Showing posts with label service dog training programs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service dog training programs. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Dog Health Questions: How much should someone charge for pet services?

I want to set up a pet service thing to get some extra money and I don't know how much to charge people. I can bathe dogs and cats, I can clip dog and cat claws, I can train puppies the basics and am in a dog training class to learn more

How to Use Dog Training Books to Reinforce You Dog's Good Behavior



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alot

SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems (Review)


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    Monday, November 19, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: How do you work with military working dogs?

    i want to join the national guard and also become a professional dog training but now ive been thinking why not put the two together but i was wondering what i would have to do to work with dogs in the military or can the national guard even work with dogs?

    Dog Training - 8 Ways to Cut Down on Behavior Problems



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    You would have to be in law enforcement in one of the branches to work with K-9. MP, SF etc. The problem is I know for a fact that active units such as MP's have dogs and use them and the handlers are sent to school for it but I have never heard of or know of a Guard unit that keeps dogs. Your only there two days a month and two weeks out of the year unless your deployed so I don't think they are going to spend the money to keep a K-9 unit in the Guard for two days a month of use unless you deploy and are K-9 qualified. But in any case yes, you can get the school but only after joining and being accepted for the training.

    From Simple Dogs to Guard Dogs - How Guard Dog Training is Done?


    • Based on what I saw in Iraq the only ones that I know of that use dogs is EOD. I'm not sure the National Guard has EOD units so check on that. I flew in a C-130 with an EOD dog - seemed like a nice little guy. Basically what they're trained for is to sniff out explosive residue on bombs and probably also people. I remember dogs coming out on mission a few times when we entered homes but since we (Infantry) weren't handling them I don't exactly remember what the people controlling them did. Definitely an EOD thing though, but not sure if every EOD unit has dogs or not. You'll be in charge of feeding and taking care of them too as EOD and and the dogs are like close buddies and ****. Seemed like a cool job

    • You enlist to be an MP

      Servie 3 or 4 years, make E-4

      Then apply for K-9 school.

      2. As a Guardsmen, you would have to find a National Guard MP unit that had working dogs assigned to it and then move to that state and find a job.

      3. Working dog handler, is NOT an entry level job.

    • Just in case someone with military experience does not come by and give you an answer - I would give an educated guess of MP, or security forces.
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    Friday, October 5, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: After you train a puppy to "go" in one area, can I--the now dog-- train them to "go" somewhere else?

    So when my three puppies were puppies, we put the puppy training pads down in our formal dining room since we didn't use it. Now we have to use that room and eating beside those are disgusting. Can I replace the pads to my room and train them to go in there or is it too late for that? Thanks :]

    Dog Training Secrets Revealed



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    Yes, but not in a day. The piddle pad needs to move a bit every day: to the door, into the hall, down the hall, at the bedroom door, inside the bedroom, across to the final place. Years ago when puppies were first newspaper trained and then moved out to the garden as they got older, the newspaper moved a little bit every day until it arrived at 'the spot'.

    Dog Training Commands - How to Successfully Train Your Dog to Do Certain Commands


    • I agree with TK. And get yourself some training treats. Reward them as this process goes on, and they will be trained to go outside in no time. (Now can you talk to my in-laws..they have pads all over the house, it is gross)
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    Friday, July 20, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Should I take a job as a dog trainer at Petco? Or keep my Union job?

    I was bored one day and filled out the online application, after one of the stores trainers recommended I do while I was toy shopping one day. Two days later I've got an interview. I have a good job now, some would say really good, I know I was lucky to get it. Railroad job..its union w/ full benefits & a pension & I make about 25$/hr with lots over over & even double time. But I HATE...HHHAAATTTEE my job. The only thing that gets me through the days is I look forward to coming home and playing w/ my pup & I've become the local 'dog' guy. Every weekend I help 1-2 people with training their dogs & I have a backyard agility course me and a few people (I've trained) run our dogs through...and it seems like working with dogs for a living would be the best thing ever. Heck, I do it for fun & free on my weekends.

    Now I realize Petco isn't the gold standard of dog training, but I figured its a good place to get my feet wet and get some experience on a professional level. I'd taken my pup there for puppy classes because it was cheap and I just wanted to practice w/ distractions ... I've taught dogs agility and dealt with behavioral problems...I didn't need someone to show me 'sit', but it was good socialization in a learning setting I thought. Anywho, I befriended the girl teaching & am all but guaranteed the job if I want it.

