Dog Health Questions: Tips on training a 4 month old rotti/shepard mix!!?

Okay so i offered to train my friends dog, I am fairly good at dog training, (I have fully trained around 10 dogs in my life... I am only 15 and definatly not a pro) Anyway i am not the type of person to give up so i am trying EVERYTHING! Okay so lets name his problems! He is definatly a biter, he will bite you if constantly, I have tried shutting his mouth and holding it, pushing under his tongue, holding his mouth opened, snapping his leash, yelling ow, ignoring it, spraying him with water, putting bad scents and tastes on my skin, but everything i do he just come back and bites you as soon as you are done! I need help with that for sure! Also barking! he will bark none stop, they have tried a bark collar, i have tried spray bottle, leash snapping, yelling quiet, trying to distract him, cloling his mouth... nothing works with this dog! Need help with that also! He is doing pretty good with everything else, he is house trained, knows come, sit, paw... I am working on lay down, perfecting a sit, walking on a leash ect... What should i teach him next? Also every dog i have ever trained i have also trained them a bit of agility to burn energy and just for fun you know? but i have not very much expiirience with this breed, but love a challenge.. Would this breed be okay for jumping? Rotti's are pretty stalky, and he looks mostly like one maybe a bit thinner, would this hurt his joints? Also i already know about not starting them until they are 6 months, and only doing it once a week until they are 1 year. Thanks ALOT!!!

Dog Training Schools - What a Typical Course Covers

Recommended Answer:
It's too early for jumping agility, as you could damage his joints and bones, But you could have him walk over poles, do weaves, pause box, low A-frame, etc.
As for your other issues, you've already explored a large variety of options. Part of being good at something is being able to continuously learn. Try to find a mentor, a dog trainer in your area, who can look at the dog and address your particular situation.

Good luck!

Using a Good Dog Training Tip

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: My dog can't be trusted off the leash, how can i get rid of this bad habit?

i have an 11 month old female springer spaniel, and if she gets off the leash, she BOLTS. when we first got her in august, she was absolutely perfect with staying with me. i took her outside all the time and it was never a problem. then little by little, she started going farther and farther where she wouldn't come inside unless you taunted her with a stick. then she started playing this you can't catch me game where she just ran from you no matter what tricks you tried to get her to come. we live off the road pretty far back in the woods, so she was just running around the property but it got really, really bad quickly. one time my dad pulled over on the side of the road when she was in the car and she jumped out and he spent 2 hours chasing her around the get her back in the car. then, she got out of the house and ran for dear life until she got to the road, which is one with heavy traffic. i chased her for 2 and a half hours before i could get her. it was HORRIBLE, and now i can't trust her without a leash at all. sometimes when i'm just taking her for a bathroom break she'll get off and make a run for it, so i'm scared to even take her outside at all. it's a shame that she can't grow up running around like a dog should, but we just can't trust her. we took her to dog training and the trainer said she's never heard of a dog doing that more than once and she didn't know how to fix it. it's definitely our faults since we weren't strict with her training, but i'm tired of being terrified of taking my dog for a walk. she got out recently and did come to my dad after half an hour and didn't sprint away so she is getting better, but this really needs to end. how can i train her out of this habit, and how can i be positively sure she's outgrown it? the last thing i want is for my dog to get hit on the road. thanks so much :)

Traditional Dog Training Versus Positive Reinforcement Dog Training - A Comparison

Recommended Answer:
What a terrible trainer, I know more than her.

Most dogs that get significant walks daily don't do that. Is she getting walked daily? Dogs love to see the outside world, so they'll seek it out themselves if you're not giving it to them. She should be getting at least 45 minutes of walking a day---ideally half hour in the morning, and half hour in the evening would be best. If she's running for two hours, then she obviously has a ton of energy, and needs lots and lots of walks. If you ran with her, that would be great, too. She would also be great at a sport like agility--but you would need to stick to an indoor training center until you can conquer the running away thing.

She also needs better recall training. Since she can run far, whistle recall might be good for you. Train her to know that a whistle blow means "come here for a treat." Start training it in the house, blow the whistle, give a treat, and do this over and over and over. Then do it when she might be elsewhere in the house, so she has to run to you. then do it outside on a long leash. Do this over and over again, until you see an automatic response from her. She shouldn't even think about whether or not she wants to come to you, she should just do it automatically. Always give tons of praise every time she comes to you, so it's more fun for her. You'll need to do this a ton, I recommend feeding meals this way, so she doesn't get fat with treats.

Another problem is that she knows coming to you means the fun is over. So, to teach her that this isn't always true, in training, you can also have her come to you, give a treat, and then throw a ball or a toy, so she knows that it's still playtime even though she came to you. You can also just run around with her on the leash. Show her that coming to you can be part of the play, not the end of it.

Rules of recall training:
--Start out by only calling her when you know she'll definitely come to you. (Like in the house, then you can move to outside, but not when she's distracted.)
--Don't repeat your command--this teaches them that they can disobey if they want. Since negative reinforcement isn't preferred, if they disobey you're supposed to do something that surprises them--like run out of the room and hide. The dog will be interested and will come to you to check it out.
--Make it fun--coming shouldn't be a punishment.

I got most of this from a DVD called "Really Reliable Recall", which you can purchase from cleanrun.com. Also, trainers never suggest this, because negative reinforcement is discouraged, but you can also try an E-collar. (AKA electronic collar). We have one that does either a noise or it vibrates. I just use the noise, because my dog finds it displeasing enough. You can use it in training--If you call "Come" (or whistle), and they don't come after you give the command, you give them a buzz. This teaches they aren't allowed to disobey. Most dogs usually get it pretty quickly. It doesn't hurt them, just annoys and surprises them. My dog gets scared and runs right back to me for protection. We rarely use it because it's mean, but you might need one for your dog. It might be good to put on her just in case she takes off, but do training with it first so you know she'll come when you use it.

Also, is she slipping out of her collar? She should probably be wearing a harness, so she can't get out on a walk.

Dog Training: Tips and Tricks the Professionals Use

• You may want to try a shock collar, I know they are painful for the dog, but after a few days of doing that, that'll teach her how to stay by you or how behave off of a leash.


• Hire a trainer or keep him on leash


• Most responsible adoption groups won't place dogs with people they know intend to let them run loose. There are just too many dangers, even in lightly developed areas: poisons, traps, wild animals, roads, hunters. There's no way she can "get off" the leash if you have one with a functioning snap, a properly fitting collar, and keep your hand all the way through the loop end of the leash. Sounds like your "trainer" was some unqualified Petco/Petsmart type. Anyone can claim to be a trainer. Your dog's behavior is VERY common. The first thing you are going wrong is to chase her. If you aren't yelling at her, she thinks it's a game. If your ARE yelling, why on earth would she want to come to you? The recall must always be delivered in a cheerful tone, and there must be hearty praise and reward for obeying. Walk away from her, in a safe direction, and call her name.
  Then get serious about obedience lessons with a competent trainer.


• There is no outgrowing this. she needs to be training properly in recall. your last trainer was an idiot. She knows that your guys aren't consistent and has no motivation to obey the command. Start back from scratch. On a leash in an fenced area. If needed find a better trainer than the one you spoke with.


• Find a better trainer! Your dog does need more training & you need to keep her on lead except in fenced areas, for her safety. Obviously the first thing you need to teach the dog is to come when called because, right now, she knows she does not have to. Reliable off lead training takes time, so find a good trainer and keep at it. You need to train on lead for a good while to get reliable off lead performance. Unfortunately just one incident like you had is all many dogs need to teach them they can do what they want when the leash is off and it can be hard to break old habits. A 50' lead (just put a snap hook on inexpensive rope from the hardware store) will allow her exercise & allow you to be in control as well as be safe. Good luck.
  
  I can't imagine a trainer who has never heard of what is a very typical problem LOL!


• Ok I know how you feel my dog use to give me a hard time to. There is a dog training school close to where we live but it cost too much cash. So I looked online too. I come across the dog training academy course it has worked out to be the best think I bout online in while. It could be what you're looking for.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog section: ok can I please get some information about?

Therapy dogs and therapy dog training. I want to make my dogs (especially my dane) therapy dogs.
But I really need some information on it.
Like what test, where to take it, how to train them to be therapy dogs
Any tips you can give me
ANY information would be very helpful

I have already started refreshing their minds on all of the commands like sit stay, down stay, come, heel
But I have a question about the heel command...if I train them to always be heeling...does that count?
Or if you can give me heeling tips. Bc im just training them to walk by my side

If you have any personal experience- that would be great as well

Feel free to give me links to information
Bc I can't google it bc I am on my cell phone so its hard to do this

Legit: would you ever make your dog a therapy dog?

Thanks everyone!

