Dog Health Questions: Questions about dog training?

Okay...so my grandma has two dog that are EXTREMELY well trained and I asked her secret so I could use it to my dog and she said "If they do something bad, I just swat them on the but once. It isn't hard but it is enough to let them know they did wrong. Just like I did with my kids" her dogs don't even ACT abused...if they do something she doesn't like she will just yell "Stop That!" and they stop instantly. They just grab their toy or play with her. They wag their tails all the time and are so happy, too. My dogs have never even been hit (except for my beagle when we was a puppy. We adopted him from a abusive family member) and they act terribly abused! If I go to raise my hand to do something...they cower down instantly. The most we ever did was say in a loud (but stern) voice "No." yet they act like they have been beaten senseless.

Is there any truth to what my grandma says? Why is it that my dogs act abused, but my grandma's dogs don't? Is a little swat on the butt okay in teaching a dog? Is what my grandma does abusive?

5 Effective Tips For Successful Dog Training

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Without seeing it in person, but going by your post I would say No, what your grandma is doing is not abusive.

Even though dogs should be respected and treated as dogs, I will use a human example to explain. A lot of the same principles in raising well behaved kids applies to raising well behaved dogs. All kids need exercise (mental and physical), Discipline and affection.

What your grandmother does is uses DISCIPLINE and not abuse. And this is why her dogs do not act abused, they aren't.

With kids, we use time outs as the most effective way to discipline them. But kids rationalize and can think over their actions. Dogs are instinct only, they don't rationalize their actions.

So a positive marker (reward) is getting to play or getting food from your grandma, while a negative marker (correction) is a quick swat on the butt. (other people use collars or simulate bites with their hands, or neck pokes)

As long as the actions are not causing physical, emotional or mental harm, its not classified as abuse. People who have done a good job raising their kids, often times have an easier time with their dogs because they understand the balance of reward and discipline. (always exceptions though)

So what you would need to implement with your own dogs is a structured, exercise routine, mental and physical stimulation, discipline when needed and affection when they have earned it.

Good question!

Discover the Secrets to Guard Dog Training

• Many people take poor training and socialization as signs of abuse. It's nearly impossible to tell from a dog's demeanor if there is abuse in his past.
  
  Is your grandmother abusing her dogs? Not in the eyes of the law. Is it necessary to attack your dog when you're angry at them? Absolutely not. Hitting is not the answer. Hitting comes from your own anger, not from teaching the dog anything. Hitting is for people too lazy to train.


• Well every dog has a different temperament I would say your grandmas dogs can handle how she treats them. Allot of dogs would be shutdown with what she is doing. I personally try not to use the methods she uses and I think you should also some dogs only need a bit of redirection and reward when the dog is doing the right thing.
  
  So since you are asking this and you have said what you have you know harsh corrections are not needed so don't use them.


• they probably act like that because you raising your hand or yelling reminds them of when they were being abused. it's nothing that you are doing wrong.. it's the dog's past that makes it more sensitive to discipline
  
  maybe your grandma's approach would work for different dogs, but it seems that your dogs don't respond to it well

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Dog Health Questions: What is a good dog training book?

My three dogs don't come, sit or stay. They are loving and have no horrible habits, but I want to teach them 'out' 'come' 'sit' 'inside' They are Bichin Frise's. I got all of them as adults.

What You Should Know About Dog Training Techniques

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the site http://www.dogtrainingscene.com has a few good, detailed reviews about some of the most popular dog training courses. There are a lot of worthless dog training products out there so do your research.

Service Dog Training - How to Prepare Your Dog

• There's an excellent book which comes with a DVD by Brenda Aloff, called "Get Connected With your Dog". Also, "Purely Positive Training" by Sheila Booth is a great choice. You could teach your bichons everything they need to know with either book.


• I like "The Koehler Method of Dog Training" By William Koehler. I am reading it right now & love it.


• Get a book on clicker training and a clicker. Dogs love it! It's fun and fast way for them to learn.


• 'Dog Tricks for Dummies'

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Dog Health Questions: Dog boot camps in northern CA?

My nine month old puppy is a terror. She jumps (she's a big dog too), nips, doesn't listen, and rips things apart. This is my fault of course because I've improperly attempted to train her (I've never had a puppy before as my other dog was at least two when we got him). My step grandparents were telling me about their neighbors dog (that had many of the same issues) who went to a four week dog training program and came back an almost different dog.

They live in Alberta, Canada so using the same place isn't an option. Can anyone find any camps in the northern CA area (preferably within 100M of Redding)

Dog Training Clubs - A Great Way to Help Train and Socialize Your Dog

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This place has had rave reviews from people I know. It's in SoCal but people I've know of people flying their dogs in. It's a really good program. http://www.k-9companions.com/ They'll even fly a trainer to your location with the dog upon completion of the course so they can train you as well. Sorry I wasnt much help.

Dog Training & Dog Obedience Guide

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Dog Health Questions: New dog from animal shelter, questions?

Hello,
I've been looking for a dog for some time, visiting animal shelters etc., and today I've finally found a dog in animal shelter that I want !
I'm babysitting my brother's cat atm, so I will get the dog tommorow, but I do have some questions before.

-> The dog is about 3/4-1 year old but he's a real goofball ! However what I did like about him, was that he was very clever and energetic - he knew how to make himself shine in the crowd. When taking him on a walk he was very goofy, jumped on me and loved to pull me, but also understood when I told him to take it easy, when I ran sprints with him etc. - I guess there was the magical click, the chemistry between me and the dog.

1.) Will he be able to learn to listen to a different name ?
The plp at the shelter did give him a name but I dont think he even listens to that name, just asking though.

2.) Is it not too late to train him properly?
Though he did act like a little child and I hope 1 year is not too old for a dog, I want to make sure as I've never before had a dog.
I want to sign the dog up for dog training asap but also I want to spend my own time with the dog and train him properly.

3. What shall I buy for the dog today ?
Im going to my local pet store - I know I should buy a sort of cushion for the dog so he has his own pen, some toys, some food etc...anything else ?

4. How should I spend first moments with the dog in our house ?

5. Can you please provide some good articles for a new (future) dog owner who wants to have a VERY disciplined dog ?

thanks - top reply gets points !

Dog Fence Review - Dog Training Rights and Wrongs

Recommended Answer:
Congratulations on your new buddy,and kudos for choosing from a shelter.:)

If you're persistent enough,yes he will eventually learn to respond to that name and whatever else you or a trainer train him to do.:)
No one year old is not old for a dog-that's when they're just growing out of the puppy stage.
You Should Go By This Shopping List:
Food
Food and Water Dish
Toys
Bed/Crate
Leash and Collar
Flea Medicine
Dog treats
A handbook for training at home,if you want a "really disciplined dog"

The first few moments you bring your new friend home should be spent letting him explore his new environment-sniffing around,taking in the home.When he seems comfortable enough,show him where his food and water are (this area should be set up prior to his arrival) and maybe take him for a quick walk around the general vicinity-let him get to know the outisde area a little.
Once you get back from that,relax and play with him-playing is one of the best ways to get to know a dog and build connection.

Some extra tips:
Set ground rules from the beginning-where he can/can't be,where he sleeps,etc.
Don't ever yell-he won't understand,and it is not an effective tool of training.
Be nice and a little lenient the first couple days-animals from shelters need time more time to adjust from one setting to antoher,as they've had more and possibly difficult living arrangements in the past.
Don't ever hesitate to call your local shelter-they have behavioral specialists on hand to answer and concerns or questions you may have.

Good luck.:)

Agility Dog Training Equipment

• i changed my dogs name at that age she picked it up straight away,try and keep it similar though,let your dog know from the start that you are the alpha dog and master and stick to it.give plenty of love and rewards though,good luck


• 1) Yes, he will, but you should call his new name many times.
  
  2) It can be little hard to train, but it's not that late. Don't worry.
  
  3) Umm...I think that's enough. Just give him some time to rest.
  
  4) Play with him and make him think that this is his house from now on.


• I would suggest training Straight away, no doubt he will have picked up some bad habits along the way.. if it where me i would be looking to take him to a Trainer for some obedience training to get him used to his new life with you and to make sure its not a bad experience for you both as it can be very frustrating training a hyper-active dog who has not has a great start in life.
  Anyways.. that's my suggestion =) take him to a Trainer for some bonding and training.
  Have fun!


• Have you reserved this dog then. Don't want you to be disappointed here so has everything gone through regarding the paperwork etc.
  
  If you do get him then the best piece of advice I can give you is to give the dog time. Don't try to take him everywhere in the first few days. Don't even worry about a long walk on the first day at all. He needs time to settle in your home so try to leave him to just find his own pace for a couple of days.
  
  I wouldn't go buying expensive dog beds and things yet. He may chew them. Provide an old bed to start with and see how he goes with that.


• :)
  
  1. Yes he will...it might take a little longer...depending on how long he has had his other name
  
  2. No, not too late to train him properly. You might have to "fix" some behaviors, which might take a little time.
  
  3. Collar / leash...If its a large/med dog I'd recommend a training collar for walking and/or training sessions (prong, etc). Crate? Is he housebroken? Bowls....Grooming supplies like a brush (depending on the breed ).
  I would wait until you get the dog to buy toys and/or treats. See what he likes....and go from there.
  If you decide to change his food, do it gradually.....within a week or 10 days.
  Schedule a vet appointment today...even though the dog will probably be vaccinated...its still a good idea to have YOUR vet examine him, point out any issues...give you flea/tick/heartworm monthly prevention...etc.
  
