Dog Health Questions: Place to work dog in the winter?

I'm looking for a place to work my dog in the winter, preferably indoors. I've been trying to train her with the disc, but this proves to be difficult in the winter when snow and ice make the ground almost impossible to be active on. Are there special shoes I can purchase to help me with this?

There is also the issue that she has an old injury in her back leg that flares with inactivity for long periods of time, and the stress that practicing on the snow gives it.

Any ideas for where I can find a place that will rent a large room to me for an hour or so once a day? I've considered asking some local dog training centers, and possibly a school (school gym), but would be interested in hearing other takes on this situation. Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thank you!

Is Dog Training Necessary? Part 1

Recommended Answer:
Stina, you know I am a huge advocate for Tails :)

ADD: That is awesome! They have two LARGE rooms with rubber flooring... you will LOVE it there. Everyone is super nice. You can absolutely use the facility when others are not there, you just have to ask the instructor. You can also arrive early for class or stay late to have the area to yourself. When I bring my Newf to agility I always arrive 30 minutes before class and goof around with her.. it is a lot of fun :)

Why One Size Does Not Fit All In Dog Training

• well around here we have a place that you can take your dogs to swim and play its indoors and a really good workout.


• Check with Dog Obedience clubs in your area.
  Many of them have facilities that they will let member (and sometimes others) use for independent (not in a class/on your own) training. Member of a club like that are also a good resource as they may well know where club members go to train and provide varied training enviroments for their dogs.


• Yes, ask a local kennel club, or you can even rent out larger facilities.


• I used to hire the local equestrian centres indoor arena in the winter it was big enough for what I wanted and the floor covering was non-slip unlike being in a hall.
  
  If you have anywhere near you where you can do this I found it perfect.


• Have you got a livery yard near you? maybe ask around see if any farmers or horsey people have any barns not getting used.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Learn to train dog lessons?

where can i find online dog training lessons?

The Importance of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I used an online course to train my dog (Pippin - a black Belgian Shepherd) , and it was fun w. very effective results. If you want a good course, I suggest that you go to http://www.reviewsnest.com/dogtraining and see their current top picks (they review dog training courses, among other things). If you want me to say which course I used pls say so, but I think it would be best if you check their current picks, as they constantly upate theur reviews and results.
Good luck!

Using the Right Dog Training Treats

• I don't know. But I can say don't go to pet'smart they are a ripoff.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog training at an animal shelter?

i am in middle school and i want to work at and animal shelter when i get older . i want to help dogs get healthier feed them, love them and find homes for them. I want to be able to make the dogs be happy and play with them and teach them tricks i want to know what does it take to do all of that and if i need a college degree and what kind of thing i will have to learn i don't care if it is volunteering as long as i can help the dogsi need the requirements,what kind of schooling,and i need to know what kind of job is it called to do all of those things?

Must-Have Tools For Easy And Fun Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
You don't need a degree to "work" at a shelter =) But, you could get one maybe while you are working there! =)

DOG SECTION REGULAR, do you HAVE to always be so rude with your answers? You are talking to a 12 or 13yr old child that wants to work with animals ...OR DID ..OMG!! ....you must be a sad lonely person to be so bitter all of the time!!!! Maybe Yahoo Answers is your imaginary job? Or, maybe you are spending WAY to much time on here..what a loser to tell a CHILD they will be killing animals if they work at a shelter...which is not the case anyway.

Dog Training with Hand Signals - Hand Signals Help With Obedience Training Your Dog

• Hi I see that you need some sort of guide that will
  give you tips and tricks to help your dog become
  fully trained and more healthy.Recently one of my friends
  relly needed some advice on how to train his dog.
  He followed the dog training academy course to
  successfully have a full trained dog in a few weeks.


• Try using more punctuation, please. You are very hard to understand.
  
  Why don't you ask your parents? Or maybe ask shelter workers what it takes to become a shelter worker.
  
  Understand it's not all fun and games at a shelter, you WILL have to receive a Euthanization Certification which means you WILL have to kill animals at your job on a daily basis.


• Animal shelters are run, usually, by the county. In order to work for the county, you must pass a civil service exam. Don't expect to get hired and just be playing with dogs all day. The new hires are the ones who clean up dog kennels, and all the other dirty work.


• You don't need any schooling to volunteer... you just have to meet the age requirement.


