear, after a few scars you'll not like it anymore. I have scars on my hand from my dog, trust me, use your shoes.
  
  Edit: don't ever teach a big dog to shake, I have gotten bruised repeatedly since my dog has become 200 pounds and wants to shake while I'm not looking.
  so sorry I disagree, but I would never ever give my dog a treat the same hour he chews on someones coat........to bad for him !! treats??? hek no
  everything else I read is great !!!!


• Oh my gosh, I feel SO sorry for that dog and the people who have to put up with it. You're right, the dog doesn't know how he's supposed to act, no one has given him any instruction. I can't right it all in an e-mail. I watch The Dog Whisperer on the national geographic channel. I have the videos from the shows and the training videos. This guy is amazing! I'm going to incorporate his behavioral trianing with basic training. What that dog needs is a combination between behavioral training and basic dog training. If you can start by leash training him, and always keep the dog beside or behind you (teaches him you are the leader) that is the very first step. Once the dog is warn out from a good LONG walk, then the training begins. These dogs need to excersize, which it sounds like he does, and they need instruction. When the dog is calm, you can start teaching him to sit and lay down and stuff using a treat as a reward. I wouldn't use a treat as a reward at first unless he is still really high strung. Only when the dog is calm and obedient can you give him praise. I think the best idea is to get him leash trained and then take him to obedience class and don't let him get away with anything. That teaches him that you are the leader and 98 percent of dogs are totally good with that structure. I wish I could borrow him for two weeks, I think I could turn him around. Problem is, your Dad won't take the leader position and it won't do any good. Actually, I'll be looking for a dog as soon as the run is built. I'm probably too far away to take him for a while and adopt him out. I'd love to do it though.


• blue heelers are really smart dogs, i had one a few years ago (found her as a stray) and she was such a wonderful girl. She was always trying to nip at the feet (not in a hurtful way) of our other animals, i guess that was her herding instinct. is there any way you can get a professional trainer? if not, i would practice walking him on a leash first, get him used to that. then to sit. i watch animal planet a lot and there's a couple good dog training shows on it. keep him on a leash while you're working with him. i would suggest even getting a dog training video, if i can think of the name of this woman trainer (on animal planet) i'll edit this, i know she must have videos out and she's really good. heelers are great dogs, i hope your dad will give jack a chance. *edit.. here is the link to that trainers web site, i hope it helps you!
  http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/…


• get a leach. now what you do is you go with the dog and let him walk with you beside you not in front or in back. and make him walk right pay attention. when he is good give him treat. when hes not yell at him abit. show him you are not happy it will get him upset and he'll do better but use treat to accomplish what you want. show him you are top dog not him and you are in charge. that is how its done. if he starts getting to much make him lay on his side and put him on his side holding him down. that should show your dominance. teach him to sit and give him treat. its easy just keep doing this till he has it down take care.


• In the course of a veterinary examination, your veterinarian will determine if there is a medical reason underlying your dog's aggressiveness. For instance, a dog with neck pain may show aggression when pulled by the collar.
  
  Once medical causes have been ruled out, your veterinarian will refer you to a behaviorist. At the behaviorist's, you'll be asked to answer many detailed questions regarding your dog's behavior. The session may last a couple of hours. An accurate description of your dog's behavior is necessary. Keeping a journal is helpful. You should note:
  
  # What elicits the aggression
  # How often it occurs
  # To whom it is directed
  # The specific behaviors
  # The dog's postures at the time
  
  Videotaping your dog's behavior is helpful for the behaviorist, but don't get hurt while making the video. Answers to the many questions asked can lead the behaviorist to establish the cause of the aggression, and then outline an individualized approach to its treatment. The behaviorist will also provide a professional opinion of the risk involved.
  
  Aggression is influenced by several factors, including: genetic predisposition, early experience, maturation, sex, age, size, hormonal status, physiological state and external stimuli. Behaviorists use a classification system based on patterns of behavior and the circumstances in which they occur. This is done to determine the dog's motivation and the cause of the behavior. The classification is as follows:
  
  # Dominance-related aggression is one of the most common types of canine aggression that behaviorists treat. The aggressive acts are directed toward one or several family members or other household pets. Dogs are pack animals, and they relate to humans as members of their own species and pack members.
  
