Dog Health Questions: If someone came up to you and asked what can I put on my dog besides a chocker or a pincher what do you say?

Ok this person has a really strong breed I know it is a mutt but other than that I don't know anything else. I told her a head harness but don't know if that would be the best for her. She saw me working with my dogs in my yard and stopped and asked how she can get her dog to be as good as mine.

I also told her to look up dog trainers she said she went to the dog training class and she was kicked out because her dog is to mean and to strong for her she needs to get someone else to help her. Thanks I would help her but my foot makes it hard for me to walk not talking about a dog that can take you off your feet.

She said she doesn't want another dog trainer because they don't what they talk about. I haven't seen this dog yet. But he sounds big

Dog Training vs Horse Training

Recommended Answer:
Yep ur rite! a head harness is good for strong dogs.

Understanding The Concept of Dog Training

• I would say "what on earth is a chocker and a pincher?"
  The dog does sound too much for her to handle.
  May she should go to the dog trainer on her own a couple of times.


• if she's having trouble controlling the dog, she should absolutely start with a prong collar.
  
  she needs FOR SURE some one on one training- she needs to be able to control the dog before she can bring it into a class.
  
  sounds like trouble is brewing


• A-there's no such thing as a "chocker"=try chain/slip/"choke".
  &
  B-it's NOT the tool,it's the human using it....mis-using it.


• A harness, or a gentle leader


• A properly fitted martingale collar and the education on how to teach a dog to loose leash walk. I can't tell you the number of students who show up to class with a head harness on their dog and they totally disbelieve that I can get their dog to loose leash walk in less than 3 minutes with nothing but a properly fitted collar.
  
  I've not been wrong yet (knocks on wood). And my students stop using it after less than a week in most cases.
  
  A head harness is a TOOL and my philosophy is the first day you put it on is the first day you start TRAINING your dog to not need it.
  
  Chokes and prong collars require an education otherwise and most often they are used incorrectly as a pain punishment to stop pulling. The dog will learn to ONLY respect them when they are on becoming dependent on that tactile feel so the dog has really *learned* nothing.


• I don't necessarily agree with any type of a neck restraint for a dog, preferring body harnesses instead. In fact, my current dog has permanent neck/throat damage and cannot be collared.
  
  BUT
  
  If a total stranger was to ask me about a dog I have never seen, I'd suggest they experiment until they find out what works for their particular dog. What works for me isn't necessarily good for all dogs. I learned that lesson decades ago.


• Honestly, the only training collar i'd consider using is a prong. If that's not an option, then I'd use a regular flat collar.
  
  Use the premac principle. In order to move forward we must first move backward. Dog pulls. You don't move. Wait until he moves back then you move forward. Every time he puts tension on the lead, stop moving. Soon as it goes slack, move forward. He'll eventually catch on. This is the method I use and it's worked with small dogs all the way to large dogs that can easily knock me off my feet.


• If someone was not receptive to the idea of training a powerful dog capable of hauling them this way & that at will with a prong, half check or check chain collar [I prefer the prong over the half check or check chain because it distributes pressure evenly around the neck when the collar bites [in the hands of a capable owner the bite it quick pinch pressure], then I would not have anything constructive to say.
  
  A harness will not allow the owner to give a timely & hard enough correction to teach the dog that bad behavior causes a negative effect it would rather avoid.
  
  A head collar will prevent the dog from using its bodyweight against its owner, the one thing an owner dog cannot do is train the dog so it learns what behavior is acceptable & that it will be corrected for not toeing the line. When you take the head collar off, you still have an untrained dog.


• When I was training our dogs, I tried but did not like the Gentle Leader that goes around the mouth. I had two dogs that were so disturbed by it I quit using it. But I do love the "Easy Walk" harness by Gentle Leader. They have a slightly more expensive two toned one that I swear by. Unlike regular harnesses that actually encourage pulling, this is designed specifically to self restrain in a safe manner and it works! It does not eliminate all pulling but will make a huge difference.
  http://www.premier.com/View.aspx?page=do…

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Dog Health Questions: How can I prove more to my mom that I am responsible enough for a dog [not puppy]? She wants one too?

