Dog Health Questions: What should we do with our old (16 year old) dog?

We have a 16 year old black lab who is healthy apart from a bit of arthritis. He is living in the garden (has been doing so for about three years now with no problems) and we reacently (between the three years) aquired several cats after a relative died. They are all house cats, and do not go outside. As two of them are rescue cats they are easily startled, and even the dog near the house unsettles them.

The reason the dog was put in the garden was that he kept destroying the house when we were out despite dog training, and was badly behaved when walking him, which was a nightmare. Alothough when he was younger it was some-what bareable taking him it, now that he is old he can barely even walk down to the park, let alone with the stress of getting there.

Reacently he has started barking and howling day and night, annoying the neighbours. We have given him toys and treats for him to play with, and even tried to allow him in the house for a night or two just so we can sleep and not disturb our neighbours (we put him in our daughters room while she was away on holiday - but we can not do this again since she is back).

We can not have the dog in the house, both due to the cats and because of his bad behaviour.

We know that this is not an excuse or reason to have him put to sleep, but would it not be a kinder solution than this current state?

Dog Training Methods - Methods Used in Pofessional Training Classes

Recommended Answer:
Your poor dog, who grew up in a family home, is stuck outside in your yard - alone. You don't walk him, and he is in pain from his Arthritis.
If I was him, I would bark and howl too. He is bored and lonely.

What you need to do is bring him back into your home, along with rules and guidelines that everyone in your family knows and enforces in a consistent manner.
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Walking:
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The first thing you MUST do is to walk him. Even if it just a few hundred meters a day. Get up in the morning, walk your dog around the block. He NEEDS this vital stimulation to keep him mentally and physically healthy.
To train him properly on a leash, use a check-chain. Hold the end of the leash in your right hand, while holding the leash in your left hand to control the walking position of your dog. If the leash is taut, pull it upwards above his head to stop him from pulling(keep doing this until the he stops pulling - it may take multiple walks). Make sure your dog is walking beside your left foot.

When you arrive at the park(if you go that far) do not just let him off the leash because he's pulling and you can't bother disciplining him! Stand in front of him, make him sit and hold his collar as you remove the check-chain. Tell him 'Wait' in a firm voice and hold his collar until he relaxes in the sit position. Once he is relaxed, loosen your grip on his collar and slowly move your hand away. If he tries to bolt, catch his collar, make him sit and tell him 'Wait'. Repeat this until you can stand in front of him, hands by your side. Then praise him, give him a treat and encourage him to run.
Letting him off the leash as soon as you can only teaches him that pulling = free play.

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Feeding
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Only feed your dog after returning from a walk(even a short walk). This will make your dog feel as though he has earned his food and reinforce instinctual pack mentality. You should always be the leader of your pack, never your dog.
When you place your dog's bowl on the floor, use the 'Wait' technique, the same as you would at the park. This will help to keep him calm at feeding times, and reinforce your position as pack leader.

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Punishment
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All dogs respond differently to different forms of punishment - yelling should never be used as a form of punishment. Yelling will only scare, excite and encourage barking in your dog. One very effective method of punishment is the 'Alpha Bite' which is a mimic of the way pack leaders punish dogs in the wild. When your dog misbehaves, growl at him, grip his neck with your hand(firmly, but not roughly) and continue growling. He should naturally fall onto his back in a submissive position. Do this whenever he misbehaves and he will soon begin to submit even after hearing a growl from you.

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General Calming Techniques
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Your dog should never be over-excited or hyper. Most dogs go crazy when people come to the door, or when you return from work/going out. The best way to teach your dog to be calm is by ignoring him when you return home. If he jumps up at you, turn away from him. If he is being badly behaved, think to yourself 'I do not have a dog right now' and act as if he is not there. Without any kind of reaction from you - he will quickly calm.
To teach him not to react to the doorbell, wait until he is calm inside the house - then ring the doorbell and knock on the door. Then act as though nothing is happening. He will quickly learn to ignore the doorbell.

