Showing posts with label pre trained dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pre trained dogs. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Dog Health Questions: My dog is a good dog. Is yours?

My eight year old BC is an excellent dog. He potties outside, doesn't bark, minds his manners, eats healthy, isn't possessive of people, things, or food, and knows more tricks and commands than I thought I was capable of learning.

My point? I didn't know ANYTHING about dog training when I got Luke. I didn't know anything about the breed, or even how to potty train. So how did I end up with a "good dog"? Luck?

How about you? What did you know now that you didn't know then? Did your dog suffer from your own ignorance? Mine sure did.

Passive and Active Dog Training Techniques



Recommended Answer:
I know a lot more now than I did 15 months ago - too much for this answer!

How did you end up with a great dog when you started knowing little about dogs? Common sense goes a long way - too bad it is in such short supply!

Basics of Dog Training


  • hahaha well about 2 years ago my parents said I could get a dog, and so first thing that came to mind was border collie. BUT after spending several months looking up the border collie and listening to people who have had experience with the breed, I came to the realization that the breed is not for me (at least not at this time in my life) so 747237663672 dog breeds later, I came back to the german shepherd and well I will pick him up in 3 weeks. But no, I usually do research before buying. But you sound like your lucky lol.

  • I have actually LEARNED a few things from my dog! She is a 11 month old Pit bull and she has won my trust over for ALL Pit bull Terriers! I could not even think that I would have taught her how to act on a leash (since she is still a puppy) but we have actually just accomplished that! I have also taught her how to sit, stay, lay, fetch and many more things! Something She taught herself was to let us know when someone was outside of our fence...but once they get inside all she can do is wag her tail and try to lick their feet!

  • I knew very little when I got my first dog, but you learn as you go along, as long as you teach your dog the basics when they are pups, and you treat them with the respect they deserve, then I don't think you can go far wrong.
    Common sense is one of the main things you need, not just for raising your dog, but in all areas of your life.

  • I have had Dobemans for 19 years.
    My first was an adult dog and he was great. Well behaved and great house manners. He came knowing all that.
    WHen we started with Weimaraners it was because I wanted to expand my training abilities and work with field dogs.
    But I visited many breeders and did much breed research before getting the Weimaraner breed. We looked at other breeds but thought this would best fit into our lifestyle and into our home.
    Turns out we were right.
    Now I can say I have trained field trail dogs for upland game bird hunting and Dobermans.

  • He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

  • Titus came from the pound- He already knew everything when I got him. He is a great dog! He's a bit of a jerk to walk though,
    My girl violet...Not so much- she barks when some one comes to the door and she is a bit in your face- when she wants attention. But other then that she a great dog- I think I did pretty good with her so far concidering she is my first puppy. We are still learing and fixing thing together as we go...

  • The dog I had before I got Max and Penny was a little Pug/Boston terrier mutt and she was a wild thing. I didnt know anything about training/obedience, I let her do what she wanted. The end result? My ignorance got her hit by a car.

    when we got Max our APBT I did extensive research to see if we could handle his breed and what all to expect. I can say now he would be a hellian if we hadnt. We made sure to train him properly to listen to us. An untrained dog is a dangerous dog in my opinion.

    I know a lot now after seeing his behavior and working out the glitches here and there with him. When we got our little mutt training was a breeze with her because I was so set on how to train our Pit I did the same for her.

    All in all though both dogs are excellant, they listen to us and still need some work done but they are amazing.

  • Bailey could have been who he is today so much sooner if I had a better grasp of how to deal with his "issues" as well as I do now.

    I certainly didn't know nothing, but I knew very very little about how to deal with anxiety and confidence issues. I have, over Bailey's 10 years, learned a tremendous amount about confidence building and helping a weak nerved dog to best overcome their genetic disadvantages. He and I both suffered from that lack of knowledge. However, today we are both very grateful for each other. Because of Bailey, his new little sister has a huge advantage in life and I think he knows that - he constantly takes her under his wing and trys to help her escape that same fear he once had.

    Did I get lucky to have such a well behaved dog? I don't think so, really. I would have to credit far more of our succes to my natural gift for canine communication and our constant working to get better. We've been going to classes for Bailey's entire life because we both enjoy it - surely that's part of it.

    While we've suffered our shortfalls together, we've also triumphed together - and that will make a proud mama out of anybody!!

    People talk about how because I don't wish to have kids I will never get to see the day my daugher goes to prom, or graduates, gets married, etc...
    I wish people could understand that I don't need those things when after weeks of working on conquering the fear of the agility tunnel, Bailey runs through it at full speed coming out the other side with a smile from ear to ear and an expression that could say nothing other than "I DID IT!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT MOM? I DID IT!! ALL BY MYSELF!! I DID IT!!"

  • I have 3 datshunds and all three are very well cared for and listen very well eat well and sit so cute when they beg and they love to be with me 24/7 no matter where I go they are there well when I first got Jacksun my choc male he was fine then developed a rash after several vet cks and over a thousand dollars worth of treatments I found out he allrigic to grass beat that yea Grass But no matter what was wrong I wasnt going to give up like previous owners did. Yes he was a toss away but now hes my best buddy and alls well. Then heres Tink she is black and tan her owners didnt care for her very well she kept running off and stuck in a hot garage all day so she came to us I took home 3 times the last she stayed I had her fixed and de wormed and now shes part of our family too she such a sweet heart and Loved so much.Now comes Jewlee shes spoiled rotten I bought her from a friend. she red and full of spunk and barks some more than the other 2 but she gets you attention when she wants it.All 3 are my best friends sleep with me and sit in lap all at the same time.Jacksun -male 7
    Tink female 1+2mos Jewlee 1+3 mons aLL ARE FIXED AS WELL AND UP TO DATE WITH SHOTS AND FLEA TREATMENTS AND HEARTWORM.

