Dog Health Questions: Ways I can get my dog to interact with other dogs??

I was thinking of Dog training but I'm having a very difficult time finding a good school (I live in LA) I was thinking of going to my neighborhood petsmart, I passed by there training classes, and the people seemed to be having fun and the dogs did too. but everything the dog trainer was saying I already knew. I can train my dog myself. He is just lacking in one thing... Interaction with other dogs, he gets fine with his other two dog room mates. but I just want him to be calm around other dogs.... should I take him to dog parks???

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One big reason many people enroll their pets in dog training classes is the need to socialize the dog to behave well around strangers and other dogs, and to interact in a well developed way. The training of any dog is ultimately the responsibility of the pet owner, even when the dog participates in a formal class.

A lot of dog socialization issues relate to puppyhood. Ideally, a young pup leaves his or her birth "litter" at seven to eight weeks of age. Most experts agree that this is an acceptable age to separate the pup from the mother and that the young dog is at a point when he or she will integrate comfortably into the new human family and permanent home at that stage of development.

Puppies who remain longer than eight weeks with the birth litter often associate well with other dogs, but sometimes experience disruption in their contacts with humans-- people are often strange or unfamiliar to them, especially if the mother's family members did not spend a lot of time interacting with the puppies. By contrast, a puppy separated from the birth litter and taken to a human family before the age of seven weeks may tend to miss canine interactions which most dogs receive as they grow and develop. Young puppies play together in the litter and they learn how to communicate with other dogs during this formative period.

In real life, and not ideal terms, puppies often leave the birth litter for a human home or a shelter environment a few weeks before or long after seven to eight weeks of age. In those cases especially, formal dog classes involving a number of dogs and their handlers may be very important in assisting a dog to develop and improve socialization skills.

Dog parks sometimes offer a way to permit a dog to interact socially with other dogs, but they can be a potentially dangerous environment if a dog is not already well socialized and/or under the direct voice control of a handler. In order to obtain voice control of a pet, a handler must participate in a very extensive obedience training program with the dog (usually years, not simply a few weeks, in duration). Voice control is defined as the dog obeying every single command of the owner when off leash 100% of the time and most pet owners never achieve that level of control.

Many people take their pets to dog parks specifically to allow the pet to exercise off leash. It can be critically important in a dog park environment to remember that: (1) not all dogs there will be well socialized, (2) some will possibly have bad habits (running away or becoming aggressive with other dogs or people) ,(3) not every dog park restricts small dogs to one enclosed area and large dogs to another and (4) dogs in groups will frequently behave differently than dogs as individuals.

I think you are very wise to obedience train your pet because this process will greatly assist your pet throughout his life. If he requires socialization skill improvement, there is really no substitute for an organized dog obedience group class in my opinion. You can teach your pet obedience commands one-on-one, but socialization is a group process and group dog classes permit a pet to learn to obey your commands in the presence of other, potentially distractive dogs in an environment in which everyone is focused upon socializing one another's pets.

Good luck with your dog training, and best wishes!

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• I teach dog training - but still take my puppies to puppy and beginner classes.
  Just because a human has a parent that could teach them all of the factual knowledge at home doesn't mean that "home schooling" is the best alternative because of the need to develop social skills. IF you don't take your pup to classes then you have to work very had at finding socialization options for your pup. Good day care programs/ nursery schools can be excellent for child development - puppy kindergarten can be excellent for puppy development.


• It depends on how the parks are in your area. Near me, dog parks are full of lazy people who let their dog off the leash and chat with their friends while sitting on benches. My dogs tended to get rushed at by a group of dogs, then picked on.
  
  Edit: Sorry, I changed my mind on recommending what to do. It's better to just not let your dog pick up on others' bad habits.
  
  Maybe you could find some friends who have dogs and get together for walks and doggy play-dates. Start smaller, with people that you know and trust with their dogs. A friend of mine lives in San Francisco - she has some dog-hiking group that they participate in. She also does dog yoga.


• i'd say best way for that is to go to a dog park or a dog beach maybe but keep him on the leash until you can trust your dog around other dogs i'm pretty sure if you go to a dog park there are other people holding their dogs on leashes just go over to them and see what happens you can't make your dog like other dogs its just them being them if your dog enjoys other dogs then you youll be fine but if he doesn't you will know almost instantly i'm pretty sure of it but any signs of aggression just squirt him tell him no and go from there.


• I've seen far too many dog fights break out in dog parks to ever trust them. Too many people bring their poorly trained, under exercised, poorly socialized animals to "let off some steam" while the owner takes advantage of the "time off" to read a book or chatter.
  
  This is NOT a good option for socialization, ever, period, and your dog will NOT "learn to be calm around other dogs" when he's running around like a maniac playing with them.
  
  Look around your area for a small, experienced doggy daycare center. A place that has EXPERIENCE placing groups of dogs together in controlled surroundings. Visit a few and choose the one with the most experienced employees. Notice i keep saying "experienced"? Yeah, that's important - experience will be what helps socialize your dog.
  
