Dog Health Questions: What dog breed would be right for us?

I've done a lot of research for a few years and I know what each of the breeds require, but now that we've narrowed it down we'd like a general decision on which breed? We're looking towards the more pastoral/working breeds but are open to suggestions (no toys or terriers, please!).

Here's what we can do (exercise etc.)
-2 miles walk a day, along with at least half an hour play session a night, probably more.
-He/she would never be left alone during the day or night, he would go to my dad's work which has a total of three people and plenty of space and fields
-We do have cats, and will raise correctly
-Socialise well with everyone and everything!!
-Do nice long walks at the weekend too
-We have three members of family alltogether
-we're generally looking for a medium-large sized dog
-we will do puppy/dog training classes, we've found some really good one's.
-we would like to rescue

I really like flyball and agility etc.

thanks everyone xx

Ages of us: two adults in 50's and a 15 year old, all my cousin's and family are all grown up to, so no young children xx

My dad doesn't like Rough Collies and my mum doesn't like Boxers.

Protection Dog Training - Vicious Animal or Family Pet?

Recommended Answer:
Rottweiler, Pit Bull, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Australian Shepherd, Brittany Spaniel, Shar Pei, Alaskan Malamute, American Bulldog. I've had great experiences with all of these breeds and would recommend them to anyone.
Rottweilers were bred for working so your lifestyle would be perfect for this breed.

Dog Training Problems - How to Eliminate Them and Get Good Results Training Your Dog

• i would suggest a german shepard. great for rescue cause can sniff out stuff, needs lots of exercise and if got from a puppy can be sociable and love to play and do agility and stuff. and they are a medium-large dog.
  
  but thats just my own opinion.
  choose what you want.
  
  good luck!


• Use kind facial expressions & body posture, be clear in your commands. Reinforce each command with hand, arm or body signals.


• Your lifestyle is a good match for a lot of breeds:
  Lab
  Staffordshire terrier
  Border Collie
  German Shepherd
  Irish Setter
  
  Pretty much any working dog, or a dog with a lot of energy would fit the bill.


• i have 3 dalmatians 1 came from the shelter they live with 3 cats and a rat terrier. they all get along well with each other. my dalmatians are very smart!

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Dog Health Questions: Should she even be allowed to have a training class?

So basically, there's this old woman who does a dog training class at the local centre...

When i first got my Pups i went there, to try it out and what i witnessed really put me off.

Her method of training a PUPPY to lie down was to stand on the dogs leash close to the collar so the puppys neck would be forced down and they would have no choice but to lie down.

My Pug was only little when we went there, one time he was playbowing at another dog there and the trainer came over and clapped her hands, yelled at my 5 month old puppy and told him to "STOP IT IF YOU KEEP DOING THAT YOULL BE A NASTY DOG"

I just looked at her in disbelief.

Another time someone was there with their labrador x poodle. The trainer was handling that persons dog to demonstrate something. The labrador X barked so the trainer yanked the leash and smacked said dog on the backside. The owner of that dog never came back again. Infact everyone we knew there has left since. Except this 'trainer' still uses treats... Nobody has said anything about her classes, but fellow dog owners i have spoken to say she is pretty harsh but then nothing else is said of it.. Everyone i know or where i live has been taking their dogs there and it's awful that she's teaching these new dog owners that that is how you handle/train a young dog...

I've gone to a different class since and never returned to hers.

What do you think? Should she even be able to have dog training classes?

Dog Training School to Help Solve Dog Behavioral Problems

Recommended Answer:
Wow... this broad is using the very outdated "Barbara Windsor" technique!

This way of training a puppy has been proved to be cruel, harsh and bad in later life for the dogs attitude to owner and other family members.

The more recent techniques of reward based training is a far better method of training a successful socialized and balanced dog.

Although, technically this trainer is using outdated methods, the only way to make your point is to report and boycott her classes and try to get another source of training class to open up in your area. Perhaps you may like to go on a training course and set up a better method of dog/puppy training course yourself.

7 Top Dog Training Tips

• what is this going to teach the dog??? hey, im going to choke you and hurt you until you lie down? NO THAT'S SO WRONG!!!!!! if you want to get technical, that is animal abuse and the lady should be fired for what she does with animals.


• it might depends on how hard she hit him and how bad she did it any ways that training style sucks do and reward is the best way and not going full blast im going to murder you anger like just pop them when thier bad


• dog training is like anything else., (pick an occupation). There are those that have it and those that don't. This woman should not be training.


• Good training NEVER includes hitting. Turn her in, that is terrible


• I agree that the forcing the dog to lie down by pulling the leash thing is harsh, because forcing a dog to sit or lie down can cause joint problems later on.
  I'm not so sure about the yelling at your dog.
  She should've just said either "NO!" or "QUIET" in a loud, but not screaming, low voice.
  She shouldn't hit a dog EVER. A water spray is enough, or a tap on the nose or a harsh stare-down.
  Usually people who are "Certified dog trainers" Follow what they have to do in college to get past it, but when they graduate they do whatever they want because they think that their methods are better.
  Yeah, she shouldn't be a trainer.
  You have to be POSITIVE, happy, energetic! Not screaming, angry, and frustrated.
  Try reporting her, or warning others of her violence?


• What are these ladies credentials?
  If she has trained dogs and students that have gone on to AKC or other similar titles then I have no problem with her method of training.
  
  I am not into bribery or cajoling, and if a dog deserves a correction, then so be it.
  
  Your reporting of the incidents seem to be biased and even so I can not get worked up about what you described.
  
  ADD: Of course you are a clicker trainer, I could tell by your post. PP folks don't get corrections.
  I am curious as to how many dogs you have titled with clicker training?

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Dog Health Questions: Would it work? Teaching older dog (Chihuahua mix) to stop barking/growling?