• 1. Volunteer at the shelter to clean. It's not a glamorous job, but minors usually can't walk the dogs. Even if that is allowed, don't take out wild dogs. Stick with docile, affectionate dogs only. Trust me, I volunteer often, and I can't believe the number of younger volunteers that come in and want to walk the dog aggressive 120 lb Chesapeake. It's fine to want to help, but make sure that you, the dog, and anyone you may encounter will be safe.
  
  2. Read, read, read. Anything you can get your hands on about dogs. Keep an open mind as you do. Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, Pat Millar, and Karen Pryor are a start... but don't shy away from the more controversial such as Cesar Milan, or even William Koehler. You should have a solid understanding of all types of training, whichever one you prefer. Read up on psychology and learning theory in general, and the training of ALL animals, not just dogs.
  
  Staff do most training and take care of the essentials like food and cleaning, so volunteers are needed to do the exercising and one-on-one time, which is why strong volunteer bases are so important to shelters. There are trainers at larger animal shelters, and you could conceivably get a job as one with the right experience. A degree isn't as important as several solid apprenticeships with good trainers. It's not an easy job, not the best paying one, and not always a fun one, but it is interesting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding to train a dog, whether it's the mellow family pet or a severe fear biter.
  
  If you can't follow the path of a full-time trainer, consider fostering dogs. Fostering gives you all the benefits you have described without trying to deal with such a massive amount of stress on the dog. For example, my last foster, an unsocialized laboratory dog with happy tail, was overlooked because of his extreme stress and the blood from his injured tail flying everywhere. Four months of TLC and hard training made him a safe, responsive off-leash dog who gets to live in the country on a dairy farm. You get all the benefits, but don't necessarily have to invest your life in dogs if you have other big interests.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training?

My friends dog is EXTREMELY wild! They have to keep her on a chain whenever they need to put her out....They have a HUGE backyard but no fence....Almost every time someone opens the front door and she's indside she escapes and she runs......fast! We usually know where she goes but she's practically UNSTOPPABLE!!!!!!! We chase her usually one or two HOURS before she even slows down then we have to trick her to coming to us!!! HELP What can we do to get her tamed

Dog Training How Tos - Laying a Solid Foundation

Recommended Answer:
the grass is always greener on the other side. they want freedom may be they don't feel their home as a home. one of my friend's dog does that too and even got knock down by a car once and the dog still not give up yet.
i will advice your friend to spend more time with the dog, because this is what i feel about my friend; he seldom play with his dog.

Dog Training With A Clicker

• In addition to training they should get a baby gate for the door way AND a screen door if possible. The baby gate shoud help. Meanwhile work on sit and stay. YOu may need to google or you tube instructions for training
  
  there are several methods including standing at door with squirt gun or hose (with our goldens that doesn't work) or someone standing with leashed dog while the other rings bell and you reward as dog behaves and stays in sit... etc. etc.
  
  A personal trainer is a good thing as they can be objective and ajust your training


• trainer, they need to train the dog, and corectly
  
  all what they have been doing so far is directly oposite of any and all training advices that exsist
  
  never run after a dog, it take it as a game, run away get it to chase you, the dog is faster, you'll never catch up
  
  dont yell, your "barking" the dog take it as cheering it on, aka helping it and telling it yes this is rigth, more more
  
  they need to train her to come on comand, and stop encuraging her to run off
  
  so yeah get a trainer to help them who actualy know what their doing..there several ways to train on this, but atm i think their best bet is being instructed through it because they actualy encuraged and trained the dog to run off...so its going to be harder to retrain it, then it would have been just corectly training it from the start.


• Your friend should seriously consider finding a reputable trainer in your area that can help with this issue.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training...I need some serious help!?

I have a tiny Beagle and she likes to escape from the gate we have blocking the kitchen from the rest of the house (she and the other 2 Beagles I have aren't potty trained so we can't let them go all around the house). We have this one gate that seemed to work for a while but now she has figured out how to use her nose to create an opening just small enough so she can get out. It's just so annoying because she pees everywhere when she gets out and she scratches on peoples doors when they are sleeping.If anyone can help, please do! I really appreciate it ^.^

Dog Training - Instructions to Train Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Yes, invest in a crate or crates, put dogs in them and there will be no escaping. Hope I helped.