  Keeping him calm on walks or outings is all going to boil down to training, though. Training him to keep focus on you, training him to know that barking or bouncing isn't appropriate, things like that. Regular socialization in proper settings will teach him proper boundaries and interactions, but he will still need training elsewhere to keep him calm.

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Dog Health Questions: Help with dog training?

i just got a puppy dachshund a couple days ago (she is about 3 months old)
for the first two days she listened really well and came to me when i called her name (jypsy)
but the weekend is over and i have school so i have to leave her with my dad and grandma
she doesnt even acknowledge me when i call her anymore
how do i make her respond to her name?
and also how do i potty train her? (i think when i scold her for urinating inside she thinks she is just supposed to hold it and not go ever even when i take her outside..)
she is also starting to like my dad and grandma better than me since she see's them alot more :l

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You're probably talking about the porch potty. Porch Potty is a self-cleaning grass litter box for dogs. You can get your puppy one if you like or you could train your puppy to do it outside whichever works best for you.

I do think that whoever has more time should train the dog though. Potty training a puppy takes a lot of patience and time. To help the puppy learn more quickly, do it by routine and by repetition.

Since puppies have small bladders, they need to potty often. Some puppies need to do it every hour. Some puppies can hold it longer and need only to be taken outside every 4-6 hours. To help you or your dad or your grandma with potty training the puppy, keep in mind the following:

Puppies need to be taken outside after eating, after playing and after they wake up from sleep. These are the times that they will most likely need to potty. If you train your dog to potty on schedule, it will eventually learn that he is to do it outside and not inside the house. He will also learn to hold it longer. He will wait until he's taken outside to potty.

Be sure to give a command whenever the puppy is taken outside. Say "go pee" right before the puppy does it on the grass. Next praise him with a loud and happy tone of the voice and then reward him with a puppy biscuit.

Do this for two weeks without fail until your puppy understands where he is to potty.

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• Scolding her for going inside is a very bad idea. You need to follow the directions for house training a puppy from the beginning, many sites on the internet will give you details and you as well as your dad and grandma should stick to the routine during the time you are in school.
  
  They are probably petting her a lot and she is bonding with them, but do not worry she will likely become an all around family dog.


• Well if your dad and grandma see the puppy more i think maybe 1 of them should be the trainer in the house. But remember it is a puppy so it'll take a while to learn. There is a lot of websites and videos online that show potty training a dog so go research. Just don't yell at the dog or she'll become scared of you, take her outside every day (or ur dad or grandma) and try to do it often so she'll get used to it. There is also a training pad thing i saw on tv, its a patch of grass but its like a pee pad (i haven't tried it but it sounds cool) My newer dog learned to go outside because my older dog did.

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Dog Health Questions: How many people really think anyone can do "Personal Protection" Training in dogs?

I have long believed that people will do or say anything to make themselves right on an issue where they have literally stepped in something that smells bad. I have always tried to understand that everyone makes mistakes and that includes me. Further, I hope I am big enough to admit when I am wrong.
I have made the statement on several occasion that the average pet owner is not capable of doing their own protection training in a dog, and I have gotten upset more than a few times when I see people come on and ask such questions as "How do I make my dog kill on command?" or "How do I make my Pit Bull's head bigger so he looks meaner?" or "What is the best book to buy so I can train my dog to be mean?"
Maybe I am wrong. I believe there are people who are capable of training their dogs but I also believe they need assistance and for something as important as personal protection, they most certainly need someone who is well trained in the art.
However, I will be the first to admit, though I have watched others train, and I have even assisted at times, this is not my forte. So, I would like input from you guys on the idea that anyone can train a dog for personal protection, and also, should personal protection training be promoted in the average canine?
Most of you know I am working on some rescue issues with my county right now and writing several proposals. One of the reasons I am asking this is because we have always tried to put stipulations in our proposals with the county that deals specifically with laws associated with dog training. For example: we have a stipulation right now that states anyone who deliberately trains a domesticated dog that is a family pet to attack will be fined and the dog confiscated. It is not worded exactly like that, but I think you guys get the idea.
Thanks in advance for your discussions on this.

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Huh. The 'average' pet owner barely knows which end of the leash to use if they use one at all.

No. No one but a professional licensed in this field. Period. No arguments, no exceptions.

What I am starting to find disturbing is the videos you can access. Many of them are 'home made' and the so called 'trainer' hasn't a clue in hell what he(she) is doing. People look at them and think
"Well, I can do that!" Even with the videos that are obviously done by professionals it is still disturbing.

People are wanting dogs to 'protect' them. To 'protect' their home. Protect their children.

It is not the animal's job to protect. It is our job as the owners of these dogs to protect them, our home and children.

Unfortunately, I do believe Launi is very capable of coming to my assistance if she felt I was being threatened. It is unfortunate because she would be in my line of fire.

And I am very sorry to tell everyone this but a PP dog, no matter how deadly, is no match for a firearm.

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• I don't think an average Joe can train a dog for protection. They would more than likely go about it the wrong way.
  I think an average Joe can train a dog for protection if they had a trainer, someone who is experienced in this art.