Dog Training Schools - What a Typical Course Covers

Recommended Answer:
Most Therapy Dog organizations will first off require the completion of the CGC (or CGN in Canada) test. Which stands for Canine Good Citizen (or Neighbour). It is basically a standard test for all dogs to say they are "well behaved".
This test involves:
1) Accepting a friendly stranger
2) Sitting politely for petting
3) Appearance and grooming
4) Walking on a loose leash
5) Walking through a crowd
6) Sit and Down on command ( stay in position till released)
7) Praise interaction ( to see how quickly dog can be calmed after excitement)
8) Reaction to another dog
9) Reactions to distractions ( noise and movement)
10)Supervised isolation ( stress evaluator)

Different organizations require different elements in the test.
For example the St. John's Ambulance therapy dog program requires:
1) Meeting and accepting petting from a friendly stranger
2) Walking on a loose leash - basic heeling pattern
3) Walking through a milling crowd (including walkers and/or wheelchairs)
4) Sit and Down on command
5) Praise interaction - ( to see how quickly dog can be calmed after excitement)
6) Reaction to meeting another dog
7) Accept petting from several people in a circle, one after the other, including persons with walkers, canes, crutches, hats, robes etc.
8) Reaction to completely unresponsive person
9) Accepting petting from multiple people all at the same time
10) Meeting and greeting person in a wheelchair
11) Accepting a treat from a stranger - must take it gently
12) Distraction - movement - ie)person walking by quickly
13) Distraction - noise - ie)bowls or cans being dropped

There are many different organizations such as St. Johns Ambulance (as mentioned before), Therapy Dogs International, and Therapeutic Paws of Canada.

You will need to contact an evaluator in your area and set up a date for the evaluation.
Some organizations will set up dates and places for your therapy work, and some organizations will ask you to do it yourself.
Most places work with the elderly and nursing homes so if that is not one of your preferences you may have to search some other organizations to accommodate to which type of people you would like to work with.

I did want to take my border collie to be a therapy dog. Unfortunately the only evaluator in my area had a very strict organization that wanted to schedule us 2 times per week at a retirement home which just wasn't able to fit in our schedule at the time.Some Therapy Dog sites:
http://ca.geocities.com/doggy.west@nl.ro…
http://www.tdi-dog.org/

ADD:
The dog park? Therapy Dogs are only "working" when they are on site. Most people teach their dogs to "behave" properly while their vest is on. So any other time, the dog is a dog who should run and play like the rest of them.

Do you by any chance mean SERVICE DOG with public access rights, or do you actually mean the Therapy Dogs that visit hospitals?

Add 2:
Ohh alright that makes sense.
I believe it is acceptable for the dog to sniff the other dog and be civilized toward it, just not distracted.
So for example, in my CGN test I had to walk past someone with another dog. My dog was allowed to look, but not stop or make any noise toward the other dog, and he had to keep walking with me.3:
For training with other dogs. I think the best thing I can recommend is go out for walks. Walk in areas where there are other people walking their dogs, or other dogs are outside. When you walk by another dog, try to distract your dog from reacting. And then treat when they have passed the other dog. It takes a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it IMO.
Also another way to get used to other dogs being around would be to enrol in a training class with him/her.

As for the test. The CGN test I was a little worried about, but we passed 100%. I am unsure of the Therapy Test, as it varies between organizations. Generally it is harder I would assume because they are taking your dog under their insurance and assuming that he/she is well behaved and will not harm anyone.
As long as you practice the criteria in different settings I'm sure you'll pass :)
Best of luck

4:
Leave it command:
For food and other things left on the floor, it's relatively easy. Drop food or other item on the floor, correct each time the dog goes for it and say leave it. Give him/her a treat if they ignore the food. Not the treat that was previously on the ground of course.

Actually that reminded me of another thing that will benefit you. Many organizations do not endorse (or allow in some cases) dogs to lick or "give kisses"
Easy enough to train as well, but then it'll leave you will a kissless dog sometimes.

5:
Again it's a matter of the organization. I believe some do. If they do though it wouldn't be anything intense simply the touching of the paws.
Do you remember the name of the organization that the TD you met was with? Maybe you could get in contact with them.

How to Select a Good Online Dog Training Course

• I would love to be able to help you, but I am wondering the same things, I would love to make Sophie be a therapy dog! I will keep an eye on this question.It's great that you want to make your dogs therapy dogs though!!
  
  8)


• you just cant make a dog a therapy dog, it must have training to do so. check with local vets and aspca to get info for your area on how to get started


• TESTS::::
  1. Appearance and Grooming
  The dog must appear well groomed, clean and must permit a stranger to groom him.
  
  2. Accepting a Stranger
  The handler must shake hand with a stranger, the dog must not shy or show resentment. Neither must he approach the stranger.
  
  3. Walk on Loose lead:
  The dog must walk to the left of handler, doesn't have to "heel"
  
  4. Walk through crowd
  Exercise is done in a crowd of people and dogs that are strangers. The Dog should not have a problem negotiating foot traffic. May show interest in strangers, but not to the extent that he strains at the lead or show resentment.
  
  5. Sit for exam
  Dog must allow a stranger to approach him and pat him, may not exhibit shyness or resentment.
  
  6. Sit and Down on command
  Designed to demonstrate that the dog has had some formal training. The dog must respond readily to the handlers command. No force may be used, but more than one command is allowed.
  
  7. Stay in position
  In either a sit or down, the dog must remain in the position commanded by his handler until the evaluator allows the handler to release.
  
  8. Reaction to another dog
  The dog should demonstrate no more than casual interest in a strange dog.
  
  9. Reaction to distractions
  A test of confidence, the dog may show surprise when presented with noises and distractions, but not run away or show aggressiveness.
  
  10. Dog left alone
  This test shows that a dog has good manners and training. The handler hands the dog lead to a stranger* and leaves the room. The evaluator stays with the dog*, observing that there is no excessive stress, nervousness or agitation. (*amended by AKC in 1998, many CGC testers will attempt to still tie your dog to a stationary object. If this occurs, run, don't walk to AKC and inform them of this info. It mans the tester is not keeping up with AKC rules and regs as well as keeping thier training updated.)I really want my dog to be a Therapy Dog! Idk if she could do test #10.


• http://www.deltasociety.org/VolunteerAbo…
  
  This website will help you with your questions. You can train like crazy, but if your dog doesn't have it in his heart to do it, please don't push him into it.


• For the handler and/or dog having some obedience and little or no experience with therapy dog training. Through hands-on practice, review of video tapes, study of homework sheets, and individual instructor attention, this weekly course will cover the correct methods for:Introduction to medical equipment.
  Beginner, Low Impact, Body Desensitizing.
  Evaluation Steps to Beginning Assessment of dog/population match
  Etiquette for visiting handlers and dogs.
  Evaluation Steps to Beginning Stress Assessment for dog and handler.
  How to employ articles found in every home to train for exposure to visiting situations and medical equipment.
  How to choose where to visit.
  Beginning therapy dog maneuvers such as head down, hold still, lets visit.
  What level of involvement should your animal have.
  Pre-requisites to enter this class:
  Must be able to walk on a loose leash without dragging to see other dogs.
  Dog must be at least 9 months old.
  This is a one-on-one program.
  
  It is NOT anticipated that animal / handler completing this initial course will be ready for evaluation by a national organization.
  
  Cost: $200.00--------------------------------------…
  
  Intermediate Visiting Dog Training held at Denver Dog Works
  
  Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of Beginner Visiting Program For the handler who wishes to learn more advanced maneuvers for their dog and polish their skills. Through hands on practice, interactive situations, review of video tapes, study of homework sheets, and individual instructor attention, this weekly course will cover the correct methods for:More intense involvement with medical equipment and use of at home articles.
  Novice, Medium Impact, Body Desensitizing.
  Individual problem solving to optimize individual dog / handler team skills.
  Handling difficult situations.
  Introduction Steps to Reducing Stress for dog and handler
  More Advanced visiting dog maneuvers such as: avoiding IV tubes, right side.
  Equipment to take to visits.
  Preparation for national evaluation.
  Observation of actual visits.
  
  Pre-requisites to enter this class:
  Successful Completion of Beginner Visiting Dog Program.
  This is a one-on-one program.
  
  Completion of this course should have the animal / handler team ready for evaluation by a national therapy dog organization.
  
  Cost: $200.00--------------------------------------…
  
  Advanced Visiting Dog Training
  
  The Advanced Visiting Dog Program is a continuation of situational practice needed for confident visiting.
  Animal / handler teams are presented with a variety of interactive situations that simulate those encountered on visits. Individual instructor attention will help the team problem solve these situations for effective, safe visiting.
  
  Advanced Impact, Body Desensitizing.
  Assessment of dog / population match.
  Prof. Standards of Practice as they apply to incorporating animals as a treatment modality.
  Handling various situations dealing with different diseases, illnesses, disabilities.
  
  Pre-requisites preferred:
  Successful completion of Intermediate Visiting Dog Program
  Agreement to participate in and help with upcoming therapy animal evaluations.
  Fee for this class is $125 for eight weeks to provide the accomplished, trained team with simulated visiting situations and problems to gain confidence and a broad level of expertise.
  
  It is anticipated that during this class, the team will actually begin visiting with an experienced team mentoring.
  