Dog Training Schools - Who is Being Trained, You Or the Dog

• They have collars that dogs can wear that shock them if they try to leave a certain perimeter around ur house, or use training pads


• get proper crates for each, and get to training


• CRATE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


• GET A CRATE AND TRAIN YOUR DOGS!!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Has anyone heard of a company called BarkBusters? They are a dog training company. Before I hired them.....?

I wanted to see if there was any bad reviews out there or if anyone had had a bad experience or even if someone loved their work.

Dog Training Advice - Top 5 Important Dog Training Advice And Tips For Your Dog Obedience Training

Recommended Answer:
I have seen their signs around here and they are new to me. Ask if you could see them at their job. See what they do to train your dog not to bark. Ask a ton of questions. Always ask how long each trainer has been in the training field. You could get a kid who has had a 6 week training coerce and no clue how to train even a duck!!!

Always do alot of homewhork on a company before bringthem into your situation. They can do more harm than good.

Using an Electric Dog Training Collar to Train the Recall

• I work for a vet and we've had a few clients use them. They are great because they are a lifelong training system. That is the best feedback we've gotten. We have an owner with a very dominant/aggressive Doberman that they started with BarkBusters when he was 4 months old. They periodically have dominance issues with him, and with the help of BarkBusters they've been able to make him into a well behaved and well adjusted dog. I would strongly recommend them based merely on their experiences with BarkBusters.


• they are a rip off. i paid them 350.00 for a years worth of training which with my dog they said that it may take a while and after 6 visits with very little results i called them to see if we could schedule a visit and work a little harder with my dog. Instead of working harder with her they decided to ditch us and take our money. now i cant get a refund and my dog is still bad. they also have very abusive techniques, they throw pillows with chains in them toward your dog, and make you growl at them. i will never reccomend these ppl to anyone.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: I neet some help with DOG training tips!!!?

okay- i have a golden retriever (1 year old) and a black labrador. (almost three years old.) so now at their age they both pull on their leashes-the golden doesn't sit or stay or lay down on command. (the lab can) they are just "untrained"(mostly the golden) i try to train them but they never listen! i think its cuz both of them are together but they just wont cooporate and the golden has a problem with jumping and. they are impossible and i dont want to take them to classes becuase i tried that before they just slept troough it. :( any ideas???

Dog Training and Why it is Important

Recommended Answer:
If they are really headstrong, just refuse to do anything until they get what you want. Just keep persuading. If it doesn't work, take them to a dog trainer.

Review - Secrets to Dog Training is Unparalleled Canine Training Resource

• Classes are your best bet and in a well run class they wouldn't be sleeping through it. These dogs don't have respect for you and they run the show. You need to work each one individually and you need to make your training consistant and persistant.


• For the leash pulling try holding the leash very short so they have to walk right beside you at all times. My black lab has learned by that and this... take them (maybe one at a time would be best) to an open area, and holding the leash short, start walking. As soon as the dog starts to pull turn and go the opposite way they pull, do this everythime they pull. You might look kinda silly just walking in circles, but it teaches the dog that they don't get to go anywhere when they pull. Someone suggested that to a question I had on here and it worked the best. As for the sit and stay you just have to keep working on it... and working on it. Alot of people said to reward with treats but ours reacts better to lots of praise. You have to find what works a little and then keep doing it. Good luck! For the jumping... I have no idea. We're working on that one still :)


• try a head harness such as a Halti or Gental Leader when walking the dogs they will not pull. go to a different class. visit the AKC web sight and go to dog clubs and find a club near you. contact them as most offer dog obed. classes which are very affordable. avoid pet store classes


• Well, for one, the class was obviously poorly instructed if you're sleeping through it. Classes through PetSmart tend to be very useful - they have YOU train your dog, thus keeping you both active and, in many cases, providing a bonding experience that reiterates the fact that you are Alpha of the pack.
  