  • My poor dogs that I had before Eli.....I was so ignorant. My 2 chihuahuas actually turned out to be good dogs somehow. I'm not sure how. My ex and I worked at the same place. It was an hour drive to work, we worked 12-14 hour shifts and an hour drive home. The dogs were litter box trained as well as outside trained. My ex was a firm believer in the old-fashioned way of training. I remember them chewing the door framing once. He rubbed jalepeno pepper juice up and down the wood then rubbed their mouths on it. They never chewed it again, but, that was the wrong way to go about it.

    I have no idea what we fed them. I've been divorced from him for 7 years. I do know that we did give them table scraps sometimes. Peewee loved meatloaf. He'd eat so much that he couldn't walk. He'd stand still or fall over on his side so we'd have to pick him up and carry him to his bed. Yeah, how healthy is that????

    My Springer Spaniel got ran over because he wouldn't let him be an inside dog and we didn't have a fenced in yard.

    I learned SO much before I got Eli, after I got him, and on a daily basis. The most important things that I think I have learned is positive training, good nutrition and patience!

  • My cardigan welsh corgis are wonderful(not perfect) in spite of me.
    I have learned a great deal in the last four years. I have also become more at ease and relaxed and comfortable in my relationship with these 2 lovely boys. Consistence, love, trust, and respect (You know all the ingredients of any good friendship) are key. I did have a bit of an advantage because I work in behavioural therapy with people. The principles are mostly the same. Dogs are more straight forward in terms of their motivations and they tend to be saner than people,
    Always strive to be as good a person as your dog thinks you are.
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Monday, September 3, 2012

Dog Health Questions: Dogs: squirt bottle for training?

I am reading a dog training book and it says to use a squirt bottle to discourage barking... when my dog barks, I'm supposed to squirt her mouth and say NO (or "quiet).
I tried it a couple of times and she was so surprised she kind of got jumpy and wanted to escape.

Is this a good idea or not?

The book is Leader of the Pack
http://www.amazon.com/Leader-Pack-Nancy-…

All About The American School Of Dog Training



Recommended Answer:
Holy cow. Well I don't use negative methods to train my puppies. I want to train them, not terrorize them. When my puppy starts barking, I say "no barking" until she stops barking, then I say "good girl". I address this again when she barks again, and say "no barking" until she stops barking, then I say "good girl" She learns barking makes me unhappy, and being quiet gets her praises. I do this until I win the battle. The time you spend in training will pay off when your dog gets older, the more you put into your dog the more you get out of them. I vote that the method in your book is a very bad method, for the reason you yourself mentioned. This negative method did not stop your dog from barking, it just made her frightened of you. Dogs want to please you, so you have to teach them what behaviors make you happy, and which ones don't and remember to praise the behaviors you want from them.

Top Dog Training Tips


  • It's a good idea if you don't do a lot of grooming. I wouldn't want my dogs to associate a spray bottle with a correction. . . they might develop an issue.

  • It works for some dogs, not others. Some dogs love being squirted with water, so it's obviously not going to work. Dogs who hate it will learn to stop barking. Your other alternatives are to say "no bark", or you put either gravel or coins in the bottom of a plastic bottle and throw that in her direction. The idea is you throw it close to her to startle her and she's not to see that it's you throwing it - she just thinks it happens when she barks. If you do it right, you should only have to do it a couple of times. Or you could get a shock collar.

  • it worked on my german shepard

  • I don't agree with that method.

    Check out these websites from Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer).

  • Wouldn't work with my guys, they'd be getting attention, they don't really care what kind of attention it is, its still attention.

    Ignoring them when they bark and giving loads of attention when they're quiet has done wonders.

  • It works for my parrots but I wouldn't use it on the dogs. I find that props are not that good with training, you don't always have it handy when you need it and that just confuses the dog. Voice commands are better.

  • It doesn't actually fix the problem it only temporarily fixes the issue and the dog will go back to barking when the threat of punishment [the squirt bottle] has been removed.

    If you insist on using the squirt bottle then you should use it in conjunction with positive reinforcement training for example if you squirt and say "quiet" when she is quiet you reward with a treat and say "good quiet" personally I'd just practice using quiet when she barks, when she does you can say loudly quiet, when she stops immediately reward. Over time she won't stop barking at things but she will shut up quicker. Reinforce the behavior you want [quiet] and ignore the behavior you don't want [the barking] or redirect her to a behavior you can reinforce [the quiet].

    I've used the word before my dogs get "out of control" at something I know is going to set them off. My weim will just grumble but she won't actually bark and if she looks at me when I say quiet I instantly praise. This takes time but will help.

    However, if you own a yappy dog like a Pomeranian then I'm afraid barking comes with the territory. I suggest reading "The complete Idiots guide to Positive Training" it'll tell you that punishment methods such as squirt bottles actually don't work unless you always have the bottle with you.

