Dog Health Questions: What do I do about my odd dog?

Ok, I love my dog to death, but she does the silliest stuff. She is a border collie mixed with a lab. I have tried nearly everything (except dog training or Prozac). Everyday I come home and it something new that she has found to "play with", or to me, destroy. She covers what she has done with her blanket,and in the mist of all of her destruction are her toys.

Also, she is terrified of everything. Trash bags(although she has ripped one apart), any large box or object, any other person (mind you I got her at 1yr from another family), and multiple dogs coming towards her at any one time.

How do I get her to A. stop using my stuff as her newest conquest, and B. get used to other dogs and ppl.

My dad says we were made for each other, but some stuff is crazy.

P.S. She has a Kong that she is too lazy to play with, and she doesn't play fetch, or roll over (this too scares her), or any other normal dog stuff.

Dude help!

5 Dog Training Tips to Stop Barking

Recommended Answer:
Forget about the Prozac. She sound like a normal very intelligent Border Collie who is craving for some dog training. You cannot just have a Border Collie. They were created to work and do things and if you are not going to give her a job, she will find one by herself and then you give it a name - destruction.
Train her!

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

• A. I think you shouldnt give her lots of toys to choose from, i read somewere it makes them more distructive. B. You should slowly introduce her 2 some who often visits you and some1 you know who has a dog, but one step at a time. I hope this helps


• She should be crated while nobody is home to supervise her. That's not only for your sanity, but also for the dog's health.
  
  As for getting used to others, you should enroll her in some puppy training.


• And why have you not tried training?
  http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/trai…


• Walk, walk, walk! All dogs need daily exercise. If they don't get it, they get bored, frustrated (you would be too coped up in a house all day) and therefore, destructive. Particularly breeders like borders. They are very high strung dogs by nature. If they don't have something to do they go bonkers. Walk her no less than half an hour a day with a pack on her back (doesn't matter what's in it) so she feels like she's doing a job. Remember, borders are working dogs. That's what they were bred to do. Walking her will also ease her into socialization not only with other dogs but with other people too. Also exercise will wear her out so she won't be so likely to destroy whatever she gets her teeth on.


• Take her for a run before work. She's bored out of her mind!
  
  Both of those breeds are highly active breeds. The BC is very, very intelligent too. She covers up her mistakes FGS!! That's highly intelligent.
  
  Does she have the BC focus? That great stare BCs have? Use it to train her.
  
  She needs to be socialized. Introduce her to dogs who are stable, serene that nothing phases or upsets, slowly at first. She needs to learn their body language so she will be comfortable around other dogs. Does she know 'that's ok' ? Use it when she meets a dog for the first time. As in, 'the situation is okay, don't worry'.
  Some dogs new to meeting any other dog will act defensive. Go slower with the intros. But don't quit. Most dogs do better off leash once they get the hang of reading other dog's body language.
  
  Her prior family probably didn't take her anywhere to meet and greet either.
  
  You have a dog that loves to learn. Learn how to train her then spend time daily teaching. 15 minutes at a time several times a day. All the time telling her how good she is when she does it right.
  
  She probably would be great at Agility. A sport where the fastest most accurate dog wins. Borders are superb at this game.
  
  When you are just around the house teach her words. Names, what you're doing. where your going. to bed, to the kitchen, away for a little while, to the front yard, to the back yard, to the garage, outside. Visitor's names. Teach her all the Obedience commands one at a time and how to do them.. Add hand signals to it. They are at their best learning and doing. You'll see a changed happy dog. Teach her throughout her life.....that will keep you busy later when you think you've run out of ideas.
  
  A lady at our city parks every day brings 4 Borders off leash. The new one drags a lead...it's in training.She speaks very softly or uses a slight hand signal. The new dog is 100% aware of every move her owner makes. If it doesn't understand exactly what she wants it watches the other BCs' reaction to the words.
  
  Tell your dog what a good dog she is when she does anything correctly whether you told her to or not. Don't be effusive. And what it is that she did right. Keep the words simple. Good sit, Good .......(name) then repeat it. Always use the same word for the same thing. She'll be sooooo proud.You'll be soooo surprised how fast she learns.
  And with an activity before you leave she'll be a little too tired to destroy.
  
  Dogs destroy when their bored.


• 1. usually my dogs rip things up when they are home alone if they have to go to the bathroom, or have to much energy. so, i would take more walks with your dog, or maybe you could ask someone in the neighborhood if they could come to you house and let the dog out. (I would give them a few bucks a week for doing it.)
  
  2. since she is scared of so many things, if the other family had kids, im sure the kids liked to tease the dog with things she s scared of. but im sure over time, that she will outgrow all of these fears.
  
  (hope i helped!!!)