  As for training them, I definately suggest seperating them. I have two small dogs, and when together they get distracted from their training. Take one dog (let's say the golden, seeing as it's more problematic) alone into a quiet room. Don't bring any toys, turn on any TVs, or do anything else that might distract your pooch. He's young, remember - not even fully grown - and his attention span will be very short. Then, try these tips for training:
  
  SIT:
  I find that the easiest way to make a dog sit is to dangle a treat above its head, just between his ears. This will cause the dog to instinctively sit. As you dangle the treat, command in a FIRM (but not angry) voice "Sit." When training my dogs, I always try and imagine what I'm saying as if it's written - you don't want an exclaimation point at the end of the word, but you want it to be commanding. Remember, you're the Alpha and you need your dog to understand that.
  Once your dog has sat, wait for a count of three (to make sure that it understands that the sitting motion is what you desire) and then feed him the treat. It's often a good idea to say "Good sit!" just so he gets the word in his mind.
  
  STAY AND COME:
  I tend to teach these two skills together, simply because it's very convinient and they can be strung together easily into one lesson.
  Put your pooch on a lead or a long leash. Have him sit. Then, in the same firm but kind tone, command him to stay. More likely than not, he'll have NO CLUE what you mean by that. But just back up slowly, keeping your eyes locked on your dog's. Undoubtably he'll try and follow you a few times, but gently scold him and return him to his original position.
  Once you manage to have him stay where he is as you back up five good steps or so, crouch down and command "Come." When he comes, act all excited and lavish him with attention! "Good come, Good come!"
  Repeat this over and over and over again until you can turn your back and walk away without having him follow you, and then be able to call him from a standing position instead of a crouch.
  
  GENERAL:
  -Keep the lessons short - nothing over 15 minutes. You want training to be a fun bonding experience for you and your dog - not annoying and frustrating for both of you.
  -Use low-fat or homemade treats. You'll be needing a lot of them, and you definately dont want your pup to have weight problems! If using the storebought, it's a good idea to cut the treats into smaller portions so they last longer and you use less. Generally 10 treats the size of your thumbnail (per training session) is a good limit
  -Repeat the small sessions two to three times a day
  -Cut short any sessions if your dog is distracted, tired, hungry or frustrated.
  -Never yell! Your dog looks up to you; yelling at him will only make him hate training,Good luck!


• You need a *good* trainer so that they can coach you on how to properly train the dogs. If your dogs are as unruly as you describe you should search for a good class/trainer. Private lessons are usually more beneficial because you have the trainer's undivided attention.
  
  Trust me in the end you will be so glad you did!


• It's time you showed them that you are the boss. I have 2 dogs and it was impossible to try and train one with the other around so you will have to work with them individually. Training takes a lot of time so if you aren't willing to put the time in then you won't get the results you want. Start with the basics of sit and stay before you try anything else. If you're not sure how to do it yourself sign them up for classes or buy a training book at any pet store. Training is all about repetition. Give the dog the command, Sit the dog down then tell him the command and reward him. eventually he will catch on and do it without you showing him. If you can't do it yourself sign him up for another class and make him stay awake and pay attention.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog disciplining/training?

I have read some of the question that have been answered here. I do know that praising is good, and that hitting them is not good way to discipline them.
But, when you praise the dog, what is the praise? Is it giving a treat? I just read a book about dog training/discipline and just about all of the lessons require you the owner to give at least 5 treats per lesson.
Now, there are treats that are VERY tasty, but are backward to the dog's health so you don't give it them that often, but the more healthier ones are not as tasty so the dog may not think it's a praise. Also with the treat idea the dog could be thinking everything is for a treat, and when they don't get a treat, they think something is wrong which can lead to behavioral problems.
Then some people cannot afford all those treats like me.

How do you effectively train or discipline your dog without treats (and maybe without toys if the dog is very picky and you can't find one)?

Get the Most From Your Dog With These 5 Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
Reward based training is very effective. The reward can be treats, praise or toys. You have to find what motivates the dog and go with that.

Some breeds (usually in the Herding and Working groups) and some individual dogs, work VERY well with simple rewards of praise and a small pat. Something that lets them know that the behavior they displayed was correct and pleased you.

Some breeds (usually Terriers, Working and Toy) and some individual dogs work wonderfully with toys given to show approval on the part of the owner.

Other breeds and individual dogs simply don't get the fact that they are behaving in a manner that you like, or they simply aren't motivated to behave in such a manner unless rewarded with food.

As far as treats go, I use hot dogs. The cheapest ones in the grocery store. With my large dogs, one single hot dog can cover a whole session of training. Simply slice the hot dog in half, length-wise and slice the two halves into multiple small pieces. You can usually get 20+ pieces, thus 20 small treats.

