Dog Health Questions: How to choose a service dog organization?

i am disabled and have chosen to get a service dog. for medical reasons, i cannot train the dog myself. i am needing a mobility assistance dog. however, i don't know what to look for in an organization. $ is not an issue, and i am physically able to care for a dog. however, i want a well-trained dog trained for my individual needs. i have heard that a lot of larger organizations train common tasks but may not be as individualized as smaller groups. i am willing to travel wherever i need to go.

are there warning signs that i should look out for? should the organization be affiliated with any larger groups? do they need a certification to do this? should i visit their center & look at dogs that they are training/have trained (what should i look for there)? i don't care about breed, or whether it is purebred. how much say should i have about what dog i get (should i let them chose one for me, or should i have a say)? are there any worrying signs about the organization itself i should look for (how do i make sure they are legit)? anything else i should look for or be wary of?

Would Purchasing a Dog Book Or Dog Training Book Be Useful?

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Warning signs:
Any failure to give a direct answer to a direct question
Lack of transparency: any refusal to allow you to examine veterinary or training records, or the organization's annual financial report, any refusal to put you in contact with past clients or to visit the facilities
Any failure to provide support: they should have an orientation program where they teach you how to work with your dog. Ideally it will be at least two weeks long, but don't settle for less than one week. They should offer life long support and be willing to do tune up training if the dog develops problems. They should readily be available for telephone support.

Some are affiliated with Assistance Dogs International but over the last few years that has come to mean less because they now allow anyone to join who is willing to pay the fee and do no screening of members. They also will take no action if a member organization does not live up to ADI's own policies.

No certification is needed. You should definitely visit the center and observe the facilities and some training sessions. The facilities don't need to be fancy, but they should be well maintained (reasonably clean and in good repair). The dogs also should be reasonably clean, showing signs of daily brushing and trimmed toenails. The dogs should be happy. They should show obvious fondness for their trainers and a desire to please out of that fondness. They should not shrink away from a trainer, or avoid eye contact. Just because you don't see harsh methods used doesn't necessarily mean they aren't. But you can't hide the way such methods damage the dog's bond with his trainer. A dog who is consistently happy in his work is being well treated.

Ideally you should take a current client out to lunch and observe them with their dog. Ask a million questions about their experience. Is the dog well behaved? Is he happy? Does the handler appear to know how to handle their dog? Does the dog hoover (scavenge food off the floor under the table)? Yes, it is okay to casually, accidentally, let a bite of food drop from your fork and see how the dog reacts.

You'll have little or no choice on breed. It's hard enough to come up with suitable candidates that one generally takes whatever dog works out, regardless of breed. There are so many factors that go into building a service dog team and making a good match that breed should be very low on the list of important qualifications.

A good program will give you very little choice in the dog you take home. Why? Because they'll do the matching for you. People are notoriously bad at choosing service dogs for themselves. They are drawn to the dog with the personality that attracts them as if the dog was a pet. It's fine to go with a dog who has an endearing expression for a pet, but it is not a good criteria for choosing a service dog. You've hired the program to do the hard work for you. You've hired them because they are experts. Let them use that expertise to match you with the dog that is right for you, even if it is not your favorite dog at the center.

You should check them out with the Better Business Bureau and with the local animal shelters and animal control office. If they're doing something hinky odds are one of those resources will know about it.

You should ask them as many questions as possible. There are no dumb questions and there cannot be too many. They should be delighted to hear you are putting this much thought into the process. They should also be asking you about a million questions. Not just about your ability to care for a dog, but about your own personality and lifestyle as well as detailed information about how your disability affects you. They must know these things to match the right dog and the right training to you.

Observe how they answer your questions. Are the answers clear? Are they happy to expand if you ask for further information? If possible, observe them working with other clients and dog candidates, ideally in an orientation class. How do they address questions posed by the students? Are they patient? Do the answers make sense or lead to confusion?

Here's an article with some tips and links to some lists of service dog providers. You're still responsible for checking out a program before committing to it, but the lists are a good place to start looking.
http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content…

Tested Dog Training Tips That Improve Your Dog's Behavior

• Here is a excellent site for your questions. It would be the best place to start.
  
  http://servicedogcentral.org/content/


• Most organizations will choose the dog for you, and you may not have much if any say in it- but they are in a much better position to choose appropriately, knowing the dogs well, than you are. Consider talking to some people who have gotten SDs from the organizations, see what they like, and more importantly, what they didn't like. Ask for some references, and follow up.
  
  While I'm sure there are some shady organizations, if they are a legitimate 501(c)3 organization, their finances are open to the public, and most are doing their best- but some bests are better than others.
  
  In most cases you will need to spend 1-3 weeks working with your dog at the organization headquarters, or in some cases, in your hometown, so plan on taking some time off for that,


• I would start by researching service dogs and the lifestyle. It's not for everyone. You will be stopped when you're out in public, have access challenges, etc. You really need to know the laws and be prepared to advocate for yourself.
  
  You didn't mention what kind of dog you need. Depending on what you need the dog to do, will depend on the type of program you go with. Someone linked to Service Dog Central above. This is a fantastic resource and I suggest you utilize it. There are articles about choosing a service dog program on the site.

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Dog Health Questions: Whats a cool Dog game online?

Something that you don't have to download a free trial or buy. Something semi-realistic or something? Do you know of one? I'm thinking of Dog training, or just a virtual Dog. A little more realistic than www.Furry-paws.com

Dog Training Clubs - Training and Competition For You and Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Dogdayzz.com and Showdogs.com are great sites.

Teaching Your Dogs The Basics Of Dog Training

• Go to taking doggy on a walk or something like that, it's pretty funny, and free. Go to not Doppler sight, and search it.

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Dog Health Questions: What are some of the silliest dog myths you've ever heard?

It can be about anything related to dogs- training, nutrition, health, breeds, etc.

Please try to answer this question without using common myths, such as pitbulls being vicious.

Mine: Raw meat (and/or a raw diet) will make a dog vicious and bloodthirsty.

So You Want A Career In Dog Training

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1) If you stick your finger in a dog's eye and wipe the scum on your own eye you'll be able to see ghosts. (EEEWWW!)
2) All dog's LOVE children, therefore children are always safe with them.
3) Dogs fed a raw diet are malnourished and mean.
4) Only members of the herding group can work cattle.
5) If the bag says "vet recommended" or "complete nutrition" it's healthy.

add: Oh wow, my fan club is here!

Understanding The Concept of Dog Training

• To make a dog "mean", feed it gunpowder...


• that dogs don't think. everything is done by instinct.


• That you can tell how many puppies a dog will have by the amount of nipples she has.
  
  That your dog will get fat if they are spayed or neutered.


• This isin't really a myth, but one time a guy brought his pit puppy into the hospital I work at with suspected parvo. The man said he made him drink diluted bleach water because he heard it would kill the parvo....will people believe anything these days?


• If you smack a Boston Terrier on the back of the head it's eyes will fall out.


• Oh, this will be fun! A few of my favorites have already been said, but here's a few more:
  
  - papillons are members of the chihuahua family
  
  - all purebred dogs are created equally (meaning the puppymill petstore dog is equal in quality to the champion conformation dog)
  
  - dogs can only eat dog food, anything else is horrible for them (i wonder what these people think dog food is made of?)
  .


• - Pit Bulls will always turn on their owners.
  
  - Pit Bulls aren't good with children.
  
  - Crate training is a cruel thing to do.
  
  - Keeping a dog is horrible, a dog should be kept in the wild and living in their own nature and habitat. (I heard that one the other day .. Whatever. Lol.)
  
  - Shelter dogs - they will always have problems!
  
  - The Maltese, Poodle, Shih Tzu - THEY DON'T SHED! (Uh, yeah they do! I have a Shih Tzu - she sheds! It may not be much, but ALL of them shed!)


• -"rare" colors are actually rare and worth more money
  
  -there is such a thing as "teacup" anything
  
  -it's more healthy overall for a b*tch to experience having a litter than to spay her before her first heat


• that pit bulls have locking jaws, and the only way to get it to release is by sticking your finger up it's backside.(ewww)
  
  That dobie's skull's stop growing and puts pressure on their brains, and they go crazy and attack.(wrong!)


• Oh god Abbyful... thank you! If ONE MORE person tells me my Pap is or looks like a friggin' Chihuahua, I will throttle them. Someone did once try to convince me they were related to Chihuahuas... interesting, since the Chi developed in Mexico and the Papillon developed in Europe.
  