I have a job and am currently saving up for a dog fund (and an emergency fund), I've been researching for months about dog training, nutrition, everything there is to know about taking care of a dog and also the breed I am getting.
I have good grades, no trouble issues, clean room, used to volunteer for a dog shelter for awhile, I'm a "make a plan first" kind of person, and plenty of free time to take care of a dog. She already believes I can afford the dog however she still doubts that I'll take care of it 100% of the time.
My mom doesn't mind and would love to play with it [planning on a chihuahua] while I'm at school however she does not want to do the dirty work (walking, training, etc.) and I understand. She most likely will give in and trust that I won't be lazy as she isn't that stubborn.
But for now, how can I prove to her that I wont be lazy and slack off of my responsibilities?

The Evolution of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Do something that is extremely tough for you and that she knows is but never give up on it. Keep doing it for a month or so and see what she thinks about that dog you want to get.

Finding the Essential Dog Training Supplies

• Go back and volunteer at the local shelter - walking the dogs, etc...
  
  Who will care for the dog once you're off to college? YOUR MOM WILL...so regardless of NOW, think of the future as well.
  
  Remember that the first year is pretty expensive - vaccines, spaying, etc...and the last years of a dogs life are expensive as well...good food, parasite preventative, training, vaccines, bloodwork, vet checkups, dental care, basic supplies - can all add up...having a dog is a huge responsibility.
  
  Be ready to give up ALOT OF STUFF for the dog!


• Well, the thing is, no one ever really CAN take care of an animal 100% of the time, because lets face it- we're not superhuman- sometimes we're not home, we have work to do, or something else crops up.
  
  Don't promise your mom that having to do those things will NEVER happen, just make sure she knows that 9 out of 10 times, you'll be the one doing the 'dirty work'.


• Make like a report about it and show like a peace of paper of responisibility idk and if u have a petland. go to there and bring ur mom show her the cute dogs, BUT DONT BUT THEM THERE, BUY THEM FORM A BREEDER!!!!!!!!!!!1111


• Prove it to her by doing a responsible action. Like if you don't clean your room start cleaning it or if you don't do your chores do them without complaining,


• Tell her that you will buy it and if you don't take full care of it then she can bring the dog back to the petstore or shelter.


• maybe your mom wants a Nargle instead


• I convined my parents too not sure how though...it mostly depends what kind of parents you have. I did the same thing you did though.


• Have a huge party and say I was able to organize this I think I can handle a dog.


• Just keep telling her. And do things around the house and in front of her to demonstrate to her how well you will do.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Help Please?

so, i have a 2 year old Weimaraner. i show him in AKC and 4H, and at dog shows and other classes, hes a perfect little angel. just since hes turned two, he has been acting a little odd. the other day, we were sitting outside a hair salon, waiting for my grandma to get done. a few people would walk by, and he would bark at them. he is a big dog, and has a scary bark. i know for a FACT he wouldnt bite anyone, but i just know if i was walking and a dog that size started barking at me, i'd be freaked out.. if there anything i can do to make him chill out? None of my other dogs do this, and again he is an angel at dog shows and classes, ect.

also, he is fixed, which is supposed to mellow them out.

Dog Clicker Training Can Make Dog Training Easy

Recommended Answer:
Try solicizing him 101 with more dogs he doesn't know. When he does bark, cut him off right away with a sound he doesn't like and turn him away from the other dog. If the other dog's owner allows it, have them introduce to each other.

I hope this helps =)

Dog Training Mistakes You Should Never Do

• He is barking at people because you are allowing him to do it. Correct it. This is an unacceptable behavior. Therefore compulsion is needed.
  