I have yet to encounter a dog who won't work for a hot dog! Hot dogs pack a lot of flavor into every small piece, flavor that dogs adore.

Also, if the dog is only treat motivated, you start out with the treats and gradually wean them back to simple praise for the reward. The first sessions of training start with a hot dog awarded every time the dog obeys. At about the 10th session, you start only giving the hot dog every other time, with pats and praise given as alternates. By the 20th session, you should be down to hot dog rewards once for every 5 verbal rewards.

Therapy Dog Training, Helping the Infirm

• The trainer we had used to train dogs for military use. He told use to put marbles in a pop can. The noise scares them, and lets them know they did something wrong. Now he said to throw the can and hit the dog with it. (only put about 8-10 marbles in the can). The first time used it on my dog, I hit the floor right next to him. His back was turned so he never saw it coming, he was too busy chewing the molding. Ever since then, I just have to put my hand on the can and he stops whatever bad thing he is doing.


• Treats are just that treats. I have two small dogs and they love treats. Before we began training our dogs to do anything we bonded and earned their trust. After they knew that their new home and family was filled with love and kindness, the rest was easy, just like children they are eager to learn, especially if they know that you appreciate their hard work. So the best praise is love, lots of hugs and good rub behind the ears. I always enjoy when they see my hand as a comfort and not a treat. In fact Shadow our 8 month old has jumped up beside me and I think he wants to learn to type. loo['k[p'p785' (we need to work on this)


• praising a dog isn't just about giving them a really yummy expensive treat. I'm one of those who can only afford the cheap treats, but they like them as well. Dogs love affection. so even if the reward is without a treat, they still recognize the attention. I don't always give treats. You can simply tell them "good dog" in an enthusiastic and loving voice, as well as pat them on the head, and scratch thier ears, and they understand that as praise as well. When you are happy and excited, they are as well. To them it doesn't matter what thier reward is, just that they made you happy.


• You can praise other ways other than treats. Try playing with the dog or just giving it your full attention. Sometimes for discipline, if my dog has a chew stick, I'll take it away and won't give it back.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: How much is obedience dog training?

for a yorkie? for a 7 week course? what would a fair price be?

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

Recommended Answer:
For a group class, I can pay about $60.00 for an eight week course. If the lessons are individual, I can expect to pay $100.00 for six weeks, at a half an hour a lesson.

Enroll Your Pet to Dog Training School to Modify Behavioral Problems

• Petsmart charges $109 for 8 weeks, private groups are a little more, closer to $200


• The trainer we used yrs ago charged $90 for a 7 wk course. This was a group course of up to 10. For one on one training, she charges $25 per session/twice a wk for 5 wks, (so $250)


• I know a good trainer and she has AKC obedience and agility titles on her dogs and she charges $75 for a 9 week class although the last week is a party

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Reliable Dog Training on East side of Cleveland?

I have a 10 mo. Cane Corso and would like to have her be MUCH more obedient than she is! We tried PetSmart (mostly because it was inexpensive) and it just is not "rough" enough for a dog that is going to be over 120 lbs! I am looking for a training place that allows the use of choker chains but does not cost an arm and a leg. The last place I looked into was over $1000! I love my dog but with this economy I just can't do that. I would like to stay close to home so anywhere on the east side of Cleveland (OH) would be perfect. Thanks!

Must-Have Tools For Easy And Fun Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I would try looking into the breed club and seeing if they have any trainers listed in your area.

http://www.canecorso.org/

You could also try talking to your breeder and seeing if they have contacts that could help you to find a trainer that is used to dealing with dominant working dogs in your area.

As for gentle leaders/halties I am very glad that these work for you and your dog but often on a confident working breed these are more then ineffective they are a joke. My most laid back male rotties would abuse his strength if I tried walking him on one of those. E-collars, Choke chains and prongs were invented for a reason. Not having control of a dog that will mature over 120 lbs. is dangerous. That doesn't mean that this dog will only ever be able to be walked/or go out in public with one of the collars on but to get his training started on the right foot I think it is necessary. They are a training collar not an everyday collar.

Dog Training Secrets

• Personally I have found the best results from Petsmart. Have you tried maybe going to a different one than the one that you went to? My dog is 120 (st. bernard mix) and it worked wonderfully on him. Choker chains are very harmful towards dogs. I'm not sure why you would want to use one. They are mainly used for helping to train your dog to walk with you on a leash. A better choice is to use a gentle leader or a haltee.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog training question. Is there really a class to train a dog to stay within boundaries?

