Dog Health Questions: How can I make the family dog shut up!?! Please help!?

We've had a greyhound/lab mix for over a year now and she will not be quiet. Don't get me wrong, I love her to death but I'm taking AP courses in high school and need to be able to sleep. The problem we have with her is a little different than most dogs. She doesn't bark. What she does is makes this EXTREMELY LOUD "Woo" sound that can almost split your ears because it's so piercing. I wear Extra-Strength ear plugs and still hear her "wooing" as we call it. It always wakes me up and is seriously affecting my sleeping pattern, thus affecting my grades. I beg my parents to try and quiet her which my mom tries to do but my dad won't. The neighbors complain but my dad doesn't even try to quiet her. She can be heard wooing up to 4 blocks over. I'm amazed animal control hasn't been called on us! It's so insane and I am on the verge of going crazy here. No matter how many times we tell her no or stop or be quiet: you name it, we say it, and she does not stop. We've put her in dog training and she doesn't stop. We've tried squirting her with a squirt bottle and that's the only thing that starts to quiet her down but we have to squirt her about 10 times before she stops wooing. I really don't know what to do here because nothing but the squirt bottle works but my dad doesn't want us to do that to her. If anyone has ANY tips on how to make her quiet please, please, please share them! We can't spend a lot of money though but I'm totally desperate. Also, what is your opinion on squirting her since that's the only thing that semi-works?

Dog Training Hand Signals - 2 Important Commands You Can Teach Today

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Have you considered that your dog's "wooing" might be separation anxiety? Does your dog sleep in the same room as any one of your family member? Sometimes wolves will make a sound almost like it when it or a member of the pack is separated from the rest. If it is separation anxiety, then all you need to do is let her into one of your family member's room.

Another thing you can do to correct the "wooing" is to give a correction to the dog. Every time, the dog woo, you can use a correction word; always use the same word to correct the behavior. If that does not work, then you can use a touch and the correction word at the same time. When I have to use a touch to correct my dog, I usually use my fingers to imitate a bite (which is what dogs in the natural world uses to correct a member of the pack) and do a quick "bite"/firm tap at the side of the neck or at the space between the ribs and hip bones (the two most sensitive areas on a dog's body). For this to work, the correction needs to be done by everyone in your family/pack so that your dog is getting the same message from everyone. When you give any correction, verbal or physical, you never want to feel any emotion other than calm and assertive/firm; when you feel anything but calm, such as nervous, anxious, frustrated, angry, etc, you become weak in the dog's mind and dogs do not listen to weakness. Dogs also do not take well to punishment, which is when a correction is done when the person is feeling anything but calm.

Also, having all your family members taking the pack leader position to your dog helps a lot. As a pack leader, your influence on your dog's behavior carries a whole bunch more weight than a follower trying to get the pack leader to do something. You can try reading "Be the Pack Leader", "Member of the Family", and "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan to learn more about pack leader mentality, how the dog world works, and solving many dog behavioral problems.

Good luck.

Edit: Forgot to mention that you do not want to give affection when your dog is wooing, for example, petting. If you do this, then you are telling your dog that you like your dog making that noise.

Dog Training Methods

• Well if it is seriosuly becoming a problem you could get him debarked, personally not something I would do and if ur dad doesnt like the squirt bottle I doubt he will be up for getting him de barked
  And I use a squirt bottle on my dogs all the time, counter jumpers!!


• Often times if u put pennies ina soda can and shake it when ur dog barks, it will help.. She wont like the noice and will avoid it. Their ears r super sensitive.


• My dog has the same problem, except he growls instead of barking. Make sure before you go to bed that you can satisfy him such as feeding or drinking him, playing with him, etc. Maybe he needs attention too. Try paying attention to him more.


• I see nothing wrong with using a squirt bottle, I don't use it on my dogs personally because they love it so it'd be more like a reward to them. But I do use it on my cats.
  
  When I was training my puppy to quiet up I'd wait for him to bark, ignore him while he did (no matter how long she "wooos", ignore it) then once he was done I'd say Quiet and praise him. I would so this everyday, everytime he barked. Now when I say quiet he knows what it means and he knows what he should do, which is to hush up.
  