We adopted an abandoned 5-8 year old Chihuahua mix a few months ago. She is the biggest sweetheart to our family, but while walking her, we have found out that she DOES NOT like not like most other dogs or some men (even though she is fine with my boyfriend and has been OK with fix-it men who have come to our home). She growls, barks, and pulls on the leash (we use a harness with her for better control).

Clearly she was probably never properly socialized or trained... but it's embarrassing (as the humans and dogs we encounter probably think I'M the one responsible for her misbehavior) and I don't want her to continue to behave like this.

I used to attend dog training classes with my mom and her dogs (Shepard mixes and Mastiffs) when they were younger. The class used pinch collars to train, and I am comfortable using them. From what I saw, they were highly effective.

I'm going to get a pinch collar today to try it...I figure the worst that can happen is that it doesn't work.

I was wondering if anyone on here has successfully trained a rescue with antisocial barking/growling behaviors, or if older dogs who haven't been socialized simply won't change.

Dog Training Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
She is anxious ( fearful) so using a pinch collar will only hurt her neck, pain = fear, fear = reaction and reaction is not what you want to encourage.

Your right she needs training and socilising, a short sharp 'no' when she barks and immediately she stops praise her.
Try not to walk directly towards people/dogs ( straight lines and direct eye contact is aggressive in dog language) Ask everyone to completely ignore her, no looking, touching and talking to her, which will take the pressure off her to scare them away. I would also put a little t-shirt on her this will give her some confidence like a 'portable hug' however she is gaining the confidence on her own 4 feet.
Doing TTouch mouthwork on her can also help with a barking dog ( tiny clockwork circle movements around her mouth & muzzle, very gently just moving her skin, not massaging into the muscle)

Dog training classes could be a very good idea for her and dogs are always prepared to change unwanted behaviours as long as we give them othe roptions to change to, having a strong pack leader will help her ( NILIF)

Google NILIF and start using this today at home, basically she has to earn everything she gets, which will elevate you to pack leader and give her some confidence.

Pick the Best Dog Training Collar to Train Your Big Dog to Walk

• I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time with your dog!
  
  Here is a great article that talks about why dogs bark and how you can help to stop them from barking so much! There is also a free video about how to train your dog to listen to your commands.
  
  http://www.squidoo.com/dogs-stop-barking
  
  Hope this helps!


• you will want to nix the choker/pinch idea for now. Small dogs tend to have weak tracheas, and though a pinch collar is better than a choker, I would recommend the gentle leader harness that attaches in front of the dog's chest. You should also work to desensitze her to other dogs and men, so that when she sees them, she won't go berserk over them, merely ignore them. Try putting her into a sit when you see dogs/men coming, and feeding her treats until they're gone. Gradually move her closer and closer, until you are satisfied with how close she can get before reacting.
  
  At this point, you should be more worried with the barking and growling than with the pulling on the leash. adding a device that causes discomfort is going to train her that when she sees dogs and men, she gets pinched around the neck.. Not a good association at this point. If the basic ideas you receive here don't work, consult a trainer before someone (or even your dog) gets hurt.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training - have a puppy and need help!?

We have a puppy living in our apartment. He's a little over three months and we've been trying to train him. He only goes to the bathroom on the tile in the kitchen, and refuses to go outside. We'll take him out, and two minutes after he gets in THEN he'll use the bathroom. Any tips?

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog

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1st & best way to train is with a crate. Give him breakfast in there & have him stay in there for about an hour, then take him outside (or visa versa), but be consistent. Same for dinner. Now when my dog knows it's "food time" she immediately goes in her "bed". It's her safe haven. While a pup, for several wks., keep him in the crate & only take him out when you can totally supervise him - indoors & out. He won't pee or poop where he's sleeping or eating.

Dog Training - How to Housebreak an Adopted Dog

• A puppy that age cannot hold its bladder for more that 2 hours. It needs to go outside 3 times a day if you can, but you need the time to train him, and then he will learn where to go.


• maybe try crate training dogs dont like to pee where they sleep there are tons of useful websites on crate training plus that way he wont chew stuff


• if you catch him going to the bathroom on the kitchen tiles then pick him up right then a take him outside. but you have to do RIGHT when hes going to the bathroom because you want him to learn that its bad to go in the house.


• Take him outside and leave him out there for a long enough time and he won't be able to hold it any longer. Then as soon as he goes, give him a treat and praise him. Do this every time and if he's quick, then he'll pick up that he gets a treat whenever he goes outside. Also, try feeding him outside. It will help make him feel more comfortable and want to go outside and relieve himself. Give him a treat every time he goes to the bathroom outside and eventually he should get the message. Oh and when you pick him up in the middle of it and take him outside, if he goes, give him a treat.
  
  Hope this helps!


• Try a puppy pad. Watch him closely and when he looks like he has to go put him on the pad and if he gets off keep putting him there until he goes and then praise him for going on the pad. You have to pay close attention he will start to sniff and circle alot.
  
  P.S. puppies need to go to the bathroom after they eat, when they wakeup and after they play.


• I would recommend crate training. Put him in the crate while you can't watch him and at bed time. When you take him out of the crate take him directly outside. If by chance he doesn't relieve himself put him right back in the crate wait a few minutes and then try to bring him outside again. The crate should just be a tad bit larger than him so he has room to stand and turn around, any larger he will use one side as a bathroom and sleep at the other side. You are right to pick him up in the middle of the act and rush him right outside. If he finishes outside reward him like he just did the best thing other. Also always use the same terms like potty, pee pee, bathroom...etc. He is still young he'll get it soon enough :-) I hope I helped.


