Dog Health Questions: Had bad experience with maltese a long time ago. Are Siberian huskys hard to train? What dog should I get?

Well, a few years ago I sadly had a unintelligent maltese, and I was renting so I couldn't keep him. I spent most of my days trying to potty train that adorable maltese, from when I bought it as a puppy until it was about 2 and a half years old, but my roommate got so angry that I had to sell him. I took him to dog training lessons, and he had a severe problem, and as much as I tried to help that sweetie, I couldn't so I gave him to a rescue where they tried to help him. I didn't mind having to clean up, but I don't want to do it again... you know? So I feel ready to get a dog again, and I want a dog that is easy to train. I've done my research and Siberian Huskys, as cute as they are, are supposed to be harder to train, and I don't want messes all over all of the time. I would take out my doggie every hour, and even bought a crate that was his size so he couldn't go potty in it, but he still did, some how. I feel so bad for such a sweet dog though :(. So the question is: is it true that Siberian huskys are hard to train? Has anyone have had good/bad experiences in potty training with them? Also, I'm thinking of that or a german shepherd, or a great dane. My friend has both, and they are great dogs. German shepherds are highly intelligent, but what would you reccomend? I devote myself faithfully and will to my future pet. I excersise daily and jog for a long time, and I could easily do this with my dog. I have had experience with dogs too. My friend is a vet, and has been one for quite a while. Thanks for your true opinion friends!

Dog Training Methods - Different Ways to Teach Your Pet Dogs Some Useful Skills

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I'd recommend starting with an older dog that's already trained. Check out pet finder, the local shelter, or some breed rescues. Also, if you go to a breed rescue, they can help you with the breed itself.

Another idea would be to foster for a breed rescue, basically as a trial run to see if Huskies are the dog for you. If you foster and you don't think they're right for you - at least you've learned and you don't have to give up the dog! Hope I've helped.

And I agree with all of the above. Also, huskies (for the most part) can't be let off leash or else you'll never see 'em again.

Dog Training How Tos - Laying a Solid Foundation

• Cute is not a reason to select a breed.
  
  Siberians, Great Danes and German Shepherds are not recommended for first time owners. Intelligence does not equal trainability. These dogs can often be challenging, especially to an inexperienced owner and I am not referring just to housebreaking.


• I think before you start asking for people's person preferences, you set yourself straight with what exactly you'd like in a dig. Going from maltese to husky is a great change. I suggest you take a few of these little quizzes, and do a little research on some of the dogs suggested for you:
  http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/
  http://www.iams.com/iams/breed-informati…
  http://www.eukanuba.com/EukGlobal/GLOBAL…
  
  In most cases, Siberian huskies and Great danes both are stubborn, and need an experienced owner. I would say the same wbout German Shepherds, as while not necessarily as stubborn, they need a dominant owner that knows what they are doing. You should look for a breed good for beginners, not something that looks cute!


• Get a Parson Jack Russell Terrier.
  They are as smart as a whip, train well, will love you forever and aren't afraid of ANYTHING, big or small.
  
  Great characters!


• Siberian Huskies are not the easiest dog to train. They require tons of exercise and can scale 6' fences with ease. They also can not be trusted off leash.
  
  German Shepherds are smart and because of their intelligence need some one who knows what they are doing.
  
  Why not go to a shelter and get a senior dog that is most likely already housebroken? The average lifespan of a dog is around 15 years, so you would have plenty of time with them.


• husky's are very smart dogs but need alot of time devoted to them, if you are living in a unit??? i wouldnt suggest getting one unless your gonna b home all day because they will become very destrucive, theyre not easy to teach because they are so independant but are very smart but stubborn dogs.
  
  they are very lovable and love you back but need the space and freedom so your house doesnt become a big chew toy.


• If you couldn't educate and raise well a Maltese, the last dog that you could own is a Siberian Husky. They are stubborn, dominant, independent, hard-to-train, headstrong, with a high-prey drive and, did I mencion, NOT for novice owners? Do you realize that half of the dogs in our shelters are Huskies whose owners bought because they were "cute" and then couldn't raise them well? They ended up calling them un-inteligent. Do a little research please.
  
  And oh, PS. GSD?! Are you freakin' kidding me?


• Who should not own Siberian Huskies, people who...
  
  ...don't have fenced yards or some nearby fenced place for them to run off leash. They are escape artists and most cannot be trusted off leash!
  
  ...don't like to walk or exercise, but would also like to keep their house in one piece! A bored husky is a destructive husky! A tired husky is a good husky!
  
  ...can't stand getting dog hair on thier clothes, funiture, carpets, counters, beds, food, etc...and don't like to vacuum. Sibes shed regularly, and twice a year they literally "blow" their entire undercoat out, we are talking bushels or fur here!
  
  ...like to keep their lawns perfect. Sibes like to dig, mine digs for and frequently kills mice and moles in the yard. The lawn looks a bit like a minefield.
  
  ...have small animals, ie cats. Huskies have very high prey drives and although some can be trained out of it if they are raised with animals as puppies, many can not and will chase and kill small animals!
  