• I agree 100 %. I think an unqualified person training any dog for personal protection is about the same as someone that knows NOTHING about guns carrying one that could misfire at any time!!


• unfortunately to many.


• I agree wholeheartedly with you...it is obvious from the questions on YA that most people cannot teach their dogs to pee outside. With that, I feel it is safe to assume the average Joe cannot properly train his own personal protection dog. I could elaborate so much further but I feel most folks here have said it.


• A lot of people are under the mistaken impression that they can train a dog for protection. The vast majority of them have no clue whatsoever what protection training is actually like. They also are blissfully unaware that protection training requires specific temperaments and do not know how to screen for those temperaments. They are also blissfully unaware that pit bulls are more often than not ill-suited for guard and protection work, as well as many other breeds.
  
  Legislation discouraging training family pets as guard/attack/protection dogs is a great idea. Most people who want to train this type of dog are intentionally creating a dog that is dangerous, and they are fully aware of that. They should be discouraged, they should be punished if they go through with it anyway.


• Well, you know me beth, and you know that "I" certainly don't believe that anyone should train a dog. however I do believe anyone 'can' train a dog. its a complex issue, but basically, if you wish to train your dog, you 'can' but that doesn't mean you 'should'.
  as far as training personal protection dogs, I disagree with your stipulation, period, no question about it. However, details for my stance are necessary to insure that you understand why I say this.
  #1. I am a believer that freedom is a must, and all people have the right to train their dogs as they see fit, so long as it does not bring harm to an innocent person/people, or ANY dog/animal (with the exception of hunting game)
  #2. most people would state that a family dog is the only dog for PP (personal protection) otherwise you have an attack dog, and there is a big difference between a PP dog, and and attack dog. A personal protection dog is one that has a family which it loves, and has been trained all basic commands. it can be trained to do just about anything, but the main lessons it has received are based around how to treat strangers ( they should be trained not to be aggressive, or overly friendly) in other words, they should be quiet, and reserved with strangers.
  a PP dog is not taught to 'attack' he is taught to defend. some people teach their dogs to attack on command, this is both impractical, and detrimental to a dogs psyche (which is something reserved for a different time.)
  #3. a person willing to put the time and effort into learning how to appropriately train their dog should have the right to do so, they should not have to spend all the time and money on books (which they should read plenty of) and lessons (how they receive these lessons is irrelevant) and then have to go through some government agency to get 'permission' to train their dogs.
  also, not all breeds are good for PP, anyone smart enough to train their dog right, knows this to be fact.
  
  I'm not saying that you are doing anything wrong, as you didn't specify exactly how it works. I am just saying that you need to be careful, creating laws is a messy business, just be sure your not taking away a persons right to their property. some people will spend years learning about how to train their dogs, and I can tell you, many of them will not/would not, ever think to ask uncle same if its "okay" to train their dog this way.


• In many ways I agree with you - there are people who think that a dog attacking someone is 'protection' but do not realise the standard of obedience training that is needed to have a protection dog that is safe.
  
  I think it is wrong to blanket all family pets with the rule of confiscation if they are trained to attack. What about people who have GSDs and attend Schutzhund training? These dogs (not just GSDs) are highly trained not only in protection but tracking and obedience (They have to pass an obedience test before they can even begin training in the three phases) This would mean that these clubs would be banned and dogs confiscated yet these dogs are probably less likely to cause problems than others that have not been trained. SchH is recognised as a test of the nerve and capabilities of the working GSD.
  
  If you were to get a dog of 'strong' character and someone say like me, applied to adopt it and stated that I wanted to train it SchH would I be turned down because of this when the chance is that the dog would love having a job to do and have an excellent home for life.
  
  Rules like these need serious thinking on and the wording of them so as those with a genuine reason for training a protection dog do not get their dog taken away from them.


• Technically speaking, anyone COULD provided they have the knowledge, the resources, the right dog and the ability to properly handle a dog without being abusive or too soft. But how many people out there have all that? Most people don't even know how to get the right dog, let alone the knowledge and the dog handling skills. I know I could do it if I really wanted to. I know the right people to go to to help me find the right dog and develop the skills, but until I do those things then no, I can't do it.
  So yes, anyone COULD but not just anyone WILL. That's the problem with saying "anyone can" is that the average person out there thinks "That means ME!" and will rush right out and do it without stopping to think that there are proper steps to take to training a personal protection dog. That's why most people end up with an aggressive mess instead of a well trained, reliable dog.
  So I'm with you, I don't say anyone can do it, I say if you plan on doing it then take the proper avenues and that's where it's going to cut 99% of people out of the running because they just don't have the motivation to do it the right way.


• Of the common household pet owner? I would say maybe 3% at the most - if they are trying to do it alone based on reading books, watching videos or visiting Y/A lol.
  
  I believe if you go to someone who knows what they are doing that your likelihood of being able to train in PP goes up. But I also think there is a large percentage of those people AND their dogs that aren't cut out for PP training. Not just anyone can do it because it takes a lot of commitment, money and time - 3 things people around here have admitted to not having all that much of. Some dogs just don't have the right temperament for it either - no matter how badly the owner wants them too.
  