  # Territorial aggression is directed toward approaching animals or people outside of the pack in defense of a dog's area (home, room or yard), owner or fellow pack member.
  
  # Inter-male aggression between adult males usually involves territorial or dominance disputes. Inter-female aggression occurs most frequently between adult females living in the same household.
  
  # Predatory aggression is directed toward anything that the dog considers prey, usually other species, but sometimes any quick-moving stimulus, like a car or bike.
  
  # Pain-induced aggression is caused by a person or animal that causes pain. It often occurs when a person attempts to touch a painful area or when injections are given.
  
  # Fear-induced aggression occurs when people or animals approach a fearful dog. This is common when the dog cannot escape, and is sometimes seen when an owner uses severe punishment. Active, unpredictable children may also stimulate this type of aggression.
  
  # Maternal aggression is directed toward anyone that approaches a ***** with puppies or in false pregnancy.
  
  # Redirected aggression occurs when a dog that is aggressively motivated redirects the aggression from the source to another. For example, a dog that is barking at the door may redirect his aggression onto an owner that is pulling him back. Dominant dogs often redirect onto subordinates.
  
  Treatment
  
  Treating aggressive behavior may involve a combination of behavior modification techniques (habituation, counterconditioning and desensitization), drug therapy, surgery (such as neutering/spaying), avoidance and management (such as leash or head halter). Each case is unique, and the success of treatment varies depending on the diagnosis and in accord with your capability, motivation and schedule.
  
  Even with successful treatment, however, there is no guarantee that the aggressive behavior won't return. In most cases, the frequency and severity of aggressive behavior can be reduced but the aggressive behavior cannot be eliminated completely. The best that may be hoped for is to reduce the probability of aggression. You must weigh the risks of keeping an aggressive dog against the benefits.
  
  Home Care
  
  If your dog is unpredictable, consider using a comfortable basket-style muzzle until you can get professional help. Until you receive professional help, avoid all interactions that trigger your dog's aggression. Do not attempt physical punishment. This can increase the intensity of your dog's aggression and may result in serious injury. Avoiding problems may involve:
  
  # Keeping your dog confined in a separate room when visitors or children are present
  # Housing or feeding your dogs separately if they are fighting with each other
  # Removing objects like bones or rawhides that your dog may be guarding
  
  Do not allow children to have unsupervised access to your dog. Children should be taught to avoid interacting with dogs that are eating, chewing on a bone, or resting. They should not be allowed to tease or hurt dogs.
  
  Keep your dog on a leash at all times. In the home, you may want to attach a thin nylon leash on a buckle collar, which your dog can drag comfortably. This will give you safer control over him. Indoor leashes can be attached to head collars for even greater control. If your dogs are fighting, do not get in the middle. Interrupt the aggression using water, a loud noise, blanket or spray.


• beat the dog...

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Dog Health Questions: Is it possible to be a "part-time" dog trainer?

Okay, well I am an 18 year old college student. I am going for Psychology. I want to get into Forensics or something in the school system. Anyway, I love dogs. I have a 5 month old pug, and he's just amazing. People say college and a dog is hard, but I find it no harder with him. If anything, he makes it easier. Anyway, I've found the time to train him and he is wonderful. At 5 months he is VERY well trained. Of course there's more to be done, but he is doing great for his age. Part of me wants to get into dog training. I love the feeling of helping a dog and their owners. (I trained my roomates' dog, too.) I feel like you can train ANY dog, and that makes a happy dog and happy owner. My question is, could there be ANY way of doing dog training on the side? Like my main career be something with Psychology, then on the side I do dog training? I know it would take a lot of work and studying, but I'm up to it. Any thoughts are appreciated. Please no rude comments.

A Review of Secrets to Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I work full time and teach classes twice a week. I attend seminar and other events to help me be a better instructor, as well as attending classes and competing in obedience with my own dogs.

Training is not a part time gig, even though I actually only TEACH twice a week for 3-4 hours total, I spend about 18-24 hours a week trying to make myself a BETTER instructor. Be careful about thinking you can train ANY dog - while dogs CAN be trained, some dogs can simply not be 'wired right' and while their people think they can 'fix' the dog with training - the trainer must sometimes be the voice of reason and suggest other alternatives - not ALL dogs are meant to be here on earth - for whatever reason they are not safe.

