Dog Health Questions: How to make my dog un-timid?

i have a 1 year 6 month old shiba inu and he is very timid he jumps at the flick of a light switch. i got him from a shelter i'm about to take him back. hes not afraid of other dogs no matter how big. i want him to tuffin up can anyone with real dog training experience help me?

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Socialization and positive reinforcement training.

The Right Way to Use Electronic Dog Training Collars

• You're about to take him back to the shelter, just because he's timid? He would have been acting timid in the shelter to, so if you didn't want a timid dog, why did you adopt one?
  
  If he's not afraid of other dogs, he just has a low self-esteem around humans, or he was once abused by somebody. If he is not afraid of other dogs, but is aggressive towards them, you're wrong. He IS afraid of them, but he's covering it up with a big show.
  
  You don't want to toughen him up, you want to increase his self-confidence. The best way to do this is to be his pack leader - the one person he can count on to keep him safe no matter what the situation is. If you are constantly in a calm-assertive state of mind, he will gravitate towards you.
  
  The wrong way to fix the timidity is to coddle him. If you nurture the dog while his mind is anxious or fearful, you are saying "it's okay to be afraid." What you want to do is be calm and assertive and not give him any attention until he has calmed down and relaxed (open mouth, relaxed breathing, ears not pinned, spine relaxed) and then give him attention and tell him what a good boy he is.


• It's "toughen".... not "tuffin".
  
  You adopted a dog, it's your responsibility to care for that dog - it is not an object to be disposed of just because you don't like it's personality or because it isn't tough enough for you. Buck up and commit to working with this dog - use google to find kennel club accredited trainers that can help you build this dog's confidence (hint: it won't be quick and easy, it WILL take time).
  
  Though in hindsight maybe the dog is better off back where it came from if you're not going to commit to proper, responsible pet ownership. Keep in mind that some dogs are just timid by nature - poor genes, poor upbringing, etc etc.


• You want to *toughen* him up? The last thing that you want to do for that is return him to the shelter. Either make a commitment to a dog or don't get it. LOTS of dogs are like that right after coming from the shelter, they just need some time and a little bit of work. Or a lot of work in some cases. But the love you'll get in return is well worth the time you put into helping the dog come out of its shell.
  
  Keep it quiet around your house for a while. Allow him time to adjust to his new surroundings. If this is impossible to do then this may not be the right home for him.
  
  Please remember that it may take months before he turns around, and certain things he may never get over, but you're still doing a great thing by keeping him -- you're saving a life.


• you have a fearful and stressed dog.
  there is no magic way of making him not fearful.
  you can help him feel more comfortable and less stressed.
  not sure what you mean by 'toughen him up', but be careful. pushing him beyond what he's capable of coping with can lead to more problems with reactivity and fear.
  he needs your help and understanding and a commitment to his well-being.
  he may always be somewhat fearful and sensitive (genes play a big role and the first 16 weeks of life are critical to good development - neither of which you can change now).
  
  this website may help:
  
  http://fearfuldogs.com/
  
  and this article is very enlightening:
  
  http://www.downeastdognews.com/stories/2…
  
  best wishes.


• Take him back if you want a tough dog, he will never be a tough dog. You dont deserve your dog if your just going to throw him away if he isnt perfect. Their are confidence building exercises you can do, but seriously give the dog to a better home.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Do most dogs like to watch the Animal Planet channel when dogs are on TV?

My older dog used to take a look and then walk away, but my puppy keeps turned to the TV to watch the whole program. Is this a puppy thing? We watch the dog training programs together .

Dog Training Classes - Dog Training to Unleash Your Dog's Full Potential

Recommended Answer:
my pitbull (9 years old) LOVES watching Animal Planet.. and I'm serious, he watches it. We used to watch all the dog shows, and of course, the dog whisper and him and I will sit there and just watch it for hours.. If it change the station, after a few min he gets up and leaves..

So i know for a fact my dog watches tv.. which is just bad ***.

Schutzhund Dog Training Is Not So Difficult - Read These Top Tips

• None of my dogs ever paid attention to anything we watch. Could be the puppy hears the dogs barking from that big machine thing in the living room, and it sounds just like dogs/puppies, so the puppy is definitely interested.


