Dog Health Questions: How can i get my dog to stay with me without using a leash?

Well i got a dog training kit for christmas:
http://www.thane.com/products/promos/per…
if you watched that video thing it probably explained i got it for my dog so i can get respect and i am she is doing everything i say but theres one thing im afraid to do because when i got it it had a video and on one of the sections it said you need to teach your dog how to walk without a leash that way it could be free and it will not bolt out the door and im afraid to loose my dog if i try it on the streets if i use my backyard it is not the same because my yard has no rode anyways he gave me a long long leash about 13 Ft. and a shorter one and an even shorter one and he said this knowledge will help when i take my dog to the beach and last summer when i took her to the beach she was watching the other dogs rome around without a collar and she was whining and crying to get off her collar but she was in Galveston and if i lost her i would never see her again because i live in Houston how can i loose my fear of loosing her and have her walk by my side WITHOUT a leash

A Beginner's Guide to Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Practice walking with them with a leash. Correct the dog (by quickly pulling the leash up or to the side, not back, and then relax the tension on the leash) if the dog starts to go ahead of you (the dog should remain at your side or behind you). Do this long enough and once the dog knows you're the pack leader, they should follow you with no problems. Once I was on a walk and my dog got out of her leash. The normal reaction would be to chase after her but this only causes the dog to keep running, so instead I firmly but calmly told her to come and sure enough she ran right to me and followed me without a leash.

I also recommend watching the Dog Whisperer show on the National Geographic channel as it will help you to establish being a pack leader with your dog.

Want to Learn How to Train a Dog? Simple But Important Dog Training Techniques

• Hi,
  
  You can teach your dog the basic obedience commands which helps you to reinforce our role as your dog's leader. Like a Stay command, here are the training tips for that command, check out this site:
  
  http://dogtime.com/basic-commands-obedie…
  
  Good luck.


• train him to stay and walk with you in the house and then the yard, when the dog learns it good enough he will stay with you every where. try him out on some back roads and some places nearby if you are unsure. once he is trained properly to stay then it won't matter where you are he will stay


• Try teaching the "touch" command
  
  hold a treat in your hand, ask dog to touch...dog "touches" reward, and repeat
  step back a few feet, then ask "touch" again I can yell touch up to a mile away and teh all my dogs come running to touch the palm of my hand for a cookie


• You should maybe train her in a local fenced in area with a couple of treats, biscuits, cookies (whatever you call them) in your pocket and keep her leash at your side. It can be a big difficulty so you might have to train her for a while.


• Train Him! with a little practice you will get the hang of your dog walking side of you. keep calling its name and teach it to walk next to you and heel and stuff.


• train him. and if hes not well trained then dont even try because he can run away if he sees another dog or rabbit or something. so make sure hes well trained and when u call his name he responds back to u.


• yah be like
  i am your boss
  now listen to me or i am going to have to give you a spanking
  lol
  jk
  
  RowanC
  that was vey funny
  but not nice
  i like dog


• train him!! ASAP!! and call her by her name while your on a walk!?!?!?! :)
  
  GOOD LUCK!?!?!? :)


• do that training in a fenced area. you're smart not to want to risk your dog.


• feed him lots of treatssome dogs have minds of their own. It depends on his personality, he must not like you


• get a dog trainer to teach the tricks


• train him!!! show him whos boss. call his name while on a walk so that he stays with you. good luck


• watch the show dog whisperer it might be able to help you that is how we trained my dog


• hug him.


• Well If You Work On the shorter leash soon you will be able to go to the longer and longer when walking call its name see if her she looks at you if not stop walking call them Again and wait call them in a firm but not yelling voice then if they succeed 5 - 10 times looking and coming to you while still on the like 2 ft leash succeed them t the bigger leash keep your dog about 2 feet away from You if he she passes you call his or her name she if she looks and comes then keep going yes you will look weird on the middle of the road stopping every 5 seconds but it will work when she succeeds take her to the 13 ft leash still 2ft away from you if he /she gets to far ahead (past 2-3 ft) call his/her name and see if it looks and comes to you if not give the rope a tug and get them tto walktowards you DO NOT MOVE then when she/he soomes to you on the first try over and over again you will be able to take him or her off the leash and make sure you call him/her if she gets too far away if she igrores youstand there call her one more time and see what she does if she refuses to listenm to you then restart the training program this could take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months Hope I Help I Wish You And Your best furry friend the best of luck remember to give treats but only if she listens


• I wouldn't even think of trying to train my dog to walk with me off leash because as you are well aware of, there is a nation wide leash law. I would prefer to keep my boy on a leash rather than possibly pay a fine for breaking the leash law. But there is no way in the world that you can train a dog to do all of that in a few minutes. It's a scam, he had to have worked with his dog for a very long time to get them to do that.
  
  Be smart don't try to train her to be off leash. Send that non-sense back and get your money back. If anything watch Animal Planet's "It's Me Or The Dog". She will be a lot more realistic than that commercial was.


• You have to train him to work with a leash first. Teach him the basics of "heeling" with a limp leash, then gradually allow him more and more freedom. I have had a "shock collar" for my dog for the last 12 years, never have to use it, but if he should get distracted, I know I still have control of her. I had a dog 20 years ago "trained to walk without a leash. One day she bolted, and was killed. You can never train a dog enough so that it's instincts won't take over when they are in an exciting enviorment. The collar like what you have in the add is a great idea. Just don't use it unless it is absolutely necessary.
  Don't train him to respond to the collar, teach him with treats and love. Save the collar as last resort.
  
  http://www.dog-obedience-training-review…


• There is no way you can have a dog by your side in a strange environment without the fear of losing them, unless your IRL name is Cesar Millan.
  