  EDIT: Debarking should only be considered as a last-ditch effort after serious attempts at training have been made. The bark of a de-barked dog is very pathetic sounding, and to me even more annoying then a bark. De-barking does NOT fix the problem, only the noise. Your dog is still trying to bark but only now it can't get it's point across. This will only stress the dog out more, causing more "barks" (wheezing) I cared for a de-barked dog at the adoption agency I volunteer for, he was the saddest sounding thing I've ever heard and "barked" CONSTANTLY


• Debark your dog...Debarking is a veterinary surgery that involves removing tissue from the dog's vocal chords. This results in a dog's voice being quieter, when done properly. It does not stop barking/wooing as the word debarking implies, but the bark/woo now sounds like a whisper, and is thus not irritating to neighbors of dog owners that frequently bark...My girl friend had her dog debark because it wont keep quiet, but its not really a cruel thing to do, like others think it is. She don't have any complications of the surgery, and she is doing just fine now...Debarking dogs is a controversial topic. but it will help everyone else, you and the neighbors. Supporters of debarking argue that the procedure saves the lives of many dogs that might be sent to pounds because of incessant barking or wooing. Some people acquire a dog that barks/woos frequently and are soon immersed in struggles with neighbors who must listen to the dog barking at all hours of the day and night.
  
  For some this means trying to find the dog another home, or simply sending the dog to the pound. Since many dogs never get adopted and are euthanized, supporters see debarking as a far better choice. Additionally, those who support debarking also state they feel there is no significant evidence suggesting that debarking causes emotional damage to the dog. Since the dog can still bark, though quietly, it has not had its main “warning weapon” stolen. Most dogs that are debarked are usually subject to less remonstration and punishment by owners; so proponents of debarking suggest that dogs that are debarked are actually happier.
  
  Misconception about the results of debarking persists. Some dogs that have undergone debarking are likely to bark frequently, sometimes incessantly. This sounds like a weak cough, and may, in fact, prove especially annoying to dog owners. Thus dogs may be punished for barking even after debarking has occurred. People usually opt for debarking dogs when the animals chronically or habitually bark. A loud barking animal can certainly be a nuisance to owners and neighbors, especially if the problem is consistent. It is quite easy to see why frustrated owners search for a way to silence their noisy pooch permanently, especially if the animal does not respond to behavioral training or tends to bark constantly when left alone. In some cases, when neighbors complain to authorities or the situation is unlivable, owners may be unsure of what to do other than have their dog debarked. Other solutions, such as sound-activated shock collars or muzzles seem equally cruel. Some owners may even choose to kill or abandon their pets instead of dealing with the problem. Yet therapists and dog trainers insist that most barking problems are fixable with proper training. Hope this helps....


• The answer to ALL dog training issues is obedience training. Obedience classes are available through local kennel clubs. They have two additional benefits. First, they will introduce you to people in the community who can help you with all issues regarding puppy care, and second, they provide you and your dog with great opportunities for socialization and new friends.
  
  If you have never taken a dog to obedience training,,you have no idea what you are missing. You and your dog will be much happeir for it, and you can be very proud of your dog when he gets his canine good citizen award. There is no better way to solve the problems you are having!
  
  Check it out here : www.Dog-Training-Advices.com

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Dog Health Questions: We got a new dog last week and he has been sleeping in a crate in our bedroom since we got him. He does?

very well at settling down when the lights are off and every one quiets down for the night. The problem is that he tosses and turns A LOT and he wakes us up every 5 minutes or so ALL NIGHT LONG. We have read in our dog training books that he should sleep in our room so he won't feel abandoned. Do you think it would be alright if we put him in another room so we can get some sleep. If not, what are some other suggestions to help him (and us) sleep more soundly?

Hunting Dog Training and Snakes

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It is perfectly okay for him to sleep in another room it sounds like he isn't having any problem being in his crate - one thing you could do to help him is to take a clock (that ticks and out it a sock or something soft and then either in the crate or with him. also if there is a blanket or something you use frequently that you are willing to part with that smells like you put that in there for him to sleep with. You could also try a bed but go cheap at first as puppies make messes and chew on things so until you are sure he is good and won't chew it up completely don't makle something that is hard to replace.

3 Secrets to Dog Training - Immediate Results

• Try wearing him out really well before bed time. Nice long walk, plenty of exercise. Putting him in another room may have him whining all night because he is lonely. Good luck.


• There is no good reason for him to be in your room if he can sleep through the night. Yes, you can move him to another room and let him get used to being there at night. Good luck!


• Our shih tzu sleeps in her crate in another room and she does fine. Try putting his crate in a room that you use frequently (i.e. the family room or den). I think you'll find that he'll adjust quickly and you'll both get a better night's sleep.
  
  Also make sure the size of the crate is what your dog needs. He should have enough room to stand up and turn around in it. If he's too cramped, it could be too uncomfortable. Also try putting some comfy blanket or crate pad in there to make him more comfortable. We got a great one at petsmart that was like a pillow with faux fur on it and our shih tzu loves it!


• well he is obviously just a baby. I have a baby shih-tzu whos only 6 months old and he whines alot too. What happens when you adopt a pet is that you take it away from its mother and it is going to have some bad dreams for the first 2 weeks or so. When he crys, just pick him up, pet him a while. and let him fall back asleep on you. Then, carefully put him back in his crate, and put the crate next to your bed. If he wakes, he will be more than half asleep and not even notice or remember.