  I've also heard the raw meat makes them viscious rumor.
  
  There's the ever-popular "pit bulls just *snap* one day and turn on their owners" myth.
  
  Oh, and don't forget that it's *healthy* to let a female have one litter of puppies before spaying.
  
  I could go on and on... people are so dumb some times.
  
  EDIT: Oh and Lucy, I can do you one better than the Poodle/Shih Tzu/Maltese doesn't shed one... I'm now having people tell me (a professional groomer, mind you) that TERRIERS don't shed. Yes, terriers. It always stuns me that people will believe absolutely any little thing they hear.


• OOH OOOH!!!
  
  I LOVE the warlock doberman myth, cracks me up! It's such a stupid and horrible gimmick I cant believe people still buy into that crap. And they DO! We had a guy come to rescue not to long ago "lookin' for them Waarlock dobermens..." trying to get the country bumpkin accent across haha... I loved listening to our director Julie explain as patiently as she could that there is NO SUCH THING!(she's kinda like me, no patience for the ignorant) Supposed giant dobermans. Too bad they're a MEDIUM sized dog! I have had some jerkoff at the park argue with me about my female being a "warlock" because she's quite large for a female dobie. Thats her in my new Avatar btw : )... this guy argued with me for about 20 mins following me around the park, it was actually quite creepy. Another guy inisted that RUBY, my almost miniature doberman (at a whopping 45lbs and maybe 20in tall), was a warlock because she has a cowlick down the back of her neck, APPARENTLY this is a trait of the warlock line..... uhuh. Another volunteer that's been in the breed for almost 20yrs told me she had some guy at Petsmart tell her the same thing b/c her girl had a cowlick on her nose... about 30% of the dobies we get in rescue have some sort of cowlick around their heads. That's definitley my favorite. Next to the swelling brains/stunted skull/skull pressure/attack myth..
  
  I also love it when people continue to tell me that dobermans only come in black/tan and my fawn female is a weimaraner mix; and that blues/fawns are "special" and more valuable, and my FAVORITE about colors, that Albino Dobermans are white, not a mutation and that there are no health risks or temperamental/conformation issues, because "they're just a different color" hmmm the definition of Albinism is ABSENCE of melanin or COLOR! and furthermore, that since greyhounds were used somewhere in creating the doberman the white would have come out eventually, except it was a black greyhound which at the time was a TYPE in germany, and white in greyhounds is due to piebalding, just like in boxers, beagles and any other colored w white dogs. Albinism is a MUTATION and Albinos and carriers were all inbred from the same ***** that was born in 1976....


• Ewwwwww he licked me! That dogs mouths are filthy!
  Fact is dogs actually have cleaner mouths then humans when it comes to bacteria.


• Theres an old crazy myth that some people actually still believe, that dipping a dog in motor oil will treat mange.


• Dogs in shelters all have problems (dumb, dumb, dumb, more problems if you buy a puppy mill or byb dog
  
  Dawn dishwashing liquid is good to wash your dog in to kill fleas (shouldn't have any fleas, use Frontline or Advantage every month - the damn Dawn is horrible and can hurt your dog)
  
  Adopting a dog and paying an adoption fee so the shelter or rescue can continue to save dogs is the same as buying a dog (think this one out folks, doesn't get any dumber, talk about irrational thinking)
  
  All pedigree dogs should be bred at least once
  
  Designer dogs are a breed
  
  Beneful is great dog food - it's supermarket crap, mostly colored corn meal in fake shapes to appeal to gullible dog owners
  
  Science Diet is great,must be my vet sells it (you need a more honest vet who isn't paid to stock the stuff)
  
  Flea shampoo kills fleas (maybe some, but not the larvae or eggs)
  
  One human year is 7 dog years (not nearly that simple)
  
  All pitbulls turn on people
  
  Wolves and wolf-hybrids can be great pets (wolf is not a dog - never will be - shouldn't be expected to act like one)
  
  My pedigree pooch is show quality, where do I enter her for her championship?
  
  Sweets give dogs worms
  
  Ringworm is a worm
  
  You can catch a cold from your dog - or vice versa


• The one I hear on here a lot is that mutts are healthier than purebreds.
  
  Cave Canem all great points.


• You're right on about the pit bulls and the raw diet thing. Here's mine:
  
  1) that vet school is somehow vastly different than med school (it's actually very VERY similar!)
  2) crate training is cruel
  3) positive ONLY training exists (don't get me wrong, I train motivationally myself, but there are always corrections in dog training, meaning or not)
  4) the average vet knows the latest about training, behavior, and nutrition (some do, but many don't!)
  5) all shelter or rescue dogs have "issues" so if I get a shelter dog, it won't bond to me as much
  6) there are some breeds that don't shed
  7) a female needs to have a heat or have a litter to "settle down"
  8) prong collars are always cruel (Gentle Leaders can be very cruel!)
  9) dog parks are great ideas for all breeds
  10) vaccinations are necessary every year

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Dog Health Questions: Training dogs = humanizing them?

So yesterday I was at a dog carnival doing an OB(Open level) & Agility performance with Amber & when we were done, we just stood around & talked to people who were surrounding us, asking us questions about how I trained my dog, bla bla bla & some were complimenting us & THEN, there was this couple who walked passed us & the husband said to his wife, "These people are stupid. Humanizing their dogs. Sheesh. Stupid people." They did not say it very loudly but loud enough for me to hear. They were pretty close behind us. I was kinda like baffled to what he said! At that point I wanted to stop them & tell them that training dog is NOT about "humanizing" them. Training opens up a world of communication with us & our dogs! Training is not about making them "humans". And I think by not training your dogs, it is cruel. You know what, I can go on & on about this but my answer is going to pretty darn long.

So I just want to hear what you guys have to say. Is training really all about "humanizing" our dogs?

Sheesh, obviously these people never own a dog before or they do own a dog but have NO idea about training. These guys are in dire need to be educated...

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Recommended Answer:
They think training a dog is humanizing it? Obviously they don't understand dogs... or any pet for that matter. Dogs love to be trained. My dog, Max, would never be happy if he couldn't learn. Learning is what he tries hard at. If he was being "humanized" he probably wouldn't like it because it wouldn't be natural for a dog to be doing it. You'd be changing his ways and instincts. Well, a dog's ways are what his human TRAINS his ways to be.

An untrained dog would be unhappy, I believe. I am under the impression that by training a dog, you make a stronger bond. If you let your dog do whatever he wants, whatever he pleases, whatever whatsoever, I'm sure he'd be unhappy (mostly because he'd have a very limp bond with his owner). He wouldn't be stabilized or balanced. He wouldn't know what to do.

Sorry if I went off topic. I love dogs and am still learning more and more about them. ;) But I definitely think that training a dog makes him happier and it's not humanizing him.

The Importance of Dog Training

• I'll just keep my answer short.
  
  Not sure whether I would of stood there with my mouth wide open at that,
  
  Launched into some sort of verbal lecture which would of lasted some while
  
  or
  
  Given them a whack and called them a few choice names.
  
  lol. I'm with you TOTALLY and there is nothing better for our dogs than obedience and agility and working of some sort. Mine do obedience, and heelwork to music - and the odd one agility depending on size/suitability.


• Bullies are just cowards that are jealous of you. It does beg to ask what they went to the dog event in the first place. I will concede to you I have an extensive training program for my dogs, however, there is nothing better than a well trained dog. The more I know people, the more I love my dogs. Hurting people, hurt people.


• Hi from France ♫
  
  Normally, training dog is about canalizing their instincts ...
  
  Have a nice day,
  
  Cat.


• "humanizing them???"
  
  hmmm next thing you know, they'll be sitting at the dinner table, speaking english?
  
  that doesn't even make SENSE, let alone be correct.
  
  dogs ( real ones, not lapdogs) were bred to work. most of those jobs are now defunct, thanks to modern stuff. so what's the best way to show off their skills? TRAINING! AGILITY! SPORTS!
  
  i believe i would have responded with something to the effect of
  "we're not humanizing, we're replacing hunting with a more humane activity. would you rather i kill ducks to show you my dog's ability?"


• If only you could humanize a dog, I'd love my dog to clean up after himself...lol now that is humanizing a dog.
  