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Summary
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All of the behaviour problems that you have listed stem from a lack of stimulation(walking). So the first thing you need to do is train him to behave on walks. This means walking him EVERY DAY. Once he is being walked every day, he will become much calmer and most of his destructive behaviour will stop.

You brought this dog into your home, and he is your responsibility. From what you have said, it sounds like he is being neglected - and your response to this is to have him put down? The buck stops with you.
A dog does not understand 'good' and 'bad' he only acts in the ways that you have taught him, or allowed him to act. Firm, consistent training along with regular stimulation is the answer. If you cannot care for your dog, if you don't have the energy and determination to teach him how to behave - then find him a new home.

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After viewing your other questions/answers it is clear that you play online games frequently. If you have time to play these games - then you have time to post ads to re-home your dog.

The Praise and Reward Dog Training Method

• Sounds like you won't take anything other than "put him to sleep" for an answer.
  If you want reassurance for what you've got your mind set on already, go ask the vet for some. They'd be more than happy to agree with your decision and take your money so that they can kill your dog for you.


• Well, I am pretty sure that no one will want to adopt him at this age. But whatever you do, don't send him to a shelter. You don't know how they treat their pets >:(


• The poor dog is lonely and feels left out because of the cats. There are no bad dogs, just bad owners. Get him some Rimedyl and Duramax for his arthritis for Gods sake.


• He's howling and crying because he's bored and lonely. He wants to be with you guys. Why not put the cats somewhere in the house, such as the bathroom or laundry room, and let him in the house at night so he can be with you? Is crating him, or putting him in a large pen with a bed and such in your room or something at night not an option?
  
  And the dog was there first, NOT the cats. I think the dog should take priority over the cats.


• No need to put him to sleep. If anything try to find him a new owner! I know there are LOTS of dog lovers out there, maybe give him to a friend or someone you trust that way you can be able to check up on him and see how he is doing. Not that you aren't giving him lots of attention, but there is someone out there that will spoil him and give him all the attention he needs. If you can't deal with the problems he causes then that would be your very best bet. Don't put him to sleep if he isn't in a dying state. Put ads in the paper, take him to a nearby humane society. He will more than likely not change his behavior, and he is getting very old and needs lots of attention and care. Give him to someone who will give him that (not implying that you do not, just someone that will give him much more than he is getting right now) Hope this helps!


• no a better solution is finding him a home where he can be inside or not annoy neighbors. putting him to sleep right now is kinda strange when there are plenty of people who may take him...see if a vet can give him something to take at night that may calm him and for pain. He may hurt alot and be lonely. let the vet know you're not happy with him
  I know here alot of vets won't put a healthy animal down, they have to be deathly sick first...like cancer or parvo...
  try rehoming him first and give it a week or so. then if that doesn't help find a lab rescue or no kill shelter or rescue group from looking online. there are soo many out there and some are for older dogs or handicapped dogs or labs only...

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Dog Health Questions: What should I do with a little english setter which has behavior problems?

Hi everybody,

I got this 4,5 months old english setter from my friend, but he doesn't know how to train a dog, neither do I , that's why I started to search for dog training tips on the net. If possible tell me proven methods, and if you want, I put them on my blog -which I started to help to people with the same problem-. Don't worry, if you don't want to share your tip on my blog with other people just put a 'y-o' (yahoo-only) at the beginning of your answer. :) Thank you for your help.

http://the-dog-behavior-problem.blogspot.com/

Therapy Dog Training - What Are the Various Methods of Obedience Training For Dogs?

Recommended Answer:
You can train your dog yourself. It's not hard, if you take the time to study the methods of Dog Training.

See if you can find the book..Good Dog, Bad Dog, by Mathew Margolis and Eric Seigel..It is an older book, but it has everything you need to teach your dog basic obedience.
I recommend you learn basic dog training yourself, because you will understand your dog better and be able to reinforce the training as necessary.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

• look for links on the internet


• Hey, I suggest tivo-ing The Dog Whisperer. Look him up on the net, he's AMAZING with dog behaviors. I watch him every time he comes on...it sounds hokey, but believe me - he works wonders on any kind of behavioral issue you have with your dog. I've learned a ton just by watching him work. What kind of problems do you have??