• Yep its fine to put him in another room, especially if he is settled and quiet in the crate for the most part. I am a light sleeper and none of my puppies get to crate in my room. Its also a good reward to hold out for learned behaviors later on. My dogs know that if they step one toe out of line while I am resting they are ejected from my room and lose the privilege of sleeping with their pack for that evening. Remember, in a dogs world nothing in life is free.


• It's only been a week. When he gets used to the routine, he will settle down in his crate and sleep through and so will you.
  
  Do make sure he has plenty of exercise during the day and a good walk before bedtime. That will help both you and your dog to settle at night.


• yea you could try wearing him out but the first few days we had my puppy- we kept him in a seperate room and shut off all the lights and closed to door--try that one night~he will whine for mabey 5min-ignore him-and he will fall asleep


• Unless you live in a bungalow why is he upstairs at all?
  All my dogs one by one were taught to stay downstairs (except one very naughty corgi) gorgeous but naughty
  but most certainly to stay on their bed. Training at this age
  will be most reponsive but as always i do advise joining dog training club


• i've been through that puppy period... yes you can put him in another room, make sure that it's covered with newspaper coz sometimes accident do happen, water , his toy and a cusion or towel just incase if he's feel a bit chill.
  don't switch off the lights totally, you can turn on a night lamp. and if you think he'll feeling lonely, you can turn on a radio, low volume but there are some noice so that he won't feel lonely.
  this is how i train my dogs... but since he's new and he might miss his mommy, so he might cry sometimes... it's natural!


• We started our pup in a crate at night in the kitchen and that worked well and he didn't seem to feel abandoned. You need to look out for you first because you are the care giver, if you don't get sleep, everything will go down the tubes. So, why not give it a try putting him in a different room. I wish you the best of luck.


• Why doesn't he sleep in the bed ? God, you're mean :o)
  
  Hell, I let my ol lady sleep in the bed, she's over 300.

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Dog Health Questions: Puppy Training IN HOME better than Classes???

I have a dog trainer coming to my house this Saturday for a free evaluation, and the company is called Dog Training in Your Home. Their website is: http://www.betterdog.com/
I've heard that this has many advantages over "Puppy Classes" with a big group of dogs in a facility or wherever. Mostly because I can start my puppy at 8 weeks as opposed to the 16 weeks that they recommend due to vaccinations, etc required in many Puppy Classes. i see that some Puppy Classes let them start as early as 10 weeks, but many don't recommend that for such young puppies. What do you think? I'm going to see how it goes this Saturday, and see if it would be a good fit for me. Oh, my puppy is a maltepoo and she's 9.5 weeks old now.

Dog Training Career: Doing It and Loving It

Recommended Answer:
When I was a PetSmart trainer, I wish I could have gone to every puppy class owner and did sessions in their house first. I felt so limited, that I no longer work there. It's great for a trainer who is going to come over. But socializing is also very important. You can alway go into PetSmart or PetCo and practice with your puppy and socialize with everyone there. I would wait until the puppy had 2 sets of vaccinations tho for the puppy before you really get her out. I took my rottie to work with me everyday for two straight years. I would start off with your sessions with the trainer, and then after that then go into more of a group class and working with the distraction part of it. I looked at the website and liked that they will use treats, clicker,etc. The only collars I will allow on any of my dogs are the flat collars, body harness, or a halti or martingale. If they want you to have a slip collar on your dog, refuse it. I couldn't find on there what they use, but one of the little dogs had a body harness on.

The 5 Best Dog Training Tips For You and Your Dog

• I like puppy classes. they help train with distractions and help socialize your dog. you can start working on basic commands on your own before then if you like. many people wait until their dog is fully vaccinated before going to puppy classes and do just fine


• Yes, you will get a head start, but if you don't participate later, you miss out on that socialization that just can't realistically be provided in your own home.


• Yes, if you don't know the basics well enough to teach them yourself, it's a good thing to have someone show you. But the training should be limited to short sessions, no more than 30 mins. And it should just be motivational basics like sit, down, come, and to a lesser extent, heel & stay. This is called 'foundation' training and it's a great thing to do before taking your dog to puppy classes. Those are still highly recommended at around 4 mos, mainly for socialization purposes but also to solidify what the puppy has learned outside the home, under distractions.
  Have fun!!