  If you are the pack leader 100% of the time your dog will stay with you but having your dog off leash in public is never a good idea because the other person may not be the pack leader. Short of being a 100% committed pack leader you'd need a shock collar.

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Dog Health Questions: Los angeles dog trainers?

Does anyone know of any dog trainers in Los Angeles that specialize in pit bulls? My friend has a very over-excited dog that needs obedience training as well as possible guard dog training.

Dog Training Tools and Advice

Recommended Answer:
Here are some tips for training a pit bull that may help in the meantime:

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/…
http://www.pbrc.net/training.html

http://stores.petsmart.com/petsmart/ ... find a trainer in your area
http://www.canine.org/ ... American Dog trainers network

Review - Secrets to Dog Training is Unparalleled Canine Training Resource

• I have a female pit whom is very energetic. Some things your friend can do is take the dog on long walks and get like a doggy backpack and fill it with items to make him or her work harder. When you return home the dog should be some what tired if they walked long enough if not do more energetic activities to go with the dog. Like running, fetch or swimmming. When the dog is tired but not dead tired is the best time to try a little bit of training. Just remember one word for each thing you want him or her to learn. Pits are very intelligent dogs and very hard working, with a lot of energy proper training and working out is needed. If you cannot spare the time for the dog then maybe that is not the dog for you.


• A trainer can train your friend's dog, but when the dog is with your friend, he will not have the respect for his owner that he does for his trainer, and your friend may not be able to enforce his commands to his own dog. Your friend needs to learn how to work the dog himself, even if he uses a trainer. Training does not equal automatic respect and obedience. He has to earn respect with his dog just like he does with everyone else. The going rates for dog trainers are $600-$1000 a month in the areas which I have personal experience-- I have hired dog trainers. To train a dog from zero to guard dog is going to cost your friend in the neighborhood of $3000 to $5000 at least. Plus his dog will have to go live with the trainer at his kennel facilities. Choosing a good trainer can be very difficult, and he may find himself $3500 poorer, with a dog who is badly trained.
  
  He should join a local Schutzhund club. Schutzhund is a sport that combines tracking, obedience, and protection work. Other possibilities might be PSA or Ring Sport, if available in his area, which put more emphasis on the personal protection portion in the context of competition. You can find a club in your area on the Schutzhund USA website which I have listed as a source below. For PSA or Ring Sport, you should do an Internet search.
  
  If your friend trains in Schutzhund, or other sport involving protection work as well as obedience, then he is working with a group of people who can support him and his goals. Everyone has a different training approach, and that can be very useful in applying techniques to see which method works with his dog best. He will gain the respect, obedience and attention of his own dog, and spend much much less than what he would to hire a dog trainer. Training the dog himself will increase the dog's focus, control and discipline and it should help with his excitability issues as well.
  
  Exercise is also another avenue to control excitability in dogs. Lack of exercise often causes behavorial problems in high energy dogs.


• Sure, Cesar Millan... The Dog Whisperer! He runs a dog psychology center in LA that works with a lot of pits. Probably kind of expensive though!

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Dog Health Questions: I have a Bichon Frise dog that barks 24/7?

I have a Bichon Frise dog that barks 24/7 and I don't know how to make him quiet with positive dog training. Please help me!!!

Electronic Dog Training Collars

Recommended Answer:
Spray him with water whenever he barks unnecessarily -- sounds mean, but it worked with my dog. I have a friend that had her Westie's voice box altered (something like that) but I think that's just awful. It seems like any dog could be trained not to bark with the right attention. Good luck -

Is My Jack Russell Suitable For Schutzhund Dog Training?

• Go buy a little squirt bottle and fill it with water everytime he yaps squirt him in the face! It is not cruel and teaches bad response to bad behavior. Or call the dog whisperer!


• To tell you the truth...you can't really stop a dog from barking but you can try this.....when it barks....say hush or something like that and when you say it close his mouth shut!!


• You can use a breath fresher that is a spray.
  When the dog barks, you say "No Bark" and when it does it again you spray the dogs mouth with one squirt and say "No Bark" again. They hate the taste of the breath spray but it won't harm them. Usually works about the thrid time unless they are a little hard headed and then I have had to use it maybe 7- 10 times before they get the jest.


• one way is to get a tin soup container and put pebbles in it and put something on the top to seal it then every time the dog barks you shake and say QUITE!


• the squirt bottle is good, but when you are not home they forget the training. the best thing that worked for my dogs was the citronella bark collar (you can find it on-line). what it does is that when the dog barks the collar automatically sprays citronella on the nose. it's not bad and they will learn quick. and you don't have to walk around with a spray bottle all day.


• .22


• I also have a bichon, the best one around. I found that the remote contol collar by Innotec is the best friend. She never barks and never goes in the street. This item was a Godsend.
  I tranied her with it and she is the perfect companion.


• you could also try a barking control collar that makes a noise that only dogs can hear when it barks.


• take the dog to the vet and get it debarked ( a procedure where the vocal cords are snipped) and then she will have a quiter more tolerable bark.