    Does anyone know what they make? Is it based on commission in anyway for selling training lessons? Someone said you might have to work on the floor or register too, is that true? The girl I know also works in the grooming department washing dogs (she's not trained to cut dogs hair), & that seems the ultimate to me, but is that normal? Does anyone know a better way to break into the dog training world? People who I've helped for free tell me I should have charged (...though they weren't offering $$) & some have suggested I just make a web page or hang fliers...but I don't know if I'd feel right acting like I knew it all...I figured a year or two at Petco and at least I'd have someone to fall back on (the other trainers there) for the beginning of this...its easy to tell someone you can't help when they aren't paying you anyways.

    Anyone worked there....taken classes there from a new trainer...quit a good job because you thought you'd be happier at another one??

    Are Electronic Shock Collars Great Dog Training Devices?



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    Hi

    My advice would be to stay where you are..........giving up a pension in this day and economic climate is really senseless!( think you have had a knock on the head, a mad moment or too much sun)

    I am not a US citizen and we don't have Petco here in the UK..................but even I know that the people are not qualified to do the jobs they do at Petco.
    One friend of mine in the US who shows her dogs and has poodles (so she can groom), applied for a job in Petco as a groomer and was offered a job as a dog trainer, she has no experience of training dogs apart from ring craft with her own dogs.........she took the job and e-mailed me for lesson plans and schemes of work for basic obedience ( basic obedience, I am told is what they do) she ended up on the cash register, wasn't given terms and conditions of employment and had a hell of a job getting out of her 'contract' with them without having to pay them. As she found out, the training is cheap and you get what you pay for and Petco just want people through the door and to sell their products!

    I'm a qualified teacher, an Animal /Human behaviourist, a TTouch Practitioner, a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management and I could go on for several pages, have blah blah years experience and knowledge, have written research papers on numerous behavioural aspects in the animal and human world and do CPD.
    I own and run a centre with full facilities for training, behaviour,shows etc etc having referrals from vets, rescue centres and people travel from far and wide to come here, including from other countries regularly. Yes people pay for what I know, I am not cheap, however I am also known for taking on dogs that no one else can deal with, even the 'TV trainers' and the big heads who think they are such wonderful trainers, I have staff, I have placement students from University who are doing their degrees in Behaviour, Psychology, Zoology to enable them to complete their degrees. My methods are kind, gentle, motivational and based on behaviour and have been for many years even when it was soooooo unfashionable ............because I KNOW about animal and human behaviour, know how to get the best from each dog and their handlers, yes I use some dog training but dog training is a human invention and not easily understood by dogs.

    I think what I am trying to say is stay where you are, don't cheapen yourself with a company like Petco or take a drop in salary, terms and conditions, look at what you are already doing with dog training and make it pay, go and do some CPD around training or behaviour, read up on things like calming signals: 'On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas' is a good place to start.
    Start a new class, one that the people pay for...........remember things that people get for free are often not valued, start small and become a good trainer............and yes in time you can earn a very good living if you know what you are doing, in the last 6 years I have bought two houses, a small holding with 7 acres, built the training facilities, have two cars ( a real one and a sports car) outright and have money in the bank.....and thankfully I can do what I love and don't need my pension

    Good Luck

    8 Dog Training Tips For Dog Lovers


    • I can't imagine a dog trainer job is even going to pay half of what you are making and probably no benefits like you get in the union job either - can you afford such a drastic cut in income??

    • Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does buy some comfort and help avoid certain misery. Reality is that dog training isn't going to pay you what you are making at the RR. Chances are it might start to come close in 5-10 years if you get really good at what you do and have moved from PetCo to setting yourself up nicely.
      But there is the happiness of doing a job you enjoy and love vs. a job you hate. You have to ask yourself can you live of $10/hr (guessing that's what petco will pay) no OT and still afford the things you want to be comfortable.
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    Friday, June 1, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Damaged Dog Training. Your Thoughts?

    I have a 3-4 year old rescued American Bulldog Female. She was badly abused before we got her. It took my wife and I almost a whole year to get her used to being in the house. Everything goes fine, but it seems out of nowhere she up and decides to defecate and urinate all over the bathroom. She is allowed ample outside time, as well as exercise. More specifically she only seems to do it, when she is not allowed to go in the car. Obviously this poses problems as my wife and I cannot take her to work. Please any thoughts or ideas on how to break her of this new idea. We have had her now for 2 years and this has never been a problem until last week.