  ADD: Yes. A correction. I use a jerk of the leash with an immediate sit/down/stay. I also use 'look at me'. To make sure *I* am being focused on and not anyone else.
  
  By the way, gorgeous dog.


• in my honest opinoin, i think he doesnt want to be left alone outside.


• You really only have to take the lead role in the relationship and tell/show the dog what it is you want. If he starts barking at people you have to tell him to stop; you just have to calmly, firmly tell him to stop. If you are sitting down then you have to stand up in front of the dog and tell him to sit and if he already is sitting tell him "quiet". If you need to you can pull up on the leash quickly and let it go (like a snap/pull). Dogs really do what you expect them to do you just have to address it and make it clear. One thing that allot of people miss is raising the tone of your request to the level of the dogs behaviour; if the dog is barking like crazy and you whine "stop please" over and over it won't work. If the dog is at level seven you have to go to 8 etc. The sooner you show the dog how you want it to be the easier it will be to "fix".


• Was this the first time?
  The only time?
  Since you dont mention him doing it at dog shows, sounds like it was a new thing.
  If it was, ask him to lie down. Dogs lying down have problems barking.
  You have to say no as soon as he starts barking, never let him escalate on this.....Does he understand "barking" on command and "no barking"?? If not, you should consult a behaviour specialist so that he could teach you how to.
  Good luck


• go to you tube or if you have cable look up the dog whisperer on tv. i think its the animal channel if he barks at people or dogs you need to pinch it on the dogs neck that simulates a bite from the dogs pack leader the correct it by continuing walking away don't allow the dog to bark then when the dog quits barking you can introduce it to people because you want it to not cause the dog wants you to..


• Obedience training would have prevented many of these problems and can help solve the bad behaviors that exist. Many people think that obedience training is something that is done to a dog to make it perform some artificial activity on command. But if we turn the words around, we'll be closer to a real definition: Obedience training is to train dogs to be obedient, to obey anything and everything they're told to do. It covers a wide range of lessons a dog can learn, including tricks, family manners, show ring exercises, and skills demonstrations. Sniffing dogs, service dogs for handicapped owners, search and rescue dogs, sled and carting dogs, hunting dogs -- all carry their obedience training to the highest degree. They have been trained to obey an unusual set of commands that increase their value as helpers to man.
  
  Training tips here, http://moourl.com/osndk

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Dog Health Questions: I need specific dog training help!?

I have 2male dogs: (A) 1 year and (B) 8 month old, I need help training them (my house doesnt show consistent obidence) I think ive established dominace (with lots of love and atention) they follow me everywhere, (A) has a playful jumping nibling habit, but his frist reaction is always a lite bit i worry he might become agressive one day, he also barks constantly when we ignor, say no or put him outside, he has also become slightly agressive jeulos with (B) when it comes to my affection. Hes pretty confused because my bros are too mean with him and my dad spoils him. (B) is more shy, he was isolated as a pup he but he is improving slowly althought he goes through trash like crazy! I want them to socialize them like brothers but my bros keep favouring (b) infornt of (a), I treat them equally always showing affection to them as a whole, but how can i reinforce them to be together and fix everything else ive mentioned? many thanks :)

Dog Training School

Recommended Answer:
Your household has to be consistent with the training you are doing with the dogs - even your brothers and your dad.

With dog A - do not allow the jumping or nipping even if it is playful. You have to establish what is acceptable and what is not - not gray areas. When dog A is getting a little too rough during play and starts to nip - The best thing to do is yell OUCH!!! in a high pitched voice, immediately get up and walk out of the room, giving dog A no attention. 30-60 seconds later, go back into the room and resume in play, but if this happens again - yelp and walk out.

Jumping? Turn your back to the dog and fold your arms - ignore your dog until they are sitting or all four paws are on the floor. Do not give him any attention until the jumping stops. Remember dogs jump for a number of reasons - play, attention, greeting, because you allow it.

