Showing posts with label dog training problems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog training problems. Show all posts

Monday, November 19, 2012

Dog Health Questions: I try very hard to train my chow chow but he still fails to learn. What is the problem?

I am not able to train Cinnamon regardless of how much effort i put. I followed everything as the dog training book (which i bought from amazon.com) suggested but Cinnamon still fails to learn anything.

I don't think he has any intelligence or memory. He forgets the commands too fast. I spend 45 minutes daily from 1 pm to 1:45 pm trying to train him but my energy and efforts get wasted.

Reward Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
Chows are intelligent. Training takes time with them because they are intelligent (some say they are cat like) and will tend to do what they want to do. Keep at it, it will take some time, but eventually it will all fall into place. Remember consistency and patience.

Aggressive Dog Training - Expert Advice


  • maybe the mutt is ashamed of it's name.
    It likes Ginger better.

  • try clicker training.

  • The chow chow is a very difficult breed to train, as they are "stubborn" (for lack of a better word) and independent-minded by nature (think "cat"). I learned this when chow chows were featured on our local news due to difficulties that a family were having with their chow chow.

    When you open a door, do you let your dog go in ahead of you?
    After a play "battle" with you, do you let him "win" by letting him have the toy in the end?
    Then congratulations, you have allowed Cinnamon to think he's the leader and you're the pack, so he doesn't understand why he should listen to you.

  • Some dogs are just independent and don't like to be told what to do. It doesn't mean they are stupid.

  • I found a website that may be of some help to you. I put the link below. When you get there, scroll down to where in RED it says, "My major concerns would be...", then scroll down to number three. There is a box after the first paragraph that says, "To teach your Chow to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory." It goes on to provide a link to their Chow Training page. Here's the link------>>>http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…

    It just may be that you need a little more help training your Chow Chow. You could also check with your veterinarian clinic and see if they recommend trainers in your area that have classes to work with dogs and their owners.

    Good Luck to you and Cinnamon.

  • My mothers friend had a similar problem. It was solved by sending the dog to doggy boot camp XD for $1000 bucks. She said her dog came back diffrent and listens to commands and dosent pee in the house and all the good stuff. You could also get training lessons at PetSmart or PetCo that should work. My dog is a keeshound/chow chow, never trained her due to the fact that I was 6 when we got her but she listens but not to commands you will most likely be able to get cinnamon tranied to be a great dog your just gonna have to do it his way (the hard way) I hope this helps you out good luck with your chow chow.

  • HEYY!! I have 2 chows myself 3 all my life and they are the most obideint dogs ive ever had and i have 5 dogs right now! it will happen give it time. You shouldnt just spend your 45 mins or whatever with him Chows are stubborn and very very dominant! he just doesnt want to listen he probably knows exactly what your saying hes just being a brat! just work with him all day or at least as long as your around him.
    Make it known to him that your the owner and hes the pet.. make sure to use basic commands i mean unless you want him to be an agility dog i think you will be fine. work with him over and over repetition is the best way to learn something. I dont think books are what you need maybe use them for tips but just do what works. If he sits for a treat then carry treats with you for a while and reward him when he does good and use it for other commands too. then after a while he will do it without the treat, im sure he will exspect it but he'll do the trick even without getting one. But the #1 thing for you to remember is you have chosen a very bratty breed so you MUST make him listen to you..they are stubburn and will not want to listen for anything in the beggining but when he matures he will realize whos boss and if he acts out put him in place let him know you wont stand for the way hes acting..

    A few things to consider, maybe adding his age to your question.
    Or if he is nuetered?
    and if there are anyother dogs in the home, that can cause a distraction for him.
    Another thing that might be helpful and im not just being an A** his name is long try choosing a nickname for him short names are better for getting a dogs attention and names that have a distinct sound like, Mack or buck or something like that , something short and sweet. Just an idea tho..

    Good luck if you have any other chows Questions I'll be happy to help to the best of my Knowledge! Good Luck.

  • Maybe he just isn't the training kind.

    Some dogs are like that. but Chow Chows are so cute :D :D

  • A 5 month old puppy chow trained for almost an hour straight? No, that is not going to happen.
    You need to try short bursts of training throughout the day.
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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Should I get a dog...?

First off I want to say that I am and have always been a dog person. I grew up with dogs and have always had special relationships with them in my opinion. When I was only a few months old my parents took in a puppy for a friend. I grew up with her and when I lost her from cancer it felt like I lost a best friend. We got another puppy soon after that from the shelter and everything had been going great with that (potty trained in four days and I'm pretty proud of that haha) until it to succumbed to cancer (I know what a coincidence right.) It's been years since my dogs died and I haven't had one since. I miss the companionship and loyalty that a dog brings.

I'm now 16 almost 17 and am really thinking about getting another one (Sheltie in fact as that was what my last dogs were.) My mom (parents divorced) says she is thinking about it. This summer I can devote almost 100% of my time to a dog training it and being active with it. I'm an avid outdoors person so being active is not a problem at all. I have a part time job working about three hours three to four days a week so whenever I would be away it would be for short amounts of time. My mom is also willing to help out here and there with training and letting it out to go to the bathroom.

There's only one problem and that's me going to college in a little over a year. My plan would be to let my mom take care of it for the first year (I plan to go to college locally and would be able to come home during the weekends every once in a while.) After the first year I would move into my own house with some friends most likely and could take the dog back. I am very knowledgable about the care of dogs but I'm really torn as what to do. I'm sure most of you will say that I should wait until after college and I partially agree but I just don't know. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

P.S. sorry for the length.

Clicker Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
You sound like you're going to be a really sensitive and caring dog owner. You also sound like someone who benefits a lot from the companionship and loyalty, and dogs are great for that. However, the relationship does go both ways. It's not really fair to get a dog when you know for a fact that you're not going to be able to take care of her soon and will be leaving her in the care of your mother, who sounds like she will be a great caregiver, but who doesn't seem as enthusiastic about this as you. If you're not going to have the dog for the school year, is it really fair to give the dog one summer of undivided attention and then leave him or her alone for so long? Also, what if the house situation fell through (lots and lots of things change during college, including people and friendships) and you still couldn't take care of the dog during the school year? What's wrong with waiting until next summer when you'll probably have the same amount of time as this summer, and will have a better idea of whether or not the housing situation will work out?

It's also more likely in this situation that the sheltie would bond to your mother more than to you. She'll grow up as a puppy with your mother in that house, and then you'll be taking her away from that and expecting her to socialize with a bunch of people in a house. Shelties are known for being wary or even timid, and they're not good at learning to socialize if they don't learn it early on.

Just some thoughts. I LOVE SHELTIES, and I wish you all the best when you get one!

Dog Training - How to Potty Train Your Dog & End Your Frustration - It is Easier Than You Think


  • I do think that you should either wait until you are done with college or just have it be your mothers dog and visit like you will visit her.

    Good luck!

  • Do you HAVE to live on-campus your freshman year? If you're really REALLY serious about getting a dog, go to a community college your first 2 years so you can live at home. Or look for other housing with your friend(s) during that time. I know how you feel, I've always had a dog my whole life, but I once had to go a year without. It's a real downer :(

  • If your mom doesn't have a problem with it I don't see why not. But I feel like over time the dog would become more of your moms dog and your relationship with dog would not be as strong and you would feel hurt and left out and the relationship wouldn't be like your other dogs. So maybe it's a good idea to wait a while
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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Are people really stupid enough to not understand that Pit Bulls are just like any other dog?

Especially the Pits these days, who have been bred to be more dog-friendly than their abused ancestors.

Dog training makes a lot more difference than breeding to a dog's behaviour.

It always makes me facepalm when people (usually cocky and uneducated idiots) so confidently claim that Pits are born to attack animals/eat babies/mug pensioners/commit white-collar crime or whatever else they think they do.

I know the general public are fools to the media, but HOW can people be so mislead when educated dog owners tell them that Pits are perfectly safe and that bad dogs come from bad dog owners?

Abused Dog Training - How to Train an Abused Dog



Recommended Answer:
i am quite sure you are the uneducated one here ... pit bulls are not just like any other dog ... have you ever heard of dog on dog aggression as a known and accepted behaviour trait ... and how offensive you use jack russells in the same question as pit bulls ... in the last 25 YEARS there have been two deaths resulting from jack russell terriers, one was a women who was recovering from surgery and a jack bit her lip which became infected and she died ... even if you kick or attack my jack russell she is not going to latch on and kill or main you, a pit bull might ... and the most ignorant thing you said is they are being bred to be more friendly ... frick that is funny and so clueless ... the dogs have been ruined due to poor breeding making them even more unstable and unpredictable ... grab a clue, this question makes you look so ignorant on the subject ..

Secrets of Dog Training Professionals - Why Use Food?


  • Why people think pit bulls are mean because of the news saying there mean dogs and head lines like pit bull go lose attacking dog to children and say they should be baned. That's why people don't like pit bulls and i am always telling people there nice dogs forget the news, resource like website and more. I am out to tell people that Rottweilers and Dover mans And pit bulls are nice dog and just the same.