    Personally I found the squirt bottle didn't work, they just ran out of squirting range, but quiet works much better.

  • It depends on why the dog is barking. For example, this method works great to stop my schnauzer from continuing to bark when I have guests. In my opinion, the dog can bark at first, then needs to stop when the guest is let in.

    Why is your dog barking?

  • I tried this for my dog, but it had the opposite affect. She LIKED the water and thought it was a game and would bark more in hopes of being squirted.

  • I have used a method like this where I squirt water in the dogs face when they bark and tell them quiet. You are leaving out an important part of the process though. You should always praise the lack of barking the dog gives you after the squirt. I wouldn't try to squirt the dog in the mouth because to do that you would have to put your hands on the dogs face to get the squirt into the mouth. That would take to much time from the time the dog barks to the correction of squirting it in the mouth and can also make your dog shy away from you hands. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to groom or put a leash on a dog that is afraid of your hands. So if you are going to continue to use the squirt bottle aim for the face and tell the dog quiet and praise the dog as soon as it stops barking.
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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Dog Health Questions: I wish to offer some of my welsh ponies and horses to be used by 4Hers in the horseless program in Odessa TX?

I am offering my ponies and horses for the use of 4Hers for the 4h horseless program in Odessa and perhaps Middland and other close areas.They would be given the use of my animals at my place to particapate in the horse program.
I would keep the ponies and horses at my place and i have a areana and will feed and care for them.The 4Her will have access tot hem when ever they need to use them for their program.iI was a 4H dog training teacher and wish to offer my welsh ponies and horses to the kids that might not get a chance to do this project.I have ponies from 8months old to 6yo and 2 horses,a 5yo and a 9 month old.The kids will be able to takew them to shows or where ever they need to.I will make sure the horses are up n all shots and general care.the kids will have use of mt tack and tools as well as my facalities.With a signed waver of Libality.And they must wear a hard hat every time they ride.I cover saftey very strongly about this.

Dog Training - Secrets For Training Your Dog



Recommended Answer:
Call the local High School and they can tell you what you need to know

Dog Training Command - Communicating With Your Dog


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    Thursday, June 7, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Question about dog training?

    ok. i have a pretty good dog, except that he gets out the door sometimes and runs. and, when we take him on walks, we have to have him on a leash. even if we taght him to heel, he gets too excited about bein outside to listen to us. what do we do?

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



    Recommended Answer:
    There are a few things you need to do. 1) You need to establish yourself as packleader. I suggest you tune into the dog whisper a few times A week for some tips. There are many good books as well. One way to do it is to put your dog on his back atleast 3 times a day. Hold him down until he is calm and submissive. Do not let him up when he cries and screams no matters what. Eventually he will stop fighting you and submit fast. This establishes you are the pack leader. Dogs are much more controlable when they look at you as thier leader. 2) You need to exercise your dog. I say take him jogging for 30 minutes everyday. If you don't walk him enough he will become hyper. Dogs must get excercise. If you don't have the time pay someone. teach him to behave with a leash before you try to get him to behave without it. I suggest leaving his leash on all the time. So that you can easily grab it and take control.

    Clicker Training as an Effective Dog Training Tool


    • Block the doorways so he can't bolt or put him on a leash when you know people are coming over. Teach the dog proper leash manners and KEEP him on that leash - leash laws are in place for a reason, and you should NEVER walk a dog without a leash unless you're in a securely fenced in area.

      I recommend reading and using the Koehler Method of Dog Training. It will teach the dog to be mindful of where the handler is without using treats to focus attention (therefore without the possibility of the dog relying on those treats to be obedient) - the dog will learn to focus on YOU, and you don't have to do much except let the dog make mistakes. You barely have to lift a finger, you just hold onto the leash and use your body in different turn styles (right, left, fast, etc).

      http://www.koehlerdogtraining.com/

    • Sign up for obedience training - that way you can learn how to control him better. For now, here are a few suggestions:

      Running out the door - you need a good recall - I use a regular whistle = just hang it by the door. Start with him in front of you - blow the whistle, give treat, repeat several times. Let him in a fenced in area - blow the whistle, give treat, repeat several times. Do this for weeks.

      Heeling - as soon as he gets excited - stop walking. Use the "watch me" command - take a treat and hold it up to your nose saying "watch me". Once he does, treat and give lots of praise - repeat, repeat, repeat. Do not move foward with your walk until he calms down.

    • If he is young or a puppy, he needs to be taught strictly and he needs to grow.
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    Tuesday, April 17, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Professional Dog training advice only please. What to expect from 1st dog when a new dog arrives?

    1st Siberian Husky is 6 yrs old. He's been the only dog for 4 yrs. He's always been great at letting other dogs come over for play dates and sleepovers. Just got a 1 yr old Siberian Husky for his companion. Both males are fixed and are trying to establish dominance. I'd like the oldest to be dominate but I don't think I can control that. Both seem to be alpha personalities. They got along fine at the dog park all summer so the owners gave him to me. Any professional advice? Should I have gotten a female? I know I have to give it more time but will it take lots of time? They don't fight but they are tearing up my backyard with digging and wrestling. Also I separate them at feeding time but one won't let the other eat and when I try to bring the youngest inside to feed the oldest is jealous and acts very stubborn i.e. won't obey commands and acts like he feels he's not loved anymore. I try to show more attention to the oldest to let him know this is still his territory but I don't think I'm not doing things properly. They are playing me by vying for my affection and it's working. Help!