    Dog Training Man's Best Friend



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    This could be simply that at one time the week she began doing this she had to go really bad and chose the bathroom as the place to do it. Reguardless of how she came about using there, she continues because now her scent is there. We can clean our bathrooms spotless, but a dog will always smell that scent even though we cant. Do you have a throw rug in your bathroom? Maybe change to a new one...put the one she used outside long enough for her gather that this is where she goes. If it gets out of hand and cant be stopped that way you might need more drastic measure. Like if you catch her (you have to catch her in the act for her to know what she is doing wrong) using the bathroom in the bathroom...get a news paper and tap her a few times with it as you head her to the door sternly telling her "no, you go outside". Best thing is to prepare to catch her in order to train her. ( Be sure and let her know after she goes outside that she is a good girl.) The newspaper is harmless and it doesn't hurt...it just makes alot of noise. And if all fails....be lucky its in the bathroom and not in the livingroom carpet!

    Understanding the Differences Between Various Dog Training Courses


    • Start putting the animal in a cage when she behaves badly. If you only leave the animal with a small amount of room, they will not go to the bathroom where they have to lay.

    • i would go to like a veternarien and see if theres any thing bad thats happening in her body that has her do those things!!!!

      ps: i am only 12 soo i dont know alot about this stuff but i do have 2 dogs and i know how to handle them!!!!

    • Crate training dogs is good for them and you.... maybe try that.

      Good luck!

    • I always suggest exercise in the form of daily walks for unwanted behavior. But, it is important that you also use the walk as the way to establish yourself as the leader of your dog, not the other way around.

      Your dog may now think of herself as the leader of your pack (most dog owners allow this to happen unintentionally). Her defecating and urinating may be her way of showing her anxiety and dissatisfaction with other members of her pack leaving without her because as dogs see it, the leader makes the rules and decides when the pack goes anywhere.
      Some people call this "seperation anxiety". But it happens because the dog considers itself the leader. That can be changed by you establishing yourself as leader.

      You can change this behavior by reestablishing yourselves as the leader/s.
      Mastering the walk is the first thing you want to do. If you want to be considered the leader of the pack (which is the language dogs understand) you must be able to walk the dog with you in front and the dog next to or slightly behind you, because as the dog sees it, the leader is in front and the rest of the pack follows behind.

      You must also walk through doors first, in and out, before the dog.
      If he is leading you, then he will consider himself the leader and thus he will think that he can make the rules. Obviously this does not work except in a pack of wild dogs but your dog will not know the difference. They are really quite basic in their thinking, leader leads, rest of pack follows and waits for direction from leader. So your first mission is to master the walk and become the leader.

      You should start with the leash just long enough to allow the dog to be next to you comfortably, no longer. The dog will probably try to pull, you should tug on the leash when he does pull but immediately release. This tug is meant to distract him from pulling. If you continue to pull back, he will only pull the other way. So, tug, then release. You may have to also use a control word like NO or STOP. No other talking and do not use their name, just the tug and the control word. You must also remain calm because your dog will sense your energy. Your calmness will help the dog to remain calm.

      Practice this when the dog is calm. If he becomes excited on the walk, stop walking, allow him to calm down then begin again. Just start walking when he is calm, no words needed, just start walking, like the leader of the dog pack would do. You dog will eventually get this new way of walking. Some will get it immediately, some will take a few walks. If you are consistent, this works everytime.There are a couple of other things you should do to establish leadership, at feeding time, prepare the food, when the dog is calm and waiting patiently, then and only then you set the food bowl down.

      Also, never allow dogs on furniture, beds, etc unless they are invited by you, the leader.

      Be consistent and calm. This is the way to change your dog's behavior.

    • Only thing I can suggest is to start from scratch, leave the house for just a minute or 2 come back in give lots of praise(if she doesn't poop) and let her out. If she does poop don't acknowledge it. just let her out.
      Build up your time away. For some reason she is developing a bit of separation anxiety.

    • Limit freedom until proven worthy again i.e baby gates, tether to you. Maybe the bathroom reminds her of something. Try another room.

      It could be separation anxiety if you were not there. I would start NILIF and working up in the amount of time she can be home alone.