  4. I would limit the amount of rooms that he can access in the beginning. For example, if you have an upstairs...get a babygate and block the stairs....a kitchen, living room, and another room or two should be PLENTY for the dog. Give him time to explore on his own...dont push, it WILL be stressfull for the dog anyways. (just watch out for any housebreaking issues....make sure he doesnt leave you a "surprise").
  
  5. I dont know of any articles...I read 3-5 books and took from them what worked for me and MY dog. Read on dog behavior...what causes them to do certain things, etc.
  Start looking around town for decent trainers...just in case you come across a serious problem that you're not quite sure how to fix. And start training day #1....little things...sit, stay, come...etc.Some things that people recommend here...is the Kohler method of training....you can find the book on amazon (used it will be pretty cheap). Even if you decide not to follow through with the method...it will have VERY good overall information.....
  
  NILF - (Nothing in Life is Free)...I think you can google that concept
  
  RAW Diet....
  
  Good luck


• 1)Yes, he can learn a new name if you teach it to him.Both of my dogs had previous names and we just started sayin "new name,old name" and after awhile we stopped saying the old name and they got it within a week or so
  Or you can just call him his new name and give him a treat/praise everytime he responds
  2)Its never too late to train a dog.You should take him to training classes if you don't know how to train him
  3)food bowls,food and treats..maybe a toy(you should wait until you know him better to find out what toys he likes, but get 1 or 2 for now)
  Leash/collar(most shelters give you one when you get your dog though)
  crate,Just find him a few old blankets at first and wait to get a bed later
  That's all you really need for now unless you completely want EVERYTHING right now then here are some other things you can get:
  Shampoo,i.d. tag,pooper scooper,dog toothbrush/toothpaste
  don't forget to make a vet appointment within the first few days.
  4)Just let him walk around and explore on his own
  5)Sorry idk


• Hey i have trained a few dogs in my life and all dogs can learn a new name. The key is repitition. Just keep doing games like call his name "Rover" and if he looks at you, give him a treat. Keep doing these games and soon enough he will no his name. I would bring him to puppy school if i were you and its not to late to train him. Did you no that shelter puppys are brought in usealy around age 6-8mounths because of poor training. Get a stainless steal water and food bowl, a leash, a coller, a tag that has contact information, find yourself a good vet. get some toys but ask the vet what kind he says is good. Let the dog run the house at first, he will be excited and aslo cautious. Let him get used to everything first and then teach him the rules like no getting on the bed or what ever you want.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training.....?

I have an 11 week old miniature schnauzer that is doing great! She's healthy and happy. I want to get her formal training though. There is a Pet Co and Petsmart both near my house.

Do you recommend one over the other? Have you had bad or good experiences? Thanks!

Myths of Dog Training and Dog Training Solutions

Recommended Answer:
I would strongly recommend your local obedience club over either of those. Since you will get more experienced trainers and normally the classes are less expensive. You can find one near you at http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cf… . Almost all obedience clubs offer classes that are open to all breeds and mixes.

Reward Dog Training

• I would much rather recommend you going to a local kennel club. They have trainers who know dogs and also show them, so they are quite experienced.
  
  If you don't have one, Petsmart and Pet Co will do, although they don't teach the best methods, such as eye contact.


• I don't like either place. Our dog is more likely to be bitten than learn anything. They hire anyone off the streets, no experience necessary. I'd find a good private one in your area. They may cost the same to slightly more but you're dog will actually learn something.


• I took my dog to petsmart but wasn't real impressed. They only show you how to teach them the basics and you have to do the training. They are there to show you how to do it. If you really want to get her trained, go to a professional trainer - more expensive but I think you'd get your moneies worth out of it.


• I personally don't recommend either one. I started obedience training with a local professional who has 25+ years experience. One of our "homework" tasks was to go to Petsmart and sit in on one of their classes (most trainers will let you do this, to get an idea of their methods). Having learned about his methods, then seeing how Petsmart did it (as well as how confident the "trainers" were), I am SO GLAD that I made the choice that I did.
  
  Check your yellow pages for local trainers, and call and ask if you can sit in on a session, and talk to them about their methods. I have nothing against the "all positive" method, but I do also believe that dog training requires HUMANE correction (we use short tugs on the leash).
  
  I watched the Petsmart class, and it was the most unorganized, unprofessional thing I've ever seen. The trainers are basically teenagers, unlicensed and inexperienced. It might cost a bit more, but I recommend a local trainer. Your vet might even know of one that they can recommend to you. Good luck!
  
  My pup is 13 weeks and is doing AWESOME in our class!


• Neither. Look, socialize your dog as much as you can--the more socialization the better. So, in that regard, either Petco or PetsMart aren't bad.
  
  1. But for training and obedience--ugh! First, you get all kinds of drop-ins with little quality control at Petco and PetsMart. Let me translate that into English: your dog (which hasn't had all of its shots yet) could be exposed to bad stuff from other dogs. But a more reputable training school will demand owners produce shot records first or a vet's health certificate. Second, quality of the trainers. Some at a Petco or PetsMart aren't bad. But some are just employees who own a dog--they have little or no experience with multiple breeds and little-no experience actually training. Third, the trainer experience and quality varies from store to store (I know one person who was a trainer at Petco than a trainer at PetsMart) so you cannot accurately say which one offers better training.
  
  2. Find a reputable trainer. Lots of ways to do this. Go to a local agility trial (see the cleanrun site below where you can find out locations) and ask around. I bet probably half of the Masters competitors actually do dog training. But all could offer recommendations. Look at engaging a personal trainer. Look for dog clubs in your area. All of these options are better. than the PetCo or PetsMart.


• I have my dog in Petsmart Intermediate training class now. I have no complaints what so ever about the trainer. I actually highly recommend my trainer.
  I think the best thing you can do I speak with the trainer one on one first. This is how I decided on taking my dog there. I explained to her what I was looking for in a class and what I wanted for my dog as well as any issues my dog had that I was hoping would get addressed. She spend more than half and hour talking with me and answering every single question I had. So as long as you feel comfortable with that place I don't see why you would have a problem.
  
  Good Luck.


• I am blessed with the ability to train my dogs myself. However, most people need a little help from a professional. Several of my friends have used a Bark Busters “in-home” trainer with great success. They are not cheap, but well worth the price if you can afford it. You can locate a trainer in your area at their website at http://www.barkbusters.com/
  
  Any AKC affiliated dog rescue group in your area is another good source to get the names of successful dog trainers. People who work with dogs every day know who does what with dogs. Not knowing where you live, I can't be more specific, however you can email me if you want more detailed information.
  
  PetCo and PetSmart trainers are certainly not the best, but a little better than no training at all, especially if cost is a primary factor.
  
  Good Luck


• It totally depends on the individual trainer. Some are great, some ok. Sit it on each both and see which ones have a well run class, know what they are talking about, don't use harsh corrections with the dog and can communicate effectively with the humans.
  The class should be fun, the dogs are learning, and the teacher not only has a plan but also can answer questions as they arise.
  Trainers should be members of APDT or IACP, have some education beyond their pet store training, and have some experience with Positive Rewards and Learning theory training.
  Good Luck

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Dog Health Questions: Dog care buisness?

Is it possible to make my own buisness in dog training, daycare,boarding,grooming,walking,breedi… ect. I would really like to make my own large buisness in caring for dogs. How would I get started, were should I get started? Would a large country area outside a large city be a good place to build a large dog area for all these things. Give any info you can please.

Discover the Secrets to Guard Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
ya

Basic Dog Training Commands - Improve Your Dog's Behavior

• first things first is writing up a business plan and doing research in your area to see if it would make it in less than 5 years


• You can call your local chamber of commerce to see what licenses you will need and what is needed for the business...then go to yahoo and type in dog kennel business, or dog training business and it should give you webs to show you various things..then start getting the equipment and kennels and such..you might have to get a loan to do this..then advertise in your local paper, petstores, feed shops, and word of mouth and this should get you in business...also study taxes for your business so you get all advantages to help your business..have fun. And yes a large country area would be good, lots of room means happier dogs and less smell...If I were you I would also find out which foods for dogs make less stool and gives them what they need...for your noses sake...


• This is a business that can be started with very little money, so it's a good choice. People take great pride in their pets, and do not want them to be left alone while they are away.
  
  Some pet sitters only sit when the client is away for long periods of time, or no vacation. Others pet sit on a daily basis while their client is at work. Still others only have to visit the pet once or twice during the day to walk them and let them out to use the bathroom.
  
  It is important to remember that even the nicest pet can become upset and mean in the presence of other animals. As far as building a large dog area for many dogs-make sure that if you decide to take on more then one families pets that the all the families involved know, and their pets get along.
  
  Advertise this business at your local pet store, vet, or along a dog walking path. You may also want to consider placing an ad in the local paper as well.


• First things first!
  
  Contact a lawyer and business insurance co.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training for a 3-legged dog?

Hey everyone! I have a puppy(we call her a puppy even though she's not) that has three legs. She is really smart, but she just can't learn a trick. I tried to teach her how to sit, by taking a treat and holding behind her head so she will have to sit down to see it, but she just backs up. She finds loopholes for every trick I teach her. Is there any trick out there that will work? P.S She doesn't have a tail either.

Dog Training Schools - Which Dogs Are Best Suited

Recommended Answer:
You may have to just physically show her the trick first. Instead of holding the treat over her head, try pushing her gently down into a sit when you say "sit" and work from there.