• Hi there! There are 2 things your puppy needs - stability and a routine. You should get him into a routine where you are walking him at regular times of the day and night. For instance, as soon as you come home, take him out. That way he'll learn that when he sees you come through the door, walkies will follow. Walk with him until he eventually goes to the toilet. When he does, make a big fuss over him, telling him he is a good boy, and patting/hugging him, give him a dog treat etc. Only then do you take him back into the apartment. You may be outside for some time, but trust me, it will work in the end.
  
  If he goes in the house, don't obviously give him any treats and just sternly say "Bad boy!" Don't shout. He will soon learn the tones of your voice. Dogs only ever want to please and once he learns how to please you, he'll be better behaved.
  
  I don't believe in punishing him or using a crate, that's just cruel, he's only a puppy and he has yet to learn right from wrong, and it's up to you to teach him. Also, if possible, work with him on a one to one. It's much better if he gets instructions from just one person as opposed to 2 or 3 people, different commands from different people will only confuse him.
  
  Lastly, if you haven't already have him checked out by a vet, do so. He might well have an infection, and when dogs are unwell, they tend not to want to venture too far from home. Good Luck! 8-))
  
  

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Dog Health Questions: Male Dog training question?

My friends male dog is not very trained he pees on everything and lifts his leg on everything.He is 2 years old my dog is five and very trained but not flawless.When my dog and his dog get together for play dates my dog is very bad the whole rest of the day.My dog who never pees in the house will follow my friends dog and pee on everything also. How do I keep my dog from following the other dog he only does it when they are together

Reward Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I wouldn't let them hang out together, at least not until your friends dog is trained

A Long Tradition of Dog Training

• Well if they are both males and one is marking chances are the other male is going to follow and mark over where he did. Watch him around your friend's dog and when you see him about to lift his leg on something clap your hands and make a loud noise. This should be enough to startle him and if you keep at it he'll soon associate when he is lifting his leg to pee on something in the house hes going to get startled by a loud noise.


• It will continue to happen unless your friends dog get trained. Here is some good advice don't let them have play dates inside the house until one of them is very well trained


• I HAVE HAD IT WITH THIS MALE BONDING
  
  ITS A HEIST I SAY
  
  NEVA MYND
  
  BONDING>>>???
  
  I WANT A BONDING MAIN SELF
  
  UND NOT MIT A DOG PLEASE'


• Is your friend's dog fixed? That can usually solve most of the problem.


• Sounds like they are marking. Are both dogs in tact?

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training in Ohio?

i'm looking for an affordable dog obedience class in the Geauga County area...if anyone has any info, please let me know!
Mary

House-Training And Housebreaking a Dog - Training Guide

Recommended Answer:
The Basics
SIT, COME, DOWN, STAY, HEEL. SIT

Holding a treat in your left hand just above the pup's nose, gently rest your right hand on pup's rump.
Slowly move the treat in an upward motion while applying gentle pressure to the rump. ( you dont want to push hard because if you do the dog will sit every time someone touches him and this is not good for competitive obedience)
as soon as pup sits say in a very happy excited tone "GOOD SIT" and give the treat.
Repeat excersize 7x. then take a play break and move on to something elce.
very young pups should not train for more than a half hour each day
every time you put food bowl down or give a treat give the sit command, and wait for the sit. then once pup sits give treat or food down.
DO NOT move on to something new until pup has the new command down pat. COME

walk away from pup about 10 feet to start. say pup's name and "COME" in a happy voice. once pup comes praise it lavishly have a bit of a play and give it a treat.
Gradually increase the distance you walk away. and eventually once pup knows command only treat every 3rd come. tappering off until he comes every time with out treat using only praise.
this will take a few days to learn if you practice every day. DOWN

Start with pup in sit. move hand with the treat between the pup's front paws on the ground.
Say "DOWN" in firm but not loud voice.
pup might try and get treat without going down, dont let him have it until he downs.
praise in happy voice "GOOD DOWN"
repeat 7x STAY

Start pup in down possition. say "STAY" in firm voice. walk to end of leash, backwards. if the pup moves say once only "AP" in a not pleased tone. go back do not say anything. put pup in down again repeat "STAY" walk backwards to end of leash.
pup does NOT get praise or treat untill he stays for 30 seconds, then a minute, then 5 minutes. move times up each week.
after he can do a 5 minute down/stay every time. move on to a sit/stay doing exactly what you did for down/stay.
Once on leash sit and down/stays are reliable for 5 minutes each. drop the leash and walk away from your pup, your back to the pup. about 10 feet away. wait 5 min. recall your dog. with dog sitting in front of you once he reaches you. treat and praise.


HEEL

Please do NOT train with a choke collar. i recomend martin gayles.
with dog on a short leash exactly beside you on your left side say "HEEL" if the dog starts to pull give a correction snap with leash on collar. and recomand "HEEL" the second your dog complies peaise with "GOOD HEEL" in happy voice. and continue to walk , correct, and praise for 30 minutes. Allways end training sessions on a positive note. Never get angery with your pup for not responding to a command. Praise lavishly every time pup responds to a command.
NEVER hit your dog. NO reason is an acceptable reason for physicaly abusing your pup.

Dog Training vs Horse Training

• The best (and cheapest) way is to take your own dog to training classes at your local AKC recognized obedience club. Find one at www.akc.org
  
  You should 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 http://www.volhard.com/
  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.
  http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
  
  You may want a professional trainer to help you target a specific problem, 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. Look for a trainer who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals web site at www.dogpro.org, which allows you to search for trainers in your state. Their requirements for trainers to join are very stringent. 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.

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Dog Health Questions: How do you train a dog humanely?

Every dog training guide I see talks about hitting your dog. Ok, I like my shoes in one piece like anyone else, but I am not going to inflict corporal punishment on my dog. So what are the options?

Dog Training Techniques - The Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
Look into clicker training and positive reinforcement training. You'll find lots of books in that vein that will never recommend hitting your dog (in fact, really? There are multiple guides that recommend hitting?)