      A good long walk, think atleast an hour up and down hills, will also help any dog be too tired to be anxious or bored.

      http://flyingdogpress.com/hostage.html

    • this could be a form of separation anxiety. a few months ago I rescued a golden retriever from a family who never spent time with him. When we left he would act up only when we left even though we never left him longer than to go to work, he even went to dinner with us when we ate out. We got him a cage and when we leave put him in it. my boyfriend will come home over lunch, or if he can't we have a friend come over and take him for a walk during the day.
      In short, I would recommend getting a cage and talking to your vet. If it is separation anxiety they make a medication called Clomicolm (don't know the spelling) specifically for separation anxiety.

    • I wish I had a short answer for you. However, when I wrote my book Training the Hard to Train Dog, I included an entire chapter on house training issues for a reason. Here are some don't. Don't think this dog can't be trained. Don't try punishment of any sorts. Absolutely no shoving the dog's nose in anything or scolding.

      If you do get my book and still find you have issues, please email me from my website. Mark it as Bull Dog House Training and I will know to give it attention instead of deleting it as junk mail.

      Good luck.

      Peggy Swager
      APDT-Behaviorist
      author of Training the Hard to Train Dog
      www.peggyswager.com
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    Tuesday, May 22, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Is http://www.casinstitute.com a legit place to learn dog training?

    I heard on a forum it was decent, just wondering what y'all thought. is it worth the $ to get into?

    http://www.casinstitute.com

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



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    It's a "Hole" designed to throw money into....nothing more.

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    • look if u wanna learn dog training go find a animal training course thats what i did :) u well like it i did look up tafe couse or collage where ever u r look it up on the internet to see what it says if u more if they have email then email them if they have a phone then ring them look iam not a american but i never heard of them before yes it is worth it ..........

    • as an aprentice dog trainer, i would say it would be a lot easier to learn dog training in person. reading about it is one thing but actually doing it is another. It would probably be better if you got a job at a local dog training facility (one that focuses on dog training, not petco or petsmart) and read behavior books on your own. I'm reading a really good book "The Dog's Mind" by Bruce Fogle.

      good luck and have fun!

    • Sorry, I don't know for certain. Their methods are strictly positive reinforcement, and in my experience this is fairly ineffective, but I understand that some people believe in them. It's not a school I would attend, but if that's your prefered method, it looks fairly legit.

      Have you considered this place? I haven't taken any courses here, but have met many of the staff and found them to be professional and capable individuals who have a lot of respect for their dogs.
      http://www.tomrose.com/

    • It doesn't look bad, at least it has some accreditation. I have definitely seen worse. Email them and ask about their methods. Of course you would need lots of hands on training also

    • Its a correspondence course and you don't learn dog training filling in paperwork and doing paper based assignments..........it is yet one more business who has jumped on the bandwagon of people wanting animal related jobs.........it says nothing about the 'certificate and diplomas' being part of the accredited framework.....and they need to be and it is very easy for a real college to do this...........this unfortunately is another way to 'con' the general public that the trainer/behaviourist is qualified....you can go into photshop and produce your own diploma which would just be the same, except you haven't paid someone else for the privilege of printing it...........dog training is a practical skill, not paper based and certainly not a tick list, pay your money and get your 'qualification' nor is it a buy a membership.............go and ask a quality trainer if you can assist or a local dog training club, you will learn more in a month than you will ever learn on this course.........as putting paper qualifications into reality is very different...........and I am not apposed to academic learning I teach animal behaviour at a University where the students do four years and have a one year placement and I have four students on their final year placement at my centre doing practical work..and every one of them has also done practical work at animal related businesses, like the zoo, wild life trust, rescue centres or with dog clubs and trainers.when they finish their degree it will mean something real.......many of these students fail in the first 6 months, great at the academic work however once assessed 'doing' the work they just can't do it, haven't got the natural instincts needed..my advice is don't waste your money not on this one anyway
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    Friday, February 17, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog training question - Leash Walking?

    It's not the leash that freaks him out. I have a divided yard, and he has no problems walking on the leash in the fenced-in area. Sure, he may pull, but he walks. However, when I try to take him for a walk outside the picket fence, he just lays down. No amounts of coercion/treats have convinced him to keep walking. Obviously I don't want to pull, but the boy needs exercise! Any suggestions as to how I can get my dog to go on walks?