  This is a group class. Class limited to 5.
  
  Cost: $125.00
  
  If you are interested in more information on our therapy dog training program you may call Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818 or email Dr. Robert Forto at rforto@denverdogworks.com


• So lovely!! i've been wanting to do the same thing! :)


• Well it kinda depends.....My mother works as a nurse in a retirement home. So they needed extra activities for the oldies. I offered to help. I was looking through the list of activities and therapy dogs came up!! I was like OMG i could make Taz a therapy dog (My other 2 dogs are to hyper for the job and to young) So i asked the owner if i could start training Taz and when we where ready we will take the test and if we pass we would love to join. So i trained Taz VERY easy he probably already knew half the commands needed. So when i felt we where ready i went in Taz took the test and we qualified. We had to pay 150.00 fee. For some reason. So then the owner(of the place) wanted me to have him groomed and smelling good for the next day. So the next day i got him groomed and brag him in. All the oldies LOVED him he was passed around 50 times!! He did tricks for them, he sat in there laps. Its was a blast!! They fed him and he loved it too. So after that the owner asked if i would come in 4 times a week. I said sure and we've been doing this for 6 months now. Its great and good for a little extra pocket money.
  
  So thats my story but i am not sure how you would go about it. I say look up jobs in your area requiring therapy dogs and then go from there.
  
  Good Luck!!
  
  LEGIT:: I have :)


• First thing I'd suggest is to go to obedience classes. Then I suggest you find an AKC CGC test ( check the AKC site for tests & evlauators near you http://www.akc.org ) Get your CGC certificate.. next contact Therapy Dog International (TDI) or Delta Society and find out when a certification test will be held near you.
  
  You alos need to get your dog out and about around as many different distractions as possible...noises, crutches, shopping cards, walkers, loud people, etc.
  During the test both CGC and TDI your dog must not come in contact with the greeter dog at all.. You also must teach your dog the "leave it" command. This is essential for a therapy dog.
  
  Danes make awesome therapy dogs. My Dane girl was TDI certified. Doing therapy visits is very, very rewarding. Until you actually participate you can't fully realize the difference a dog makes in a persons life that is in a residential care facitlty, Nursing home, hospital, etc.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog section: which ones?

OK
So here are a few dog-related careers I'm interested along with dog training (my main career goal)

*Dog grooming
*Doggy day-care
*Work @ or own a bully breed rescue
*any other choices you can think of (other than vet or vet tech)

Which one(s) would go better/pay more?

I need to make a good enough amount of money to show and possibly breed great danes in the future
As well as pay for a lot of meds (im on a lot of expensive meds :-/)

With dog training... ill do obedience, agility, and protection dog training (any other suggestions? Which will be more rewarding?)

Thanks guys!!

Just in case:
What kinds of services do you use with your dog(s)?
Training, grooming, day care etc...

Which One of These Four Dog Training Mistakes are You Making?

Recommended Answer:
1--your own grooming shop would be very good.....your the boss

2--showing and handling your own show dogs, you dont get paid for that, but you can later once the dog has titled, you can make money on stud fees or pups, at least some do....but you have to be very careful or you will be called a Puppy Mill or BYB, so really to just show and handle your own dogs, no money, but sure is alot of pleaaure and fun to boot.

3--handling and showing others dogs is a good living, but your gonna have to prove yourself in the ring and to the owners, they wants winners and they pay very nicely to a handler that can take a dog to the winners ring...

4--your own dog rescue, it wont pay you either, you are rescuing the dogs to replace in homes, at your cost, unless you get donations from oeople....I do Akita rescues, I dont rely on anyone and I do not take donations, it is my choice, and I will not charge for doing it..no money in it,,,just the joy in your heart that you saved another dogs life.

5--I would say to own your own grooming shop would make you more money, just be sure when and if you hire groomers they are all certified all breed groomers and test them on a dog and see if they can do what they say they can do....dont hire someone untested....

good luck

I still think you would make a great vet and you would love it.

and large animal vets are in great need up North, the Horse and Cattle country........Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Utah....they are in demand in these areas.

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

• well i personally want to be a vet and think that is great job, but you said other than that. so out of your choices i would go with grooming of the day-care. i like the breed rescue idea. that would be great. i'm not sure about pay but with the grooming and day-care many people will pay a boat load of money to see their pet happy so i really think it depends on how good you are.
  are you asking who like trains and grooms my dog? me!=P i have taught her many things.


• An open dog day care!
  It's where you separate the dogs by size and let them roam free in areas rather than having them kenneled. You do need to have dog smart staff though. You could also offer training for an additional cost while they are at the daycare.
  
  Good Luck!
  
  Edit: as for sevices I use... I have always groomed my own dogs. But I did put my pup in a kennel for a few days after the baby was born.


• Before you start raking in the money (seems to be your priority), you need to learn to do your own research and write a correct sentence "good enough money" is not exactly literate.


• I think a dog handler would pay more. If you want to show, you would be at the show anyway and it would help cover some of your expenses. Don't overlook the fact that some of your expenses could be then used as a business expense for tax purposes. We used to be a 2 income family to cover the cost of our dog showing. We showed our own, but if we had used a handler we couldn't have afforded it.


• Then I would suggest getting a job doing something else as well. You won't make much with all the business expenses you'll incur.
  
  But if you want to go to work for someone else, then yes, dog trainer and/or groomer would probably be the way to go.


• Training is a difficult way to make a living...training is the first thing to go when there is an economic downturn.
  
  Owning a rescue will not make you $$... unless you are big enough that you can move a LOT of dogs.
  
  Doggy daycare - you have to have enough steady clientele.
  
  Dog grooming is a decent way to go... although you probably won't get rich doing it.
  
  My daughter says "I want to be a Dr so I can afford my dog habit"... I think THAT is the way to go.
  
  As far as services ~ the one I use the most is a self-wash grooming place. $20 for big hairy dogs (they sometimes argue with me and say my dog is not "big" and want to charge me $18 but I'm usually doing multiple dogs). I go to training classes so my dogs learn to ignore other dogs and NOT for the actual training - but I do go.


• Well the shelter/Rescue thing won't make you any money infact most of that is voluntary and you require donations to keep it going.
  
  I would say dog grooming is pretty good.
  
  From what I understand some places you get base pay plus 50% commission and tips so you make out okay.
  
  I would like to have my own grooming business one day....but I'm not certified yet.
  
  You could work at at Doggy Daycare/boarding facility those are popping up a lot lately.
  
  You could even open one oneday.
  
  You could be a trainer or behaviorist. That would be rewarding
  
  I know you need the money to survive on so I would look into Grooming or becoming a Behaviorist.
  
  And look into doggy daycare and such.Good luck.
  
  You have a big heart


• I too what to have a career involved with animals. For my Personal self, I either want to be a vet, or an animal right activist and work in DC (here this may make some money)
  
  Out of the choices you named, I would say you should open a doggy day care, that also offers grooming. So, you can turn two jobs into one.
  
  A rescue would be a great and rewarding thing, but most are non profit, and you wouldn't make very much money.
  
  Well, Good Luck!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Positive reinforcement dog training has failed me. any tips?

I am trying to train my dog to not be a spaz. she is so hyper when she see's new people, and i am trying to keep her off the couch. i have tried for a long 3 month and more. everyone says do the whole positive reinforcement. and i do very strictly. i am very coincident but she just dint get. are they are like whistle i can blow when she does wrong. i don't wanna harm the dog but some ting else to try. my family coming for the holidays i cant have her like this. she has neve been allowed on couch sine we got her at 8 weeks she is 1 year old now. i only play with her on the floor. ( I sit on floor with her)

Dog Training Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
try putting balloons on the couch. just the cheep kind you blow up.

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

• the only good way to do it is positive reinforcement.
  i get all this from victoria stillwell on ITS ME OR THE DOG
  ever watch that show on animal planet? she's a very good dog trainer so here are some tips i learned from her:
  
  1. Hold your dog back until she calms down and give her a treat
  2. priase her when she does something good
  3. when she gets too excited, do not give her ANY attention at all
  4. when she stops barking, give her the attention
  
  trust me it'll work


• it would be hard to train your dog yourself. there are specialists at the pet stores, but if you want to do it yourself, here are a couple tricks i think might work.. not sure though.
  
  if your dog ever jumps on the couch, gently push her off (so you dont hurt her) and associate a word with it, like "no" or "down" or "off"
  and when she gets off, give her a small biscuit
  keep saying the word every time she goes to the couch, and still push her off or restrain her from getting on the couch. you might need a lot of dog biscuits though
  after a while, she should get off the couch whenever you say the word. the same would apply to meeting people i guess.
  
  im not really sure if this will work, but hopefully youll see some improvement soon. good luck


• Try and crate your dog when guests are coming over. Once the guests are in the house and the dog stops being a spaz then you can try and let your dog out. If she goes into spaz mode put her back in the crate until she calms down.
  Getting your dog to stay off the couch. THis will be difficult since you have ingrained a behavior that was acceptable to you. You allowed her on the couch for so long but now you want her to stop. I recommend place training. Get yourself a dog bed or a carpeted door mat. Put you dog on this and call it "Place" Teach your dog to stay on "Place. This will take some time and the dog will learn that this is the "Place" she needs to be.