• Welcome to the terrible twos of puppy land! It will get better, but it will take lots of work and patience on your part.
  1. You need to make her a puppy zone. Confine an area of the house where she is to be while you are not there. Give her only the things she needs and do not leave anything in the area that is "off limits" If you are able to crate train her it is a good option, it sounds mean, but after they are trained, you can let them earn privileges (ie.staying out of the crate while you are gone)
  
  http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.…2. when she "conquers" something off limits, verbally correct her. put the object close to her nose so she recognises it by smell and give her a firm and stern "NO" and never let her SEE you clean up her mess. If you have to put her in the bathroom while you do it.
  
  http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/behavior.h…
  
  3. As for her fear, it takes time. When I took my AB from my brother she was terrified of EVRYTHING Try sitting in the floor with her, being very relaxed and having say a trash bag hidden under your leg, while playing with her slowly pull out the trash bag. It may take MONTHS, my girl is still leary of certain things but she doesn't freak out anymore... I spent many hours sitting in the floor with her holding a broom etc..She is still not fond of the vaccuum, but she will tolerate the hairdryer now. 4. socialization: This is a slow progess also. If you have a friend with a dog that could visit that would be good. If not short walks to start would be good. If you could afford to take a class with the pup that would be good too. Some classes specialize in socialization.
  
  http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/Do…
  
  Best of luck to you.
  Just remember that it is going to take time and lots of patience.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog training?

How do you train your dog to bring u his plate when u feed him?

Dog Training and the Dog-Human Bond

Recommended Answer:
Try this....tell her to "hold the bowl" then give her a treat and lots of praise. Keep going until she gets it. When she does ask her if she wants dinner, breakfast or whatever and tell her to "hold the bowl", then feed her.

Dog Training Tricks - Cool Dog Tricks To Teach Your Dog

• My Dobe does this on her own but if you have the dog hold the bowl in it's mouth each time you feed her/him then take it from them and fill the bowl I imagine they would get the clue quickly.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: What is a good gift to give a pet sitter/boarder?

The person who watches my dog does such a great job and he didn't even charge me the last time I dropped her off for a long weekend. He has his own boarding/dog training business and I am trying to think of a nice gift to give him to say "thanks". Any suggestions?

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog

Recommended Answer:
If you know what his interests are, get him a nice hard cover book.

You could also take him out to dinner.

A gift card to a store he likes is always a nice touch.

Certainly it should be substantial, since he did something of considerable value for you without pay.

I think you ought to work on a way of paying him in the future, but if that is awkward for him (never mind your financial situation), then your gift ought to be something of at least vaguely equivalent value. That's the neat thing about a gift card, and yet with a gift card, no actual money changes hands.

Easy Steps to Boxer Dog Training

• a nice sweater will be very apt.
  
  have a nice day.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: So I want to be a Dog Trainer...?

Im interested in joining the field of dog trainers, but am not sure where to start. Where can you go with a Dog training degree? Average Salary? What are the employers like?...Thanks Guys!!

Dog Training Aids - Do You Know How Safe The Methods Used For Dog Obedience Training Are?

Recommended Answer:
The dog training field needs more people passionate in dog training. I encourage you to pursue your interest. Get as much experience handling dogs, even if it's not in dog training. Cesar Millan from Dog whisperer started out at a dog grooming salon. My sister's Petsmart dog trainer started by just training her own dogs. You can volunteer at shelters, work at pet stores, train your relative's dogs, etc. Most popular dog trainer's business is all through word of mouth. If you are passionate and persistent in your job people WILL notice and you'll get where you wanna go.

Don't get discouraged by other people's opinions because no matter what you do, there will be people against you. Do what you believe and what's right. Best Wishes.

Free Dog Training Tips

• To get certificate, you will have to attend a dog training school and complete the required courses. but mostly dog trainers are self educated. they study the training methods and behaviors of dogs on their own, attend conventions, and learn from other trainers. There are no known degrees for dog training but some college do offer programs that are similar to the subject, such as behavioral psychology and veterinary sciences. Some dog trainers are self employed, some work for small businesses, and sometimes for other pet related businesses. The greatest first step to take is to join the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. It offers great opportunities and Information. The salary really depends on how good you are at it and how many skills you have. The average hourly wage is $10.50, but in order to really make a good salary you need to know what you are doing and know the business end of being a dog trainer.


• You start by finding a good trainer to teach you how to train dogs. I don't mean the box store trainer but a person who has trained large dogs, small dogs, nice dogs, mean dogs, hairy dogs, and hairless dogs. This person should have a good track record and should be able to prove it. Sure reading books and attending classes will help but nothing takes the place of good old experience. I'm always cautious about dog training schools especially online ones. Most cannot prove that a student can actually train dogs.
  