    How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog



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    Try food, I kid you not, small dog bikkys or treats in your pocket. When you get out the front gate, give him a palmful, then move afew steps, give him more, then walk further on, give him more. Don't over do it, of course, exercise is meant to get rid of flab, not put it on :) See how you go with this.

    The Significance of Dog Training Videos


    • How old is he? What breed? What kind of collar? Are you the original owner? More details, please!

    • ok, this may sound totally bizarre, but I had to do it with a dog years ago: try putting him in your car and driving him past your yard then taking him out on a leash. I'll be surprised if this doesn't work for you.

      Some dogs take their boundary training and issues to the extreme, to the point where they simply will NOT venture out past their territory.

      Good luck.

    • well mayde he's afraid of the world outside the fence. U should try showing him of how nice it would be to take a walk somewhere othe than inside the fence.

    • What I suggest you do is start out where he is comfortable. Talk to him, encourage him. Keep his attention focused on you. Use treats at first if you need to, maybe his favorite toy.

      Turn this into a game.

      First you must exude confidence. Head up, back straight, walk with determination. At the fence, put him in sit, open the gate and walk straight through.

      If he lies down you keep walking. Don't coddle, don't go pet him for comfort, all you're doing is enforcing his behavior. Get him up and walk. Make sure to walk at a brisk pace, or even better take him for a brief jog. Dogs are comfortable "trotting" for long periods of time.

      Keep up the reienforcement. When he puts on the breaks that doesn't mean you should. Keep on truckin'. Start off with a short course then slowly increase the distance outside of the comfort zone. When complete, make a big deal about it.

      Even as your walking, as he is walking next to you, slip him some treats to show THAT is the behavior you want. Pet him once in a while because THAT is the behavior you should be reinforcing.

      You even may want to start off w/ the gate already open w/o giving him a chance to figure out that your going through it. Walk in circles through the yard then just slip through the gate and youre off.

      Good Luck

    • is he small? if he is try picking him up and just carrying them around the route a cuple times then try it. if this doesnt work then try running if he chases u when u run start running over there my dog would always follow

    • go to the local pet store and buy a head collar. It fits around his nose and his neck. They are extremely humane and he will find it difficult not to follow you when you are walking him. Also it will stop him from pulling you when you walk him.

    • Hello,
      Lots of Great tips, tricks and great articles for dog training on
      samsdogtraining.com

      Cheers,
      Sam H.

    • Here is an excellent site with some wonderful options 4 U. Check it out……..

    • I had the same problem when i got my dachshund. In my yard and other peoples yard she would walk fine on a leash. The minute i tried to take her for a walk she wouldn't go past my driveway. There is no sidewalks by my house. she was 2 months when i got her. I started going to my moms where there was a side walk and tried to walk with her there and she went a little ways not far. When i came home the next day i tried again and i got her to go to the end of the block.
      So the next time i went to my moms and my neices were there they all wanted to go to the park and i couldn't leave the dog unattended, so we took her and the kids to the park by walking. When she wouldn't walk i would carry her. I definatly carried her at intersections and eventually she didnt' want to be picked up she walk all 6 blocks there and back on the sidewalks. My moms house is on a heavily traffic area. So i figured she was just scared of traffic. The next day at my house she walk just fine on the side of the road and in the grass. If you don't have sidewalks the puppy could just be afraid of the traffic and the road like mine was.

    • Tether him to you with a 6' leash inside and out for a few hours a day. Once he gets that he has to follow you take him outside and do some sprinting exercises with the dog. Make sure he is tethered to you and make different turns in every direction. He will learn to watch you and follow so that he doesn't get steped on.

      Teach him to heel. Do this by holding him on a short lead close to your left side. In your right hand hold a treat to his nose say "Heel" and lead him in the direction you want to go. When he preforms the task correctly give him the treat and praise him.

    • Maybe he's used to walking in u'r yard and he dosen't know his surroundings and another thing that soen't have anything to do with this but it has to do with u'r dog's Health!!! Ol'Roy dog FOOD has been recalled making dogs sick and some have died!! Make sure u r not feeding him this!!!!!!!!

    • It's funny you should ask that. I recently watched a show about that. What they did was carry the dog to where you want to take him. Place him on some grass and give him lots of positive reinforcement. Try doing that for a few days Make sure you pet him and say "good dog" etc. Good luck!