• How often do you exercise her?
  
  It is very very normal for any puppy to be "hyper." Training doesn't necessarily help to calm a dog down. It helps to keep them focused and to learn. Puppies are naturally active and have tons of energy. Even with training puppies can stay hyper up until 3 years old.
  
  If you are worried about your guest then maybe keeping your dog in another room may be an idea or having her go to a doggy daycare during the day. I'd also try giving her more exercise, longer walks. Give her one before they arrive to get some of the extra energy gone.


• It sounds like you're doing really well! I would try giving her more excerise time and also take her to more socialization times. Keep going with the positive re-enforcement training. Try talking to the trainer you had and express your concerns. If you didn't have one maybe consider taking a class and then you can express concerns and review basic commands.
  
  Keep consistant with your words. You may need to block her off from the family room until your family leaves is she won't settle. What we did was block them off during food and let them out afterwards.
  
  Good luck!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Questions?

There are about...five dogs I am willing to get in the future and I need your help to figure out the best way to train them and the best dogs to train.

From best to least wanted:
Husky
Doberman
German Shepherd
Malamute
Rottweiler

Here are the questions:
Is it necessary to train a dog to come at your command by howling?
What do I do and how do I scold them if I train a dog to carry an egg and they break it?
Is it necessary to scold them by growling and/or showing my teeth?

Overall, I'm not sure how to scold a dog, really..."No!" is not very powerful and I don't want to be abusive either, so...help me on this.

Additional details/questions:

What dog is best around cats?

I am a cat person and have been living with over seven cats at one time in this household, so I don't know much at all about dogs.

The Importance of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
The best dog to train is probaly a German Shepard they are the most intelligent and they are used by the police. You must never show your teeth to dogs, this makes them intimidated and they might attack. Howling for a dog can work but the best way to call them is by simply calling there name or whistling. For German Shepards all you need to do is if they do something well pet them and/or give them a treat. If they are naughty you must simply point into their eyes and shout no this always works. I would say the best dogs aroung cats are labradors.

Understanding the Differences Between Various Dog Training Courses

• Don't mean to be rude but this question is SO BAD that I can't help believing that you are trolling.
  
  All of the dogs mentioned and for experienced owners and clearly that isn't you.
  
  If you show some of those training methods to those breeds of dogs then you will be in trouble.
  
  Please forget all of those breeds, and choose something more suited for a first time owner so that you are not learning dog behavior "on the job" so to speak. Any of those breeds will either walk all over you or turn nasty with your punitive methods.


• I don`t mean to be nasty, but all the dogs you mention are not really suitable for first time owners that have no experience of how to train a dog.
  A more placid breed like a labrador would possibly be an easier dog to learn these skills on.
  Also labs have "soft" mouths and would be good at carrying eggs without breaking them!!! Errr!


• I don't want to be rude but, the training methods you have suggested seem slightly bizarre. If this is your first dog there is lots of information out there(both on the internet and in books) on training. If I was you I would spend some time researching training.


• I love german shepherds anyway I always thought that saying "NO" would not get across to the dog but if your dog is smart enough it should respond and learn. And never scream or whack your dog
  not that you do
  Hope you figure something out


• Get a German Shepherd and bite it's ear if it is bad.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training??Best answer 10 points!!?

Ok I know it's a little late but just please answer,ok so my dog is an 8 month old Chihuahua (Bella).I really want to train her,I've asked this question before but all I got was 'It's to late for you".I want to make her really obedient and smart because my mom thinks she is so stupid,and i want to prove that Bella has potential of being smart.So here are the main questions...How do I teach her,What do I teach her,and how much should I practice the command/trick. BEST ANSWER 10 POINTS

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

Recommended Answer:
Ok, it is really too much to say on here,
but ill try. may i add maybe take her to a class and no its not late.
that saying you cant teach a old dog new tricks, its all bullsht. my dog is over 1 and a half and im teacher it all this other stuff.
ok
to get off the couch, you stand over her and with a firm voice you say "off" if she doesnt do it get louder. try a couple of times and if that doesnt work. push her off just a bit because then she will do it her self. if she doesnt then just push her off.
the sit, get a treat and say sit. make her eyes follow the treat and follow over her head to see the treat she will have to sit down. if that doesnt work gently get her back legs and push them forward from behind, be careful and if she sits make it a big thing and giver her the treat and say good girl and she will wag her tail.

also try getting a training book.

and still remember its not too late.

good luck
xoxo

Dog Training Collar Aka Shock Collar Buyers' Guide

• It's never too late to train a dog, I don't know who told you that. Have you tried signing her up for obedience classes? That is generally the best way if you've never trained a dog before. And I don't mean classes at some big box store, I mean proper classes from certified trainers. You can ask your vet to recommend someone. There are literally thousands of books on the subject as well.
  
  Want her to stay off the couch? Don't let her on it anymore, even if you're sitting on it. Remove her EVERY TIME you catch her.


• I really don't think it's too late.....look at the dogs they find in the shelters that end up being tv or movie "stars." You should be very consistent .....like saying no when she gets on the sofa...and make her get down...teaching sit, lie down, etc.....using small treats helps, but always do the training with kindness....spanking or yelling will just frighten her...show her lots of love when she does things right.....just be patient and kind and she will learn.


• we trained our huskie- shepard mix when she was around that age. we used hot dogs as treats when she listened and took her to a training seminar, it worked really well for her. i highly suggest taking her to a training seminar/camp thing your local pet store probably has one. the best way for her to learn is to be consistent, never let her on the couch. a cool thing my dad taught our dog is he makes a gun gesture with his hand and says "POW" and she rolls over and pretends to be dead, sounds weird but its so cute! remember, practice makes perfect., Good Luck! :)


• Dogs are never too old to learn tricks. All you have to do is discipline them for doing something wrong, and reward them for doing something right. For example, if you want her to stay off the couch, use a little squirt gun and squirt her with it whenever she jumps on the couch. That is a harmless but effective way to get her to know to get off. Eventually she will know not to get on the couch. While she is still learning, if she does not jump on the couch, feed her a small treat periodically, but don't feed her enough to where she gets overweight. Hope that helps!


• So sign her up for a dog training class. See, wasn't that easy?
  
  And as far as disciplining the dog for doing something wrong, you need to TRAIN the dog first, or she will not know what the expectation is, and will learn nothing. Discipline is for AFTER the dog is trained.


• When she jumps up on the lounge tell her 'NO' and put her where you want her to go. When she goes there, reward her with a treat she likes.
  
  I would start with come, sit, stay, down. I'd practise a few times a day for around 10 minutes.


• Its to late for you. JK start with the easiest commands like sit, then lay, shake, etc. Give her a treat each time she does the command and when she masters it move to the next one. If that doesn't work buy a book.


• It is not too late to train your chihuahua, it will just probably take more time. This site has some good chihuahua training articles:
  
  http://www.chihuahuainfoonline.com/


• to stay off the couch you have to get her to understand it is only for people. try a squirt bottle and every time she even thinks of going up on the couch say no and squirt her. to keep her off when no one is home you can get one of the clear vinyl carpet runners that have nubs on the back and leave on the couch nub side up. it wont hurt her just make it not very comfortable. to learn sit hold a treat in front of her say sit and slowly move your hand over her head so she has to sit back to see it if she sit say good girl and give to her. practice a few times a day. Down is another Good command ( can get her of the couch too) hold cookie in front of her and slowly lower it to the floor while saying down . pull it toward you a little so she has to lay down to reach it. hope this helps you can even teach her hand signs for the commands if you use the sane sign eevery time for sit we hold the tread between our thumb and pointer finger with the other fingers held up. good luck


• Okay loaded question there...
  First of, it is NOT too late, any dog can learn at any time with the right methods and lots of patience. And an 8 month old is STILL a puppy. I have trained 7 year old dogs before.
  That being said "What do I teach her" you should answer this question yourself....it depends on what you want. The basic commands are Sit, Down, Stay, Come, and usually Shake.
  Here is an excellent website for amateur for-the-love-of-it trainers: http://www.loveyourdog.com/tricks.html
  
  Here is my way of training for these 2 tricks:
  
  Down: Take something your dog finds really yummy (such as a treat or tasty unseasoned cooked chicken) and put it directly down in front of them with your hand covering the treat. The dog will bend down to sniff at it and try to get at it, as you do this say "Down" firmly but in a cheerful tone. If your dog goes completely down then you praise them and give treat, if their bum remains on the air, push down GENTLY with your free hand until they are down, and praise. Repeat lots and lots.
  