  I can't give you an average salary as most trainers train on the side as a hobby. Some full-time trainers do boarding and grooming as well as training, so it's hard to tell where most of the money is coming from. Most trainers are employers having their own business.
  
  To be a good trainer, not only do you need good dog training ability but you need to have good business skills and people skills. Some trainer wannabes forget that each dog they train comes attached to a person. A good trainer also has to be a good person teacher.


• There is NO "dog training degree". Period. Many trainers learn what they know by finding someone in the field to MENTOR them. They mentor on their own time and have a PT job on the side, unless they're lucky enough to find someone to pay as they train. Not very likely though.
  
  Salary can be as little as $9/hour (starter trainer, working under group or business) to as high as $20/hour (private trainer with 25+ years experience).
  
  If you work FOR a group, organization, or business then what the "employers are like" varies. Just like in any job you can get a great employer or a horrible one. When working for yourself, well.... you can answer that one. But either way you'll be dealing with people as well as dogs, and people can get NASTY when they don't hear what they want to hear or when they become frustrated.
  
  http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages…
  http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/sear…


• Start training a dog. I'd get a labrador from strong working lines and title him with a utility in obedience, work him on scentwork and get him narcotics certified and therapy dog certified. If you really want a challenge, field trial title him. Then let your results speak for themselves to attract clients.


• Where can you go with a Dog training degree? No such thing as a dog training degree.
  Average Salary? Minimum wage to start.
  What are the employers like? Let's just put it this way...."You better have thick skin".

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Is Uncle Matty Dog Training any good?

I was just wondering if anyone has used this service and what results you got and if it is worth checking into.

Clicker Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I have not heard his name for years.

I was in an infomercial for him many years ago with my dog.

I don't think much of him as a trainer, he really was ahead of his time in marketing though and was big here in Southern California for a time. He did use an annoying hight pitch voiced with the dogs that made nails on a chalk board sound good.

I totally love the Thumb loop leash he sells on his website. Its what I use in competition and training for obedience.

http://www.unclematty.com/store/closeup.…

Here is his website http://www.unclematty.comADD: If you are looking for a dog trainer in the Los Angeles area where you can train with your dog, I can give you a link here.
I would NOT send a dog to his "training school" or work with one of his so called "trainers". They become trainers by doing an online class...ay yi yi

I can give you a referral to someone who trained with Bill Koehler.

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

• Never heard of it.
  Wish you'd told us what size and breed you have.
  
  I have not been impressed with obedience classes for dogs. There's just too much chaos for the dog to focus on the owner. They have other dogs to smell, other owners to hear, the trainer usually focues in on the worst dog while the others aren't being instructed on correct proceedure.
  
  I have watched puppy obedience at Petsmart. They accomplished absolutely nothing while I watched one session. No one was listening to the trainer. They were lucky to be able to hear her.
  
  If you have a larger breed, I would suggest buying Leerburg's Basic Obedience Training DVD. $40 and if you follow it you'll get a very well-behaved dog who will listen to you within a season of training. But you must meet the exercise needs of whatever breed you own also. And learn to be your dog's Pack Leader no matter what size it is.
  
  http://leerburg.com/302.htm
  
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/topdogrules.…


• Hi friend, Actually i don't know much about Uncle Matty Dog Training, but i have used tips that give my puppy a change. you can check it out at the site below.


• Based on what I've seen of him on TV - I wouldn't hire him or recommend to others. I haven't even seen or heard anything of him for years, until this question :)


• I have never hear of that one, but it might be a good one to try and see what results you will get.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Who dose someone call to get a dog trained?

I have a dog, shes a pit bull, and i want her to be trained to help people and dogs. Like a therapy dog. to help shy people and dogs to come out of there shell and thing like that. but how dose one go about starting something like that?

Dog Training - Why and How to Train Dogs

Recommended Answer:
You start with basic training at a pet obedience class. Some dog schools and dog clubs will offer a therapy dog class for the additional skills needed to pass the test, but this isn't strictly necessary. The Delta Society even offers a home study course if you are already experienced in training pet dogs.

Once she's trained, you'll need to get her tested with the therapy dog organization of your choice. The top three organizations in the US are:
http://deltasociety.org
http://tdi-dog.org
http://therapydogs.com

Check with the facilities you want to be able to visit to find out what they require. Some will require registration with a specific organization and no other. Because therapy dogs visit by invitation only, each facility is free to set whatever requirements they like and if you don't meet them, then you don't get to visit there.

Contrary to what one answerer said, it is not necessary to get your CGC before taking the therapy dog test. The CGC is included in some organizations' therapy dog tests, but neither of the first two on my list (which I have personally registered two dogs with) required a CGC as a condition of taking the therapy dog test.