• lol well my dog Duke will watch family Guy with me. When ever Peter does his wierd giggle/laugh he will make light woofs at him XD
  
  And my cat Simba will watch AP sometimes. when he see birds on TV he will chatter at them. lol I have awesome pets.


• yeah not lying... my dog watches animal planet especially if there are dogs on. if you change the channel he leaves or does something else. its pretty funny.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: I need some assistance in my dog training routine,?

I have a 10 week old puppy, he is a Springer spaniel x staffy, we have got as far as sit and stay but I am really struggling with "DOWN" he only ever jumps up on the sofa when I am changing my babies nappy and grabs at his socks I don't want him to nip my son and make him afraid of the puppy, sometimes I try NO, he backs off I praise him and tell him he is a good boy but then he comes back and jumps up again but in a hyper nippy kind of way then trys to nip at my legs, his teeth are sharp but I want to break this habit fast.

4 Tips To Successful Obedience Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Something I learned while observing dog training classes and watching Victoria Steelwell's show, That something disobedient your dog does can be changed into something obedient. Train him to jump up on the sofa when he's called, and off when he's told so, so there's an "on switch" as well as an "off switch"

Also, being a puppy, he looks like he needs some kind of outlet for his energy, other than disrupting you while you try to tend to your baby. Does your puppy have any toys that could keep him occupied? Like a rawhide bone or one of those treat balls, where the puppy has to figure out how to get the treat out of the toy. Distract him with those whenever he tries to bother you while you're changing your baby.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Dog Training Schools - Who is Being Trained, You Or the Dog

• Are You Making these Dog Training Mistakes?
  Three Dog Training MistakesLet's face it... nobody want's to raise a dog who develops lots of behavior problems; who can't be trusted around children, or is so hyperactive you have to lock him up whenever guests come over.You just want your dog to get the social rules of your house and follow them, but you're not REALLY sure how to actually go about training your dog to behave that way. I FOUND THIS one guide that work for me mable it what you kneed


• Hi I see that you need some sort of guide that will
  give you tips and tricks to help your dog become
  fully trained and more healthy.Recently one of my friends
  relly needed some advice on how to train his dog.
  He followed the dog training academy course to
  successfully have a full trained dog in a few weeks.


• I hate to call this a course because it's WAY more than that. It's a new way of interacting with my dog. I've owned dogs all my life, and loved every minute, but I never really got a grip on the right way to train them.
  
  I would get motivated when they were puppies, but then never really follow through.
  
  In Just 7 Days after I started my action plan, I have seen a remarkable change in my Benny. It's like he has completely changed.


• I would break the habit of him jumping on the sofa anyway.
  
  His nipping is called mouthing so have a read of this.
  http://www.dogtrainingbasics.com/Nipping…
  
  Mouthing is a normal part of puppy interaction and just needs to be guided in the right way.


• Hey I see that you need some sort of book that will give you tips and tricks to help your canine become fully trained and more healthy. Recently one of my friends really needed some advice on how to train his dog. He followed the dog training online course to successfully have a fully trained dog in a few weeks.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Advice.?

A few months ago I took a Pit bull, Rottweiler, German Shepard mix from someone we knew; named Smokey. He had been outside half of the day, in a crate the other half. We brought him home very confused about being in a house loose; he was very afraid but has adjusted very well. He is a little over the year, and not neutered ( His appointment is soon ) He is pretty high energy, and needs a lot of exercise. I bring him for 4 mile walks a few times a week, let him swim in the creek, and try to do my older dogs agility course. He still needs more and I am working on things I can do to let his energy out.
Long story short, my mother is going to have a baby soon. Smokey is very clumsy, and my mom is complaining that while I am at school he is very "bad". He is fully potty trained and barks at the door. While I am home he listens to me, but still has a few problems. He knows I am above him, but he doesn't think so with my mother. He knows she is very weak and doesn't respect her. While I am at school he eats out of the garbage, is uncontrollable, runs away, and knocks her and my sisters over. He apparently jumps all over people. He doesn't do so when I am home, and if he does I give him one short correction and he will listen. My mom totally opposes to the way I train my dogs and thinks I am doing everything wrong.
Her baby will be here soon, and Smokey will no doubt hurt it, not meaning to but he doesn't know his boundaries when I am not home. My mom will not use the techniques I use, she thinks I'm crazy. What can she do so while I am not home so Smokey knows he isn't at the top of the pack.