    • Have you tried to pick him up and walk him anyway,leave him on the leash, some dogs are very dependent and need you to show them that you're not afraid so lift him into your arms walk awhile and set him down petting and playing and continue this behavior until he gets the hang of it, remember HE WILL let you know if he becomes frightened but don't coddle him he has to get over whatever he's afraid of in his own time your just showing him that you are unafraid so he can be.

    • This is what I did for my 10-week old pup. The first day I walk her on the leash there was no problem and said to myself yes this is going to be really easy she is just following my instructions then the second day all is did way sit she did not move like you I did not want to pull on the leash because i thought it might choke her but what it did I pick her up and put her down a couple of houses away from mine and then I put the leash down and called her name and she came then we started to walk but I was not holding the leash unit about 1 min when she was not paying any attention and ever since then I have not had any problems walking my dog on the leash. I hope that this helps you.

    • Sounds Like You need a certified dog trainer to work with you on this

    • First of all, encouragement is much more effective with dogs than yelling, which makes them feel punished.I'm talking from my experience, and I've had dogs since I've been 20, and now I'm almost 60. Do not hit your dog, it only makes them fearful of you. Read the "other end of the leash"- it's great for really understanding your puppy.
      Secondly,I've always carried my puppies out the door until I hit the street, and I always gave them a treat when they walked with me. I suggest you take him to the street first off, and use a simple set of words, like walk with me or heel. If he wont walk, just stand there with your pup for twenty minutes, and every 5 minutes go to the full extension of the end of the leash, and say 'come'. If he comes, praise him and give him a treat. Don't go back inside your yard for at least 30 minutes. If he hasn't walked on the street, do not walk him inside the picket fence area. This will take some time, but remain hopeful. Good Luck- just remember, you need to be consistent with your pup for this to work.

    • A Boston Terrior and he is still young. Sit outside the fenceing on the ground and hold him in your arms. With his leash on in case he tries to bolt. Talk to him to keep him calm. Set him in your lap and just let him see that you are with him and he will be OK. Maybe it just looks so big in the outside world and he is so little. When he calms down about being out there, let him on the ground. Keep yourself sitting. Give him time.Hold on to that leash! When he starts to pull some and acts ready to go, see if he wants to walk then. Just be patient.

    • He sounds like he is afraid of everything new to him outside the fenced area. Try taking him out without the leash on and holding him for a short walk. Walk slowly and let him smell the air and look around. Do this for 2-3 days and then do it with the leash on. After he seems to be okay with that take him out on the leash but just stand in the yard for a few minutes until he is ready to go explore. When he pulls on the leash stop where you are and wait until he looks at you then say come (making him come to you) and then heel and then continue walking. If he lays down and won't move pick him up stand him and say let's go in an excited manner. You may also want to try to have someone else walk ahead of you that the pup likes with a squeaky toy to get him interested. Make sure the weather isn't too hot or cold and he has a fairly even walking surface.
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    Thursday, January 19, 2012

    Dog Health Questions: Dog training help on outside behavior?

    So I have a mutt about 8 months old, with very obvious roots of a herding dog, and he is just a bit bigger than a beagle. Every time he sees a motorcycle, person, livestock, or car, he goes ape. He is an absolutely wonderful listener indoors and is more than willing to please, but he is something else outdoors. On walks we have to use a lead to stop him from pulling, and even that does not necessarily stop him. I actually had brought him to a trainer because I was making no headway, and even he could not fix the issues over a 4 week course with him. It just seems that outside of the house, he stops listening and does whatever he wants. I thought for a while I had him trained well, but today he disobeyed my "stay" command and ran out in the road and almost got wrecked by an SUV... He walked away without a scratch thanks to the attentive driver. My fault for trusting him without a leash, bad owner...

    I have spent a lot of time outside training him, but he just seems to have a mind of his own at random. I have owned several dogs ranging from collies to dobermans to pyrenees, and this boy is the toughest I have raised. Any advice will help!