    Common Gun Dog Training Equipment



    Recommended Answer:
    Letting two male dogs `sort it out` is frankly the worst advice I have read here on this forum in some time. Unless bloody fights than can leave one dog seriously hurt or even dead, is okey pokey with some people no person in their right mind would let two dogs continue to brawl.

    In fact, society condemns it - its against the law (dog fighting).

    Rotten Rotts has it right - TAKE NO CRAP from either of them.

    Now - reality. The young male is working to establish himself as the alpha. You cannot change that. Its a matter of time before they knock heads. How badly, and how often will depend on whether the other dog submits - or fights back.

    Do you have any reason to believe your old dog will just give in....and do you really want to wait to find out....and either way WHY would you allow it. YOU ARE EITHER THE LEADER - OR YOU ARE NOT.

    For the record, they are not `Play fighting`` - they are ``practicing`` for more serious stuff.

    You must take charge. You are smarter than dog.

    When you say things like: ``but one won't let the other eat `` that is a sign you are not in control.

    When you say things like:

    ``when I try to bring the youngest inside to feed the oldest is jealous and acts very stubborn i.e. won't obey commands and acts like he feels he's not loved anymore.``

    it tells me you are not taking charge - rather you are attempting to inflitrate the pack and negotiate a treaty.

    Dogs dont think that way. They dont feel ``unloved`` - what your dog is doing is an act of possesion - ie his insecurities are being tapped into. He was an only dog all his life - now there are two.

    You cannot play favourites, or try to ``convince`` the young dog the old dog is king.

    You are in charge - they are not. They must accept each others presence - period.

    Things you should do:
    - if one dog intimindates the other eating, put each dog on lead, in different corners of the room. If necessary, feed one (or both) in crates.

    Don`t tolerate growling and dont allow one dog to stare down another...if a dogs tail is up over his back, he is thinking bad thoughts. You dont wait for that to escalate into a brawl - you stop it in its tracks.

    How: redirect the dogs aggression using obedience. In order to do this, the dog needs a prong colkar and a leash on. You cannot make an impression on a dog with a flat collar and if both dogs have no collar and no leash - you are frankly quite useless to do anything.

    the bottom line: Yes, I would have gotten a female.

    But, you can straighten it out by: taking each dog out by himself on lead, developing some obedience, re-establishing yourself as the leader.

    In the meantime, keep them separated and if the yard is a bomb zone, it will only get worse.

    BTW once the one male is permitted to defeat the other, he will target him whenever he wants (again, if he is permitted). Letting two males brawl is building a bomb - and trust me when I say you don`t want that to happen.

    Keep the dogs off your bed, crate at least one dog at night (so that they dont get into it in the middle of the night) and treat them as ``equals`. Both are given affection, both are off the bed, both are fed at the same time.

    When you walk out the door- the dog goes last. These are ways of communicating to your dog in `dog language`that you are in charge.

    You need a professional trainer to guide you because forums cannot provide the level of support you require.

    Good luck.

    How to Explore the Numerous Advantages of Online Dog Training


    • You need to take a stand that you aren't going to put up with crap from either of them. Correct them when they are wrong and praise them when they are good. Your older dog should already be used to commands and you just need to start training the new one. Remember SH can be pretty stubborn so you have to be more so

    • Haha... Do not bring any of your current pets with you when you pick up your new pet. Also, try to wear clothing that smells like your pets (hold them and pet them before you leave to get the new dog). This will accomplish two things: One, you get bonding time with your new pet without the scrutiny of your other pets, and Two, the new dog will smell the other pets on your clothes and have an idea of what he is in store for. If possible, have another person drive you to pick up the new pet so you can sit in the passenger seat and bond on the way home.

      -alvaro

    • First don't worry about who the boss is as they'll work that out among themselves. Sounds like they're getting along pretty good anyway so it's most likely already worked out. Your older dog now has a friend so your yard will suffer a bit from two adult dogs playing and wrestling. For feeding train both dogs to sit for their food. Feed in separate bowls and on a schedule. Do not allow bowl switching or other obnoxious behavior. Train both dogs. The young one needs training and the older dog needs to be reinforced in his training. Right now both are kind of testing the situation to see what they can get away with since the living environment has changed for both of them.

      WOW Raven, I guess I really misinterpreted this question. The dogs sounded like they were getting along to me. But again I cannot see what they are doing through words on a screen. Male dogs do play even intact males play. Wrestling is a form of play. Wrestling isn't really fighting. Fighting is fighting.