• first of all you should never take the dog to get "debarked" . that simply horrfies me!!! I cant believe any vet would ever do that for any reason other than if the dogs life was in danger. i am very upset that anyone would even recommend that!!!!! you should be ashamed!!!!! my friends dog was debarked by its previous
  owner. i have to tell you it is sad to see the dog try to bark. besides what if the dog starts barking because something is on fire. i bet you would be sorry then that you couldn't hear them. i know that bichons are the best dog ever he probably barks just because he likes the sound of his voice!! i know some people who talk for that reason hahaha. but i think he is perfect the way he is. why dont you give him a big hug and a big wet kiss for me. and for the person above me well i will pray that you feel sorry about what you did.


• Buy a citronella collar - they run around $80, but its more humane than the electric bark correction collars. The way it works is that whenever the dog barks, the collar mists citronella spray - which the dog does not like. Eventually, the dog will associate the barking with the spray and stop altogether.
  
  They sell them at petedge.com at a good price.


• They don't like noise. They are very possessive of their masters. They are wonderful, they just want to know where you are and what you are doing. I've had one for 12 years, He watches every step I take or make. They are just like human children. Talk to them with a calm voice. They do not require spanking. Just love and attention. They are very sensitive. I'll be watching for any more questions you may have. I have a book on this type dog.
  
  Temperament: Gentle, mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is the hallmark of the breed and one should settle for nothing less. These little dogs in their snowsuits will work their way nto your heart and home. Once you live with a Bichon you will always have one. This is not to say that you can't have another breed, for the Bicheon's gentle and nonthreatening disposition makes it possible to own other pets. This is a true face, I can testify to that. cat, birds. They are very intelligent. It was said tha King Henry III, was never without the company of his Bichons. This was during the time of the Renaissance in Europe.
  
  The Bichon in the United States;
  In 1972, the Bichon was officially admitted to the American Kennel Club permitted the Bichon Frise to compete in the Miscellaneous class at AKC dog shows. In 1973 the breed was biven full recognition by the AKC and was allow to compete for championship oints and be shown in the Non Sporting Group.
  
  Grooming and lots of it. They need it and they love it. They can even be trained to take their own showers. Trained to use a cat pan for urinating during your absence. They thrive on being feed and exercised around the same time every day.
  
  MORE INFORMATION ON THE BICHON FRISE:
  National Breed Club
  The Bicvhon Frise Club of America
  Denise Richardson, Secretary
  186 Ash Street
  Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
  
  The club can give you information about all aspects of the breed, including the names and addrsses of local breed and obedience clubs. Inquire about membership.


• that is very unusual i have 6 bichons all very quiet

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Dog Health Questions: How to become a dog trainer?

I want to have a career in dog training, but mostly as a attack dog trainer for in the police force. Are there special schools. Where do I start?

Thanks

Dog Training: To Have Or Not To Have A Trainer

Recommended Answer:
The vast majority of dog trainers are self taught. I recommend you start reading a lot of books and attending seminars. The University of North Texas does offer some classes aimed at animal training. The only college to offer a degree in animal training is Moorpark College, but the emphasis is on exotics, like in a zoo.

The Coast Guard might be able to offer some training.

You might contact the people at Leerburg, Sirius Pups, or The Los Angeles Dog Psychology Center directly and see if they offer an apprenticeship program.

Read about the different methods of training. Ed Frawley (Leerburg) and Cesar Millan (LA Dog Psychology Center) are similar, but their methods are far different from those of Ian Dunbar (Sirius Pups).

I'm attaching a few relevant links.
Good Luck!

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

• The attack dog guys in the police force are cops. The attack dogs guys for the miltary are in the military.
  All the attack dog guys I know, several, its my thing, that do private dog work now came out of the military.
  So...join the army??


• I'm a dog trainer, ive won starter obenice (2006) with a red border collie and are going to crufts this year for heelwork to music and obedience. I belong to a dog trainer club mels klever k9's as seen on Britains got talent, 2007. The website is melskleverk9ltd.com, just look it up on google. :D


• The thing is, the market for attack dog training outside the military and police force is not going to be huge, and as someone without the military or police dog training experience, you'd be way behind the competition.
  
  There are several different kinds of dog training careers, though. I don't think this is a particularly good one unless you try to go about it the traditional way. I highly doubt that the USCG employs attack dogs... drug sniffing dogs perhaps. I'd think that the army would do that. Border patrol might also.


• You could try training in Schutzhund, which would be similar to the police dog work.
  What it entails is obedience, tracking and protection, and typically involves GSDs but any breed I believe can participate.
  
  You could try searching for local dog training schools, or find someone in your area that may be willing to let you shadow at their classes.
  
  But really, being a Schutzhund trainer would not be ideal for a full time job. Simply as it's not exactly a well known sport to the general populous.


• You might check your neighborhood and see if anyone is offering Schutzhund or French Ring Sport Obedience Classes. If so, go out and take a look and talk to the people there, maybe you can apprentice under them (they'll teach you how to safely be an agitator).
  
  And yes, there are schools out there but you need to do your homework to find out which are best.
  
  e-mail: gsbob@earthlink.net. He's the contact for a California Schutzhund Club's Helper Seminar and Certification Test so I'm sure he can give you an earful, if you've got the time.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training tips??

can u really teach teach an old dog new tricks??? i have 2 dogs one which is a full blood english cocker spaniel which is 60 years old (dog years) and i just got a mixed chiwawa/wiener dog who is about 12 weeks old.... anyway our cocker spaniel has been an outdoor dog all its life but recently brought it in our home due to the heat outside.... anyway both dogs dont seem to like doin their business outside... we walk them but they always seem to wait until they come inside to do their business.... anyway any help on resolving this problem???

