Dog Health Questions: Clicker dog training???

Does it work with very hyper dogs?
If so, How does it work?

How Good Dog Training Makes For a Happy Dog

Recommended Answer:
Wow - let's get this straight first off. Clicker training is the exact opposite of what the first two posters have said. You don't click and scold, you click and reward! It's a method of positive re-enforcement where you click at the exact moment the dog does something you want them to do, then follow that click up with a treat. In other words, it's a quick way of saying "Good dog."

Yes, it will work with hyper dogs. It worked fine with mine and she's pretty hyper! What you want to do is make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise - one to two walks a day at various speeds to drain some of that extra energy. You also want to keep training sessions to a minimum so your dog doesn't get bored.

Several five minute lessons a day should do the trick! Pick a behavior or two and work on those for about a week, then introduce NEW behaviors one at a time. Don't try to do them all at once or the poor dog will be confused. I would start with the basics: here's what we did in training classes (pretty much in this order:)

1) Sit and Down
2) Wait, Come and Stay
3) Take it, Drop it and Leave it.
4) Add distractions to all 4 commands (balls bouncing, people walking by, etc)
5) Add distance to all "stay" commands (start by simple pivot to face, then step back, then end of leash, then drop leash, then several steps back.)
6) Add distractions plus distance.
7) Stand
8) Heel
9) Touch

And so many more i can barely remember. The first few are the most important to learn as they are going to be used a lot. You're best bet is to enroll in any obedience program. I went through Petsmart, but you always take a gamble as you don't know if those trainers are good enough (mine were.)

You're also going to want to train your dog is different places - not just in your home or yard. Take him/her to the park, to stores like Petsmart, busy places, and so on so he/she learns to obey in every situation. Good luck!

Dog Training: To Have Or Not To Have A Trainer

• If you can reinforce the understanding of "No" to your dog yes it can work.


• Yeah its does work - When your dog does something bad - Click it and shout NO:).


• i have a really hyper dog, no it didn't work for me, it's really hard to train hyper dogs i need help to. it doesnt take much for him to run around the room doing 4 r 5 laps at a time. i dont know where hr gets his energy from.
  
  good luck


• Yes it works you click when they do something good and then reward them with a treat. Think of the click as like taking a photo of good behaviour. The dog soon learns the click means he is doing good.


• omg those things worked amazing on my dog and he's like the most hyper thing in the world.
  
  u can even sign them up for clicker classes! heres a site about that: http://training.petsmart.com/classes_cli…
  
  


• yes it does, it works with hungry dogs better though.
  
  you can start with clicking once and giving him a small tiny bit of food or treat. keep going until he gets all excited at the click. then you can start training him. everytime he does something that is desirable, click and reward him. like when he sits on his own, click it and treat him. after several tries, he'll realise that sitting makes you click and so he sits then you can add in the verbal or hand signal command. if he barks, keep quiet and wait for him to stop. the moment he's quiet, click and reward him. he'll soon realise that barking gets him nowhere while keeping quiet gets a click.
  
  yeah you get the idea? go on and he'll be inventing things just to get you clicking!
  
  oh yes, you should always exercise him before each training session. brisk walking with him carrying some weight on a doggy backpack for an hour each day will lower his energy level and it'll make him hungry. tired dogs are easier to train as compared to one that's bouncing all over the house


• Yes they do work every time you click and they come reward them with a treat , it takes time but it is worth it .Don't be downhearted if some times the dog ignores you it gets better with time honest. I have been using one with my workmate (a shepherd) and he comes straight away because he knows he will get a treat and after a time he will come by clicking your fingers. He was a rescue dog and very hyper when i had him but loads of love and patience and now he is fantastic. He rewards me every day with his love

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training?

I am thinking about getting a baby pit bull. A little girl. I've had one before, but now i live in a community where they are not to hot about them. I was wondering if there was any sites where i could get some tips on how to train her right, where she wont be mean? any help?

Dog Training DVD Review - It's PAWsible!

Recommended Answer:
The key thing is socialization. Bring her EVERYWHERE with you, especially the first year of her life. Take her to the post office, on walks around the neighborhood (and ask people to come up and pet her), bring her to dog parks or areas where dogs play so she is friendly with other animals, etc. The more places you bring her, the better off she will be.