      To the poster: It is best to hire someone to go to your home and watch these dogs interact. That way you will receive the best advice. As you can see two knowledgeable people can really misinterpret the words on a screen.
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    Friday, April 6, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog training advice!!?

    i have a 5 month old German Shepherd, he is such a trouble maker. He has a habit of biting our garden decorations, chewing on the hose, and digging out our plants. He has toys but he prefers to ruin the most expensive items -___- anyway i need advice on how to train him, should i buy him a muzzle or what?
    (Ps. no training classes i am 15 i cant pay for those xD )

    Is Dog Training Necessary? Part 1



    Recommended Answer:
    haha sounds just like my lab when she was a puppy .. it's just a phase that he will grow out of ...

    in the mean time, make sure he doesn't get bored (dogs tend to get into more trouble when they're bored / under-exercised) .. make sure to take him for a couple walks every day (e.g. after breakfast and after dinner) and since he's a puppy he's got a TON of energy (so these walks should include some running / fetch ---> enclosed areas only!) as for the chewing, that too is normal, puppies chew on things b/c their adult teeth are growing in, and chewing helps their gums feel better (human babies do the same). if he isn't interested in chewing on his designated chew toys, then try getting him a kong (a hollowed out cone of thick rubber that come in different sizes for different breeds) and you can fill it with some peanut butter or cheese whiz and that should hold his attention for a while

    it's also important to set aside some time every day to work on training. you don't want to overdo it, otherwise your dog will lose focus and you'll lose patience, keep it to ~20min sessions. work on commands like "sit" "lie down" etc. this will get him thinking and it's a great way to bond and establish your role as alpha in the family

    good luck :)

    How to Explore the Numerous Advantages of Online Dog Training


    • Good grief, he is a 5 month old puppy, he is like a human toddler, the only way he can explore and learn is to examine things. He doesn't have hands so he uses his mouth, just like a toddler. You and your parents need to puppy proof his environment. Remove the garden ornaments (to him they look like toys) put the hose away out of reach, fence off any treasured plants or garden beds and you must give him an area that is his to dig in and buy his stuff like a doggy sandpit. DO NOT muzzle your puppy this will only make this worse, if he has lots of toys change them around regularly put some away for a week or so and then change them over, he will think he has new toys. Obedience training classes are a must as you are not experienced in training an active, large puppy. Group lessons are quite affordable, do some research around the obedience clubs in your area. Some breed clubs also offer obedience training for owners of their breeds so check with the local GSD club. Training classes are part of the cost of raising a happy healthy family pet, if you spend 6 months now training him correctly you will have a wonderful companion for the rest of his life. Don't end up like some of the idiots who put questions on here, make an investment in your families and you dogs happiness and enrol in obedience classes now. I am sure your breeder will have recommended this as well. Good luck and happy training.

    • He is a puppy! He needs to have plenty of exercise and lots of interaction with you & the family!! All puppies chew things they are teething & they hurt!! Take your puppy for walks, run & play catch in your yard, teach him simple commands, a puppy needs to be occupied, and taught how to behave correctly... NO you do not need to buy him a muzzle, that would be the worse thing you could possibly do!!! Your puppy should go to obedience classes, all dogs should go, it not only is good for your pup but also good for you!! You can learn A LOT!!!!! It is part of being a responsible owner, ask your parents to pay, it is the right thing to do!! Hope this helps good luck!!!

    • He sounds like a normal GSD puppy doing exactly what young puppies do.

      If you can't afford obedience classes this is not a suitable breed for you. GSD's are very intelligent and need to be physically and mentally stimulated or they get up to mischief. The breed is quick to learn but the owner needs some training knowledge or the dog will find things to do to amuse himself. That is exactly what's happening here.

      Do not muzzle a puppy. Especially for behaving like a normal puppy. Muzziling a puppy is not a subsitute for proper training. You will cause the pup to become frustrated which will lead to behaviour problems.

      Ask your parents to pay for you to take the dog to training at your local obedience classes. They're not very expensive.

    • This is normal puppy behavior. He needs plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and some safe chew toys. My dogs love Nylabones, which you can get at any pet store and some grocery stores. He also needs a crate where he can stay when you can't supervise him.

      It would be good if you could take a set of classes with a trainer. It's not terribly expensive if you take a class--maybe $100 or so for six lessons that cover a lot of ground. Some pet stores, e.g. Petsmart, offer classes. Look for a positive, clicker-training class. Once you learn some basics you can keep going on your own.

      If you can't afford training classes, look up "foundation obedience training" on youtube; some excellent trainers have posted videos there. Or go to the library and get a book on basic puppy training. The training will teach him how to behave, it will get him using his mind, and it will also strengthen his loyalty to you as you work together.

    • i have a 5 month old lab who does the same thing, and i have had 6 other dogs, 2 were GSDs, and they all did this and they all grew out of it. you will just have to wait it out. if he is ruining your plant decorations then i would teach him the "leave it" command, look it up on youtube and work on that with him. thats what i do with my pup when i dont want him to have something

    • no, muzzles will just annoy him. Anywho, try, walking him away when he bites or chews up something or digs, also tell him no when he does that, then walk him away, then give him his toy.

    • When the dog does something bad like chewing on things he isn't supposed to chew on, spray him with the water hose and sternly say "No" or "Bad" or something of that sort. Maybe try the muzzle approach, that would stop the biting, chewing and barking and it's a cheap, easy and relatively effective method. Or you could attach your dog to some kind of line and limit its distance of travel and you could leave items of value out of reach of the dog.
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    Tuesday, April 3, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog Training question(s)?