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

Recommended Answer:
Try housebreaking the dogs.

Crate the dog and until the dog is reliably going outside she should have absolutely no unsupervised freedom in the house because that is when mistakes will happen. Take the dog outside after meals, playing and sleeping, if she does not go after 10 to 15 minutes return her to the crate for an additional 15 to 30 minutes and take her out again. If she still doesn't go repeat process. When she does finally go outside, wait til he is done and praise lavishly and reward with a treat.
Housebreaking will only be successful if you are dilligent in watching him and taking her out as necessary and making sure she has no chance to make a mistake.

Here is a link to a previous question about crate training
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

Also you need to buy a cleaner like Nature's Miracle or Simple Solution to clean your carpets and to get the scent of urine and feces out of the carpet, the dog will not stop going in the house if the scent remains in the carpet or floor.

Dog Training - How to Housebreak an Adopted Dog

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training question.?

I want to train my dog to come to a whisle so that when i take her camping i can let her off of the leash

How do i train her to come when i whisle
(i bought a whisle)

Dog Training Methods - Different Ways to Teach Your Pet Dogs Some Useful Skills

Recommended Answer:
Same way you teach her to come when you call her name. Call (or whistle) and teach her that when she comes she gets a treat. Keep her on a leash so not coming is not an option. Probably best to start indoors where there's few distractions. After she's learned this, progress to outside, with a longer leash. Praise her extravagantly when she comes, but don't let her NOT come.

Keep in mind, though. If your dog isn't very obedient she won't become any more obedient just because you have a whistle.

There's nothing wrong with using a whistle, but it sounds like you want to let her roam great distances where a whistle will be necessary to call her back. Again, nothing wrong with this, but I'd ever only trust the most highly trained dog to let have this freedom. Even then, he can get into some trouble with wild animals (from skunks to bears to deer) so I don't think I would trust my dog too far from me, even if I do trust him offleash.

If you have a dog of certain breeds, such as a hound, be especially careful letting them off-leash. These breeds can get carried away with the sights and smells and get lost without meaning to.

I strongly recommend the video Really Reliable Recall for teaching a rock-solid "come" command (or whistle).

Protection Dog Training - Frequently Asked Questions

• I'm no expert, but......... assuming you already know the basics of animal training - consistency, etc. - ..... tie a fairly long and light rope to its collar (40 - 50 feet). Have your dog stay while you walk to the end of the rope. Then blow the whistle in a single, always-the-same way. If it comes to you without further training (and this could happen!), you are home free. (Get mad about the money you wasted on the rope later!) If it doesn't come to you, wait 10 or so seconds and blow the whistle again. This time gently pull on the rope, making it come to you, without any side trips or hesitancy. Do this about a dozen times, or until it will come to you without being pulled. If after a dozen tries, it still does not freely come to you, quit for a couple of hours before trying again. Do this twice a day until the dog comes to you, without fail and without pulling on the rope, for at least 2 sessions. Then, try it without using the rope at all. You should be all set at this point. HOWEVER, you must call the dog using the whistle - as opposed to the more convenient "Rover, come!" - at least once a day for at least a week, then every other day for a week, then every third day for a week. Use the whistle thereafter once (only) every third or fourth day just to keep the pooch programed. Remember that the smartest dog is only about as smart as a retarded two year old. When the dog responds to the whistle even when it is out of sight, it is ready for a camping trip. Hope this helps. Good luck!!


• BLow the whistle and say come. Give her a treat when she comes. Keep doing this, except sometimes blow the whistle without saying come. Eventually get to the point where you are only using the whistle.


• Don't start with the whistle first. What you want to do is when she comes to you on her own, praise her and give her treats. (Best to start inside w/out distractions, add distractions inside, then outside, then outside with a lot of distractions. . . .you must build up slowly).
  
  Once she starts coming to you, add the whistle AS she is walking/running, etc. She will soon associate the whistle with the praise and treats she gets when she gets to you. Eventually you will be able to whistle and she'll recognize that means come.
  
  What you don't want to do is punish her when she gets to you late or when you find her. She will then associate coming to you or being found by you as punishment.
  
  You can even use different whistles to signal different things. Have fun and your dog will have fun too!


• Well. First try using the whistle, maybe she'll come to it without training. It that doesn't work, stand a few yards away from your dog and using the whistle, also motioning for her to come. She'll eventually get the idea. Reward her and move back from her further and further, rewarding her each time she comes to the whistle. When she starts to respond quickly, try just using the whistle and not motioning for her. Soon enough your dog will come whenever she hears the whistle blow.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Superlatives!?

For Graduating Training classes. I'm trying to get ideas for Superlatives for my graduating doggy obedience classes.
like
"most likely to poop on the floor"
"class clown"

etc etc.

any ideas that are dog related?!

THANKS!!

Secrets to Dog Training Review - A Review of the Best Dog Obedience Training Program

Recommended Answer:
best smile
most improved
prettiest eyes
nicest hair
best dressed (nicest collars and leaches. Unless you do have one that the owner actually dresses.)
best in sports
these can all be used for dogs.

Time-Tested Tips On Behavior Dog Training For Beginners

• Fastest (of the class) to sit.
  Fastest Tail Wagger
  Best Kisser/Sloppiest Kisser
  Most Likely To Stay in a Long Down-Stay
  
  Most likelly to drool
  


• most playful
  loudest bark
  shyest pup
  most hyper
  most likely not to listen
  best dog

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Dog Health Questions: Sound alert dog training?