• it depends on the dog and what you want to accomplish. in home training is awesome - so you can have personalized attention without the slight risk of bringing a newly vaccinated puppy to group classes at a young age. she would learn in the place she is going to be spending the most time.
  
  but, i do think group classes are necessary for socialization, and taking the next step in training her in teaching to work with distractions.
  a dogs main socialization period is 4-16 weeks. so if she doesnt get out soon, you will miss that very very important window.
  
  as long as she has had 2 or 3 rounds of shots, she can go to group classes so long as you make sure to not let her eat/step in/lick/sit in any bodily fluids from another dog. so, just keep an eye and watch her.
  
  my suggestion: do both. reaping the benefits will be worth the time and effort.edit:
  to dogsbest:
  don't i know it. i currently train part time at petsmart, and ive had mannny people ask if i could come to their house. i even had one guy offer to pay me a lot of money under the table for it, hah. but, yes, it's so limiting that i could get fired for going. it sucks, but hopefully, this place will just be my launching pad.


• In home training is fantastic, as you are receiving one on one, customized training. Your trainer will be able to pick out problem behaviors and address them immediately! The only downfall is that your dog is not being socialized with other dogs and people. You could improvise though, by taking him for frequent walks and perhaps a dog park. You want to expose him to as many dogs, people, smells as you possibly can while he is young, this will help him to be more personable!


• my personal opininon on in home training is it should be used to work on problem areas, not general training. in a class you get the benefit of your puppy being in a new situation with new people, new dogs and plenty of distractions. this is where you want to work with your puppy. it's in these situations that training is most useful. you can start basic training on your own at home at 8 weeks, but around 4 months is usually a great time for more formal training. and most public training classes allow puppies at 4 months to attend, as long as they are current on vaccines.
  
  if you choose to stick with the in home, make sure you also work and train in public places like parks, dog food stores and any other place you can possibly think you can safely take your puppy and work on training. you want to train your pup with distractions and new experiences, not in the safety and comfort of home.
  
  if you're wanting no distractions when training your dog, that's what all the practice you're supposed to do at home that's where the no distraction comes in. but that hour a week is where you get to practice with the distractions and other dogs. unless you plan on never having your puppy out of it's own house?


• It is essential for puppies to learn socialization as early as you can get them exposed. Public puppy classes are an excellent way to do this. If you train your pup in the safety of your home, you could end up with fear issues later and even some dog aggression. My advice would be to do the puppy classes with others and if you want to continue with more advanced training, you could consider private.


• One of the most critical things for a puppy to learn is bite inhibition and socialization. Your in home training can not accomplish these critical points. Other dogs are the only way for your pup to learn so much. Your puppy should go as soon as possible (2 out of 3 of the set of shots should be good, if the puppy class is kept clean and requires proof of shots). This time of the puppy's life is the ultimate time for socialization and supervised puppy play. Your pup needs to learn to play with dogs her own size, as well as larger dogs. A well run class will start her off with pups her own size and no dog over 6 months old. Please don't make your dog fearful or out of balance by limiting her contact with other dogs. 16 weeks is too old, now is the time.

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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: Training collar... when did you decide to use it?

I asked yesterday about electric collars, I said I was against it and why. (also stated I was open minded, but people are quick to judge, oh well)

So, you lot have changed my mind, I see why one would be used, and in what situations. I have only ever seen them used in an unnecessary and negative way, so my opinion was tinted (hence why I asked yesterdays question, again, oh well)

At what point during your dogs training did you decide to use the collar as a training aid?

How old was your dog, what breed is your dog, and why did you use it?

What did you try before that, that made you consider the electric collar?

Or was it a last resort all together? If so, why?

Nice detailed answers please!

Dog Training - How To Train Your Dog In One Evening

Recommended Answer:
Electric collars are BAD for dogs, do not use them. Use POSITIVE reinforcement for dogs. Shocking a dog does not fix the behavior in the long term, all it does it deliver a painful shock that stops the dog in his/her tracks. This does not teach the dog what behavior you want to see.

You must teach a dog what you want him/her to do, not just what you don't want him/her to do.

Shock collars are IMO one of the worst things you can do to your dog.

PS. Sooner or later the dog will realize that he/she can either run out of the shock collar's range, or will learn to just completely ignore you when the collar is no longer on. Because then, without your ability to shock your dog, there is no reinforcement to cause the dog to listen.

Remember, Positive Reinforcement. Never use negative reinforcement with a dog.

Professional Dog Training - The Easy Road in Dog Obedience Training

• if your having problems with your dog, and you think you have to use a training shock collar, then you are wrong.
  
  if your child was a baby and couldn't communicate with you because it couldn't talk would you hit your child for not doing what you want?
  
  the same is with a dog. i am sure that if your dog understands what you are saying he would stop his behavior in an instant, but of course, that is impossible.
  
  so what you need to do, if you feel you can't control your dog for whatever reason that i don't know, then consult an animal behaviorist. this person will tell you how bad your dogs case is and how to fix it. he or she will most likely suggest positive reinforcement. if you don't know what that is look it up.
  
  then, you can try on your own to train your dog with positive reinforcement, or you can contact a professional, positive reinforcement trainer who has experience with whatever problem your dog is having.
  
  good luck. and please don't get mad at people who you feel are "judging" you. their educated about shock collars, and any person who is educated on dogs will tell you not to use those things. they just care for your dog.
  
  well good luck, and hope you take this into consideration.