    I'm training my puppy and for the most part she is doing good... She understands sit, lay, come, and stay... she is 8 months old. I'm having a problem with sit and lay though... I train her every day for about 15 min... then usually make her sit before certain things... going out for a walk, eating, etc... "just for practice." Sometimes when i say sit, she automatically lays down... It takes 4 or 5 times each practice for her to sit on command instead of laying... When i first started training her i taught her to sit first, than lay from the sit position. Could this be the problem? What else could be it? Any ideas how to fix it? Another question... She is getting bigger now and learned how to jump and put her paws on the counter and also jumps on people. What's the best way to prevent this?

    Finding the Essential Dog Training Supplies



    Recommended Answer:
    This is usually the problem. People ask their dogs to sit before they ask them to lay down. So naturally the dog automatically down. If you want the dog to down, just say down instead of sit and then down.

    The prevent the jumping. Teacher her the command "off."

    Pick the Best Dog Training Collar to Train Your Big Dog to Walk


    • Usually the best step is this
      1.sitdown
      2.hand
      3.rolling
      4.lay down
      5.Beng! Umn . . . i mean like dead because gun
      6.stay! It's mean to stay at dead position
      7.and then bring it some food, when they want to eat, you must say Stop! It's mean, your dog cannot eat before you bring the permission to eat

      good luck.

    • You might look into NILIF training (Nothing In Life Is Free).
      ~~~~
      She is not sure on your cues. You are just saying your cue once, then waiting for the behavior, not "sit, sit, sit, SIT" right?

      Marker Training-
      Try capturing a sit. Go to a quite room (bathroom works well). With your marker (a clicker for us, but you could also use a verbal cue like "tock") wait for your dog to sit. When but hits the ground Mark (or click) then toss the treat to the side so dog must retrieve it. Repeat. Once she is offering the sit, start putting the cue to the behavior. Click then treat, not click/treat.

      Same thing for the down position.

      Move to other locations. Only increase slowly. Distraction, Distance, and Duration- but never asking for all 3 at once, at first. Once there proofed that's a little different.

      ~~~Jumping
      Teach an incompatible behavior. Teach her to sit when people come over to be greeted.

      Have a friend help. When friend comes over ask them to not react to jumping dog. Have your friend turn (in circles) until the dog desists in jumping, wait for you dog to calm down. Only when the dog is sitting let your friend greet the dog.

      Counter surfing is pretty rewarding for a dog. Manage the situation by not having food near the end of the counter, invest in a baby gate to keep her away from temptation, teach her that being in the kitchen means sitting until she's released.

      ~~
      It's nice to have a default behavior. My dog defaults (automatically) goes down in a drop when she is having doubts. Which I like, because she can be reactive.

    • 1.the thing is that she needs to be trained 40-30 min. a day or more.
      2.the paws on counter,you need to take her paws hold them for as long as possible til' she wants them back,at the time you are going to say "paws off" kind of like you would say to your friend 'paws off my cheese".
      3.same thing jumping is a problem,heres what you'll do.when she jumps on you,you will take her paws and say "off" and hold her arms til' she wants them back.and the reason off is if you say"down" she will lay down.I hope I helped!! leave feed back (your choice though LOL)
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    Thursday, January 19, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Tips...?

    I have a 1 yr old Boxer/Lab mix (80lbs) who is a royal pain!! We live in an apartment complex, and our neighbors also have dogs. Whenever we go outside for "Piddle" time, and another dog or person is simply walking by, my dog goes ballistic! He knows his basic commands, but will NOT obey them during this time. I've tried working with treats, toys and bones...Nothing works. We bought a spiked training collar that pinches him when he barks, pulls, etc... but that does not work either. Tonight, was the last straw! I ended up on my butt in the snow, trying to hold onto him (While he wanted to bark senselessly at a neighbor walking w/ groceries).

    We've tried 3 diff. shock collars, and none of them worked. We've also tried lightly smacking his nose and rear end. Nada!

    Also, we seem to have a problem with him whining in his crate while we are at work. The landlord recommended we get a muzzle, but his mouth is entirely closed with the kind of whining he does, and it won't work. I don't know what else to try...

    Please help!

    Training A Dog - Fundamental Dog Training - How-To



    Recommended Answer:
    Clearly positive punishment does not work for this problem.
    If it was obvious from the start- I dont understand why you would continue to use it to try and stop the behaviour.

    It sounds like you have an active, intelligent dog that does not get nearly enough exercise or mental stimulation to keep him happy.
    Your dog should not be crated all day when you are at work.
    If you were locked in a small cell all day for no reason- I think you would be crying, too. This behaviour is not going to stop, because your dog cannot see a reason to stop.
    When you get home, you let him out of the crate, and basically reward him for spending all that time and effort whining.

    You appear to have a very social dog, who needs to have contact with other dogs. He reacts so badly with other dogs because he is desperate to play with them (trust me- my parents have an Australian Shepherd at home who is very similar- she barks like crazy at dogs when she is out walking- but all she wants to do is play with them) I think that dog obedience can really help here- it gives your dog a 'social release' where he can learn to play with other dogs, and learns how to act and behave himself around them. I think it is also important that you spend some more time socialising your dog with other dogs- whether it be through taking him to an off leash dog park, or taking him to visit friends and family that have dogs- the dog needs to get out and interact with some dogs. This should help him to learn how to behave around your neighbours dogs- and should make walking him much easier!