  I don't see how they think training humanizes a dog, even with the best training, it still doesn't teach a dog how to do human things. Training is required to have a stable, well mannered dog, and that is just basic training, even with the advanced like agility and what not, still see nothing human like there.
  My guess is they're kind of like tree hugging hippies, wanting to let nature do its thing and let natures creatures do what they do naturally. Thats what it sounds like to me


• In that context it seems they were talking more about socialisation than 'humanising'. Some people view dogs in the way most livestock is viewed - with cold uninvolvement, and believe dogs are best left to be 'just dogs'. I know about training too, love training my dog and I know that my training him makes it easier for him to live in my world, in my house, it adds intrest to his life much as environmental inrichment adds interest to the lives of zoo animals. Without the training I wouldn't have him at all, or I'd have him in a pen and outside, but what is the point of that? To just say, "I have a dog." to just have something to waste money on?.... it'd be a p@$$ poor hobby at least.
  
  Why would someone like that even bother being at such an event?


• Don't you just hate hearing ignorant folks spout off about something they clearly don't understand!? You are, of course, correct. Training has nothing to do with humanizing and everything to do with being a responsible dog owner who cares enough about their pet's well being to put in a real effort.
  
  Training is our way of bridging the communication gap between humans and our domesticated pals. It relies on us learning how to respond to their most natural instincts. It also serves to keep a dog mentally stimulated, well-socialized and content.
  
  If anything, I tend to think of untrained dogs as more "humanized." Some people prefer to treat their dogs like human babies, spoiling them and even allowing them to act aggressively to other people and animals rather than learning what's best and healthiest for their dog and how they can achieve that.
  
  Besides, training is really more about teaching us than teaching the dogs. Dogs already know how to be awesome--we just need to learn how to bring that out in our companions.


• That's so annoying! Dogs aren't humans and im pretty sure that trainers understand that more than anyone. I mean if they were human you wouldn't train them to specific hand gestures/ words.
  
  I think that dogs are pets. And the reason why we care so much for them is that they sit and listen to us, without interrupting or talking back. They make the worst day tolerable. how can you be mad/sad/depressed looking at big puppy eyes.
  
  I loove dogs whether or not we are humanizing them or not. Most dogs have better souls than humans.

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Dog Health Questions: Where do you get your training ideas from?

I just love answering training questions. And I love dog training in general, specifically, behavior problems. I have two dogs with behavior problems and from raising them, I learned everything. Different people on here give different training ideas to a single question. It can be confusing, but the person asking the question knows that there's always that risk. I use positive training methods, clicker training, and Nothing In Life Is Free. When I read a question I give an answer that has either worked for me, or has worked for someone I know that had the same problem. Answering some behavior problems, like aggression, is tricky. And in extreme cases I always suggest that person see a dog trainer who specializes that particular behavior. If I don't know the answer to a question, I just don't answer it. It can even be the opposite where the person ALWAYS suggest seeing a dog trainer. Even for something like potty training or getting a puppy to stop whining.

Some of the training answers people give are just plain stupid. They either make no sense or the person just has no idea what they are talking about. So here are my questions: what training methods do you use and do you suggest the same methods to other people? At what point do you decide that the questioner needs to see a professional dog trainer? And do you believe that the training methods that you suggested will work, or do you just want the extra points and honestly have no clue?

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Recommended Answer:
Good question. Most of my training methods are things I learned growing up on a farm. I also ask advice from others on other dog sites. So while my potty training tips are what I do with my puppies, I also have many tips that come from tons of other people from other dog sites. I like my tips to have lots of options for people to choose from. Something might work for me, but something else might work for you, so as many ideas as I can squeeze into my tips might help someone. Sometimes when people ask a question, it is vague, and I am not sure what tips to focus on. I never needed a professional trainer. I trained my puppies myself. It may have taken me several tries to get the puppy to behave the way I wanted, but I was not raised to think it was o.k. to quit on a puppy. So it might take me 5 times, or 7 times, or 12 times, I really don't care, I just keep at it until I get it. Sometimes when I ask a question on the other dog sites, I think it is a simple question, but the ideas I get from others opens up a whole can of worms, and they give me ideas I never thought of. I think the internet is a great tool for training because I don't think there is only one way to do things, do what works for you.

Dog Training Clubs - Training and Competition For You and Your Dog

• First, I don't answer any questions for the points.. They just aren't worth anything, and I could care less about them.
  I answer thru experience and commonsense. I evaluate the question and if I am not able to answer for sure, I leave it. If I think that the person asking has little or no experience, I will suggest a trainer. If it's a dangerous situation, I always suggest a trainer. If it's housetraining or something simple, I gives suggestions as I know what works and what doesn't.
  


• i try to suggest answers that have worked for me or people i know.


• Any training methods I suggest to anyone I have personally tried on my dog. But just because it worked for mine does not mean it will work for someone else. Every dog is different and required different forms of training. But everything I suggest is from experience, I cannot suggest something I have never tried myself because I cannot say if it works or not.
  
  I think the dog needs a professional when A) the owner cannot do it on their own. B) the dog has behavioral issues that need to be handled by a professional.


• I always give my training advice from personal experience. I have been learning how to train dogs since I was 8, and with each new dog, I learn a new approach to certain problems.
  
  I agree that a lot of the answers people give are flat out rediculous. I read them, and I think "is this what they do to their own dog? and they expect it to work??"
  
  I am pro- positive reinforcement. All the way. And patience is a virtue that no dog owner should ever be without!! Some of the hyper-active dogs take 15 minutes of sitting at the door to calm down enough to go for a walk. Several sessions of this a day can be nerve racking, but effective in the long run!
  I ONLY give advice when I have had great results with it myself!


• Nice question!
  My training ideas come from multiple sources:
  books, support/training groups (email lists), websites, the shelter where I volunteer, consulting with my vet behavior specialist, etc.
  I only recommend positive training methods (really, I don't even use 'corrections').
  I recommend a trainer or behavior consultant frequently for aggressive/reactive/fearful dogs because these dogs need more than a quick answer from a bunch of mostly inexperienced people on the internet (I know because I've btdt).
  I do believe the methods I recommend work, because again, btdt.


• I give answers from experience. I work at a doggie daycare center and spend a great deal of time training and handeling dogs.

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Dog Health Questions: Any advice on my boxer dog please!!!!?

Asked this question before but for some reason keeps getting removed
I have 2 boxers who are soul mates eat out of the same bowl chew on the same
bone, if the youngest pushes her luck then she gets a telling off but its very minor and to be expected as thats what dogs when in a pack, they have never had a fight or a serious disagreementand my eldest is so tolerant.
Last year my eldest got attacked on 2 occasions both by stafforshire bull terriers she needed stitches both times.
Now a year later ive seen a change in her temperament with other dogs calm dogs she is fine with but hyper activedogs that come charging over she asserts aggressive dominance over - pins them down, and tells them off it sounds very aggressive but shes never bitten.
At dog training and agility she doesnt bother with any of the dogs until like this week when it rained and was brought indoors she went into the submissive position on her back and growled constantly and was shaking.
Is it fear?
Is it dominance?
Has it got something to do with the attacks that happened ages ago?
How can i stop it?
Please help i really dont want this to progress any further.
There are no leash laws in the UK so i cant stop unfamiliar dogs running up to her.
At the moment im completely avoiding other dogs by walking her at 5 AM and 10PM but i cant do this forever and im sure completely avoiding dogs isnt good for her either

Dog Training Jobs - How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer

Recommended Answer:
Yes, this is likely fear.
What you want to do is counter condition her for seeing other dogs and being around them. Counter conditioning involves changing how she feels about other dogs from fear to joy.
I have a couple of posts on my blog that teach you how to desensitize, then counter conditionin her to other animals.
Check out all of the posts labelled 41, 41A-D.
www.viassistancedogs.blogspot.com

Also a great book for you is "Control Unleashed" by Leslie McDevitt that teaches you tools (in the form of games) to help your dog stay below threshold is scarey places, then learn to foucs on you and not worry about the other dogs. Her program takes you step by step through desensitizationa nd counter conditioning. This book is lihgt years ahead of any other on this topic!

Good luck!
(I am currently dog sitting a dog-reactive boxer mix and having a ball with the training!

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• it sounds as tho its fear from the attacks i would suggest looking up cesar millans site for advice from his videos,,hes very good


• That is really weird.

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Dog Health Questions: Military Working Dog Handler?

from a military perspective, what college degree or professional experience would be related to being selected to become a MWD handler? would someone with a dog training certification or previous experience as a professional dog trainer/handler be at an advantage for selection into this MOS?