The Dog Training Things You Should Do and the Ones You Shouldn't

Recommended Answer:
Since he's had some crate experience, renew his crate training and leave him in an indoor crate while you're out. This may be your only solution to your problem, and crate training works great, even for hyper dogs, if it's done properly. Lots of luck to you!Papaw

Dog Training Tips That Work Best For Smart Dogs

• ok..start by....
  on a weekedn act like your going to go out.. but dont really.. and when he starts jumping and biting come and ans yell no! and keep to do so.. next tell your ma that if she wants to be the alpha she needs to act like no matter how silly it is.. tech her to reward and punish smoky..
  if that dosennt help im trult sorry...good luck


• Your corrections aren't working or you wouldn't have to continue to do them. My dogs don't jump and I've never yanked their leash. Why? Because I TRAINED. Correcting is not training.
  
  You have a dog that isn't getting enough exercise - it's that simple. This has nothing to do with pack structure or lack of respect. You have a high energy dog. Our pits get two hours minimum exercise DAILY. An hour in the morning, fetch with my sons for minimum half hour when they get home from school, fetch with my husband for a minimum half hour when he gets home then another hour walk in the evening after dinner. This dog needs DAILY exercise. Get up early before school and get him the exercise he needs if no one else will do it.
  
  Also, get into a REAL training class so that you can learn how to properly communicate with and train your dog. Find a certified, qualified trainer in your area here: http://www.apdt.com. This will help burn off energy as well because you are working him mentally. Training happens over the lifetime of the dog. It's an ongoing process of constant reinforcement. Trained dogs never need "corrections". In your training class, you will find other dogs with your dogs energy level. Set up playdates. They will tire each other out easier than you can.
  
  Neutering is a good start, but this dog needs vigorous daily exercise. He's far too energetic, which is why he is misbehaving. Not enough exercise and stimulation lead to a bored dog which lead to misbehaving. A good dog is a tired dog. He should be so tired that he doesn't have the energy to move let alone knock someone over. Our dogs sleep until my sons get home from school because they are worn out from their hour long walk in the morning.
  
  This isn't a bad dog. It's not the best ownership. Your dogs needs aren't being met. You have to step it up. I commend you for being responsible enough to even get this far - I know you can do even more! Pretty impressive at your age.
  
  You also need to start preparing the dog for the baby. I was walking our male Max who came off a chain from a neighbors backyard and into our home at two years of age with a baby stroller starting around four months (in my pregnancy). He needed to get used to the idea of walking with the stroller before the baby came along. I put a babygate up on the baby room so he was used to not going into the room long before the baby got there. We had him in obedience classes so that he was well mannered by the time the baby got here. We never neglected his exercise because that was an important part of him behaving well. Here is are some more tips for preparing your dog for the baby:
  https://pawsandlearn.org/Introducing_You…
  
  Good luck with this! Daily morning walks will help your mother out tremendously right now. The longer the better. If you can run with him every morning for a half hour, even better!


• Well I have total sympathy for you as I have been in the exact same position you are in now. My wife and I did not see eye-to-eye on dog training techniques and she thought that I was being too hard on the dogs. She has since come around and I have to say that TOTAL cooperation from everyone in the home is really required to make sure the training takes hold. I have two Pit Bull terriers and have made it a life mission to ensure that I do my part in showing people that these dogs are not naturally the terrors they are portrayed as in the news.
  I have found dog training to be very much like religion, its very hard to convince people to adopt your way of thinking. If your mother will not employ your method of training, you have an uphill battle ahead of you. I think where I would start is training your mother in baby steps and show her how she can accomplish control. First she has to accept the dog. If she hates the dog she will be projecting the wrong kind of energy and no amount of training will be viable for her. I would see if you can find an object that will empower your mother, and here is what I mean. My wife projected weak energy with the dogs and they would never listen to her. I gave her a horse crop which she never hit the dogs with, but gives her mental power when she picks it up. The dogs know that when she picks it up, she means business and they listen. When the situation is over, she puts it down. See of you can try that with your mother to gives her some confidence to work the dogs.
  The one word that makes anything you do work is CONSISTANCY. If things break down when you leave and no one takes the leadership role, it is unlikely that things will get any better. I fear for the dog because it sounds like you are trying to do the right thing and not getting any support. This might lead to your mother wanting you to get rid of the dog. An untrained dog will probly be put down in a shelter due to lack of resources.
  