  ...don't have a lot of free time to spend with a dog. Some dogs do fine on their own for many hours a day. Most huskies do not. They have a high instance of separation anxiety and often howl, or whine when left alone (not great for the neighbors).
  
  ...are looking for a protective or "watch" dog. They love everyone and since most don't bark much they make lousy alert dogs. They are NOT protective dogs by nature.
  
  ...don't have the time or knowledge to train a "stubborn" animal. In reality they are just very independant and intelligent, but it can seem like stubbornness when you tell them to "come" and they look at you and then walk the other way.
  
  And the most important group of people who should not own a Siberian Husky...those who have not done ALL of the research to find out exactly what the dog will need and if it will be compatible with their lifestyle before getting one!!!! Huskies have a high rate of surrender for some or all of the reasons I mentioned above. My girl was pretty damaged from living in a cage 24/7 when we got her, it took us 6 months to get her to start trusting people, esp men again. No matter what breed you are interested in you MUST read, read, read, and ask questions of current owners, breeders, or trainers that might be able to help steer you towards or away from a certain breed!!
  
  Thanks for being responsible pet owners!


• There are great dog stories and disaster dog stories. Believe it or not, you can choose your path. It does not have to be good or bad by accident.
  
  I highly recommend selecting a guide that will help you make this choice based on just about everything in your life that would affect you and your dog. These guides are really amazing!
  
  Check them out here, and give them a chance. You can be on your way to the right kind of dog.
  
  http://www.rightdog.ebookstogether.com/


• I would not recommend a Siberian Husky for you. The easiest to train and house break would be a Golden retriever, Labrador retriever or even a Collie. These are al great dogs and personally I love the Collies because I grew up with them. My mom used to breed them. They are a great dog very obedient and extremely easy to train. They come is rough coats (like Lassie) or in Smooth coats ( if you do not like the longer hair) Good luck in Finding your Perfect dog.

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Dog Health Questions: Socializing an aggressive dog?

We have a female dalmatian (almost 3 years old, spayed), who has always been the 'queen' of our house. She has always been kind of aggressive towards humans until she gets use to them, and she's recently been acting aggressively towards other dogs, even when they're not even PAYING ATTENTION TO HER. If a dog so much as glances her way, I've seen her show her teeth and growl. I've read countless dog training books, but I have no clue what to do about this. I know about what she does, so every time gets near another dog, I completely freak out and don't know if I'll be able to control her, what she's going to do, and I'm terrified that she's going to hurt another dog.

My sister just got a yellow lab (female, spayed) from the shelter, and she's only about 10 months old. She says that she's only showed aggression once toward a large man, and she's coming this weekend to visit... and wants to bring the dog. She's acting so overly-confident about the two dogs meeting, even though she knows about the dalmatian's issues. I'm basically just angry that she's bringing the dog into the house -- she knows about our dog, and she hasn't had the lab for long enough to know if she's also aggressive towards other dogs. Anyway, I think she's going to bring the lab regardless of what I say, and I'm so scared. I've seen Penny (the dal) show aggressive behavior towards dogs who aren't even threatening her, so I'm scared that she'll attack Sunny (the lab) even if she ISN'T aggressive towards Penny.

Is there any way to introduce these dogs so that they won't eat each other alive? It's gotten to the point where I'm too scared to even take her to petsmart or places like that that we use to go to. Too many people think a dalmatian is cool -- kids and people with dogs just run up and try to grab her and pet her without even THINKING that she might bite them, and so I don't want to take the risk of some little kid getting hurt....

Do I introduce them through a fence so that they can't bite each other at first? Do I have to take them out of our house (off her territory) for them to meet? Should I be around, or just my sister? -- I've seen those dog shows that talk about how the owner's emotion transfers to the dog. Could it be that since I'm SO afraid of her biting a dog, that's making her scared and more on-edge? Also, my sister is much more dominant towards her. With everyone else, she'll jump all over them, but with my sister... she walks into the room and penny is all ears back and sitting away from her. I REALLY REALLY need help with this, can someone please tell me what to do?

How to use the Remote Dog Training Collar

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you should walk them together ... not even let the lab in the house before a really long walk ... do not let them sniff or near each other and walk for at least an hour ... and keep walking ... do not slow or pause for anything (well unless they have to pee but don't let them sniff about, only stop if they suddenly stop to pee) ... when you turn around to head back and the dogs should be a bit calmer at this point, you can allow them to meander a bit and maybye a sniff but just quick and keep moving ... a 2 hour walk is enough to tire most dogs a bit and you can judge what their behaviour is like ... the dalmation should enter the house first on leash and then the lab into the house on leash ... i would never leave them alone together and hopefully both dogs have crates in case they need to be separated ... it is possible ... i work as a dog walker and have had my share of aggressive dogs ... a super long walk and the right introduction works wonders ...

Basic Dog Training Commands - Improve Your Dog's Behavior

• You keep an aggressive dog away from other dogs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! until you have gained control of the aggression by hiring a trainer to tame the aggression!
  