Career in Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
you dont need any college at all.you just enlist into that career field.army mps have the option to become dog handlers if selected.air force security forces has combat arms or k-9 handler position when youre eligible to train for them.you cant just enlist as a handler you have to go into that career field do your best and hope you get selected for training.

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Dog Health Questions: How do you break a horse in for riding?

I do not own a horse but was wondering how you train/break it in. I do dog training and that seems very straight forward but i may be getting a job on the stables and just want to know a little more about horses. Also if you can tell me how care for them that would be very helpful, thank you!

8 Ways to Improve Your Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
This is a very broad question, just like caring for dogs, it takes lots of work. I agree that maybe taking a few lessons would really help you to get comfortable. Horse training is different than dog training, it can be very dangerous, and should be handled with someone that knows how to care for a horse. So lessons would be a great thing to get into. Also, do all of your research to learn behavior, care, can even history of horses. Hope this helps!

Dog Training - How to Handle Outdoor Dog Training

• As much as I would like to help you this is to broad of a question. If you email me I would love to help you. Here are some basics though-
  Ground Manners
  Ground Work
  Getting Saddle/Bridle on and off QUIETLY
  Getting used to being touched everywhere
  Leg Yeilds
  Canter Leads
  Flying Lead Changes
  Etc...
  Way to much to list! If you get a job as a trainer, I would consider taking lessons just so you can get a better idea :)


• well in training them you normally start with ground work such as leading, lungeing, and theaching them walk trot and ext. wile lungeing then trying lungeing with a saddle on and also a good idea is to ground drive them so they already know what eveyrthing is before you get on them and as far as careing for them there is lots of things to do like feeding watering grooming takeing them to a farrier and a vet makeing sure they have negative coggins and utd on shots and lots of stuff like that


• Ypu should probly ha ve a perfessional help you. My friend broke her last horse, and she got kicked, thrown off, reared. It is safer to have a professional.


• I start out in free rein. No saddle or bridle. I don't work in a round pen, it's to boring for the horse.
  Now the masters like you to start in a round pen, which is fine. a lot of ground work, teaching the basics of forward. Back, and stop, and to turn, than they also desensitize by using a flag, though I don't always agree with the masters. I have trained over a hundred of horses in my life time, and I find that even with a halter on, and take your horse out grazing, practice leaning on him, than slowly getting up on him. The way i do is lay on him, than I get off, and do it again. Showing him I mean no harm. When I do start him, I will start to bend him, getting a nice forward motion, always reward, and be soft with his mouth. Using your legs, soft talking tone, and some loving. Most of this on bareback. Move all over his body. Sometimes on a nice day, I'll even take a Horseman Magazine and read on my Welara Mare, while she is grazing.
  I'm not saying you should start this way, en less you have been around Horses a long time, and your a good rider.
  Now on the feeding- My two Mares, and that is all I want because it is much easy er taking care of two than some do with ten.
  The cost for me and that is at my home. is over four hundred a month.
  Their diet is Beet pulp, and hay cubes soaked in very hot water, with dried molasses mixed in. 14 percent Grain- 10 percent of body weight, and corn, plus my fly feed program for the summer, and dayle vitamins. That is morning and night.
  Worming every two to three months. Shelter from the sun, and from the cold winter months.
  Their hay manger is always kept full with 2nd cutting alfalfa, which they don't always finish.
  These are two happy Mares, never bred, and love to go riding. Although, since I trained my Welara, she won't let anyone else on her.
  She has my trust, and I have hers. We are best friends.
  I forgot to add, she kept throwing off the last trainer whom was a Master Trainer, and said no one would be able to ride her. Well, was he ever wrong, with her Arabian blood, she was just overly smart. She went for me, because I'm tiny, and I dumped the saddle. I never use it, until we are into training at least two to three weeks.
  I hope this helps you some.
  If you do hire a trainer. Please watch him, her, and you will later have to ride the way he has trained her.
  That is why it is better when we train our own horses!
  And they love us for it.
  Always use kindness, just like your dogs, and plenty of rewards!
  You will have a friend for a life time!
  I wish you luck with your new Horse.


• (This is going to be very long...sorry!)
  Well, I don't mean to burst your bubble, but training horses take a LOT more time and skill than training a dog for two reasons (there are probably other reasons, but these are the main ones).
  1. Horses are Prey animals, we are predators until we prove other wise. In other words, a dog (assuming he has not been abused) will learn very quickly to trust/ respect you because he is also a predator by nature, so...it comes more NATURALLY that he can trust you.
  
  2. You don't ride a dog, and a dog is very easy to manipulate, being that most dogs are less than half our size/weight, aside from a few really big dog breeds.
  It's easy to teach a dog to sit on command, because of he doesn't listen you can "Force him to" by grabbing his collar, and pushing his rear down. If you try to force a horse to do much of anything...well, I can promise it will be much more complicated to do, and will usually result in injury and an unhappy horse/ human. That's where the trick is. You know you can not "make" a horse do anything. So what you need to do is SUGGEST that you can force them rather then displaying it (using your energy, and simple exercises to gain respect and dominance, (NONE of which btw should cause the horse pain or fear...that would break the trust and instead of building a nice relationship, and you end up building a fear based dictatorship, which almost always backfires!) and use things like body language, lunge whips and such (again SUGGESTIVE! You should never actually touch the horse with this, just snap it behind him when he gets too slow, and he will/should move forward. If he is totally ignoring you you can TOUCH him with it just to snap him out of it, but you never want to hit him with it. Some times when you are using say, spurs of a crop to urge a horse forward you may have to used them ONCE so he knows they are there, but after that he should respond better by you just suggesting the use of the crop/spurs. NOTE: Crops and spurs also have many other uses besides urging the horse forward, such as refining certain cues/ moments...but that is another topic..) that can reach the horse while you are far away to suggest you are larger than him.
  Many people think that the biggest horse ion a group is always the most dominant, or that the horse is always a male. Both of these are wrong. it is equally likely that a Shetland pone mare could be the head honcho, as this is a game of vibe and leadership, not size and looks...
  In the wild, all herds are led by the lead MARE, not the stallion. the stallion forms the herd and breeds the mares, to help the family grow, but the lead are is higher on the "tree" so to speak. She can boss him around, and it;s her job to keep the family from danger, and to find food and water. she is the one you walks in front of the other horses, leading them to safety/a good meal. The stallion usually takes up the back making sure no one falls behind, and that no new threats appear from behind. Anyway, I am getting off topic, but the point here was to explain leadership, and that the dominant position should be won over mentally, meaning you prove to he horse that you are he boss WITHOUT physically breaking his spirit. For this reason, i will refer to "breaking" as "teaching" instead.
  Now, how to teach a horse to be ridden. Well, there are many many ways, some of which make more sense, but no matter how you put it, you will not get a good horse in a day. Some people can get on a horse in one day, but the only way to make sure it is going to be a positive, safe experience for the horse, is to properly prepare him for it with weeks, even months of groundwork. Explaining exactly how to teach each of these things to a horse would take far too long, so I will just write a check list of things a horse must know before I will get on him. If you want to know more, send me a message...I would be THRILLED to explain!
  Before the first ride,a horse must know:
  How to walk, trot, canter, whoa, and back up (usually taught on a lunge line)
  How to stand patiently tied for over an hour
  How to stand while he is haltered, and know how to lead properly (best when done as a foal)
  He must give to gentle pressure (such as move his head down when I pull lightly down on his lead rope, and also know how to move his hip/shoulder away from me when I press his flank/ shoulder.)
  He should accept a bit, and let me put a bridle on hm. he should learn to give to bit pressure..basically re-learn everything he does in a halter with a bit.
  He should allow me to put a saddle and saddle pad on him.
  He should learn to be comfortable with me touching him all over, and swinging a rope all over his back/belly
  he should allow me to tighten/ hold a rope around his cinch area (called his heart-girth) where the cinch will be.
  He must be comfortable walking on a tarp, walking next to cones/poles (which are often used in the arena when riding) and he must let me rub him all over w

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Dog Health Questions: Is there a place (in NH or close) that will let you rent a dog agility room?

I want to rent a room to teach my dog/train my dog for agility. Is there a place that has rooms to rent for say and hour or something if you don't have your own equipment. Anything would be helpful. oh and I live in NH so somewhere around that would be nice. a website would help too. Oh and somewhere where you can buy your own cheap equipment would be AWESOME thanks :)

A Little About Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
You might want to take a class or two first if you have never trained agility. Contact your local kennel club for what's available in your area.