  • Yes, people are completely stupid for not seeing that it's not the Pits that are the problem - it's the clueless and cruel owners who are the problem (barring some weird, genetic and/or neurological problem on the part of the Pit, that is)....

    I guess the only way people can hope to reverse this incorrect mind-set is to ensure that they get out there as much as possible with their Pits, showing others what great dogs they are (which is a tactic that another poster has already confirmed works...).

  • First of all- I do not agree with everything you say. Genetically screwed dogs do happen...yes even with "pitbulls" ...despite training.

    Soooo...in my honest opinion, here is what needs to happen but likely never will.....EVERYONE who owns a dog, no matter what breed, size, or temperament....need to be RESPONSIBLE & have CONTROL over their dog/s.

    If someone has a dog that is not sound...& far from....they should have CONTROL.....not let it run a muck killing children & other animals & not leaving their newborns with dogs...last time I checked, dogs do not make reliable babysitters.

  • People need to stop messing with genetics....pits are MEANT to be animal aggressive, they were bred to do a specific job, nothing wrong with it...and breeders dont need to mess with that, in my opinion. And NO, that job wasnt dog fighting...if that's where you are going with this.Genetics is more important than training..not the other way around. If your dog is bred correctly and can be animal aggressive...nothing wrong with that. Keep him away from situations that could cause problems....

    Its the same as breeding German Shepherds without the herding ability/drive...what the hell are you going to get???

  • I love pits. Your question is naive. Look around you. You don't see Michael Vick breeding Dachshunds for fighting, do you? Nor do I see guys dragging around Cocker Spaniels with huge chains on their necks to build muscle; or see well-meaning but totally uninformed idiots writing in about their 'blue nose' and 'red nose' poodles.

  • Small-minded people's prejudices aren't limited to humans. They judge dogs by breed instead of training/ temperament, just like they judge people on race/ethnicity/religion. I've lived with pit bulls my whole life, and the only dog that ever bit me was an 18 lb. Shnauzer mix.

  • Actually, all dogs are NOT created equal. Look at the research. certain dogs are more likely to be aggressive. Period. I'm sure there are plenty of nice pits, but I'm not risking my kids, my money, nor my lifestyle when I get sued over them biting someone.

  • No dog is the same, one breed is not like any other breed. But pits are great dogs. I've always dreamed of owning one. Badly trained pits (for fighting) will attack, but that is because they have been abused by people and the other dogs.

  • i have a pitt dull and they are one of the nicest most friendliest dog u will ever meet:)

  • every dog is not the same

  • i agree with you any dog that's not trained will be bad it's just this is my idea don't take it the wrong way that a lot of teenage lads like to use these dogs like a weapon look how hard I am and it these people that are giving the breed a bad name if i had a penny for every time that a media ran a bad pittbull story and the owner was a 17-19 year old lad thug in most cases i be rich it is the owners they don't care about the training most of these boys are using there dog like a status in there gang there friends has one so they get one and the people to arrange dog fights are to blame cruel and it's rising staffs pits and other dogs in these breeds are getting a bad name because of young stupid lads with egos and the cruel sport of dog fighting say what you like they are large number of young lads way these types of dogs go to liverpool n.ireland glasgow i seen it with my own eyes and they care more about there egos than there dogs i saw one lad to could not even control his on the lead then would not even clean up after it in the park he should never been aloowed out with it

  • Well answer me this - are people really stupid enough to not understand that pit bulls were BRED to be ANIMAL AGGRESSIVE? It has nothing to do with their "abused ancestors" for god's sake. It's called genetics - you can't change that.
    The weird pit bulls are the ones that don't have an AA gene in their body - they are the weak link in the genetic gene pool (like cowardly Dobermans).

    Does this mean they have to be used in dog fighting? Absolutely not.
    Does it mean they are more likely to attack a human? No, as long as the person owning them knows how to raise and handle them properly (but this goes for MANY dog breeds).
    Are they any less likely to be a good pet? Of course not.

    But it is foolish to sit there and think that a pit bull will never one day go after another animal/dog.

    ADD: You're not understanding.
    People aren't breeding pit bulls to lose the AA in them - where did you come up with that? People are not breeding the AA in them to be in dog fights or people killers either.
    You can't really "breed out" characteristics of a breed that were "bred in" to make the breed what it is today.
    People need to understand the breed they own and train accordingly. Want to use the JRT as an example? Fine. If you haven't trained that dog to focus 100% on you and perfect your recall (and you trained it this way knowing this breed has been bred with a high prey drive) - good luck getting the thing to listen to you when some rat goes running across the field...

  • pitt bulls are amazing dogs and no not always mean. my mom had a pitt for me and my sister when were younger and he was sweetest dog ever. very protective never growled or bark unless a certain someone showed up at our house. u can take any breed of dog and it can attack. its in a dogs instinct to attack if it feels threatened. but there are idiots that train their dogs to fight and its usually pitts cuz of their size and stamina. u can take a toy poodle and it can be ferocious like a pitt. but people hear what they do on tv and radio and form their own opinions without knowing all the facts. just cuz one dog attacks another dog or a child doesnt mean they all do

  • Good grief. What planet do you live on? Pit Bulls are just like any other dog? I'll be damned if that statement hold any merit whatsoever.

    Aggression has been bred OUT? Say you? Where the sam hill did you get that? It is the *aggression* (ie: dog/animal aggression) which you are referring to?

    I am really in a complete funk how you think a genetic trait that has been bred for centuries has all of the sudden been bred out. When did that happen? Last year? Oh, maybe a bit later.....2 years?

    Here is where I become very irate because you are *bunny hugging* *sugar coating* a powerful breed which with skewed genetics coupled with bad training and negative environment creates a MONSTER. We have MORE of these than ever because every body and his cousin in breeding these dogs in their back yards giving absolutely no consideration of what kind of temperament/genetics they are creating. We end up with horribly dangerous dogs because of this.

    It is right in you FACE. Is your face in the mud?

    A properly bred American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog with superior prey drive, the ability to fight and kill. They are Gladiators. Warriors. It is up to the owner to teach and contain this drive until it is needed to manifest itself.

    A SOUND APBT is NOT ever human aggressive. A genetically hard nerved APBT will never lay teeth on a human.

    What we have in society today is NOT the real APBT but a poorly bred dog with the skewed brain which causes it to *come undone* attacking all other creatures and seriously maiming and/or killing.
    The human included.

    So while you are spreading honey, I will be right behind you dumping dirt on your ignorant statement.

    Truly? Please tell *Pits are like any other dog* to the woman who had known her Pit was NOT right, had seen the *signs* of a skewed brain, was considering euthanizing but did not do it fast enough. The dog literally removed her arm from her body.

    Now, you tell me how many other *breeds* are capable of this? You are not owning a dog who will bite you, take some flesh and walk away. You are dealing with a dog that will grab/hold and has the power and drive to keep going until they kill. You can't pull them off. You can break a brick over their heads. They are oblivious to pain when in this mode. The can be a killing machine.

    So stop this crap. Causing people out there who have not a clue in hell what they may be bringing home.

    Edit: I just realized I have you blocked. Must be for a good reason.

  • If you have never even seen one then how do you know what APBTs are like or even how they are supposed to be?

    1. No they aren't like every other dog. IF they were like every other job they would be a good fit for anyone and everyone and they are NOT. Like most prey driven dogs they are for people who actually understand what they are getting into and know how to handle their dog's triggers

    2. How do you know what people are breeding for? GOOD breeders are not breeding soft APBTs, while not all are going for a true game bred dog they ARE however still breeding dogs that are or can be dog aggressive at times. That is the nature of this breed.

    3. " Dogs aren't needed to attack animals so nobody should be breeding animal-aggressive dogs. " Hmm tell that to anyone who hunts feral hogs and needs a good catch dog. Dog fighting may be illegal in most areas, but the APBTs drive is applicable in other areas.

    4. Since you don't own one, never have, and have no real life experience with one what makes you think you are better suited than ANYONE on here who does have the above to tell people how the breed is?

    There is a big difference between any based aggression and human based. The first is a breed trait and why the breed was created. The second is NOT an accepted breed trait and any dog displaying such should be put down.

  • Wow i live in the UK and am astounded by your question and Inaccurate facts My answer is when you understand about the APBT come back and ask a question not a rant

  • "Are people really stupid enough to not understand that Pit Bulls are just like any other dog?"
    -------- APBT are NOT just like any other dog- which is why they need a much more responsible owner, who can understand the breed tendencies, their unique drives, and how to properly contain these dogs- AND basic precautions, like not bringing them to dog parks, etc.

    "Especially the Pits these days, who have been bred to be more dog-friendly than their abused ancestors."
    --------- a properly bred APBT will exhibit the same drives and physical traits as their game bred ancestors. if you want a dog that LOOKS the same, but does not contain the drive, you should be referencing AmStaffs, who have been bred for nearly 100 years for the looks, but not the drives.