  I have seen so many Dals turn aggressive. It is due to improper breeding thanks to the movie, "101 Dalmatians". They, like so many breeds, have been ruined by BYBers who do not follow proper breeding tactics..


• I really think its a bad idea. You need time to change the behavior and by forcing this so fast you may end up very far behind what she is today.
  
  If you go through with this have a 24 hour emergency clinics number on hand in case its needed.
  Most intros are done on neutral area(park or street not walked/owned by either one of the dogs


• Well...without reading your entire message since its the size of a book. I can tell you Dals are one breed that have been overbred by sloppy BYB's for profit. Thanks to remake of the movie 101 Damations a resurgence occured where there are many dogs out there with questionable health and tempraments. Much like pit bulls, a correctly bred Dalmation is NOT HA!


• This dog has shown HUMAN and DOG aggression so NO these 2 dogs should not be introduced PERIOD.
  
  YOU need to take precautions with her and MUZZLE her while your out so she cant harm anyone.
  
  Get yourself a good trainer also.
  
  You should also look at getting insurance because if she does bite someone you WILL have a law suit on your hands.


• Well ..."Could it be that since I'm SO afraid of her biting a dog,
  that's making her scared and more on-edge? ", ... is a strong possibility.
  Dogs DO 'pick up' on your feelings. If you're uneasy she WILL know it.
  Have you made it clear to her that her aggressive behavior does not please you.
  I mean real clear. In this situation, judicious hitting is not inappropriate.
  
  As to a new pup visiting:
  * Will she recognize the Lab as a pup and settle for dominance?
  DO expect her to be sure of her 'Boss Dog' status on her own turf though.
  Some aggression, though not violence is to be expected.
  If the pup submits, there should be no problem, but both of you should
  stand ready to intervene, each with her own dog.
  * A lot depends on the 'introduction'. If she knows and accepts your sister,
  and witnesses a 'greating ceremony' between you, your sister, and the new pup,
  it goes a long way toward establishing the pup as 'family'.


• Groom your dog regularly. Give lots of treats. Introduce her to new people slowly. Teach her to heel on a leash. Then, you can move on to other dogs.

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Dog Health Questions: How can I help my dog be comfortable around other dogs?

I have to explain a little bit first. My 3 yr old cocker spaniel Daisy used to be a I love people and dogs kid of dog. We took her to dog training classes at petsmart and later took her every time we took our new dog to his puppy classes there too. She was a very well balanced dog minus the happy cocker spaniel peeing when new people greet her. She was just fine with dogs until our neighbor in a townhouse moved in with a Great Dane. We had a 6' privacy fence between backyards, but the dog could still look over it when he stood up on it. The great dane would often attack the fence when Daisy was out. I made it a point never to leave her out longer than it took to use the bathroom. We've moved from there but she not has a problem with other dogs.

When any new dog (not ones she already knows) comes into our yard she goes crazy acting like she's being attacked or just got hit from a car. But at the same time she's not running away she's running after the dog. It's not a aggressive bark, but a almost cry like she's hurt. I can't even take her to petsmart anymore because she's too nervous. What can I do?

Dog Training - Instructions to Train Your Dog

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I'd contact a trainer to get some specific tips for your situation. If your dog is 3, this has gone past just some shyness and become a habit. That is going to take more work to change. There are a lot of ways to socialize, but unless you have spoken with a trainer to identify what is going on for your dog, it's kind of trial and error with different techniques.

You could also try taking a class with your dog. If there is anxiety behind it, giving your dog a clear message that YOU are dominant also gives her the message that she's safe. In a class she can learn to focus on you & your commands, even with other dogs present, which should show some improvement in the anxiety. There are a big variety of classes, so it doesn't need to be general obedience, it can be a more fun class if you want.

One more thing I'd suggest is not bring your dog to the house. If your dog is anxious about other dogs, having one come into her house might overwhelm her & turn on her protective response even more. And then it's going to be hard to get her to listen or to calm down. Can you meet at a neutral place, maybe go on a walk together or go sit ona park bench and talk or something? Hope this helps Veronica and Daisy

Why Is Dog Training The Best Thing We Can Do For Our Dogs?

• Get another dog, or bring your friends dogs over.. they have to be friendly nice dogs and show her that dogs are okay and they wont hurt her.
  when shes around them long enough then she will get used to them :D

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

My pure bred chocolate lab will be a yr. old tomorrow nd has yet to learn to walk and come. I think she is retarded....is that possible?? lol......i need help, she is a good dog but i cant get her to do these two things, please help!!

Using the Right Dog Training Treats

Recommended Answer:
Your dog probably thinks she has you trained very well!

Go to the library and find books on dog training and obedience. There are a lot of different methods that are used and have been used.

Research trainers in your area. Did you get her from a breeder? Ask for recommendations - ask your vet as well. Find a beginning obedience class, sign up, attend, and do your homework.

One of my favorite things is the "Nothing in Life is Free" theory - your dog must do something before you do something. She wants to play? She has to sit. She wants food? She has to down-stay. She wants to go for a walk? She has to sit and stay until you're out the door and you call her. I found that this is good for me to practice obedience and training with my dog between and before classes.