Between full time work, teaching part time and classes/competing with my own dogs, it is VERY easy to get run down, VERY quickly. Sunday evenings or Monday mornings are my times to 'do what *I* want without the dogs' - which often means a trip to the chiropractor!

Electronic Dog Training Collars

• Of course there would be. Keep in mind if you go into Psychology, you can also do that part time as well. Many psychologists work for themselves so they can set their own hours. If they're both something you want to do, look into what you need to do to become a professional trainer.
  
  And for college and having a dog, I don't think it's hard either. I currently work full time, take 14 credit hours and have a puppy (which I have plenty of time for). It makes life a little more enjoyable and teaches you how to be organized and how to prioritize.


• I'm a successful part time dog trainer. You need some training first, you can't just become a trainer without school first.
  I'm certified through Animal Behavior College. It is a year course which is partially online and partially hands on. You can google them for more information.
  
  Either no one will hire you because you don't have any experience, or you'll mess up someones dog if you don't know what you're doing.
  Also consider the liability involved with dogs. You may need insurance if someone tries to sue you!


• by all means, yes! i work a ''regular" job but still do training on the side. I take the dogs, though, and have them for a month at a time. if you aren't set up for this it may be harder scheduling but still possible. good luck!
  p.s., i have no ''DEGREE" in dog training, word of mouth is my best tool. and any dog can be trained, just to different degrees. and the only additional insurance i carry is an umbrella policy, which costs $20/month for a million bucks.
  also, YOU DECIDE which dogs you want to train. you do not have to accept EVERY DOG for training, so the 120 lb aggressive dog quip is not an issue....


• First, no offense, but training a couple of friends' dogs doesn't mean you can train ANY dog. When's the last time you were faced with a 120lb dog with serious aggression issues that couldn't even be outdoors without a muzzle on and drags it's owner down the street? How precisely would you handle that? What about a rescue that was terrified of absolutely everything? Or a hyper-active less than intelligent puppy? You really need to take some classes and become certified as a professional trainer if you want to even think about getting into this field, part time or full time. A lot of people would be very upset if they tried to hire you only to find out that your 'experience' consisted of training a few dogs to what you believe is an appropriate level. The trainer I use is certified by AKC, including the Good Citizenship test, and has taken courses in Protection training, Agility, Obedience, and more. I trust her, but I would never use someone without such training- even the Petsmart trainers receive very little education about what they're doing.
  
  As far as the actual time constrictions, that really depends on your schedule. I don't see any particular reason why you could train dogs on the side, provided you had the time to do everything else you needed to and still found extra time for training sessions. But you might find it difficult to do all the training required for you to even be worthwhile as a trainer while you're also taking college classes. That's entirely up to you though.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training.......?

My neighbors tend to call my black Labrador's name every time they see him, and my dog goes running toward their direction. How can i teach him to only come to me when his name is called? He's three months old

Agility Dog Training, Key to a Great Sport

Recommended Answer:
Lots of things you need to do to make him loyal to you as an owner. Hand feeding helps. The dog then knows that the food does not appear as if by magic, he needs you to provide it... therefor he'll need to stick with you in order to surviv (put in simple dog terms) Use his name to get his attention, Then say HERE or COME, something very simple and clear. Put him on an extendable lead, and when you say his name in an excitable voice, then say come/ i use HERE, give him a second, and if he doesnt come STRAIGHT away, pull him gently but firmly towards you. This way he will know that he HAS to come to you. Use lots of treats, only if he does as he is told, and also use a clicker... they are fool proof. If you are consistent i GUARANTEE you will have a very well behaved and obedient dog. My Jack Russell Terrier amazes people as they think Jacks are yappy and untrainable.. i always enjoy prooving them wrong! Any other questions welcome.

Dog Fence Review - Dog Training Rights and Wrongs

• Maybe you should try an all-over training course for 8 weeks to secure that bond with your dog. An absolutely amazing certified dog trainer and WCFO certified judge is Cassandra Hartman from Cassandra's Canines Inc.
  
  Try: www.cassandrascanines.ca
  
  I wouldn't steer you wrong!


• enroll in an obedience class and he will learn commands that will help


• 1- you must complete his training.
  2- the best way( after completing his training) is to put a friend to call your dog and you have to stop him from going from the moment he begin moving towards your friend. You repeat until you are sure he have learn this...
  


• talk to your neighbors and ask them to stop!
  OTOH a 3 month dog that comes when his name is called is great.