  Good luck!

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Guard dog training or natural?

i just rescued a mixed breed puppy, part lab, maybe shepherd, maybe maybe part pit bull... i am wondering, when wanting a dog who will bark at intruders and generally guard the house, but, also be a good friendly and trustworthy dog, is that something you can train them to be or is it something they are born with? like, do they have to have a guard dog personality to be a good watchful dog?

Residential Dog Training Vs DIY Home Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Most dogs will protect their territory by barking at intruders. It's an instinct. You shouldn't have the dog trained as a personal protection or guard dog, as it's a liability nightmare and your homeowners insurance (or rental insurance or whatever) will go sky-high. Once he's nearing adult hood, if you have developed a bond with him and he is comfortable in his home, he will likely guard the home. Make sure you socialize the dog with strangers outside of your home so you don't end up with someone being bitten while you are walking down the street. Mine will bark at people at the door they don't know, or people in their front yard, but are fine in other locations, which is perfect for me. They're tiny, so wouldn't scare off many intruders, but at least they serve as alert dogs. It doesn't need to be taught, it's instinct, and if your dog doesn't become watchful and protective on its own, you will likely not be able to train the behavior.

Effective Communication in Dog Training

• Most dogs will instinctively bark or growl at noises or knocks at the door. Most can sense when you are uneasy about a person/animal and will instinctively either bark or growl until he/she senses that you are ok about the other person/animal. HOWEVER! do NOT rely on your dog to "guard" your house or you, get an alarm system and a can of pepper spray. If you raise your dog right most of the time they will be loving towards everybody, and if you raise him to be mean he/she will be that way towards EVERYBODY, including you and your family members.


• I think most dogs just naturally bark when they hear a noise and they don't know what it is. We resuced a girl a few months ago and never heard her bark at all until she was more settled in here, and now she barks when she hears something weird. I know there's breeds that are prone to not being barkrs, but I'm sure in no time your doggie will be barking at weird sounds!


• It's instinct for dogs to bark when they hear a weird noise or someone at the door, so you don't really have to train them. You SHOULD NOT want a dog for a security system, but yes, they will bark for intruders.


• I do NOT recommend training your dog to be a "guard dog".
  
  You do not have a German Shepherd, and I doubt you'll get him into Schutzhund.
  
  So let his natural instincts kick in.


• All dogs have some degree of 'guard dog' in them. Mainly after they have become adjusted to their surroundings and know their limits (ie yard, house, etc).
  
  Training your dog to be a protection dog is something that his wholly different. Personality and temperament play a large roll in being able to be a protection dog. Some dogs have it and some dogs don't. I can only suggest that you contact a dog trainer and see if your dog is suited for protection work. Having a professional evaluate your pooch will help better understand what you want out of him and what a professional trainer can provide.
  
  My purebred GSD comes from a long line of police and protection dogs. He does have the natural instincts that come with it. However, he has the personality of a gentle giant. He is a funny fuzzball with everyone and is very loving and playful. But from time to time, his heritage and situations dictate that he needs or wants to 'step up' and 'say something' he does. And the whole neighborhood hears him. I hope this helps. Good luck.


• I really don't see why people train dogs to become watch dogs because the majority of dogs bark naturally at intruders. However, if you wanted to train your dog to bite, that's a whole other story.
  
  But I really wouldn't recommend that because it takes a dog who is extremely good in obedience, with the right kind of drives, etc. to become a protection dog.
  
  But anyways, it really depends on your dog. I know some dogs that will walk right up to a complete stranger and wag their tail and roll over expecting a belly rub.
  