The fact that she's missing a leg has nothing to do with her brainpower.

Things to Consider Before You Go For a Dog Training Career

• Patience is what you need. Do not allow your dog to get the treat until she sits exactly the way you want her to. If you give in, you are telling her that she can do whatever she wants and still get the treat. Try placing your hand at the base of her tail, say sit calmly but firmly, then push her into the sit position while moving the treat as you are currently doing.
  
  You really do need to master the sit command. This is one of the few commands that every dog NEEDS to know, and responds immediately to.


• Well like the person above me said. But you have to have patience with her. By physically putting her in that position, not hard though, and saying the command once, and i mean exactly once you've got her in that postion and give a small piece of the treat. Because you're doing this a few times you don't want her getting full on treats. Once you do this a few times she might start catching on.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training equipment?

I asked this question before but im always trying to find new places to buy things like tugs, balls,leads,collars etc etc that are good quality and a cheap price.
Anybody know of any good websites?
Thanks

Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
leerburg has pretty good prices and they always have a sale - if you sign up on their website or "like" them on facebook, you'll get notified of sales.
they're also pretty good at exchanges and returns.

hallmark is also a great place (not sure of the url, just search hallmark k9) i order from them and i usually get my stuff the following day.

Dog Obedience Schools: 4 Tips For Choosing The Right Dog Training Schools

• www.JeffersPet.com stay away from stuffed toys that start with an I in the product number as they come from China and are made cheap. Pet Edge has lower prices but you don't get charged extra for not ordering their minimum and the customer service can't be beat. If you have a problem with anything you get from them they make it right.


• Try ForDogTrainers.com


• http://www.kvpet.com
  http://www.PetEdge.com
  yahoogroups;
  DOGSHOWSTUFF@yahoogroups.com


• Try www.clickandtreat.com. and www.clickertraining.com


• pets at home ;)

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Dog Health Questions: What are the different types of dog training tools?

I'm going to be getting a 10 month old husky mix this coming up weekend. I've owned several huskies in the past and absolutely love these dogs. Before I have effectively been able to use a pinch collar to teach them to not pull my arm off when walking. I'm interested in learning what other types of training tools are out there and how effective they are compared to the pinch collar.

The only type of tool I won't use is any sort of harness because I'm hoping to teach him to Skijor so he needs to retain his drive to pull, just not when we're walking on a leash.

Top Three Problems Solved by a Secret to Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Even if you have experience with dogs, it's always best to seek a professionals help when using a new tool. Any new tool (or old tool) can cause damage to a dog if not used correctly.

I've tried several available tools and only found one to really be effective when dealing with pulling/lunging (of course, it was used at the discretion of my trainer and along with proper training techniques.)

Here's a list of the tools i've used and what i found out about them with MY dog:

1) Head Halter: Not effective in the sense that it made my dog MORE frustrated when working around other dogs. Instead of dealing or correcting the excited behavior, it turned her away from the dog and that made her throw a tantrum. Every single time we used it, she threw a big one and ended up worse off. In terms of pulling it helped, but when she wanted to go somewhere she stiffened her head/neck and went on pulling.

2) Harness: Traditional harnesses encourage pulling. The no pull ones that make it uncomfortable just made her walk on her hind legs when she wanted to go. The ones that snapped in the front made her walk sideways, and eventually she managed to pull OUT of them.

3) Pinch (slip) collar: She pulled too much (too constant) for me to safely or effectively correct the behavior.

4) Prong collar: This one worked. She stopped the behavior VERY quickly after a correction and i was able to return her focus to me. I have since STOPPED using it because she got the point very quickly.

Note: I used tools because her behavior would get bad enough that a treat and simply Positive reward training would not get her attention OR the behavior i wanted. I was advised by a trainer.

Dogs respond to different tools in different ways. Some could respond well to the Head Halter even though my dog did not. Others could be too timid or fearful for a Prong collar. It's best to consult with a professional to figure out which tools are needed, if they even are. It's best if NO tools are needed at all because removal of the tool could mean recurrence of the behavior. Secrets to Dog Training, by Dog Trainer Expert, Daniel Stevens. It's a terrific book on how to train dog.

http://kingdom-of-dog.blogspot.com/

Dog Training - How to Handle Outdoor Dog Training

• My tall & very muscular male Dobermann would pull on the way to the park/castle/nature reserve, so I purchased a prong collar. I agree with Unstoppable that the collar is only as effective as the handler using it.
  
  When the dog attempts to forge ahead, a quick check then immediate release of the collar, when the dog walks to heel praise. As a training tool it was excellent, as my Dobe responded instantly to the correction & now walks to heel in a flat leather collar.
  
  I use a strong cotton/metal half check on my other Dobermann. Again it is effective if used correctly.


• I use a cloth slip collar or any regular buckle cloth or leather collar. Place the collar on the dogs neck close to the jaw, as opposed to it being close to the dog's body. Gently pull the leash straight up from the dog, leaving no slack. This will require the dog to remain close to you, in the healing position. The dog will not pull because of the collar placement.


• The delmar smith command lead works amazingly well. I've had dogs that could pull a sled with a pinch collar learn to lead with one of them. Definitely recommended.


• WHY...er,HOW ...can you imagine that a TOOL does anything?
  It's the HUMAN using it that matters!
  
  You had success w/a prong collar? USE IT AGAIN!.

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Dog Health Questions: Question About Dog Training?

Okay, I have a 3 year old maltese/poodle mix, and he is well trained. I've always been good at training dogs, but this scenario has me stumped. Before I give him a treat I have him do his tricks just to keep his training up, but when I do this, he whines and growls like the most pathetic thing you've ever heard. He does his tricks correctly, but he whines and growls the whole way through them. He only does this when he knows i'm going to give him a treat, if i have nothing he does his tricks without problem. I've tried telling him "No" everytime he makes a sound during doing his tricks, but this i think confuses him, because he is doing the tricks correctly. How can I associate his noises with wrong, and not his tricks as wrong? Any thoughts will help, Thanks.

Find Out How To Prevent Your Dog From Becoming Too Aggressive By Using Some Dog Training Skills

Recommended Answer:
dog trainer 30 plus years -

I had to laugh at the thought of your dog whining and growling all the while doing what he is told. I agree with the first answer. Omit the treat for training...and just give him one once in a while "just because". I will say, it is so good to hear someone being so attentive in teaching and training. It takes a lot of love, consistency, and time. Your dog is very blessed to have such a great owner.

Basic Dog Training - Starting Off on the Right Paw

• Take out the treat, when using treats in training, they're usually taken out of the picture once the dog has got the hang of a command. At this point there is no longer any need to treat, he's got it right. A simple pat and praise will do just fine or if you want to give him some thing, use his fav toy instead.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training Question? Cesar Millan?

;)

Just for informational purposes, I'm trying to figure out what IS IT exactly that Cesar Milan teaches?

Koehler...has his method of training...its a process..follows a specific order...whether or not you agree..its an ACTUAL method of training....

There is NILF.....specific description of this training...etc...once again a unique method

and lots of others, I'm sureWhat exactly does Cesar Milan teach? To me his training is a rip off from 10 or so "Puppies for Dummies" books. Its not precise...there is no method to his madness..lmao...just random bits of commonly known training tips

I DONT see him as a trainer...by the way...but apparently there are books written by him and everything...What exactly makes HIS training method unique and distinguished ?

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

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Time for me to put in my two cents!

Cesar Millan teaches nothing. Here comes my standard answer on him – longer than ever.

Here I go again…let me explain why I despise Cesar Millan...but first...for all you Cesar Millan fans out there.

Some people need to do some serious reading… http://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/ http://www.4pawsu.com/cesarfans.htm

I highly recommend these books. The Power of Positive dog Training by Pat Miller and Positive Perspectives 2: Know your dog, Train your dog by Pat Miller. Both of these books are very detailed and advanced, (The second book more so than the first one) and it will enlighten ANYONE on positive reinforcement dog training. These books bust the silly myths that people have about positive dog training.

Sorry to disappoint everyone, but Cesar Millan IS NOT a real dog trainer! Not even close! He is an actor!

Cesar Millan is a self taught “professional” dog trainer. I despise him! I don't see any certifications from him or any sort of schooling whatsoever! He just declares himself a dog trainer! Excuse me, but if you are serious about becoming an honest to god GOOD dog trainer, then you need to work for it. To start with, you must SLOWLY work with a local dog trainer (positive reinforcement) and then move on to working with well known, respected dog trainers. This will take YEARS of COLLEGE and SCHOOLING! Secondly, you MUST be willing to devote the time and hard work it takes to become a trainer. You MUST be willing to do a lot of research and work through all of the myths and craziness in the dog training world! You MUST love dogs and be passionate about training them! Has Cesar Millan done any of this? NO!

In my book, I only respect dog trainers that have gone to COLLEGE and WORKED for their animal behavior degree!

He has been in some “minor” legal problems. People have sued him and he has been greatly criticized. No honest, good, dog trainer gets sued from their own clients! And yes, he does do cruel, abusive, inhumane, so called “training” methods on dogs. I can't believe so MANY people worship him! It's sick!

Cesar has a huge ego that I would LOVE to deflate! That kind of attitude NEVER goes over well with me.

Cesar Millan doesn't genuinely care about dogs. If he cared about dogs he would march himself out there and actually get an education in dog training and behavior and he wouldn't be such a show off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQUegRGo0… Watch this video. All Cesar is doing is waiting for the dog to get so tired of jumping and of getting strangled, that he collapses to the ground. The dog was NOT finally letting up and becoming “submissive.” Without a doubt this is ABUSE! I will say once again, I despise Cesar and I'm desperately trying to get people to use their brains and stop worshiping him!