Ok my friend has a german shepherd who will not stay in here fenced property, even though its large enough for 3 large dogs this german sheperd seesm to prefer to jump the fence due to owner anxiety cause she has only had this dog for a month and a half and the previous owners had a wooden fence and sheltered the dog in the back yard and inside, so the dog doesnt know what a car is.
Well my friend bought a 6ft fenced in kennel for the dog since her regular fenced in area is 4ft or basic size fence, and the dog made 6 holes in the gate, but she was not left in there for hours this dog put in a few wholes within a 25 minute period while my friend had someone fixing her AC system in the house. The first two weeks she did fine outside as long as my friend had her back door open so the dog could go in and out, but one day my friend had to run to the store and took longer then she expected, got back home and the dog was gone, thanks to tags on her collar and some good people the dog was returned to her. She now has had the dog micro chipped.
Her german sheperd is worth alot more then what she bought her for, but the previous owners had a wooden fenced in area, and my friends father who owns the house she lives in will not allow her to put in a new fence for a stubborn dog as he says. He told her to just get rid of her but she refuses she is determined to keep her.
She asked me to find info on electric fences for dogs and the advise that was given was honest but disappointing on results.
-Someone said the dog can be trained but this dog has gone through obedience class and knows "leave it", but no matter how much you yell leave it at the fence she will jump it, even if the back door is open now due to her freaking out.
--Now this dog is mostly inside the house and supervised when outside, but even when supervised she will hit a corner of the house and by the time my friend gets there the dogs behind is already going over the fence and my friend has to run her down in the neighborhood till the dog is worn out. Also this dog is walked/ran twice a day and if not twice at least once and still i think she misses her previous owner who moved overseas to live with there son and could not take the dog with them.

My Question is: What class is there to train a dog to stay within boundaries and not to hop a fence. What would it be called cause all the training info i looked up for her online within our area is only obedience training and it lists what is taught and she knows all that. So what is it called and what would she be looking to see listed to be trained to this stubborn animal.

Dog Training: Tips and Tricks the Professionals Use

Recommended Answer:
She doesn't need training to stay inside boundaries. She needs to bond to her new owner and feel secure about staying in her own yard. I agree with the previous answerer that this dog is distressed and needs a behaviorist.

1. Don't get an electric underground fence. They malfunction and the dog can get hurt. I was sitting for a dog once who had one and it burned his neck. It was awful.

2. German Shepherds are boundary dogs. They are bred to act as living fences themselves and are about the easiest breed to get to stay inside a boundary even if it's just a line on the floor instead of a fence. Their job is to walk or trot a boundary around a flock of sheep in an unfenced field and keep the sheep from crossing the path set down by the human shepherd.

3. No fence will contain a GSD who does not want to be contained. They can climb just about anything, wood, chain, whatever. I've seen them go up and over a six foot privacy fence with ease. She stayed put with the previous owner because she chose to, not because of the type of fence they had. The only way to really secure them is with a topped run with concrete floor and steel bars. So save the money on a new fence. It won't solve the problem. Spend it on dog classes instead.

Saying "leave it" won't do anything until the dog is trained to understand what that means. Most basic obedience classes will introduce the idea of "leave it" but it really isn't designed to deal with fence hopping. It's more for dealing with dogs stealing things like food or sniffing things they oughtn't while the owner is standing right there watching them do it.

But before the dog can learn anything, she has to be emotionally secure. GSDs are one person dogs. They don't change owners well. She needs help from a good behaviorist to help her make this transition. Your vet can probably recommend one. So your friend should spend her fence money on a behaviorist instead.

Why it's Important For New Dog Owners to Take Dog Training Seriously

• You need to call a behaviorist, not a trainer. She is very anxious and obviously very attached to her previous owner. This is a difficult age for a dog to be re-homed, she shouldn't be left outside unattended, without you on the other end of the leash. She's not stubborn--GSDs are very loyal. A behaviorist can help give you ways to help her bond with your family.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: I'm in need of tips for dog training?