Also bring her to puppy classes or a dog trainer (I would not recommend Petco or Petsmart, they tend to take random people off the street and put them through some training but they are not real trainers). Classes can be great socialization as well and you'll have a professional going through training with you in person and able to give you tips.

Basic Dog Training Commands - Improve Your Dog's Behavior

• If you get a pit bull pup, then just be nice to it everyday. Show it attention whenever it wants it. Take it out for walks and invite a lot of people over to come play with your pup, so he/she won't be scared when others comes around. I think dogs gets scared and there defensive mode kicks in and that is why they become aggressive. When they are not used to a situation that enters their life, they just don't know what to do.
  
  So to review what I said, Play and talk with you pup, walk your pup, and invite people over to play and pet your pup. Also, it is a good idea for your pup to grow up around other pups and maybe adult dogs as well. However, adult dogs may not feel like playing like pups do and may growl, and bark at them to make them get away, which could inflict that behavior on the pup.
  
  I have had about 8 dogs in my life, so I have a pretty good ideal on how to raise a dog with a great personality.
  
  Some dogs it is difficult to make them learn that they should be good. Some dogs, like humans, have mental disabilities and are just not normal. With dogs like this, only thing you can do is just do what I said above and hope for the best.


• You should take her to some obedience classes right from the beginning this way no bad habits form that can make it very hard to train her correctly. You can find an obedience class by calling your local vet. They should have some information on great obedience trainers in your area. Good Luck

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Can i teach my dog to learn foreign language commands?

well, cops train german Sheppards in different languages so the people the dogs are after cant call them off. i want the same effect with my new dog (didnt get him yet) is there some place i can get a dog training guide for police dogs or something of the sort?? the reason i want one on one commands is because it is a Hokkaido Inu (which was originally bred in japan for bear hunting... thats just a really cool fact lol) and i do plan on having it as a hunting dog/partner & best friend. so... idea's?

Dog Training DVD Review - It's PAWsible!

Recommended Answer:
Yes dogs learn by your tone of voice not the actual words.~

Get Dog Training Shock Collar As One of the Most Effective Ways to Train a Dog

• Sure ... any commands you teach the dog are foreign (to the dog)!
  
  Dogs "speak" and understand one language ... DOG! Commands like "sit" "stay" "roll over" "Angriff" [Literal translation of the word "attack" in German (google translator)], etc are all "foreign" commands to the dog.
  
  You just train the dog to do what you want ... when you speak a certain word! The dog knows no meaning for the word beyond what you teach it. You could [conceivably] teach a dog to sit using the command "attack"! It would be weird, but possible!
  
  Use the training techniques you want, the commands you choose ... but be consistent! The dog will be trained to perform a specific act according to the command you give. He will not know what "language" you are speaking ... it's ALL foreign to him!


• Your dog will learn a command in any language including Klingon.
  The dog is not hearing the specific word but the sound and associates the sound with what you trained him to do.
  
  BTW the reason most of the police dogs are trained in a foreign language is that those dogs were first trained in the country of that language. Also a nice fact very few K9s are German Shepard anymore because of poor over breeding in the past. Most are Belgium Malois, they look the same to the uneducated eye.
  
  My neighbor's K9 was breed to tree raccoons in Tennessee. but he is more of a search dog than an attack dog, can recognize over 40 different kinds of narcotics.


• why do you need a police command book..just talk to the dog in the language you want it to learn in.
  (it's not rocket science...just speak the language)


• The foreign language commands are pretty easy, I would just use a translator to translate a few basic commands into whatever language. This is really only a novelty, considering that you can't teach the command in English unless you want to confuse it.
  Few things about the dog though, I have no clue where you are living, but checkout your towns local laws. This dog sounds similar to a Japanese akita, which falls under the same restrictions as pit bull and rotweilers in the U.S. this could lead to you not being able to own it, to a high home owners insurance rate. Also, with the recent incident in Japan, the odds of being able to import one of these dogs is probably low, and besides that breeders for this type of dog in the U.S. are probably far and in between. I am not saying, don't try it just do some more reading before you attempt to buy, also with this type of dog if you are going to breed get its breeding papers.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Why does this Service dog orginization only use black or yellow labradors?

http://www.ksds.org/dogs/training.html It says only black or yellow, not chocolate. Why?