• i do not agree with electric collars. there are also collars out there that shoot air or water up under the dogs chin which are more humain. You haven't said what your problem with your dog is so it is hard to recomend what the best training method would be. there are lots of training aids out there that i would try before i ever went near an electric collar. there are choke chains, clicker training, halti's, toy rewards etc.


• I like explaining why I chose an electric collar.
  
  We live adjacent to fields and also near train tracks. While the fields are completely fenced and I am not worried about my dogs getting run over, they are, at times, out of earshot. To still feel like I have control, I chose to use the e-collar.
  
  I have a large breed dog who is now 9 months. While I questioned using it on him so young, he is a 100+ pound 9 month old. His size made up my mind. If he was smaller, I may have waited a bit longer. I also felt he was mentally ready. I had him on good control in the house and the small yard. He knew his basic commands, sit, lie down, come, and wait, so I knew that he understood what I wanted when I said one of these words.
  
  I started with "come" on the e-Collar. When we were outside playing, I would stop and say, "come" to him. He already would acknowledge this command about 90% of the time unless he thought he has something better to be doing. If he came right away, he got tons of affection and praise. If he did not, he got a buzz from the vibrate feature of my eCollar. I love the vibrate feature. It gets attention without using the shock. If he still chose not to listen, I would give him a low shock. My collar has several settings and I have never turned it past the 2nd setting of 5.
  
  I honestly only had to do this about 3-4 times before it was instant. Every time he felt the buzz, he knew that if he didn't come, a shock would follow. I am SO glad I chose to use the eCollar as it was an effective training tool for me. I much prefer the kinds with a remote for me to control when and what type of correction to use (vibrate or shock).
  
  I have seen it be poorly used by people who don't know what they are doing, which I think is terrible. It is not an easy fix and if done improperly, will do nothing more than scare a dog. It must be clear what the collar's purpose is. The shock needs to mean something to the dog. It can mean, "come back now" like for my dog, "stop barking", "no", or even "stop".
  
  Thanks so much for asking and not prejuding. I felt it was a necessary training tool for the purpose and look at it today the same way I look at a choke collar. My dog does not wear it all the time. Only when we go to the fields or somewhere I want him off leash but want control over him. Just like when I want to go for a walk, I grab his leash and choke chain.
  
  Add: Nikki~ My dog is not my child. It is a dog. If my child is misbehaving she gets a time out or a punishment of some sort. My dog does not understand time outs. I love my dog dearly and have taken the time to train him for his own safety.
  
  I have also tried the collar on my hand to experience it. While it didn't feel nice, it got my attention.
  
  I also feel that the collars are OFTEN misused, giving all people who use them a bad name. I am not using one in subsitution for training. I am using it in conjunction with training.
  
  That being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the matter. The question wanted to know how people who used the collars do so, not if they are bad or not. :)
  
  I forgot to answer one of your questions. I have used it on my bullmastiff which was the dog I referred to in my example and a german shorthair pointer (not the one I rescued who was abused...not a canidate for and eCollar in my opinion)
  
  ADD #2: Was I one of the only ones to read the question? The asker asked people who use an eCollar their personal experiences...not if it is good or bad or that they even needed or wanted to use one.


• An E fence 1 foot off the ground caused a Boxer to become neurotic. He'd sit & bark & bark & bark at the wire, it did not matter if it was working or not. Poor dog NEVER got over it, til the day he died. Not because of the fence but of old age.
  
  I tried the same thing with my dogs & I spent more time walking the fence line to see if a weed or piece of grass was touching the wire & grounding it out. I tried it 1 foot off the ground & I tried it at the top of the fence line. It never phased my dogs at all. What was a little electric shock to getting to run all over the neighborhood?
  
  I would never use the E-collar cause shock therapy is not what I wanted. I had to train them & went through all kinds of stuff just to keep them in their yard. Finally a 6 foot high fence with chicken wire attached at the bottom finally did it.
  
  What is stopping your from putting up a good fence? Zoning?, neighborhood coalition?, You are renting?
  
  Zoning here will allow any kind of fence. Block, wood, wire, chain link, just what ever. A fence is the only safe way to keep your dog at home.
  
  ADDED:
  
  It only takes a split second to cross the line of electricity & after that he is free to go where he wants to. At a full run it is less than a split second to cross the line & he is gone. This is not your answer.