The 5 Best Dog Training Tips For You and Your Dog

• The majority of places will require that you take classes with them, or have extensive knowledge and training on the equipment prior to allowing you to use their equipment.
  
  This is because when agility is not trained properly, it can be extremely dangerous for the dog. If they let a beginner just do what they want, unsupervised, the dog could get hurt and the beginner could sue.
  
  Here are some places/links that can help you get started:
  http://www.alldogsgym.com/
  http://www.canineagility.org/
  
  Oh and once you've gotten some training:
  http://www.affordableagility.com/

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training HELP!!! Is it too late?

I have a 3 year old male chihuahua that I got when I was still living with my parents. I recently moved into a house with quite a few roommates. He is currently still at my parent's house because I'm afraid that he will get out of the house/back yard at my new house and run away. Unfortunately, I did spoil him too much and the only command he obeys is "sit", and even then, that only happens when food is dangled in front of his face.
I understand that this is my own fault, I don't need any answers telling me that...I need some advice on what to do to train him. Is it too late with him being 3 years old?
What can I do to ensure that he doesn't run away if brought to the new house? The roommates are kind of oblivious to dogs, so I can't rely on them to watch him when I'm not home.

Dog Training For Dog Problems

Recommended Answer:
It's going to be a lot more difficult, especially with Chi's but it is possible if you're willing to put in the effort. You probably would want to enroll him in an obedience class at some place like PetSmart or Petco. They usually see dogs of all ages, so you shouldn't worry about that.
Remember while you are training him that YOU are going to need to have a very assertive and calm attitude. You are going to need to be the dominant one, you can't allow him to have any attitude that lets him be spoiled. You know that already.
As to the backyard, the best way to make sure that the back yard is safe is for you to get down back there and check for things like gaps in the fencem holes in the house that lead underneath the house, and out to the street, weak boards that he can paw his way through. Another problem could be the dirt underneath the fence. If it's just loose dirt, and no concrete, he could dig his way out. Check for that to make sure that he would not be able to dig into the neighbor's house, or dig his way onto the street.
Once you bring him home, if you don't have any dogs right now, your roommates could surprise you by taking an interest, or at the very least, making sure that they watch him to see if he runs away. Either way, even then, you would not leave him the ability to run away under the nose of your friends. Try placing reminders around the house that tells them to close doors, and watch out for your dog. It would help you, and would help them from experiencing any guilt over losing your dog.

Why it's Important For New Dog Owners to Take Dog Training Seriously

• No, it is not too late. Train him like you would a new puppy. Start ALL over, even with the sit command. I'm guessing your new house doesn't have a fence, so I advise keeping him as an inside dog. If you don't trust them to watch him, hire a dog sitter.


• Dogs are absolutely capable of learning at any age.
  
  Enroll yourself and your dog in a training class. Keep him on the leash outdoors.


• about the new house.. put up a fence.. at least a small one..
  
  i dont think its too late to train your dog.. granted it might be harder and it might be more stubborn.. but i do believe it can be done!


• Hie thee to an obedience class forthwith!!! And when you're not home keep the little guy in a crate in your closed bedroom.
  
  Old Dogs Do Learn New Tricks!!!!


• Enroll both of you in obedience training..


• It is not too late, if he hasn't had obedience training it might be a good thing. He can be weaned off foodtreats over time even if he expects them all the time now. The only way to ensure that your dog doesn't escape while you are away is to crate him, he may have to learn the crate is a GOOD place,also he needs to be gradually introduced to your new roommates.
  You need to make the rules clear to your roommates about YOUR dog so every one is consistent. Clickers are just another type of reward that you use just before treating the dog after immediately catching him doing the thing you are trying to teach him. (My dog ignores it
  Trial and errlor. A good trainer should be able to help as you go. Good luck


• Dogs are learning new things all the time! I have three dogs around my house and none of them are professionally trained. For some obvious commands you always have to reward him with food, practically this is the most important thing for them. Just give them a reward every time you ask them to do something.. This is how they learn. I've got an old doggy and we have just finished practicing on "Eat your breakfast or else I'm putting it away!"
  Don't worry! I'm sure it will learn, even though he is three years old.


• You can train him now. Age doesn't really matter as much as everyone thinks but it will be harder because of the bad behaviors he already has imprinted on him. Find a good dog trainer to work with and be strong. It is very difficult to not give in but it is better for the dog and you in the long run to stay firm.
  
  Since he's moving to your new house adding new rules will be easier since his confidence level with be a little unbalanced and it will be easier to become the dominant one in the relationship. Make sure you start off right and continue on the right path.
  
  Taking care of Chihuahuas while you're gone can be a problem. Since you should never leave chihuahuas outside, you'll need to keep him inside somewhere. Can he stay in your room so none of your roommates let him out? If a dog wants to run away there is nothing you can do to prevent that behavior. Especially if you're roommates are bad about leaving the front door open. If he stays in your bedroom you'll need to provide him with a lot of entertainment and maybe make it so he can see out the window. Also, you'll have to have a way for him to get outside occasionally so he can go to the bathroom or you'll have to come home and walk him.
  
  After he gets a better attitude you may want to get him a buddy to keep him company while you're gone. Chis are always happier in a pack. In the meantime you may see if there are any doggie daycares in your area. That way he can play all day with the other dogs there and not get lonely and anxious being alone too much.

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Dog Health Questions: What is a good puppy training book?

My friend has a 3 1/2 month old puppy that is getting a little out of hand. I am certified in dog training, but she doesn't even know how to get him to come to his name. Does anyone know of any good books that cover: play biting, house training, down, and tricks. He is a mini Australian shepherd. This book needs to be detailed and very clear. This is her first dog and she has no idea what to do with him.

Dog Training Online - Inside Secrets of Professional Dog Trainers Revealed

Recommended Answer:
Most dog training books will be useful.

Dog Training - You and Your Dog

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training help needed! Lunging/Aggression Problem?

I just adopted a 2 year old Boxer/Chow mix and we're working hard on getting his walk together... He's starting to pick up on heeling but completely loses it when he sees another dog. If he ever gets loose on me he doesn't seem to try to hurt other dogs aside from doing the "boxer" thing with his paws. I'm starting to feel a lot calmer whenever we're in that situation, but it's time to get the behavior fixed.

I've read that yanking on the leash and keeping constant tension whenever he's lunging at other dogs will only make him more determined to attack.

What are some ways to break his fixation and keep him calm? This dog shows some signs that it may have come from abuse, and he's VERY strong. A quick tug on the leash doesn't even register.

All ideas and walking advice are appreciated!

How to Understand Your Dog by Using Good a Dog Training Manual

Recommended Answer:
If all he does is lunge and act like a jerk on leash chances are the leash is the problem. He's already excited by seeing another dog, the leash is amping him up with opposition reflex (you pulls, he pulls) and the dogs can over-react to each other because they are pulled artificially into a body language that suggests they are challenging each other. This gets called leash aggression, but I'm a fan of labeling it as reactivity (the leash/tension disappears, the reactivity subsides). But if it doesn't get replaced with an alternate behavior, you're right, it will get worse and can turn into something a lot more serious.

I wouldn't use a choke or pinch collar to correct the problem. This assumes the dog is somehow going to figure out that his behavior is wrong and by acting friendly the punishment will stop. In my experience, dogs are simpler and more straight-forward than that and learn the simpler association that other dogs predict punishment for him, which tends to increase the aggression.

That's why I became a dog obedience instructor 10 years ago, by the way. I tried using punitive methods to correct the increasing reactivity in my shepherd and after many classes with highly-thought of instructors I got a dog who not only screamed her head off at the slightest suggestion of another dog, but one who went in for the kill. And then I was told to "get rid of the dog" that they helped me to create.

I like to start off training this type of dog by teaching attention and there is actually some exciting new training being offered called "constructional aggression" which doesn't use treats but uses the concept of taking pressure off by having the strange dog move away when the dog offers a more acceptable behavior than lunging. The results look incredibly promising with this protocol.

I'm a huge fan of Gentle Leaders halter collars (these seem to be losing favor, but I've used and loved the things for years). My aggressive dog is over 12 years old now and I've managed her behavior over the years. She learned her lessons well, she hates other dogs and tolerates the rescues I've brought home through the years.

It's a lot easier and effective to reward the behavior you want than to try to teach what you don't want. My opinion, anyways.

