Dog Health Questions: A question for teen dog owners?

I've always wanted a dog as a little kid, but it's never been the right time for one. Finally, it seems like the right time is not far away. For the past year I've been doing lots of research, I defiantly know which breed I want, how to train it, the right food, etc. I've read almost all dog training books in my library and would be enrolling the puppy in training classes as well.
The only problem is, in a matter of years, I'll be done high school. I'm not too sure what will happen from there, but I'm concerned that I won't be able to take the dog with me, etc. I'm not fully we're i'll be living in a matter of years, etc. Since i'll be doing the main caretaking of the dog, I wouldn't want to leave it with my mom.

So my question is, teen dog owners (and anyone who has been in this situation( who do the main care of the dog, what are you planning to do/did do when you graduate from high school?

How to Locate the Proper Dog Training Program For You and Your Dog

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If you don't know what you'll be doing, don't do it. You cannot just say "Oh well! I'll just leave it with a relative or friend." It is YOUR responsibility. Not anyone else's. My mom loves my dog, but when I was planning on going away, she told me that I would have to get rid of him because she works too much to take care of him (which is completely understandable for her & the dog).

Crate Training Your Dogs - Ultimate Dog Training Method

• I'm in college, and I decided to go to a community college, solely because of the fact that i couldn't leave my dog. My parents are very unreliable, and I could never forgive myself If something happened. If you truly want to enjoy college life, wait on the dog until after you graduate. Regardless, training a puppy is too time consuming to be done during your freshman semester, trust me.


• Ill tell you i had that concern but when you get the dog you will fall in love with it and not want to give him/her up. Its easier to give it to someone you see a lot or a relative so you can visit them.


• Almost all colleges don't let you have dogs in the dorms, which sucks. And you don't want to get one then leave him at home. You may want to 'foster' a dog. There are some programs where at a shelter when they are about to euthanize a dog you can bring it home and help it find a home and keep it a while, instead of being put down. But if you don't want to I can totally understand because you'll have to give it away, and because most shelter dogs are mutts and they may not have the kind of dog you are looking for.

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Dog Health Questions: CAN SOME ONE HELP ME WITH MY CRAZY DOG?

Hi there I have a dog and he is 2 he is a Black Lab crossed with a German Shepard at first he would pull on his lead so I decided I would take him to the dog training classes it was working at the start then a dog tried to bite him and ever since he has never got on with any dogs that he didn't know and we stopped going to the classes because we just stand out side until the class finished and we would go home the woman who done the classes didn't know what to do and he has started baring at people when they come to close (like 10 feet or so) or talk to me this only happens with me he is ok with people when I am not there and my fiance has him out is There any suggestions you have to get him back to his normal self and stop him going crazy Thank you in advance for answering my question

What You Need to Know About Dog Training

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I agree with Mickey, you really need to take him to a proper training class, he is showing fear and aggression and this will only get worse as he realizes this behaviour gets other dogs to stay away, in other works this behaviour keeps him safe.

You need to train him to listen to you and ignore what is happening around both of you. You need to step up and show him that you are the boss and don't like this behaviour. You should also research desensitisation, this is practicing meeting other dogs at a certain distance, and when your dog is relaxed at this distance, then you can move slightly closer to the other dogs. It takes time, but it does really work. Make sure you do not punish your dog, punishment will just teach him that he gets hurt when another dog approaches and often makes dogs more anxious and aggressive.

Read the following website, they have some goods points, don't worry if they mention dog-human or dog/dog aggression as the training out of this is the same.

Dog Training Tips for the New Dog Owner

• seems like your dog is very protective of himself and you. i would suggest watching a show called it's me or the dog on animal planet. or go on animal planet.com for tips. you can also search for it's me or the dog on the internet for specific episodes that will benefit you most


• okay well you could get dog training for dummies if that doesn't work try taking him out in the world like a nice jog in the Morning getting to know everything if that doesn't work try getting your own personal Trainer


• I also had this type of mixed dog. He never use to like other dogs either. What we did was just avoid other dogs. Or you could have the dog trained to ignore other dogs.


• It might be that you are not loving or feeding him enough, it also may be that he has to much excitement or anger inside of him so you must take him on daily walks. If that still does not work take some extra time off and just play with your dog. After that put on some relaxing music and give the dog a special treat. He will now follow and practically be your little servant following you around . If that does not work it might be if you have small children. When I was little my mom had a dog and i freaked him out, so we had to get a gate and eventually he warmed up to me.


