Dog Health Questions: Need serious dog training help!?

I have a one-year-old female cockapoo who is spayed.

For a while, now she just simply won't let my sister or I pick her up. Whenever Mandy (my cockapoo) even has the slightest feeling that my sister or I want to pick her up, she immediately growls. Then, if you try to physically move her, she'll go crazy like an ill dog and sometimes even bite.

I've already tried picking her up and shouting, "no," whenever she growls, but it didn't work. I then tried to reward her with treats every time she didn't growl/bite, but that didn't work because - you guessed it - I can't even pick her up. Ever.

The Smart Way To Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Your dog AND you both need some basic obedience lessons. Sign up for classes today. They will teach you how to handle the problem and how to make your dog more obedient.

Right now, she thinks she is pack leader and she's letting you know it. Sign up for classes today!

Secrets of Dog Training Professionals - Why Use Food?

• Sounds like a physical problem in that she may be in pain and your handling her hurts her. Make an appointment with the vet real, real soon.


• Has mandy ever been in a fight with another dog you do not know about? I would highly recommend bringing her to the vet, she may have something wrong, like she could have some sort of bruise, which when you accidentally touch without knowing, triggers her to be aggressive towards both you and your sister. She could also somehow, be pregnant. But I would say going to the vet to find out what is wrong is the best solution.


• Start slower, generally when you have problems like this it means that you are moving too quickly for the dog. Start by just putting your hands on her and giving her a treat for that. Then put your hands in the position like you are going to pick her up and give her a treat. If she tries to growl/bite you moved too quickly and you need to take a step back. This is called desensitization. This may take several weeks/months to fix, but if you are diligent you will prevail!


• Will Mandy let your Mom &/or Dad pick her up? If so, then it's not a physical problem with Mandy. It's just that Mandy doesn't respect you.
  
  If you've ruled out any physical ailments with Mandy, and you know it's just a "personality problem," then you need to get serious with Mandy, and show her that you are boss, just like Mom &/or Dad.
  
  Put on the thickest coats/jackets and heaviest gloves you can find (so that, if she tries to bite, it won't hurt you), then practice picking her up. Reward her with treats ONLY if she allows you to pick her up and put her in your lap without snarling or snapping. If she snarls and snaps, just take a deep breath, keep a tight hold on her, and start thinking about happy, calm things, like a favorite song or something funny a friend said that day, and wait for her to calm down. It's important that you be calm yourself, because she will feel if you're upset, and it will make her feel anxious. (Do NOT give her treats when she's snappy and snarly, or when you're feeling anxious.)
  
  When she calms down and behaves, give her some treats. Put her down quickly, then again pick her right up and repeat, over and over and over (extending the amount of time between when you pick her up and give her treats, each time).
  
  DO NOT SHY AWAY when she growls or snaps during the above exercise. Keep your grip on her, and keep her in your lap until she stops being nasty. (That's why you're wearing a thick jacket and gloves :-) The only way to stop this is for her to realize that she won't get her way by being nasty, and that she'll get rewarded if she allows you to pick her up and sit her quietly on your lap.
  
  And then, you can lose the heavy coat and gloves. :-)
  
  If I were you, for my next birthday, I'd ask my parents to give me the gift of Dog Obedience Lessons, so I could learn how to be a good dog owner, and I could teach my dog better. Just a thought....
  
  Best wishes & good luck!


• If the behavior is only recent, take her to the vet and make sure she is not in pain.
  
  Many dogs don't like being picked up. They're busy, doing what they want or relaxing, and we expect them to let us swoop in and lift them in the air -- sort of odd, when you think about it.
  
  It may be that, once, she growled because she didn't want to be picked up, and it worked -- the person backed off, even momentarily. That reinforced the growling and protesting, so now she's in the habit.
  
  Certainly don't force her, or shout "no." That will only make things worse.
  
  If the vet gives her a clean bill of health, work on very gradual desensitization and counter-conditioning. Give her lots of treats for letting you touch her, over and over, then slide a hand near her as if you were going to lift her for some reps, then touch her lightly on the belly, etc.
  
  Do this over the course of many 5-10 minute sessions, and never let her get "over threshold" -- to the point of being even the least bit stressed. If she even looks intently at your hand, go back to the previous level.
  
  And, consider not picking her up very often, even after doing the training. I know people get very accustomed to doing that with small dogs. But it isn't necessary, as long as they are safe getting on and off of the surfaces they are permitted on.

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Dog Health Questions: How much does it cost to have a puppy microchipped, spayed and immunized during the first year?