Happy birthday to your lab! If you take her to school and practice with her all the time, she'll be a perfect angel by her next birthday! Good luck!

Dog Training and Why it is Important

• Perhaps schedule an appointment with the vet or a trainer. A lot of animal training places do evaluations (free) ...so perhaps schedule one of these, and see whats wrong with her. Good Luck:)


• maybe petco but i have herd that they are kinda bad but not sure.. um well u could try saying it over and over... or commanding!!! well good luck!!!!!


• With any animal to train them you just need to take the time and have patience. We have been trying to train my roommates dog better and he responds well with treats. If she does not walk well on a leash some say use a choke chain. I do not believe in them myself but when I walk mine he has some issues but i just try to keep him close. I also reward him when he does good. The other dog is now learning to do things when told also. If you are concerned about her over all a vet might be able to give you more info by checking the dog out. If it does not follow voice commands could be a problem with hearing.


• A lot of the time its not so much that the dog is not smart, but rather the fact that we havent dedicated as much time to teaching the basics. I have a 1yr old Akita/Chow mix. At first, he would not listen for the life of him. 4 months of working on it - he still refused to sit when told. I started the training classes and let me tell you - they work wonders.
  Come to find out, it wasn't him not being able to learn - but ME not knowing how to teach him.
  Now- he's always the center of attention when people come over b/c he learned a lot more than just sit.


• It is all about the owner....not the dog. You are not spending the time with the dog and/or using proper techniques to train it.


• Take your dog to Obedience School. They will teach you how to teach your dog different tricks and how and when to reward them. It really helps.


• walking and coming are basics just look it up on google for techniques on training. the important thing is to be consistant and make sure that you reward. with 'come' , for about a week or two only call him 'spot, come!' when its already started to come towards you, then treat him. that way they get used to hearing those words and doing that action and it might help a little. another thing is use a long retractable leash and let them go away and get interested in something. then call them 'spot, come!' if they dont turn and come in less than one second, tug them and run backwards (while encouraging them and stayin gall happy) till he gets to you, then treat them. eventually youll say "spot- (he looks at you and waits for you to say come) - come!" and then hell come. remember to run backwards it helps them keep focus on you.


• You should start seriously training him ASAP. There are some really excellent dog obedience training courses out there that you can use. Be careful though - there are some pretty bad ones too. Here's one I recommend (a ton of people have had success with this one):
  http://www.dogobediencetraining123.com/course

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Dog Health Questions: Could a kid dog train for agility for her dog and compete with her dog in the dog agility?

like take the dog to the agility show

Advanced Dog Training Goals - It Pays to Think and Plan Ahead

Recommended Answer:
I was 9 when I started training and competing. Sure made some stupid mistakes back then, but I learned from them.

7 Most Believed Myths About Dogs And Dog Training Dispelled

• Yes you can, and many places have junior competition as well so you can compete against other kids interested in the same thing you are. As long as the dog is obedient to you, you should have no problems entering competitions. Good luck!!!


• Yes - and lots of kids do.


• Yes. Try joining a 4H or dogscouts group that does agility. Many kids of adult competitors get started fairly young, often on an experienced dog, which makes it easier for the kid. If you want to start from scratch, I suggest you find an experienced person or instructor to help you get started- training is not always easy, or obvious, and is a long term project- plan on 6-12 months minimum to get you and the dog ready for competition.
  
  If you are old enough to participate in this forum (???) I can say that with some good instruction you may do very well. A 13 year old I know won numerous events at the CPE nationals recently, and a 17 year old won USDAA Steeplechase and Grand Prix nationals last year, just won regionals again this past weekend.


• Yep, kids can run their dogs in agility. You would be called a Junior Handler. There are many kids / young people competing in agility and doing really well.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training treats..?

My puppy doesn't have a very large appetite i guess. Hw doesn't like any of the three very different treats we have bought him for training. Any ideas? Cheese, carrots, hot dogs????

5 Basic Dog Training Mistakes

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I use the Natural Balance logs for treats just cube them up small, I also use Solid Gold treats, or Wellness treats broken up.

Also once a pup has learned a behavior I would start "fading" the treats - ie the first two time a pup does a requested behavior treat and praise, the third time praise only, the fourth time treat and praise..end of session. Mix the order up so that the pup doesnt get wise to when treats appear. Ive been training agility with my dogs for over 12 years and nobody expects a treat each and every time but they do get verbal praise everytime they do a behavior correctly...even when Im running a course and the praise is a simple YES!!

Show Dog Training - Be A Winner!

• They love Roast chicken pieces if you can be bothered and one of the best is cabana sausage or liver treats as usually they will take your arm off for these.You need to try everything you can to find the right one and you will give it time and patience.
  Personally l do not like many of the Commercial treats so resort to some of the above but each puppy and dog is different and one of my Show dogs is not a fantastic eater but loves human food like chicken or sausage or something r eally yummy.Try try try until you succeed!