Hunting Dog Training Equipment

Recommended Answer:
Chocolate is recessive, and breeding yellows to chocolate creates an even more recessive yellow, called a Dudley. Chocolate Labs are bred more often than the other two colors because the public demand was for Chocolate, which more people seem to prefer over plain old Black and Yellow Labs. This has increased the amount of pet bred over bred hyper Chocolate Labs with no off switch, which is NOT what you want for training a Service Dog.

You CAN find Chocolate Labs in field lines, they are just a bit rarer. My own SD is a Chocolate Lab, and she has been wonderful. She is out of field lines herself, but she's not interested in birds at all. Perfect for a SD, but no so perfect for someone who wants to hunt ducks with their dog.

People that seek out a specific color of Lab are usually going to go to someone who is a BYB and the number of Chocolates in rescue is because of the crazy fad for Chocolate Labs.

Just my two cents anyway.

Keeping Your Pet Dog Trained

• A lot of Service Dog Organizations only use labradors because of their even temperaments, medium size and weight intelligence and eagerness to learn. Many other breeds do possess all or some of these traits, but most Service Dog Organizations only have experience with or have a long standing relationship with lab breeders or rescuers.


• something to do with them being overbred.. not as likely to have the work drive.
  
  while you can find all 3 colors in a litter.. you dont typically see chocolate in working lines.. its just less common.
  
  These facilities have strictly narrowed down what they feel works best for their program.. they have a much better success rate when they use such strict guidelines for choosing potential service dogs. It costs a lot of money to raise a puppy.. even to get it thru that first year to be evaluated as a guide dog.. they want to eliminate that failure rate as much as possible.


• They have their own breeding program. Chocolate is a recessive gene. It is possible that their breeding program simply does not carry the gene to produce chocolate. That could also be intentional.
  
  Yes, there are those who claim that chocolates are less intelligent, and in a way I do believe they are right. However, I don't think the color itself has anything to do with it, but more the breeding practices behind it.
  
  You could always email and ask.


• Chocolate coloring is the result of inferior genetic combinations. Professional service dog organizations breed their own stock to avoid such genetic aberrations.


• I've heard that chocolate labs are less intelligent. It sounds ridiculous, but as far as I know it's because they're vastly over bred. Most people working labs won't use chocolates, either. I only see chocolates as pet dogs.


• chocolate labs are not as common, for the reason everyone else stated and I have heard many trainers say they are slower to mature mentally.


• Maybe easier to train them, or they have a higher demand for the yellow or black lab.


• my guess is its a preference of their trainers or there might be a behavioral difference that makes the chocolate lab less desirable for the process


• that's all they have, don't know why. have to ask them

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: What would constitute as dominant dog training.?

This sounds very stupid but I want a Doberman but when ever a website talk about being alpha they really aren't clear and I want a direct answer like step by step because they say be alpha and how to but not specifically. I want to know if one is right for me but no one is clear
Please no rude comments I just want specifics because like 5 training books arn't even clear.

Get the Most From Your Dog With These 5 Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
There are lots of small steps to showing your do who is the alpha. I'll just give you the ones I can think of off the top of my head:
-Don't let your dog eat before you do.
-Don't let the dog on the furniture, including in your bed.
-Use the alpha roll often; when the dog exhibits any behavior that isn't acceptable to you, roll him over and pin him with a hand to the chest. Keep him there until he whimpers or licks your hand. This is a VERY important part of showing your dog who's in charge.
-Don't play tug of war, especially with anything that you won't want your dog to chew in the first place, like a towel or sock. Once an object becomes a toy, its really hard to go back.
Its good that you're doing research into your breed's needs before getting one. Way to be a responsible dog owner! Its all about being fair, consistent, and firm, but you never have to be mean, violent, or hurt your dog. This will just produce timidity or aggression. Most of these behaviors are seen in the wild and are done to reinforce the pack bond and hierarchy. They will lead to well balanced, polite, manageable dog.