I would love to get a puppy, but caring for a fur-baby is very expensive. Does anyone know the cost of professional dog training? What other hidden costs should I consider before I adopt an animal? Also, I would love to use the dog with elderly people as a therapy animal. Has anyone worked with the delta socity or taken the AKC good citizen test?
-- Thank you for your consideration

Dog Training - How to Housebreak an Adopted Dog

Recommended Answer:
Microchip(depending on type), probably $60-100; spayed, around $125-200; immunized, around $75-150 depending on what all you get.

Dog Training Fundamentals

• All depends on your area. Call around to several vets and ask.
  
  Look in the yellow pages for dog obedience.
  
  Feed, Vet bills, training, toys etc.
  
  That's why we don't have a dog. JUST a cat, a hamster & some fish! Too costly right now to own a dog.


• all that should run you100-130$ a small price for a loving addition to your family!! i think micro-chipping is a great idea although my dogs dont have it you can get him regitered and chipped for 80$ you can save some cash by giving him 7 way shots you can buy at a pet store or tractor supply for a few bucks and save that 60 dollar vet bill! it covers all but the rabies that is only needed 2 times in the first year and may already have 1 when you get him


• This is an impossible task to guess the costs. Call around. I will say, my local Humane Society microchips animals for $15--anything that helps animals find their home is important to them, so the cost is low. They also run clinics on site, at least here. They don't only care for shelter animals, and fees are very reasonable.


• Hi! Owning a dog is VERY expensive- more so than most people know. It is tough to give a good estimate on spay, vaccines, and microchipping without a general idea of your location as it varies so much from place to place. Here I am unsure of microchipping price, however vaccines, exams, and spaying alone is probably about 350-400 dollars... that includes worming which is optional here but highly recommended as many puppies have worms. One of my dogs has taken the CGC and passed- it was tough to train for but dedication and hard work make it come true... and keep in mind that not all dogs make for good therapy animals either- some are naturally afraid of the scents and noises etc. As for hidden costs- you have to account for regular vet visits- have some back up funds for any emergencies (hopefully there are none), and you should also consider there is food to buy, if you live in an area where fleas can prevail- flea medication... and heartworm prevention are all considerations. This hopefully won't deter you from getting one- just make sure you are aware of the commitment (financially and otherwise)... and do your research on the dog breeds... good luck!


• YES!! I do pet therapy with dogs from my shelter and the people LOVE IT! I would highly highly suggest GO TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER! You pay a low adoption fee, and included in the fee is spay/neuter, microchipping, leash collar, etc. (well, at least that's how it is at my shelter.) There are so many awesompe pups and adult dogs that you can't get at a breeder. NEVVERR go to a pet store, you get NOTHING for you money. Not even a high quality dog like you think you're paying for. (Also dogs from pet stores come from puppy mills but that's not what you are asking) Anyway, the only thing people sometimes forget when adopting a dog is that it does get expensive with vet bills. However, by going to a shelter or rescue you're dog's shots will be up to date, they will be spayed/neutered (and if they are young enough, most REQUIRE you to do it or have you put down a deposit), and you'd be saving a hefty amount of money. Also, food. You can usually find very high quality food thru breeders, perhaps on the internet. I never suggest getting food from your local grocery store because a lot of that food isn't even good for the dog. There are actually recipes for you to cook up for your dog that involve greens and meat, which are fun to make and 1000000% better for your dog that kibbles and bits. Ha ha.. im going on and on. All I can say is that You can adopt a very good puppy from your local animal shelter, and obedience training ranges. It's actually easy to do it yourself, if you have patience, and there's good books out there that explain everything! Oh my gosh.. if you really want you can email me, i have so much to say haha.


• If you adopt through your county animal control or the humane society, your pet will be chipped, neutered and have all it's shots already, all for the price of the adoption fee. It's a great deal and you are saving that animal from death row!


• all my dogs carry the CGN (Canadian version of CGC) needles will run you around 160.00 spay depends on the size but a GSD is close to 300.00 microchip 60.00 dog training 80.00 for 6 classes.


• Yes it can be the exact cost will vary but in my area it looks a bit like this
  Shots 3 sets 80 x 3 (they now suggest the rabbies and last DHLPP be given in seprate visits)
  microchip $20 (same visit as rabies)
  Puppy Class $99 for 6 weeks
  Basic Obdience $99 for 6 weeks
  Pet Health insurance $30 a month (Petsbest is great they cover 80% of the vet bills for accident or illness)
  Spay $200 (may be diffrent for you my baby is extra sensitive to anestisia)
  Flea, tick and heartworm meds $200 a year


• These costs are all very different for what kind of dog you get. You see some dogs cost more to train, smaller the cheaper, less problems the cheaper.
  
  As for me, there is no price to big to have a well socialized and healthy puppy.
  