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Dog Health Questions: What's your favorite agility training tool?

In about a year my family will be moving closer to the in-laws in Mississippi. My MIL breeds Australian Shepherd's and has asked me if I wanted to start dog training with her, focusing on agility.

We are both new to agility training and I wanted to know what are some tools that you suggest and cannot live without?

*We will be building our course at home with the obstacles being the same as a standard course.

Thanks so much!

Dog Training: Tips and Tricks the Professionals Use

Recommended Answer:
the Clicker is a great trainng tool.
you can start clicker training now so you will be ready to start agil training when you move. Here is a site with a bunch of links about clicker taraining http://www.inch.com/~dogs/clicker.html

Also a lid or target ( small round item). this will help in trianing the contacts on the obsticles. Obsticles with contacts are the A frame, Teeter, and dog walk.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Agility_Training…

Also when you go to buy or make your equipement there are lots of sites offering low cost obsticles.
http://www.affordableagility.com/

do it yourself agil. equipment book
http://www.smartpakcanine.com/ProductCla…

http://www.weave-poles.com/?crtag=Google…

Also here is a link with articles about agility and training
http://www.carlson-agility.com/articles.…

just do a search and you will find all kinds of good stuff.
I LOVE AGILITY

http://www.leapdogagility.com/library.ht…
this site has a lot of good video training lessons.
many you can do now before having all or any of the equipment.
it has a clicker video, target,beginning training and many more.
you have to buy the sessions though. But you get like 4 or 5 videos with your purchase.

Crate Training Your Dogs - Ultimate Dog Training Method

• bbgun... I'm kidding. Stairs and tunnels, the shalom poles.


• i love agility!!!!!!!!!!! i have a shihtzu and shes pretty good at agility and I'm 8 and were gonna go in agilty and dog shows and my shih tzus the only dog i have and i like all the agility equiment


• We love the seesaw & the tunnels.
  
  Hurdles are great to have at home.


• Bindi loves to work for her squeaky duck. Its her favorite toy, she'll take that before yummy treats. To keep it special she only gets it for a reward when we're working.
  
  Max being a lab will do anything for food.
  
  It really depends on the dog. Find what really gets your dog motivated and use that as a reward.


• As far as training tools are concerned, you will have to figure out what works best for your dog, because each is different.
  One of my shelties just loves treats and works best with high value treats for a reward. Her brother/littermate could care less about the food he likes his frisbee, so we reward him with that.
  Our third sheltie is quite shy (he is a rescue) so toys don't work for him either. He likes treats, but mostly wants to please me so lots of "good boy!'s" works along with pets and sometimes treats.
  I started my first two with a clicker. It works great because you can mark the correct behavior immediately. Most trainers today start their puppies off with clicker training.
  
  Good luck and have fun. Aussies are great agility dogs!

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Dog Health Questions: Does anyone else find Brad Pattison's dog training methods to be abusive?

So I was watching At the End of My Leash and I was absolutly appaled by Brad's training methods. He seems to use force and fear as a training solution. Does anyone else feel this way? I have started a Facebook Page about this http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=grou… and I am hoping to spread the word and fight against his animal abuse. Please comment with any ideas of how to do this, as most of the time he manages to have these pages and forums removed. Thanks.

Clicker Training as an Effective Dog Training Tool

Recommended Answer:
he is an offensive and disgusting human being and to call him a trainer is wrong ... people go on about the dog whisperer being cruel and cesar is a softie compared to this abusive fool ... i can not even stand to see him on tv anymore ... sorry i do not do facebook ... i did see quite a bit against him on youtube ...

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

• Yes, he is abusive. To people and dogs. Unfortunately he works from the false assumption that dogs are trying to take over/ become dominant/ subvert your authority, etc., and that the only way you can talk to then is with force.
  
  He has even stated that 'force is the only language they understand' and so he has a justification to chase and scream a dog into a corner until it pees in fear but based on his belief it is trying to 'manipulate" I've seen videos where he hits a bulldog in the face for no reason and jerks is to hard that it's feet come off the ground for no reason at all.
  
  In short Brad Pattison and his CET clones are abusive and a disgrace to the dog training community.


• I don't know about Brad Pattison in particular but there are a few popular trainers out there who I just do not agree with. It's sad - dogs are suppose to trust us and be family members but using harsh, abusive, training methods really breaks down that trust.
  