Therapy Dog Training, Helping the Infirm

• there is a school of thought that states you must be the dominant one in the relationship with your dogs. Your the boss, the leader, the alpha. What varries greatly is how people reach that state.
  
  Some people use punishment and sharp corrections.
  Others use clickers and rewards for correct behaviors.
  
  What will work best for you is purely up to you and your dog. Some people couldn't give a sharp correction on a collar if their life depended on it. And others are naturally as gentle as a freight train. I have used the Volhard Method of training for years quite successfully with Borzoi, grayhound, two pit's, a couple of shepherds and a fox hound. And seen others suceed as well. ( http://www.amazon.com/Training-Your-Dog-… )
  
  Also Leerburg has some articles on dominant dog training
  
  and check the DPCA site http://www.dpca.org/PublicEd/PEC/PECTrai…


• I don't want to explain all the things, as it will take way too long! Some are: your dog can not eat before you, can't have any of your food, can't be on the furniture, can't go before you when going through a door way, can't pull on walks, etc. I learned how to be the "pack leader" from watching the TV show The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan, reading all his books, and going to his seminars when he comes to my state. Here's a link for his website. It has DVDs and books for sale, tips, videos, and everything. Check it out, it will help you a lot:
  
  http://www.cesarsway.com/


• there isnt specific instructions for being an alpha. but as you know dogs are a decendant of wolves and therefor follow a pack mentality. if no person takes charge the dog will asume he can do whatever he wishes. to be an alpha is to be the leader. if a dog knows you are alpha he will listen, and train easier. if your dog will be a puppy let him/her get older first (6 months atleast) then do things like taking them for walks if it pulls pull back. if it runs somewhere awa from you pull the leash back to you. this will tell it that it goes where you want it to. also, at home (this might sound bad) dont look out for the dog, if its standing in your way dont go around it. keep walking. the dog has full power to move on its own and if u avoid it, it thinks that it is stronger than you.so make sure you show it your alpha and really lay down the law. little tip. dogs that think they are leader will keep there tail in the air. dogs that know the arent will hang their tails low, and sometimes tuck it in between their legs


• Do Not READ about the breed!! Find some reputable breeders and talk to them about their dogs, how the pups are raised, temperament of the parents, why they are breeding their dogs etc! Most Dobies that I have met are real sweethearts with a heart of gold....
  
  http://www.dpca.org/
  
  Find a specialty show for Dobies, meet the breeders, their dogs, the pups and take it from there...


• Forget about being alpha that is old school dog training. Scientific studies have proven that positive reinforcement is better!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Female dog aggresive with other dogs when they first meet?

I have a female weimaraner (4 years old) and she is aggressive towards some dogs but not all, I do not see a trend towards smaller dogs or dogs of her size. She goes up, sniffs than pounces, she had never drawn blood. I also have a male 11 years old and she teases him but NEVER bites or pounces on him. He let's her get away with everything.
She has a bossy attitude but she is kind to some dogs and not to others. We love to take her to the beach to play with others but I am starting to feel a little uncomfortable.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? Would a shock collar work? Professional help? Back to dog training 101?
Thank you for any help you can provide.

Things to Consider Before You Go For a Dog Training Career

Recommended Answer:
Weimaraners are the most aggressive and unpredictable of the Sporting dogs, so I'm not surprised you're having a problem. Shock collar? Definitely NOT. She may interpret the shock as a bite from the other dog and attack it for real. And for the same reason, don't use a PINCH (prong) collar either - these can escalate aggression problems and severely injure the dog if you have to restrain it. Use a chain or nylon choke collar high up on her neck - right behind the ears.

First, make sure she's getting enough exercise - Weimaraner's are real athletes that need a thirty minute strenuous run twice a day every day. A lot of anxiety and aggression is pent up energy. Wear her butt out with thirty minutes of ball playing or a run next to a bicycle before you meet another dog.

Be very careful around smaller dogs - they would suffer a lot more damage if she bit them. Arrange to meet someone with a small, calm dog outside in a neutral area. Don't let them get face to face. Immediately take a long walk side-by-side until your dog is calm and relaxed and accepting of the other one. Then stop and very casually introduce them on LOOSE leashes - but be ready to instantly jerk her back if she does anything aggressive. Restraining dogs on tight leashes when will almost guarantee a fight. Let them sniff each other for a few minutes, then walk again. Do this every day with as many different dogs as you can.