  Stay: Once your dog knows Down or Sit, have them start in this position. After put your hand right in front of the dog's face and say "Stay" then walk away. Start small, first 2 steps, if she/he doesn't move, go back in front and reward and give treat. After a while increase the distance, 5 steps, 8 steps, 12 steps etc. If she comes after you, just return to the original spot, have her Sit/Down and do it all over again. Tip: It is better if you walk back to her instead of having her run to you as this will confuse her at first. After she learns the Stay trick, you can start on the Come, which is basically when she does get to run to you for her treat.
  
  You should practice 15-25minutes at a time, a good 3 times a day. If your dog loses interest during a training session stop, and return half an hour later. Do not scold your puppy for not paying attention, he/she will not learn the right way if they are not interested.
  What I do with my dogs is I take 20 minutes 3 times a day to run through their known commands. After I teach them a new trick I also run through the ones that they do know. For training them a new trick I usually do a 25minute session if they are up to it.
  
  Good luck.


• Training a dog doesn't really have a certain time frame that it has to be done in. It is pretty true that older dogs are less susceptible to learning the basics of obedience like sit and stay. Your 8 month old is still young enough (I trained my dog in everything up to agility when she was 1.5-2).
  
  There are a bajillion different aspects to training a dog but here are the basics:
  
  1. Treats or some sort of praises are pretty much a necessity.
  2. When you are trying to teach a basic command (sit, stay, lay,...), say it ONCE and make your dog do it. Saying the same thing over and over will make them think that they are allowed to sit whenever they want. Not the first time.
  3. Do not yell at your dog. They don't understand which action that they did was bad.
  4. Your body posture and position is crucial. Don't constantly swing your arms around or jump up and down, this is confusing to them.
  5. It is nice to have a certain hand movement for each obedience skill. (stay=palm vertical; lay=point down)
  
  Go to the library and find a simple book on dog obedience and/or google it. If something seems completely far fetched and you can't see the logic behind it, it probably doesn't work. All in all, training your dog takes a lot of your time and patience, but if you really want to prove your mom wrong, work hard!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Advice Needed?

A friend on mine lives in a very horrible area, extremely ghetto.
He has two dogs he wants to train to protect him. He's been keeping the dogs with him 24/7 and they are only 13 weeks old.
He doesn't like anyone touching them or giving them treats because he doesn't want them to like other people. He loves them but is there another route to training them to be guard/protection dogs? I can tell he hates keeping them cooped up everyday in either his bedroom ( he is 17 ) or in the yard for bathroom breaks.

Myths of Dog Training and Dog Training Solutions

Recommended Answer:
He needs to get a professional trainer who specialized in training dogs as protection/guard dogs. While it may sound like an easy thing to do, more often then not, the dogs become aggressive and dangerous to everyone, the owner included. Have him invest in the money to have the dogs professionally trained.

Small Dog Training Tips

• Your friend doesn't know what he is doing to those dogs, they will be very unbalanced dogs with that cruel treatment.
  
  He doesn't just need dog training, he needs common sense training. Obviously if he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't get two at the same time, all the time he leaves them together, they bond to each other - not him - not a good idea.
  
  Does he need PROTECTION because he is mentally deficient?
  Sounds like it!


• If they don't get socialized, be with other dogs and people, they'll only turn out to be problematic. To train them to be proper guard dogs they should be extremely disciplined so no accidents happen with family members and such- especially if they are large breed. As they are now, they are likely to grow to be unmanageable- especially when locked up in a small space all day.


• those dogs are going to end up majorly ****ed if they dont get out and get some socialization. No people dont necessarily have to pet them, but a protection dog has to be born first, then trained by a qualified professional. If they dont have the correctly bred for temperaments, then he is just going to have a bunch of aggressive fear biters, not something he can count upon for protection.
  
  Get a gun instead.


• what he is doing is very dangerous for the dogs people and himself, when dogs get that type of unprofessional training they become dangerous and he could find himself in jail if the dogs kill someone. the dogs can be trained to protect him but it must be done by a proffessional.


• He is not socializing his dogs and that is very dangerous for them and for other people. He should get his dogs professionally trained to be guard dogs. You can have a pet that is loving and friendly that will protect when needed.


• There are many dog training classes for this. If your friend keeps up his dogs are going to be the ones you read about that maul or kill someone. Sometimes local kennel clubs and such in the area can offer great classes for cheap.


• He is abusing his puppies. Sorry to say this but obviously he is unable to treat them well. If dogs do not interact with other people, they will not learn about anybody other than their owner.


• This is abuse.
  Tell him to get a security system.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Question?

My eldest dog is about 6 years old and was never really trained. Just the basics .. but then I never really 'trained' him after he learned them. So, I'm trying to re-inforce his training. He is VERY food oriented. So I use his dry food as his 'cookies' (as we call treats in my house).

I taught him how to "Stay" and "Come" .. which I could NEVER do before! It only took 3 days to learn. He can also "Speak" and "Dance" .. but he gets "Sit" and "Lay Down" mixed up. When I say sit .. he lays down .. and when I say lay down .. he sits! When I put the treat up a little above his head (like to teach puppies how to sit) .. then he will sit. But if I'm standing up and I say "Sit" .. he will lay down.

So, Questions: How do I get him to Lay down and Sit right? Should I use the word "Down" instead of lay down? and I can't get him so listen to me WITHOUT food in my hands! Or anywhere OTHER than my living room.

Any advice would be great. I taught my 10 month old pup everything without treats.

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

Recommended Answer:
So he has mixed up sit and down. You can straighten that out. Tell him to "sit." When he lays down, don't give him a treat. Wait a few seconds, then put the treat above his head (like you were saying works to get him to sit). As soon as he sits, treat that. You may have to repeat this many times. But if you consistently don't treat him for laying down, and do treat him for sitting, he will see that is what you want. You might have to keep going for a week or two. Don't worry. He will catch on. And do the same thing with "down."

One thing I did in my obedience class was "push ups." We would tell the dog to sit, then down, then sit, then down, etc. It has the effect of looking like the dog is doing pushups, and teaches your dog the difference between the two commands.

One person suggested hand signals. This may be a very good idea for you because the dog has the words mixed up. My sit hand signal is my cupped hand, palm facing up, sort of like I am holding food in it for my dog. This is similar to the way you teach a puppy to sit, so it was very natural to me and my dog for it to mean sit. My down hand signal is just me pointing down at the ground with my index finger.

To teach a hand signal, give your signal, wait a beat, then lure the dog into the position. (show him the food over his head for sit, move food toward the floor for down -- or whatever you used to teach down). Do NOT use the words sit or down here since your dog is mixed up about them. Use the signal as his only cue. It is important to wait a beat after giving the signal, and not move directly into luring the behavior. This will give your dog time to think. Your dog will begin to "guess" what you want him to do next, and try to do that. You need to give him time to think.

Anyway, sounds like you are making real progress with Gizmo. It's normal for him not to perform his commands very well outside of the room you taught him in. You have to take him to every different room in your house and reteach him the commands. Don't worry, it will not take as long! But you will have to refresh his memory. Dogs don't understand that "sit" when you are in the living room means the same thing as "sit" when you are in other places. You need to do it in many different places -- outside, across the street, in the park -- before your dog will start to understand that "sit" means the same thing everywhere.

And start fading out the treats. Only give him a treat for every other sit. Or only give him a treat if he comes to you really fast. You can't quit treats cold turkey or sometimes dogs refuse to do the behavior. But you can fade it gradually. Also, don't always have the food in your hand. That should be only for training a new behavior in the beginning. After that, have it where your dog can't see it. Then pull it out at the appropriate moment. That way your dog won't rely on seeing the treat to do the behavior.

And you can keep using kibble if that's what he likes. Usually kibble works well in the house when there aren't a lot of distractions. If you take him to the park to work on things, kibble may not do it for him. When you work around greater distractions, bring more special food. Like cut up chicken or meatballs or cheese. Anything your dog goes nuts for.

Dog Training Ideas

• USE HAND SIGNALS. u have to use hand signals. for and example to lie down, my dog responds to a face down flat hand by my chest and a little outwards. make sure u say the word with the hand signal. this is vital. and for the treat problem, you have to vary the times when u give him treats. for an example. have the food in ur hand and make him do a trick. and give him the treat, the next time, however, DONT give him the treat. make sure the order is completly random otherwise the dog will find out the pattern and use that to his advantage. yes dogs r smart too. if u have any more questions email me at rhakadna@yahoo.com. make the subject dog help


• Say down, and when he sits, gently press him down and say 'good down' over and over and only give the treat when he is doing what you want. Then when he lays down instead of sit, pick his front up so he is in a sit and say 'good SIT' and then give the treat. He will eventually learn the terminology.
  To get him to do what you want without treats, you need to slowly wean him off of the treats. Give him a treat for every other command, and then after a while, give a treat for every third command, and slowly get him used to doing what you want everytime, with or without a treat.


• Dont say "lay down" or "sit down" use Down and Sit respectively. Alot of people mistakenly say Sit down, and laydown this confuses the dog. Saying down as part of 2 commands is confusing. Also watch your hands when you are giving him commands, you might be giving the sam hand gesture for both commands which is also confusing. Make sure to have 2 seperate and distinct hand signals for each command.. for sit I use one finger held up, for down I use a flat palm. Even if you dont notice the hand signals you are making the dog does and he watches them to see what you want.. dogs are very much concerned with body language. So pay attention to what you are doing when you tell him things.. make sure you arent doing th same hand gesture for different commands.
  