Some places to get started:
* http://www.clickerlessons.com/
* http://www.clickersolutions.com (has a great Yahoo! group)
* Book: "The Power of Positive Dog Training", by Pat Miller
* Book list at http://www.clickersolutions.com/reading.…
* Can also simply search "clicker training" in Google and Amazon

Clicker Training can make training into a fun game where your dog not only does what you want, but also can't wait for the next training session. What more could you ask for?

Abandoned Dogs Trained for the Hearing Impaired

• repetition and reward. Ignore all inappropriate actions and reward the action that you are trying to encourage.


• Noise association. Blow a whistle or make a loud noise. The dog will find this unpleasant and will associate the bad behaviour with the noise and will eventually stop. This can take just a few hours or a few days. Be consistant. It does work.
  
  And just like the previous answerer, reward for good behaviour to encourage what you want to achieve


• You don't need to hit your dog to train him. I would suggest an obedience class. They will help you learn the best methods of training by reward.


• I do not hit my dog when she is bad unless she bites someone. (she did that once and I bit the dog right back instead of hitting her and she never did it again. She was so confused by that. lol)
  
  When my dog is bad I treat her like a small child. Yell no. say what she did wrong or show her. Then give her a "time out" crate, sitting outside...stuff like that.
  
  Whenever my dog is good I say good girl, rub her belly and give her a treat. I teach her that it is good to be good. every day I catch her doing good and tell her like I do my kids. I hate hitting. I dont think it works either.


• You need to find better training guides. I have never seen one that says to hit a dog. For puppies loud noises can deter them from doing certain things, best to not let them know it is you making the noise. Also the first word they learn should be "no".


• Positive reinforcement is the most humane but will take you much longer to teach the same commands as if you were to use negative and positive reinforcement. My second choice would be clicker training.


• In some instances spanking your dog is not a cruel punishment if you do not abuse it, just like in spanking a child if they do something wrong. However, it depends on what they've done. Sometimes I give my dog, and even my cats, firm spanks on the butt or nose if they do something wrong but it's only enough to sting a bit, not enough to actually hurt them. Majority of the time I will tell my dog to go to her room and I don't let her out until I feel she's served her time. If your puppy does something inappropriate then I would recommend a time-out in his/her kennel which should be kept in a room where you can close the door. If s/he starts whining, COMPLETELY IGNORE HIM/HER. Even by saying "hush" or "quiet" will give them the attention they're trying for. At this point, they don't know the difference between good dog and bad dog. It's just attention for them. And negative attention is better than no attention at all. Dogs by nature are pack animals. Look at wolves, their closest cousins. They want to be with the pack. If you separate them and they can't see you and you don't acknowledge them in any way, they'll learn. If you are trying to train your dog do not hit them. It will have a negative affect on both your dog and his/her training.
  
  When you're beginning, give them treats when they do what they ask and as they start getting better lesson the treats and lavish them with attention. This way they will learn to listen to you but they won't expect a treat every time. If they do not do what you ask of them then keep trying to give them the command. I they still won't listen then stop the training for five minutes. If you have been working with them for over 30 minutes then maybe it's time to play a bit. If it's been more like 10 minutes, then ignore them for the 5 minutes and try again. They could just be stubborn. For more answers ask your veterinarian or an obedience trainer. And keep in mind that everyone has their own opinions and each dog has their own personality. Some dogs will respond well to my ideas while others will not. Just keep your dog's personality in mind and if s/he catches on to the type of training you're trying to do.


• never it a dog. again never hit a dog period but i see you don't want to do that any way. i was mostly writing that for people that read this and think hitting a dog is okay. it's not. you train a dog by rewarding good behavior. so till your dog learns your shoes are not a chew toy, keep them in a closet. provide plenty of acceptable chews for your dog. when your dog chooses one of her/his toys, praise her/him. there are Kong's you can put treats in, that will keep them busy for a while. always praise the dog for choosing the right thing when the dog chooses the wrong thing tell him/her a firm "no" take the item, replace with a dog chew. when the dog accepts the dog chew...praise her/him.


• You should never hit your dog, in any case and if the dog is very, very rebel you should grab the back part of the fur and make sue he lays on the ground, just to remind him you are the Alpha male. As any teenager they fight against authority and will put you to the test. The best thing to do is ignore him completely and absolutely when he does something naughty, like if he didn't exist, lay down watch TV anything. On the contrary if you get back home and everything is in place, giving hugs and cookies and jolly out, eventually he'll get the point.


• a dog learns by rot ,like it or not


• The Basics
  SIT, COME, DOWN, STAY, HEEL. SIT
  
  Holding a treat in your left hand just above the pup's nose, gently rest your right hand on pup's rump.
  Slowly move the treat in an upward motion while applying gentle pressure to the rump. ( you dont want to push hard because if you do the dog will sit every time someone touches him and this is not good for competitive obedience)
  as soon as pup sits say in a very happy excited tone "GOOD SIT" and give the treat.
  Repeat excersize 7x. then take a play break and move on to something elce.
  very young pups should not train for more than a half hour each day
  every time you put food bowl down or give a treat give the sit command, and wait for the sit. then once pup sits give treat or food down.
  DO NOT move on to something new until pup has the new command down pat. COME
  
  walk away from pup about 10 feet to start. say pup's name and "COME" in a happy voice. once pup comes praise it lavishly have a bit of a play and give it a treat.
  Gradually increase the distance you walk away. and eventually once pup knows command only treat every 3rd come. tappering off until he comes every time with out treat using only praise.
  this will take a few days to learn if you practice every day. DOWN
  
  Start with pup in sit. move hand with the treat between the pup's front paws on the ground.
  Say "DOWN" in firm but not loud voice.
  pup might try and get treat without going down, dont let him have it until he downs.
  praise in happy voice "GOOD DOWN"
  repeat 7x STAY
  
  Start pup in down possition. say "STAY" in firm voice. walk to end of leash, backwards. if the pup moves say once only "AP" in a not pleased tone. go back do not say anything. put pup in down again repeat "STAY" walk backwards to end of leash.
  pup does NOT get praise or treat untill he stays for 30 seconds, then a minute, then 5 minutes. move times up each week.
  after he can do a 5 minute down/stay every time. move on to a sit/stay doing exactly what you did for down/stay.
  Once on leash sit and down/stays are reliable for 5 minutes each. drop the leash and walk away from your pup, your back to the pup. about 10 feet away. wait 5 min. recall your dog. with dog sitting in front of you once he reaches you. treat and praise.
  