    "Dog training makes a lot more difference than breeding to a dog's behaviour."
    --------- that's great. i'll let the folks who spend their lives embroiled in genetics that they're wasting their time. that statement points to the fact that you aren't a breeder, haven't studied genetics (even a little, outside 10th grade biology!) and have NO idea about temperamental traits being genetic, just as physical traits are!

    "It always makes me facepalm when people (usually cocky and uneducated idiots) so confidently claim that Pits are born to attack animals/eat babies/mug pensioners/commit white-collar crime or whatever else they think they do. "
    ---------- saying that APBT's and bully breeds are born to eat people is nonsense. dogmen always culled man-biters- they needed a dog they could handle in the pit, and one they could trust around their children. APBT's WERE bred to battle with other dogs, AND to catch and kill vermin and small animals, so yes, they ARE bred to attack animals. and any well bred APBT will still have a very strong prey drive towards other animals, just as a PRT wants badly to dig up the yard in search of moles, and when it finds them, it will chase and kill them!

    "I know the general public are fools to the media, but HOW can people be so mislead when educated dog owners tell them that Pits are perfectly safe and that bad dogs come from bad dog owners?"
    --------APBT's are NOT perfectly safe- too many idiots bring them to dog parks and then get bitten breaking up fights.
    --------BAD dogs do NOT come from bad owners- they come from BAD breeders- a temperamentally sound dog is a temperamentally sound dog. it is BORN like that. an unstable dog will be unstable from the time it is born. maybe it can be managed, and maybe not. it's not a reasonable chance to take, in any case.--------you are DEAD wrong if you believe that the dog-aggression or animal-aggression has been bred out of APBT's- a well bred APBT has just as strong a prey drive as his ancestors 100 years ago.

    ------- you ARE CORRECT that APBT who have a strong prey drive should be properly managed. BUT- it should be assumed that EVERY APBT has a strong prey drive, because often, they won't show any sign of it until something triggers it, and by then, it's too late for the owner to react. the adage "he's never done THAT before!" is no longer a viable excuse- because of ALL the APBT owners who are warning people beforehand!

    --------- if you've never even seen one, don't make assumptions like "it's all in how you raise them" or "bad owners make bad dogs"
    come to the USA and meet some first- you can talk to some dogmen, meet some of the actual dogs, and understand their drives, genetic temperament, and proper handling.

  • I love APBTs. They are amazing dogs. Tons of energy (good for hiking), super friendly with people, lots of prey drive (yay for training!), usualy smart but stubborn (yeah, I like a challenge)!

    But I am not deluded. I've only attended two dog shows (specifically geared towards APBTs) and have been working in a 80% 'pit bull' mix shelter for 3 years and it has ben enough for me to learn that MOST have issues with other dogs/cats. So what? They are not the only breed to have those issues (Akitas and Jack Russels come to mind) and judging by the dogs I've seen at shows and the responsible breeders I've talked to, ANIMAL/DOG AGGRESSION IS NOT BEING BRED OUT. It's a breed trait and not something to be ashamed of, but it does mean that they are not the right choice for all dog owners. Every breed has its own tendencies, and this is one of the APBTs. If you are keeping your dog properly contained, it shouldn't be an issue.

    P.S. Some people still use their dogs to hunt in which case the high prey drive/animal aggression is very useful.

    ADD: Animal aggression and human aggression are two very different things.
    Are you scared that a Greyhound will turn on you because it kills a rabbit? Sounds foollish right?
    Are you scared of an APBT because it kills another dog? Well, that's just as foollish as the last statement.

    What we do have to fear is the back yard breeder. Any breed that becomes popular, as the APBT has become, faces this challenge. Back yard breeders produce dogs that are not up to par tempermentally and unfortunately the APBT is plagued with these 'breeders' that do not care or do not know how to asess proper temperament. They are the ones producing the majority of the unstable dogs that bite humans. Those dogs need to be killed but they are produced in every breed that becomes popular and are often bred producing even more unstable dogs. Since the ban has been inacted in Denver, LABRADOR RETRIEVERS lead in number of dog bites. When you are looking for a GSD, you will always be cautioned about severe shyness/aggression due to poor breeding practices by some people. APBTs are not the only ones that have been subjected to this.

  • Rants aren't allowed here, you know.

    Guess what Miss Know-It-All. These particular dogs WERE INDEED bred for attacking other animals. Why in the world is the name "pit" in their name? Because they were bred to attack other animals - bulls, boar, bear, etc. - in "sporting" fights, and then when those were outlawed, they went underground and fought dog against dog!

    You need to do some more research.

    The reason anything resembling a "pit bull" is ostracized is PRECISELY because people don't know how to handle them. If you have a sensible owner who understands its dogs drive and history, then it can be managed. Put a bully breed dog in the hands of a neophyte or someone who thinks, "Awwww, Mr. Pit Bull is a big cuddly sweetie teddy bear, he wouldn't hurt a fly!" - you're going to end up in tears and with a lawsuit because Mr. Pit Bull is instigating fights, not taking sh*t from other dogs, and nearly killed a handful in his few short years here.

    The American pit bull terrier is a great dog. Great dog with an interesting history and a tremendous tenacity and nobility. But it's NOT for any old fool to own or handle.

    Also, your statement of "aggression is bred OUT of Pits these days" - says whom? GOOD breeders of the APBT are continuing to breed lovely, typey dogs with lots of drive - bombproof dogs, that's great. It's not just AGGRESSION - it's DRIVE, a desire to hunt and kill prey and molded.

    The other 80% or so of "pit bulls" out there are Backyard Breeder junk - genetically unstable, fear-aggressive, ENCOURAGED to snarl and hackle at anything on 2 or 4 legs. There are far more unstable "pits" out there than well-bred, malleable ones.

    Interesting that you can know so much about a breed, when you've "never even seen one." What are you, God?

  • Pits are NOT just like other dogs, they are bred for animal aggression. That has not been bred out of them.

    I know two people personally that have their animals killed by Loose Pits. One was a lovely Miniature horse mare that was a trained Therapy Animal, and part of our Therapy group. She was torn open by a pit that ran into her corral and attacked her.

    Then a friend that had a Greyhound had her dog attacked and killed by two pits that were let loose by an irresponsible dog sitter - when she was walking by with her dog on a leash, on a public sidewalk. She also got bit herself in the scuffle by the two pits as she was trying to defend her gentle greyhound.

    I also would like to add that I work in an insurance office and have also had a claim against one of our clients when their pit killed the next door neighbors dog when their pit got off of its chain. So I actually know two people who have had their animals killed by a pit, and one person who owned a pit (it was euthanized after it killed the neighbors dog) that killed another dog.

    This is not behavior of most "normal" dogs .... they don't go around killing other dogs and animals larger than they are.

    You have your head in the sand if you don't think that these events happen with this breed of dog.

  • Dear Inquirer,

    Look at it this way from the public's point of view.
    1. Children are brought up better today than than our ancestries did. We have better knowledge on how to teach them (train).
    2. Children are as safe as any other children out there and get into trouble too. (They must have come from bad parents, no matter how defiant the child was).
    3. Most kids are cute and cuddly too as the grow up and they have lot's of drives too that push them forward in life. But which kids are more controlable? The kids that are quiet and peaceful to others? Or the ones that lifts weights and trained to fight for protection purposes. More physically demanding on the parents part when it comes to controlling that child when in public or on its' own.
    4. Most parent try their best and give them love and effection. But as soon as the child does something wrong, the public stereotypes the child regardless of how the child was truly brought up! Even thou the child came from a good home and was cared for and well fed, the public categorizes that child as one that " must've had a bad upbringing or the parents didn't care enough for the child. When in fact the child has defiance and curiousity in their lives which then tells them that they shouldn't be doing this without being cautious in what they are doing. This is right from wrong thinking. Something that dogs understand, because theyARE trained from right and wrong because we punish the dog when it messes on the floor! We reward thee dog with treats when the dog obeys our command and has learned to roll over!

    The problem is when the dog doesn't have the physical strength to hold back the dog when the dog feels something is getting to close to their owners (parents) and they immediately react to a situation, like another dog walking by showing off its' aggressiveness saying to the other dog, "I'm pumped up and ready to fight you if you don't let my bad self through" attitude because that's how that dog was raised. And when your dog responds without the owner (parents) being there posed and ready to respond at alls times, that dog (child) stills ends up KILLING someone else just like any other child (dog) would.
    But wait! What happened to all the good owners (parents)? How come people categorize them as murderers in the paper and on the news? Why don't they look upon them as JUST another child (dog) that hasn't gotten enough attention in the news as well?
    Because it's more dangerous to the public when it comes to bad things being reported than good things. Nobody ever says, "Hey those children haven't killed anybody so far this year and we wanted to report this in the news so everyone.
    So hope this gives everyone a better understanding about public perspective on dogs.