When your dog is sitting nicely (instead of jumping) giving the reward of your praise and belly rubs.

Dog B - is just a puppy and is trying to find his place in the household. As for the trash digging - when you catch him in the trash - use a short, sharp noise "EH EH EH!" make it loud. It will instantly get his attention and time for you to redirect him. Put the lid on the trash or put it out of reach of dog B. After using the "EH EH EH" reward your dog for coming to you - treat him.

I would reccommend training classes - they provide good dog to dog socialization with unfamiliar dogs, not just everyday dog A. It is fun and will give your dogs something to focus on. But your family and household has to work together for the training to work. Patients and being consistent is Key.

Good Luck!

Old Fashioned Dog Training

• well it doesnt sound like anybody in the house has the dominance except the dogs you should walk them together make them eat together (b) needs to be better socialized take them to a obedience class


• it's really tough training a dog, especially in your case, they're 'dogS'. anyway, try visiting www.dogtime.com for details on training.
  
  goodluck!


• No dog is born with good manners. Pooping on the carpet, leaping enthusiastically onto guests, pulling so hard he practically yanks your arm out of the socket when on walks--that's all perfectly acceptable in the canine world. It's up to you to teach your dog to behave the way we humans want him to. Not training your dog and expecting him to be pleasant to live with is like never sending your child to school and expecting him to ace the SATs.
  
  here are some guidelines:
  http://dogtime.com/training.html


• Firstly it doesn't sound like your dominant to me.
  
  Best advice is buy a good dog training book. That will have basic rules like dogs always eating after human, never give them scraps from the table etc etc. These rules are to show your dog they are at the bottom of the hierarchy. Love and attention although important does not establish pack leader. If anything your showing them they are in charge and that way you will never have full control of your dogs.
  
  Consistency is very important with dogs too. Bad behaved/aggressive dogs are usually confused about where they fit into the pack hierarchy so it's important to get all your family to follow the same rules. A book will explain all this far better than i can.


• The beasts are completely spoiled & *UNTRAINED* because *you* are an ignorant incapable child


• You really need training help. The worst thing for a dog, besides abuse is inconsistent handling and being a shy dog to start with and then having other people treat him in different ways does not help the dog learn what it is expected of him. This is not a dominance issue so stop worrying about it, start training, not managing. You have a dog that lacks confidence and if you learn how to help a dog build up its confidence many of the behavioral issues you're dealing with will decrease. You need to understand how dogs learn new behaviors. You should understand about counter conditioning, desensitization and classical conditioning. Find a class, read some books. This site has info to help.
  
  www.fearfuldogs.com

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Dog Health Questions: Pros and cons of Petsmart dog training program?

I'm getting a puppy soon and I want to sign up for training classes. I was wondering if the petsmart program was any good. (puppy will be 10 weeks when i get him and he is a bichon frise)

Using a Good Dog Training Tip

Recommended Answer:
Nobody will be able to tell you that Petsmart training is good or bad. It is all dependent on the actual trainer. Go to the local Petsmart and watch the training in progress before you sign up. If you don't like the approach of the trainer at this store, go to another store. Go to the first lesson and then go later to another lesson to watch the dogs progress. Specifically watch to see that the dogs are under control and the lessons look organized. In addition to learning sit and down, your dog is learning socialization skills and you are learning to control your dog. Congratulations on your new puppy and your dedication to making him or her an obedient and reliable companion for years to come.

Search and Resuce Dog Training, Learning to Save Lives

• hi, i think i answered another one of your questions earlier. i would advise against Pet smart dog training program. dogs-especially puppies- have a short attention span, especially when there might be the smell of other dogs and other dogs themselves. my dogs were trained by professional-my dad- and
  i have learned that if you spend a few minutes everyday with your dog working on obedience, like sit, down, and stay, then eventually your dog will be more obedient then any dog in a Pet smart class. Remember to reward them with praise such as "Good Dog!" as well as food, or a favorite toy. also dogs know tones of your voice, so remember to be enthusiastic when praising. say it happily and kindly! i hope you love your new dog! :)


• I don't really like Petsmart training classes myself. There are plenty of horror stories out there, since I don't believe there are a lot of requirements for a trainer to meet, so they can be quite ignorant. Someone on another website had a trainer try to drag her dog across the little training area, because he was afraid. She left.
  