I have a border collie/lab mix who is a year old. He is very smart and has learned several tricks (speak, play dead, roll over etc.) however for the life of me I haven't been able to get the basics out of the way. Basically I need some pointers on "Come Here" and also I need some tips for keeping him from running out of a open door. Thank You

The Newest Kind of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Lucky for you, Border Collies and Labs are very smart!

What I did for my dog getting out of the front door, is I brought him to the door, stepped outside, and with the door open, pointed at the ground, had him look, and drew a line with my finger. I told him to, "stay there," took a few steps back, waited, then praised him and walked back in. Repeated the process about 5 times, and he picked it up. Might not work for you, but for the intelligence of your dog, trying it won't hurt.

With "come here," have the dog on a lead. When you tell him to "come here," pull the lead toward you, and when he gets to you, give him a yummy or a nice petting. Repeat this until he has it down, and repeat it even still, until you can trust him off lead to go to you when called, every time.

Dog Training Tips - Equipment Needed

• http://www.dogproblems.com/
  http://dogstardaily.com/
  http://www.canisclickertraining.com/
  
  There are three sources to get you started. The first is a paid site but the cost includes a book, articles and videos you can download free, plus access to a forum.


• The Dog Star Daily website has a FREE book you can download and read.
  
  http://www.dogstardaily.com-train-aft


• i once had a border collie. hope this helps:
  
  if you'd like your dog to sit... always have pocketed pants and put a good dog treat. he will sniff it and will eventually sit for its being to eat it.\ :)

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Are my parents contradicting my dog training program?

A few weeks ago, I started a casual dog-training program for my toy australian sheperd Rex. If you want more details about him, here is my last question about dog-training him:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

I'm using commands like "sit" and "wait", so I can give him the oppurtunity to calm down before I pet him. (He is very hyper after I get home from school!) Unfortunately, when my mom or dad comes home, they don't always follow through with the plan I have suggested.

They address Rex with a high-pitched voice, which raises his level of excitement a lot! Then, they pet him before they tell him to "sit" and "wait"! He doesn't have a chance to calm down!

Are my parents contradicting my dog training program? Will it still work if I continue to do it, or do I have to get the whole family in on the action?

Dog Training Help

Recommended Answer:
The whole family should be in on it - if they will not do it, then YOU must step in with another plan. Have the dog on leash when they come home and tell them flat-out that the dog MUST be calm and they MUST ignore him until then.

Period.

That's what i had to do. Or you could just let it go and wait until the dog scratches the heck out of legs, snags stockings, trips them, etc. Then they'll be ready to listen to any plan you've got.

Part of being a dog owner is knowing what's right for the dog and stepping in to take charge when you know something is NOT right. Even if it's stepping up to mom and dad.

If the dog does not get consistency then the training will not work well. Will it work some? Yes. My dog was trained well enough with only me being the consistent one (my parents only jumped on the training bandwagon recently). However it IS best for all to be involved.

Dog Training Basics - Avoid These Five Common Mistakes

• You already know that they are jeopardising your training program don't you!
  The whole family has to be consistent on this, I have the same problem with my partner not following training for our dogs - needless to say they run rings round him, and won't always listen to me but go to him! It's just like you really - you'll know which of your parents is a softer touch than the other and which you can get away the with most, and the dogs are the same. They'll see you are the disciplinarian and them as fun playmates!


• You definitely need to get your whole family on board because otherwise it will just end up confusing your dog and yes it is contradicting your training.
  
  Make something up to scare them into following through lol. Tell them that his behaviour is going to let to aggression or something.


• Good luck...I'm battling the same thing with my daughter.
  
  I'm almost to the point of not letting her play with the dog when I'm not supervising (she's 11, so she's old enough to be responsible). Our biggest thing is jumping up and nipping. She allows him to do it...and then doesnt understand why he doesnt behave the way she wants him to.
  
  I'm not sure if I have any advise for ya....but I'm glad I'm not the only one dealing with this ;)


• This is such a common problem! If everyone is not on the same page about how to conduct training, the dog is going to be confused.
  Here's an article I wrote yesterday about this topic:
  http://designerpuppys.blogspot.com/2009/09/five-reasons-why-dog-owners-flunk-dog.html


• Consistency is important for dog training so the whole family has to be on the same page. Maybe you could tell your family that the training is for the benefit of the dog and you all can agree on a plan to train him


• They are contredicting your program.
  The family needs to use the same plan with the dog, rules are rules.
  