  • This entire question/rant is a HOT STIR-FRIED MESS and is complete HOGWASH. BOLOGNA.

    If you've never seen one, how the hell are you going to know what they are even like ?

    "My point is that aggression is bred OUT of Pits these days"

    What pills were you popping when you wrote out this complete mess ? Are you telling me there are no badly bred, unstable APBT's out there ??! Seriously, get your head out of the sand.

    "Dog training makes a lot more difference than breeding to a dog's behaviour."

    No, it doesn't. Breeding/Genetics triumph any training/raising!!!!

    The fact still remains is that the breed was purposely bred to BE DA and AA. The breed standard even CALLS for it !!! There is no need to breed it out. If you don't want a dog with those traits, find another breed. Human aggression is NOT and SHOULD NOT be tolerated at any costs.

    They are NOT like "any other breed".. It takes a responsible, realistic, well educated, capable person to own a breed like this. We don't need anymore "sugar coaters"!!

    I would go into this ALOT more, but if I did I would have either a heart attack or a stroke.

  • Considering it takes decades or more to actually breed drive and temperament into a dog, and that's by people who actually know what they're doing, to say that it can simply be bred out by nations of morons randomly breeding their pets is more than just a leap. Most people have never seen an actual APBT or Staffie, and when you know nothing about the breed (or in the case of the random 'pit bull', a mix of bully breeds), I'm not sure how you become an expert in the proper drive, or witness to the fact that it has been officially bred out by virtue of the fact that the drive is no longer needed

  • pit bulls are only good for one thing that's killing smaller dogs, grandparents and children. only good pit is a euthanized pit

  • I honestly believed this, that pit bulls were evil creatures who couldn't be taught any better, and killed anything in sight. But then my friend showed me his pit bulls and they are the most loving dogs there are. I think that the reason so many people fear these dogs are the media's hyped up allegations toward pit bulls, just for their ratings! Yes, pit bulls can be trained to attack, just like german shephards. Yes, they can kill someone because they are stronger, but should we just lock up everything that could kill us? They have become a key partner in many people's lives, and we should respect them, along with loving them.
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Thursday, September 6, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dog Leash Aggression.?

I have a Rottweiler x Labrador mix whom is now a year and eleven months old. He loves -loves- other dogs when he's allowed to play with them in the yard / in an enclosed area off the leash. He plays fine with my friend's dogs when we walk them together, with our other dog, and the neighbors dogs.

When we're on a walk and he sees another dog, be it in a fenced in yard or walking on a leash down the street he becomes a completely different animal. He lunges, barks, growls, the hair around his back and the base of his tail raise up, and he looks extremely scary. I cannot control him when he does this, I weigh 115 pounds and he weighs near 100 so it becomes a battle to keep him away because the other dog owners immediately assume he's going to come and attack and I don't really blame them.

When he does manage to drag me up to the other dog, he stops and just checks the other dog out.

When he was a puppy, around four months old he was about thirty pounds, so other people would let him approach their dogs, no problem. He never whined, barked, lunged, he just sat and waited for me to bring him over.
As he got older and got bigger, people stopped letting him near their dogs even though he still sat and waited because of his size and breed I would assume. This resulted in him whining anxiously as we passed the other dogs, occasionally the fur on his neck / tail would go up but it was hardly the reaction I get now.

I'm thinking he doesn't understand why I've suddenly cut off his socialization with other dogs, but with his reaction there's no way people will let him near their dogs willingly.

My question is, how can I get him to pass other dogs more calmly. I've gotten numerous rope burns from walking him and I'm actually afraid to walk him during the day now because of fear of coming in contact with another dog.

I've considered dog training classes but most refuse "aggressive dogs" and I figure a Novice Obedience class keeps all their dogs on a leash so I don't know what to do with him.

I'm only seventeen so I don't really have the means to go and afford an at-home trainer, 'nor do my parents so I figured it was worth a shot asking.

Dog Training - How To Train Your Dog In One Evening



Recommended Answer:
I noticed the other answerers keep suggesting all these collars that would be useless so I figured i might as well suggest one that would actually work. get the Illusion collar. the smartest out of all the collars that have so far been invented. But as with any tool you use, remember you, the handler, is still the most important tool, so don't expect the collar to magically fix your dog. it will help, but you ultimately have to know what you are doing.that sucks that so many classes have turned you away for not allowing aggressive dogs. i would stay away from classes like that anyways because the reason they turn aggressive dogs away is usually because the trainer has no idea how to handle them and can't risk looking like a fool in front of all his paying clients. just look harder for a class that doesn't turn away dogs with issues. those are the ones with the best trainers.

and ok you are young and may not have much money, but couldn't you find a way to get it somehow? anyone you can borrow a couple hundred from? a neighbor? a friend? aunt? uncle? grandparents? have a garage sale? there is always a way to scrape together some money.

Effective Dog Training by Using Collar and Leash


  • When your dog starts to pull you, shorten the leash where you are only allowing the dog about 3 inches, and walk slowly. When he lunges, stop and make him sit, to calm him down. If he sits, they keep on walking, but don't let him have control. Hold the leash tightly to you only allow him to have about 3 inches of the leash, so you dont have a battle of tug of war

  • Your dog is simpy not properly leash trained. You have an issue with control of your dog, and that is the main problem. You have to control the dog and make him pay attention to you and your commands over the other dogs.
    I recommend purchasing a pinch collar/prong collar. with larger dogs and dogs with thick necks like the pit, rot, and german shepherd it is the most effective way to control with the least resistance.
    I have a german shepherd rhodesian ridgeback mix who is currently 75 lbs. I myself weigh around 106. So, I understand where you are coming from.
    I have worked with dogs who are hard to walk, and I have tried everything from the halti, choke chain, and head lead. None have worked better than the pinch collar.
    What you need to do is remove your dogs standard collar when going for a walk and only use the prong collar because the normal collar will get in the way and render the pinch collar useless.
    You attach your leash to the pinch collar and at the beginning of your walk when he tries to pull away from your side you go AH as you give a firm Tug /Release. The key is to make the pinch. You want to maintain slack on the leash, and only use the pinch when your dog tries to walk in front of you.
    When you pass the dogs you will notice your dog to start posturing. He will most likely raise his head, tail and ears as he targets the other dog. You have to correct his behavior before it starts. When your dog goes on alert you do the tug and the AH. Every time he reacts to the dog you do this, but the key is to keep walking. Never stop walking.
    Up until this point you have been catering to your dogs whim by allowing him to get to the dog to investigate and thus reinforcing the bad behaviors he is having on walks.
    He needs to learn that a walk is just that, and it is not social hour. Make it clear to him that while he is on a walk he is not to interact with any other dogs, and he will surely get the idea.
    I hope this helps.

  • My dog used to do the same thing, but I'm getting her under control now. I will be first to tell you that I do think that your dog could go to obedience because from what you have described you do not have an aggressive dog. O.k., now for the training part. You need to first work with your dog on basic obedience - train your dog to listen to you first and get his attention riveted to YOU, then you can tackle the challenges of walking past other dogs while on leash. Start in your home and yard with some extra yummy treats. Ask your dog to come and sit. Use a clicker or one special word like "good" - it is important that you say it exactly at the moment the dog does what you've asked. Then feed a treat. Practice this a lot until your dog is very good and turning on a dime and sitting on command. Then, you can take him out on a leash. Make sure that you ask him to sit every 5-10 feet. If you see another dog, ask your dog to sit facing you (away from the other dog). Feed your dog treats every couple seconds if your dog is able to sit while the dog passes. If the dog is barking and pulling, don't reward it.

  • im surprised nobody has mentioned this before but there is something called a gentle leader which works wonders at controlling a dog who likes to pull on the leash i used to have a golden retirever and she pulled so hard but once i used the gentle leader she didnt pull at all and it helps u to have better control of the dog if the dog pulls on the leash the gentle leader turns the dogs head to look at you so this way if your dog sees another dog and wants to lunge this is prevent him from doing so
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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Is the collar I just bought okay for my dog?

I have a 150 pound, 30-32 inch tall black Labrador. He is a pure bred(so don't tell me he is not) and is a 1 and 1/2 years old.
He is very sweet and expressive, but yesterday he tried to kill my neighbors cat, the cat luckily got away. Then today his best friend (which is a beautiful French mastiff) walked to our house to play and my dog attacked him brutally biting the inside of his neck and shaking it and also biting his head. The mastiff got really sad and shied away. My dog (his name is Thomas) really just became crazy aggressive and it was not cool. But right after the french mastiff left, thomas was happy again. then when the french mastiff thought it was okay to go near, thomas attacked him again.
I slapped thomas and took him inside, the french mastiff was really sad because he lives his days alone and his owners do not let him inside hishouse. So he roams.
When I went inside, I bought a metal Prong collar on ebay and then a 1 and a half inch black leather collar for him.
Will you think the prong will help?
He also pulls me to a point where he drags me and he growls and it is crazy.
Where did he get this mean all of a sudden?
And the rest of the times he is super nice and sweet.
Are these collars the best way to control him?
I also plan to take him to dog training.