  Whereas others will bark until their owners come and show some kind of sign that the person isn't a threat. My dog in particular will NOT bite, but she will bark and walk right up to the person.
  
  If we come out to see what's up and she realizes there is nothing wrong, she'll just go sit down and mind her own business.
  
  So again, it really depends on your dog. Chances are, your dog will bark, but there are some exceptions that won't.
  
  {{...*Spontania*...}}

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: How do you train a dog to stop jumping up at other dogs ? and barking at them ?

How do you train a dog to stop jumping up at other dogs ? We have a pug border cross.
Do you train it to sit and then tell it to sit when he sees another dog ? Or do you need to do something else ? Can you train him yourself or should you pay for dog training. My dog is around 18 months old and we have only just got him. Any help would be appreciated.

Learn the Secrets to Service Dogs Training & Get Immediate Results

Recommended Answer:
Get references for obedience trainers in your area from vets, feed and supply stores. Then attend classes in a group setting and listen to the trainer. Do your homework with your dog at a park or large parking lot where there are distractions.
Your dog is behaving inappropriately towards other dogs because he wasn't properly socialized or trained. Now you must train him before you can trust him in an off-leash social setting.
Please do not listen to RDevi. I think that advice is terrible.

Some Obvious Benefits of Dog Training - Help For Owners of Older Dogs

• u can do it by urself.. dogs were just like kids it understnds, listens and does watever u say..... but all that u have to possess is patience.. teach it again and again.. threaten it with a stick and beat it(jus to create fear of obeying, mind that u dint beat so hard, lse there wer possiblities that it may bite u...!!!!!) 1ce to create the fear and let it know that u will punish if it goes wrong and wen u threaten it it has to obey ur words......
  18months is actualy late to make it learn.. u should teach everything from 3months onwards.... but yet its not too late... but will take time to change its behaviour... teach it with patience...


• Your best bet is to sign up for obedience classes, where he will learn to listen to you in the presence of other dogs.
  
  Not just one set of classes, keep going until you and your dog REALLY know what you are doing.


• Go to a dog trainer..
  
  bl

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Pursue Dog training career?

I like to pre plan things before i jump right in and need a little help this time. I have loved training dogs since I was really little and I plan to pursue a career in it. I want to train dogs Agility, Basic commands, and fix problem dogs. I am thinking of working along side a shelter to train some of the dogs before they go to homes. What would be an ideal setup for this. I am thinking a large shed insulated with individual pens but dog runs connected by dogie doors. I will place one dog per kennel and the whole setup will be on a concrete slab. One more thing, what would be a good price to start out with. I was thinking $150 per week depending on the type of training but i'm not sure. I only want this to be a small thing like a side job but If i really like it I will grow bigger. I have done a LOT of research on this but I want to be absolutely sure of everything. I know many people in the dog showing business and training and they are giving me lots of advice but i need a little more info or thoughts. Thanks in advance!

The Ultimate In Dog Training: Schutzhund Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Hmm, not sure what you have in mind?

Best first step is to become certified: http://www.ccpdt.org/

If you don't have the experience or knowledge yet, try volunteering at a shelter. A shelter can't pay you that much money to train their dogs, but you would get invaluable experience doing it for free. In addition, you could foster some of the 'problem dogs' from the shelter and get them to be more adoptable.

Service Dog Training and Selection - Train Dedicated Companions for Disabled People

• Most people wont go for the "ditch your dog for a week" training methods - unless it has to do with herding or things that HAVE to be done on site.
  
  At least 50% of obedience training classes are training the OWNER. Because what good is the class if the owner has no idea how to handle the dog?


• Are you trained, qualified and licensed?
  
  EDIT:
  
  OHHHH... just read your other question. Your breeding your dog. The shelters you plan on working for HATE people who are not breeders who breed their pet quality dogs. Dogs the same as the ones you plan on producing are dying in shelters NOW... don't add to the problem...