I love positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement is not a death sentence. The goal of this method is to make training a more pleasant experience for the dog and owner while STILL producing a well trained dog.

You can't deny the fact the Cesar Millan isn't qualified in any way to train dogs. He has no business waltzing around telling people what to do with their dogs.

This is the 21st century. Things have changed. People have found more effective ways to train dogs without fear or force. And yes, that INCLUDES aggressive dogs.

Now, lots of people will argue with me because Cesar Millan is accredited and recognized bythe International Association of Canine Professionals. Did he have any former training to begin with? No. He is still self taught. I know he claims that he reads dog psychology books all of the time, but I see he learns nothing from them nor do I believe that he reads those books in the first place.

A large association like the IACP is not going to deny Cesar Millan a spot in their accreditation area since he has such a huge following. It all has to do with business. Its good business for them to accredit him whether he should be or not. And of course it does a lot of good for Cesar too.

The dominance/alpha training method has proven to do more harm than good! People will NEVER master the art of trying to be a dog or wolf! We will never be able to perfectly replicate what a dog will do to another dog. This is why the dominance/alpha/pack leader method is useless and has hurt many dogs and people. People have gone WAY overboard on this method. People become total idiots and power happy and all they focus on is more ways to enforce their position as a “PACK LEADER” and “THE BOSS.”

Centuries ago, people came up with their own ideas, opinions and methods about training dogs. This is not so anymore. This is the 21st century. Science has come into play and numerous studies have been done, therefore, there is now a RIGHT and a WRONG way of training dogs. You can train a dog with positive reinforcement without the crap Cesar millan preaches and STILL be the pack leader.

All he does is tell people to take your dog for a walk and exercise them a zillion times! Exercising your dog is very important, but it's not the cure to EVERYTHING! He also is CONVINCED that EVERY single dog is dominate and was put on this earth to overtake you!! WRONG! There are dominant dogs out there, but not many!

The huge problem that Cesar Millan has is the way he deals with aggressive dogs. Two wrongs don't make a right and he shouldn't fight and be aggressive right back to the dog. Obviously, literally fighting with an already aggressive dog WILL cause harm every single time. His dog psychology is quite mixed up. There are practicing, DEGREED animal behaviorists that use positive reinforcement and positive punishment to rehabilitate dogs. You can't tell me that Cesar Millan's “expertise” is more important than a VETERINAIANS opinion can you? Vets SEE first hand the physical damage that these outdated training techniques do! True animal behaviorist SEE the emotional damage.

He abuses dogs in my opinion! Violence and physical abuse is NEVER the answer!

Dog trainer, dog whisperer, dog behaviorist, canine behaviorist, animal behaviorist WHATEVER you call the man, does NOT change the fact that he hasn't a CLUE on what he's doing. He is the WORST thing that has happened to the dog training world!

Cesar Millan is a big celebrity, celebrities need to get used to people loving them or hating them. I'm sure he could care less whether I hate him or not.

So just because the rich and famous chose HIM to showcase or train their dogs (Oprah, Jay Leno etc.) means we should all listen to him? I don't think so! Why should we “follow” the lead of whoever celebrity/useless talk show host is big at the moment? That's just ridiculous! That's not a good reason to like Cesar Millan because “Everyone else does!”

I got news for all of you who come back with THAT argument. Celebrities are NOT the sharpest knifes in the drawer! They just spend their lives getting paid big bucks to interview people, and the get the latest “scoop” on matters or if movie stars, act as a different person everyday.

I'm perfectly aware of the fact that Millan is into rescue. My answer - So what? He knows that's going to make him look good so that's why he does it.

People go to church every day and that doesn't automatically make them "wonderful." Some pretty downright horrid people go to church. Going to church doesn't get you "off the hook" and Cesar Millan being into rescue doesn't get him "off the hook" either for all the other things he's done.

Oh, I'm sure Millan has had many, many un-trainable dogs that he hasn't been able to save with his so-called “training” techniques. Those shows will NEVER EVER air. Why on earth would Millan want the world to know that he failed? Cesar Millan uses his charm (Yeah, right. I don't buy it.) and big ego to win people that are watching at home. He's nothing but a con artist.

I think I've covered everything…after answering countless of Cesar Millan questions I have a big list of excuse and arguments that people try to bring up and I, in turn, have one right back at them.

Bring on the TD's!

Common Tools Used In Dog Training Schools

• What Cesar teaches is how to be a stable pack leader, how to create a relationship with your dog focused around respect, trust and love and what these things are important. That's it really. Its a fairly simple concept. There are people out there who disagree with his methods. Some of them can be respectful in their disagreements, most are not. By and large all of the "Cesar Haters" out there COMBINED have not done as much good for the plight of dogs on this planet as Cesar has.


• Cesar's EXACT and UNIQUE method is understanding the behaviours and thought processes of the dogs. Learning to adapt to their chain of command and how things work in a real pack of dogs, correcting them as they would be corrected in the wild, watching and mimicking what their mother or pack leader would do in a situation. He is not outdated he just uses common sense and has taken alot of time to study dogs.
  
  PS Theresa B obviously you have never seen his show, read his books, been to one of his seminars because at his seminars you can watch it all beginning to end. I have used many of his training methods at home with both my dogs and have had very posetive results.


• I was watching him 3yrs ago when I got out of the hospital and was wondering what all the fuss is about..I was watching how he takes his 3 fingers and makes that sound like he's spitting and puts them on the dogs neck...I did that and my dogs hated it,so when they are barking at the window I will sneak up and do that and they cowar..lol..I also if I can't get to them across the room throw a plastic water bottle filled with a few pennies..Works everytime as that scares the hell outta them..I just see what he has done, I grew up with..Basic Training and training the owner...


• One of the most important things out of his mouth as advice to people is to stay calm & assertive. Which most people fail to do. You cannot ever as a human train a dog with frustration & anger & expect that dog to 100% trust you afterward.After reading ms manners answer & a few others, there is really nothing more for me to add.


• He uses his ability to "project" his authority on the animals. What we don't understand is the fact that all animals will follow an authority figure when they find one, we typically just get a dog or cat as a "pet", meaning they have full run of the house and we just let them! So...


• he does not have any formal education about dogs or dog behavior.
  and his methods are not a method. they are **** he came up with some day.
  everyone can irritate the hell out of a dog to make him do whatever.
  more about this:
  http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm


• He teaches me to change the channel. What is his method: People are "Blinded by the *white*, la la la. I wonder if he really knows how many people talk more about his teeth than his methods.


• .... the fact that he has been reported to use such outdated, ineffective methods such as alpha roll?


• I am sure that he has taken his ideas from other places and put together what works for him....who among us has not?
  
  What I have gotten from him:
  
  Exercise, discipline, and THEN affection.
  
  First dog, then breed, then name (in other words, treat your dog like an animal, not a person or a fur kid).
  
  A better awareness of pack dynamics.
  
  Purposeful walking with the dog at heel is not only good exercise but good discipline.
  
  Dogs are best introduced to each other by parallel walking.
  
  Dogs pick up on their handlers emotions, so a good handler needs to stay calm. Fearful, nervous people need to stay the heck away from problem dogs.
  
  How to recognize nervous barking as opposed to aggressive barking.
  
  A finger poke to the shoulder works wonders as a correction, especially with small dogs.
  
  HEY works very well as a verbal correction.
  
  Say what you will, the man made his living working with problem dogs before he became famous or got a show. That makes him a trainer in my book, whether you agree with his methods or not.


• Okey Dokey now. Ms. Manners pretty much got it down. I do use some of his training/teaching/whatever.
  
  Exercise, discipline, affection. In that order.
  Rules, boundaries and limitations.
  *Owning* your space.
  No touch, no talk, no eye contact.
  Pack leader. It works for me.
  Using your body language.
  Assertiveness.
  Implementing hand signals with a command.
  Using your energy to have better control over the dog.
  Not every dog needs the same kind of training.
  
  His *alpha roll*? Never saw him put a dog on it's BACK. Always on the side. Not that I always agreed.
  
  He uses prongs, harnesses, E collars......AND! If warranted: TREATS!
  
  I have watched his show from the first airing. I don't watch it much anymore because he is pretty much gotten into the *celebrity* dog thing.
  
  But, what parts of his *teachings* I have used I have found work and work very well.
  
  What I do not agree with is Cesar thinks ALL dogs can be saved. I don't.


• I think people seem to forget that this man, was not always on tv, and he was still working with dogs before he was on TV and obviously got great results enough so that he was confronted about making a TV show. Now what exactly was Stillwell before It's me or the Dog?
  
  I am not condoning him or praising him or whatever, I take a neutral stance on him. I really just hate people bad mouthing a guy they really don't even know and have never worked with him.
  
  His training method is a mesh of various training methods, not just a single one, if meshed together techniques that seemed to work for him and went from there. Nothing bad about that in my opinion, I like variety.
  
  He has never said he trains dogs, if you ever hear him talk he always say he is training the people. Training them to properly handle their problem dogs.
  
  But hey everyone has their opinions on him, wether it be good or bad, I can't stop someone from bad mouthing him. Such is life I suppose.
  
  I do admire one thing about him though, he worked his but off all the way up from nothing and did it himself.
  