  
  HEEL
  
  Please do NOT train with a choke collar. i recomend martin gayles.
  with dog on a short leash exactly beside you on your left side say "HEEL" if the dog starts to pull give a correction snap with leash on collar. and recomand "HEEL" the second your dog complies peaise with "GOOD HEEL" in happy voice. and continue to walk , correct, and praise for 30 minutes. Allways end training sessions on a positive note. Never get angery with your pup for not responding to a command. Praise lavishly every time pup responds to a command.
  NEVER hit your dog. NO reason is an acceptable reason for physicaly abusing your pup.


• Read the book "Cesar's Way"
  Cesar Millan... the "Dog Whisperer"
  show is on the National Geographic Channel
  friday evenings.
  
  I'm 1/2 way through the book.... already
  saw some changes at the shelter I volunteer at today.

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Dog Health Questions: Question about dog training?

Not having any problems, but I was just talking to my Dad, about say like, if you had a Pitbull, or a dog that you were warned could be aggressive with other dogs. If you had other dogs that were alot smaller and unagressive and couldn't defend themselves whatsoever from the dog. If you had the dog eat after both you and the other dogs you had in the household, and crated it while you were gone and let the other dogs roam free, would that teach that the other dogs have dominance over it? And what would be some other ways to establish the dominance that both you and the other dogs have over that dog?

Now don't go tell me not to get a pitbull or something, I don't wanna hear it, and it's not even what we're talking about, we were just wondering what you would want to do.

Clicker Dog Training is Extremely Reliable and Can Be Done by Anyone

Recommended Answer:
No, and I like where you're trying to go with this, but it won't make the difference. Here are a bunch of comments:

1) The order of eating isn't really that big of a deal. In practical terms, yes, higher ranking dogs will eat before lower ranking dogs if they are all standing around and there is some kind of limited supply of food, but this is because the lower ranking dogs are too scared to approach, not because they are lining up politely to wait their turn. Artificially orchestrating the feeding order will not change the order of rank in the house. I can feed my shepherds and then eat afterwards and it does not remotely make them think that they are higher ranking. Consider that they still have to sit and watch me eat in front of them and you bet your booty that they would never dream of trying to muscle in to take my food, which a high ranking dog *could* do to a lower ranking dog. Likewise, I could not just change feeding order to change the way that my dogs have arranged themselves... it just doesn't work that way.

2) Same thing for crating -- it would be a very good *safety* move, but would only shift rank in a very minor way and really, a Cane Corso is going to need to not be crated all day once they are old enough to be trustworthy around the house. If you were to crate a Cane Corso all day, you'd better be REALLY prepared to tire his butt out for the rest of the evening when you get home because he would be wild and ready to rock by the time you do get there.

3) Getting down to the meat of things, aggression actually has very little to do with dominance. A truly high ranking dog does not EVER need to attack a lower ranking dog. A truly high ranking dog needs only give "the look" and the lower ranking dog will try to figure out how high to jump. The vast majority of aggression cases I work with on a weekly basis are founded in fear, anxiety, and/or insufficient socialization.

4) Continuing with the meat of the matter, there is one very real concern with the idea of bringing in a Cane Corso, and that's the size difference. You say that the Pugs are all "unaggressive" and I'm not really sure what that means. Are all three of them very soft dogs who will not say boo to another dog? Social ranking for dogs is all about the personality of the dogs and has very little to do with physical size. It is highly possible that one of the Pugs could completely boss around a Cane Corso, especially if they already have seniority in the pack. The risk, though, is of the Cane not knowing his own size and dealing out damage to the smaller dogs by playing or interacting too roughly. This is compounded by the fact that Cane Corsos are very powerful for their size. Plus, idiot puppies and idiot adolescent dogs don't really read the books on this whole "pack order" thing, and they can go out of their way to be obnoxious and/or dangerous to other dogs in the house regardless of their actual social status.

Basically, if you were to bring a Pit or Cane pup into the house, I would work VERY closely with a GOOD breeder. I will tell you right now that many good breeders may turn you down cold if they are uncomfortable with the situation, and honestly, any breeder that does not grill you and ask you a million questions is not a breeder you want to work with, ESPECIALLY for these types of dogs. Then you should expect the breeder to help you select a puppy with a softer (but not too soft) temperament that would fit in with your other little guys. And then, yes, I would try to keep them separated when you aren't around just for safety, and I would do that for at minimum until two years old, but if you can separate by putting them in separate rooms that would be preferable to long-term all-day crating for the Pit or Cane pup.

Good luck convincing Dad!