• http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
  
  this is the best help you ask for


• I have seen people and am constantly helping individuals retrain their dogs after they took it upon themselves to read a training book or get tips off of the internet. Some tips are easy to teach with just words but far too many, need the seasoned eye of the professional trainer to let you know why your dog isn't responding to your training methods. The body language of the handler is so important to obtaining the attention or your dog and the response that you are seeking. The best tip that I can give you is to find a local training school and sign up for Basic Obedience training. Take a course and learn first hand how difficult it is to assess your own body language.


• Instead of trying to wing it on your own, try looking for a local dog trainer or go to obedience classes. Some are available through 4H groups or animal shelters, some are private people. It would really be easiest that way, and then you'd be much more prepared when you get the next dog. Have fun with your new pup!


• Take your dog to soemone that does "traditional" dog training, and not this new age clicker and treat because you you looked at me cute.
  
  By traditional I mean a method that is tried and true over several decades.
  
  Visit the link I have provided, and find out the facts of what I consider "real" dog training, and not the misconceptions.
  
  You will wind up with a dog who is well adjusted, well trained, and most of all is BONDED TO YOU and not his stomach!
  
  Best of luck!

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Dog Health Questions: Proffesional dog trainers?

Looking for professional trainers or companies for Police dog training in France and Germany

Dog Training For Dog Problems

Recommended Answer:
This one is very reputable:
http://www.txdogtrainingcenter.com/
This one does well in trials:
http://www.worldclassgsd.com/dog_trainin…
I don't know the training philosophy of either of these, but their dogs are titled all over the world.

Dog Training Success - 10 Don'ts to Avoid in Order to Achieve Successful Dog Training

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Dog Health Questions: I need help choosing a breed of dog. Any suggestions?

What I have to have in my dog is:

-it has to be small (e.g. Toy/Terrier)
-hardly sheds
-Is good with kids (i have a baby sister)
-is easy to train because i don't have experience with dog training.
-is good with other dogs.
-isn't a guard dog, but a watch dog.
-and is good with strangers.

Does anyone have any suggestions?
NOTE: I don't really like poodles...

Dog Training Tips - Dog Distraction Training

Recommended Answer:
A Basenji.

Dog Training Has Many Benefits

• A beagle


• All dog problems disappear if you get a bit*h instead.


• Cocker Spaniel.. Or a Cockapoo....


• maybe you coulde get a labrdoodle. i have one. They are the best with people, love kids, don't shed that much, and they are very playful.


• A BEAGLE SOUNDS PREFECT
  not only are they adorable but:
  they aren't toy but they are a rather small size
  they do not shed very often
  They have a mild temperament
  They are smart so they are easily trained
  They are very sweet dogs and I'm sure it wouldn't be hard for them to be a good watch dog due to their intelligence


• A miniature Schnauzer. (sp)
  Dogs that are born with certain hairstyles do not shed, and Schnauzers are one breed. They are usually good with kids,and can be very alert.
  Plus, they're SUPER cute. ^^


• how about a jack russel?


• My dad used to have beagles when he had just became a trainer and he found them easilly distracted and stuborn to train. Although great as family dogs they were sometimes in a world of their own and hard to distract - this was mainly off lead. With good training they changed.


• Maltese Shitzu X
  I've heard they r the best family dog and i've got 1 myself.
  -They r small
  -They never shed
  -Pretty good with kids (i'm 13)
  -I don't try to train my dog so i'm not sure on that 1
  -We have another dog and they get along fine
  -Is a watch dog
  -My dog doesn't like lots of people but if u get him around lots of people at a young age it might work.
  
  More Facts:
  They r Kind
  They r Loving
  They r active
  They r playful
  They r protective
  
  Good luck on finding a good dog!!


• get a Saint Bernard they have all the qualities you are looking for!

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Dog Health Questions: Parenting and Dog Training?

Do you think both go hand in hand? As in, how you discipline your kids and how you train / discipline your dogs are similar?