  Edit- Uhave: I lost all respect for that woman after I heard the comment she made on Greatest American Dog I think, there should be a youtube video of it. And I barely had any respect for her to begin with, but the way she acted was distasteful.


• Bravo to Manners, UHave, Chaos, Launi. I think you nailed it.
  
  Yeah, the dude learned about dogs growing up among packs of dogs in Mexico, where dogs are left more to their own devices and more allowed to be dogs and behave as pack animals - as opposed to the overcoddled 'only child' playthings American owners tend to turn them into.
  
  So of course there is going to be resistance from some with only formal, human-centric training backgrounds
  
  Milan says in every show and throughout his books: he rehabilitates dogs, he TRAINS humans
  
  And yeah, his shows are edited to make tidily paced TV entertainment.
  
  My take on Milan and other dog trainers and methods is that they are a buffet line of ideas and values. You pick and choose what things from each of them makes sense and works for you.
  
  Kinda like my take on politics.


• I think that's part of the controversy surrounding him. He has no method. Also I think that's why people who follow his techniques make mistakes. No one knows what he's really doing and can only be imitating him without knowing whether or not whatever they are doing is actually what the dog needs. But he shows quick results and that might be what draws people to him. Key word there is "show."
  
  I think probably his "method" most closely resembles NILIF.
  
  I can watch him and be entertained. Sometimes I can hear something he says and go "ohhhhhhhhhh" okay, that makes sense. Other times I just want to turn the TV off.
  
  PS I haven't watched his show in like 2 years. We got rid of cable some time ago. Wasted money on that.
  
  I do have a certain *****amount of respect for the guy. But he is the only one who knows what he is doing and he can't even really explain it. His books are not page turners for me because of it. I have to put them down and I haven't read one of them all the way through.
  
  Would I let my dog spend time in his Dog Psychology Center though?
  Nope.


• I go back and forth. I do think that dominance and submission issues can exist, but his "energy" and "state of mind" nonsense is...nonsense. Surprise, surprise. Some of the things he says make sense to me, but none of his methods do. Saying "ch" and snapping his fingers at a dog may make the dog cower at him, but the dog certainly won't cower from his owners. The most minute results are turned into big deals, with him saying such things as "That's a good first step; you'll get better results later."
  
  My dog trainer and I use the exact same methods on my dog. However, my dog is somewhat frightened of the trainer, and not of me at all. It has to do with the unfamiliarity of the trainer and the fact that while dogs get away with many things at home, they never get away with anything while with the trainer.
  
  Cesar Millan's thinking, a lot of it, and all his methods are outdated and basically useless. He has made numerous implications with no proof from a small amount of hard evidence, and since they seem to work a little, he has made them very popular with pet owners. He's got some things straight, but everything else is loopy.


• Ms. Manners last statement hits the nail on the head.
  
  This guy made a living training dogs before he found fame and fortune.
  He absolutely took on dogs that had been given up on my others.
  
  My breeder had him out for one of her dogs before he was famous. She was astounded at the dogs change in front of her eyes.
  
  I love watching his show. More so since I started assisting with training classes 5 years ago (Koehler), because it really is 99% the handler/owners issue not the dogs. That is what Cesear is great at figuring out right away. What is it the owner is doing that is causing the behavior.
  
  I appreciate his use of corrections and willingness to use e collars, and other training aids, as opposed to that Birtish ninny who declared that choke chains were inhumane. That was my first and last time watching her show. (Oh and she was a Dog WALKER and Actress before getting her show)
  
  I can not base Cesars effectiveness on an edited show, designed to entertain and keep John Q public- who has the attention span of a gnat- interested, but I can base it on the success he had before he ever became famous and those that used his services, who had nothing but good things to say about him.


• There is no method he uses....He just slaps on a choke chain or prong collar and forces the dog to be scared of him so he can control the dog long enough for the cameras to capture his "factual methods of training" then leaves the owners a dog who is confused in they're behavior towards them...Victoria Stillwel uses positive training and actually makes sense to show to train a dog with respect and actually SHOW the dog that what they are doing is NOT acceptable just like you do with children. Cesar is an abusive joke if ya ask me....


• All he does is cause more problems with the dogs and destroy their relationships with their owners. His show has a disclaimer at the beginning for Christ's sake.
  
  Pretty much all I ever see him do is slam the dogs to the ground. That fixes everything! >_<
  
  I laughed when in one episode he supposedly cured a dog's aggression towards other dogs using that ridiculous pinning method, but when he brought the dog to see his dogs it got in a fight with one of the other ones.
  
  His methods are incredibly outdated. It upsets me that people are actually stupid enough to try them. I heard a story a few years back about this woman who tried the pinning thing at home, and her dog bit her.
  
  While I agree that HE is an actor, Victoria Stilwell's show is very helpful. I use her methods with my dogs all the time, and they work wonderfully, plus I don't have to worry about my dogs attacking me...
  
  EDIT: Actually, Victoria Stilwell was a trainer for nearly ten years before she started the show.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training classes?

I want to get my dog professionally trained because she will not pay attention to me. I do not have a lot of money to spend on a dog trainer and i live in Bakersfield California. Please give me a link and more information about a Professional dog trainer that is in Bakersfield California and that is really cheap. Please if you do not know an answer than do not answer my question and i do not want any other answer then what i asked for. Thank you very much.

Dog Training: 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It Yourself

Recommended Answer:
American School of Dog Obedience
3329 Allen Road, Bakersfield - (661) 829-1099

Help With Dog Training

• for cheap dog training you can go to petsmart. good professional training is not cheap.

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Dog Health Questions: What is the best sort of large breed dog to buy? One that doesn't need a lot of time and attention?

We want to buy a big dog, just for fun, but it seems like every dog we buy they are really needy. We just don't have the time to invest in a dog (training, attention) and so would like to have some ideas regarding low maintenence dogs, but still friendly. The opposite of a Golden Retriever or Chihuahua. Any ideaS?

Dog Training Advice - Top 5 Important Dog Training Advice And Tips For Your Dog Obedience Training

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THE BETTER THE BREEDING AND THE BETTER TRAINING THE DOG HAS THE LOWER maintenance THE DOG BECOMES. THERE ARE A LOT OF BOOKS OUT THERE TO HELP YOU MAKE A EDUCATE DECISION. MY SUGGESTION IDS TO GO TO THE LIBRARY AND DO SOME RESEARCH.

REMEMBER ALL PUPPIES CHEW THINGS SO IF YOUR GONE KEEP HIM WHERE HE CAN DO THE LEAST DAMAGE.

WE'VE HAD 4 DOGS AND IN THE END THE ONLY DOG WE LIKED AND HAVE KEEP BECAUSE OF HER LOW maintenance IS OUR NORWEGIAN ELK HOUND (35 LBS) SHE WAS THE ONE WE DID THE MOST RESEARCH ON BEFORE BUYING.

SO RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH BEFORE YOU GET ANY DOG (DON'T LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THEM MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU.

Obedience Training for Dogs - Training Guide

• BULLMASTIFF!!! THESE DOGS ARE CALLED THE GENTLE GIANTS. THEY ARE LOW MAINTENANCE, LAZY DOGS. THEY LOVE TO JUST BE WHEREVER YOU ARE. THEY ARE PERFECT FOR APARTMENTS AS THEY DON'T YIP AND YAP AND ACT LIKE LUNATICS. THEY ARE GREAT WITH KIDS AND ARE HIGHLY PROTECTIVE OF THEIR HOME, VEHICLE, YARD, AND MOST OF ALL, FAMILY. WE OWN ONE OURSELVES, AND I COULDN'T IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT HER.


• Would you have a kid just for fun? If thats the only reason you want a dog is to have something to look at go buy a picture book or something. Get real!!!! Dogs need just as much attention as a person does.....my opinion, you dont need a dog.


• We have a Great Dane took him to a few classes when he was a pup. He is the sweetest dog you can imagine, has a bark like the hound of the Baskervilles but gentle as can be. Eats like a horse though.


• all dogs need lots of attention!


• You don't want a dog. You want a husband!


• If you really don't have the time to devote to training or paying attention to your dog, I would vote for you not getting one until you do have the time. All dog breeds need time and attention!


• you are a perfect example of a human that does NOT have the right to own a pet. a dog is an animal, every animal needs attention and training. your the type that gets a dog because its 'fun' and end up giving it up to the animal shelter claiming its not what you wanted because your to lazy to take time to spend with your dog. there are no low maintenence dogs, every dog needs attention,exercise,love and training.


• The only kind of dog that doesn't need any attention or training is a dead one. I think that should be the only dog you are allowed to get!


• i had a rotweiler for 11 years and it didnt need much


• well all dogs need lots of attention and why would you want a dog for the fun of it?


• Have you considered mastiffs?


• Dogs aren't accessories to keep around and only enjoy when it is convenient for you. They need to be part of a pack. The pet that would be perfect for you is a hamster or fish. Dogs are social and all dogs should have training, love, and attention available to them. Please reconsider. It will be best for you to have a dog when you have the time for one.
  