Dog Training Evolution

• lol no thats not the right way to do it i have a 200 pound mastiff and a mailionua and the trick is to let the dogs know that ur the domiant one and there will be no fighting , yes they might get into tussles but still a dog should be well balanced before u bring another dog into the family and then there will be no fighting


• I have pitbulls and they are not what the media portray. I also have chihuahuas and there is no problem with aggression against them from the pits. The way to control the dogs dominance is to walk with it often and be the pack leader 100% of the time. If you notice aggression, then you address it before it escalates. I have been using the Dog Whisperer methods (Cesar Milan) and all my dog problems have been solved in regard to my dogs fighting and so on. You have to be calm and dominant yourself. But the methods that you describe would not result in a submissive dog. For example, a dog confined while the others roam free is going to be angry and frustrated, not submissive. Cesar teaches a quick 'touch' method that has worked for my small pack very effectively. Also, I have used the method of flipping the dog on his back and making him stay there if he starts to escalate. It works so well that when somebody's dog got away from them at the vets office and jumped on and attacked my 100 lb pitbull male, he turned way from the attack and looked right to me for guidance instead of defending himself.


• i have a pit bull and she is always around smaller dogs they can be aggressive to other dogs if u dont train them right the key is when they are young u have to bring them around other dogs and if they are around alot of dogs when they are a puppy they will most likely not be aggressive towards dogs my pit bull loves all dogs and i think that it is a little unfair to keep one dog pined up and the other one not that would cause jealousy


• Some pitbulls don't like other dogs, but if you had one and you treated it like you said and were otherwise kind to it, it would grow up to be a well adjusted, well behaved dog. You can also establish dominance by turning the dog over on its back so his belly shows and making sure he never wins any tug of war games, etc. with you. It also helps to make the dog "work" for his food and everything else- make him sit or lie down to get food, attention, etc.


• Well, I wouldn't bring that dog home if I knew it was aggressive towards other dogs and having other smaller dogs ... I just wouldn't take that risk of this new dog killing the others. I don't know if it would be possible to retrain that dog or not, he would probably be happier in a single pet home.


• Can I recommend this site:
  http://www.pitbullforum.com
  
  It's one of the best forums on pitbulls I have seen: a LOT of very very good info on training, health, equipment. They do not condone abuse, puppy mills, or dog-fighting. Go take a look !


• Get a female. She will soon learn that she is bigger and stronger but have a strong sense to nurture and take care of the other dogs. I had a pit (female) and my wife had a chihuahua and they were the best of friends. My pit died and I now have a lab/doberman mix (female) . After 1 full year together the chihua hua and lab mix are great friends still, with no problems. I too am a big fan of Cesar and his ways they really work. Good luck

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Dog Health Questions: I have a dog training question?

I have one adult female dog (standard poodle) and a female puppy (golden retriever) that is 5 months old. The golden has shown a few signs that she will be an alpha female and we have been working on her like crazy to keep her in lined and trained and she's doing really well. My question is, both females like to romp and play just like any normal dog and I've heard that a romp can turn into a fight very easily. The golden is only puppy, but I want to know if it is okay to let them romp like normal dogs or if I should make them stop. They have never had trouble with eachother or anything and my poodle is REALLY well trained, but I'm afraid it might be teaching the puppy how to fight. She's a smart girl and really sweet, just some pre-aggressive signs have been displayed that we are trying to weed out. If you have had experience with this and youre a trainer please help.

The Evolution of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I'm glad to see that you can recognize that there will be a pecking order. Please let them play,this is a normal part of canine behavior and actually helps establish the alpha. I dont see it turning aggressive with an adult and a puppy,especially thoes breeds of dog. Generally fights are over other things and if you dont have two strong personalities let them play! Relax and enjoy

Trainer for over 10 years

Dog Training Evolution

• the pup and adult are ok to play together. what aggresstion is being shown? is it outright attach like behavior? or is it one that the adult says hey kid knock it off, much like a mother pup would do to her youngsters? if it is like a mother pup then you are ok, if more of an attack behavier then I would worry. keep an eye on them and let them know when you choose enough is enough play. a big cue to watch for is the back of the poodle, does her fur stand up, does she stand tall and stiff? these are both aggressive stands.


• let them duke it out its important for them to know whos boss, but stop them if they are causing injury to each other, i suggest a pro dog trainer if your having trouble with aggression because they older they are the harder their habits will be to break


• When I took classes with my dog the trainer said that when your dog is learning to play with other dogs to stay in the mix and touch them so they know that you are supervising their contact.
  
  If things turn aggressive you can separate them right away because you are there and put them into "time out." Then they learn aggression stops your attention, which is a negative outcome and will not encourage them to repeat it.


• You need to understand that in doggy language "Alpha" is head of the pack. Whenever you introduce one or more dogs there will be a standoff at one point or another to show who will be top dog. It's a very natural way of doing things and will happen whether you want it to or not. 99.9% of the time, it's harmless growling, barking, handling, and muzzling. Muzzling is huge for a puppy because that is the way they have been shown they are the lesser dominate dog (one dog take their mouth and covers the other dogs muzzle while pushing down.)
  Don't worry! Everything will be OK. They will work it out on their own, and you should not need to interfere unless one becomes severely abusive. It just sounds like natural "play" and really, it's VERY normal :)


• We have two males. The first dog we adopted was a Beagle and neutered, the second was a German Shepherd and we had him neutered.
  
  I was always afraid of the play the dogs would get into with the growling, nipping and so forth because I didn't want the GS to hurt the Beagle. My husband would tell me to let them go, they'll work it out, the GS won't hurt the Beagle.
  
  I let them go and lo and behold--the Beagle showed/let the GS know, you're getting too rough--chill out. They've had some times where I've had to use that rough voice but, that get along great!!!!!!
  
  Just watch the girls and when YOU feel like it's getting out of hand then say something. Otherwise, let them get the feel of each other.

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Dog Health Questions: What's your opinion on the dog training classes at PetSmart?

I'm considering enrolling my dog into the classes, but I want to hear your own personal opinions on your experiences with the class before I do it.