• don't give dogs cheese. it isn't good for them- most dogs are lactose intolerant, and whether or not he has diarrhea, i'm willing to bet that he feels bloated after cheese! hot dogs have terrible things in them and aren't good for dogs OR people. plain boiled chicken pieces are a good treat though, and you can always use carrot or apple for a treat. i have a dog who goes nuts over sweet potatoes too.
  
  the best thing you can do is just take kibble out of his daily ration, and train him when he's hungry!


• see when i trained my pug when she was a puppy i never gave her treats because of the of the simple fact that if you do that to them they'll expect a treat every time and sooner or later it will get to the point to where i will stop buying it treats, so best treat is to love them scratch them rub there belly just simple physical attention you know they love


• You know, if he is not responding to the treats then I suggest using very small pieces of what he DOES respond to. By very small, a sliver is enough. As long as they get some kind of reward they are fine.
  
  So test him. If it is cheese, use cheese. Just be real stingy with it.


• I started out with treats but the truth is he will respond just as well with Love and Praise. Use his favorite TOY as a reward. Most people will reward their dog a treat after several tries and even if the dog does nothing to deserve it.


• cat treats work great
  
  all they need is a taste. not a whole hotdog. or even 1/8th of a hot dog.
  
  the smellier the better!
  
  I use those whisker lickin treats. the tender moments' ones
  any small, smelly treat will work


• Lots of dogs enjoy carrots, but I also cook up a batch of chicken (buy it when it's on sale) and freeze that in small batches. Then, I always have a healthy treat - which they LOVE - available.


• I've used cheese sticks and hot dogs to much success...but recently my dogs have fallen in love with the Wellness beef jerky treats, they just can't get enough! I'm ok with that too since they are all natural.


• i accually used her dogfood, feed her like half her breakfast, then use the other half as treats

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Dog Health Questions: Can I Tell if my dog has some wolf in him?

I have a two year old alaskan huskey. Upon bringing him to the vet i was told that he might be part wolf. A similar comment came up when i was at a dog training class.

From what i no, wolf and wolf hybrids are hard to train and usually don't make good pets because of their instinctual hyarchy nature. Is there any sure way of knowing whether or not he has wolf in him, and if he does should i be worried about it?

Dog Obedience Schools - How to Get Free Dog Training by Learning What's Taught at Obedience Classes

Recommended Answer:
Bad info, I disagree.

Wolf and wolf hybrids are pack animals and very, very clannish - which means they must be part of the human family. I cannot begin to to stress that must enough. I have read horror stories of these dogs being chained up and having to be put to sleep.

That said. I have owned two wolf hybrids. They were both very,very smart and well behaved. We made both of them part of our family and my ex husband trained them both. One was hit by a car, so she was not living with us that long.

The other was a great escape artist - I had to put her in a cage and then lock her in using a wrench that she could not remove from the cage. She would open the door if it was not locked. T

She lived in the house with us, but when she had her only liter of puppies we put them in a coop to keep them out of the house during our work time. Some time after it was built, we found her climbing over the six foot fence so we knew we were beat and did not try to keep her contained any more. We had her spayed.

Having said that I will tell you a little more. Fluffy, our rough stuff Fluff as we nicknamed her, had eyes that glowed in the dark. She loved all of our kids, she helped find the lost hamsters when they got loose in the house and never harmed them. She did catch a mouse outside once and it was kind of gross, but that was the worst thing I saw. She played tag with the neighbor's cat. She was the BEST dog we had and we all miss her. She lived a long and good life.

No lies, here. Other people have had problems with their wolf hybrids, but we did not and I think it is because we already had another dog when we got her and both were part of our family.

Buying An Electronic Dog Training Collar Doesn't Have To Be Shocking

• Canine DNA test


• You already have the dog and love him. So nevermind what they said about wolf hybrids. Just do your best to train him. I'd stick with telling people that he's husky just incase wolf hybrid is on the BSL where you live.


• A DNA test will tell you & no I wouldn't worry just take necessary precautions. I would look up a wolf hybrid breeding & talk to them about training etc if he is part wolf.


• I wouldn't worry at all. You had him this long so he is fine...
  
  My in-laws have a Malamute/wolf hybrid. They got him from a breeder who races in packs. He is a great dog most loyal dog i have ever seen he was hard to potty train and he does dig an awfull lot but I think that is the Malamute in him..Any who its okay. Dont worry about it.


• Well, does he like to hunt and kill birds or cats? I had a part wolf and chow and he was stubborn.... played stupid, but I knew he was very smart, and he was very easy to potty train. (a sweet heart to me and other people) but very loud and hard to control, and he had an independence about himself, not the type that would like to cuddle (kept to himself, except when I had food, lol), and he was very dominant because we also had another dog that was lab and pit bull mix and he was a biter, but was afraid of Harley(aka the chow wolf) and Harley never bit a human being. I loved him and he made a great pet for me. I unfortunately had to get rid of him because the neighbors kept on complaining about him (they said he was too loud, lol), and the police loved him too, lol (he was a little charmer). Oh and he was fixed, so I wonder what he would have been like if he wasn't, lol.
  I don't think that you should be worried about him being part wolf.