Does anyone know where I could find someone to help me train a sound alert dog for myself? I am 65% deaf and need a bit of help. I live in Gaithersburg, MD which is 15 miles Northwest of Washington DC. I would be willing to travel up to an hour for training sessions. I want to do the training of the dog myself so I can later help different organizations and individuals such as myself.

Protection Dog Training - Vicious Animal or Family Pet?

Recommended Answer:
Service Dog training resources, by state: http://www.wolfpacks.com/serviced.htm There are a couple listed in MD, and one in Washington DC. Good luck!

Secrets to Dog Training Reviewed

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Dog Health Questions: Should dog training be mandatory?

I really think it should. We constantly hear about "bad daogs" and "bad breeds" but any dog whether it's a Pit Bull or a Chihuahua has the potential to be nasty if not trained. Of course the damage a Pit can do is much worse than a Chi, but I firmly believe there are very few bad dogs. Those that are bad it's usually a medical or genetic condition often caused by bad breeding, but there are many bad owners who just can;t be bothered to train their pets.

Your thoughts please.

Dog Training - Basics

Recommended Answer:
I fully agree with you!

I have a pitbull mix who is the best dog with children and older people, and other then a really good home he was also trained from the day I got him at 8 weeks old. It has nothing to do with his breed at all, he was well raised and well trained.

I see so many people who spend 60 or 120 dollars to take one or two classes and have nearly perfect dogs just because they know the basics where as there's so many more who never take any classes and just give up their dogs only to get a new puppy a few months later.

People need to train their dogs if only a basic puppy class and basic training class after.

If people would actually understand the importance of getting your dog a CGC title so many dogs would be better off.

To many people have dogs who jump, or bite, or don't get along with kids or other dogs. I've yet to have that problem with any of my dogs, and I have some odd breeds who most people think are bad breeds. Yet I would trust my pit mix, or my wolf alone with a two year old child on the floor of a room before I would trust a random family's bouncy untrained lab.

Training is more then just shouting at your dog to sit or yelling it's name too, oddly a lot of people actually think that if their dog sometimes comes when they call it, it sort of walks on a leash until it sees something to run after, and sits when they pull on the dog's collar that somehow they actually think it's trained.

It only takes about a three months for any dog, young or old, to be really trained when you have a good trainer, and costs less then giving the dog up at most shelters...

So yes you are fully right, along with those reasons and so many others that I could go on with, all dogs should have to be trained. If it's a little pocket dog, or a 200 pound Newfoundland. All dogs need to be trained, really trained by someone who knows what their doing.

And all owners need to be trained as well, not just the dog.

It's really sad that more people can't understand this.

Dog Training Advice For Training Your Best Friend

• not at all. does a baby goes to a training class to learn certain things? the same way dogs also have the same prefernce. so when humans do actions dogs are intelligent than us. they observe what a person does and grasps it gradually. so no need to teach them mandatorily.


• I think the people need to be trained. The dogs are the least of the problem.


• I agree! When we had our greyhound, Dodge, we had to train him to just be in a house, since he was a rescue. We had the time and inclination to train him on our own. My husband (fiancee at the time) had been a vet tech, so he knew a lot about dogs; he also had a greyhound previously, when we first met. So, he knew what it took. Yet, not everyone has the experience and know how to do this on their own, so it would be a great idea to take dogs to a trainer. It is good for owners to see how to handle a dog as well. It is pet-raising training for people, too! Good idea!! : )


• No. We already have enough regulations placed upon us as it is. In a world where you have to have an FBI background check, medical screening, drug testing and credit check just to work at a minimum wage job, all we need is one more intrusion in our lives. This would mean that only the more well-to-do could have a pet (unless of course the city or state wanted to pay for this "training'). I have known many poorer and elderly people who are devoted and loving to their pets. Let's not take that joy away from them. And what is supposed to happen if the dog is lazy, stubborn, or less-than-bright and flunks its little training course? Should it be snatched away from the owner and euthanized? Realistically, you are asking for more legislation in obtaining a Chihuahua than a firearm. Sure, it never hurts to give a dog a few obediance classes, but find something more worthy to be passionate about.


• ooooh, I like the idea. I think it would seriously cut down on the number of dogs in shelters and rescues if everyone was required to take some basic obedience classes. They help so much with socialization and temperment.


• It would be a great idea if there could be some sort of mandatory education class devised for people wanting to bring a dog into their lives. Everything from teaching basic commands to information on how much it costs to maintain a dog's health over its lifetime would be worthwhile topics, since so many people obviously have no clue about these things. People should be informed of what they're getting into if they don't already know - it would help solve a lot of problems of people returning dogs because they "can't" be trained, mess the house, develop health problems, etc. etc.


• That's a wonderful idea but I don't know how we'd enforce it. It is the lazy owner who thinks their dog will just automatically be good or obedient. Just doesn't happen.
  Just by some of the question posted here I wonder where some have learned their training techniques!!! YIKES!
  
  Heck I used to give each new puppy owner names of training schools in their area with each pup I sold. I don't know if they ever used them but most did. Even reading a good training book will help tons. I think we can only try and keep our fingers crossed at this point.


• I'm not in favour of a one-size-fits-all kind of legislation. While I plan to use a puppy class for our dogs (more for socialisation than actual training), I don't think it's the answer for every dog or dog owner.
  
  Here are some problems:
  
  * What if the owner lives in an isolated area with limited access to training classes?
  
  * What if the only classes available use techniques that are not compatible with that particular dog or owner?
  