  I would say your best bet to arise awareness is to just keep talking about it, get the word out. Even if the pages get deleted, hopefully they did some good and some people got to read your message before the information was deleted. Feel free to registrar and post in my new pet forum (link below) - your post won't get deleted there.


• Oh, heavens yes. The very first episode that aired on Animal Planet had me sending an email to the station to complain about this woman-hating psycho.
  
  They received thousands of other complaints.......
  
  Good job with your Heeler! Heelers do not respond well to physical corrections. They are too smart and too tough.


• I saw a couple of episodes and I can't stand this guy!!!
  
  I'll never forget it. He convinces a family to give their large pet dog away to the POUND for a dog that is a "better fit". He even said on the program that the dog would likely be put down.
  
  Disgusting!! I never watched after that.EDIT: Tuan - Just because someone is nice to people, doesn't mean they are nice to animals.


• He is abusive and big on dominating. Cant stand him and wouldn't let him train my pet rock. There are lots of You Tube videos of his "training" how he hasn't been sued and prosecuted for animal abuse is beyond me.


• Honestly, if Mother Teresa of Calcutta had been a dog trainer, some of you would have called her abusive.


• Hi Stefi Lynn,
  I do not know this show. At this moment we are tvless. But things to consider...
  
  It seems he is dealing with breaking dogs that have got bad behavior issues. Just the title alone of the show being "At the End of My Leash" sounds like this is the final chance or these dogs are going to the pound, or worse. He is going in there and having to demand to have control back.
  
  Dogs want their humans to be in control, however, if we let them down they have no other choice but to take the lead (so to speak). That is when we see these bad behaviored dogs who bite, attack, tear up the house... etc.
  
  Now those of us that have been proactive with our dogs and have taken the lead and are the pack leaders of our dogs, well we think it is simple. We did it since they have joined our families, it comes natural. Other people see us with our well trained dogs and think... What the heck???? why does my dog act like a fool??? They did not see all the preparation we did since they were 8 weeks old.
  
  (this goes for kids, too)
  
  I am just throwing out there a perspective. How would you break a dog that has gone wild???
  
  Rose


• Yes, he is abusive.
  
  Too often he manhandles a dog and when they respond he calls them aggressive. I imagine is some stranger took him by the collar and tried to push him to the ground, he'd be aggressive too.
  
  His approach is not based on evidence, it is based on his misconceptions of dogs as status seeking animals that will take over and this gives him the excuse he needs to slap and jerk dogs.
  
  Read this from the International Association of Positive Dog Trainers
  
  IPDTA (International Positive Dog Training Association) does not endorse the teachings of Caesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) or Brad Pattison (At The End Of My Leash) for the following reasons;
  
  We do not believe it is necessary or productive to "dominate" a dog for any reason.
  
  Good leadership should never involve the use of physical force, physical, verbal or psychological punishment, intimidation, fear or pain.
  
  You can be a good leader by following these three simple rules; 1. Begin and end all interactions with the dog - if you lead, the dog follows. 2. Ignore all demands. 3. Have the dog earn everything it values by performing a previously taught cue.
  
  Intimidation based training can quickly destroy a dog's trust in people, resulting in fear-biting.
  
  Since fear bites account for over 90% of dog bites, dog trainers SHOULD NOT be contributing to the problem.
  
  Intimidation-based training creates respect based on fear, what positive reinforcement training creates is respect based on trust.
  
  You can create two well trained dogs, one cowering - afraid of making a mistake, the other exuding confidence with a wagging tail, enjoying life. WHICH DOG DO YOU WANT?
  
  What you would not want someone to do to you, you should NOT do to a dog!

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Dog Health Questions: An older dog training question. .?

What steps can you do to keep your dog from under your bed? I'm gonna ban her from the bedroom for a couple of days. She has a spot she can sleep on the floor, but for some reason she likes it under the bed. She is an 8 year old lab/pit mix. I'm not buying a new bed, so any suggestions?

Understanding Dog Training Schools

Recommended Answer:
First of all, dogs are den animals and love to be under something especially when they sleep - under the bed is always a perfect place for them.

They need their own sanctuary that is just large enough for them to fit inside and feel secure. They need a "home away from home" where they can go when they are stressed. If you don't provide your dog a "den" of its own, it may make do with whatever is around -- and apparently she has found her place under your bed.