• You need a class & the sooner the better, so please find a better class & instructor, not one in a pet store to be sure. If you go to the AKC.org, you can look up training clubs in your area- those instructors will be good as they are the people that compete & they are not for profits, so often cheaper too. Take care of this right away as they problem will not get better on its own. He knows how to push your buttons and it sounds like he is inappropriately protective of you as well.

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Dog Health Questions: Where can I go to school to become a professional dog trainer?

Okay, I'm looking at protection dog training, because I love schutzhund, dogs, and have no problem being the decoy. I'm 17, female, and diabetic. I enjoy doing the bitework and just being around dogs. I'm from Nebraska, so I'm looking for a school for dog trainers either in Nebraska or Iowa. Is there medical insurance if I work with places that professionally train protection/law enforcement dogs? I want to do protection dog training, then go to school to work with wolves in Ely, MN at the International Wolf Center. Plz help?

Dog Training Tips - Equipment Needed

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Ask the people who you are working with to refer you to a program if there is one. Many people who train law enforcement dogs don't go to a dog training school. They start out in law enforcement or in the military working with K9s. The then start taking specialized classes in the training, selection, and management of these dogs. If you can get a government job training these dogs, there is paid benefits.

组合链接

• I was going to recommend you check into animal behavior college. It's a distance learning program, you'll do your pre-clinical work online and the clinical work in a facility near you. There's probably another name for it, but I'm a nurse and we did that pre-clinical and clinical.
  
  I'm not sure what sort of aggressive dog training they do. It could be that's something you will learn out of classes as you enter that area.
  
  Enjoy your career!


• Check with your state universities. Many of them offer dog training. It may be an elective in getting a pysch degree.


• www.animalbehaviorcollege.com


• google it, you will find it pretty quickly!!

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Dog Health Questions: Would you recommend watching a dog show?

on television for getting dog training advice?

If so, which show would you recommend?

And by dog show I mean like "It's Me or the Dog," "Good Dog U" etc.

Agility Dog Training Equipment

Recommended Answer:
Watch the "Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Milan,so you can find out how to act with and around your dog. After your dog respects you, then try "It's me or the Dog" with Victoria Stillwell for training advice. Those are the only two dog shows that I can say seem worth paying attention to. You have to figure out what works for you and your dog.

How to Incorporate Dog Training Into Dog Play and Exercise!

• Yes, I actually would recommend it because when I first got my dog I got a lot of little tips that worked really well from the shows. Especially "It's Me or the Dog." And instead of getting a trainer or going to obedience classes, it's free!!!!


• Hell no. Said shows are far to heavily edited to be of help and give people the false impression that they can train their dogs WITHOUT help when in many cases they should be working a a real trainer.
  
  Watch it for entertainment sure, but certainly not to learn anything.


• No, they are all actors, and the shows are edited. Call your dogs breeder and have them refer you to the local kennel club. Kennel clubs hold classes on a regular basis.


• I don't believe anything I watch on TV, training shows included. TV shows are edited and their primary goal is ratings, not informing.


• sure
  any of them
  get all the information you can


• No, I'd recommend classes with a trainer.

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Dog Health Questions: I need help with dog training .?

I have a long haired miniature dachshund and he is like 1 years old .
And every time we open the gate in the back yard he runs out and we live on a busy street .
I need to know how to train him to stay in the yard .
Please answer :]

Clicker Dog Training Will Make Your Pet the Next Neighbourhood Wonder

Recommended Answer:
teach him the sit and stay method and you could also teach him the barrior method by putting a broom stick about 4 ft away from the gate and every time he goes past it take the leash and put him on the porch. then keep doing that. also i would buy a very long leash where a friend could hold the other end but it must have slack in it and open the gate and if he goes pase the broom with out your call take him back and put him on the porch again. and just keep doing that. but if he does good reward him

Dog Obedience Schools: 4 Tips For Choosing The Right Dog Training Schools

• Well, have a family member hold him down when ever you open the gate and firmly say "Stay" he of course won't go because of the family member. Don't say stay harshly, just firm. Then, give him a treat every 3 times he does this eventually he wil learn by himself to stay. The times he does it right just pet him and say good boy.
  
  Hope i helped!! :c]

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Dog Health Questions: Any help with dog training?