  * What if the owner is already a better, more experienced trainer than the official trainers that are available?
  
  However, I think mandatory training classes might be a good idea for dog owners who are guilty of infractions (e.g. dogs not licensed; dogs running loose in public areas; aggression/barking behaviours that affect neighbours or general public).


• training is not always the answer but letting him/her know how to deal and interact with people eg kids and the aged , dealing with other dogs, noises loud and soft, walking with or without a lead etc... a good owner will produce a good dog - friendly etc and positivity is the key...


• i dont think it really need to be mandatory but i think the minor things should like sit stay lay down. that way when there is company they can be good


• Absolutely!
  
  Till it is mandatory, the people who most need to be trained to train their dog, will not do it. Smart people already know that it is important to train your dog.
  
  If it wasn't mandatory for all children to attend school, how many do you think would never get an education? I reckon quite a lot. Look at countries were they do not have mandatory schooling.
  
  It would be nice to think that all parents / dog owners are responsible people, but we already know they are not.
  
  I am all in favour of mandatory dog training. There is already such a thing as a "Good Canine Citizen" in the US, isn't there? We have a "Ideal dog of Australia" Certificate. Let's make it mandatory!
  
  +++


• I agree!!! I own a 9 month old lab/staffy mix and we went to obedience school when she was 6 months old. We are now in more training with her. ANY dog can attack if not properly raised.


• I personally think some training is mandatory for dogs. I have a yorkie, and although yorkies are headstrong, I made sure she got training. She understands commands such as sit, stay, come, but she'll only do them if she feels like it, lol. But I'm glad I did it because when she does listen it works really well. I think training gives dogs some manners.


• Think that through;
  How much government intrusion into your life do you want??
  I don't know about anyone else but I like being able to pee on my own schedule.
  How would you possibly raise the funds necessary to manage such a program on a nation wide bases. We cant even raise the funds necessary to provide health insurance for all our children.
  Those that break the law, would have no problem with breaking one more.


• Yes - it should be.
  
  Humans are REQUIRED (yes they are legally required) to send their children to school. And we have put the burden on schools to not only teach our children history and science, but also to teach them responsibility (which is usually undermined by the irrresponsible parents), accountability, study habits, how to practice, and most importantly, how to learn for themselves.
  
  So why not require us to do the same for our dogs. Dogs can do damage to humans and other dogs and 99% of the time its because the OWNER did not have a well trained dog. 99% of the time, the dog doesn't just snap and go on a killing rampage - they don't go "postal". There is a reason the dog hurts someone or something living. I think it would #1 - cut down on animal cruelty - why - because if a trainer witnessed a human beating or abusing the animal then the animal could be removed from that situation #2 - it would cut down on pet bites owners - because now the owners have the tools to train and deal with the dog #3 - it would cut down on dog bite dog situations because now the dog would have training and the owner would know exactly how to deal with aggression before it escalated to "red level" aggression.
  
  Will it happen - no. Why - because of some of the same crazy people that have already answered your question "forcing me to go to training violates my rights". Those are the same people that I deal with as parents of my students that give excuse after excuse after excuse for their child's poor behaviour and lack of responsibility in my classroom. People need to wake up and stop complaining about your rights or lack thereof - you want to see lack of rights go live in China or Afghanistan or Saudia Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan - don't talk to me about lack of rights in this country!!
  
  So - I approve of your eutopian idea - I commend you for it and I wish that the rest of the people would realize that sometimes good does come from losing your right to choose to do something.


• yes it should be mandatory, when you train them it shows the dog that you are in charge of them.


• I believe at least a 6 week course should be mandatory when someone buys a dog / puppy.. Training classes train the person how to train their dog.. It doesn't do much for the dog lots of times, but it gives the person some tools to use in the future.. A resource to look back on when they come across issues with their dog in the future..
  
  The CKC works with pet health insurance and when you register your puppies, each puppy gets 6 weeks free pet health insurance.. I believe if they maybe did the same thing with a training group.. Then more people would at least take that free 6 week course and get some tips .. Even if they did nothing but learn how to housetrain their dog.. It would be worth it..
  
  Most dogs get returned, or sent to the shelter because of basic things like house training.. Nipping the kids.. If people were learning these little things early on, and the importance of training early on, maybe more dogs would stay in their homes and not end up in the shelter or rescues..


• This would just be another law where that penalizes the responsible pet owner and does nothing to solve the problem. Do you really think that if the owner doesn't care enough to train the dog that they will care enough to spend a bunch of money to have someone else train them?

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Dog Health Questions: Has anyone heard of a dog training aid called Gencon?

my cousin has one and its worked brilliantly to stop the dog pulling. But i was wondering if it has any bad points about it as iv have heard of the gentle leaders and halti's but some people say they can be to harsh of a correction for a dog and be cruel is this the same for the Gencon.

Any other information will be greatfully recieved.

Dog Training Books - Choosing the Best Dog Training Book

Recommended Answer:
Here is a link to the product: http://www.gencon-allin1.co.uk/products.…

It looks very similar to the Halti and gentle leader. They work IF you know how to use one - you can do damage to your dog if you don't.

Dog Training Fundamentals

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Dog Health Questions: Recommended dog training books?

What are some books you would recommend for dog training that you or someone you know found helpful.