• A shelter will not pay you 150 per week to train their dogs. They have a lot of people that volunteer their time to train shelter dogs. You need to get some experience, so at this point I would volunteer. See if there is a CPDT trainer that would let you volunteer to work with them. To train dogs for agility, you really need to start training your own dog for agility. Most people will not go to an agility trainer that does not successfully compete with many different breeds. I have seen a few dogs ruined and injured by going to someone who has no clue how to train agility. Most training classes I agree are to train the owner on how to train their dogs. In New England they range 130 for family agility classes for 6 weeks, and 145 for family dog classes for 6 weeks.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Different dog training methods; opinions?

In basic dog training: (not including training for working dogs or dogs trained for certain special tasks)

* Do you believe that different training methods only work best for some people or some breeds?
* Or, you think that any dog can be trained in the same basic way?
* If your particular training method of choice is not working for someone would you say they are doing it wrong or would you all together suggest another method?
* & lastly, which training method do you believe does not work?

Dog Training Using Treats and Rewards and How to Make Sure Your Dog Doesn't Become a Treat Junkie

Recommended Answer:
I am going to take basic dog training as being basic OB for the average pet dog.

*In terms of different training methods i think of good training and bad training. Only the good training should be used regardless of people or breeds.
What i classify as good training is where you show the dog the action, have the dog learn the action, have the dog perform the action in his comfort zone, have the dog perform it out of the comfort zone and when the dog deviates - you correct them. Simple. You do good you get rewarded, you don't listen and you get corrected.
That is the only training method and if people just use all rewards and ignore - that's not going to work. If people use nothing but corrections, they will have a dog shut down on them mighty fast.
Of course there are variations in this, some dogs learn very quickly with little effort and respond well to a very mild correction (voice). Other dogs take longer to learn the actions and won't respond to treats or toys so you need to find out as the owner what the dog is motivated by. There are also dogs who require a higher level of correction and in some cases require the highest level, although these dogs are not 'pets'.
I believe the same method of training can be used for all dogs and owners but the level of the training will differ with each individual dog.

*When training it is a case of working with the dog, the dog dictates how they are trained and you can only work with the dog you have. If my methods didn't work i would ask them to demonstrate and see what they are doing. If it still didn't work i would substitute different motivators and a different form of correction. If that still didn't work i would ask for help from people i know and trust and take it from there. They may teach me something, there may be something i am doing wrong and if there is i will always be open to a better method. However i cannot see how a method based on reward AND correction can go wrong. I have never seen or heard of it happening unless the dog is unsound.

*I believe that training methods based on all reward, all positive do not work and i believe training methods based on all corrections do not work. There has to be a balance and it is up to the trainer to figure out what the dogs limits are, how far they can be pushed and what they respond to the best.

Dog Training Collars

• * Nope - I believe that you need to tailor the training method to which method the dog reacts to the best.
  * No - I have two labs - both have slightly different methods of training - it's all based on their personality.
  * Suggest another method.
  * I have 3 dogs (two labs and a Shih-Tzu) - I never could get any of them to respond to clicker training. Not saying it doesn't work, just that I couldn't get it to work for my dogs.


• I use only positive reinforcement. I think there are different methods that work better for some people than others. Some people are comfortable using clickers, some treats, some toys. What may work for one dog, may not work for another. And the same goes for the owner. I personally don't use a clicker, I feel it's easier to use a marker word. I know a ton of people that fee the same about a clicker. I do not like Cesar Milan and his outdated methods....


• I think different training methods work in different circumstances depending on the person, the dog and the environment.


• All dogs can not be trained with the same methods. What may work on one dog, may not work on either.
  
  I do not train using one particular method. However, I am open to different methods and just like anything, I take what I can use and throw out the rest.


• 1: No
  2: All dogs can, and should be trained the same basic way
  3: If my method doesn't work on your dog, regardless of breed or temperament, you're doing it wrong.
  4: Positive Reinforcement Only doesn't work.
  
  Basic game plan? Train behaviors via markers, lures, and free shaping and reward with a mark and treat or click and treat. Once a dog has matured enough to be able to handle serious corrections you correct a dog to show it it MUST obey. Later, you add distractions and correct the dog for not focusing on you. 3 step training made that simple. If you train PRO your dog will never obey 100%, period.
  