Choosing Basics Dog Training Methods

Recommended Answer:
It depends. They have a decent curriculum developed by a top trainer but most of the trainers they hire have very little training and experience (and from what I've observed, don't even follow the curriculum very closely) and they are very poorly paid. However, there are exceptions, occasionally you'll find a skilled trainer at PetSmart.

In addition to trainers that aren't very skilled, it is a bad environment for beginners level classes. There are far too many distractions & it makes it difficult to teach new behaviors properly. Now, it's a great place to work on proofing established behaviors -- but thats more advanced than I'd recommend their instructors for. I do competitive dog sports & PetSmart is one of my favorite places to go and practice basic skills around crazy distractions, but I do that on my own--not with their instructors.

You should look into other trainers in your area and pick the most skilled trainer to work with. If that is PetSmart, then so be it--at least it's a place to start. There might also be a kennel club that offers noncompitition oriented classes. What ever you do, choose your trainer carefully and find out about their techniques ahead of time (I hope you'll look for a positive trainer) and then don't do anything your uncomfortable with.

You can read books, watch videos, go to seminars and find all sorts of info to help you learn to train yourself. That is a good way to do it but you will still need to train some around other people and dogs -- ether in a club or a park or whereever. Classes are a great way to get started because of the structure--it keeps you accountable and motivated to work with your dog and has built in distractions.

Use the links I've provided to search for a local trainer. I recommend the KPA CTP trainers as the gold standard (I admit biass to the underlying philosophy). A certified trainer on the APDT search would be next, followed by those who aren't certified. PetSmart trainers would need to be evaluated on their own merrits and with caution.

Electronic Dog Training Collars

• As someone who has gone through dog training with PetSmart, I will give you my view, if you decide to do such a thing, don't just do one section, go all the way through. They are good, but it also depends on the trainers. Talk to some of the employees other than trainers and ask them their opinions. You can get a lot out of the dog training classes they offer. The trainers are usually well trained and also have previous experience. It's important no matter what to go through training classes, if you decide PetSmart is not the best way to do it, find someone that is better. You should also remember that PetSmart does offer private classes as well.


• Useless and a waste of money. All of those silly puppy classes are asinine. How do you expect a PUPPY to learn anything in a class of...you guessed it...other puppies. They will be distracted the entire time, and the quality of the kids teaching obedience at any petstore is always going to be extremely low.
  
  You'd be better off buying a DVD of all positive training methods and learning about corrections training at a later date. Try Mike Ellis' "The Power of Training Dogs with Food".


• For puppy manners class, sure.
  
  For "real" training -- no. The VAST majority of these "trainers" have no clue. The sign on the door tells it all -- "Dog trainers wanted, no experience necessary". They have their own training program and the trainers must follow it. One size fits all.
  
  At Petsmart training, you pay more and get less.
  
  Why not go where you PAY LESS and GET MORE??
  Look at this link, and contact a training club near you:
  http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/trai…


• yes it is good because dog is best guard of home and it is essential for them.

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Dog Health Questions: I am thinking about doing a little dog training. What can anyone tell me about their experiences?

I have trained my own dogs for hunt tests, which are similar to field trials. Anyway, I have been thinking about placing some ads to see if I can get a few customers for basic obedience. At this time I have not attended any formal training other than some videos and group training sessions. Has anyone tried to do something like this part time? Thanks.

Dog Training - Consistency vs. Habitual

Recommended Answer:
I just started my own business doing dog training. I'll let you know how things turn out ;)
I've never been to a formal training school or anything like that either. I've read books, watched videos, TV shows, etc. I've trained my own dog. There aren't any real requirements to become a dog trainer, but you probably do need to check your state laws. But if you work under another company they may have requirements for you to fill.

The 5 Best Dog Training Tips For You and Your Dog

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

I have a one year old have-ton puppy. I have been having trouble potty training her. I would like to get a fence and a doggy door so she could go outside as she needs, but this is not an option. We trained her to go on the potty pads that we have but she would still pee upstairs and only occasionally uses the pads. We just got back from vacation and picked her up from the dog sitters. She has the option to go outside as she wishes there. We have also tried putting a gate up so she can't get up stairs. She hates (and i mean HATES) being in her crate, thus crate training is not a very good option. Please, how can I potty train this dog!!! Thanks!

Is Your Dog Training You?

Recommended Answer:
I think you have got to back to basics with her. Start her off potty training as if she was a puppy. Get rid of the potty pads and take her outside immediately she wakes up in the morning (On a leash) take her to a designated spot where you want her to relieve herself, tell her to 'go potty' or whatever phrase you use and wait with her until she goes then praise her and maybe give her a little treat for being a good girl and then take her straight back indoors.

You must do this again after her breakfast and then after every meal, also after she has been playing indoors for any length of time and always after she has been asleep. Always take her out last thing before you settle her down for the night.

It will take a lot of your time and a great deal of patience but if you want a clean puppy it is something you must do.

Eventually she will start to let you know she needs to go outside once she gets used to going to the same place every time. You have to be very vigilant to recognise the signs, i.e. the dog usually gives a little whimper and walks up and down or circles round and round before they actually perform so if you see her doing this take her outside immediately and wait with her. It is no use putting a pup outside on her own, she will only play around and then most probably will come straight back indoors and pee or poop on your best rug. She has to know why she is out there.

At one year old she should have full control over her bodily functions but it's up to you to teach her where she must do this.

At her age she will soon realise what you want of her and within a very short time you will have her housetrained.

Good luck with her.

Dog Training Fundamentals

• keep wee wee pad training it takes time ,clean the area upstairs with "natures miracle" so she dose not smell that area any more . and yes crate training is cruel. put up a baby gate ,i got mine at k-mart.lots of rewards for going on the pad and she will get it .


• I think...u should make him to stay out alwayz (close ur entrance door )...and after he does his business,let him back in!!