If she shows no improvement and still goes after other dogs, you will have to do lots of work on sit-stay and down-stay (on ONE command!) and walking without the dog pulling you. Don't hold your dog back when another dog approaches. That makes her feel tougher - like a guy in a bar who doesn't really want to fight, but with his friends holding him back, he's all mouth. As soon as she starts staring at the other dog and you see those ears alert - you know what's coming. Correct her with a quick jerk on the leash and turn in the opposite direction. She can't be barking if you're briskly walking away. Then turn back toward the other dog and do it all over and over again until she won't even LOOK at the other dog.

Prearrange a meeting on neutral ground as often as you can with people who have non-dominant dogs. Make your dog lie down and stay. She can't be posturing and aggressive if she's lying down. Just make sure the other person doesn't let their dog hassle yours when she's being good. Have a long conversation with the other owner - long enough for your dog to be completely relaxed. If she starts to get antsy, you can tap her on top of the head or nudge her in the side to distract her. It's best if YOU walk away first - if the other dog leaves first, yours may see it as an opportunity for a sneak attack.

Take her to dog obedience classes where the dogs are all being good. Many AKC recognized dog training clubs all over the country have advanced classes where the dogs are well behaved. The trainers generally have more knowledge and you pay less. Go to www.akc.org to find a club in your area.

You may need a professional trainer to help you with this, but let me warn you. Many of the people charging big bucks as "trainers" are not very good and may have no more experience than you do - especially with aggression problems. Ask you local vet for a recommendation. Make sure you check out references from their satisfied customers. Check with the BBB for complaints. And DON'T send your dog away to be trained. It's a waste of money - you can't build a relationship with a dog that doesn't live with you.

Read some great books on training. (Try not to pick books randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also!) These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.

Aggressive Dog Training Made Easy

• dogs are only mean and agresive if you raise them that way


• it might be a territory thing if she is on a leash when she does this pull her back and tell her very firmly NO...


• Your female is the alpha dog in your house.
  If she was not socialized well as a pup she could be aggressive but this sounds like normal reaction to meeting new pets.
  I have Weims also. My female pounces on other dogs wanting to play. She loves to chase and be chased and then tackled and put on the ground. She plays hard and sort of rough.
  A shock collar would be ideal for this type of training as you can correct her right at the exact monent she is displaying unwanted behavior ans you do not have to be near or touching her to correct her.
  I have them and use them for certain things This would be the easiest way to train for this type of behavior.
  It sounds like the problem is not huge at this point and you can most likely control it with some effort and if you feel it is getting worse or you need help look for a behavorial trainer to work with.
  Good luck and have fun with your weims.


• http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…


• Contrary to what many believe, female dogs can be *much* more aggressive than males (particularly toward other females). I have a neutered male Aussie mix and a spayed female German Shepherd. For a while I lived with someone with a spayed female Chow Chow. All was well for about six months, then the females started getting into fights that more often than not drew blood. The Chow Chow's owner was not willing to do extensive training, and so that was the end of that relationship. (I also made the mistake of trying to break up a fight and got BITTEN by the Chow Chow.)
  
  My trainer said that shock collars are great for a lot of things but NOT for aggression. The aggressive dog is likely to perceive the pain of the shock as coming from the other dog, and the aggression will escalate. The trainer suggested that all the dogs be taught to be more "polite". This meant that they all had to sit and stay when I opened the door. I had someone help me hold them while they learned this. Then I would call each by name and give only that dog a treat when it came. They were learning to take turns. I did this every time we came in or out (yes, it is a lot of work and why the Chow Chow's owner didn't want to do it). Same thing any time treats were given and even when feeding regular meals.
  
  At the beach, keep her on leash and when you see that she notices another dog, get her attention with a treat *before* she gets in a snit. She'll learn that being relaxed and paying attention to what you want will get her treats.
  
  I highly recommend getting a professional trainer, as female to female aggression can be very serious.


• Take her to an obedience class, this can not hurt the situation. Dogs have a very suttle nonverbal communicatio with on another this can be the reasons for her pouncing on one dog and not another. the social hierarchy of the dog world also plays an important role in what you discribe.
  seek experienced professional help.