  I cannot reply to your e-mail because your e-mail hasn't been confirmed through Yahoo Answers so here is my reply:
  
  You have to admit that your question was somewhat misleading. There are many people that answered along the same lines that I did. All big breed dogs will require at least 2 thirty minute walks a day. You will want to stay away from high-energy dogs, like Border Collies, and Australian Shepards. I would still suggest that you search your local animal shelter first. The animal shelter that I adopted my dog from has volunteers that foster the dogs and they have a great understanding of the dog's personality which helps them match the dog with the perfect home. I would think that you would want an adult dog because puppies will require things like training and lots of attention. I wish you luck in your quest and I apologize for the misunderstanding. Being an animal lover and misinterpreting the question I hope you can see where I would answer in the way that I did


• You do not get a dog or any animal "just for fun". All pets require time and attention. Do not get any kind of animal as long as this is your attitude. A pet becomes a member of your family and requires time, attention, proper care, proper nutrition, regular vet checks, suitable living environment for the climate. Getting a dog requires a commitment to its care for 10-15 years. Being a pet owner is not a something you become on a whim. If you don't have time to invest in a dog, then do not get one. No dog will be friendly without proper training, socialization, and love. Take the money you'd spend on buying a big dog and donate it to your local animal shelter since that is where your dog would most likely end up if you got one.

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Dog Health Questions: Good Afternoon DS: Dog training question?

Do you think its imperative for any good trainer to at least consider the possibility of using different tools, depending on the dog that they train?

Especially for the all positive crowd, do you think that EVERY single dog can be trained w/o some sort of a physical correction?

I met a lady for lunch who claims to be a "certified dog trainer"....she stated that she will NOT use anything but positive reinforcement when training other people's dogs. That statement completely turned me off against using her as a trainer....shouldnt you at least acknowledge that other methods exist and that they might be necessary for certain situations/dogs?

LEGIT: Will everyone hug a bunny this Sunday? :)

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

Recommended Answer:
I'm with you.

There is no ONE way to train every dog.

I've never been a fan of 100% positive reinforcement training, BUT I acknowledge it DOES work on some dogs. For example, I have a now 15 year old German Shorthair Pointer. Before I got her, someone had beat the crap out of her. She was about 2 years old, but only 30lbs. She is now old and kind of frail and still weighs 62lbs. She cowered at quick movements, yelped if someone had a broom, and hid in the bedroom if a man she didn't know came over. For training, she required much more of a positive approach than I was used to using....BUT I had to adapt for the dog. so she ended up getting some kind of mixture, but it worked.

LEGIT: Stupid bunny means I need to go shopping for basket fillers for the kids. I still have Halloween candy in my house. Boo.

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

• You use the tool, any tool you have to in order to accomplish your goal, that is your job as a trainer.
  Refusal to use anything it takes means that you are not yourself secure in your training abilities and/or you have emotional issues.
  Personally, I dont have several years to train a dog, I dont have the temperament needed to sit and wait and play games and pretend the dog is "thinking" as its cycling through its tricks trying to get that food from my hand.
  So, be it a plain choker, a prong, an E collar or an atomic bomb, whatever it takes to get the dog to learn, so be it.
  
  Nope, no hugging bunnies...I am not religious!!


• I am a certified dog trainer and I ONLY use positive reinforcement and anybody who doesn't think that method works on every dog let me know and I will prove it wrong. There are different methods to every method. So saying they only use positive reinforcement is in itself saying I use different tools under one big category. So, before all you people call me close minded think about that and stop living in ignorance and learn a bit more you are really the close minded idiots who made your belief before educating yourself.


• Yes! I often frequent a dog nutrition forum and the majority of the members are for all positive reinforcement. They claim that using a prong collar can damage your dog's "psyche" and anyone who mentions negative reinforcement is immediately jumped on. A couple of them are trainers, but I would never consider them. They are some of most close minded people I've ever come across. The ones that train with a mixture of positive and negative are much more open minded.
  
  Legit - Nope, not religious. I do like Peeps and bunnies, though!


• Having trained horses professionally for the last 25+ years I can tell you that to be effective as a trainer one must constantly be willing to adapt to each animal.
  
  I do not believe in the pure positive garbage. Dogs need to know there are consequences that are more severe then not getting a cookie.
  
  The method I use to train dogs adapts to each dog, in that you would not give a Rottweiler the same type of correction you would give a Collie.
  
  LG: My ranch is full of bunnies. My husband wanted to know why we had day bunnies and night bunnies, as he believed all bunnies were night bunnies. I tell them the union bunnies get to be out during the day, they got that in their collective bargaining agreement.


• When I was actively training I used behavior modification of the individual dog. What works for one dog may not work for another. So one has to be aware of the different correctional tools for the individual dog. & yes many times you have to fall back to method training.
  
  All corrections are leash corrections, never a hand laid on the dog. Lavish praise. What ever works for the individual dog. The only hand correction is for a redirected bite while dog is being agitated. Pent up aggression will redirect.
  
  Basic to Advanced obedience is strictly leash corrections.


• I agree with you. While I usually support positive training and attempt it first with my dogs, sometimes one has to use what works with the individual dog. That "certified dog trainer" needs to open their mind to all training methods.
  
  LEGIT: I will not be hugging any bunnies anytime soon -laughs- they are adorable and all, but I like to look at them from a distance. Those teeth, they scare me.


• I agree with you. I am not a certified trainer but I am working to be and I work with in everyday. We have 3 dobermans and every one of them gets a little different technique to go with their personality. I have one that I would dare someone to strictly use positive reinforcement. He would be a monster! Then another that is very light and docile so I do believe it depends on the dog.


• different dogs different personalities and issues yeah i agree that at some point you have to change to work with the dog.
  
  i am for positive reinforcement but certainly understand that there are some dogs that simply won't work on.
  
  people can whine and cry about training collars martingales, prongs and chokes until the day they die yes with some dogs it's overkill with others it is the only thing that will work.


• I have been MIA the last few days...
  
  If someone refuses to use certain methods - they are not the trainer for me.
  A good trainer will have methods for each individual dog with a well-rounded "training philosophy".
  
  Legit: I'm Catholic...so Easter will be celebrated in my family.
  I would be lying if I told you if there was a bunny in my midst I wouldn't hug it LOL.
  I even hug Quattro sometimes...WHAT UP NOW???? lmao


• I hear ya. I'd walk away from a trainer that said that too. Then again, the kind of dogs I work with are usually large and powerful dogs, not little guys that can be easily controlled with in all situations with a buckle collar and treats. I think EVERY dog trainer should understand and know how to use all the tools available in a proper way.


• It is funny. I was originally trained to use ''Bad dog!''. As more positive methods became the norm, it is now ''Ah, ah. ah!'' and offer a chew.


• I think a good trainer should adapt for every dog they train weither it be different tool or methods. And yes I will be hugging a bunny this sunday.


• You are 100% right. No one method works for EVERY dog. I wouldn't use anyone with such a closed mind (although I would LOVE to turn her loose with my headstrong GSD and watch her suffer, lol)


• I had the opportunity this weekend to see the written guidelines for an all-positive trainer. She basically will not take any dog that has problems, especially aggression.
  
  I actually called a trainer that does marker training when I was having so many problems with my Lab mix. I thought maybe he would have some ideas for a different approach, but I never heard back from him. I bought a marker training video, but after watching it I could see that it was not appropriate for my dog, and ended up fixing the problems myself with a prong and e-collar.
  
  I don't doubt that there are dogs that would do well with all positive methods.....fearful dogs, for example, but you know the old adage...."one size does NOT fit all". :o)
  ****
  Oh...missed the bunny part. Rabbits are pests, and are not welcome at my house. Especially the one that got up under my hood of my car while it was parked in the driveway and chewed through the wiring. No hugging here. :o)


• I use all clicker training/positive reinforcement with my puppy, but I don't see anything wrong with physical correction with tools like prong collars. Each dog is different, and requires a different approach. My dog is very sensitive, and yelps if she is scolded or given a physical correction, but I have met MANY dogs that are way to head-strong to use JUST positive reinforcement and need discipline too. I hate choke chains, because I have seen time and time again that they don't work well, because people do not know how to use them properly. I used a prong collar for a couple of weeks on Luna, but it just wasn't the right tool for HER. She would walk perfectly with it on, and never pull, but the second that we took it off, she would pull very hard, so I'm working on her to walk well on a leash using just clicker training. It is a VERY slow process, but I think in the end, it will last longer. Lol, I don't trust anyone who says they are a "certified dog trainer"! A certificate doesn't mean they are a good dog trainer! A dog trainer comes from experience and knowledge, not a piece of paper :)
  
  I will make sure to go to the pet store on Sunday and hug a bunny :D


• My opinions -
  Absolutely we should consider different tools. If one doesn't work after really, properly trying it, of course, try something that will work. And learn how to use the tools right, and give it a fighting chance.
  
  Especially for the all positive crowd .... Are there any all positive trainers even here on DS?
  But to your point, if we agree that different tools should be tried, would that include all positive as a tool? Or is that a method?
  
  All I know is that I wouldn't have the patience to do all positive. Dogs speak dog .. and dogs aren't purely positive, they correct each other all the time, it works for them, so it really doesn't make sense to me. Bunnies ... yum. The back legs are meatiest.


• I use positive methods but I'm not a purely positive trainer. Never have been, never will be. I use any method or any tool that will work for me.
  
  I love arguing with people like these. I can usually get them to slink off with their little tails between their legs. My questions usually have something to do with consequences which are corrections. It goes something like this:
  ME so you're a positive trainer
  IDIOT yes I have a degree in so and so dog academy.
  ME so you use no corrections?
  IDIOT no corrections are cruel
  ME so you don't use a collar pull
  IDIOT no
  ME the verbal correction no?
  IDIOT no
  ME do you use positioning?
  IDIOT no
  ME do you use blocking and behavior
  IDIOT what do you mean?
  ME lets say you catch your dog stealing food from the counter. What do you do?
  IDIOT I remove his feet from the counter and tell him to get off.
  ME isn't that a correction by positioning as well as a verbal correction?
  IDIOT ummmm a a a ummmmmm
  ME how do you keep the dog from getting on the counter again?
  IDIOT I pull him back when he tries to get on the counter again
  ME isn't that a collar pull correction?
  IDIOT ummmm a a a ?
  IDIOT I prevent him from jumping on the counter by getting in his way yeah yeah that's how I do it
  ME Isn't that blocking which is also a correction?
  