Once you pass the test, you register with the organization. Registration includes ID, educational materials to present to facilities you wish to visit, and liability insurance which is something facilities really want to see.

Dog Training Part I

• First, you'll want to have your dog get her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Award (see http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/). Use the IACP search tools at http://www.canineprofessionals.com to find a trainer in your area that can help you with this and hopefully they will be an evaluator as well so it's a one stop shop. Once CGC is obtained, you need to hook up with Delta Society or TDI (Therapy Dogs International) and go through a program to get certified as a therapy dog. That is the formal route. there are, however, other programs you can get into like the ones where kids read to dogs where having your CGC is enough. Either way, I feel your first goal should be to get that CGC. It's not too difficult and opens a lot of doors.


• What a wonderful person you are to want to do this. If your dog is good with people kids, and all other animals, I think it's a great idea. You should first get in touch with old age homes, and let them know you have a wonderful friendly dog that you would like to bring in to see their patients. If all goes well, get in touch with a trainer that can certify your dog for what ever kind of working dog you want her to be.The trainer will help her and you to train her. Therapy dog's are great. Good Luck, and don't give up. This is a wonderful thing you want to do.


• You would do the training. People don't train your dog for you, regardless of what you want to use her for.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Guard Dog Training...?

I have a big dream of someday becoming a guard and personal protection trainer. I have searched the web looking for details on the work and job, but can't seem to find one touch of helpful information. Experienced details would be excellent.

What will I need to do in order to become the trainer? Any certificates, studying specific dog behaviours? Even Sch or Ipo titles?

And what is the yearly income of an average trainer in the work?

I still don't know how I'll ever end up breaking the dream to my parents in the end, but hopefully they'll understand. Thanks for all the help and time you give.

Learn More About Some Of The Best Ways To Begin Dog Training And More About What Not To Do

Recommended Answer:
Probably the easiest thing is to join your local Schutzhund club. This will help you understand the dogs drives. AS far as "civil" work, you really need someone with experience to show you how it's done. "Reading" the dog is extremely important...you can't just follow a "step by step" method type of training. The "helper", "agitator", "bad guy" (whatever you wanna call him) is the one training the dog. When to confront him, and when to revert to a submissive posture is what you need to understand. Timing is EVERYTHING (and of course...the right dog).

There is no school, no certificates. You Schutzhund club should have seminars from time to time that may help. Keep in mind that a majority of schutzhund trainers now are looking completely for "prey" drive dogs....these will NOT protect you in a real situation. A good balance of "prey" and "civil" makes the best overall protection dog. Blind aggression makes a good "junk yard" or "guard" dog.

My first day went like this..."They asked why I wanted to train dogs" I said "$3it, I don't wanna train dogs....I wanna put on that sleeve and get bit" They chained a dog up and told me to "piss him off without touching him"....when I came back, they said "You're on the clock...but you'll also apprentice training obedience". Starting pay was $250 a week....a long, long, long time ago. Now, my "low-end" dogs sell for $15,000.

Good luck with the parents, Loki!

Dog Training - The Right and Wrong Way

• Hi Loki i don't know a lot about this subject but you can go on my contacts page and some of my contacts might be able to help you.


• When I was working with K9's, I had to lose *EVERYTHING* I had ever learned about training 'pets'..
  If you enjoy having a family 'pet'..you may not enjoy the rigid discipline of training protection dogs. Much of what you consider today as 'cruel'..is a necessity in developing a good personal protection or police K9.
  
  What I found hardest, was the strict rules of what pet owners would call 'socializing'. ( beginning at 5 or 6 weeks old!) These dogs can't enjoy the company of other people's dogs or even of sociable strangers. They must have ONE focus..basically, stay ON GUARD, and what might be considered a, 'search and destroy', attitude.
  
  They don't learn how to 'play nice'..but that their only play is their work.
  
  If you want to make a career of dog training, you might do better to think about training assistance dogs, search/rescue dogs, or just be a family 'pet' trainer to keep good dogs out of 'jail'..The professional family dog trainers (rehabbers) make very good income, and are much in demand.
  
  To answer your question, no certificate is necessary to train dogs in any discipline. It isn't a regulated field, yet.
  You may find a mentor at your local schutzhund club, by doing a search for 'schutzhund, and your zip code..Your local Kennel Club might also point you in the right direction.
  You will see the basics of schutzhund, here>
  http://www.schutzhund-training.com/
  
  Although schutzhund is fun, it is still a far cry form 'real' protection training.
  
  If you will email me your region, I may be able to find a nearby protection trainer..An interview with a pro would be a good thing.
  
  Here is a link to NASAR..which will show you the basics of Search and Rescue. You will learn enough to know if that interests you.
  http://www.nasar.org/nasar/

Read More...