• I Have read your question and all i can do is to tell you that the collar i used did not shock the dog,i hate that term. It just gave him a mild tweak even at the highest setting.Dogs just do not like the sensation. I had an 80lb lab mix and live near a street with traffic and figured a mild tweak was better than a fast moving delivery truck. Yes it was a last resort,a clicker or voice command was not enough. He was smart and learned quickly the joys of being able to roam freely within his home boundaries. Try one on your wrist and if it is a humane collar it will not harm or hurt you. I paid $200.50 for mine.


• I assume you mean by training collar, actually an electric collar?
  
  I used one once with my last Sheltie.
  
  We live on a row crop farm. From the day I got "Micah" at 9 weeks old I began training him meticulously. Before a year old he was reliable off leash on the farm. He was my competition agility dog and companion. We took him hiking, fishing and camping....reliable off leash.
  
  Then one day, when he was about 5 or 6, while out walking the farm he kicked up a jack rabbit. But this time he wouldn't call off.
  
  Micah was a trained dog, he knew what "come meant". He had called off birds and bunnies before. This time he "chose" not to respond.
  
  Borrowed an electric collar, went walking the farm for several days until we kicked up another rabbit, he started to take off. "Micah leave it! Come!" no response. "MICAH! COME" no response....zap!
  
  Solved

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Dog Health Questions: What is the best dog training book to buy?

I just got 2 rescue dogs a 7 month old and a 6 month old Great Danes. I need to do some training. Help! What is the best book to buy? Also for names do you like Mindy, Wendy or Tina For the Female?

Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior

Recommended Answer:
First of all, congratulations! I think it is great when people get rescue dogs.

I'm not good with names, but I have a suggestion for getting some help training your puppies. There are a lot of free dog training tips online. The following link will take you to some that I like.

http://www.dogsrkidstoo.com/trainingtipo…

Good luck and have fun.

P.S. I like Mindy.

Help With Dog Training

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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

Recommended Answer:
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: Is "The Dog Whisperer" a dangerous show?Other training shows?Just because of misuse, or should it just not run?

Is the show itself dangerous, or is it the viewers fault for not taking it as the entertainment that it is supposed to be? Knowing that a disclaimer is not enough to stop people from doing stupid things, should the show run at all?

Do people just dislike him, or are all these dog training shows (like Its me or the Dog) oversimplified and misleading?

Are his books any better than the show? Not that I want to buy them, but are those actually learning tools more than the TV show, or are those over simplified too?

Is the TV show just a big ad for his books and other programs?

How to Explore the Numerous Advantages of Online Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
In my opinion, all are simplified and misleading. All of them. I have never read any of his books, so I cannot comment on them. And of course he is there to make money - if someone isn't making money doing what they are doing for a living, they wouldn't be doing it for long.

I personally don't "hate" him - but I think his advice is dangerous. I do like some one the things he says though, like you have to treat a dog like a dog.

And should the show be taken off the air? I REALLY want people to wake up and start thinking for themselves, instead of waiting for someone to do it for them. Any show on TV that "teaches" anything should be taken with a grain of salt - dog training, home decorating, any thing!

A Long Tradition of Dog Training

• yes it is very dangerous is because he is handling dangerous dog big and small and you don't even know how is the dog going to react so that is a very very dangerous show so is other training shows.


• It should run because it DOES help people.
  There is a disclaimer that says not to do it without a professional that knows that they are doing
  but still people do it, and that is their fualt.
  
  he is an amazing person and has personally helped me loads, yes, there can be other ways to help -- but it depends on the person.
  
  just because you dislike something doesnt mean its bad, it just means you have opinions and should respect them and see them from others point of veiw


• I think his show is misleading. He also advocates methods that are dangerous and outdated. Alpha-rolling an aggressive dog can get you attacked, for example.
  
  He is self-taught, and uses methods that have long been discredited in the dog training world. He prefers to overpower dogs, which can make them more fearful and aggressive, and he uses very little positive reinforcement. He does a lot of things right; however, there's a reason that there's a disclaimer on the show. Some of his methods (picking up small dogs by the back of the neck) make me cringe.
  
  Victoria Stillwell's program is excellent. Her methods tend to make the dog want to behave well for you (as opposed to fearing punishment in order to avoid bad behavior). She is well-versed in the latest dog training methods, and she uses plenty of treats and rewards. Obviously, since it's a half-hour show, you can't learn everything from her program, but it gives a lot of good pointers. Her methods take patience, which most people seem to lack anymore. Everyone wants a quick-fix solution.


• I believe it is a combination of stupidity on his part and even more on the viewers part.
  
  People don't seem to understand that the dogs on that show a evaluated for health and other issues PRIOR to being worked with. They know EXACTLY what the base issues are and understand what behaviors to watch for. Most novices (as well as many experienced folks) can easily miss signals that the dogs are giving off and get hurt!
  
  The show itself is prepared for that, and if something bad happens,. it NEVER gets aired and people don't have a clue!
  