• It really depends on what percentage of wolf is in him. For example 10% wolf is going to retain more dog instincts and modern dog traits then lets say 50% wolf or higher.
  
  The wolf hybrids I have been around that were 50% and higher really had a much more hectic personality then the 10% hybrids.


• DNA Test WILL NOT show if your dog has any wolf in him or not...in fact the DNA tests are only proving to be more of a joke than anything else (and an expensive one at that). DNA testing does not work on wolf dogs. There is no way to be 100% sure as many times people breed GSDs and Malamutes to get a VERY wolfie looking offspring that they pass off as wolf dogs.
  
  This pic is a Malamute GSD cross see how wolfie it looks, people could easily say OMG thats a wolf no doubts! But it's 100% dog.
  
  http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/13_…
  
  Alaskan huskies (being a mix of many times Shepherd and Mal or Sibe) sometimes end up looking wolfie...
  
  Both of my wolf dogs have to be kept in check and do test me for alpha on occasion. They were more willful than even my Siberians to train, but it's not impossible. They, like my Siberians, are very pack oriented, can try to be houdini's (no escape artistry isn't strictly for the wolf dog...), they actually parallel the Siberians in many ways, but in many ways they can not ever be treated as "just another dog"....


• Adam I would suggest going to yahoo groups and joining one of the wolf/wolfdog email lists there. WDZ, WDA, or WDC.
  
  for the rest of you, dogs and wolves are the same species and were reclassified as such in 1993. Hybrids is a misnomer and as such you do your canines a disservice in continuing a stereotype.

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Dog Health Questions: My dog is being hyper-active during Agility training. What should I do to calm him down?

I have an 8 1\2 months old Australian Shepherd, he is very friendly to everybody & to other dogs, trained & well-behaved at home. He usually gets 2 long walks and a play with his friends everyday. He is currently attending agility classes 2x a week and a basic obedience course (that makes him 3x a week at Dog School). On trainings, as soon as we enter the training ground, he starts to get wild, he barks a lot (w\c is unusual for him 'coz he' s so quiet at home) he jumps on me and is not following the "sit, stay & come" commands (stuff he knows already). I always end up having a short training time with him on the field 'coz of his behavior. But as soon as we are out of the training ground, he is back to his "well-behaved" attitude. I don't know what to do or what's wrong with him. Anybody, pls advice.

Important Dog Training Information

Recommended Answer:
First, it's impossible for anyone to say for sure. That's because the appropriate tactics/approach depend upon WHY he's behaving this way. And there could be a couple of reasons why he's behaving this way:
--lack of focus
--fear/over-stimulation
--lots of drive
Depending upon which it is, the appropriate answer is different.

For lack of focus, check out the Deb Jones books and DVD's "In-focus." Do a lot of shadow handling and flatwork first. Expose him at a distance and work on focus/control. Don't do leadouts. Don't ask him to wait at the start line--walk on up and then GO!!!

For fear/over-stimulation, check out Leslie McDevitt's book "Control Unleashed." Do the Karen Overall relaxation protocol. Work on socializing with other dogs. I also wonder if the behavior is the same with the obedience class as it is with agility. Or if you train all 3 classes at the same location (and if not, if behavior is a bit different). The fear/over-stimulation issue, it could be a number of candidates that are pushing his button. And until you know which one, you don't know how to build up his tolerance for it so it no longer sets him off. I'd also video yourself--I found out that my nervous dog was losing it as a novice when my cues were late or confusing.

Lots of drive--don't use toys or tugging, rely on food (which tends to relax) during class. Don't try and run a full course--just run 2-3 obstacles, reward and end. Don't run him until he loses focus and control and zooms, run him and reward when he's still under control. Do use leadouts. Do cue early and clearly(a high drive dog can get frustrated and lose it when cues are late).

Second, I know you say some of the bad behavior happens as soon as you enter the school, before you even make a run. Well, he's associating whatever it is (the chance to do what he loves, exposure to what he fears, something that he loses focus on) with the school or on the grounds. Any chance of doing a private lesson on the grounds when no-one else is there? Take him there on lead and just practice heeling and focus?

Third, get the Susan Garrett DVD "Crate Games." Trying taking him to the grounds and just practice crating him, control and focus. Reward for good behavior in the crate, open it up but he has to stay, call him out and reward, send him back in, reward for good behavior.

Dog Training Tips - Rules for Dog Trainers and Dog Owners

• Work on his obedience while you are waiting your turn on the obstacles.
  
  He needs to learn that the commands apply there as well.


• Agility dogs do better when they have the basic obedience commands down pat before moving into serious agility work. It sounds as if your dog is associating the agility ring as playtime instead of work time. I recommend working more on the focus cue which is part of basic obedience training. Good luck. It will all come together with time and consistency. If you anticipate him misbehaving he can sense that tense energy and will misbehave.