Example..I am not against punishment and a good ol' butt whooping when needed with the kids. I'm actually FOR it...same for my dog. If I need to correct him with a prong/chocke b/c he's behaving like a little demon ... I have no problems with that.

If you have both, kids and dogs, is the way you approach discipline similar?LEGIT: Random question based on something I observed recently:
Your dog is loose. Takes off running and approaches the neighbor's property. They have electrical fencing for their rather LARGE mutt. Both dogs start barking, hackles up...whole nine yards. What would your dog do?
---approach the random dog and cause a fight
---bark and retreat

Service Dog Training - How to Prepare Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Well I don't have kids - my significant other says he thinks I would be harder on my kids than I would be on the dog lol. I agree to an extent.
I mean my child's livelihood will be based on how I raise them and if and when I decide discipline needs to come into action. Letting my dog get away with something he is not supposed to do is a whole lot different than letting my kid get away with something - humans can make poor judgement, can harm themselves in multiple ways, can leave the house at a certain age on their own free will - dogs can't really do any of that. Does that make sense?

I do use corrections with my dog - and when I have kids, depending on the individual child, I will be okay with giving them a spank if needed.
We were talking about this the other day actually, me and my friends - to make the comparison, there are kids who can be stubborn and dominant and kids who are non-confrontational and submissive. I wouldn't discipline both kids the same way because the latter probably wouldn't need a good spank. Same with dogs - if I had a little submissive dog, I wouldn't train it the same way I train the dog I have now.

Legit: If the dog comes at Quattro, Quattro's response is always fight and not flight. If it starts with him but doesn't approach him, Quattro usually will just give the dog a bunch of crap vocally and then leave.

6 Step by Step Instructions For Dog Training Preparation

• While I don't have kids, I think I am going to have to concede this theory to you. I do think that the people I know with kids and dogs did the training, or lack of training/parenting the same. Parents who did not parent their children, also had dogs that were not trained. Parents who raised good kids, also have behaved dogs. I am not sure how to scientifically prove your theory, but there does seem to be a pattern. I would not tolerate bad behavior from my dogs, and I certainly don't tolerate it from nieces and nephews either, despite how their parents raised them. My house, my rules. I think you are right.


• No I don't always correct my kid the same way as the dogs....my kid loses privileges & the dogs get corrections, both get rewards for good behavior.
  
  To them all- I am the authority figure.Legit- My dogs would never make it to the fence, as soon as I gave them a command, they would listen & not act unruly, but if left to themselves it would depend on which dog I was referring to. One would ignore the mutt altogether, 2 of them would try to fight, & the other would bark & retreat.


• Your first question was perfectly legit. For the second one, my Toy Poodle would come back to me crying, and my Miniature Poodle/Schnauzer mutt would ignore all the dangers and go right through and be the big man on campus..until the big dogs eat him alive.
  
  No, the training shouldn't be similar. Frankly, children do need spankings from time to time. When a child tears things up or whatever and refuses to listen, bring it on. But when a dog tears things up and such, well the dog isn't getting the exercise or training it needs.


• I don't think the methods are always the same--but the principles sure are. Some things are just basic, and apply in all walks of life. . .just my opinion.
  
  I don't have children of my own, but my mother is a teacher. It's amazing how I can understand her methods of dealing with the children she deals with AND the best ways children will learn, because it is similar to dog training. Not identical, no, but the basis is the same.
  
  Hope that makes sense :)
  
  Legit: Holly or Lexy MAY go in to stir things up (I really think Lexy would) . . .the two Shelties would bark and retreat.


• Well I don't have kids, but if I did I would certainly not be afraid to be tough with them, like I am with my own dog. I hate this new aged "ignore bad behavior/time out" crap, it just does not work. Both kids and dogs need to know what's right from wrong, and if that means harsh punishment, so be it.
  
  Legit: He would start a fight, no question. But that would assume I was an idiot and allowed him to be loose like that.


• Problem with kids is that they're so unpredictable, though I have to say my methods would be much the same.
  