  If you use Koehler and push dogs into positions they never learn for themselves, not to mention you'd never use treats and shape and lure behaviors, you'd man handle behaviors and end up with a dog who doesn't work "unpressured" which is a new rule which has popped up in Schutzhund in the past 10 years, now ALL BSP participants and Nationals level competitors marker/clicker train.
  
  Too add insult to injury? If you don't understand why I train the way I do? My dog is definitely trained better than yours! YOU might be happy with the "level" your dog works but reality bites!


• Hi,
  
  I have a few tips I learned for training dogs that might be helpful.
  Check out:
  
  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2314639/helpful_tips_for_a_new_puppy.html?cat=4

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Dog training, shock collars, any suggestions?

Dog training, shock collars, any suggestions??? Personal experience? Can I train my beagle to stay in a confined area?

Show Dog Training - Be A Winner!

Recommended Answer:
I would first try going to an obedience school though. My dog is shock trained, we did the shock training since he did not pass obedience school and was out of control. Contrary to popular belief, shock collars are not cruel, they are very effective and worth every penny. If you do get a shock collar, first put it on him for a week, 24/7 so he will get used to it and know that it is not threatening. then charge it and training can begin. When you shock your dog, he WILL yelp, DO NOT think that you are hurting him, (As long as the setting is low) he is simply...shocked (No pun intended) he is surprised and confused since this came out of nowhere and he is not accustomed to it. My dog has had the collar for over a year and he yelps when we shock him (which is not too often since he is really good). If you are having doubts about using a shock collar, just think this: Do I want my dog to be on a leash for his entire life, or feel a couple of shocks for a year but he can roam free without a leash under my control.

Also, this is very important. When putting the collar on him the first time, DO NOT make it tight, make it tight enough so you can barely fit your index collar between the prong and his neck and then MARK IT so the shock is a constantly feel. (It also is convenient)

and the last thing, make sure your dog does not realize where the shock is coming from, keep the remote in your pocket or sleeve and shock him from there. Also, never shock him for 20Min after putting it on and 20min before taking it off. And NEVER EVER put the collar, shock him then take it off. PS: To the people who say they want to put one on me......I have already tried it at the same level my dog has, it feels like a quick, short pinch. It does not hurt and bear in mind dogs have much thicker necks then we do....I would NEVER do anything to my dog that i would not want done to me.

PPS: One last question to those who think shock collars are cruel: Is it more fair for my dog to have a shock collar then be put down? (My parents WOULD have gotten rid of him and as a result of his poor behavior, would have been put down at the shelter.)

Puppy Dog Training For Obedience - How To Train Your Dog Puppy Properly

• No shock collars.


• No shock collars.


• Shock collars are inhumane. If you don't believe this, I suggest you put one on and have someone shock you with it before you think about putting it on a dog you love.
  
  Your dog can be trained, but a fence is your best bet if at all possibles. Beagles are bred to hunt and track - it's in their nature to wander off.
  
  I'd suggest you take a class with your dog and get into some serious training with your beagle.
  
  Good Luck,
  
  Happy Tails!!
  
  (please, no shock collar!!)


• No shock collars!!!


• Best to put up a fence.


• no they are hunting dogs i would highly suggest putting up a fense or a parrimeter with the collar. but then you will have to deal with other animals coming into your yard and bothering your dog.i would seriously put up a fence. dogs are not always perdictable.


• Beagles are hunters and also nosey. I think the only way you can keep them in a confined area is if you have a fenced in yard. They love to roam because of the hunting dog in their blood.


• Lets put the shock collare on you and see how you would like it.


• Beagles can be very difficult to train. Beagles are scent dogs and it is VERY difficult to get and keep their attention as they are easily distracted.
  
  You have to complete some obedience classes with your dog and then MAKE SURE that you CONTINUE the training at home.
  
  It is possible to train a beagle enough so that it will always listen to you but it will be much harder than training the average dog.
  
  I fostered a Beagle and once her nose was to the ground with a scent she was GONE and was so distracted that she didn't even hear me screaming for her.


• I have also used a shock collar with great success. Yes, I did try it before I used it on my dog. The collar worked wonderful and is no longer needed.
  