Me and someone I know are going to try and train his lurcher/greyhound cross and although I do know some basic things from my own dogs, I was wondering if anyone could give some advice on how to make the process easier? We're not sure how old the dog is because it's a rescue, although it certainly isn't a pup. I was looking for roughly how long it would take for basic commands like sit and come here, where an ideal place would be, and if we would need any other equipment other than the lead, dog and packet of biscuits for rewards. Unless the biscuits are a bad idea?
Thanks a lot

Dog Training Ebook Review - SitStayFetch

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Reward training always worked well with our dogs. I do not use dry biscuits..I always use soft treats and be sure to tear them into tiny pieces. You can train them throughout the day, and/or in training sessions. Training sessions should be short and then have the time increased. Make sure the dog is hungry when training..the treats then get their attention, and you will get their attention because of that. Only reward good behaviour. Do not yell at them...dogs associate everything...ex: if you call the dog and he does not want to come to you (ignore you or thinks it is a game) do not call louder/yell and then when he does come do not punish...dog associates coming to you with punishment. You won't get him to come later on. Turn and walk away. Do not look at them, do not call them. He will come thinking he is missing out on something. Don't look back. When he comes to you, tell him he is a good boy, pet, tell him to sit, and reward. Everything must be fun, happy, and exciting. Reward for coming to you inside and out. Make them sit before giving them food, or water, or when coming into the house after bathroom break..whatever. This distinguishes you as pack leader, and enforces good behaviour. So much to say..not enough room!

Dog Training and Obedience

• Instead of "biscuits", use small, chewy, easily swallowed treats, like tiny pieces of cut up hot dogs, pieces of cheese, etc. The problem with biscuits is that eating them interrupts the learning process.
  
  You can teach a dog to sit in about 15 minutes. A reliable "come" takes quite a while longer and a lot of work to become dependable.
  
  You need to work in a quiet, distraction-free environment while you are teaching the dog new things, then you can "proof" in a busier place.
  
  *Never* let the dog off lead in a strange place or where you can't easily corral him.
  
  There are lots of good articles (and not so good ones) on the web. Sirius Dog Training has a very good series of training pamphlets/articles that should be accessible via the web.


• Sit is the easiest command to learn so I would try that one first. Just say "sit" and gently put pressure on his hips. If he doesn't learn this in one 15 minute session the process isn't going to be easy.
  Keep trying, keep the sessions short and do them daily.


• Try using a clicker and clicker training, my dogs picked this up way faster then other ways.


• Each breed learns differently and since he's a cross when you begin to train him it could be very difficult or very easy depending on which traits are more prominent and the type of breeds. Perhaps learn a bit about each of the breeds before training so you know what to expect.
  
  An ideal place would be one with few distractions. Just have a treat in your hand and while you've got his attention just push his rump down and the same time saying "sit!" in a firm voice. Once he is sitting give him a treat and a happy "good boy!". Repetition is the key, just do it over and over and over again until he seems to get it.
  
  I'd teach him 'stay' before 'come here' first simply because it's easier for the latter. Teach him stay in the same manner. Make him sit while you have his attention with a treat and then back away saying 'stay!' in a firm voice. If he follows stop, grab him by the collar and say 'no!' and bring him back to the same spot. Tell him sit and try it all over again until he gets it. Then reward him with a treat and a 'good boy!' again.
  
  Once you have those two commands down. Tell him to sit and stay. Then walk across the room and tell him to 'come here'. When he comes to you, you give him a treat and tell him how good a boy he is.
  
  I've found that this is the fastest way to teach them and is also the easiest. It might be frustrating at first if they don't seem to be catching on but as soon as they realize what you want and if they do it they get a treat, they'll be very eager to continue on and it should move along faster. So hope it goes well and good luck! :)


• I would find an open space, like the backyard. For basic tricks, it may take several days, and i would keep him/her off the lead. For ''sit'', you should show him that you have biscuits (yes they are a very good idea :D) and tell him/her to sit, and press on the top of his/her back legs, so he/she sits, and GIVE HIM/HER THE BISCUIT AS HE/SHE IS SITTING. Wait a few minutes, tell the dog to sit, and if he/she doesn't sit right away, press on the back of his/her legs until he/she sits, and reward the dog with a biscuit. Repeat this until the dog sits down when you tell it to. Ta Da! That's my advice. Hope it helps! :D

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Refresher Question?