  My dog would more than likely try to play with the other dog, and then with a loud yelp realize that those wires there kind of hurt. She tends to get along with most dogs, I don't think she's met a dog yet that she can't get along with.


• I think they do go hand in hand. I won't pt up with kids or dogs that are badly behaved, I don't have the patience for it. I use the punishment that works. I have had friends tell me that they are sending their kids to me because "you don't take any crap"
  
  Legit: Mine wouldn't have hackles up, they would run like little girls


• dogs cant understand what youre saying kids can kids can talk dogs cant kids know what youre saying and if they dont do what youre doing then you already know they knew what you meant so....and dogs cant unless they know body language and you taught them hand signals or dog school but if you didnt its not ur or the dogs fault so the dog wont understand u soo... thats the difference.btw im a kid lol


• Wow - why are people like you even permitted to have kids and/or pets? Shouldn't you be out back of your house playing a banjo and gnawing on chewing tobacco instead of adding more problems to the world?
  
  I seriously hope that someone calls the Humane Society and/or Children's Services on you.


• well i use positive reenforce ment... i will make a noise or say "no" loud and bold if hes doing something wrong.
  and when im older, i dont want kids, but if i had some id probably be a lil stricter.
  
  i see nothing wrong with your method, as long as you dont mis use it or hurt them ( im sure u wont though:) )
  
  add: sorry i forgot the legit! mine would bark and retreat, hes a 9 yr old lab mix. :)


• I'm strict with my dogs. Same routine. Command. No. Correction.
  
  I'm just as strict with kids, I love Bernie Mac's part of the Kings of Comedy "I'll knock a kid out!"...lol.
  
  Dr. Spock...the one who started the no "spanking" phenomenon? His son committed suicide...go figure.


• I don't have kids cause im like below 10. but for a dog i would just yell at it. and once its sad i feed it and it loves meh again heh


• Let's just say my dogs don't get away with s***!
  
  They are trained properly because I can't stand dogs that are not trained, never mind bratty children who whine and cry to get their way. Same principle goes for my dogs, I can't stand it when dogs literally walk all over their owners.
  
  I do not have children, nor do I plan on having children any time soon...but I would like to think that my parenting skills would be similar to that of my dog training methods. I would have a firm and no buts about it attitude.. I honestly think these days that kids are FAR too spoiled. They get whatever new gaming system comes out, whine and cry for the newest cell phone etc. There are some kids who actually work hard to achieve these novelties in life, but all too many I see are just snotty brats.
  
  Not to say I WASN'T ONE at one point in time, but let's just say I've learned from being on of those conniving children. I knew how to work my parents, they were all about no spanking etc. If I wanted something I typically got it, to say I was spoiled...yes. Have I learned from that? Most definetly! I don't think in a million years I would want a child like me! LOL.
  
  It isn't enough that when I was waitressing I would see so many ill mannered children out for supper with their parents, but to actually see VIDEOS of ONESELF acting out in that way...yeah that was the eye opener for me. I NEVER want to have a child that is spoilt, same thing goes for my dogs!
  
  Legit: My Labrador Retrievers would probably try take on the dog. They can sometimes have dog aggression. I would be holding my breathe, hoping nothing happened! They usually are good with other dogs, it's typically small dogs they don't care for. I sum it up to countless Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and other toy breed attacks on them. Small dogs just don't like them for some reason...
  
  My Basset Hound on the other hand would probably tuck his tail between his legs, pee himself and then fly away as fast as his little legs could take him! He is VERY submissive, and gets very scared of other dogs, especially ones that are larger than him. =(


• I raise my children and train my dogs in much the same manner. I can usually tell what type of parents people are based upon their dog or vice versa. I am very consistent (typically) with both my children and my dogs. For my kids I give them a verbal warning that i do not like their behavior (and why if it deems fit) followed by a correction (time out, spanking, additional job etc depending on the situation) I simply do not talk twice. Same with my dogs...command followed by correction, if the command is blown. My 5 yr old son is going through a demon stage. Gets me frustrated. I made the joke the other night that if he were a dog he would be tethered to me or crated at all times, thus inhibiting his chances of sneaking off and getting into trouble. haha.
  