Bird Dog Training - How Hunting Dogs Are Treated



Recommended Answer:
First order of business is a visit to the vet. many ailments will manifest themselves in aggression. If he is not neutered, do that first. Have a full thyroid panel done. A prong collar is fine as a training tool but you need to learn to use it properly and enroll him in training as well. Be up front with the trainer about his issues- a regular intro obedience class is not what you need.

The Many Types Of Dog Training


  • well you can try the collar it may help. However you may just want to consider taking your dog to the vet, since pure bred dogs have a higher risk for health problems and disease (some of which cause aggression). I hope the collar works for you. its not a bad idea.

  • I think that those collars should be banned they are cruel. Your dog should have a muzzle on and you should get some professional training one on one until your can be with others.

  • I have a friend that swears by this guide he purchased online. All I know is his dog is very well behaved and really protects his family, especially the girls.

  • yes

  • I have a pit and i have a problem with her pulling and trying to drag me down the street and i got one like your talking about and it works wonders! She will stay right with me and she never gets out of her collar anymore. I'm sorry i don't think its cruel either. if your dogs doesn't pull it doesn't bite. If you dog keeps trying to pull away from you he is gonna pay for it. all of the people with aggressive strong dogs out there have to do something, we have to take them to the vet and stuff just like you guys.

  • Training is the best way to control him. Without proper training, NO tool will be effective.

    You need to keep your dog on leash at all times. You need to build a proper fence. You need to supervise him when he is outside. You need to take 100% responsibility for your dog.

    Your dog is a liability. If he attacks a person, he could be euthanized. If he does not get euthanized, there can be sever restrictions placed on him that include a muzzle when he is off your property, a leash that is 4ft, getting him neutered, special licences, you will need more insurance and other things.
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Friday, July 6, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dog` Training???

I'm getting a wire fox terrier next week. Does anyone have advice on training a 3.5 month old puppy.

Also, I was told it has an over bite....is this something to be concerned about?

Top Three Problems Solved by a Secret to Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
Not to worry about an over bite. It only means he can't be shown in breed competition and he should not be bred. That could be carried on to his off spring. Lucky for him a much happier and healthier life.

As far as training, I guess you mean housebreaking and crate training is the best for that. At his age he will be teething like crazy so make sure you have chew toys for him, and don't let him bite on you or anyone else! That's a very bad habit, so nip that in the bud asap if he wants to start. His gums will be sore so before you get him home get some washcloths and soak then in water or chicken broth, wring them out and freeze them. This is a great puppy pacifier. So when he starts chewing take one out and give one to him. All the best you're in for a lot of fun! Congrats;^)

Dog Training Collar


  • A wire hair fox terrier can be a real live wire!!

    I recommend that you take this dog to a training class. Look in your phone book for training schools in your area. Terriers are a handful and wire hairs are a double handful. The best thing to do is go to a class. The classes provide an opportunity for you to socialize your dog around other dogs and people. That alone will make for a better more well behaved pet. You will learn the skills you need to teach your new pup lots of things.

  • An over bite is just when the top teeth are a long way over the bottom teeth. It usually isnt a problem but a dental check at your local vets is probably a good idea.
    Foxies are very energitic and happy. I had a foxy, she died earlier this year, when she was a puppy she always needed something to do, i gave her plenty of toys and during summer I used to freeze in a small bottle beef stock in water and when I went to work I would stab holes in the bottle and put it in the sun, it was a great all day sucker which kept her cool and a great toy at the end.
    I started odebience classes with her when she was 4 months old and they taught me how to control her. Jumping up was the worst habit to break. If your puppy starts this everytime it jumps up, step towards it or lift your knee, and then ignore it. Keep doing this it will work eventually. If it comes up to you and doesnt jump up then praise.
    My biggest advice is take it to obedience classes they are well worth the money and time and its not only training but its also bonding with your dog.

  • i have a wire hair/chow mix. shes an awsome dog, good for you! i can HIGHLY reccomend petsmart for training. both the trainers at the one by me rock.

  • no an overbite is nothing to worry about this means her teeth are not straight take to puppy classes and then to obedience

  • You will love having this great breed. I rescued a wire fox terrier that was a year old and he has been quite a challenge but I wouldn't trade him for the world. Ripley is so happy to be in a loving home instead of in a cage. He is a joy. We had alot of obstacles but it was all worth it. The most important thing I have learned about training a Fox Terrier is to use love and rewards, not punishment. Best of luck to you and your new baby!

  • Teach her basic commands, and she will make a great dog. Don't worry about the over bite, it is normal, especially in terriers.
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Saturday, June 9, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Has anyone ever used a spray bottle for dog training?

Has anyone tried this method and found that it worked ?I think I just had a breakthrough with my unruly JRT puppy!!! He bites his leash and chases and bites(way too hard) at people hands and legs excessivley, and barks at me if I say "No" or "Ahhh" so I needed another option. I just tried the water spray in the face along with the "Ahh!!" sound during one of our obedience sessions and he has completley stopped that particular behavior, now just saying the word he stops in his tracks.

Dog Training Tools and Advice



Recommended Answer:
I honestly don't like that method, I don't want to be sprayed in the face when i do something bad, so I don't do it to my dog. I use, removal technique with the "ahh ahh". If my dog goes for a person to try to jump up he is immediately removed from the room with a ahh ahh and doesn't come out till his comes, he does it again he is removed again. I don't like to scare my dog, I like to punish when bad behavior an reward when good behavior.

P.S not to mention Saber would just lick the water and bottle LOL! He also does this with the hose.

But every dog has his methods. =]

The Basic Commands of Dog Training


  • There is no difference between the spray bottle, giving their lead a "pop", using a rattle can, or just saying the word "NO". All are a correction through the use of Positive Punishment, and they all work.

    edit:
    LMAO, just mention the words positive punishment and the TDs come a knockin'.
    Some day people will figure out that it is them, and only them, that decides if positive punishment is a bad thing or not. All the term means is that an unwanted behavior was reduced or prevented by adding something (in this case a squirt from a spray bottle, could just as easily have been by saying "NO")

    "If he bites you or your guests squeal like a puppy and refuse to give him attention."

    And that my dear is using both positive & negative punishment. Squealing is positive (something was added), and not giving attention is negative (something was subtracted), but you are still training through the use of punishment.

  • Although I have not tried this technique myself (nor am I in favor of it) I know of people who have and instead of working for them, it worked against them. The dogs grew a tolerance to the spray and it meant nothing to them after a few squirts. Your spray seemed to work for you and you shouldn't have to try more than twice or else discontinue it.

  • I did try this method once with my Labrador Retriever puppy she loved the water and would try to bite or eat the water sprays, and then once on my Basset Hound, he just stared at me while I pelted him. He probably would have stayed that way until he was soaking wet! lol. So, no it didn't work for me but then again the breeds that I have don't typically respond well to this I think.

    If this method has worked for you, well then that's great! I just hope that he doesn't get used to the water and then reverts back to his old ways.

  • No, I haven't used it and I don't plan to. Different Methods work for Different Owners & Dogs, but I won't use it for mine.

    My dogs get a firm "No" or a pop on the lead if they do something wrong, if it's too un-.. "proper".. then I will take the dog and practically slam it to the ground. No, this isn't abuse, it is correction that WORKS for me and my dogs, exactly how the Spray Bottle works for yours.

    Personally, my dogs love any water they can get on them. From the hose, sink dripplets when I'm doing dishes, rain, whatever. They actually enjoy going UNDER water and getting water sprayed at their face so they can "catch" it.

  • I used the spray bottle for excessive barking, but I sprayed my dog on his body, rather than his face. Water in his ears or nose could be harmful. For the leash, you can use positive reinforcement when he is walking properly (treat & praise). If he bites you or your guests squeal like a puppy and refuse to give him attention.

  • No, and only because I use a spray bottle to mist my dogs with a vinegar and water solution to keep fleas off them when they go outside. The last thing I want is for them to be afraid of the misting bottle. That and I don't administer discipline to the dogs' faces. It makes them head shy.

  • While it is not the worst thing you could be doing, how would you like it if every time you stuffed up you got sprayed in the face? But it did work ... and it doesn't hurt so I'm not completely condeming it but I only engage in positive reinforcement training.

  • If you got the response you wanted with your "squirt bottle" method then the correction was successful for him.

    Whether it stays a successful way to correct him is what remains to be seen in the long run.
    .
    .
    .
    .

  • Yes I have used it.

    I have also used the super soaker or a hose pipe on extreme situations. One being my male trying to jump a 7 foot fence to the neighbours. He can't get over it, but that is a big drop back down on his back legs.

  • No, I haven't and don't plan to. One of my dog's are scared of water, especially spraying from a hose. If you have problems with your puppy biting leashes why not just get a chain link one? They can't bite them.

  • Yea, people i know have, when the dog barks they spray him with a water bottle and he is silent.