  You are never going to stop them from airing the show and people from watching it. I wish there was just a better way to convince people to NOT try it at home.
  
  I don't believe his books are any better because, again, it can't teach someone to read the signals that the dogs can give off. If people have problems that they need to address with a dog, they need to hire a professional trainer. A trainer not only trains the dog, but trains the owner on how to teach the dog!


• I find Cesar Milan scary. Anyone who thinks they know *the answer* to every problem is nuts. And I find his heavy-handed approach barbaric and quite behind the times as far as training philosphy is concerned.
  
  Dog training shows on TV (I like Victoria Stillwell's approach better, but still...) are entertainment as much as information and are staged to be oversimplified. The danger lies in people thinking that this is "the way to go" without really thinking it through or thinking about alternatives.
  
  I did read the book. There was some good stuff in it, especially about being calm and assertive. I think he comes across a little better in the book than he does on TV, where he solves all problems in a 30 minute time frame, making people think he has all the answers.
  
  Taken with a grain of salt, these programs can be helpful. If they're taken as gospel, they are a menace!


• I personally do not care for the training methods of "the dog whisperer". The little bit of him that I have watched showed him dominating the dogs, not training them. His methods may work for him, but they would not necessarily work for just anyone. I happen to enjoy Victoria Stillwell's Its Me or the Dog. Her training methods are something that anybody can do with time and patience. She does not dominate the dogs, she trains them. I have used many of her ideas to help my dog and my friends and family with their dogs and have always had success. TV shows are designed to make money, that does not mean that we can't learn something from them. I pretty much disregard anything that is slanted to making money and concentrate on the parts of the show that actually teach something.


• I like the show, I've used a lot of the techniques, and I'm glad their are some shows that help people understand how they should treat their dogs. Just because he presents some simple solutions, doesn't mean they don't work. Sometimes simple is best.
  
  The man has studied dogs. Some people just have natural abilities. The fact that he has kept so many dogs from being put down should be enough for people who care at all about dogs not to be so vicious.
  
  There are plenty of trainers and other methods and techniques available. If you don't like the Caesar's methods, then by all means don't use them. But, don't try to tear him down to people who he actually helps.


• When i got my puppy i got his book " be the packleader" as a present. I really didn't help much. It has some good ideas in it but it all just seems to be written to glorify his own person. The book is full of "success" stories that were done by other people but supposably inspired by him through his tv show. great.


• Dangerous for whom? I personally like the show and I learned so much about my dog and other dogs behaviors as well from Cesar's show. Although the show always advise to not try it at home, which makes sense if you have no experience/want to do so. I don't like the other shows mentioned because they don't get to the point as much as Cesar's show. However never read the books nor I have any plans to buy them.


• The show is dangerous, because too many people get the impression from it that they can fix a problem with a dangerous and/or very large dog. To me, that is irresponsible. I also see many posters here referring to links to his training methods.
  
  It is one thing to air a show about such an unusual situation - such as animal rescue or observing jungle animals in the wild - but the fact that any one of us can pretty much go down the street and find such an unruly candidate makes it all the more likely that someone would try things for which they are simply not trained.
  
  His methods are not well thought of, and although I too value freedom of speech, I think some stations should use more discretion and air something less harmful. Certainly there must be more to choose from than that.
  
  Here are some reviews by reputable behaviorists:
  http://www.svbt.org/pages/CesarMillan.ht…


• just a few comments on what i have seen about him
  watch the sun reflections on the ground, you only see the good things and the progress, most people think that its going to be a quick fix just because one dog has been conquered in one or two days,
  in reality its like one or two weeks with the dog in question,
  also have you noticed that he has his own herd of dogs that he keeps as a pack. he should really be adopting them out and taking more from shelters and training them on his show, and rehoming them out,
  i personally believe that he is just in it for the money.
  


• I personally happen to like The Dog Whisperer. I don't think he is barbaric as people claim he is. We all love our dogs, and most of us treat them like family. . but Cesar reminds us that they are dogs and they understand things as dogs. When a dog is not happy with another dog, he will snap or growl. Another dog understands this behavior. In my opinion, all the chicken pieces in the world will not stop an aggressive dog from attacking other animals. Cesar works to correct the behavior of these dogs. He doesn't claim to be a trainer. He clearly says that he is a "dog behavior specialist" which I would personally agree.
  
  I watch Victoria as well and I take bits and pieces from both. Victoria seems to work more to train dogs. Teaching them not to jump up on people, or to stay in the yard, or to come when called. Cesar seems to specialize with the more aggressive dogs. There is a reason he has been successful doing what he does, and anyone who thinks they can watch a show then pin down a Rottweiler is in for a rude awakening. I think he is great at what he does and he has a genuine love for dogs. I've never seen Victoria work with a vicious dog in danger of being put to sleep. I've seen shows where Cesar has actually been bitten, and they clearly state that the rest of us should contact a professional before trying these methods.
  