We got a new dog about 8 months ago, and we feel he has finally settled in enough to hone his training (he was really stressed about the changes for a while, but now he seems comfortable). His previous owners taught him to sit, but that's about it. He's usually a very patient dog.
I'm the only person he really listens to, so he can normally get at what I'm trying to get him to do.
However, I'm having trouble teaching him to "stay."
He is very motivated by the training treats and toys I use, and sometimes he is overeager to do things I ask.
I have confused him- when I ask him to "stay," the first couple of times he ran up to me and jumped up on me. I said "down," and he got down. So I clicked the clicker and gave him a treat. Now he's got it in his head that if I say "stay," he's supposed to run up to me and jump on me, at which time I'll say "down" and he'll get a treat.
He does really well at the "down" part, and I want to reinforce that as a good behavior, but now he associates it with the command "stay."
I've kept the training sessions relatively short (10-15 minutes a couple of times a day), and cut them short when he gets too excited.

Any tips/hints?
I'm trying to get him doing more advanced stuff, but he still has some trust issues, and hasn't totally mastered the basics.

ADD: I don't know how relative this is, but he's a 7-year-old Standard Yorkshire Terrier (about as tall as a large Beagle).

How To Use Dog Training Collars

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Tell him to stay with him on leash, and just curl right around in front of him. Wait 15-20 seconds, then return to his side and release him.
As he starts to settle, increase both the time you leave him and the distance you move from him.
Always return to him after a stay - never allow him to come to you.On separate training times, work on the other commands you want him to do. Given his current confusion, don't training anything else right now with the stay.

The Effects Of Dog Training Collars

• stay must be initially taught on leash with you standing toe to toe with the dog... then work up distance when you get successfull


• Here's another way to look at it.
  
  What you might really want is your dog to maintain his sit until you release him. In effect "staying" where he's put.
  
  So for me "Sit" means your butt is on the ground until I give you the release, no scooting forward, no dropping down, etc. Same goes for our drop. How I did this, once I had defined the cue. I would ask for a sit, and just wait a little bit before clicking and treating. Then I would increase or decrease the time, always wanting her to succeed.You always want to work on Distraction, Duration, and Distance. But only one "D" at a time ;)
  
  ETA: Our trainers have always asked us, why we would want to create another step for our dogs. They already know sit, now just increase duration! That's all I was trying to say...


• Dog training is really pretty easy, if you aren't making any of these mistakes. The mistakes made during dog training are usually a result of frustration or just being forgetful. Are you making any of these mistakes while trying to train your dog?
  
  1. Using Different Cue or Command Words - When training your dog you should always use the same word or "cue" during training. The use of many different words can be confusing to your dog and he will not learn what it is you want from him.
  
  2. Physically Punishing Your Dog During Dog Training - Do you hit or smack your dog when he or she doesn't do what you ask or does something unacceptable to you? Physically punishing your dog only causes your dog to either fear you or can cause your dog to become aggressive.
  
  3. Yelling or Shouting During Training - If you are yelling or shouting at your dog while trying to train, you are defeating the purpose all together. You want your dog to obey your commands in your calm voice. By yelling, you are only going to cause confusion for your dog Always make your commands or cues in your normal, calm voice. Using different tones of your voice is not the same as yelling or shouting.
  
  4. Training sessions lasting longer than 10 to 15 minutes - Your dog training sessions should only last from 10 to 15 minutes. Your dog will not continue to keep his or her attention on you for longer periods than this. You need the training sessions to be beneficial and thinking that your dog will pay full attention for long periods of time is like expecting a toddler to sit in one spot for more than 5 minutes.
  
  5. Forgetting To Praise Or Treat Your Dog EVERY TIME he or she follows a command or acts appropriately - You have to remember to give your dog praise or a treat each and every time he or she follows a command or is acting in the manner you are expecting.
  
  6. Training When In A Bad Mood - If you are trying to train your dog when you are in a bad mood, had a bad day or are not feeling well, your dog will not get the full benefit of your efforts and this can cause you aggravation. It can also confuse your dog Always wait to train your dog when you are in good spirits.
  
  Dog training is an important and vital part of your dog's life. A trained dog is happier, healthier and safer.

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Dog Health Questions: "Release" word for dog training?