  • Tried it but it didn't work. She just started biting the stream.

  • yeah it works but dont use it too much cause then youre just going to get a stinky wet dog doing whatever it wants haha

  • No, it is just another crutch in training. I use my voice, something I always have with me where crutches can get left at home when you need them
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Sunday, May 20, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Hunting dog training help?

im getting some chukkar to train my lab to flush. I want to release the bird have him flush it then repeat the process how do i get the bird to flush and still be able to pick him up and do it again??

i cant shoot it because im on state game lands out of season

Dog Training Ideas



Recommended Answer:
Flush and say goodbye. Unless the birds are trained to return with food and a cage you won't.

Dog Training and the Dog-Human Bond


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    Tuesday, March 27, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog training treats..?

    My puppy doesn't have a very large appetite i guess. Hw doesn't like any of the three very different treats we have bought him for training. Any ideas? Cheese, carrots, hot dogs????

    The Basic Commands of Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    I use the Natural Balance logs for treats just cube them up small, I also use Solid Gold treats, or Wellness treats broken up.

    Also once a pup has learned a behavior I would start "fading" the treats - ie the first two time a pup does a requested behavior treat and praise, the third time praise only, the fourth time treat and praise..end of session. Mix the order up so that the pup doesnt get wise to when treats appear. Ive been training agility with my dogs for over 12 years and nobody expects a treat each and every time but they do get verbal praise everytime they do a behavior correctly...even when Im running a course and the praise is a simple YES!!

    The Smart Way To Dog Training


    • They love Roast chicken pieces if you can be bothered and one of the best is cabana sausage or liver treats as usually they will take your arm off for these.You need to try everything you can to find the right one and you will give it time and patience.
      Personally l do not like many of the Commercial treats so resort to some of the above but each puppy and dog is different and one of my Show dogs is not a fantastic eater but loves human food like chicken or sausage or something r eally yummy.Try try try until you succeed!

    • don't give dogs cheese. it isn't good for them- most dogs are lactose intolerant, and whether or not he has diarrhea, i'm willing to bet that he feels bloated after cheese! hot dogs have terrible things in them and aren't good for dogs OR people. plain boiled chicken pieces are a good treat though, and you can always use carrot or apple for a treat. i have a dog who goes nuts over sweet potatoes too.

      the best thing you can do is just take kibble out of his daily ration, and train him when he's hungry!

    • see when i trained my pug when she was a puppy i never gave her treats because of the of the simple fact that if you do that to them they'll expect a treat every time and sooner or later it will get to the point to where i will stop buying it treats, so best treat is to love them scratch them rub there belly just simple physical attention you know they love

    • You know, if he is not responding to the treats then I suggest using very small pieces of what he DOES respond to. By very small, a sliver is enough. As long as they get some kind of reward they are fine.

      So test him. If it is cheese, use cheese. Just be real stingy with it.

    • I started out with treats but the truth is he will respond just as well with Love and Praise. Use his favorite TOY as a reward. Most people will reward their dog a treat after several tries and even if the dog does nothing to deserve it.

    • cat treats work great

      all they need is a taste. not a whole hotdog. or even 1/8th of a hot dog.

      the smellier the better!

      I use those whisker lickin treats. the tender moments' ones
      any small, smelly treat will work

    • Lots of dogs enjoy carrots, but I also cook up a batch of chicken (buy it when it's on sale) and freeze that in small batches. Then, I always have a healthy treat - which they LOVE - available.

    • I've used cheese sticks and hot dogs to much success...but recently my dogs have fallen in love with the Wellness beef jerky treats, they just can't get enough! I'm ok with that too since they are all natural.

    • i accually used her dogfood, feed her like half her breakfast, then use the other half as treats
    Read More...

    Monday, February 27, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: What are some excellent books you'd recommend on dog training?

    or websites?

    Is this book good?
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592533256/ref=wl_it_dp/105-7259723-0589253?ie=UTF8&coliid=IEV0VKSEZU83L&colid=13DWKA5B2QPB8

    Dog Training How Tos - Laying a Solid Foundation



    Recommended Answer:
    If you want to rule through force and fear, then yeah, go for the Dog Whisperer. If you prefer to have a good relationship with your dog and rule through mutual respect, I'd recommend something else.
    I haven't read the book you show there, so I can't comment on that. A lot of dog training books that give step by step directions are the same, it's your overall philosophy that counts. Any book with step-by-step directions can be adapted to your personal philosophy, it's just ideas on how to get the dog to understand what you want. It's how you go about making them want to do what you want that matters.
    Do you want to teach your dog that he gets rewarded for doing what you want, or that he gets punished for NOT doing what you want? There is a very real difference.

    With that in mind, I'm not going to recommend any step-by-step books, but instead some books about the philosophy of training, how to understand your dog and help him better understand you, and how to maintain an excellent relationship with your dog.

    Bones Would Rain From the Sky, by Suzanne Clothier. (Articles available on her website http://www.flyingdogpress.com )
    The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia McConnell
    How to Speak Dog, by Stanley Coren

    Boxer Dog Training Tips and Ideas That Are Critical to Effective Instruction


    • i don't remember the authors name, but there is a book that i have gotten at the county library that is titled family dog,it was a great help for me, there was several other titles by the same author.

    • There's a totally awesome book out there called 'Purely Positive Training' by Sheila Booth that gives very detailed instructions for training. If more people bought and read this book, and then actually had the brains to apply what she says, there would be a lot less dogs labeled untrainable turned in to shelters to be killed. Give it a try.

    • the book in your link is a fun book for trick training and focusing a high energy dog to some 'work'
      my personal favorite for training is the Monks of New Skete,,they train German Shepards but the methods are universal for all animals

      2nd would be something from Dog Whisperer,,,though i question the INSTANT effect tv provides,,in all my years of training and helping customers,,i realize, myself included, that we as humans put too much humanization on our pets and spoil them to destructive behavior
      ( note my 100lb dog lounges on the forbidden couch beside me)

    • Forget books and watch the "Dog Whisperer" regularly on TV.

    • The super simple guide to housetraining by Teoti Anderson

      The EVERYTHING puppy book by Carlo DeVito & Amy Ammen

      How dogs think by Immanuel Birmelin

      Dog Training Handbook by Stella Smyth & Sally Bergh-Roosethese are the books i've read on puppy training and they've helped a lot. anther great lady to check out is Victoria Stillwell, she's the host of "its me or the dog" on animal planet. You can find her here:

      http://www.victoriastilwell.com/

    • "Do's and Don'ts of Dog-Raising" by Michael Vick

    • Communicating with Your Dog: a Humane Approach to Dog Training by Ted Baer is a good starter book for first time owners. It's a good "first steps" type of book, though you'll want to supplement with other good books.

    • I like Ceasar Milan "The dog whisper" I trained my dogs like he does before i heard of him he nakes alot of good points some dont like how he does things but people i know that had problem dogs and tried his book had better dogs after. Good luck
    Read More...

    Sunday, February 12, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Positive reinforcement as I start crate training an adult dog, training tips and ideas needed?

    Back story-
    We rescued an Alaskan Malamute from an animal hoarder- she was in real bad shape when we got her.. Emaciated and easily 40lbs underweight, bacterial and fungal infection in both ears, Staph infection on her skin, etc. We fixed her up nicely! About 3 months ago we had our first "real issue" with her--- she ate a baseball hat, a tube sock and a cat toy. Tube sock and baseball hat came up, but cat toy got stuck in her stomach and we spent the $2,300 on life saving surgery..
    We changed food, started free feeding and really cleaned up our home after this, determined that it wouldnt happen again.... . but last week she did it again! She's extremely tall and very large (39inches at the top of the head and 140lbs) and she can reach counters and tabletops with ease!
    Went to the vet, did a barium X ray ($300) and found it was a "sock or some type of material in her instestines"..... We just can't afford a 2nd surgery for $2300! We've already spent over $4,000 on this dog in the last 8 months with all her medical problems! She seems to have passed this sock on her own after a touch and go few nights of lethargy, she seems to be back to her old self, eating and drinking (and not vomiting), thank God!
    We just spent $200 on an XXL dog crate, since she's proven herself to us and the vet to have "canine pica"... a small price to pay to ensure this doesnt happen again while we are at work! We've never crate trained before and certainly havent with an adult dog--- so I implore you, Dog Section, please provide me with some tips and training ideas to make this new crate a positive experience and a safe, private place for our troublesome Mal!

    Thanks a lot!

    Dog Training - Beyond Conditioning



    Recommended Answer:
    Sounds like she is quite the challenge!

    The goal should be to make the crate the funnest place for her to be. Place random treats in the crate and walk away, leaving her time to find them. Do the same thing with toys. Put a nice Kong in there with something frozen in it, like yogurt or apple sauce. Reward her with something nice every time she goes in the crate without having to be coaxed. Do some crate training when you are home, so she doesn't get anxious.