The Shocking Truth About Electronic Dog Training Collars

Recommended Answer:
Well... it's always good to read styles you don't agree with. The Monks of New Skete (sp) are the guys who started the "alpha roll", and it's interesting to read the original books talking about it and realize just how far people have taken it, and how they never meant for it to be taken into some of the levels that people do. Just like it's good to read books by Khoeler (sp again...) and Barbara Woodhouse in order to see where Millan got his style. But, they're not books I'd use to train any dog because they're out of date (ie, even if Millan is recent, his style is 20+ years old and has been proven to cause problems.) So, one of the things I would recommend is to watch out for books where "khoeler" or "Woodhouse" is mentioned as the trainers or something like that.

Books like "The other side of the leash" or "Bones would rain from the sky" are wonderful books, but aren't training manuals. They're more behavioral books, and sometimes their style of writing is insulting and abrasive unless you agree with the author (ie, someone who uses a choke chain tends to find the works insulting.) However, one book that I do like is Jan Fannel's "The Dog Listener" about Amichien bonding, which I've found helpful for dog owners who have aggressive dogs (or who want to avoid aggression in their dogs) without using aggressive methods on the dogs themselves. But, again, it's not a training manual. A newer good book that you can tend to find fairly cheap these days is "The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior" by Tamar Geller.

I did not like "Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin Behavior & Evolution" by Ray and Lorna Coppinger. Mostly because from my point of view it was a completely flawed examination of dog behavior comparing and arguing that dogs are not wolves. Ie, they hate the idea that dogs are being genetically reclassified as wolf subspecies, so they fight against it in their book. But, they use as examples of wolves captive wolves and wolves who, through hunting, are nervous of humans. Basically they completely ignore eskimo and native american accounts that wolves didn't USE to keep this distance, and they ignore accounts where wolves weren't keeping this distance where they weren't being hunted. And because they only use captive wolves or wolves during easily observed periods of the year, and ignore wolves or wolf-mixes who live in homes with humans... it's just a very biased book.

For puppies, I prefer Ian Dunbar's "Before and After Getting Your Puppy" and it goes over basic puppy training. HOWEVER, some people find it abrasive because he tends to do a whole "If you don't do this, your dog will have this behavioral problem." Some people feel this is defeatist, and insulting, making them feel like complete failures (to me, when I read it, it seemed more like a warning about what COULD happen.) Remember, Ian Dunbar got his greatest start with puppy training, so his books tend to be more about the root of behavioral problems and how to avoid them, and not always about how to fix them in adult dogs though he does do that too.

Then there's the real Dog Whisperer, or at least one of them (dog whisperer is a sort of honorary title, and Millan isn't the only one to hold it. In fact... Millan as far as I know was never GIVEN the title but usurped it, which is insulting. He doesn't whisper.) Paul Owens' books are WONDERFUL, and I've always enjoyed them as training type manuals. I haven't ever seen his movies, but I wouldn't be worried about anything in them. Karen Pryor's books are wonderful training manuals, if you want to go with clicker training.

Hope this helps.

Dog Training Collars - How to Choose One

• Any thing by Cesar Milan, the dog whisperer.


• all Ceaser Millan books.


• If you have never trained a dog before try dog training for dummies (no offense, it really does help)


• All of the books by Cesar Millan.
  
  "It's me or the Dog" by Victoria Stillwell
  
  "Canine Body Language" by Brenda Aloff
  
  All of the books by Monks of New Skeet
  
  "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller
  
  As you see i read a lot - and it isn't limited to just one type of training! I LOVE the book by Brenda Aloff btw, very helpful.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Trainers/owners: What method of dog training has worked best for you?

Hi! I own a 15 week old doberman boy. I've recently enrolled him in obedience classes, and even though he is obviously the most hyper dog in the class, he is easily the smartest ;]. However, his disobedience that has caused me to enroll him in school in the first place! Biting, barking, ignoring commands, the works! I've brought this to the attention of our trainer, who continues to press the method of "cruelty-free" dog training. This basically means that when the dog bites us, we DON'T HIT HIM, but show him that we are hurt and walk away. Dog training along the lines of "Culture Clash" (for all you trainers out there), if you will. My question is: is this the best method? My pup still seems to be agressive, and my trainer has basically said NO to any sort of doberman training that I've read about in Dobie books (she says "dogs needing alpha leaders" is false"). Please, knowledgable dog owners/trainers, for an independant breed like the Dobie, what should I do? How should I train him?

4 Tips To Successful Obedience Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Believe it or not, I think you are on the right track. Using punishment with this dog might give you an immediate response, but in the long run it can backfire on you. As the dog gets older and wiser, the punishments may have to increase and at some point in time the dog will get tired of it and possibly bite.

Emma Parsons (Click to Calm) is a great author on positive ways to deal with aggression. I've heard her speak on this topic and it really makes sense.

Yes, you puppy should never be allowed to bite, be bossy etc. If the biting does not stop when you say "ouch" and turn away, you may have to remove yourself or the puppy immediately from the situation. Put him in the crate - he does have a crate doesn't he?? When he calms down, he comes out.

There should be NO rough play for now. No tug of war, no pulling etc. Feed him supper ( kibble) from your hand - one piece at a time with no "shark" teeth allowed. He gets the food only when he takes it nicely - begin by using an open hand.

The "nothing in life is free" gives him the idea that he has to do something in order to get what he wants. You are the only one who can give him what he wants, thus you become the leader. He can't eat, play, go outside etc. unless you let him. You cannot allow him to get what he wants when he wants it. He only gets a "positive" reward when he does what you ask.

He is fast approaching the "teenage" stage and will need to continue with his training. You HAVE to work on this every day. You must be consistent every day and every member of the family has to be part of the team.