    The Shocking Truth About Electronic Dog Training Collars



    Recommended Answer:
    Don't walk him until he learns what is acceptable behavior. Use the garden for his walks instead, and practice teaching him commands on a regular basis. Teach him the commands "Leave it," "Heel," and make sure he knows to come when you shout out his name. When he performs one correctly, reward him with a treat and lots of stroking and rubbing and tell him he's a good boy.
    The perfect stance for a dog on a walk would be one where he is by your side the entire time - except when he needs to use the toilet - and the lead is slack and loose, almost trailing across the floor. Teaching him to fetch would also be a good idea. If he gets distracted by a car or something else, throw one of his favourite toys next to him and shout "Fetch" very clearly so that he knows what to do. Usually it's better to teach your dogs these things when they're younger, but it's not entirely impossible when they're adults. Keep at it until he shows progress, and then slowly start to take him for short walks. Sometimes for about 1/4 of a mile, and when he gets better at staying near you and not pulling on the lead, gradually extend his walks. If he does something right, praise him. He'll love the fact that you're happy with him and he'll strive to please you much more often. :)

    How Good Dog Training Makes For a Happy Dog


    • He is a herding dog, they herd things like cows, sheep, people, cars, trees. You might look into some kind of agility training in your area. The more herding dogs run and walk, the more energy they get. Even when he is in the car, it is likely he will bark at things passing by to try to herd them. When my puppies are first little, I practice with the leash. In the house, I drape the leash on them and try to call them to me. Outside, I practice in my fenced back yard for about a month before the puppy graduates to the street. I might drape the leash on the puppy and get him to follow me, or drag the leash on the ground and see if he will follow me and try to catch the leash. There are many things in my back yard that scare a puppy, so it is so much easier to address, or correct issues when I am in my back yard and not in the street. We just walk laps in the yard and deal with drama as it comes up. Maybe around 3-months-old I might try to clip the leash to the collar, but if there is too much protesting, I drop the leash. They just get better with the leash around 4 to 5-months-old. So anyway, I use the commands "go" when I want to "go" and if the puppy tugs on the leash, I stop and say "wait". It is my walk and we go as fast as I can walk and no faster. If I want to "wait" and look at a flower, change the batteries in my walkman, count to ten, then I do it, it is my walk. When I am ready I say "go" and we "go" again. When the puppy pulls on the leash, I stop and say "wait" and we stop again, even if we just went two steps. I praise the puppy when he is doing good and talk soothing to him and encourage him when he is doing good, so he keeps doing it. It takes several laps of "go" and "wait" until he settles down, and when the walk is over, I make a big fuss and clap and then they get some play time. They don't like the walk at first, but they like the fuss at the end. I have to address "go" and "wait" again the next day, but it won't take me as long to get him to understand what I want from him. I also house sat a dog, and the owner thought he had leash issues, and that dog just didn't like being in front. He walked just fine with my dogs as long as he could be part of the group, but he didn't want to be in the front. If you have a family member, or a neighbor that has a dog that walks well, see if you can practice with them. I also had one dog that didn't like the maroon leash, or the pink one, but did just fine with the blue leash. Sometimes puppies are just puppies.

    • I suggest teaching him the 'leave it' command. Also remeber to body block him from people, cars, etc. so he can't see them. Bring lots of treats for him during the walk and if he sees a car immediately reward him with treats and try to get his attention on you and not the car or person. If he ignores you, maybe consider taking a spray bottle filled with vinegar and water mixed and squirt him in the mouth when he tries to pull away from you. Keep practicing, and he'll get it. If not, maybe a few obediance training lessons will help. Good Luck!

    • so my dog is not good outside either. she's a year old. on our walks she barks at every car that passes. when i trained her for walks i kept a treat in my hand and kept the leash short so she is right by my legs. i would stop suddenly and tell her to sit and if she did i would give her a treat or if she pulled on her leash i would stop and wait for her to sit in front of me. so now she is very attentive on walks and she always thinks i have a treat so she will keep an eye on me which is good. when outside in the yard i keep her on a loose 16 foot leash so she can be on her own but i can always catch the leash if i need to
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    Wednesday, November 23, 2011

    Dog Health Questions: "Hands-off" dog training program?

    Hey everyone!

    I'm just wondering if anyone here has heard of or purchased the "Hands-off" dog training program (http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com), and how well it works.
    Is it any different from clicker training?

    Thanks

    3 Steps for Teaching Fido the Basic Behavior Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    You know, there comes a point in time when people must realize that dog training is not rocket science and it is not something that will be continually re-invented.
    Training methods that work on all dogs have been around since the late 40's, early 50's. Bill Koehler was the modern day father of dog training and many other people came after him and copied him and took methods further.
    The link you posted will not open, however, I have heard about the idea you are discussing and it is full of holes and inconsistencies and has no basis or method for real world training that must include proofing.
    Do some research on Koehler dog training and train your dog using methods that are proven. Good luck to you.