    Place the crate in an area where she can monitor your location, but not in a thoroughfare where she doesn't feel safe.

    Play soft music when you are not home, or leave the TV on for her, so she can relax. I have also found it helpful to cover the crate with a blanket, so it resembles a den. I don't recommend a crate pad, though, if she is eating that much stuff.

    Good luck!

    Dog Training Advice - What Or Who Do I Believe?


    • Could she be doing this because in her previous home, she wasn't fed, so she ate anything she could?

      She needs more exercise, first of all. But she also needs appropriate things to direct her attention to - LIke a giant Kong stuffed with peanut butter or treats.

      Start crating her when you are HOME, with the door OPEN. Put things in there to draw her inside of the crate. Give her a "stay" command, and treat and praise while she is IN the crate.

    • Haveing an obedient dog benifits you and the dog.I found this article that tought me alot about dog training. Obedience training helps establish the owner in the role of "pack leader". This will teach your dog that you are the pack leader and he must follow your rules. Obedience will lay down clear behavior guidelines that your dog can follow Repetition and consistency are the keys to training. For more tips on how to best train your dog go to these articles below.
      Here is some great advice I found in this dog training manuel.Not everybody agrees with training dogs with treats, they become dependent on the treats , its better to have a dog listen to you because he wants to not because you have food in your hand.best tip I can give is really bond with your dog. When your dog loves you more than anything else in the world, you'll never need another treat again. Be consistent with rules, expectations and praise. Walking your dog is a great treat for both you and the dog. Provide lots of mental stimulation, exersice and love. For more tips on dog training get this training manuel.

    • Make training sessions fun! Dogs are born to play, so if the session is fun he will be more likely to learn and remember.

      It may take weeks of patience over many training sessions until he gets it right every time. Don't expect too much of him too soon - he's not designed to respond to the spoken word, so if you don't think he's quite understood, keep trying.
    Read More...

    Wednesday, February 8, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Am I going about this dog training the right way ? Help !?

    I've began to start training my 3 year old Chi that I am the dominant one, since he believes that he is alpha. I had only recently discovered this since I had not known how to actually correctly train my dog. But now that I have kept studying carefully, I am now applying training dominant and obedience tips.

    Although it has only been the start of the week I can see the changes in my dog's behavior.Such as acting much more submissive when I am around, and becoming less aggressive with me with food, toys and playing. He use to not come to me when I call him(he already knew this trick but refused to obey me), but now with a bit more training he comes. He seems to respect my space. I can tell he gets a bit confused on how to behave, because this is all new to him-- I want to enforce this new behavior without adding large amounts of stress on him. Any tips with that ?

    Do you know if I'm going about it the right way ? Should I try other things ? Any opinions ? Thank you.

    Advanced Dog Training Goals - It Pays to Think and Plan Ahead



    Recommended Answer:
    As long as you are satisfying his basic needs and drives then it will not put a lot of stress on him. Make sure he is still getting play time and able to run routinely and allow him socialization at well. You can still be dominant and keep your dog happy at the same time.

    Puppy and Dog Training


    • Just keep doing the new thing and give him a lot of patient and praise. What way are you training him? You can also try taking a local training class at a pet store or somewhere to help bond with him through the training process and get some more pointers. =)

      hope this helps!

    • I think its great your trying to correct his behavior. I think in the end you both will be happier :)

      here's some tips:
      http://www.cbrrescue.org/articles/packle…

    • you are certainly going about it the right way, I would suggest that you think about this in the way that your dog views it, put yourself in his shoes, its probably not that he thought of himself as the alpha, its just that he saw that you were unsure of yourself.
      when a dog sees a leader as being unsure, they decide that it is time for them to take the lead.
      in the wild, in pacs, you will find that the leader can either change frequently, or very rarely.
      so it doesn't hurt him any to find that the leader has changed, in fact with some dogs, it may very well come as a relief.
      try some basic dominance exercises for a few weeks, that is to say, start buy snapping your fingers by your eyes (in the wild, the eyes are one of the vocal points for communication with all canines) get him to look at your eyes, but don't show challenge, communicate your intentions through your eyes, show him that you are a kind, gentle yet FIRM leader, and that you only have good intentions, in other words, look at him the way you would your son, or a possible employee.
      In about two weeks teach him the lay down command
      laying down is the way a dog shows loyalty, and in the wild, alpha dominant dogs will demand this of their subordinates in order to re affirm their own dominants. practice this command every time you see him for at least one week, then once every time he challenges you for dominance, which, if you show a firm, and decided dominance, you should never have to do. remember, every time he challenges you for dominance, it is a sign that YOU are doing something wrong, not him.

    • The dominance theory suggests that dogs will constantly challenge and test their owners until they are forcefully shown human leadership. From this theory evolved exercises and training to prevent dogs from becoming dominant or leaders of the house. Some even told owners to hold or force their dogs into submissive positions, sometimes roughly, to the point of creating fearful responses while in reality, there is no evidence that these procedures prevent dominance, aggression or any other behavioural problem. Do not hold your dog down, do not stare your dog down, do not alpha roll him.

      Alpha does not mean physically dominant or most aggressive. It means in control of resources that are important to the animal. What the animal dictates as important is flexible. It changes depending on the dog's motivation, the context, and the situation at the moment.

      This information is imperative if we are to forge a social relationship between dogs and owners that creates a bond instead of a status-type dominant-submissive relationship. Leadership should be obtained through positive means by rewarding appropriate behaviours that are acceptable to humans and by not taking the “spirit” out of the dog and suppressing aggression and other behaviour problems.

      Dogs learn by the immediate results of their actions or by discoveries from important events in their lives. When training a new behaviour, a correct response needs to be reinforced for it to have a strong probability of happening again. A reward serves as immediate gratification for the action being performed.

      You need to get you and your dog to a positive dog training class. It will make a world of differnce and will also help you to communicate with your dog in the right way. There is too much information to provide just in a small answer such as this!

    • you sound like your doing fine just a couple of hints....don't bombard him with commands...take one command a week and work him as often as you can then the second week pick a new command and work that into the routine of the first command ....catch the drift there are 10 commands a dog trainer will teach you...not your dog because you will teach your dog...1. sit 2 stay 3down 4 come 5 heel then you will go 6 sit/stay 7 down/stay 8 come/stay 9 heel/stay and finally 10 all of the commands at one time...generally this training technique takes 10 weeks.....it is called The Good Boy Training used by trainers of Police dogs who are just starting out with their young dogs

    • That is Great! You can also try if you havent eat you eat first before he does that pack leader always eats first...also aplha dogs sleep alone so try it. also rolling him over with out him trying to roll back over is a great way for him to submit to you. make eye contact and dont look away until he has looked away. Sounds like your doing great but just remember a little each day then once he has completly submitted do you keep doing at least one aplha exercise a day so he doesnt forget
    Read More...

    Sunday, January 22, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Tips...?

    I have a 1 yr old Boxer/Lab mix who is a royal pain!! We live in an apartment complex, and our neighbors also have dogs. Whenever we go outside for "Piddle" time, and another dog or person is simply walking by, my dog goes ballistic! He knows his basic commands, but will NOT obey them during this time. I've tried working with treats, toys and bones...Nothing works. We bought a spiked training collar that pinches him when he barks, pulls... but that does not work either. Tonight, was the last straw! I ended up on my butt in the snow, trying to hold onto him (While he wanted to bark senselessly at a neighbor walking w/ groceries).

    We've tried 3 diff. shock coll

    Best Dog Training Books



    Recommended Answer:
    Was the pinch on correctly? Did you give a hard enough correction? Some owners are afraid to properly use the pinch collar in fear of hurting their dog. It should be a snug fit right under the dogs jaw and behind the ears and stay there without slipping down the dogs neck. Corrections should be enough to get the dogs attention back to you, but not enough to hurt him. Timing is also everything when it comes to giving the correction, look for signs like hackles raising or his attention is drawn to something before he goes crazy. You have to watch for it because it may be something as simple as a glance in the direction which should be diverted.

    Is he getting enough exercise too? Boxers and Labs have a lot of energy and if he isn't properly exercised it leads to many behavioural issues.

    You have to show him you're the boss if you don't react to another person or dog or anything, he shouldn't either. It all starts at home, you walk through doorways first. You go up/down the stairs first and you eat first. Don't just give him his food, make him sit and wait and he shouldn't eat until you say ok. If you can't manage to take the alpha roll on your own find some help from a trainer.

    Abused Dog Training - How to Train an Abused Dog


    • I would suggest getting a professional trainer....?

    • Boxers have a very bad reputation, they are hard to train, i suggest you contact a breeder or the kennel club for some advice and where you can take him for training. You will need to be firm but gentle as you don't want to break his spirit, always have treats with you and when he obeys a command give him one and really praise him. Don't use shock collars they are terrible

    • Your dog needs to be properly socialized. Shock collars will do more harm in a situation like this than good if you understand the behavioral makeup of the animal. It's irresponsible to train via computer, do yourself a favor and call in a professional, even if only to meet once and get some clear direction from someone who's able to witness the behavior and instruct you properly how to handle your dog and his individual needs.