• He's very excited - in agility you want them to be this way, though you also want them to obey commands! I would take some time during the week to bring him to the course and training fields and work with him. Like Spooky Basset said, he needs to learn that the commands are supposed to be okay even when at the training ground when he is excited.
  
  I would also try walking him once before the training - that may calm him just enough to get him to obey. My dog used to go nuts when going to her class and walks (plus more frequent visits) got her to calm down almost instantly. Maybe you could go early and work on commands before the class even starts?


• That is not at all uncommon and is something you WANT as it is good that he enjoys the training but YOU need to learn from the instructor how to direct this wonderful excitement and use it to get him to be a top agility dog! You need to learn how to direct his energy, not inhibit it!
  
  Think about this... in a competition situation he will be EXTREMELY excited -- if you train him while he is in this high excitement state, then in competition he will be marvelous. In schutzhund we actually work hard at getting a dog more and more excited so that the training is done and perfected while the dog is VERY excited (as it will be automatically in a trial situation) so that they know the commands and will follow them regardless of how excited they are. Same holds true in agility - as the dog competes he will automatically be extremely excited in a trial -- you will be way excited and this will pass to the dog so it is important that the dog learn to follow your cues while he is way excited.


• Hi there, i also have an aussie who LOVES agility but occasionally gets 'the zoomies' from the sheer excitement of it all. His previous agility trainer suggested the book Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt. The book has a definite 'agility' slant to it, and yet the information is useful even for those who don't do agility and want better behavioral skills from their offleash dog. Dogwise.com carries it. Another thing we would do, since it was practice not competition, was arrive early, and let my dog run around, sniff, and get comfortable being there before class, and that worked well.

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Dog Health Questions: Help with dog training??

Need some advice for training my 5 month old puppy?? She doesnt listen hardly ever she does what she wants....Does any body know of any good books that can help any any good tips that worked for them...I need help I just want to enjoy my puppy and have good times wit her...by the way she is a mini yorkie....PLEASE HELP ME

Clicker Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
If this is your first time training a dog, you are best to join an obedience class and get hands-on instruction. The feedback from an instructor is really valuable.

5 Tips to Choose Effective Dog Training Courses

• Here ya go check this out:


• The best thing you can do is to invest in some obedience classes. There the pup will get socialized as well....You can always go to your book store to look at some books on training but the best thing to do to have years of enjoyment with your buddy is Obedience classes.


• I haven't read this book but it was recommended to me to be vary useful and lots of great or different kinds of ideas about all training its call Training dogs(or puppies) for Dummies. Yea its one of the millions of those Dummies books but i was told it was very good. Good luck hope this helped


• I have trained dogs for seven years and we have raised puppies for about twelve years, and one book that we would always send with our puppies was the book Super Puppy. It is very user friendly and easy to understand.
  Good luck!


• There are some great programs on the internet for dog and puppy training as well as any pets in general. You can see alot of the best ones on this site.
  
  http://www.pettraining101.com
  
  They have all of the top selling ones listed so you don't have to search all over the place. I always suggest doing your research online and reading as much as possible before going to an actual dog trainer. Most people really can do it themselves and save alot of time and money this way. After all, you are the one that needs to build a communication link with your dog! That is all training really is. Good luck!


• First rule of puppy training. Patience. You also need to establish yourself as alpha. In other words, establish dominance.
  
  No matter how cute her puppy eyes are, if you tell her to sit, you then pick her up and make her sit. Even if it's just for a second, you have proved to be the boss. Good thing with small dogs is that they are easy to pick up and put where you want them. Bad thing is they are often allowed to get away with murder because they are cute.
  
  If she is doing something you don't like, and a loud NO doesn't do it, try throwing a handful of pennies in an empty clean soda can. put tape over the hole, and every time you say no, simultaneously shake the can. The noise may be enough to break through her puppy ADD and show her you mean business.
  
  Also, training is not immediate. Even if one day she is responding perfectly to all commands, this in no way means she's trained. It does indicate progress, though. Puppies have bad days just like we do. When this happens you just have to be just as firm with the corrections, and extra lavish with the praise.
  
  If one day during the training session the puppy seems bored, do one last command that you know she can do, praise her highly for it, then move on to play time. Some days she'll have more attention span than other days, and going with the flow will serve your purposes best.
  
  If you consistently work with her for at least an hour or two a day (not necessarily at one time), a year from now you will have a perfectly trained puppy. Then, even once she's well trained, make it a point to put in an hour here or there a few days a month to reinforce the training with more sessions.
  
  Good Luck!


• Puppies pretty much do what they want but now is the best time to train them. All dogs can learn you just have to be willing to be patient with and train them.
  
  I am sure there are several books on the market that can help you.
  
  Good Luck

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Dog Health Questions: What is the best dog training school to get certified from? Preferably in Georgia and not ABC.?

I have heard horrible things about ABC dog traing

Dog Training DVD, A Great Investment in Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
I dont know about school but i can give u a link of online training

http://www.reviewlocator.com/reviews/sec…

Dog Training Tips

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Dog Health Questions: Uses for a whistle in dog training?