• You've gotten some very good advice here! It does sound like she's simply stating to the other dogs that she's the alpha. She wants to be the dominant dog. In meetings such as this, physical harm does not *usually* occur, unless she meets up with another dog that refuses to be subjugated. Then, you may have a squabble on your hands.
  
  I would go with *all* of the good advice you've already gotten. Also, if you can keep her on a leash for a time, make her sit and stay (and mind her manners) every time another dog goes by. It will take some time and patience to break her of this, but it will be worth it. A professional trainer may be a good option for this, as your dog would have other dogs around to work with in a safe, controlled environment.
  
  Best of luck to you!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Which has a better training program for dogs, PetCo or Petsmart?

I would like to put my 6 month old dog in dog training, but Im not sure which store has a better program. If you've taken your dog to either, or work there and know about their program, please tell me what you know!

The Evolution of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Honestly? neither. Most of classes run by Petco or Petsmart are run by 'trainers' with no real behavioral qualifications or experience.

Instead, look for an independently run training school with qualified, experienced instructors. The trainers could be certified by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) AND have the relevant practical experience to back it up.

Look here for a list of certified trainers in your area:

http://www.apdt.com/

Best of luck!

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

• Neither.
  Get a real trainer for the best results.


• I agree with Gail neither store provides a good program. If you really want to train your dog properly find a trainer in your area that has real ability. I have watched the store program and I have found that some of there methods are not right. Private trainers train dogs full time and usually have taken courses and have bred dogs. The trainers at the store just train part time and don't care as much as a real, trainer I think.
  
  But that is great that your taking your dog to school.


• Neither


• My puppy did training at Petsmart and we both enjoyed it. I did not pick it because it was Petsmart. I actually looked online for a certified trainer where I live and she happened to work at Petsmart. All of the trainers are not certified. Just check that first, and then pick from on of those.


• Please go to a reputable trainer for your dog. The cost is about the same and at least you and your dog will be learning from some one who has had real experience.
  Both the places you have mentions rarely have qualified trainers, only store employees that have gone through a 6 week training program with minimal experience. I have been in both store while their so called training was in progress and walk away either laughing or shaking my head in disbelief. It was really bad.


• Yes, it would be better to go to a private kennel with obedience classes by a professional trainer with decades of experience. That being said, I should make the point that, at least where I live, PetSmart "trainers" are store employees who've had a short training session to learn to teach obedience, but Petco actually invites a professional trainer from outside the store to come in and do classes at the store.
  
  If that's the way it is where you live, Petco would by far be better than Petsmart. It still would not be as good as going to that same trainer's location, though, because the distraction level inside a pet store is HUGE for a dog just learning obedience.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Therapy/Assistance Dog Training Question?

My family just bought a German Shepherd puppy. I was wondering what kind of training program to enroll him in. I am considering getting him trained as a therapy or assistance dog for myself. I have a severe anxiety/panic disorder. Before recently prescribed medication, I had them every single day. It was horrible. I still get them but not as often. It's hard to leave my house, especially alone. I'll get shaky, sweaty, and my heart rate goes up. It's hard to focus or function properly when this happens and it happens more often than I'd like. I also get on-again-off-again depressive episodes that last anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months. And when those episodes start, I get VERY depressed. When I'm not having one of those episodes, I feel anywhere from calm and happy to hyper and crazy. I am seeing a professional for this, but I thought that since we just got a new puppy, I could train him to help me instead of depending on medication 24/7 and worrying if I brought my anti-anxiety pills with me or not. Or worrying "Am I going to have a panic attack today?"

So, my questions are: What kind of program would be right for the dog? And can you train your own personal therapy/assistance dog?

Some Helpful Tips To Help You With Your Dog Training Abilities

Recommended Answer:
There's no such programme, no such training, beyond the proper training that all pooches should have.

We cannot tell how much of your problem is due to lack of confidence (in which case a devoted adult dog may give you enough missing confidence), how much due to chemical imbalances (in which case only medication can help).