  Just because your dog is a GSD, Doberman, APBT, Rottie, whatever else - doesn't mean they are automatically cut out for that kind of training. There are people that are lazy enough to show up to a couple of training sessions and then decide they can do the rest by themselves at home - that is dangerous!
  
  There are 2 statements I live by when it comes to dogs:
  
  1) DOGS ARE ONLY GOOD AS THEIR GENETIC GENE POOL; and
  
  2) DOGS ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS THEIR OWNERS


• I personally think very few people have a need, or the ability to handle, a dog that is trained to attack on command. For most people, a dog that will bark to alert is enough. If you have to ask about how to train your dog, thats a good clue that you dont need such a dog.
  
  NO ONE needs a dog that is "mean", or trained to be flat out aggressive.
  
  I never understood the idea of wanting a dog's head to be "bigger" either. I dont know where people get the idea that their dogs are supposed to have oversized heads.


• To make this short and simple.
  
  I firmly believe that no one should train their dogs to be aggressive unless their is a legitimate need or the dog is trained in duty or as a service dog..ect
  
  Many people choose their own views and opinions, even when their opinions endanger the life's of others. I agree with you completely.
  
  Ignorance is truly bliss, and many people try to justify their wrong doings.


• I do think anyone can, under some really specific situations.
  
  1. The right dog. A thoughtfully selected, well bred dog of an appropriate breed.
  
  2. The right trainer. I'm fortunate enough to live near a nationally respected K-9 and dog trainer school (Tom Rose School). They have a Schutzhund program that allows people to title their own dogs under the supervision and direction of their trainers. We do obedience there, and the professionalism at the school is very impressive.
  
  3. I personally believe the individual needs to have some previous experience in traditional methods of dog training, and should have titled another dog previously in SOMEthing. I'd like to someday own a Malinois and possibly do Schutzhund. For now, since I have no experience training a dog well, I got a lab, and we're doing obedience. We're both learning.
  
  4. Have the right home setting for a PP dog. That, to me, means not an apartment in a busy city. I live in a somewhat dangerous area, on the ground floor. My dogs would not attack an intruder, but they do alert. In the city, there are too many people, to much stimulus. I think it would be to much job for a PP dog. Thats my somewhat uninformed opinion, though.
  
  The percentage of people who fit these criteria are slim. I don't, as much as I'd like to, so I have dogs that fit my ability and needs.


• Humans have a distinct advantage over dogs in the respect that they can reason, understand and learn with a much higher rate of intelligence than any dog.
  
  I think anyone can provided they have the right temperament, personality and dedication to do so. If they were to be taught by someone more experienced in PP training, learned under their guidance and most importantly were WILLING to learn and be taught, then i think anyone could.
  
  The problem is finding all those characteristics in most people who do want to train their dogs for PP. How many can you say have them? Hardly any.. and that is what i believe makes the difference.
  
  Lets face it, the average person who decides to train their dog to be a guard or 'attack' dog will confine the dog to their property, encourage the dog to bark and display aggressive behaviours towards any approaching person or animal and will generally agitate the dog into such a state that it will be seen as ''very protective'' instead of a nervous wreck.
  
  Getting the right dog to be trained for PP is paramount and not something that can be found in the local shelter. I doubt the people who do their own 'protection training' have put much consideration into the background of the dog they purchase. They will go to a shelter or byb'r and pick out/buy the biggest, meanest and toughest dog.
  
  I do not believe the average canine will be successful in PP even if training was attempted, i am not talking about sports, but, actual protection when push came to shove. There is a reason why those dogs are so expensive, why breeding selection is done carefully and why people invest so much time and money into them. They are not breeding for pets but for dogs that may potentially save lives one day.
  
  Here, where owning a firearm is illegal then i definitely see a use for PP dogs. If i had a reason to question my safety then i would definitely be looking into getting one, but right now, i am happy with the social, friendly, playful, furry butted creature i have..


• Anybody can train a dog to do anything. The only limitations are time, money, the will to train and the dog's genetics. Just because you CAN doesn't always mean you SHOULD. Protection training isn't for everybody. If you're the type of person who halfway does things, or thinks they can do an "at home" job...then protection training is NOT for you.
  
  On a side note. 90% of training is done at home...a lot of people don't put their Schutzhund dogs on a decoy until the dog is 1+ years old and do all the groundwork training themselves. Obviously if you've never trained a dog for the sport in question you have no choice but to attend classes...and they aren't cheap...I'd say about $3,500 on average for 1 year of study.
  
  -edit- Dobiz_Rule is a perfect example of the RIGHT and ONLY way to get involved in sport. She bought herself a quality puppy because she knows that "You get what you pay for" isn't just a sound the wind makes when wise people speak, she joined a Schutzhund club, and picked a trainer who just happens to be one of the best in the World and a several x's Nats competitor. Dog training isn't rocket science, it's common sense. This isn't something you half %$# do.


• Personal Protection Training for dogs...........no I don't believe that this should be even tried unless you are fully skilled at this type of training, as for training the average family pet , NO.
  