  It's a shame when family members do things like this because it makes all of your hard work for nothing.
  good luck


• The WHOLE family needs to get involved and friends/relatives who visit.
  
  I have told my God son if he continues to undermine my training he is not allowed in my house.


• There is NO such thing as a TOY Australian SHEPHERD. Your parents pay the bills, so they can do as they please.


• Yes, they are!


• When training a dog everyone within the family as well as anyone who comes in contact with Rex need to be on the same page.
  
  By not doing so the dog will become confused as to what is appropriate and acceptable behaviour.
  
  So to answer your question ..yes unfortunately your parents are contradicting your training.
  
  Try and sit down with your parents again and explain that you have done allot of research about training and that you are trying to follow the instructions exactly and would like everyone to please use the same commands as to not confuse Rex.
  
  Good Luck and many years of happiness with Rex


• I'm sad to say that your parents are both contradicting and undermining your training.
  
  I haven't read your other question, but I have an Aussie, and they are very trainable dogs. They were bred to work with a handler. They are also very nervous by temperament. It's part of the energy level they need to have as a herding dog.
  
  If you have animal planet available, try to watch the shows by Victoria Stillwell and Cesar Millan, who talk about how to train a dog by being a calm, authoritative alpha pack leader.
  
  It's hard to retrain parents, Evan! If you can find information on this at Cesar's or at Victoria's website, print it and give it to your parents to help them learn why you do what you do in training the dog. To get a parent to accept that you are more correct than they are in dog training, I suspect you have to either have your vet or a dog trainer or some other authority figure (like Cesar or Victoria) speak on your behalf. If you can attend obedience school with your dog, that would help as your trainer is the authority figure and you can probably have the trainer talk to your parents about the importance of having the entire family use the SAME training methods at all times.
  
  Good luck. I hope you succeed with little resistance @->--

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: What's your favorite/the most helpful dog training book you've read?

Mine would probably be Cesar Millan's first book, Cesar's Way. I also think How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With is very helpful in raising puppies. How 'bout you?

The Worth of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I think it's called The Dog Handbook. I'll check in a minute. It was very useful. I got my first copy for my 9th birthday and I read through it. Later on after I moved I got a bigger edition. They talk about everything, and it teaches a lot. It's great for a first time owner or someone who just wants to brush up on their facts.

Add: It's called Dogs: The Ultimate Care Guide. I haven't looked at it in a while.

Help With Dog Training

• Barbara Woodhouse: Walkies


• Bill Koehler's book on Guard dog training. Even though his protection section is WAY outdated, his OB and problem solving sections are a stellar example of training that still stands and works today in all dogs and all situations!


• Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell.


• Any of Patricia McConnel's books.


• Sit, Stay, Fetch

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: My family is planning on moving to florida is this a good place to start a dog training career?

I am currently going to school to become a dog trainer/ obediance instructor and was wondering if this is a good state to start my own biz in....

Positive Reinforcement In Your Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Wouldn't be able to tell you - you would have to get there, then do some research on the trainers in your immediate area. See what the demand would be.

However i wouldn't expect that you would be overly successful unless you start work under another trainer first, build a client base that way and then move out on your own after ten or fifteen years of experience.

Personally, i wouldn't trust someone fresh out of a "training college" with my dog - i look for years of experience int he field, number of trained dogs, number of titled dogs, etc. Not trying to be nasty but fact is MOST people can't successfully start their own business fresh out of training/college, no matter what they where training to do. They usually NEED to have several years of experience in the real world under a master in their field so they can build up a solid reputation.

Do you know anything about the legalities of running this type of business? Anything about legal forms, documentation, licensure, insurance? What training methods are you familiar with, how many dogs have you successfully trained, what breeds, ages?

So You Want A Career In Dog Training

• i dont know about any bodies career but i just moved OUT of florida in janurary and its pretty much the worste place to live unless you have 2 million dollars and your own buisness have funny working for 9 bucks and hour!!!!


• its as good as any I guess. Wherever there are people with dogs there will be a need for a trainer. You have to ask yourself "why would people come to me over anyone else?" becuase your potential clients will be asking themselves why they would pick you over another trianer


• I've lived in Florida all my life (19 years) and I don't know of many Dog Trainers here.
  I'd say it's a good place to start your business.
  Good luck =]


• if your gay...

Read More...