  Legit~ My AB would stand with chest out, tail high acting very bold. However, she would be pretty insecure (just a pup) but try really hard not to show it. Thus, causing a fight response from the other dog. I think she would probably not step down and get her @ss whooped...not sure tho? My Cavs...would never bark and growl back...they would merely ignore the other dog or bark/run away :p


• Very interesting question Bells !!
  
  Just got called into work for a few hours but will definitely answer when I get back.Back.. :)
  
  I didn't have to ponder this question very long.
  
  I have never raised a hand to my children or to any of my pets. Not to say that I hadn't thought about it at times however, I think that you get a great response by showing respect as the leader or being the head of the household than by fear of getting into trouble.
  
  I found that simply telling my children that I was disappointed in them did far more than screaming would have and for my dogs I simply used the ignore technique and saying no, which in both cases has always worked well for me.
  
  Of course in both children and dogs, at some point they will try and test the waters by doing something they shouldn't but I always stand my ground. Respect is a high priority for me and I will not waiver. I treat people and animals as I would like to be treated.Legit:
  
  I personally don't like electric invisible fencing due to the fact of other people's dog can come on to the property, but....
  
  My dogs I think would try and go after the dog/s. Although that would have to be when no walked on a lead. There is never a time that would even be considered. I like to have mine under my control at all times.


• I believe that our philosophies are similar, even if methods are far different.
  I don't raise my voice, nor my hand to a child, a horse or a dog.
  I have never found a reason to.
  I am a quiet and non-violent person, and a communicator.
  I can always find a better way to communicate than smacking or screaming.
  
  For me, it is a challenge to find the most effective communication.
  
  I have raised 21 foster children, plus 2 of my own. For many years, we always had seven children in living in our home. Children listen to me, and have never been disrespectful. I used to be our church's children's minister, and worked for another children's outreach, as well as being the director of YKids, after-school day care, in the early 1980's.
  NEVER has a child shown disrespect or spoken rudely to me..Not even my own kids.
  
  I am pretty much the same with dogs. I have worked with well over 300 dogs, of all breeds and ages.
  I speak very softly, and dogs pay attention and strive to please.
  
  I am the same with horses, and get amazing results.
  
  It's all about finding the right motivators and learning to communicate.
  
  Added:My Afghans have little interest in other dogs, so wouldn't approach or react to them. I have never seen their hackles up. hmm..( do they even have hackles?) My little dogs wouldn't leave my yard.


• I'm not a parent but I worked at a daycare as mainly the 1.5 to 2.5 year old teacher. I used time outs and positive reinforcements. It was very successful and the kids and I shared a loving relationship. I thought of them as my own family and felt honored as their "temporary mother replacement" person and did not hesitate to gasp in dramatically and put in time out if one did something they shouldn't. They understood. Only time out for as many minutes as their age though. The positive reinforcement was for teaching potty training and being good at circle time or whatever. It was usually a stamp on their hand and a star by their names if it was for something really good.
  
  I guess I am the same with my dogs. I reward their good behavior, different rewards for difficulty levels. And if one does something I don't want, like they are allowed off leash but if they decide to not come that very second I say "come" then they get the leash on. I've had to use a prong collar for 2 situations. But I think there are many ways to achieve what you want and different ways will work better in different situations and for each individual dog. Children were easier, they all worked the same way for everything hahaha.
  
  LG: my dogs wouldn't run up to any dog or person. I love the freedom of letting them off leash so I spent many months teaching them how i want them to act off leash and constantly reinforce it.
  
  add: I love DeeDawgs answer! PREVENT, TEACH, CORRECT- AMEN!


• No kids. Their cute, but they would suck the life out of me. I mean no disrespect to parents and those that love kids, simply that I believe the world is too overpopulated and I appreciate my freedom.
  
  I believe, along with several others, that a nice rule of thumb is to have 2 kids, one to replace Mom/Dad and one to replace Mama/Papa. That being said, I think Jon and Kate have already had my kids.
  