  In the UK if any dog attacks even a burgler breaking into your house, then the dog is very likely to be PTS and the owners fined or even jailed. I do understand it is different in the US, however still think it is not safe for even professional trainers who have not had a back ground/understanding/knowledge/skills in this type of training to do it...........and certainly not the average family dog owner.


• Hell no. I have many years of obedience training experience, but would no more think of trying to train a protection dog than I would think of doing major surgery on myself.
  
  I think it takes a special kind of person to do this training; someone that is not 100% commited to it will turn out nothing but dogs that are a danger to be around.


• I have been training dogs for about 30 years. I like to think I'm pretty good at it. I've even read about PP dogs and how to train them, so I think I have the knowledge, the temperament, and the common sense to train one on my own, although I have never done so.
  
  That said, I would NOT train a dog for protection for the first time without an experienced protection trainer guiding me. Just because I THINK I know what I'm doing, doesn't mean I do. I'd rather do it under the supervision of someone who is experienced with it.
  
  If I screw up attempting to train my first tracking dog on my own, no harm done. But when you're teaching a dog to attack people, and you screw it up, the repercussions can be serious.


• Not all dogs apply. Dog needs to be evaluated...your average Joe, wouldnt have a clue whether or not a dog has what it takes.
  
  Personally, I wouldnt know where to start. You cant get that information in books, i think it would have to be someone who's had years and years of experience.In either case, if I needed protection, for whatever reason, I really wouldnt rely on an animal to provide that. There are plenty of other, more reliable, options.


• If anyone can train a PPD without messing it up, everyone would have one. It's not something that should be taught to family pets. If the average pet owner decided to train their APBT/German Shepherd/Chihuahua in Personal Protection without a professional trainer, the chances of it not being human aggressive is slim. Being aggressive and protective are two different things. If the owner was walking their dog that they personally trained in PPD, it would most likely growl and attack a stranger just walking by than an attacker.
  
  I'm sure that makes little to no sense so I'm not going to go further into the subject as I do not own or train PPDs and I have not done my research.


• No I do not think that the average person should try to train their dog to attack or for personal protection. You should pay a professional for this & I also feel that only certain breeds can be trained in personal protection, such as the Doberman.
  
  I think people who need protection should go with a gun or alarm system, if an intruder breaks in my house, I'm CERTAINLY not going to count on my Chihuahua's to save me or any dog for that matter, I would rather have a gun to blow the head off the guy.
  
  If a dog does protect his family in a sticky situation, then more power to that dog, because that dog, obviously knew the difference, but I still feel a dog should not be trained to do so by the average person. That's why there are certain breeds being trained correctly by professionals who know what they are doing.
  
  I do feel that anyone is capable of basic training & obedience, however when it comes to a dog being used for protection, people need to be aware that not all dogs can be trained to provide protection & certainly cannot be trained by just anybody.
  
  If I wanted a dog for personal protection, I would get the right dog from the right person. I would not want a potentially unstable dog around my family or child.


• The average dog owner doesn't even know how to use a prong or choke collar correctly, let alone train a dog for protection training.
  
  Unless they have been working with an experienced Personal Protection trainer for years, watching and studying how he does it, they have no idea what to do.
  
  The average pet dog is very unfit for this kind of work. It most likely does not have the drive or genes for it. It would probably turn out to be a fear aggressive, unstable dog, attacking any and all strangers who it sees a danger to itself.


• There's more than a fine line between training a dog for protection and teaching one to be human aggressive. The idiots who ask those questions are not likely to even need personal protection, they just think having a 'tough' dog will make them look more manly. I get an even bigger kick out of the ones looking to make their labs and GRs to be guard dogs. If it was that simple (buying a book) to train a dog for protection, then a properly trained dog wouldn't cost tens of thousands of dollars. Wrong breed + wrong trainer/training = disaster


• You're right a majority of dog owners who did the training their self would just make their dog aggressive, which is in no way protection. People do not realize there is a difference between aggression and protection. My very good friend has been training dogs for 15 years and has a protection trained German Shepherd, nicest dog you have ever met and is even a therapy dog...But if a command is given he will do what is told, he does not react on his own unless a real threat is encountered, just like a protection dog should..No protection dog should go around growling and trying to bite anything that moves, that is a poorly trained dog that should more than likely just be euthanized for it's safety and others.


• When you say train themselves, do you mean they are the trainer or the handler?
  if you mean they are the trainer, than no, without proper experience and understanding of dogs an average person will not be able to train their dog to be a PP dog. If you mean as a handler, than sure, with proper instruction from the trainer most people can learn how to train and handle their PP dog.
  
  BTW, making a dog mean has nothing to do with training a PP dog. these dogs are not mean! they are confident and trained how to act and react in certain situation. I mean / aggressive dog can never be a good PP dog, to unpredictable.
  
  Jasmer have you ever seen a well trained personal protection dog / ring dog or schutzhund dog?
  these are the best behaves, predictable dogs you will ever encounter. they will not attack unprovoked. In fact they are the ones nicely walking in a heel position next to their owner and ignoring the rest of the world as it does not concern them.