  Try looking into your local area humane society for "low" cost spay/neuter clinics (they usually do immunizations) and puppy microchipping events (usally at your local aspca). Sometimes going to a teaching animal clinic (such as the one we have here at OhioStateUiversity) are more likely to offer lower priced services but the quality will suffer none. Our dog just recently went for his first check-up and was given an amazing exam by a fourth year vet student, a resident vet and the head(faculty) vet. Count that! Three people for the low costing price of one.
  
  I know people say do your homework on dogs and breeders, but little people remember to tell you... do your homework on your VET! Never go to a vet recommended by a Petland (or other such puppy store where they get their pups from puppy mills) they are low quality and sometimes not even with the American Veternarian Society!
  
  Good Luck and feel free to email me if you need more guidence or knowledge!(costs for here in Ohio, USA)
  [microchip]
  
  $20 - $30 with registration at the local humane society
  
  [spay]
  
  $70.00 at the local humane society
  $95 at the local vet teaching hospital (OSU)
  
  [puppy kindergarten/training]
  
  $85 at OSU with veternarian/ behavioralist
  
  [immunizations]
  
  varry depending on how many you have done so far usually $12-$15 at OSU (per set)

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training question?

Hey,

I'm going to buy a dog soon, it's going to be a pit bull, although I want him to be kind of a guard dog too, I don't want him to suddenly bark at my neighbours or relatives or something, I'd rather have that I just teach him normal things not guard related, but get him to bark or defend when i am asking him too and necessary?
Is that possible? :P

Thanks

The Importance of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Probably not on the barking. A dog's hearing is infinitely better than our own. When they bark at a noise outside, they are not misbehaving. They are alerting you, the pack leader, someone is encroaching on your/his territory. Time and again I see people yell at their dog to be quiet. What you end up with is a barking dog and a screaming human.

When my dog hears something and barks, I get up and look out the window, and then praise him for a job well done. He alerts, I check it out, he stops barking.

A pit bull may not be the best choice for your first dog. That is a lot of power control and maintain leadership over.

Just FYI unless you're talking police-dog level defend dogs naturally protect their master. If you are serious about an "attack on command" dog you will need formal training and use certain command words in a different language. That is to make sure your dog doesnt go for blood when just any person says the word attack.

good luck

Dog Training Aids - 8 Reasons You Should Cage Train Your Dog

• Any dog can bark and with some training you can certainly teach a dog to bark on command or in certain situations. But the "defend" thing is way beyond the skills of a typical dog owner. This is the kind of thing that gets a dog euthanized, because NO dog owner is skilled enough to train defensive behavior properly - all the typical dog owner will get is an aggressive animal. Period.
  
  Guarding and defensive behaviors are taught BY professionals, and only to certain types of dogs (IE dogs with the right temperament) with certain types of handlers.
  
  Please be a responsible pet owner and make sure to train and socialize your dog properly. Don't get involved with teaching "guarding" behaviors or jump on the "i wanna teach my dog to defend me" bandwagon. It won't end well for you OR the dog.


• It's completely possible. You can have a respectful, nice, loving dog that can tell friend from foe and guard you fiercely. It may require classes, or a professional dog trainer, and can be quite pricey, but I've seen many dogs with those qualities and a few were simply born like that. Google it and you'll come up with many articles for you to try yourself.


• A puppy who is not house trained cannot sleep in your bedroom, who wants puppies peeing on their carpets? Regardless of the breed, after a puppy is house trained/toilet trained if it sleeps in your bedroom he will will alert you if any strangers approach your house.
  Any would be intruders come prepared to kill a dog which lives outside and you won't stand a chance of defending yourself.
  
  Love your new dog, take it for long walks and play with it and he will love you back. But if you want to be protected if must live in your house. Your dog will warn you if anyone is near to your house and you can phone for help.

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Dog Health Questions: Does anyone know how to turn my puppy into a therapy dog?

I live in the Sacramento area, and I am a psychiatrist. We have a therapy dog program where I work (to help patients with depression, etc.), but currently there are no therapy dogs. I got a puppy for a pet and also for a therapy dog. How do I enroll him in a therapy dog training program? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

4 Core Basics of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Hi,

I have a page all about Therapy dogs on my Standard Poodle website. Check it out, it might help.

http://www.standardpoodlesusa.com/therap…

Dog Training Videos - Learn by Watching

• I suggest putting the puppy into a puppy kindergarten class. This will provide crucial socialization and enteraction with dogs as well as people. Tell the instructor your future plans with the puppy and they can personalize some lessons for you to get a head start. Start teaching him to be gentle when taking treats, not to jump up, and other behaviors that not only make a good therapy dog but a good pet. Expose him to as many "types" of people, different races, ages, looks, etc and make sure to get him around wheel chairs, walkers , and canes. Make these experiences positive and let lots of people give him little treats.
  Hope this helps!