• Crate training is not cruel. You just don't like listening to your dogs whine. I don't either, but it helps in the long run, and it helps a lot with training.
  
  Dogs naturally won't mess up their own space unless they absolutely have to, so get a cage that's big enough for her to stand in and walk in about a circle. IGNORE THE WHINING, SHE WILL GET OVER IT. Every few hours, take her outside. Even in the middle of the night, if you really want this to work. I don't recommend pads, I'd much rather have you take her on a leash and put her outside. But if you can't, just put her on the pad and don't let her stray from it while she's there. Tell her to "Potty". When she does, pet her and give her positive feedback. Once she realizes to use it on the pad, I recommend putting pads everywhere she can get to, for easier access.
  
  Don't feed her pass 6 or 7 PM, unless you feel like cleaning up defecation out of the cage. Like I said, you've got to let her out periodically in the middle of the night as well, and I don't know about you, but I don't like cleaning up crap at 2 in the morning.
  
  You may think crate training is cruel, but I'd rather have the the dog mess in a cage instead of all over my house, if she's got to use it anywhere until she's fully trained. Crate training helps in the future for when you have those fancy guests over who absolutely hate dogs, or if you happen to need to travel with her to anywhere. Don't see it as cruel, because it's not if you do it correctly and effectively.


• Housebreaking your dog is seemingly the first test of your patience as a dog owner.
  
  Perhaps you're experiencing the following scenario:
  
  You take him outside multiple times a day and every time, he refuses to make. You assume he just doesn't have to go, so you bring him back inside and moments later he soils the rug.
  
  Or...
  
  You take him outside and he goes, you praise him with "Good boy" and after bringing him back in, moments later he goes again.
  
  It's a frustrating cycle not only for you, but for your dog as well. You just can't seem to make him understand what he's supposed to do.
  
  Your dog simply doesn't understand the rules yet. That's why it's important to take your dog outside to make at scheduled times of the day.
  
  It will take approximately 14 consecutive days of going outside, watching your dog make and praising him for it before he starts to get it.
  
  During that period, every accident that happens in the house is counted as negative two days. Remember, you'll want 14 consecutive days of proper housebroken behavior before you can relax a bit.
  
  After he goes outside, you'll want to supervise him closely for the next ten minutes he is inside the house. At the first sign of going the the bathroom, take him outside.
  
  If he does have an accident, only use the "No" command if you catch him in the act. Otherwise, it's useless and will only confuse your dog.
  
  The amount of time that you should take your dog outside to make will vary depending on the breed, size and type of puppy.
  
  It's generally recommended that you take your dog out every 2-3 hours during the day for the first three weeks. Obviously you won't be taking your puppy out every 2-3 hours at night before bed. So use the following strategy.
  
  Take away your dog's water bowl two hours before bed. During that window of time, walk your dog at least twice. If accidents occur in the middle of the night, you may need to get up once in the night to walk your puppy.
  
  As your dog gets older, his bladder size will increase and the nightly accidents will disappear.
  
  After the first month, begin to space out the amount of time you take your dog outside to make. You'll want to do this until your dog only needs to go out only 3-4 times a day.
  
  In summary, the trick to all of this is using the follwing tactics.
  
  * Set a schedule to take your dog outside
  * Praise your dog with the "Good boy" command when he makes
  * In case of an accident, only use the "No" command if you catch your dog in the act
  * Take away your dog's water two hours before bedtime
  * Walk your puppy twice before bed
  * Always supervise your dog when he is inside AFTER making outside
  * Crate training will ease the process because most dogs will not soil their own bed. Crate training forces them to hold their bladder and in this way they begin to learn that making inside is not part of their normal schedule.
  For the Step-by-Step method of housebreaking your dog within just a few weeks, you'll want to check out the full Dog Training course through the source link below.
  
  Cheers!

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Dog Health Questions: What should I look for in a dog training/behavior school?

I love cesar millans techniques and I dont want to do anything that he calls using human psychology on a dog. So with that in mind what should I look for in a dog training school? Is there a difference between dog psychology and dog training or is that all one in the same?

Positive Dog Training Tips That Actually Work

Recommended Answer:
You are better off apprenticing under a successful trainer who uses the methods that you are interested in. The best trainers are not those who have gone to school but those who have trained 100's of dogs with different temperaments, problems, and owners. Remember every dog you train comes attached to a person so you need good people skills. Likewise don't discount different training techniques as not every technique works for every dog no matter what you see on TV. There are many different ways to train dogs.

Dog Training: It's Not Just For Adults Anymore

• its different but good luck finding a training school that teaches "dog psycholgy" just because Ceasar does it one way doesn't mean the others don't work. They do. And have been used for thousands of years to train dogs.


• Your best bet is to try to find a trainer reference from someone you know. I found mine on a dog rescue site and it was the best money I ever spent. Remember, there are many different ways to train dogs just as their are many different dog trainers.

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Dog Health Questions: I heard about this dog training called super dog training is it any good?

I heard about this dog training called super dog training is it any good?
I want to teach my dog basic commands and no leash training?
I am in California.

Advanced Dog Training Exercises

Recommended Answer:
I checked out their site. No substance. Just a bunch of dogs (the same ones mostly) on group stay commands. Nothing super, nothing special. A bunch of old tired sayings that have nothing to do with dog training.
I am sure you can find a good local trainer to teach you to train your dog to do the same exact things for a fraction of the price.

Service Dog Training - How to Prepare Your Dog

• Wow and someone just asked this very question five minutes ago, I will give you the same answer.
  
  Stick with a tried and true training method that has trained hundreds of thousands of dogs over the last several decades.
  
  If you are in Southern California you are in luck as there are trainers available that can teach this method.
  
  http://www.koehlerdogtraining.com


• they don't train any dogs, they just want stupid dog owners to keep their droll animals for kill them and make some dog meat

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