One of my pen-friends gets periodic "black dog depression". For a while she had a bit.ch sensitive enough to alert her to the need to take her medication SOON - LIKE NOW! But training such a dog by starting with a randomly-chosen puppy is not a practicality - the dog has to display sensitivity to the changing chemistry/pheromones of its human, then be rewarded for demonstrating that it has recognised a crucial change. She bought the bit.ch out of curiosity about a not-yet-accepted new breed and because her previous personal protection dog (NOT one who alerted to her chemical imbalances) had died.

To increase the chances of your pup developing the required sensitivity, do what EVERY dog owner should do:
•1• Concentrate on reward-reinforcement techniques for EVERYTHING, starting in Day 1. Enthusiastically PRAISE each almost-right thing Pup does. Rewards vary according to the pooch's likes & dislikes, and include:
· Physical = pats or rubs on croup, ribs, between front legs, at ear bases.
· Games = Ball-Chase. Tug-o-War. Tracking.
· Tidbits = a salted peanut. TINY slivers of: hard cheese, baked liver, crisped bacon. A sprig of broccoli.
You need the pup to REALLY bond strongly with you as being the source of everything good in the universe.

•2• Concentrate on "familiarisation-&-confidence-building" (a much more descriptive term than the widely misunderstood "socialisation") so that by the time Pup is 13 weeks old he has experienced (always starting from a distance that PUP considers safe) every movement, reflection, scent, sight, sound & texture on your property while he is still in 'home quarantine', and then in your district (but avoiding places where dogs run loose or piddle/poo/vomit), being allowed to stop & think about each "maybe scary thing?" (while you stand still-&-silent, telepathing "I'm not scared of that, so there's no need for you to be") then being praised & rewarded when he decides to either ignore or investigate that thing.

•3• Booking YOURSELF (note: YOURSELF, not just "him") in nice and early to a proper training club's weekly classes, ready to start when Pup is 18-22 weeks old. There YOU get coached to improve your awareness & techniques; at the same time Pup learns to pay attention regardless of what other dogs & people are doing.

It is likely that just becoming aware of your pet's needs, and forcing yourself to focus on meeting them, will help improve YOUR confidence, too.

There is no way, under existing regulations, that you will be able to get your dog licensed as an "aide/service dog" - such dogs have to, on command, do something their human is not capable of doing, whether that be seeing obstacles, or hearing phones & doorbells, or picking up dropped cheque-books etc.

◙ Add http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_G… to your browser's Bookmarks or Favorites so that you can easily look up such as rescue groups, feeding, vaccinations, worming, clubs, teething, neutering, size, diseases, genetics.

◙ To ask about GSDs, join some of the 400+ YahooGroups dedicated to various aspects of living with them. Each group's Home page tells you which aspects they like to discuss, and how active they are. Unlike YA, they are set up so that you can have an ongoing discussion with follow-up questions for clarification. Most allow you to include photos in your messages.
Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_F…
"In GSDs" as of 1967

The Effects Of Dog Training Collars

• Most assistance and therapy dog organizations will not train your pet dog to be an assistance dog - there is a very low success rate with that training situation. If you are in need of a psychiatric assistance animal, there are a few things you should know:
  
  1. Dogs for purely psychiatric disabilities ARE NOT generally covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to court rulings, and so DO NOT have access rights except those given to regular pets - no restaurants, no planes, no public transportation.
  
  2. The presence of an untrained or home trained pet with which you are well bonded will be as effective as the services of a trained therapy dog for calming, etc, unless there are specific tasks that the dog need to perform (such as getting a phone to call for help, blocking your access to doors, etc).
  
  3. There are organizations that can match you with a psychiatric assistance dog if you meet their requirements. Find them here: http://www.psychdog.org/index.html

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Outdoor Winter Dog Training?

I all ready have an established business and am currently doing Outdoor Training Classes- the area is lighted and covered. I need an awesome marketing suggestions to continue to promote this during the winter months when it is harder to want to get outside. Any suggestions? We are thinking on the line of doing some agility and tracking training outside to make it more appealing but I need some outside thoughts. Thanks in advance.

Easy Dog Training - 7 Top Tips

Recommended Answer:
Telemarketing most people hate it and complain but it does work. Business cards with something free. Homemade Dog treats. third class free with a month of classes paid in advance.

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

Read More...