Dog Training And Electronic Shock Collars

• I suggest that you enroll in a obedience class, they are very good.
  Try using a choke collar, not a nylon or leather collar when walking your dog, you can also use a prong collar with the little rubber tips on, never use the prong collar with out the tips, you can hurt your dog.
  Keeping constant tension on the collar doesn't work, you have to snap and release, that why you need a choke collar, when you do that it mimics the mother dog giving the puppy a warning bite to let him know he's not behaving.

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Dog Health Questions: House break dog training?

I have a 2 month old puppy. Everytime I take it outside we spend about 30 minutes if not more and she doesn't potty, but as soon as we go back inside she goes potty in my place.

What techniques woud you suggest when it comes to house break training?

Thank you

Basic Dog Training Obedience - Puppy Behavior Tips

Recommended Answer:
If you're not already using a crate, I'd suggest you get one right away. Crate training is the simplest, and quickest way to housebreak a puppy. This webpage will give you a complete guide to crate training http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/crate…

If your pup doesn't eliminate while your outside, put him back in his crate and try again in 15 minutes. Do this until she pees/poops outside. Then she gets supervised playtimes out of the crate.

Set up a regular schedule of feedings, naps, playtimes and potty breaks to help your pups digestive system settle into a routine. Then you'll have a better idea of when she usually really needs to 'go'.

Best of luck.

Secrets to German Shepherd Dog Training

• ha ha ha i am haunting you,you can run,but you cant hide..................................i'm coming for your children


• Stay outside however long it takes to have them do their thing outside and then praise them. This will condition them and each additional time you go out it will take less time. Also, if you are not already giving them specific feeding times then do so. This will allow them to have predictable times when they have to go. Leaving a food bowl down for whenever they want to eat makes the timing unpredictable.


• If you see your dog eliminating in an inappropriate area say, "Outside" in a sharp voice. The sharp tone of your voice will startle your dog and cause him to stop eliminating. Quickly walk your dog outside so he can finish there. When your dog has finished praise him. Do not punish him for eliminating in unappropriate areas. This will only make hold his bowel and bladder and hide while he is eliminating.


• Your puppy already owns the place... I found, with all of my dogs, when they are young they get their own little habitat. I purchased a puppy play pen and put their dish, favorite toy and small kennel inside leaving kennel door open. That is their space. I also put o blanket down under the play pen in case of accidents, although there were none. Dogs will almost never potty where they sleep. Talk to your puppy. All of my puppies, now grown, still potty on command. I told mine "Potty" for number 1 and " Get all done" for number 2. As ridiculous as it may sound, it has worked on 4 dogs over the course of 20 years. Bring puppy out to potty first and reward with playtime. My puppies even understood "Nap time" At nap time they go into closed door kennel inside play pen. Try a little bite of a treat every time your puppy goes potty outside and a lot of praise.


• She doesn't do her business outside because she doesn't know what outside is for. You need to show her what it's for. You might want to take her out every 2 hours. Put her on a feeding schedule so you know when it's time to poop. Take her out 30 minutes after each meal, first thing in the morning (and I mean first thing) right after waking from a nap and right after playing and then every 2 hours in between that. Take her outside on a leash if you can and walk her around. Use a command word like Potty Time or Quick Quick, keep her moving (this stimulates the bowls) take some tasty treats with you and keep her moving till she squats to pee, once she does praise her really well, get excited and give her a treat. Then once she's calmed down try for a poop. If she doesn't then bring her back inside, confine her to a crate or a small room and then try again in 30 minutes.
  
  Look for signs she needs to go, sniffing the floor, circling around sniffing, pick her up immediately to go out repeat above. Once she's done his business bring her back inside. Right now you need to teach her that outside is for your business and nothing else at this time. If you catch her in the act of going, clap your hands together say OUTSIDE in a loud voice to startle her, pick her up and take her straight outside to the grass to go, encourage her and when she goes praise and reward.
  
  If he has an accident in the house, note how long between the last outside excursion that she went so you can adjust your schedule accordingly. Clean up the mess and DO NOT PUNISH OR YELL at the puppy ignore this behavior. You see the puppy cannot distinguish the difference between the act of going or the mess on the floor. If you punish she will associate it with the mess on the floor and that will make her HIDE her poop from you or be afraid of ever going in front of you again. Imagine how hard it will make housebreaking if she is afraid to poop or pee in front of you outside because she's afraid he will get punished for it.
  
  Reward the behavior you want, IGNORE the behavior you do not want. Eventually she'll learn what makes you happy and will continue to try to please you, but you must show her what makes you happy by praising and rewarding the behavior you want, it works the same way for teaching tricks, if you don't you will have one confused dog.
  
  Pick up books in PetSmart on proper housebreaking techniques.

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Dog Health Questions: Does anyone know a good dog training class or obiedence classes?

I have a 1 year old puppy lab/shepard mix.... i am in desperate need for some puppy classes? Any good classes in Riverside Ca

Dog Training: 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It Yourself

Recommended Answer:
You can find lists of certified trainers at this site

www.fearfuldogs.com/apdt.html

Dog Training Clubs - A Great Way to Help Train and Socialize Your Dog

• I am not aware of trainers in the area...but make sure they focus on positive reinforcement.


• i have a lab (hyper) iknow that our local petsmart has classes i do not know if urs does.make sure u reward ur dog 4 being good.


• If you cant find any classes in your area you should think about learning how to train your dog via an e-course or similar. You dont want to end up with an untrained dog. Have a look at http://www.best-dog-training.com . It is full of dog training articles, tips & tricks. You can also get a free ebook on "How to have a healthy dog" when you subscribe to the free dog training newsletter. Well worth a look.


• check out this website
  http://dogtrain.irio.net
  a very good dog training course

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Dog Health Questions: Petsmart or Petco for dog training classes?

I took my little girl, Ruby, to beginner classes at Petsmart. I loved the classes and she is a very smart dog because of them. We recently got a little boy, Wyatt, and I want to take him to classes as well. However, I want my fiance to go this time, so that he understands better and can be fully effective in the dog training. The problem is, is that we work opposite shifts and we may have to go to Petco because Petsmarts schedule is very full until April.
What are your experiences with Petco and do you think it would be a good idea to go there? I really enjoyed Petsmart and am sad we won't be able to go there. If you have had training experiences with both that would be great!!

Dog Training: Pro Versus Self-Trained, Which is Best

Recommended Answer:
As a professional dog trainer for over 16 years, I have to tell you my strong opinion that you AVOID these group classes for obedience training.

These pet warehouses are there to get you to buy their products and hang around their strore. And their trainers are their employees...never forget they have an agenda.

Most of the trainers have very little education--if they had actual training and skills they wouldn't be there making just over minimum wage--trust me on this.

But even if they did have experience and talent...a group setting is a terrible place for learning to take place. It's distraction training and it is the LAST phase of training not the first. You wouldn't have your child try to do their homework in a toy store, would you? Of course not...the level of distraction would be too high! It's the same with dogs.

Having said that, these classes can be an excellent way to socialize dogs...but not to train them.

And while they appear to be cheaper than a professional trainer...you have to attend many more sessions to get the same results because of the poor learning environment--so you wind up spending MORE money for less training than you would with a professional.

Save your money and go to someone who actually knows how to train dogs. OR, read books and try to train your dog yourself. There is nothing they train at a Petsmart or Petco that you can't do yourself with a couple of hours of reading.

Good luck.

Top 10 Successful Dog Training Tips

• first you schould go to bolth places and bring your dog and talk to the trainers and see if your dog likes it there. it is important that your dog is happy when you train


• I'd just start training him until they have an opening


• petsmart absolutely


• I am a Petsmart Trainer and our program is great. But I agree that you really need to meet your specific trainer. Not all trainers are created equally.
  
  Petsmart is trying to save lives of animals and prevent them going back to shelters by making training your dog affordable and fun.
  
  Avoid any "send away" camps....
  
  If you go with a private trainer... ones who "claim" they have more experience... just remember they are basing themselves off their own standards and don't always train in a correct and humane way.
  
  If they put a choke or prong collar on your dog right away... they are sadly mistaking on their training techniques.
  
  Socialization is a very important part of a dogs growth and development. And group classes are a great way for learning. I teach both group and private, and the group dogs always tend to do better!
  
  Look for reward based training programs and just remember... your dog cannot speak English and are probably smarter than you think.
  
  I am not sure about what Petco trainers must go through to become a teacher so do some research and ask questions!