• I think it all depends on the trainer and the dog. Not every dog has the drive or desire to be a personal protection dog and there is nothing wrong with that. My dobermans were awesome at their job and that was keeping the couch from walking off. They had no desire to do anything more. They knew basic commands and loved going places with me but they had no drive for "anything bigger and better". If you have a dog who want to do something, who is really responsive to training, etc they have the ability to do anything you want to teach them whether it's agility or personal protection. Here is an example of a dog who has the desire and is being trained to do more than just retrieve: http://www.advantagek9.us/chesapeakes.ht…
  
  As far as the trainer, I think most people who are actively involved with personal protection training have some sort of mentor or are involved with a training group. There are many seminars held dealing with how to properly train your dog and I think in the end the owner/trainer is the one training the dog, but the mentor is the one training the trainer. I do not think you can read a book or watch a you tube video and learn everything you need to know to effectively train a dog. The other thing to remember is obedience training is the most important part of personal protection training.
  
  add: replace everywhere I wrote trainer with handler and mentor with trainer/mentor


• i dont believe in protection dogs why people train them like this
  if you treat your dog properly then the dog will protect you its a simple as that
  when you see the dogs behaving so aggressivly and half of them not even attempting to realease
  you think accident waiting to happen what if a kid strolls in
  some people believe the right looking dog at their side makes them cooler
  the next person believes the right looking dog with the agressivness makes them cooler still
  half the time its like keep up with the joneses
  mean while the decent dog owner who does every thing right by the dog [training socializing etc ]
  gets the back lash that these owners cause just because they own the same breed
  i have a bullmastiff who does protect me he wasnt trained to do that he just does
  a man was walking behind me too close it was dark and no one else was a round my dog kept on turning around and looking at the man the next thing the man started to run upto me my dog started growling and looking really fierce standing in between us it was all in inocence though the man only wanted a light for his cigerette but my dog didnt know that

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Dog Health Questions: Should I give up my dog?

He is a 2 or 3 year old chocolate Labrador mix. I got him when he was a puppy. Unfortunetaly, he has been a menace in my neighboorhood. He jumps the fence. When goes into peoples houses he gets clothes or shoes. He also killed a duck. The neighboors had threathen me alot.

I dont want to kill the dog at the animal shelter and I cant afford to take him to a dog training school.

Training Your Dog at Home - Save Thousands of Dollars on Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Yes. If you don't take the time and energy it takes to train and properly raise a dog, then you should not have one. A lab is one of the easiest dogs to own, they are Intelligent and eager to please. Let him go to someone who can care for him properly, and wait until you are responsible enough for a dog to get another one.

Dog Training Tips

• At 2-3 years of age, you still have time to train him but your time is very limited. Buy a book from a pet store or read the internet. I have a Shitzu, she is nothing like a Labrador but labs are supposed to be easier to train than smaller dogs. Punish the dog by smacking it over the head with a newspaper when it does something bad, give it treats when it does something good. Get a shock collar, I'm sure it's much cheaper than taking your dog for training. If you can't train it, post up advertisements on the net and I'm sure people would be interested.


• How much time do you spend with your dog? Casually through out the day it really doesn't take much to have your dog sit here and there for a treat, lay down, etc. You can't expect much from a dog if you don't work with them. Is your dog an outdoor dog? How much time do you spend with it? If you are around your dog enough be persistent with training, and in the meantime tie the dog up and perhaps this wouldn't be such an issue. If you don't enough time to do this with your dog then yes, adoption may be a better choice.


• If you are still not willing to train your dog, make some calls. Find a no kill shelter and turn your dog in to them. They will keep him, foster him, until they find a home for him and there is no charge. You are legally responsible for the damage done by your dog and this could be very expensive, more so than obedience classes. You know, you could just go to the library and read some training books or get on the internet, since you can obviously afford that, and educate yourself. If you cannot take the time, again, find a proper shelter for the dog and you should do it as soon as possible. Sounds like the dog does not have a good life with you. Very sad.


• Why did you get a dog if you were not going to take care of it properly?? Training is as important to provide as food and water!!
  
  Try to find a trainer that will let you work in exchange for training classes. Be willing to clean kennels/yards even their house it that is what it takes. This dog's life is your responsibility, no one else's!!
  
  If you choose not to do the right thing, do the next best thing and find a lab rescue group and ask them to take him in. They will try to undo all the damage you have done to the dog, making him adoptable. Do NOT just give him away to someone unless they know what they are getting into!!
  
  Just to let you know, to discourage you from doing another thing that is not right: If you give this dog to someone without telling them about his killing a duck, and the dog destroys one of their animals they can come after you for all costs.