My 1 yr old dog and I are going through training and I have to have a "release" word to say when I ask her to do something, she does it, and then I "release" her. I would love to say Good or Yay or Good girl but I'm afraid she's already heard these words so much that it might hinder the connection part of the learning process, which would slow down the learning. Any suggestions?

Competition Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I use OK, but you can use any word you like. Along with other suggestions, you could use:
all done
clever
hooray
nice

Shorter words or phrases are better for commands.

Dog Training Videos - A Great Way to Learn How to Obedience Train Your Dog

• There are a few different kinds of activities you can engage in with your dog that may require different release words. I play tug with my dogs, my dogs also do bitework. The release word for that is "Out", "Pust'" or "Fuss"...depending on the dog and it's origins...Out is usually for us good ole Amerikaners. My dogs are trained so that they stop at the doorway until I release them to go outside: I use "Okay!" for that. Another release is the opposite for when the dog is doing good, that release word is "No", you're releasing them for doing something wrong! Release words can get pretty complicated but for what you're looking for "Okay" is fine!


• I really wouldn't use "okay" but that is personal preference.
  
  I do use "all done" and "finite". Words I hardly ever say.
  
  I have had several people use "good girl" in my training classes, although this does present a problem when you are trying to congratulate the dog and you accidently release them. "Yay" sounds appropriate and is a very upbeat and positive word to use. I may steal that idea =]


• I use a few, actually. When training to sit/stay just in general i treat then say "Very Good" since i don't say that so often. For greeting people at the door i put her in her spot then say "Go say hello" to let her now she can get up and greet.
  
  I don't use "good" or "good girl/dog" because i say that to re-enforce the behavior. Like during a long sit/stay i'll tell her "Good stay, good girl" to let her know NOT to move. She does not move until after i treat and say "Very good."
  
  Release word's to consider:
  
  "Excellent"
  "Nice job"
  "Go greet" or "go say hello"
  "Very good"
  "release"
  
  It can be any word you don't normally use.


• Hey, are you in our class? We covered that last night.
  
  LOL, I've been saying "OK" for nearly 30 years, so I'm not going to change it now. But it you are prone to saying it for other things, then it might not be a good choice.
  
  You could try "All Done"


• I use "okay". Even though that is a word I use in general conversation, using it in a training context as well doesn't confuse my dog - he knows when he is "working", and when he isn't.


• It's best to use a word that won't easily come up...it's so easy to say Good or Yay or even praise (keep that as praise). I used "Free" for one "Finished" for another and "Release" for a third....


• I say "okay" too much to use that. I use "release." It's a unique word the dog doesnt hear unless it's in that situation.


• Definitely "Okay". It's a good distinctive word.


• I was using Okay until my little girl started using it against me. She would release when I was getting instructions from my trainer and I said ok. Now I use "free"


• We just use "release"- it's not a word that is often said in ordinary every day conversation, so it worked fine.


• I use "OK". It is short and used only to release her to go.


• I use the term "Okay!" in a very specific, upbeat manner.


• OUT or OK!
  & no,dogs can tell by tone what you mean.
  
  PS=good on you for enough knowing what a "release" cue IS!!!


• I use one word for release reward, Yes.


• when she has something you dont want her to have and wont drop it you say 'DROP'.
  


• I use the word "Free"


• leave? thats what i use and works well.


• You know what a clicker is? That would be good.
  
  If you don't like that option, then make sure to use a word thats not commonly used. Not to praise her, or not around the house. Use something that is incredibly un-common, but something that she can easily recognize.
  
  One syllable words will be the easiest for her to learn. I know these are kinda random, but they would work because they are easily recognized.
  
  Cake
  Brick
  Clip
  etc...

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Dog Health Questions: Does Anyone know any good dog Training websites or tips?

Ive Just got a new puppy (collie-Cross) but looking for tips on how to train her, google got me so far but most website want cash or dont have much info on them.

Dog Training Collars Are Not All Alike

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

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

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

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

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

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

Considerations When Buying Dog Training Equipment

• Yes-- Spend the money, buy a ten dollar training book and give your dog A LOT of exercise. An excessive amount


• Cesar Milan's books are very informative and his methods really do work. You can get his books on Amazon and he's also on the National Geographic channel


• the internet is really helpfull but u dont want to get to many traning techniques (sorry for spelling) mixed up or u will confuse your dog alot... if u woudl like gbo on youtube and watch THE AMAZING DOG TRAINING MAN and he has a free blue print book he will email you and he is really help full for internet questions,.. he also answers any questions u have personally by emailing him

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Dog Health Questions: Does the Illusion Dog Training Collar Work?