    As far as his behaviour when you are away from home goes...
    Basically- you have a dog that is completely inappropriate for your home. You have a large, active breed that is not bred to live in an apartment. This dog would require at least an hour of exercise per day, and needs time outside to play, as well as plenty of time interacting with the family.
    It is no wonder he is going crazy in the crate! An apartment is too small for this dog- a crate is just cruel.
    I am guessing you crate him because he is causing problems in the house- but this is where you really need to consider what is best for your dog.
    He is not happy where he is- so you need to either find a way to ensure that he is happy- whether it be by dog proofing your apartment- even a room at the least- or by hiring a dog walker, or getting him a babysitter while you are at work- or you really need to consider finding him a new home with people who have a large house with a big backyard that can put the time and effort into training him and socialising him properly.

    Dog Training - Enjoyable Dog Obedience Training Techniques


    • First of all, stop using the harsh equipment. Shocking, choking, and smacking will make the problem worse, and may result in your dog fearing you. I suggest contacting a trainer or behaviorist in your area. Go to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and find someone that trains positively, for this will build confidence and security.

      http://www.apdt.com/

      I also suggest watching the dog training show It's Me or the Dog. That show has many episodes with dogs with the same issues as yours.

    • I have a 5 year old boxer/pit mix which is also around 80 lbs and is also a royal pain. For him to be able stop reacting to other people around him there are a couple things you can do. You have to find the one treat/toy that he loves. When you go outside and notice someone walking down the street you want to "body block" his view. Which means stand between him and the person walking down the street. Whenever he focuses his attention on you, you reward him. Since it sounds like he's very persistent this might take awhile. Also if he doesn't have a favorite toy try cut hot dogs (no dog can resist that). For the problems that he has while being put in his cage can also be pixed just not overnight. The main thing is, is that you want him to think of the cage as a good things. That's why you never should use them for timeouts when he doesn't something bad. You can do this by keeping the cage open during the periods of time that he's out of the cage. You should notice him go in the cage just to sniff around, but do not close the door on him because he needs to trust you. You have to spread out the times that he's going in the cage. Put him in the cage for 15 min when you are home so he understand that you aren't going to leave him in there. A good things that worked for me was making sure he had a toy/bone in there and a blanket that I slept on so he feels comforted. Hope this helps
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    Wednesday, January 11, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog training problems....?

    I have a 1 year old German Shepard in one of my training classes, but he is afraid to walk in the door. Nothing bad has ever happened to him in the store, or any store in fact. He is fine when he walks onto the carpet, but freezes before he will walk on the regular floor. The only way we can get him into the training ring is to carry or drag him, which we don't want. Once he gets into the ring, he is fine. I am sure it is the floor that bothers him. It is just like any other store floor. We have tried treats, coaxing, commands he already knows, distracting him, getting him all excited on the carpet, tossing balls, everything I could think of. We even tried steak! Any realistic ideas to help him? I have been a dog trainer for 3 years and never seen this problem this bad. Help!

    So You Want a Guard Dog, Eh? (Basic Dog Training)



    Recommended Answer:
    Get him moving really good and then just keep walking. The dog needs to move past the shiney floor problem. Keep him going forward, even if you feel you are dragging him. Giving him treats while he is freaking out is only making him think that freaking out is ok. Once on the floor, stop and let him deal with it a while then keep him moving forward. Be calm and don't get him all excited. Good luck.

    Mat Or Place Training is an Important Dog Training Tool - Part Two


    • First, a lot of idiots are going to suggest Cesar's methods, which are to force him to walk on the floor. AVOID THOSE!

      Try getting a carpet runner, something that changes the texture of the floor. See if he'll walk on that. As he gains confidence, you can start moving it so that more and more of the floor is exposed. Enough to challenge the dog, but not enough to cause him to refuse.

    • My freinds dog is just like this. It mihgt be what your you are cleaning the floor with. If it has bleach or anything with a really strong smell dogs will hate it (wich you should know). You would hate the smell if had a nose like theres!

    • I saw that on dog whisperer. I don't understand why it is so horrible to accept advice from Cesar? Some say it is abusive, but those are the same who say that you should not discipline your children.

    • I have Jack Russel and she doesn't like tile floors. I put his food and water on the tile floor and at first he would get a bit of food and go to the carpet but he soon got over it and ate on the tile floor. He still doesn't like the tile but he will walk on it.

    • He's afraid of slipping. Are his nails too long? If so, that will make him more afraid of slipping.

      You can try Cesar's methods, but if you have the patience I'd do something less drastic first with this young dog. Put down some throw rugs and walk him in normally a few times. Then try running him in. Then take out 1 of the rugs so he's taking a couple of steps on the floor without really realizing it until he's done it. Increase the distance gradually - depending on how he does.

      Do not coax or give treats to try to get him to walk on the floor - you're reinforcing his belief that he should be afraid. Give him treats and lots of over-the-top praise for taking a step or two on the floor and I think he'll overcome his fear quickly. You have to try to kind of trick him into it in the beginning; with repetition he should forget to be afraid and see nothing's going to happen to him.

    • You are right, it is his footing. He needs to be lead over different surfaces so that he is not afraid of a slippery floor.

      With the dog on a leash have the owner sit just inside the door and let the dog stay out side. Have the owner pet and admire other dogs loud enough so that his dog can hear him. Keeping his voice sweet and inviting and soothing. When the dog outside wines or scratches at the door give him an opportunity to enter.