It may take longer to do this and definitely requires more patience, but the result will be a dog that responds to you when asked and is less likely to be agressive in the long run.

One last thought - neutering will help eliminate the hormone rage and allow him to pay better attention to you rather than worrying about his territory or other dogs.

Are Dog Training Collars Humane

• I agree with not hitting, but what else is she having you do? Have you heard about "NILIF"? I'll add a link. Also, is/will he be neutered...that helps.
  
  Nothing in Life is Free:
  http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm
  http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pe…
  
  Edit: Do not hit or flick him, like someone mentioned. That's a good way for a dominant dog to up the aggression. You want to show him you are the leader without directly challenging him. Plus, you don't want it to turn into fear aggression...that's more dangerous. Please look into dog behavior and dog aggression.


• I like that cruelty free training, wish I knew about it
  
  My dog sparky (rott/lab mix), was potty trained by me. when he was pup, I would show him where the "mess" was (he liked to pee on carpets and poop in the kitchen..i cant explain it either) and then gently hit him on the collar. He learned never to potty in the house and would bark when he wanted to use the bathroom. So I let him outside.


• I am not a professional but I have trained quite a few puppies. I disagree with your trainer dogs do need an "alpha dog" I wouldn't say to hit the dog but a quick flick on the nose with your finger will teach him quickly that biting is not allowed. Also try holding his muzzle shut, gently but firmly when he bites. This has seemed to work for my puppies. Hope it helps


• If you are at a pet store, leave the class and ask for yrou money back. Your dog is showing signs if extreme dominance and he needs to learn otherwise. Every time he bites you and gets away with it, it gives him more confidence. You need a personal trainer that willcome to your home. Look online for trainers in your area or call your vet for refferrals. You need someone experienced with your breed. You need to get him trained before he gets too big to handle. I personally never ever hit a dog! I think its wrong and it only teaches them that you are hurting them and leads to mistrust. You need one on one training with someone that knows their stuff.


• I highly reccomend reading this book. 'The Loved Dog' By Tamar Geller. I think it is a brilliant way of training a dog.


• I would look into positive reinforcement. I have trained every dog I've ever had successfully with positive reinforcement. What ever you do, NEVER strike your dog. Also, dogs have very short attention spans so you can't really punish them for certain things unless you catch them in the act. If you punish him even just 2 minutes after he has done something wrong, he won't understand why you are punishing him.
  
  Oh and your dog DOES need alpha leaders. He needs to understand his place in the pack. If he does not respect you, he will not obey you. But be careful, you don't want him to fear you.
  
  Try this website:
  http://www.puplife.com/dogcaretips/positivedogtraining.html
  
  Good luck!


• The trainer is an idiot. The best training method I have found is that one that works on that particular dog. Some dogs tend to need no more then a slight correction on a prong collar. Some dogs need 3 Electric collars. I am all for rewarding a dog with a toy or food when he earns it, but, I will also give a really hard correction when he earns it too. If you need a training method named, I guess you could call me a Bill Koehler man.


• I would find another trainer whose opinion you have confidence in...if you don't believe in the method you are using you will not be training/practising training methods, with confidence and dominance. Training an aggressive dog needs to be handled differently than your everyday sit, stay fun stuff. Ask your vet or call the humane society to suggest a good trainer for aggressive dogs...don't wait as these things need to be dealt with as early as possible. Sometimes individual training classes are more productive to hyper dogs, then practise the lessons at the park to provide the needed socializing and distractions.


• I agree with not hitting the dog but ever dog does need an alpha or a leader of a pack. This puppy needs to know that you are boss. What are the two of you doing when he bits you is he really bearing into you or does he have puppy teeth. sometimes they bit when your playing tell him no in a firm alpha voice and take the toy away. when he stops the action reward him and let him know he is a good Boy.Puppy training is long and hard with a lot of dedication but worth it. I you don't like this persons method change puppy schools, or I you like her make sure everything you are learning in class is being carried out at home don't slack on the discipline.


• Positive reinforcement with praise and treats works every time! I also have a very smart, very independent, and once, very disobedient puppy who was the most incorrigible dog in his class too. But, the training with positive reinforcement worked with him and though he is just a year old now, he has become calmer, and learns things very quickly. Why? Because he looks forward to training. He gets treats for learning and he want to please me. The trainer we used was schooled and trained in the Ian Dunbar techniques and Sirius Puppy School of dog obedience. I also use and am a fan of Tamar Geller, and her book "The Loved Dog" is a great training how-to book which I highly recommend. There is also clicker training, which is an invaluable tool. It too is based on the treat/rewards/praise and positive reinforcement techniques. Check out www.clickertraining.com by Karen Pryor. The trainer you are working with has the right idea, you don't treat aggression with aggression! I do agree with a cruelty free type of training...it has worked for every one of my dogs. Puppies want to please us and it makes them happy to learn, especially when they are treated well, praised and given rewards for their good work. Good luck and have fun with your puppy!


• This is a fantastic method! Add a good dose of "Nothing In Life Is Free," as others have pointed out, and make sure you are enforcing time-outs. At 15 weeks, he is still a baby... he can't be expected to "know" commands until you teach him (which should be one purpose of the class).
  
  As for whether your puppy is aggressive, physical punishment or attempts to "dominate" him will only make the aggression worse -- or ruin a good dog, if he's simply undisciplined. A qualified animal behavior consultant (see www.iaabc.org) or veterinary behaviorist can help you determine whether you're witnessing normal puppy behavior, or something more sinister.

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