  I do not think a shock collar is what you need. I would recommend a fence or underground fence. If neither of those are possible try a run line. That is a cable that runs from one end of the area to the other with a chain leash attached. that way the dog has a lot of room to run without running off.
  
  Whatever you choose, good luck with it.


• TRAIN THEM YOUNG!!! THE OLDER THEY ARE THE HARDER IT IS FOR THEM TO RETAIN THE INFORMATION.


• I have a BEAGLE too, and I'd suggest NO shock collar!!!! Those things look like they hurt. Poor dog, I wonder how you would feel if you put it on yourself. I saw this guy on AFV put a shock collar on him. It looked like it hurt. So i would remember how that dog fell with it on.


• Shock collars if used properly are great. If you want it to stay in a area you could get a solid fence so they can't climb it and where it is fairly deep so they can't dig as easy. They now have electric fences that shock a dog when it goes out, and keeps shocking them until they return. This i think is great but it can be a hassle when the power goes out. I am not sure what training you are also wanting. Just stick to something and don't slack off or back down.


• You can get an underground fence installed - it's a wire that runs underground and there is a shock collar on the dog. You can train him (instructions included with the fence) to stay within the parameters of the 'fenced-in' yard. I have used a shock collar on my dog before - and for the person who says try it yourself - I did, and it's not that bad. We have one that has a bunch of levels, and we use only the first level on our dog. Some dogs need higher levels because they have thicker skin. There is an alternative to shock collars - works the same, but uses a lemon spray instead - it has been seen though, that some dogs like the taste :)
  As for those who think the shock collar is inhumane - My personal opinion is that it is more humane than having the dog run away and get hurt (e.g., get hit by a car and suffer). Think about it.
  
  Good Luck with your beagle!


• Ohh Pooh, shock collars are fine, IF you know how to use them PROPERLY.... and I HAVE BEEN shocked by one, I wouldnt put it on my dog until I knew what it felt like. Its a small shock, not a painful HIGH voltage , shockl. It was startling, not painful.....
  And Im not sure if your problem could be solved with a shock collar. I bet the underground boundary fences with the warning/shock collar would work for what you need.


• I use a shock collar on my dog and love it, and he loves it too. It may seem inhuman, but if the dog had half a brain to do what it was suppose to do, you'd give it complete freedom. I'd say try the collar, get him to feel that there is a right and wrong, and he will learn, and respond correctly, and then will feel less stressed when he's not sure if he was good or not.

Read More...

Dog Health Questions: Does Petco have good dog training classes?

We might get a dog and we have looked at 2 that will need training, and we need to know if petco is a good place to go? Are they Professional Does their training really work?

The Praise and Reward Dog Training Method

Recommended Answer:
hello dear i have more than 15 years in the pet care business and i can tell you that most of the time they give one of their random employees a training course and stick them out there. They can not teach you anything you can't learn yourself. I know it doesn't sound right but dog training is really about persistence and basic skills. depending on what training your wanting to teach your fido, i suggest to do it yourself. # one when you take the pet to a place that is not it's normal surroundings allot of times the pet thinks ok i have to do this when i am here and when these other people are here as well. then when you take the pet home it's not associating home with it's training. Hopefully you can save your money train at home and rely on folks like me to help you for free! now one thing that can work at times is an at home pet trainer, but same thing the pet thinks he takes his orders from this stranger or only minds you when this stranger is around. I hope this helps and I hope i can help you further.

Dog Breed in Relation to Dog Training

• NO!!!!!!! thay suck i took my bichon to puppy classes when he was 3 months back in 2004 and the trainer had no idea on how to help with his problems. in fact she did not even know what a bichon was or even herd about them. i was really disgusted on the knowledge suposly that this trainer had. my bichon barely pass by the skin of this teeth. i said if my bichon does not pass i want a refund that i paid for for the 8 weeks like aa $100.00


• It depends on the individual who is the trainer, of course!
  
  Generally, I would recommend searching elsewhere, as a local obedience club.


• training is a key. petco not so sure but, i took my dog to petsmart and they both learned a bunch.....it was only 8 weeks and $109!!!!


• NO
  
  Find a local training club that offers classes and go there...

Read More...