    Dog Training Courses - Which One is Right For You?


    • Although I have read web ads for kennels that "train" that way I can not imagine how it would work. Just as there are a couple of trainers who use a shock collar for POSITIVE reinforement. I can not fathom and BTW, neither did my Dobe, how a shock, no matter how slight is positive. I do use a shock collar and have for 15 yrs but I use it for correcting bad behavior out of reach ie; barking and bit*h fighting.

    • As geekman has said there are a number of dog training methods that are all based on the same ideas. I suggest you fully reasearch any training program before you purchase one. A good start for your research is http://www.best-dog-training.com Here you will find lots of dog training articles and ideas.

      Hope this helps.
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    Sunday, October 23, 2011

    Dog Health Questions: Any good DVDs or books on dog training?

    My dog is a little over 1 year old, and I would like to learn how to train her better. She currently knows sit, stay, come here, and when she feels like it lay down. I would like her to learn roll over and heel but haven't had any luck so far (she is VERY fidgety). Are there any good books or DVDs that can help? Thanks.

    Dog Training Plays Key Role in Dog Grooming and Puppy Care



    Recommended Answer:
    Hello Rainbow,

    I fully understand how you feel because I encountered the same situation when I have tried to train up my baby dog months ago, you need to be patience and render your supreme love caring for your dog.

    I am lucky to have my friend who recommends a series of breakthrough videos for training my baby dog in a remarkable training techniques to quickly end all of my frustrating dog problems.

    Best of all, all I have to do is just sit back and relax in the comfort of my home to enjoy the "live" (with real dogs) demonstration how to easily solve each and every one of my dog's behavior issues!

    Hope this link http://dog-training-video.pinurl.com will help you a lot!

    Enjoy it.

    How Good Dog Training Makes For a Happy Dog


    • I also have a dog that is a little over a year old, he is a cocker spaniel. He was fairly easy to house break but when it came to other things he just wouldn't listen at all!! I bought a few books from Chapters on training and it didn't really help much, I got him to roll over for treats but that was about it. Then last month my friend told me about how there are online training guides with video where you can see the body language that is being used to train the dog, which helps a great deal.
      Here is the link to the online guide I used http://www.labradorgold.com
      I hope it works for you too! Good luck.
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    Tuesday, October 11, 2011

    Dog Health Questions: Anyone have any links for stranger-agressive dog training?

    My 8 month old mix pup has aggression towards strangers, we've tried clicker training, classical conditioning and many other methods so far nothing has made much of a difference.

    Top 6 Dog Training Mistakes - Are You Making These Mistakes When Dog Training?



    Recommended Answer:
    Ok well i think the best thing to do is when ever he grawls at people or gets very agressive flip him/her onto its back and hold him/her by the neck i know that sounds crew but trust me its now that is what a mother dog would do to her pups and my dogs are very well trained and we did that. just hold him/her down to let him know ur the boss and dont let him go until he has stop trying to get out of the position or when he stops grawling.
    Hope I help and hope thigns go well =)

    Shock Collar Dog Training the Quick and Easy Way


    • lol, like your first answer said, you have to let your dog know that you're boss. however, i have an easier method. when you take your dog for a walk - on a leash! - and he starts growling or barking, step on the leash, and pull up so that your dog's head is forced to the ground. i don't mean hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to get his nose in the dirt, and get his attention. your dog is aggressive either because he wants to protect you, or protect what he sees as his territory. he can't be a big buff tough guy when he can't get his nose out of the dirt, ya know? as soon as he stops showing aggression, let him up and reward him with a treat. if he shows aggression again, then step on the leash again. it works really well, and it's not as weird looking as sitting on top of your dog, lol.
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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?

    3 Steps for Teaching Fido the Basic Behavior Dog Training



    Recommended Answer:
    In my humble opinion, there is no "best" training book. The reason I say this is because all dogs are different and respond differently to training methods. Also, no one book covers all the different tricks and training methods that are available. I recommend picking up several different books and trying different methods/techniques to see which work best for your dog. I would recommend a book called "The Puppy Handbook: The complete guide to Puppy Care and Training". I like this book because it comes complete with a DVD so not only can you read up on the training techniques, you can actually see them being applied. I picked up a copy for about $20 at a Wal-Mart and I'm sure you can find one at a Barnes & Nobles store.

    And as far as names go, I like the names Tina & Mindy.

    At Your Service: Service Dog Training


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