• Our church has classes called PAWS-Pets Are Working Saints. Once they have become socialized to work in the public, they are set up appointments to bring "goodwill" to others. It is a great group.
  This church is in Lexington KY, but i'm sure they could find someone you could get information from near you.


• Below are a few links for you.
  
  First and foremost, not all dogs can become Therapy Dogs. A Therapy Dog has to enjoy the company of total strangers, be calm and friendly even when things get hectic around him. He has to be very trusting of humans, especially his handler.
  
  Your first step has to be basic obedience if you feel your pup fills the above qualities. A Therapy Dog has to obey commands, completely and instantly. They have to know sit/stay/come/stand/wait/leave it/walk nice on a loose lead.
  
  A Therapy Dog has to be able to ask to go outside, whether for a break from working or to potty.
  
  You also need to take your pup as many places as possible while he is still young and impressionable. If he feels going out and about and meeting new people is simply part of his life, he is one step up on becoming a Therapy Dog.
  
  Good luck, and I truly hope it all works out well for you. I do Therapy work with one of my dogs, and the joy he brings to residents of nursing homes, to elementary school children, makes the thousands of hours of training more than worth it!

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Dog Health Questions: Advice on getting into dog training/grooming/showing?

So, I've decided I eventually work with shelties in showing and agility trials. I'd like to try and get some experience now working with dogs before I'm ready to own them myself.

I'm taking veterinary technician classes right now (not really what I want to do but its great experience), but I'm interested in learning grooming and training techniques as well. And since I'm most interested in shetland sheepdogs, agility and obedience trials as well. What is the best way to go about learning these things before actually getting a dog of my own? I want to learn now so I can plenty of experience when I get my first dog*.

(* I've owned dogs in the past, but never have done any showing or any trials before)

Dog Training With A Clicker

Recommended Answer:
Join your local All-breed kennel club and search out mentors there.

Join the closest Sheltie kennel club and search out mentors.

Be persistant- often people will approach breeders/exhibitors for information and not follow through- which leads to the breeders/exhibitors being reluctant to waste time with someone who doesn't seem commited.

Overall I've found Sheltie people to be very nice- and I learned a LOT about grooming techniques from a couple of Sheltie breeders.

Go to AKC's events sections and find shows you can attend in your area. Agility is an absolute blast! Specialty shows (conformation/agility/obedience for one breed only) are a great place to start networking to eventually find the right dog.

You may even be able to find someone to apprentice under.

House-Training And Housebreaking a Dog - Training Guide

• All I can answer to is agility. You *need* to take classes. There are so many things to learn about running a dog (front cross, rear cross, to blind cross or not to blind cross, etc.). The classes teach the dog how to handle each obstacle, but they also teach you how to run a course.
  
  Good luck and have fun - Shelties are great dogs!


• Get to know a breeder in your area. Breeders are an excellent source for information regarding showing and trials.


• Since Shelties are a pretty common breed, there should be a Sheltie club in your area. I'd suggest joining it and getting to know the members and learning about the breed from them. Probably you can find a breeder to mentor you.


• My best advice to you is to frequent dogs shows in your area, and buddy up to someone who seems to know what they're doing (a good indicator is if they consistently show / place well). Perhaps ask them if you could be their assistant. Obviously you'd want to shadow a sheltie person, since that's your dog of choice, however many handlers show many breeds of dog, and by working with someone who works with many breeds, you will also gain a more diverse experience. Good luck!


• there are tons of books about agility training and conformation showing. those would be a goo dplace to start.
  You can find out if there is an agility class in your area and ask if you can come out and watch the training sesions
  also check for conformation handling or ring craft classes too.
  
  You can find shows in your area too and go watch and talk to shetly owners too.
  
  if you are in the USA a great place to look for shows and trials in
  www.infodog.com


• Actually your best bet would be to contact breed rescue and get a Sheltie and train it and title it in performance - that will get you meeting people at shows/ trials and you will be able to show them your capabilities. Most breeders prefer to have an experienced person to deal with - place prospects with, mentor and all - so it might be a really good idea and it will give a wonderful dog a second chance and help you learn a whole lot. Usually if someone comes up to me about my breed and is all wanna learn and have a show prospect or whatever, it just sounds like so much impulsivity talking but if someone has actually take and dog and done something with it, it shows that they were committed enough to do that as well as anything you do with a dog requires training so it gives you hands on experience with that. You can work with keeping it properly and well groomed, trained and well behaved and if it were me, I would jump at the chance of helping someone like that, that had that sort of commitment, in any way I could. Going to shows and trials is helpful for your learning but basically you need to be able to show you are truely committed to this endeavor instead of the usual impulsive young person that will drop it after five years....


• You can visit <---http://train-my-dog.download-for-free.org
  It provide you with the most popular and easiest dog training Guide

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