  Now, you can get a good trainer, that knows their stuff and isn't abuse, but, for me, it is too big of a gamble so I just stick with going to training clubs/classes where I *know* what methods the trainer uses.


• I'd recommend you observe a few classes and see what you think of the trainer and how she or he works with animals and people. If you like what you see, ask how long they have been a trainer and what they did to become one. I've seen a PetSmart trainer that was stellar. She worked training dogs before taking the job at PetSmart. She was very good with people and their pets and knew what she was doing. I saw another one who seemed to be learning herself as she was teaching the classes. She was trained within PetSmart and I would not have gone to her or recommended her. She had no training experience before starting this job other than what she learned within and that course she took was only a few months. Another problem she had was showing up consistently.
  
  Pros: With a good trainer, this is an affordable class and it can be very helpful
  One on one classes are available= great with a good trainer
  Not all trainers have only had the PetSmart training course. So you get a quality trainer for a
  budget price.
  Sometimes a trainer with only their sponsored training is a natural and u still get good
  service.
  Not sure what their current process is, but in the past you could attend a class and if
  you didn't like it, you could be refunded the course.
  
  Cons: As with any class, you will have to do most of your work in between classes. If you
  don't do the work in between, no matter how good the trainer is, you will not get what
  you want. Consistency and committment on yr part is vital.
  
  An inexperienced and/or poor quality trainer can make the class such a remedial one
  you will feel like you could have read a children's book on basic training and done a
  whole lot more on your own.


• Good and bad trainers exist everywhere, not just at PetSmart. And they can have just as much or just as little experience as a PetSmart trainer. Heck, I could hang out a shingle tomorrow and call myself a trainer!
  
  I recommend you observe their classes and interview the trainer. See how she/he handles your dog. If you like what you see and hear, sign up. if you don't, go elsewhere.


• My experience with their training program was very good. Just go to your local petsmart and ask to talk to the trainer. Nothing says you have to go with that trainer because you talked to them. I'm sure that they'll let you sit-in on a class to see what you'll be doing. Have Fun!!!!!


• heres my opinion of petsmart training program as well as ANY other training program. Its not the company...its the individual trainers. Pet smart trainers are certainly given the opportunity to become amazing trainers...some do and some dont. Many pet smarts offer 1 or more trainers so if I were you I would learn the about the individual trainers and meet with them...learn their credentials, their background, ask them why they are there (the answer needs to be about passion for dogs/training not "uh...i was offered the job and we get commission" or anything similar), get references for them.
  
  Pet smart training can be great its cheap, it is effective. they send their students away for weeks to training with a highly credited professional trainer. some pet smart trainers have even furthered their studies with other opportunities for training schools.
  
  so keep that in mind no matter where you go....its about the individual trainer and how they match with you and your dog, and how much they give a care.
  
  i was a trainer and i had students that loved me and had great results...but remember to meet your trainer. i private trained one couple...and i had never received a complaint and we were laughing and having a good time with their dog...and they came back and told the head that i was too goofy and a jokester and that i was rude to them often. which was out of left field...and the head just laughed and rolled her eyes...because i had always gotten good reviews. and the main point is...that couple should have said something before wasting 8 weeks of class with me! lol so have a trainer whom you have good communication with too.
  
  i think pet smart gets a bad rep cause its easier to get a job there and they pay retail so some trainers are just there because it was a last resort and they dont really care...i think that will be obvious when you meet those guys...and the people who get trainers like that are the ones that generally just signed up without researching. then they turn around and complain about petsmart!
  