      He may choose not to come in, but is OK because he will be given many opportunities to enter. When he does it will be HIS choice. Then just let the owner and the dog sit there. Let other dogs come up to say hi and the other dogs will help him get used to his footing. Don't make him get out on the floor, for the time being he has done a great deed and sitting there is a little scary.

      You will have to do this in small steps and let him make the choice but make it very very inviting and worthy and interesting.
      Praise him ! ! ! ! It will take a quite a few trips to earn his trust.

      Good luck, I hope I was able to help You can contact me for more specific information. You are a trainer, think like a elephant on ice. Put something on the pads of his feet to help with grip, have him walk over a piece of flooring (several steps),

      Look at it like little duckling taking their first swim. Mom goes in first and one by one the little ducklings join her but there is always one little guy that is scared to death to jump. Mama can't entice him in, his siblings can't get through to him, they call and call and soon the little guy jumps out to be with the others.

      Time, behavior modification and reasurance will bring him around.
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    Sunday, January 8, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Has anyone ever heard of Chet Womach and his dog training secrets?

    I'm just looking for some positive or negative feedback if anyone has ever ordered his course. my sis is an on call (almost all the time) paramedic and needs to be able to train her dogs from home. any other suggestions would be great! Thanks

    Dog Training - Secrets For Training Your Dog



    Recommended Answer:
    Training Parrots and Parrot Training TipsMy name is Chet Womach, and 5 years ago, I owned 2 wild, untrained parrots, "Tiko" and "Linus." I had tried just about every parrot training book and video ...
    if this is same person he trains birds????
    watch dog borstal its on in uk bbc3 and its great my dog is much better behaved.the trainer is called mick martin dont know if he does a dvd but he is police and army dog trainer so knows his stuff

    Dog Training - How to Train Your Dog to Come to You & Prevent Dangerous Situations


    • I have never heard of him....You cannot train a dog if your not home. They learn from voice and or hand signals. If they are trained at home they won't forget the training if repeated for a few minutes on a daily basis.

    • I have never heard about him. Maybe you should check into your local community centers, they usually have dog classes. If they are puppies take them to puppy kindergarden, they worked out well for my dog, once pup.

    • No I haven't

    • i thought he trained parrots
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    Saturday, September 24, 2011

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

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

    Dog Training Tricks - Is Anyone Training You?



    Recommended Answer:
    For books about housetraining and basic training see:
    http://www.bulldoginformation.com/houseb…
    http://www.bulldoginformation.com/books-…

    A popular book for housebreaking dogs is Housebreaking your Dog in 7 Days by Shirlee Kalstone (see http://www.bulldoginformation.com/houseb… for this and other similar books)

    A popular book for training dogs is
    Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life by Cesar Milan (see http://www.bulldoginformation.com/books-… for his and similar books)

    A good list of books about breaking bad habits in dogs can be found here: http://www.bulldoginformation.com/dog-pr…

    For books about correcting aggressive behavior, see:
    http://www.bulldoginformation.com/aggres…

    Hope this helps.

    Dog Fence Review - Dog Training Rights and Wrongs


    • Why would you get two puppies at once?? go to the www.leerburg.com site there is tons of info there, for working dogs as well as housepets.

    • I have enjoyed using Diane L. Bauman's Beyond Basic Dog Training along with attending training classes.

    • Two young dogs at once is a handful, but I don't think you should be criticized for it. Having two dogs is better than one since they get canine companionship! Plus they have companionship when you have to go to work or school or whatever. Just make sure you sign up for an obedience class. If you have a friend or relative that could come along to work the other dog, take both at once. Otherwise do them in succession, but you should take them to obedience school. And be sure to walk them often. For a book, read my blog (link below).

      For a female great dane, Tina is out as a name. I'd go with Mindy or Wendy.

      David
      http://myfivedogs.blogspot.com/

    • Hi,

      Training your dogs as early as possible helps them become a well-behaved dogs. You can check this link for more info about basic housetraining and obedience training for 6 months up.

      http://dogtime.com/housetraining-your-do…
      http://dogtime.com/start-housetraining-6…
      http://dogtime.com/6-older-obedience-cen…

      As for the dogs name, you can choose names by breed or by theme refer to this link.

      http://dogtime.com/dog-names.html

      Hope it will help.


    • I tried to find the best book for you, And this is what I suggest..
      Dog Training For Dummies
      http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Training-Dummi…

      The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need
      http://www.amazon.com/Only-Tricks-Book-Y…

      101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step
      http://www.amazon.com/101-Dog-Tricks-Act…

      Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
      http://www.amazon.com/Cesars-Way-Everyda…

      Hope this help..
      Good luck.

    • Please look dog training book at Amazon.

      http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1221753931/r…

      Hope this help.

      Good Luck.


    • As far as names go, I like Tina best for two reasons. One, it's my nieces name :), and two, dogs hear hard, sharp syllables like "T" and "K" better than soft, rolling syllables like "M" or "R".

      Regarding the book, there is a very popular e-book/audio book combo known as SitStayFetch.

      You can find it at http://www.dogtrainerpro.info/SitStayFet…

      The book has a long-standing reputation in the online dog training community and has many satisfied customers.

      Before you buy anything, I suggest you sign up for their 6 day training guide that they offer for free. If you like the information you see in there, then you can make your decision.
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