  By the time I'm done with these people I have their heads spinning. It gets even better when I start adding negative punishment, negative reinforcement, counter conditioning, redirection, rate of reinforcement, etc. I can baffle them with BS everytime they try and get me. Yes I love talking to idiots.
  
  As far as bunnies: They look mighty good on my plate lightly breaded and next to the mashed potatoes and corn.


• Well I used to use the old methods and I do acknowledge that they exist and that probably 95% of all the dog trainers and owners use these methods still, so I know all about them. With that said about 5 years ago I started or better yet saw the light and learnt about positive reinforcement type training and I know it works. I try to always come up with a better way a positive way and for the most part I would consider myself a positive dog trainer now. I am not perfect but I know being positive works 100% better. I wish I could show you I wish you could see what I have done with dogs using positive methods if you could I really think you would start believing also.
  
  Look I see dogs that have issues all the time and the reason these dogs are out there is the owners just didn't train them when the problems started or they used force based training and really messed the dogs up. So can positive reinforcement work with these dogs well to be honest some dogs are to badly ruined and no methods will work. These are the dogs that get euthanized over and over sad that no one will show the link between how they where raised and trained.
  So your question is do I think it is imperative? No I don't 5 years ago I would of said yes but now No! Positive training methods are better all day long I saw the science behind it and I am learning free shaping and positive reinforcement you should too.
  
  Sorry no hugging this weekend I have better plans.You say the trainer was closed minded well if she just started last week then maybe but do you think it is possible that she now knows a better way and couldn't be bothered with going back in time and methods? The old methods and the positive methods don't really work well together at all. Look if you wont buy into the positive training methods thats too bad, I still say you should of given them a good old college try I have never seen a dog get worse because of positive reinforcement.


• I hate the term "all positive" but I will agree that I won't use an e-collar, prong collar, etc in training ANY dog. Although the need for this may occur in a very small handful of cases, it is such a tiny fraction that I won't have the expertise to use it, and would refer to someone who does, for that particular issue, once I have established that it was truly necessary and done other essential training with the dog. I basically follow Bob Bailey's guidelines for the use of punishment
  
  The article is thought provoking, and comes from a lot of experience training a wide variety of animals (including dogs) for commercial and government purposes where reliability was extremely important, and can be read here:
  http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles…
  
  I have excerpted a paragraph that gives a general summary:
  
  My personal view is that virtually all animal training would profit from the use of positive reinforcement. There are a very few circumstances in animal training where the addition of punishment is, in my opinion, extremely worthwhile, and possibly essential. There are a few more situations where adding punishment would likely be very useful. In those rare circumstances where punishment offers potential benefit, it is always to stop some behavior that could cause harm to the animal, a human, or damage or destroy property. In my opinion, and just as examples, this would exclude the use of positive punishment in the training of sport or obedience training and severely restrict punishment in the training of service dogs.
  
  Back to me:
  
  In short, if I am going to use positive punishment (the application of an aversive) I am going to do it in such a way that it is not associated with me or my presence, and is only necessary a scant handful of times. Properly timed and applied punishment should only need to be done 1-5 times to eliminate the behavior. If I am having to do it more, I should be looking at what else is going on. In many cases, positive reinforcement is coming from the environment, rather than from the trainer, and that needs to be reversed.
  
  The caveat with training without using physical corrections is that it does take a different mind set, and a different skill set. It is not simply doing the same thing you did when you trained with corrections, and then not correcting, and many people don't recognize this fact.
  
  I hear the comment, a lot, about considering the necessity for different dogs and different situations, but somehow, what the dog needs generally is less important in the decision than what the trainer is used to using and comfortable with. A trainer who has used an e-collar successfully tends to use it again (hey, positive reinforcement works on humans, too!) on every dog- do all of the dogs NEED it? I don't doubt its efficacy, just its necessity. I've seen trainers put an e-collar on a dog on its second agility lesson because the dog wandered over to see the other owner (husband was training the dog, wife was watching outside of a fence.) The trainer was a seasoned K9 cop (but complete newbie about agility, he didn't have a clue!) and because of his status and experience, the husband allowed him to do this. I'm sure the cop had a lot of experience using the e-collar, but was it necessary? No, there was a lot of other training that needed to happen, that the cop did not understand, so he fell back on what he knew.
  
  I'm perfectly willing to acknowledge that physically aversive technniques exist, and that they can work, just not that they are necessary 99.99% of the time, IF APPROPRIATE OTHER TRAINING IS GOING ON. I do, however, use other techniques, such as negative punishment, extinction, the use of body blocks and space management, and strong management, in addition to positive reinforcement. I'm a huge proponent of teaching dogs Zen (a la Sue Ailsby) as written up here:
  
  http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20dogs/le… also known as Its Yer Choice (Susan Garrett)
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipT5k1gaX…
  
  Please keep in mind that the end behavior isn't a dog who just stays off food, or a toy, but a dog who has learned that the best way to get things is to exhibit self control in all situations.Add: Not all trainers of any kind want to deal with aggression, and I do know quite a few positive reinforcement trainers who either specialize in it, or who include it in their case mix. Funny how people start saying the dog wasn't really aggressive if he responds to +R, even when the dog got worse with more aversive methods... A good read is Pam Dennison's "Bringing Light to Shadow" about working with an aggressive dog.I'm working all weekend, no bunnies for me! And I doubt most bunnies like to be squeezed...

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Dog Health Questions: Can you recommend a dog training book?

I have a 2 year old Australian Shepherd. Excellent dog, trained to the nines. When she wants to be, she listens beautifully and really shows off how well she is trained and how great a listener she is. All she wants is to please. BUT, sometimes, she gets a little obstinate, or as if I've made her dead to my signals. It's kind of like she says "Eh, maybe not today". I would love to read up on training techniques that sensitize a dog to her person again or get her excited about training. Any book suggests would be great!

Thanks!

Basic Dog Training Commands - Improve Your Dog's Behavior

Recommended Answer:
There are a ton of Dog Training Books out there, some are free, some are not. But a few good ones that I know of are:

"Your Dog Is Your Mirror" - not literally a Dog Training Book but it's a good read!
"SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems!" - the best in my opinion, very informative!

Check out the source if you're just looking for free ones, they're also quite informative if you ask me!

Tested Dog Training Tips - The Way to Hone a Dog's Behavior

• There's this training manual entitled "The Theory of Corrections in Dog Training" I find this book very helpful. I hope this will help solve your problem :)
  
  http://www.dogtrainingloki.com/upload/h6…


• you can watch the dog whisperer.
  
  its on at 5:00pm mondays through friday on the geographic chanel.


• Ceaser Millans books are pretty good. I don't agree with everything he says but he is a great trainer.

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Dog Health Questions: Questions about dog training?

I have a few questions about training a puppy.
1. At what age it's best to start training?
2. With what training should I begin?
3. What are some recommendations in how I should do it?
4. How long would it take for the dog to understand, especially if it's a smart breed?
5. If I train my dog alone, will he listen only to me?

5 Effective Tips For Successful Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
1. As soon as you bring your puppy home (between 8-12 weeks usually). Up to 16 weeks is when puppies take in most so start as you mean to go on and socialise them well once they have been vaccinated.

2. You can practice basic obedience with everything to do but I think the first commands are usually sit, lie down and stay. I also taught my puppies to pee on command by repeating my cue word when they went to the toilet.

3. Positive reinforcement works best; lots of praise and a reward when they get it right. Food is an excellent reward but for those that aren't food orientated, you can play a game or give affection. You need to be consistent with everything you do and do lots of repetitions for 5-10 mins each time.

4. It really depends on the dog and how much effort you put in as to how quickly it will pick it up.

5. Your dog will listen to anyone it believes is 'above' it in the pack once it knows the commands. While you may teach it, get friends/family to practice it with the dog once he knows what to do, e.g. sit before meals, lie down before play, stay before you put the lead on, etc.

Dog Training Collar

• 1.) as early as 2 months you can start teaching your puppy for training
  
  2.) You can start with the basic training such sit, stay and heel ( try visiting http://www.antileon-ent.com/dog/ for a more comprehensive training methods you can choose )
  
  3.) Its always good to give a positive training to your dog
  
  4.) It would depend on how compatible the training method you have chosen and how much time and effort you give in the dog's training
  
  5.) Its actually better to train your dog by yourself as it will also create a stronger bond between the owner and the pet. Just make sure that you inform yourself with good knowledge in training your dog which you can also find in the link.