  my experience is that you learn a lot...and its priceless for your dog. they use positive reinforcement techniques.
  
  read "the other side of the leash" as a supplement to whatever training you get
  
  also what you take out of any training class is up to you...the trainer isnt going to train your dog...you are. the trainer teaches you how to do it so you can take that knowledge and use it at home. if you dont put in your effort to train your dog no amazing trainer is going to matter.
  --------------------------------------…
  
  the negative side of petsmart training is that the classes are short and its only eight weeks...which is great for a basic knowledge of dog training but you have to pay attention. and you dont get as much 1 on 1 time. but i do recommend a big class anyways for socialization with other dogs.
  plus you can opt to take more advanced classes and continue in the future.

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Dog Health Questions: Can somebody give me a good definition of the term "proofing" regarding dog training?

I am a little confused.

From what I gather it is a way of reinforceing commands... that's all I know. Am I close?

Dog Training - Tips For Consistency

Recommended Answer:
Proofing is done once you are SURE that the dog has a good grasp of what is expected. Then you set up situations designed to test him and reinforce that no matter what happens, he must obey.

For example, the sit-stay. Once he understands the exercise, you start "proofing" with mild distractions, such as you moving around, jumping, clapping your hands, walking behind him, bouncing a ball etc. He is corrected if he moves (by correction, I mean whatever is appropriate to your dog and your training method). The distractions/temptations gradually get stronger, until the dog regards all distractions as a "test" and refuses to move no matter what.

One club I used to train with had a resident cat that liked to stroll around the floor while the dogs were doing stays.

You also proof by doing the exercise in progressively more difficult situations. In the park, on a busy street, at the flea market etc.

Are You Selecting the Right Dog Training Treat For Your Dog?

• "Proofing" is ensuring that the dog responds consistently to commands regardless of environment and distractions.


• Proofing is just what it sounds like. Making sure your dog will still obey your commands... with distractions or under pressure.
  
  IE: Your dog sits and stays in your living room off leash. Take him into the backyard with your cat walking about...will he sit/stay? He will sit/stay on 6 foot leash ..will he on a 15 foot leash? Or with other dogs running around? Or off leash?


• Proofing, is making sure that the dog obeys?


• Proofing is the act of changing a request into a command.
  Young puppies do not have the cognitive development to understand a lot of things, and are only motivated by food and praise, so we cookie train (very little in the way of corrections) until they reach puberty and develop "other motivations". We then add consequences for improper responses to "proof" the command.


• I asked this question not too long ago and got some good answers:
  http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…
  
  Proofing means that your dog knows its commands on and off leash. You proof your dog by asking your commands in different environments, distractions etc.
  You are ensuring the dog will listen to your commands no matter what is going on.


• Proofing is a way to test your dog's understanding of a command. Proofing gives the dog an opportunity to make a right choice or a wrong choice. The right choice gets praise. The wrong choice gets a correction,
  
  For example most dogs will do a sit stay if the owner has a hand full of meat and no distraction. To proof the sit stay, throwing the food at the dog's feet will actually test his understanding of the command. If the dog continues to do his sit stay, he has made the correct choice. (good dog) If the dog breaks the sit stay by going after the food, he has made the wrong choice. (bad dog)
  
  Trainers proof commands to give dogs confidence and the understanding of what's expected of them. Just like training without consequences is not training Training without proofing is bad training. The dog will not understand the trainer's expectations.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training in rugby, warwickshire?

im trying to find a dog training school, in rugby warwickshire but cant find any, can any1 help?

Secrets to German Shepherd Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
http://www.apdt.co.uk/trainers_area.asp?…

Any use?

The other thing you can do is pop into your vets... they often have leaflets and info about local trainers. Or try asking fellow dog owners for any recommendations.

Types of Dog Training Programs: The Best (and Worst)

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