• I would go and meet the trainers, before signing up for the classes, if possible. Also, watch the trainers during a session, to see if you agree with their training.
  
  I know that where I live, the Petco trainers aren't that great, especially one of them, which is just borderline abusive!


• The best thing to do if you are unsure about Petco is to meet with the trainer and ask questions that concern you. Also see if you can sit in on a class, even if it is without your dog. That way you can get a feel for their training techniques, since you are already familiar with Petsmart.


• I have never took my dogs to training classes, but I worked at Petco for several years during my teenage years. It doesn't necessarily matter which place you go to. You just have to look at the actual trainers. Because all use slightly different technics and won't be the same from store to store even if you compared to different Petco's to each other. With my experience from the trainer at my store they were very good. Good enough I have never had to enroll my own dogs in training classes because I picked up so many helpful tips I could do it on my own. I am pretty sure you will have a good experience no matter which store's trainer you will pick.


• i would go...meet the trainers or maybe sit in on a class and see if you like it...if you do i dont see a problem in going...
  
  i am planning to take my yorkie, Petey, there as soon as i can


• I don't think PetSmart does that. Try PETCO!


• I think it would all depend on the trainer, make sure you see good qualities in the new one like you saw in the old one. And you can train your dog at any time, i just saw on myth busters where they trained two 7 year old malamutes (who have the rep. of being stupid and impossible to train).

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Dog Health Questions: Question about dog training?

Hey all, I have some questions about puppy / dog training. I have a 9 month old puppy, he's a mutt (medium / small, 18 lbs.) He's fixed and had his shots. I live with my boyfriend and his mother and they have 3 chiuauas. The chiuauas bark at everything, are not potty trained, and don't know any basic commands. They get a free pass for EVERYTHING. This makes it very hard for me to try to train my dog.
Boo (my dog) is partially potty trained, he knows better, but I guess I miss his ques when he has to go. If I'm home he doesn't have accidents cause I let him out. But with the other dogs going potty inside I think he thinks it's ok.
He doesn't beg when people are eating, he either sits or lays down by your side and waits patiently, and when you give him some he takes it very nicely (no teeth at all)
I take him for a walk every day and for the most part he's good but he likes to stop and sniff too much for me.
When someone walks by the yard he didn't USED to bark, but the chiuauas do and I think he;s starting to pick that up. It started by him running to the gate to see what the other dogs were barking about, and now sometimes he lets out one or two little woofs.

If I pay for training for him do you think it'll even work? Because he has the influence of the other dogs who have NO training at all.. And if I wait until we move out on our own I'm worried it'll be too late to train him.
What do you think on this?

Finding the Essential Dog Training Supplies

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First I have to correct your spelling - it's Chihuahua.

Second - yes - take your dog to training classes. You and your dog will bond and you will be taught to train so you can train your mom's Chihuahuas when you get home.

The thing to know is that you can teach a dog anything.....it's the practice and consistency of the training and commands that will make you and your dog successful.

Good luck!

Dog Training - Three Stages of Dog Training

• Yes, I think classes would help. It seems like you have a very smart dog, however. I am sure that working with him will help alot. I used the article and book below a lot when training my dog, so I recommend checking them both out! Good Luck :)


• dog class is fun for dogs they love it and once you get your dog to training class he'll see other dogs not behaving like the 3 dogs at your house once your dog gets the commands down he'll be more obedient and then you can work with the other dogs at your house and they might start to pick up on stuff your mutt knows yes if you wait to long it'll will be a lot harder to train him hoped this helped :)

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Dog Health Questions: DS: Why dog training classes rarely address behavior issues beyond puppy/beginning classes?

I was just thinking and pondering that all the dog training classes I've seen no longer address behavioral issues pass beginning. Or do yours?

Is there a reason why most dog training places don't address correcting behavioral issues in classes pass beginning classes? Since behavioral issues will most likely also come up pass puppy months and/or a 8 week beginning course, why wouldn't they also address them in those classes? It's weird to me, because I would think they would continue to.

Given, intermediate and advance classes need a lot time to teach new cues/proof old ones but I think behavioral issues should also be addressed. I don't know. Any opinions or experiences?

A Look At Bird Dog Training

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i think the trainers kinda rely on the questions coming from the students.
if they don't have any problems and they are not asked to solve a question,
they don't go there.
my trainers always asked if someone has problems and/or questions.
i have dealt with 4 different trainers.
they adressed jumping, nipping and housebreaking.

Teaching Your Dogs The Basics Of Dog Training

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Academy info?

I live in the St Louis area, and I'm looking into getting into dog training (maybe for search and rescue, I think), and I'm looking for a good dog training academy. I'm aware that there are bound to be the people out here that will be completely against any kind of dog training, even if it's to save lives, but I'm hoping that there might be others that are a little more reasonable.
Also, my Goldie is already almost a year and my Boxer is probably not going to be the most effective dog for this kind of thing, even though she's only 5 months old (she's great, i love her to death, but I'm a realist). What's good? Malinois, Shepherds, Bloodhounds?

Dog Training Basics: 3 Golden Rules

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I took a few courses in dog training. One of which was in the us. The animal behavior college. They have a very good program online, and working with a mentor. It's mostly training you to be an obedience trainer but its a good start and will help you along. They can also refer you to courses you can take in search and rescue training.
Best of luck!

Top Dog Training Tips

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Dog Health Questions: Do you see dog training as a willing partnership between dog and owner?

Why or why not?

Dog Training Collars - A Helping Tool

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Oh yes, of course it is. Dogs are pack animals and do want to know their place in the pack and want to "fulfill" that place. Which is just another way of saying that they want to please...need to please in order to find contentment.
Training is a form of communication. It is how we humans let the dog know what it is we want him to do.
Have you ever seen the expression on a dog's face...no, their whole body...when they"get it"? When they do the thing you want them to do and they know they got it right? As a dog owner/lover,that is priceless!
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Hey everyone...this question doesn't ask whether it is an EQUAL partnership...of course it is not. But are dogs willing to be trained? Yes. It is up to the human to find the right training method for each particular dog because it is the training itself that is the communication. Just because a d dog is obedient doesn't mean that it is being forced. Most dogs WANT to be in a partnership...that makes them willing!

5 Effective Tips For Successful Dog Training

• The wording is slightly off.
  
  "Dog training" is not a "willing partnership".
  
  As bells said, as raising and disciplining a child is not a willing partnership.
  
  That said:
  
  In life/society there are "rules" so all get along. It is not acceptable to wreak havoc ;) Same within each home and family.
  
  If one decides to have a dog join their family, there need to be rules to keep the harmony. Thus dog training.
  
  Proper dog training creates a bond, a mutual understanding, between person and dog.
  
  When the dog is trained, it can be trusted. When trusted, it can "go more" and "do more" with you. It has earned some freedoms.
  
  As TJ referred to the dog sitting in the duck blind with it's person:
  
  Wren, running agility with me. Wren herding sheep. These are willing partnerships. These are activities she thrives on. And being able to do them is the result of training.


• I don't know about the training part, but tell you what, the days spent together in a duck blind are sure a "willing partnership".
  
  edit:
  For the PR advocates, it is impossible to train a dog without using corrections. Even "ignoring a behavior" is by definition a correction. The only thing that changes is how a correction is applied.
  
  edit:
  stacie, WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING AT US ! ! !
  (it's only teletype machines that don't have lower case, and I doubt that anyone is posting on the internet using a teletype machine)


• Willing partnership? Hmmm I don't think so - or at least not entirely.
  These are domesticated animals, they have a pack mentality to a degree - they are happy having someone play alpha in their lives and to establish alpha takes training in obedience at the very least. Even if you do some sort of sport like Schutzhund - the dog had to undergo some sort of basic obedience training and a lot of it is using compulsion of some degree (whether it be food or physical). Because let's face it, no dog is just going to wake up one day, do every command you ask on the first try and continue that way for the rest of their lives - they are still animals, they still have a pack mentality, they will poke around for the alpha position at some point (not all, but some).
  
  Look at people that "train" their dogs for dog fights. The dogs don't generally want to do that and they are PHYSICALLY compelled to do it under extraordinary and cruel conditions - but they still do it. They take that submissive role and they do whatever you want - and I don't think in this kind of a circumstance the dog is actually "willing".
  