You might try a crate that is designed for indoors - like an inside doghouse that is used for brief periods of time. Its primary function is to serve as a bed or den. However, the dog is not supposed to live in the crate. Endless hours in the crate can lead to severe social and isolation problems for your dog -- and it will no longer see the crate as a special retreat.

When you are home, your dog needs to be out with you. In fact, the crate should be kept in the room where the family spends most of its time. That way, your dog can seek refuge from the hubbub of household activity, yet still feel like a part of the family.

Once your dog realizes that the crate is a sanctuary and that no one can bother it while it is in its "den," your dog will begin to seek out the crate on its own.

If a crate is out of the question, you might want to talk to your vet about pet diapers. I know there are several different types out there that are washable and or disposable and since you only need them at night, might be the answer to your problem.

http://www.petdiapers.com/

The Importance of Dog Training

• My suggestion - I know you don't want to buy a new bed - but my suggestion would be to get her a crate and crate-train her. It would help her feel secure and also prevents her from sleeping in unwanted places. They aren't really that expensive.
  
  If she pees under your bed because she thinks she won't get in trouble, simply stop punishing or scolding her for making mistakes inside. When she eliminates outside, praise her and give her a treat. When she eliminates inside, just quietly clean it up. She'll learn that peeing inside = no treat. And be patient with her, too; as dogs get older, they tend to lose sone control over their bowels and bladder. If she is peeing inside a lot, though, you might want to take her to the vet and get her checked for a UTI.


• The vet can give you medicine to help with her peeing, try buying a kennel, put a blanket or a pilow in there to make her more comftorable, feed her in there, give her treats in there make it so the kenel becomes a safe haven, it is easier to clean and she will continue to have a safe place to go to.


• you can try a spray made by Hartz that is called Stay off...I never believe in that stuff but IT WORKS!! My dogs HATE IT!! my dogs got really used to being on the couch while i was gone and there would be dirt, hair and pieces of their toys and it was aggravating! So I broke down and got a can and it is great! I just have to show the can and their out of the room


• If there is a possiblity of creating like a fencing around your bed with partical board or something that would be the best, because sprays don't last for ever, and have the potential to stain your carpets, and it may not even work for the situation at hand.


• Talk to your vet about her urinary incontinence. There are several medications on the market that work really well for this issue. she also might have an infection. It is not normal for a dog to urinate in their sleep. Your poor dog probably doesn't like being "dirty" either.


• you could get her a big pet taxi.my dog got used to going in her pet taxi so i leave the door open and every night she sleeps in it.


• You could get her a crate. She might like that den type feel.(Back to those wolf roots) I have my dog's crate covered on both sides and she sleeps in it with the door open.


• It is the one place they feel secure. Unfortunatley she also feels so secure she pees there too! See if she will take to a small blanket or put a diaper on her at night!


• Yeah, I would just buy her a crate and make it her safe and quiet place.


• Do you know the plastic that is used in carpeted area for office furniture? It has plastic pointy tacks on one side, and a smooth surface on the other side. You can pick this up at the hardware store, or an office store. Get a large sheet, place it under the bed pointy side up and see if that deters her. It will not be comfortable, so she should eventually give up and find another safe place. You will need to leave the plastic sheet under the bed for a month or two. It is critical that every time she tries to return she finds it there until she stops checking and gives up.
  
  At the same time you do this, you might put something else in your bedroom that would be desirable for her. You can buy a dog bed that is washable. Or at least a big towel for her. You might even plant a few dog treats in this new area to really make it a place she would like to go to.

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Dog Health Questions: Pit bull dog training!!!!?