• 1)The best age is around 6-8 months old
  2)I usually do what most people want the most, such as potty training, telling the dog not to bark, calling its name ect.
  3)Look at articles and videos as they will help you a lot.
  4)If you spend quality time with your dog should take 2-5 days
  5)YES HE WILL if you train it that way


• until 16 weeks of age puppies are SPONGES! dogs can learn until their dying day and they learn especially well before 2 years of age, but before 16 weeks, they learn so fast it's just amazing!
  it's important to find a balance though between training your puppy when it is easiest for them to learn and bonding with them, not getting them overtired and letting them be a puppy rather than a student.
  
  i think the best way to find this balance is to make training a lot of fun for your puppy. never train them when you or they are tired or frustrated. if you start getting annoyed or they are getting too excited, take a break. the first 2 days you should just spend time bonding, play together, help them settle in and explore the house and yard with them. i prefer not to do any formal training for the first few days but i still set boundaries. if your pup play bites say no and walk away for a few minutes. this will teach them what no means and that if they play bite they don't get to play. you will find that your pup very quickly gets the message. if you don't want your dog wandering around the house then block off the rooms you don't want them in. after a 2 days put a collar on your pup. they will find this uncomfortable but after a few days they will actually feel naked without it.
  
  when it comes to formal training go with the basics- sit, drop, stay. at this age stay is really hard as puppies have very short concentration spans but it's so handy you should start teaching them anyway. the key is lots of short training sessions with lots of treat rewards. training is supposed to be fun and enjoyable for both of you and it's a great way to bond. so if you're tired, getting annoyed or your pup is over excited it's time to take a break and come back in a few minutes when you are both more relaxed.
  
  it's impossible to guess how long it will take a dog to learn something, all dogs are different, just as all people are. as long as you are patient and do lots of short training sessions it shouldn't be long. puppy school is also a good idea. if you train your dog alone it will certainly be most responsive to you, but it will still listen to others. i trained my dog alone and she always listens to me, but if someone else says sit or something she will do it, just sometimes they have to ask two or three times or tell her off for not listening and then she will do it. it's better if your dog listens to other people though because if it runs away you want a stranger to be able to tell it to sit and not run across the road and you want your friends to say get down and for your puppy not to jump on them etc.
  good luck!


• 1.) Its best to start training the dog as soon as you get him or her. Also the breeders if they are reputable will have begun long before you aquire the puppy.
  
  2.) You should begin with simple commands, yet ones that are detrimental(ones that every dog should know), like COME, SIT, STAY, DOWN and of course the dogs name.
  
  3.) There are many books in which tell you step by step how to train all different kinds of commands, I suggest you purcahse one of these books.
  
  4.) All dogs are different no matter what the breed. And its also important to note that all dogs have a certain trigger, some like toys, some like food, and some like praise. Its important to find out which of these triggers that your puppy has. Its also important to know not to reprimand your dog during training, you want training to be a fun time so reward the dog when they are doing what you want, and when they are not ignore and dont reward. I found for my husky as he was very intelligent but very ADD that I also had to train him the command, LOOK AT ME because with him the only way I could teach him was if he was paying attention to me, and if he was looking at me then he was paying attention to me. My husky is now 5 years old and I have started hand signals. I think all owners should teach their dogs hand signals as well as the normal command because hand signals really make the dog need to pay attention to you. If the dog is looking at you that means he respects you, if you give him a command with hand signals he absolutely has to look at you which teaches the dog to respect you.
  
  5.) I've heard people say that a dog only has one master...This however is not the case. Dogs are pack animals and should respect EVERYONE. If a dog only respects one person, every one else becomes a target. It is important that everyone in the household as well as a variety of people of different ages, races as well as of different gender help and train the dog. This shows the dog that he must listen and respect to everyone no matter if there young or old, black or white, male or female.
  
  Good luck

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Dog Health Questions: Free dog training - Opinions?

When I graduate my dog training school instead of going to some internship or working at a petstore before I start my own business, I'm just going to put an add for free private lessons on craigslist. I'll ge't the experience and I won't have to work for someone else. I figure once I train about 10 dogs from start to finish I'll have enough hands on to call myself an experienced dog trainer. Opinions?

Dog Training - Important Tips

Recommended Answer:
How about volunteering at your local shelter. There are plenty of dogs that need trained there. You will also be able to build a name for yourself as people will see you as the person who trains dogs at the shelter. Plus this will help many of these unwanted dogs get into homes. Most dogs end up at the shelter because of training/ behavior problems. You will have the advantage of training many problem dogs.

Getting involved with 4H, your local comunity college, and other comunity organizations that need class instructors will help, Plus with the exception of 4H you will get a stipend for teaching classes.

You need to train at least 100 dogs before you can remotely call yourself a trainer. You need to train at least a 1000 with consistent results before you can call yourself an expert. The biggest part of pet and house hold dog training is problem solving. You do not get the problem solving skills without experience.

Guard Dog Training Tips & Tricks Revealed

• No reason why you can't do it that way, however the best way to get your name around is to train and show in obedience,rally,and agility and get some titles. It will help you with hands on experience and teach you a lot of things that they don't talk about at dog training schools. Good luck, you're in for a great ride.


• I don't think 10 dogs qualifies you as an "experienced dog trainer."


• Experience is earned over years of training dogs yourself to a high standard. Do you mean a dog trainer or instructor? How can you instruct others if you have not gained the experience yourself/
  
  What makes you think the public will come to a young kid straight oout of college who has never trained a dog to do anything himself and has no personal training?
  
  ETA: Josh - you say you have only trained two dogs? Not many is it? And what have you trained these dogs to do? Are they obedience or tracking titles dogs, or do you mean you trained them to just come when called, walk on a leash and basic pet exercises. There is so much more to training, and as others have said, you need idemnity insurance, plus a great deal of tact in dealing with their owners!
  
  I suggest you start getting much more experience with your own dogs and with a trainer/instructor/mentor before you start calling yourself a competent instructor and don't let me put you off if this is what you want to do. Just don't go out half-****** !
  
  Enjoy the learning journey.
  
  Ö


• To become a behaviourist or dog trainer takes many years of hard work practical experience and study.
  
  Ten dogs does not an expert make, 200 plus and you may be getting somewhere 2000 plus and you will be moving towards what you need to do to be able to consider yourself experienced.
  
  You need to work with rescues and re-homers and you need to constantly continue to study the latest scientific findings which are constantly changing. Ask to follow an acknowledged expert for as long as it takes to gain practical hands on experience. Join an organisation that will help you gain knowledge and practical experience.
  
  I personally believe it takes a minimum of seven years to become a good trainer and behaviourist. Education on its own is useless, it must be coupled with practical experience.
  
  I do hope you do not believe that graduating will equip you to work with dogs? Most degrees are purely academic with no practical hands on requirements.
  
  Added*
  Listen to Felicia Josh she is a wise lady. With regard to your question owning dogs and training them professionally is a whole different ball game. As Felicia said you have to deal with the general public 75% of your work will not be training dogs it will be training people. Guess what is the hardest animal to train. I will give you a clue it is not a dog.
  
  7 years of training dogs professionally and you can start to call yourself something of an expert. The more you work with dogs the more you realise just how little you actually know.


• Hi Josh...
  
  Sounds like you are diving in which is awesome. But... if I were to add two comments? Be careful doing anything on Craigslist. There are some dang crazy people in there.
  
  I think Cookie had great suggestions...and obviously new comer Stan (below) is going to bring a WEALTH of solid knowledge to the Y/A table. Also, consider leading a canine 4-H group to that list. I led canine 4-H for 2 years and my kids mostly had old farm dogs etc. We cleaned swept the fair two years in a row. My kids took Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in the Obedience and Showmanship classes.
  
  Amazingly....the kids were far easier to work with then their parents (go figure). Anyhow.. it's a great way to get to work with a variety of dogs, a variety of people...you make a huge difference in getting kids involved in something positive (while teaching them responsible pet ownership)...AND you're away from the element of Craigslist. I have bought a couple things locally from Craigs...but I hear a lot of very unsettling things about it too. Lots of off the wall individuals lurk there.
  
  I wish you the best...
  .
  ADDED: Legit
  Stan,
  Agreed... it's like 2 vets getting out of vet school. One going into practice for 10 years and one going into research. Both legit veterinarians....but I want the one with 10 years of "in the trenches - hands on" experience treating my dogs. You can read up on something until you are blue in the face...but... reading and applying are TWO very different things.
  .
  ADDED #2 - Legit
  Josh..
  ALL hands on experience counts for something. But...be very careful with the theory of "the college kid who wants no money over the professional who wants $150 an hour". There are people who will happily pay $150 an hour for someone who's got a lifetime of experience in their field. Free is good to a point. But (as you will learn) after dealing with the public.. that "free" offer will bring on an element of "expectations" from people that will ultimately make you very sorry you e-v-e-r whispered the word. ESPECIALLY if someone thinks you did more harm then good. You can't get a behavioral quirk ironed out in 2-3 sessions. It may take you 2-3 sessions just to really figure out what makes some dogs tick. So...if some inexperienced dog owner comes to you (and you attempt to help)...but the dog reacts poorly to the method you used (there are many ways to skin a cat)...trust me...you will get accused of making the dog worse. Then you'll have that to deal with in addition to the dog.
  
  The other "news flash" you better BRACE yourself for is that working with the animals is the easy part... dealing with the general public is a WHOLEEEEEE other side of your pending education that's going to be rough one. No matter what business or field you decide to go into....it takes a thick hide and endless patience to deal with a v-e-r-y demanding... highly "judgmental" public.
  
  If you want it bad enough...you'll succeed at becoming a trainer...but.. there are MANY rungs on this ladder... so... take cautious steps while climbing it...that's all I'm saying.
  .
  .
  ADDED#3 Legit
  Stan-
  Not so much wise as "bludgeoned into reality" after dealing with the public for so many years. I attended and graduated from the "School of Hard Knocks"...and then went on to get my upper level education at "Murphy's Law" University....LOL
  .

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