I don't mean a dog whistle, like a whistle used in sport games.
I was thinking of using it for long distance training, to make her come back when she's too far away to hear me calling.

How can I teach her to do this?
Are there any other ways that I could use a whistle for her?

She's nearly fully trained, and when she goes off lead, she will come back when she's called but she can't always hear me, my voice isn't very loud.

Crate Training Your Dogs - Ultimate Dog Training Method

Recommended Answer:
By reward. Every time you go to feed her, take the whistle with you. While she's eating, or just before, blow the whistle. Do this for about a week or two probably, then try blowing the whistle (without food) when shes at a distance, if she comes, she's ready. But I would reward her with her favorite treat upon return at the whistle. She will start to associate the sound of the whistle with the food. Hence, she will return.

Hope this helps. =D

Dog Training: Tips and Tricks the Professionals Use

• I would say just use the whistle for the come if you want. You will have to take the time to teach her what it means. Could be useful. Or you could make the whistle mean to lie down where she is. Our Border Collies have an automatic down and will down where they are when we tell them. Makes it nice if we meet another dog on a walk or a car is coming and we can call them individually back. You could make it mean anything really.


• well u blow into the whistle then u call your dog or keep blowing until she gets annoyed, other ways u can use a whistle are to get your dogs attention when he/she is looking away, to keep your dog moving while running,and to keep your dog focused.good luck!

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Dog Health Questions: How does a whistle work with dog training? A silent one or a "normal" one?

How does one use the whistle when training a dog? To tell him "what to do" (blowing the whistle, and saying the command come, for example) or "what NOT to do", lets say if the dog is nipping your trousers legs and you want him to stop?

Dog Training Devices - How Using One Can Help Correct Stubborn Dog Training Problems

Recommended Answer:
The whistle is better utilized for distance work when your voice may not be heard as clearly. I hate silent whistles...if I cannot hear it, I cannot be 100% sure that my dog did and I cannot therefore correct a mistake or disobedience!
Stay with voice commands for now. Hope I helped!

Do You Need Dog Training Tools When You Train Your Dog?

• You don't need a whistle!! just basic training
  I heard that silent whistles can hurt dogs ears!
  When the dog nips at your trouser legs say No! (not yelling but firmly)
  and walk away with no eye contact.


• I have a standard whistle only used for one thing - far away recall.
  
  If you are looking for something to make noise when he does something good - then try a clicker.


• I agree with Greekman on this, I hate silent whistles too. I bought one and it didn't work. Stick to commands, or at least, audible whistles.
  
  I only use whistles for "come" when the dog is far away.

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Dog Health Questions: Special dog training help information needed please?

I would like to train my dog to do everything from sit to being the ears for my deaf son.

I would love for some information on the best dvd or books or anything that would help me do this.

I live in Ireland and as I am aware of, there is no DEAF DOG training here.

Thanking you in advance.

Easy Dog Obedience Training Can Be Done at Home With a Do it Yourself Dog Training Program

Recommended Answer:
PLZ VISIT THE SITE BELOW.

HOPE IT HELPS

http://www.reviewlocator.com/reviews/sec…

Dog Training Collar Aka Shock Collar Buyers' Guide

• Look on the webe for Canine Partners. They train dogs for disabled people, whether this includes the deaf or not I don't know but I am sure they will be able to help or advise one way or another.
  
  Good luck


• Secrets To Dog Training
  
  http://ponyurl.com/ktx6g7

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Dog Health Questions: What is the best dog training book you would recommend?!?

Dog Problems (Howell Reference Books) (Paperback)
by Carol Lea Benjamin

The Perfect Puppy (How to Choose Your Dog By Its Behavior) by Benjamin and Lynette Hart

Second-Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet (Howell Reference Books) by Carol Lea Benjamin Any of the Dog Training for Dummies books!

Using the Right Dog Training Treats

Recommended Answer:
Keep It Simply Simple book. Puppy Training

Dog Training and Why it is Important

• I don't care for Carol Lea Benjamin's training books. I like her fiction, though.
  
  I prefer Patricia McConnell : "Family Friendly Dog Training, a Six Week Program"
  
  Benjamin is way out of step with the latest studies and advances in training. In her day she was the top of the line, but she hasn't progressed with all the information people are learning now about dogs. Patricia McConnell is one of the movers and shakers when it comes to the study of the domestic canid.


• Every dog is different. You know yourself, your dog and your mutual requirements better than anybody else. So the best training "book" is your own experience and discretion.


• Caser's Way by Caser Millan.
  This is not an actual dog training book, but if you can do what they said, controlling and training your dog would be very easy.


• the best dog training book that i would reccomend is one that is wrote about your particular type of dog these can usealy be found in most pet stores such as petsmart all books give you the basics but when you get one that is written for the breed you have you learn so much more about that breed beyond potty training and you also get a chance to really learn about the dog as a whole might i suggest that id you dont already own a dog then go to your local libary and research the types of dogs your intrested in before getting a dog learn befor you get burned is my motto before i get a dog i read everything i can get my eyes and hands on and it dont stop there i continue to read and take advice knowledge is power

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