• If you end up looking for a shelter please be sure it's a no kill shelter before giving up your pet. I truly believe if you must give up your dog a no kill shelter is the very best option you can give your dog.
  If you give him away on craigslist, through the want adds or whatnot you need to be sure he will be going to a good home if you go that rout. Check to make sure the people you give him to have a vet already.
  Make sure you visit the potential home before giving the dog up. Make sure the people have the funds to get your dog the training he so desperately needs.
  When I decided I wanted to get a dog I searched creaigsist for adds and found it shocking how many people just didn't seem to care where there dogs ended up as long as they were off the hook for caring for there pets.
  Many of the free dogs seemed to end up being used for breeding stock from what I could tell.
  I eventually ended up adopting my dog from a shelter when it was all said and done


• So, because you failed to adequately train your dog and stick him in a yard, left to his own devices to entertain and soothe himself, you think he needs to be dumped at animal control? Even worse, you are concerned whether or not you will be charged money for dumping him there. Shameful. Simply shameful. I'd suggest one of two things - hiring a professional trainer and keeping your dog indoors except for exercise time and potty breaks or contacting a Lab rescue. Don't just dump your dog off where he'll likely be sentenced to death.


• Hi jfs1988,
  
  I have had a few dogs in my time and if you don't get serious with training them they are always going to 'dominate' you and misbehave. It is all about knowing HOW to train them and very few of us have the time or patience. I found a guy called Daniel who has a terrific course with lots of extra bonus information - he really over delivers.
  I hope you get as much out of it as I have.


• Yes you should, but give it to someone you might know that has the time and effort for him. Or bring him to a no kill shelter. And i think all shelters will charge you a little money to leave him.


• either spend hours a day training him yourself, the internet has alot of hints
  or give him up to a shelter, a big dog needs to be trained right otherwise thats what happens..


• You failed him as a pet parent you should have trained him better. and keep your dog on a leash so he will not go in other people homes.


• You have to assert yourself as the top dog. Let him know you are boss or else he will be untrainable.


• When he goes outside, put him on a leash, you need to train him.


• Well here's an easy solution - STOP leaving him outside unsupervised


• Why dont you train him yourself using treats i have a german shepherd/black lab mix .hunting is there instant

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training question?

just out of curiousity...
my cousin and I want to know how much money the avarage dog trainer makes?

Dog Training - Avoiding Common Mistakes During Dog Training Sessions

Recommended Answer:
a petco dog trainer where i live makes $100 per adult dog for a 8 week course & there puppy training is $125. the reason I know is because this guy(the trainer) used to brag about it.

Dog Training Tips For Hard-To-Train Dogs

• Experience, accomplishments, references and location all play into it. In the early 80's I was making $350 a week. That was running 2 group classes a week, private lessons plus about 30 "in kennel" training dogs at all times. Luckily, I no longer have to deal with the everyday little hairballs and dogs so damaged my their owners that training is a nightmare. I only train a few at time...no more wasted time doing group & private lessons. Between training and selling dogs, I do very well.


• I'm not a licensed dog trainer myself, i can tell you though that they do it for their passion for dogs certainly not for money.
  
  But I'll star this because I think there are some trainers that could tell you themselves on ya.


• I think it depends on where you're at, how much experience the person has, what type of training it is, how long it is, and just a base fee. I don't expect it to be much though.


• It depends, at first you won't make very much, However if your good and you get good reviews then you may start making more money. I guess it depends on where you work and who you work for


• I'm pretty sure it's not like they make"bank" but they make money as long as they are lisenced..... There are many career websites you can check out.

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Dog Health Questions: Bird dog Training: How to teach the "Halt" or "Whoa" command?

I am researching alternative non-violent methods to teach the Halt command to my rescued 10-month old AKC Black Lab. She has strong and very obvious hunting instincts to run and flush and, unfortunately, I am not a hunter or appreciate a dog bolting from me all the time. I am a good and consistant trainer who grew up with working and herding dogs on a real farm, but this is my first bird dog. I am experienced enough to see that her issues are a breeding trait and not just stubbornness or air-headedness because she is easy to train and instantly obeys other learned commands--though we're still perfecting "heel". I don't like some of the gun/bird dog methods I'm reading about online and I won't use a shock collar at all. I'm concerned about my dog's safety and I've never taught this particular command before (didn't need to ever). Any non-violent non-painful methods would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Dog Training Collars - A Helping Tool

Recommended Answer:
Here's a great way: Put the dog on a 6-ft leash, and wrap the leash once around the dog's flanks, loop it under the wrap, and pick it up as if you were going to walk the dog. Don't wrap it or pull it tight, it's not necessary. Take a pheasant wing (available at sporting goods stores) and toss it in front of the dog, out of reach. Keep a hold on the leash and give the "whoa" command. The dog may try to lunge at the wing, but the "hitch" around his flanks will stop him. Give the whoa command a few times (if the dog is a pointer, gently stroke his tail up into a pointing posture...he'll soon start doing this on his own with a little help from you here) and praise like crazy! Don't ever pull on the hitch, the dog will do the work. You may have to try this a few times before you get it right...the hitch should NEVER hurt, just immobilize the dog like a groomer's loop would. Practice this way for a while, and when you feel he's ready, try it without the leash. It really doesn't take long this way, and it is totally humane.

When you feel your dog has a complete understanding of the whoa command, it's time to take him out with a 30-foot check cord. Give the dog his space, and then practice with him on the cord. If he regresses, return to the hitch a few times and try the long cord again. When you feel the dog is totally trustworthy and ready to be off lead, try to find a large fenced area first. These dogs are smart, and they will keep testing their limits, I always use baby steps with training, to ensure a reliably trained dog.