  Also just because you have food in your hands doesnt mean you HAVE to give it to him every time. Try alternating, give him treats sometimes but not all the time. The treats are yours make him work for them! Another thing is, if you want him to listen elsewhere put treats in your pocket, he will think they are for him and will be more motivated to find out HOW to get you to give them to him.. make it so that you only give them to him if he performs out of the living room.


• Hi. First thing to do would be to keep his treat food completely separate from his dry food and make sure it's something he really likes. And use the treats for training only. I use only Possyum (possum meat) for training and my dog will do just about anything. Use just the 'down' word on it's own, as you suggested. Singular words are less confusing for him and more direct. When you are standing and say 'down', bring the treat to the floor and only give it, with praise, when he lays down. He should do this to get the treat. To sit, you are doing the right thing by bringing the treat up, but maybe try to bring it at little more over his head so that he has to tip his head back to get it. Again, only treat when he does it. Lots of praise when he does it right will also instill it in him.
  I also train one of my dogs in obedience. I started with treats from the start, but am also having trouble weaning him off them, as we can't use treats in competition. I try doing a couple of things with a treat and then some without. But it's hard work. Perserverance is the key. Good luck.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Question about dog training?

my mom has trained dogs for years, she has won loads of dog competitions. She entered our 3 year old basset hound in a competition just last year and won. Were getting a puppy in a week and my mom says she wants me to have a go at training it up so it can be a show dog like our other dog. She says i will have to start training him from the age of around 3-4 months. Im only fourteen and have no idea where to start with the little guy. My mom said she will give me tips but she cant help me train him because the dog will then have more respect for her and not me. I like the idea of becoming a world champion in dog training, it seems pretty cool.
where do i start? shall i research on the internet?
thanks for any answers in advance

Dog Training Tips - How To Get The Most Out Of Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
I would expect that your mom can either recommend a good obedience class for you, or some good training books, or even instruct you (not the dog) herself.

But if not, talk to the other people at the trials and see who they recommend in terms of instruction. It's really better to have an experienced instructor to guide you in training your first dog, it's so easy to make mistakes when you're a beginner - especially when working with non-traditional breeds like Bassets.

I started training on my own at 15 - none of my family were "dog people" so I pretty much had to learn it on my own. You're lucky to have someone experienced to help you.

The Many Types Of Dog Training

• You start training from the day your dog comes into your home. I clicker train, so I suggest you buy yourself a clicker (or use a click word) and start clicking!! Dogs love clicker training, and so do the owners because they love the results!! Do a google on clicker training. There's loads on the net, and a lot on YouTube as well. Have fun!!!


• Well for training you should start after your puppy has had all its puppy shots, if you are planning to take her to a puppy training class. Yes you should research more on the internet, but you'll learn more when you actually do the training and take classes if you are going to. You could start with some simple tricks or whatnot, and then advance to more advanced ones. The most important thing to training is that you need to get the dog's respect and it needs to pay attention to you. Don't worry too much about it, I'm sure your mom will give you the support you need. Good luck with your new dog!!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog training techniques?

What is your option on clicker training, traditional dog training, and their methods? What methods do you use to train your dog?

Are You Selecting the Right Dog Training Treat For Your Dog?

Recommended Answer:
I use primarily clicker training now. There are still No's when needed, but few and far between.

The dogs learn faster, love working, retain much much better, its amazing. Training schools for seeing eye dogs are even switching over to clicker training, and if those dogs mess up it could mean serious injury or worse for their handlers. That says something about the method.

How well do dogs retain things? I'm sure there are much better examples, but my best example right now is a beagle I worked with last winter. We worked on basic obedience, loose leash walking and a few tricks. The dog aced everything, in fact his owner was so amazed that I'd gotten the dog lie down on cue that he grabbed his phone to call his son. Then he remembered Oh yeah he's in school. lol

More than 6 months later another dog came into the picture. There were some issues so I was called into consult. I met the owner in the driveway and started talking about the new dog. After a minute or two the beagle appeared in the window "baying". When I finally made my way inside I was told that the beagle had been in a dead sleep, heard my voice woke up and began running the length of the house howling. As soon as he saw me walk in the door he was so excited he ran through everything we'd ever worked on rapid fire without me even directly looking at him let alone cueing one single behavior.

Another trainer has a story about a lab. She goes all over the place giving seminars on training. At one seminar there was a lab. She had a break so she started clicking this lab for various behaviors. Nothing much really, just silly things. She didn't see that dog for at least another year. When she did see him again, he went through every behavior she'd clicked the first time they'd met.

I've used chokes, prongs etc. I don't really need to anymore. There are better ways.

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog

• Fit the method to the dog. Every dog is different, so every training method should be different.
  
  Positive reinforcement works well for young dogs and for trick training, but at some point you have to TELL your dog what to do, not beg it to obey you or bribe it with food.
  
  Dogs with behavior problems, dogs that have been abused, dogs who don't see humans as authority figures, strong willed dogs, stubborn dogs - all need different approaches for success. Even breed and type of dog means a different training method. You wouldn't use the same methods for a Boarder Collie as you would a Newfoundland.
  
  EDIT TO ADD:
  Traditional methods don't use pain and fear. If you're inflicting pain and scaring your dog, you're doing it wrong.
  
  EDIT TO ADD:
  I'm not saying beat the dogs into submission! I'm saying you have to tailor your training to your dog's needs...
  Abused dogs need calm owners who can desensitize the dog to the abuses it's suffered and create positive "success".
  Stubborn dogs need stubborn owner who won't take any crap...
  
  Why is that wrong?


• I have been a dog trainer and competed with my dogs for over 30 years using traditional jerk and praise methods. I have spent the last several years crossing over to clicker training. I can tell you from experience that clicker training beats out traditional training every day of the week! Dogs learn faster, retain things longer, and learn to think for themselves. It also helps build a loving and trusting relationship with your dog. There is no longer any excuse for inflicting pain and fear on a dog to make him behave!! You simply don't have to!


• I have no problem with marking behavior, which is what using a clicker does. I don't agree with bribing dogs with food and refusing to proof a dog with corrections since that's not considered animal abuse and damaging to you and your dog's relationship.
  
  100% positive reinforcement is great when teaching a young dog, but eventually you need to proof the dog and that requires appropriate corrections depending on the situation and the individual dog. I use prong collars and electric collars when training my dogs. I also used the force-fetch method with my current dog. Some consider all those tools/methods inhumane or out of date, but I find that they work and they work well. I've got a great relationship with my dog and I'm proud of her obedience level.


• I have seen some dogs that have been clicker trained. For some dogs it has worked great, for others not. The determining factor is the owner, whether they have a true understanding of how to properly utilize the method.
  
  As far as "traditional" method, I do not understand what "traditional" means to you.
  
  I do not use a "method", I just do what I do, and tailor it to fit the individual dog. Basically I "show" and "reward", trying to eliminate the wrong choices the dog can make so that he is successful. Gradually "proof" the training by offering choices. Correct when necessary.
  
  Reward: praise verbal or physical, treat, play, freedom.
  
  Correction: verbal, physical, witholding treat, play, freedom.
  
  My main focus on training is building a deep bond, being the fair, fun leader my dog WANTS to be with and do for.
  
  It is not as much the training method, but the understanding and devotion to the method.


• PUT IT TO SLEEP

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog training Clicker method - has anyone had good results with a dog and any tips?

she is about 2 years old and she has had no prior training.

Small Dog Training - Searching For Dog Training Courses Online?

Recommended Answer:
YES!!!! This is an excellent way to train and shape behaviors. I started clicker training last year for the first time and I LOVE it!!! It is amazing when your dog starts thinking about what he is doing. You can almost see the wheels turning in their brains as they figure out how to make you click again.

Some starting points follow:

1. Always do training sessions in sets of 10 and pause between training session sets for at least 15 minutes before attempting the same behavior training session again. Only work on 1 behavior during a training session set (10 attempts).

2. Take out 10 small (cheerio-sized) smelly chewy treats. Cut up hotdogs work great.

3. Place a buckle collar or halti head collar on your dog and a 6 foot leash.

4. Click your clicker pause for about a second and then treat your dog. Click - Pause - Treat.

5. Repeat 10 times then take a break (Play a quick game of fetch, etc. This break doesn't need to be too long). You are training your dog that the click means a treat is coming, and that training sessions can be fun as well.

6. After the break, get out 10 more treats, and repeat the click-pause-treat. By now when your dog hears a click, he should be eagerly anticipating the treat. After 10 take another break.

7. TARGET TRAINING- "TOUCH" command. Get out a round clear plastic container top. I use the top of a Pringles Potato Chip can, but so long as it is no bigger then 3-4 inches in diameter and is clear it really doesn't matter what you use. (Clear targets are easier to phase out later then solid colored targets which are more visable).