  But on the flipside - when you see a dog out on an agility course or even the Schutzhund trial fields and they just look like they are having the time of their lives listening to their master - there is a willing partnership there. It is willing on the owner for putting the time and effort into training their dog for that kind of stuff and there is willing on the dog's part for the simple joy the dog is clearly displaying. Again, this goes for some dogs, not all.
  
  Hope that makes sense lol.
  
  ADD: I just wanted to add something after reading DeeDawg's answer...
  
  I agree that there are some dogs that are clearly forced to do more than just obedience training - I mean there are some dogs that clearly don't even want to be obedient, but they have no choice there lol - I'm talking about dogs on trail fields.
  
  Although I use corrections in my training - I would never force my dog to do something like Schutzhund if he really didn't like it. Even Schutzhund is supposed to be something fun for the dog - so no matter how much I might want to do it, if he doesn't want to then there's no point.
  I use corrections in obedience training because to me he has no choice but to be obedient - especially out on the walk. He has learned everything first with food and then have it phase out - but, since his drive is pretty high, sometimes the food won't catch his attention and then some sort of physical compulsion needs to be used. He KNOWS what is expected so he knows if he does it he gets rewarded and if he ignores it than there is a consequence (pop on the leash).
  
  ADD2: @DeeDawg - sorry, I'm not completely knowledgable about dog fighting (I'm sure you know quite a bit as I'm sure bully breeds are your choice breed!).
  I was reading something the other day about Michael Vick and how he would use like cattle prods to compel the dogs to fight. I think a dog could be scared by such physical compulsion to do whatever it is that you were asking it to do, no?
  Because then you see those pit bulls that were fighting in those dog fights and now they are living in homes with other dogs getting along just fine with no desire to fight.


• I see basic training and obedience as not so much a willing partnership, but a master and underling deal. Simpy put, Im the boss, my dog's the worker. What I say goes.
  For more advanced training (ie, sled/weight pulling, skijoring, frisbee catching, dock jumping, protection, hunting, schutzhund, tracking, etc) I believe a bond must be present between dog and human. These "advanced" trainings require your dog trust you and require you to really know your dog- it's limits, it's likes and dislikes, knowing when it's bored of the training, knowing when it's happy and eager during training, etc.
  Take protection training for eg... as well as police dog training... any dog trainer worth his/her weight will tell you that firstly, the dog must be cut out for it... not any dog can do this type of job or train this way. Secondly,. they will tell you that they have to evaluate and get to know each dog individually before they can truly make training breakthroughs. Just like humans (children is a good eg) everyone learns differently, expresses frustration differently, expresses happiness differently, etc. So to this point I say that yes, a human needs to have a good bond with the dog they are training.


• I see it as a mutually beneficial relationship....we both get something out of the deal.
  
  How willing the partnership is depends on the dog....my chi does everything under duress, because she sees herself as queen of the world. My Westie mix is the "good girl" and will gladly do anything you ask her to do.
  
  None of the dogs get much of a choice, of course - they are stuck with me whether they like it or not, and must put up with the rules and regulations I establish.....kind of like government. :o)


• for my own dogs, and my own training, YES.
  it's not universal though, some dogs are clearly forced to work, or are working just because they HAVE to, to get food, or to avoid correction.
  
  a lot of that has to do with the training method, and the temperament and drive of the dog.
  
  for example, Woodchuck? NO. he's a lazy, useless bum. his drive STINKS. his obediences is good, and yes, he'll comply with anything i say, but not because he enjoys working for me.
  
  for Tank? YES- he LIVES to work. he LIVES for his ball- he LIVES to please me- and so yes, we're a team, and it's a willing partnership.


• yes dog training is a willing partnership between owner and dog.Training creates a bond between owner and dog, it establishes trust between the two. However if you do not make it fun and interesting for your dog he will not want to work because he or she will associate it as a negative experience.


• Sort of. We live together, so if we can have a good relationship, that's great. However, it's not an equal partnership. I bought him. I own him. I feed him, control when and where he eliminates, and when and where he exercises. In other words, I'm in charge of pretty much every aspect of his life. That comes with more responsibility on my part. I'm responsible for his care and protection, and helping him live in a people's world.
  
  That's not equal. That's not to say that I don't think of him as a partner. I hold him accountable for his behavior (for the most part- he's still a dog!) in return for all I give him.


• Yes. At least in my ideal world. I certainly know it isn't that way for everyone, and find that a bit sad. My favorite analogy is that we are a team, and I'm the team captain. I compete in agility, and am working towards competing at the national and international level- you don't get a dog able to do those kinds of courses, at those kind of speeds, by cranking down and insisting on perfection at every little step- that way lies hesitation, a reluctance to try to fear of being wrong, a loss of speed as the dog waits to make sure the handler really wants what he thinks he wants. And yes, I work with trainers who have "been there, done that" at the international level, winning and placing multiple times, and with multiple dogs, so they know what they are talking about.
  
  When I have a puppy, I focus a lot of energy on setting things up so the pup learns what I want it to learn easily, without having to resort to aversives or harsh corrections. Part of my time, especially initially, is spent on teaching the dog to learn, and working on motivation and relationship, rather than specific skills. I've spent money and time on books, seminars, and websites, learning about canine ethology and cognition so that I can better understand my partner and improve my training and relationship. I find it very sad when I can look at a dog and see the various stress signals, and the handler is oblivious, asking more and more of the dog, until the dog disengages, or worse, and then gets blamed for being stubborn, or stupid, or some other fault of the dog. I've taught my dog to signal me when she gets stressed by something we're doing- that doesn't mean she doesn't have to do it, it does mean I can evaluate the situation and make a choice about how or if we work it.
  
  One major reason I see training this way is that I have enormous respect for dogs both as a species and as individuals. They are not automatons, and they have distinct personalities from birth. My goal is to bring out the best that I can from each dog, yes, in the agility ring, but most of our life is spent outside of agility, and I want dogs I can enjoy spending time with and hanging out with. Treating them as willing partners is the most enjoyable way I know to spend time with them.


• I think that dog training shouldn't be willing. I think it should be wanted and that it's highly needed. When you train your puppy/dog, you build a bond that allows your dog to trust you and have them believe that you will always be there for them and that you love them.


• I guess as much as being a parent and disciplining your kids is a "willing partnership"
  
  Whether or not its a WILLING partnership.....eh...possibly. I see it more as...I'm telling you to do something and you DO IT. Whether or not you're willing or want to do it...is irrelevant.


• Yes. I don't do anything my dog doesn't want me to do. He's trained me to scratch his ears, rub his belly, fill his food bowl and fetch a ball. If he didn't want to do those things he wouldn't.


• Dogs are by nature a pack animal and always looks for the most dominant leader, if the person doesn't show the dog that they are the leader the dog will take over that roll


• That's not the point.
  Humans set the rules,teach them & dog complies. Animals don't get a vote.


• well yes, this is teaching your dog to trust you, and understand you

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Dog Health Questions: Police Dog Training Tactics?

Has anyone here been involved with police dog training. If so what were you able to learn from doing that? Anything that is being used for police dogs that I could benefit from as a dog owner?

6 Step by Step Instructions For Dog Training Preparation

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I am a grad student studying Vet & Animal Science. We train all types of service dogs. For the blind, elderly, disabled, hearing impaired, and many more. Its a great way to bond with your dog, improves obediance and sociallization skills. It is very time consuming, but if you have the time, its SO worth it. Anymore questions, feel free to e-mail me. GOOD LUCK:)

Hunting Dog Training Equipment

• My oldest son is a cop and he said they train their dogs commands in German. I guess since here in the US not many people speak it. The dog will only listen to German commands. Hope this helps?............Well thanks for the info Gang, I learned something new! I didnt know why for sure thats why I said "I Guess"


• Well geeeeeeeeee...how about BASIC OBEDIENCE???
  duh?
  
  & using German words for schutzhund is *just* tradition,st.lady. NOT gonna stop a TRAINED dog from chopping YOU or any other "bad guy"! I know hollering PLOTZ ain't gonna drop a dog in it's tracks!


• You may want to check into Schutzhund training - it sounds like something you may like: http://www.dvgamerica.com/


• I don't recommend that you train your family pet with police dog training tactics.
  If you want an obediant dog then there are many training websites that you could check out depending on the level of training you are interested in.


• Most use Schutzhund, a dignified German Police/Protection Dog Training Program.
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schutzhund
  
  It involves bite work, scent discrimination, and protection work.
  
  It is not for everyone, but it is a highly prestigious and competitive dog "sport".

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