My dog is good on the leash but goes CRAZY when she see's another animal...be it a cat, other dog, horse or cow, she goes NUTS!!! Yesterday during one of her fits she BIT ME!!! Not a very hard bite but it was a bit none the less. Any other suggestions?

Dog Training - A Systematic Approach

Recommended Answer:
It's just a gimmick. Not a substitue for training.

The Effects Of Dog Training Collars

• there is *** NO*** such thing as a *COLLAR* that will do the training for you..............*REAL** training is done by the ADULTS &&& **NOT** kiddies.


• Your dog needs obedience class and a positive rewards based training program like clicker training (you can google clicker training for more info.) not a training collar. The ONLY training device I have ever had work is a gentle leader which works like a horse's halter and control the dog from the nose, not the neck. The problem you are having is dog aggression and poor training, no "miracle" collar will fix that. Contact your local kennel club for their schedule of obedience classes ASAP.


• I would recommend you to reed Cesar Millan books they helped me control my doberman He would go nuts if he saw another dog or if that dog barked at him same with cats and birds and rodents.
  
  and yes i also purchased the illusion collar and it works wonders if you use it with the right energy if you cach my drift.
  
  ADD: I would also try obedience training.


• "A poor workman blames his tools"
  
  It's YOU .....you've given it no training or discipline.
  Any collar will do,when used correctly. Get a chain/slip/prong collar & USE IT RIGHT!!!
  POP & release....whip around in an about-turn,scream at the spoiled rotten maniac...catching the drift here yet?


• I see no reason for all these cute little training collars. They are training tools, if you don't put the effort in actually training then any collar is useless.
  If you can't handle the dog enroll in some obedience classes before someone get seriously injured.

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Dog Health Questions: What kind of dog training method do you use?

clicker training, Koehler Method, Monks of New Skete, Cesar Millan etc.

do you think using a mix of methods works better than just one?

Do You Make These 4 Common Mistakes in Dog Training?

Recommended Answer:
My own. Sorry it doesn't have a name. It just developed over the years and works great for me. I'm sure it is a combination of several methods. Not all methods work for all dogs.

Dog Training Aids - The Leading Dog Training Methods Revealed

• I use my own mix of clicker training without ruling out corrections.
  
  I like the Leerburg Kennels podcasts, personally.
  
  As for what I think works best: I'm working this out for my dog's and my own needs. I think finding a method you can understand and agree with is very important, but not as important as figuring out what will help your dog the best. It won't work, though, if you aren't willing to do it, if that makes sense. So, in my opinion, find out as much as you can and go from there with your head swimming!


• I used here to look for answers, www.so-easy-dog-training. I always made sure my dog understood that I was the leader of the pack and that bad behavior was not tolerated.


• I think the method of training used should depend of the dog itself and the goals a trainer has for that individual dog. I personally use a balanced training program that is positive reinforcement in the "teaching" phase and then I use verbal and leash (or e-collar) corrections to proof the behavior under distance and distractions. I believe that there are EFFORT ERRORS and NON EFFORT ERRORS. If a dog makes an effort error he needs help not corrections. An effort error means the dog is trying and just not getting it right. A non-effort error is when the dog understand what your asking and chooses not to comply b/c he is distracted or is blowing you off... that dog needs a correction to let him know that its mandatory not optional that he complies with your command.
  I like the e collar because it removes all handler/dog conflict and when used properly is less painful than even a flat collar correction. I use it as more of a poke to say pay attention than a lightening bolt up the butt For all those who may read this that are against their use I suggest you check out www.sitmeanssit.com
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  Kelly Hayes
  PetSmart Obedience Instructor
  Obedience and Schutzhund Competitior since '99


• I tell him what to do, if he refuses I kick him in the boll*cks


• Trial and error mainly. I use positive reiniforcement, praising good behaviour to the skies. I ignore bad behaviour as much as I can. My dogs thrive on attention and don't like being ignored. This method has worked beautifully with my young b*tch. I can't say it has been too successful with the male, who is much more of a handful. I have had to lower the bar for him.


• mostly common sense and experience over the decades of working with dogs. No clicker....treats and toys and praise to show what I want and reward... mild verbal corrections, slightly raising the correction until dog responds....

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