I just got the cutest dog.. and he's a pit bull. His name is Kuma and he is about 5 months. When I first got him, he was rowdy and crazy. I expected that. I now have him able to sit, lay down, go away, stay, and come. To my surprise, he learns everything I teach him in only a matter of hours!
Well, here's the problem. We have two older dogs that are not trained. They'll listen to us, but they don't do things on command. For example, they'll get out of the kitchen when we tell them to... and they'll wait for us to eat before they do and won't bolt through the front door, but they're lazy and do not "sit" when told or anything like that. The only times Kuma doesn't listen to me is when the other dogs are around. I'm afraid he is learning their bad behavior and finds that more interesting than listening to me.
He also refuses to listen after a little while. I do 15 minute trainingwith him daily and he does great... but I also incooperate that throughout the day. I make him sit before I feed him... or stay when I am getting the mail, etc. Sometimes, not always, he'll straight up ignore me! He'll sit there and just stare like he doesn't know what I'm saying.
At first, I thought this was because I suddenly stopped using treats for his training although he still listens sometimes. But even with the treats, he'll ignore me when it's convienient for him... and even smells the treats and acts as if he doesn't like them. He'll just leave them sitting on the floor sometimes!!! Just recently, he started peeing in my roomates bed. CONSTANLY. One pee after a
This has only happened a few times.... and overall, he's a great dog and listens. However, because he is a pit bull, I find it extremely important that he be trained to do as he's told exactly when he's told to do it.
A few proffesional trainers I've asked have just told me he is trying to find his place in the pack... but that that would require pro assistance. Money is an issue, but if that's the answer, I'll have to look into it. Please help! Thank you! Oh.. also, I have had him for about 2 weeks but he is aprox. 5 months old. Thanks!

Dog Training Aids - Get The Right Tools For The Job

Recommended Answer:
This has nothing to do with him finding his place in the pack. If you are going to speak with trainers find a certified one who knows what they are talking about (http://www.adpt.com).

First of all, the peeing on the roommates bed - when you wash the comforter, you need to throw a neutralizer in (Nature's Miracle) so that the scent comes out completely. Is he neutered? If not, have that done next week. He's a pit bull and we fix them for FREE all across this country because we don't want them bred (we're killing too many every week - entire litters of puppies - in the shelters). Close your roommates door so he doesn't have access to that room when you can't watch him.

When you take a well trained dog and put them in a kennel run with dogs who are ill behaved, they don't pick up on the good behavior. The well trained dog picks up on the bad behavior. It's not surprising that he is looking around and seeing the other dogs not having to work for their food and thinking "wait a minute, they don't have to sit, why should I? they get it anyways." You need to spend a few minutes a day training them separately. It's not too late for them to learn! As for his attention span, remember that he is still a puppy. It's like ADHD. They have trouble focusing for long periods of time and get distracted easily. Sitting at the mailbox may be hard if there is a squirrel across the street that catches his attention. Just be consistent. That really is the key especially with the attention lapses. Try not to get frustrated because they pick up on that, which then makes it harder for them. For us, it was easier to train the puppy when she was hungry and a bit of the energy was worn off (a game of fetch first or a quick, brisk half hour walk).

Your pup is very lucky to have you. I'm impressed with what you have accomplished already. I don't like the advice you've been given by the trainers you have spoken with so I don't think classes with them are necessary. You are doing well on your own. Consistency and patience are keys. Training needs to be fun, but it's hard for puppies to focus all the time. Keep at it and eventually you will get that sit at the mailbox every time despite the distractions. A few basic commands for other dogs will help your pup as well. He is going to learn by watching their behavior too.

Here is another link with more training commands if you are interested in continuing with your pups training:
http://www.ddfl.org/beh-commands.htm

There are two Training at Home links. We take our dogs to classes because we get a lot out of them, but they are expensive. My dad has always trained his dogs at home without a problem. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being such a responsible owner! Good dogs don't just happen. They have good owners like you who put the time and training into them. You rock!ETA: You don't need to put as much training into your older dogs as you are putting into him. That might overwhelm you and it sounds like they are well behaved. Just teach them both the "sit" command so that they are working for their dinner as well. This should be sufficient enough. He will see that they are sitting for food and will do the same when they are all together.

ETA: Ugh. You don't EVER train three dogs simultaneously. You ALWAYS train SEPERATELY. They aren't going to focus and listen to you if you have all three of them together. That is ridiculous. Training is done one on one. Just make an extra five to ten minutes a day for the other two. If you are only teaching them a command or two, they should pick it up by next week and be working for their food.

There is no reason to be punishing your dogs because they aren't doing anything wrong. You reward good behavior and ignore the bad behavior. Basic stuff, which you already have down.

Dog Training Fundamentals - 5 Key Dog Behaviour Factors That Affect Training

• You have to be the PACK leader. Seems you're have problems with all of them. CAll the Dog Whisperer, sounds like a great TV segment.
  