    • It is not only the training aid you use, it is how you use it. especially the timing of the corrections. Get some help from a trainer to help you learn how to correct him.

    • I agree with the last 2 posters on the pinch or prong collar,properly used it is a life saver.
      the most important of all is the timing a correct jerk and release should do it, I just trained a lab who would also go ballistic on her owner and pull her every where causing her to suffer from shoulder pain,
      after 6 weeks of training the dog no longer pulls and doesn't go ballistic with other dogs or people.

    • KiKeenon is right. If the prong collar is used correctly it will work. It must be put on high on the neck, right behind the ears, not down around the throat. Used incorrectly you can damage the vocal cords.
      Please find a good trainer (not Petco) that is probably in the local kennel club. Most groomers or vets can direct you to a kennel club contact.
      That's a difficult combination of dog breeds to work with by yourself. Please get help.

    • Hi,

      Without meeting your dog, it's impossible to know for sure. That said, here are some of the most common reasons dogs begin to show aggression toward other dogs. Here's more info:

      http://lnk.nu/dogtime.com/11c8.html

    • Obedience training is the foundation for establishing a better relationship between you and your dog. Obedience training helps establish the owner in the role of "pack leader". Obedience will lay down clear behavior guidelines that your dog can follow. A well-behaved, obedient dog is more than just a pet of pride. The difference lies largely in the training, and good training can save a dog's life.

      These articles will give you tips about how to best train your dog.

      Dog Training - http://www.dog-pound.net/dog-training.ht…

      Dog Obedience - http://www.dog-pound.net/dog-obedience.h…

      Repetition, consistency, practice and correction are what it takes to train a dog to be happy and responsive. If you follow these simple steps you will find that your puppy can grow into an obedient well-adjusted dog.

      Repitition and Consistency in Dog Training - http://www.dog-pound.net/repetition-cons…
    Read More...

    Sunday, January 8, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Is it possible to have a dog trained to go to the shop and buy chocolate for yourself?

    I work long hours and do be very tired during the day and my dog doesn't get much excercise so to help us both out and kill two birds with one stone i was seriously wondering is it possible to get my dog trained so that i can send him to the shop to buy simple things like chocolate for me?nothing too heavy.

    id really appricate some help:)thanks:)

    Hunting Dog Training and Snakes



    Recommended Answer:
    Possible? Yes. Practical? No.

    I have a friend whose service dog gets her basic groceries when she is unable to leave the house. Her dog has about $50,000 worth of training. She lives in sight of a small mom & pop grocery in a small town where everyone knows her. She can watch her dog all the way to the store and all the way back. The store owner knows the dog and when he sees her will check her pack for the grocery list, load the items in the pack along with the change and send her back.

    But look at the risks.

    Few areas permit dogs to be off leash. A loose dog could be impounded. Very few city ordinances would permit pets (as opposed to trained service dogs) in grocery stores.

    Few store owners would want to take the extra time to deal with a dog and fill out the order for someone who was just being lazy as opposed to someone who couldn't come to the store because they couldn't get their wheel chair down the icy road without risking death by exposure.

    Only one dog in a hundred has the mental and physical make up to do this kind of work. Most would help themselves to the groceries, including the chocolate (which is toxic to dogs) the moment they were out of sight.

    Save the $50,000. Hire a dog walker and have your groceries delivered instead.

    The Benefits Of Positive Dog Training


    • Yes, but you would need a special trainer. You sound too lazy and tired to do it yourself. Maybe a budgie is easier and quicker, though it would carry less I would worry the dog would get distracted easily by every passing mutt and lampost on the way

    • Of all things, CHOCOLATE?!

    • I wish! When they work that one out, I'll definitely get a dog!

    • Even if you could manage to train your dog to go buy your chocolates, you can bet that he would be eating it before you got it out of his clutches.

      What a doofy idea. Take your dog for a nice walk to the shop, buy your chocolate and get your dog some dog treats while you are there - don't ever give him chocolate, it can kill him.

    • Hahah, yes, it's possible - but not probable. That would take a lot of training.

      The simplest way would be to pin a note to his collar and arrange a deal with the shopkeeper... You can't attach cash without it being stolen. Then he walks to the shop with the note, the shopkeeper attaches the item to the dog (in a sealed package), and the dog walks home.

      Possible... but not probable. :)

    • If you didnt have time for the dog then why did you get him in the first place? and 2...you don't have time or are too tired to walk the dog but you have time to put up stupid questions on here. I feel sorry for your dog and any future pets you might have.
    Read More...

    Sunday, November 6, 2011

    Dog Health Questions: Positive dog training, anyone?

    I've been researching the Shiba Inu for a couple of months now and found a breeder within 200 miles that is very respectable. Most the sites say the same thing, independent, smart, good watch dog, and loyal. I have to train the dog with positive dog training methods because they don't take to slapping on the nose. I would research this too, but all the sites want money for a program and others make no sense. Now I was wondering if anyone knows of good positive dog training methods?

    Please help and thank you.

    5 Advisory Tips For Good Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    Hi,

    Here are a lot of trainings for your dog that will give you a step-by-step tips without money. These are indeed positive because training is the best investment you can make in your relationship with your dog. Check them out:

    http://dogtime.com/training.html

    Online Dog Training - Train Your Dog Using Your Computer - Seriously!


    • The best thing you can do is take the puppy to puppy kindergarten followed by basic obedience classes. Nothing is free, but the cost of the classes (usually about $100 for 8 weeks) is well worth it. This is especially true with stubborn, independent dogs like Shiba Inus. These classes will teach you how to train your dog. And if you are unfamiliar with positive training, this is the best option.

      On the cheap you can go to the library and check out some books on positive dog training and dog behavior. It is good to start before you bring the dog home.

      Books on dog behavior:
      Don't Shoot the Dog- Pryor
      The Other End of the Leash- McConnell
      Culture Clash- Donaldson

      Books on Positive Dog Training:
      The Power of Positive Dog Training- Miller
      The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training- Dennison
      Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs- Pryor
    Read More...

    Friday, November 4, 2011

    Dog Health Questions: Is petsmart's dog training class good?

    I have two 8 months old shelties. one is very gentle and friendly but the other one is barking toward anything. the barking one is very aggressive(barking) and frighten of anything. does anyone know if the dog training class in petsmart really work? or any recommendations for the MD (DC) area?

    Dog Training Tips



    Recommended Answer:
    The trainers at Petsmart would be capable of helping you train your friendly dog, but I would not, if it was my dog, take the other one to them. You need someone with a lot of expertise, a trainer who can evaluate each individual dog, by watching that dog's interactions and reactions to situations, and can devise a plan for that individual dog. Someone who uses only 1 method for each and every dog, no matter their temperaments or problems, is not the right person for your other dog. He needs specialized treatment or he might get worse instead of better. Sounds like this one is very lacking in confidence and needs positive reinforcement and lots of little successes to make progress.

    7 Important Dog Training Tips For You


    • I took my dog to petsmart classes when she was a few months old. They work if you continue to work on the behavior on a daily basis. You have to reinforce what your dog has learned.

    • Petsmart training is good for the general stuff, I.E. come, sit, down, leave it...for actual behavior modification, I would recommend calling breeders in your area and asking for referrals.

    • yeah pets mart is good but u should try training the dog yourself because its your dog not pets-mart's dog

    • No they are not good trainers there!

    • i dont know about petsmart training for dogs, but me and my boxer pup go to the petco training. and its great. the lady has been training dogs for years also they not only train your dog but they train you.

    • Look into local obedience clubs to go to training at. Petsmart trainers do not have very much experience in training dogs.

    • I think you'd get better results going to a private trainer. Seems like the petsmart classes teach the basics, but you may need a little more help with the behavior problems your dog needs to work on.

      Good luck to you!
      AJ

    • I used Petsmart training for my dog and I thought it was good. They teach you the things that you need to know and show you how to teach the pup. Then you take what they teach you that week and teach the pup and then the following week they go over what you should have practiced and then they show you more. It really depends on how hard you practice at home as to how much you get from the class. Good luck

    • I would NOT recommend going to Pet(not so)smart for training classes. They only hire people without experience and the 'trainers' are terrible at problem solving. The ones I have watched have no business trying to teach training classes.

      Go to an obedience or kennel club.
    Read More...

    Tuesday, October 25, 2011

    Dog Health Questions: Where can i purchase a silent whistle/dog training whistle that operates over 20 kHz?

    Would be nice if it had the option to change the frequncy, eg between 16 kHz and 22 kHz as well.

    Clicker Dog Training - Getting Started Clicker Training



    Recommended Answer:
    You may find one in a sports /field shop, if not check online. I know for allot of my field equipment for training my dog I had to go to a specialty shop that I found online.

    Dog Training Leads And How To Start Dog Training Products Business?


    • try a local pet shop or Ebay
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