If you stick with this, the dog will be "whoa" trained in short order. Good luck!

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

• I have a 10 yr old rescue Black Lab also,
  
  I do hunt with my dog we hunt pheasants....
  I have not seen anyone in my party that uses "halt or Whoa" when working their dogs out in the field.
  
  All of our dogs are trained professionally and are trained with great respect to the dog and to us.
  
  I have started to train some hunting breeds and I have noticed that every dog is different in the way they chose to be trained.
  
  The experiences you have with dogs even though they are of a herding type dog, is and should be the same technique you would use with a hunting breed. With your dog she is very intelligent and wants to do what is bred into her. I would just find a reputable up land bird trainer to understand more of what is expected of your dog....
  
  Tasha did like to run away allot, she would just bolt out the door and chase the rabbits that were in our yard, so what I did was I would put her at a sit stay and make her wait until I said it was OK to go, then of course she ran like a deer to get those rabbits. Then during the day while we did a walk or our chores I would again put her on a sit stay or even a stand stay and when I said "OK" she was released from the command.
  Your dog may be bolting because of her energy level is so high....find something to let her release that energy.


• I know this is probably not the "right" answer, but my Dad and grandpa always just took the dog with an older dog with them. Beagles for rabbits and pheasants, Lab for birds. The instinct lead the dogs and the older dog somehow "taught" the younger dog. It wasn't like a formal trainer coming to work with a dog. They just did it from instinct.


• I know you don't need your dog to actually be a bird dog, but since the instinct is strong anyway, have you considered training and doing competitions for it?
  
  If you been around herding dogs and seen them trained at all from the first time on the herd on up, you know that it takes time to mold that instinct and get that dog to work with you as a team, rather than flying solo (I am working on this with my herding dog now). I am confident that there are alternative methods to being forceful, but I gotta say that in the case of my Border Collie, soft corrections don't work when it comes to her natural instinct. That drive is SO intense, that you just have to do more than you would in obedience training. Harsh corrections are mandatory, but it does not phase her like it would if I used it in obedience training.
  
  I have learned that training a dog on top of their natural instinct is entirely different than the basic obedience.


• I rescue English Pointers and use the halt and whoa command. I use leads up to 200' long doing as the other person said, keeping a wing just out of reach and calling out whoa. The key is once your dog has learned this, they may not whoa without the lead. So I leave the lead on and work the dog with it dragging the lead, so that if they do decide to go for it I can chase the lead making it easier to catch my dogs. As the dog respects the whoa command, you can shorten the lead. I adopted out one rescue who will bolt if he does not have a lead the is short enough yet long enough to just bang around inbetween his back legs. He thinks that he is still under his handlers command, this family also did not want to use an electric collar. I also place a wing on the end of a fishing pole and cast off and my dogs will whoa and hold point until I let them "flush" the wing. You may want to look into a few pointer training videos, the methods are less aggressive since the breed is so sensitive to correction. Also in some cases, an e-collar may be the only way to train your dog and ensure consistent performance. I am not sure what area you are in, but I amsure there is ahunting group that can also help you out. San Diego has a huting group that meets every Saturday morning at Fiesta Island. Pleasanton has a group that goes out on a private ranch and does training for free the last weekend of evey month. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions. Carrie

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training prices and experiences?

i finally found a trainer in my area and he's charging §450 for 2 weeks of boarding and training plus a few extra classes after that. i just want some opinions if anyone has left their dog some where to let someone else train it. for the price is it a little or to much? I've never looked into training classes for any of my dogs but this one. All my other dogs i've trained and have always listened. My german shepherd is hard headed and trying to fight for the top spot in the house so i know i need classes for him

Dog Training - Most Common Mistakes While Training Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
For a board-and-train that is quite reasonable, assuming that the breeder has a philosophy that you agree with and a very good track record in the community (check with the better business bureau).

A more financially feasible option that will probably result in a better bond with your dog would be to attend classes with your dog. Most obedience classes run for an hour once a week for 6-10 weeks and cost anything from $100-300+. The major advantage of classes is your interaction with the instructor - you will practice at home and then come in and ask all of your questions, have the trainer teach you new things and watch to make sure that you are properly working with your dog, then you will go home and practice all week again. This way you are as trained as the dog when the class is over and if an issue (even unrelated to current class work) pops up, the trainer can help you handle it. A dog in a boarding situation may never be exposed to the things in your home that trigger their bad behaviors and, while most boarding training kennels have an orientation session when you pick up your dog, you will not be as confident of an owner or trainer.

Therapy Dog Training - Working With Your Dog

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training in the Colorado Springs area, any suggestions?

Anyone in the Colorado Springs area swear by a certain dog trainer? I need a good trainer for 2 puppies!

Dog Training Classes - Dog Training to Unleash Your Dog's Full Potential

Recommended Answer:
Check out this link and find a listing on the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. you might just find one for you.

Good luck!
http://dogtime.com/dog-trainers.html

Therapy Dog Training - Working With Your Dog

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