  Good luck


• You should try and work on the older dogs first, then work on the pit when the others aren't around.


• Professional assistance is the only thing that will make you sure he will obey your command and in the end - it will definitely be worth the money. You should really try to find the money. He is likely to find his place just like the other dogs.


• I'm no expert, but I would say he's ignoring you simply because he can't be bothered to listen. If he's obeying you, say, 90% of the time though, I would consider that normal.
  
  And of course he's not going to listen when the other dogs are around...he wants to do what they do, and if they're not listening, neither will he. My dog always wants to do what her best friends do, even if it's naughty. Luckily, all five of them listen to me (mostly). I wouldn't ever walk them all by myself, but I'm comfortable with my authority at the house.
  
  If he's not neutered, I would get him neutered right away. It could remedy the issue of him peeing (or marking) in your roommates bed.
  
  Realize that you have gotten really far with him in such a short amount of time, but that he's still a baby and it'll take a while. Heck, he's still trying to get used to the routine at your house!


• you have to show all your dogs that you are the pack leader...train all of them at the same time so if the older dogs listen the pit bull will follow on what they are doing...take control..discipline them(but not to mean or rough)...train all dogs at the same time like every other day or when you want to..hope this works out for you


• maybe he is bothered by the other dogs........ maybe u should start training him better with the peeing on ur roommates bed. [or u should start to train the other dogs......but other than that....that's i have in mind. just keep trying to make him stop or start maybe to find the lowest training school for ur dog also.

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Dog Health Questions: Can you tell me some positive experiences you have had with electronic dog training collars?

I know many people don't like the idea of using electronic shock training collars. But I also know most people don't know how to train their dogs properly which results in dogs biting people, running away and getting hit by cars. Tell me some positive stories.

The Different Types of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
In 43 years of owning, training, breeding and showing dogs, I have used an electric collar once.

We live on 180 acres, but do have a country road on 2 sides of the property. Our dogs are kept in our fenced yard unless we are working, playing or walking them.

My one dog was about 3 years old. Trained for agility and competing..basic "companion obedience". He would come when called, would "heel" or "side" when told, when released, would trot ahead of me 50 feet or so, stopping and checking periodically to make sure I was still coming. If I turned and walked the other direction, he would turn too, run to me. He would "wait up" when told, and "down" at a distance when told.

In other words: he was HIGHLY trained. I had put a LOT of time into him. And he KNEW what was allowed, and to "obey"

Well, one day, at around 3 years old, as I said, he and my daughter's dog kicked up a jack rabbit...and off they went. To the end of our property into the neighboring orchard...they would not call off. To me, this is absolutely NOT ALLOWED! Because it is dangerous. The rabbit could have run a different direction across the road....

So, I borrowed a friend's E-collar.

Only because I KNEW my dog KNEW what "Micah, come" meant.

Took a week of walking daily until we kicked up another rabbit. Off he went. I called, in my normal happy voice "Micah, come!"...no response. Gave him another chance, "Micah! COME" louder. No response. Hit the button, he stopped and jumped. Again, I said "Micah! Come" still in a happy voice. He came, I told him him "Good Boy".

End of story. Never used it again.

But.....remember, I only used it because I KNEW he KNEW what "come" meant. He was simply too caught up in the chase and chose to ignore me. And by ignoring me, he could have gotten killed.

Micah is gone now. I lost him to cancer in old age. Dear, sweet, fun buddy boy.

I have a 3 year old BC now.....who I have also invested a lot of training in and continues the tradition of our walks. So far, she has called off groound squirrels immediately.

I would never use an e-collar for "training". I do not feel it is right, nor fair to shock a dog if the trainer hasn't already taught the dog "what to do"....If I didn't think I could control my dog off leash, I would not allow my dog off leash, as I had not done my job.

Learn the Significance of Dog Training Courses

• Please look at one of my questions posted under my question and answer section for the most detailed answer on the positive uses of E collars. The answer happens to be the longest in YA history, but well worth it. I have used them for over 20 years with great success.


• they a cruel


• would you use an electronic child strap so your kid learnt to use the toilet.
  
  do you not think that shocking your dog over and over is, in the end, going to mean something will "shock" you in return?
  
  if you cannot deal with a dog being a dog (because, guess what, that IS what they are), then do not get one.
  Do not have a 'pet' if you cannot handle their animal nature.

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