8. Hold the target about 4-6 inches in front of your dogs nose. DO NOT SAY ANYTHING. He will sniff at the target, as soon as his nose makes any contact with the target click-pause-treat.

9. Repeat again. Hold the target about 4-6 inches and wait for him to touch the target with his nose again. The instant he touches the target with his nose, click - pause - treat.

10. Repeat for a total of 10 times and then take a break. If your dog is a really quick learner, the light bulb starts to go off in your dog's brain around nose to target touch 5 or 6. But don't be discouraged if he is still not quite there. He is closer then you think.

11. After the break, pick up the target and again hold it out for the nose touch. The instant he touches it click-pause-treat. Repeat for a total of 10 touches. You guessed it take a break again.

12. Repeat the set of 10 again 1 more time. If your dog is starting to poke his nose at the target as soon as you offer it, you can now start putting a "cue" to the nose to target poke. I use "TOUCH" but some people use "TARGET". So it goes like this..... (1) Say "Touch" as you present/hold up the target (2) Dog touches the target with his nose (3) click-pause-treat the moment he touches the target with his nose. (4) Repeat 10 times and for three sets of 10 with play breaks in between sets.

13. When your dog is at 80% success (8/10 "Touch" commands result in a nose touch to the target) you are ready to make the exercise more difficult. Increase the difficulty by slowly holdng the target futher away and lower to the floor, until the target is on the floor. You still want a nose touch to the target on the floor when you say touch. (My sheltie used to try to cheat by dropping her head but not going all the way to the target - sneaky little buger!!!)

14. Once you have 80% touches with the target on the floor, increase the distance your dog has to travel to touch the target. (I can now send my sheltie out 20-30 feet to her target.)

15. Have fun!!! And go slowly. Take lots of breaks and enjoy your "thinking" dog!!!

The link below is a great resource on clicker training.

Good Luck!!

Things to Consider Before You Go For a Dog Training Career

• I've tried training with a clicker and without on two different dogs, really didn't notice any difference.


• The clicker method is nice becasue it rewards the dog for the right behavior at exactly the moment your get the desired behavior.
  There are books and most likely videos on how to start clicker training your pet. I would recomend you get one and go for it.
  Any time you spend training your pet is well worth it. It helps you and the pet bond and makes for a better pet for you.


• I have had success using a clicker. There's a good book that utilizes clicker training. It's called, "The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need" by Gerilyn J. Bielakiewicz. It tells how to do dog tricks and commands. My dog learned "high five" in minutes.


• my dog is clicker trained, he will come, if you click. It depends on what you want to teach her. Whenever shes does what you want say good girl and give her a treat

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training- How do you get your dog to respond to a whistle.?

I have a 7 month old springer spaniel and i have been training him to respond to whistle to get him to come back to me, i have been training hime for the last 2 months and he has been excellent for the last month but recently he has taken to not listening anymore and has started chasing small birds, any tips or advice how to get him to stop chasing the birds and get him to respond to the whistle again, any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

Dog Fence Review - Dog Training Rights and Wrongs

Recommended Answer:
Throw it for him to fetch :)

Dog Training Tricks - Is Anyone Training You?

• Ok I'll put on my fire protection gear cause some PETA nuts will explode at my answer:
  BUT I train retrievers to respond to whistle commands in hunting tests. It is necessary for upper level retriever tests so I have experience with this.
  
  First you must TEACH what you want ..."COME" command be sure your dog is thoroughly proofed with distractions to obey the "come"
  Add you whistle pattern (I use 4 toots to come...one for a sit)
  Say 'Fido come" then toot your pattern.
  Rewards when they come
  
  Now once your dog has this down is is fully reliable (takes several days/weeks)...it is time to take him out with big distractions off lead and a fully charged e-collar. (in a safe area)
  If you toot and Fido does not immediately respond..one quick shock to get his attention. Then toot again and loads of praise when they come.
  
  My retrievers often work at 200 yards away from me. I MUST be CERTAIN they respond immediately to my whistle commands at all times...PLUS this can save a dogs life.


• Right now I am just posting reviews but will be later putting
  tips and such. If you are wondering about the dog whistle it's
  one of the chapters covered. You should definitely check it out.


• This basic obedience training should help you out.
  More information, http://bit.ly/2mVwyS


• I hunt setters so frequent a gun dog site. It would be very helpful for you.
  
  http://www.gundogforum.com/forum/viewtop…


• 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...

Dog Health Questions: Has anyone gone to dog training at PetCo/PetSmart?

I am thinking of bringing my Papillon to dog training at one of these places. I was wondering if anyone has tried them and how well it went. Is it worth the money? Do they do a good job? What can I expect to get out of the training?

Should I invest in a personal trainer instead?

Any info will be a huge help!
Thank you

Dog Training Aids - Do You Know How Safe The Methods Used For Dog Obedience Training Are?

Recommended Answer:
it went very well, and they teach you how to keep your dog under control and still be gentle and kind with it. It is worth the money (to me at least). At the end, the dogs get to interact, so they are not anti-social. Your dog gets training in a room where you are not the only person, so you know the training will work if you are in a park or some place with a lot of other people and animals. you can check out their webpage if you want more info.

Dog Training Collar

• The experience and competence of trainers at chain stores is actually hit or miss. They are some really good ones and some really bad ones. Your only safe bet is to visit the store when there's a class going on and observe. Talk to the trainer afterward. If you're comfortable with things, go for it. It's far less costly than using a personal trainer, with whom you don't have a guarantee either! Regardless of who you choose, just make sure you're familiar with that person's methods.
  
  I personally took my first dog to one of those AKC certified trainers who actively showed and titled dogs in obedience work. She was a mean, sour woman who berated class members and advocated harsh methods that seem to work on her shepherds but not on more sensitive breed dogs like my hounds, who just shut down when shoved, yanked on, and dragged. That was a total waste of money. So, titles and certifications don't always mean quality.
  
  I later took that same dog and a younger rescue to a local shelter where a volunteer was teaching manners classes. I learned so much there, my dogs loved going, and they actually started obeying a few commands I hadn't been able to master with them before. It was nearly half the cost of the professional woman's class, it was a much better experience, and the proceeds went to helping the shelter dogs. Win-win!
  
  Some family friends, who have eight(!) dogs in their home, mostly rescues of different ages and breeds, have always used the Petsmart close to their home with great success.
  
  Good luck.


• I currently have my 5 month old puppy enrolled in Puppy Kindergarten at Petsmart and we love it! She is doing great. Learning a lot and gaining some good socialization skills by being with the other dogs and their owners. What I did is on the Petsmart website there is a coupon for a free training evaluation. I took my pup in for the free evaluation and while the trainer evaluated my pup I evaluated the trainer. I saw how she interacted with my pup, how knowledgeable she was, asked questions about her methods. Satisfied with the trainer I signed my puppy up. You can't beat it for the money - $119 for 8 classes.


• This is just my take on the subject based on a conversation I had with a manager at a Petco/Petsmart (cannot remember which). I was asking what there requirements for working as a trainer there are, as I was looking to make some extra money. I've done enough training in my life time to be very comfortable running a puppy kindergarten and basic obedience and/or manners class. What i was told by the manager there was that doesn't matter. To be a trainer at Petco you must go to a 6 week class, and previous experience is unnessary.
  
  Thus, the trainers there may have very little real training background or experience beyond having owned dogs. And therefore, they will not be able to help when problems or difficulties arise. Training is an art that takes many years of learning to become trully knowledgable and good at it; it's also a continual learning process. I had the benefit of growing up with a parent that trained guard and attack dogs, police dogs, dogs with behavior problems, and basic obedience classes. Thus, my starting knowledge was a little different.
  
  The trainers at Petco likely do not have these qualities- especially since most qualified trainers work from their own house or rent a building. At Petco, you might learn the basics, but do not expect to have someone that really knows how to train dogs and can help you if problems occur. For the average happy go-lucky dog it's probably okay; but i would still not recommend going there. Also, training a toy dog is different than a larger dog, and the trainers have to have control over the class.
  
  I would look for a trainer that does group classes. Group classes allow your dog to learn how to function and listen with other dogs around. Before you sign-up for a class with someone, always go and observe a class first. If you do not like what you see, go elsewhere. The trainer should have control of the class and be aware of different dogs' problem areas. With a small dog this is extremely important as an accident (large dog out of control) could be fatal. I would also ask the person how much experience they have with training toy breeds; they are different (actually more challenging) than larger dogs.
  
  Another piece to keep in mind is that once a Papillon gets something, they are not going to want to repeat it for the next five minutes. To them, that's boring and silly. Once they get, they're ready to move on. While i've never obedience trained a Pap before, I was talking to an obedience trainer and Papillion breeder about the subject because a friend was interested in the breed.
  