  I foster homeless dogs through a rescue group. Most of them are puppies so I'm able to use positive reinforcement (more Victoria's style). I did end up with 1 litter of oddly aggressive older puppies. I took 3 from the litter and someone else took the other 3. After a week of working with them, they were happy & playful puppies. I did end up having to hold one of them down several times during the first few days. She would constantly attack the other puppies. She was food aggressive & snapped at my daughter. By the end of the week I could put my hands in her bowl while she was eating and she stopped attacking the other puppies. Again, this was a 15 pound Chow mix puppy. I would never try that with a full grown 60 pound dog.
  We are all entitled to our opinion, but Cesar's methods helped me and all 3 puppies were adopted. Not to mention, the 3 puppies that didn't live with me for the week were still displaying signs of aggression. They couldn't even have them out at adoption day because they were snapping at everyone that came near their crate.
  
  Again, this is just my opinion based on my personal experiences.
  
  Bottom line, anyone who watches these shows apparently has a love for their dogs or else we wouldn't watch and try to learn. I say do what works for you, as long as you aren't hurting your furry friend.

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Dog Health Questions: Has anyone tried the "Hands Off" dog training videos? Website www.thedogtrainingsecret.com?

Want to know if this is worth it, if it works.

Do's and Dont's of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Well I read the page on the sight and just from personally experience the page read like an a scam. I really do not think I would ever try it. Plus I did not agree with something on the page at all

Finding the Best Dog Training Supplies

• I also thought the sales page looked a bit dodgy. Have a look at http://www.best-dog-training.com . It is full of dog training articles, tips & tricks. You can also get a free ebook on "How to have a healthy dog" when you subscribe to the free dog training newsletter. Well worth a look.

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Dog Health Questions: Has anyone tryed "dog training secrets" by Don sullivan?

I want to know if i should buy this DVD. I have a male dog aggressive APBT (5 years old) who also is difficult on walks. and a brand new GSD puppy (5 months) I enjoy seeing different technics. i wanted to know if anyone else has seen don Sullivan's training methods and if its worth the money to buy the DVDs.

Dog Training Man's Best Friend

Recommended Answer:
Never seen it. I prefer to train my dog's by the way I want to train them.
-- I could tell you how to train your dog to walk with you on a leash though I have taught a couple people before. Here's a question I have answered before about dog walking : http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

- But I really don't know if you mean aggressive when you take him on walks or just don't wanna go..

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

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Dog Health Questions: Tell me some of the websites for dog training?

Can anyone able to suggest me some of the websites for dog training and also give me some of the tips for dog training…

Choosing Dog Training Equipment

Recommended Answer:
Dog Obedience Training. Best dog training methods for different dog breeds, dog separation anxiety, and free puppy training tips for potty training a puppy. Learn how to train a dog fast and effectively.
www.dog-obedience-training-online.com
Dog Trianing at www.pun.trainingdog-behavior.com

Understanding the Differences Between Various Dog Training Courses

• Check out www.sitmeanssit.com. This is a great network of dog trainers and a fantastic dog training system. If there is a sms trainer in your area just give them a call to set up and appointment for a FREE demo. They will come to your house or meet you somewhere to meet you and your dog and show you what they can do for you. Not alot of trainers can do that and there are very few trainers that can problem solve like these guys. I've used this system personally and would have become one of their trainers myself buy someone in my area beat me to it. Check out all their youtube vids as well. They can train any dog. Hope this helps.


• Hi Pushpa:
  
  I think you may find this site useful. It provides information not only on dog training, but also on various aspects of caring for a dog.
  http://www.golden-retriever-magic.com/fr…
  
  All the best!
  VJ


• Hello,
  
  Not sure exactly what you need to know about dog training, so I can't really give any advice here. You can get a dog training ebook and more for free.
  http://www.trainyourdogsonline.com


• You need 2 or 3 people or a trained dog.
  With 2 persons you could throw the Frisbee and the other one catches and keep doing that or an easier way (if you want to do this start by throwing him bones in the air and he catches it or hold above him and he jumps to it) get a trained dog and play with him in front of your dog and keep playing and your dog is energetic right, then he will get jealous and run at the Frisbee but wont catch it then you hold the trained dog and play frisbee with him until he catches on to it when he does throw 2 frisbees when he catches one throw the other immediately and then he'll learn that then keep doing it with 3 then 4 then 5 then you know the rest. and give him energetic foods as a reward and pat him as a reward.(after every time he does it only).
  
  Good Luck on that Hun and check out my website http://www.helpwithdogs.info for further help
  
  good luck xxx

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