  Lastly, I would only invest in a personal trainer if you are having specific problems or cannot find a group class you feel comfortable bringing her to. Even experience trainers like to work their dogs in a class as the exposure is very beneficial to them.
  
  oh, I would start with recommendations of trainers from your vets or other dog owners. If you have a dog park near there, go during a busy time just to talk to the other owners- do not let her run around as she could get injured...if you can find a small dog group or small dog play group, that would be a good place to start for trainer recommendations; and a safe place to socialze her.


• HEL* NO!!!
  Contact your local (county) KENNEL CLUB!!! Use the classes THEY reccomend!
  
  THE PROS! *NOT* the cootchie-coo baby-sitters!
  The ones who've OBEDIENCE *TITLED* dogs!


• Go to your local kennel or obedience club and take a group obedience class there. These trainers usually have titled dogs and have worked with problem dogs as well.
  
  The 'trainers' at Petsmart/Petco have no business trying to teach obedience classes. They are mostly clueless and these places ONLY hire people who don't know anything about dog training, and then teach them how to do it by book/video.Mandy - they are 'certified' by Petsmart/Petco after they have finished watching the videos! LOL!
  
  In general, ANY certifications from a group mean nothing and are looked down on by the 'real' trainers, it is experience that counts, not a piece of paper that says you watched a video.Ceci - "I personally took my first dog to one of those AKC certified trainers who actively showed and titled dogs in obedience work. She was a mean, sour woman who berated class members and advocated harsh methods that seem to work on her shepherds but not on more sensitive breed dogs like my hounds"
  
  The sign of a good trainer is one that is willing to use different methods, depending on the individual dog. Some need a soft touch and some need a firm hand. There are some trainers who believe the only way is the hard way, and almost ALL of the Purely Positive groups don't see ANY other way. That is one of the problems with the trainers at Petsmart/Petco, they know no other way because they don't know how to read a dog, or even that other methods exist. My Hounds would fall apart if I used hard methods with them, but I have also worked with many problem dogs that would just as soon bite me as take a treat. A good trainer will use whatever methods work for that INDIVIDUAL, there are NO one-size-fits-all training methods.


• Personal trainers are usually better but the good thing about pet smart is your in the class with a bunch of other puppies so not only are they training but they are getting there puppy socialization.
  At my hospital we always rec. Pet Smart
  So I said yes do it.


• Hi Sima!
  I took my retriever to PetSmart and wasn't happy, so they charged me another $99 to go thru again! However their website says you can go thru as many times as you want for free! I had to argue to get my $99 back, and I'm using that to get certified myself thru an online course! If you can't beat 'em, join 'em so when I'm done with my course, I'll be applying there myself! I get more out of Yahoo Answers than they teach at PetSmart! Check out the trainers and watch the graduates! Learn from everybody you talk to! Come back to PetSmart when they hire me! I'm Scotty! Happy 2007!


• I think everyone has different experiences with Petco & Petsmart Training courses. I have heard negative as well as positive. Personally I currently have my 6 month old puppy enrolled in a group training course @ Petsmart and I love it. The trainer is very knowledgeable and very patient as well as understanding. In the group training course she first goes throgh the process of asking each owner about their pets concerns, news, etc. and talks with them one on one. Then she reviews what we went over previously and what we will be discussing this class. Then she "borrows" a dog to show how the trick is to be done followed by us trying to train our dogs ourselves.
  
  I have never had a problem with my trainer nor PetsMart in general. I have my dog groomed there and they're very good. I heard some stories about horrible Petco & Petsmart trainers and group classes. I suggest you go to your Petco & Petsmart and watch to see how the trainers are during the class and talk to some of the people enrolled in the class to see how it is. Also talk to the trainers.
  
  My class was $109 for 8 weeks. Very self-pacing and teaches me a lot. I plan to enroll my dog in the next course Intermediate. I also plan to go through until she gets her CDC (I think that's what it's called) license, all with the same trainer I hope.
  
  Good Luck.


• Petco and Petsmart contract local trainers to teach their classes. Most are good but it does vary. I always recommend observing a class without your pet first to see if you're comfortable with the training approach, location etc and you can also talk to the others taking the class to see if they are happy with it.
  Most training classes are well worth the money and pretty essential for all dogs. Even if you are good at training I like the controlled group atmosphere to help socialize them as well. Particularly in teaching them that they need to obey even around other animals and distractions.
  You can expect basic obedience ( sit, stay etc) some manners training like how to introduce animals and how to deal with basic issues like begging etc.
  Good luck and thank you for being a responsible pet owner!


• Training at Petsmart (I've no personal experience with Petco) is a very good option PROVIDED you check out the trainers beforehand.
  
  The trainer should be certified, of course, and they should be very active in obedience or other dog-related sports (such as Schutzhund, flyball, ect.). Their dogs should have the Canine Good Citizen certifications, and ideally be licensed therapy dogs (it requires EXTENSIVE training to accomplish these things).
  
  That all said, training in a group environment is great because you socialize your dog while teaching him to be obedient in a group setting. What good is teaching your dog to be obedient by himself? The moment he's in a group chances are he'll be too interested in other things to pay you any mind. With a group training the trainer teaches your dog to respond only to YOU despite the other animals/people present.
  
  Also, the training is 100% guaranteed for Petsmart...and you can purchase additional private training sessions IF you think they're needed (some dogs require private training if they're dog aggressive and cannot be trained with the group).
  
  Either way, check it out...talk to the trainer at your local Petsmart and get to know them. Test their knowledge a bit and make the decisions for yourself as to whether you think they're the best training route to take.
  
  Good luck!


• no but i have seen them working with the dog and it was cool


• If you just want to have a well behaved companion, training at these stores offers a convenient way of offering you basic obedience lessons. The focus is on positive reinforcement (Excellent). EVEN MORE IMPORTANT your puppy or dog will get the socializing that is much needed.
  
  If you are thinking of Showing you dog in obedience, or your dog has major problems a personal trainer may be for you.


• i have not gone to one there. but i did train dogs for obdediance compation and i looked at the things the pet smart people were teaching and how they teach and it all is normal and i dont know of any reason why it would not be a very good place to go both you and your dog to learn all of this basic stuff.
  have fun.


• talk to the trainer, make sure you like them. petco and petsmart doesnt hire a trainer based on how they train (meaning different stores use different training methods). i would suggest finding a method you like most and then finding the trainer. the only advantage of petco and petsmart trainers is they have to be certified in order to train in the store.


• PetSmart has a 100% satisfaction guarentee on all of it's classes...If you aren't happy with the training, you can get a full refund or retake the class, and then put the refund into a personal trainer. The problem with personal trainers is that the dog doesn't get much socialization. Also, he or she might not learn as well because dogs learn from watching other dogs...its called social learning. Pet training at PetSmart takes place not only in the ring, but in the store as well. This provides a lot of distractions (strangers, new smells, toys, other animals, other dogs). If your dog can do it in the store, you can be sure he or she will do it anywhere. PetSmart also uses positive reinforcement techniques, so nothing we do will ever harm your dog. In fact, he or she will love it!
  Training is definately worth the money. Classes are only $99. In Beginner and Puppy classes, your dog will learn sit, down, stay, come, walk on a leash without pulling, take it, leave it, drop it, greeting strangers without jumping, and also a couple fun tricks. They will also talk about potty training and grooming, which is extremely useful for a papillon. They are notorious for have potty training issues.You can also ask the trainer any specific questions you have, and he or she should be able to answer them for you.
  Personally, I have never had anyone return a class at PetSmart, so I think I'm doing a good job ;)


• I took my wife to Petsmart because of her inability to retrieve. Left her there for 4 days. I was very unsatisfied with the results. When I picked her up she bit me, growled, howled & still dont retrieve.The *****! Wouldnt recomend it. Try a personal trainer.


• I have had one of my dogs trained at Petsmart and it was horrible. I had to go to a behaviorist (who worked at Petco at the time) to have her fix what the Petsmart Trainers screwed up. The trainers that work at Petco are actual dog trainers, the ones that work at Petsmart are just people that went through Petsmart's dog training program.


• I brought my Lhasa to Petsmart, and we both loved it. The trainer was personable, and loved dogs. It was a rewarding experience for us.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: What should I name my dog training service?

I train dogs and help people find the breed that suits their lifestyle. I give information on good locations to obtain a dog [breeder, shelter] and how to care, etc. But this service is mainly about training and pet finding.

Bird Dog Training - How Hunting Dogs Are Treated

Recommended Answer:
good dog

Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember

• dogs choice training and ownership service


• Einstein ; dogs school


• The Dogs House


• In bold letters
  Paws With Some Laws
  Paws With Laws and Information
  Paws With Laws on Standby
  
  It is original guh! I love Dogs! Hope you have fun in your career! Hope I helped bunches!


• The Suitable Hound
  
  You could have a really great logo of a hound in a suit, like Sherlock Holmes!


• Do the Dog


• haha! poochy pet service!! no it's dorky don't use that!!


• find a friend


• something that alludes to the fact that you will help find the dog for them first and then train them with it... so maybe
  
  Come home and Stay awhile.
  
  i don't know but i think something to that effect would be cute. A play on command words.

Read More...