  I was born to good parents, who just happened to lead double lives as a heroin addict and diagnosed depression (often suicidal). I was punished regardless of whether or not I did anything wrong. My parents love me, don't get me wrong, but knew that if my dad was high or my mom was having one of those days I could be the nicest kid in the world and my dad would still forget to pick me up or bring me out all night and leave me in the car while he hanged with friends, and my mom would yell at me and threaten to kill herself (on the worst of occasions, she would threaten to kill us both).
  
  Needless to say, I don't know much about parenting. I know that my dad punished me by giving me timeouts. It was probably the only thing I ever learned from. It was annoying, long, and humiliating. I never swore at my father again unless he really deserved it. I never learned anything from spankings, I would run and hide, scream, throw things. I would bite if they caught me. So they only tried twice or so. To this day, I dislike spankings. I get that some kids deserve them, but I've met plenty of parents that were jackwholes, can I spank them? (Looks hopeful)
  
  I don't use leash corrections. I don't need them. I can't think of the last time they behaved so badly that a pop on the collar was warranted. They're well behaved in general, and a verbal correction is enough to show them when they are doing something wrong.
  
  I learned best from timeouts AKA crate training? Getting off leash has to be earned?
  I responded to spankings with more violence, I don't think that's why I don't do leash corrections. I used to use leash corrections but they aren't necessary any more.
  
  LEGIT: Neither. Cameron is too pigheaded to turn away, but to smart to advance. Duncan is to cowardly to advance, but to curious to turn away. They would both stand their ground and stare and/or bark. But Cameron and Duncan wouldn't have their hackles raised to begin with. They don't pick fights, if another dog attacks them they'll defend themselves, but other dogs have growled, lunged, snapped at them and all they do is stare back.
  
  -Alika613


• There are similarities, but the goal is different.
  
  Children will eventually grow up and live their own lives. They need to learn how to do things for themselves, how to make decisions, and how to be independent. Dogs will always be dependent.
  
  Frankly, I raised my kids much the same way I trained my horses. If I had it to do over again, I would do some things differently.....kids are different.
  
  However, my tolerance for badly behaved children and animals would not change.....I expect both to have good manners.
  
  LG - it depends on the dog. I have dogs that would fight and dogs that would run.


• I guess in a way you could say I did..except I did'nt give the kids a treat..I was never a strong disiplinarian as my mother was and I said I would never be that way with my kids..My kids are now married and can maybe think of one time I smacked them on the behins,and boy did I have a guilt trip over that one..With my kids and dogs it was an everyday thing with me as far as training went..So I guess in a way you could say I did..
  
  Legit..I did approach my neighbors 2 Retreivers when my Pekingese thought he was tougher and bigger and crossed over 3 yrs ago when I moved here.Thank Goodness nothing happened as their bark was bigger than their bite..But the funny thing was to see the faces on those dogs when my little one ran over to them.They did'nt have a clue what it was..and kinda backed up..


• "well i use positive reenforce ment... i will make a noise or say "no" loud and bold if hes doing something wrong."
  
  LMAO !! making a noise or saying "NO" is positive punishment, not positive reinforcement.
  Sure glad that kids know all there is to know about Operant Conditioning these days
  :-)
  
  The problem is that you can sit a child down and explane to them why something is wrong -- the method doesn't work all that well with a dog.
  However; Dr Spock is a theory, not a law.
  
  edit:
  "Is there a Dr. Spock for dogs? Please tell me its not Ceasar"
  
  ya, Edward Thorndike, John Watson, and B. F. Skinner (ie; Operant Conditioning)
  
  edit:
  "Murphy was chasing Bambi yesterday (2 small deer). It was just interesting to see him in that situation. Both dogs barked and looked threatening. Mine ran back to me after a minute or so...and the other dog didnt charge or try to attack either."
  
  geez, a Beagle that hasn't been "trash broken" would have chased that bambi all the way to the next county.


• Sortof. I think a lot of the things dogs need to be happy and healthy, kids need, too. Structure, rules, boundaries, consistency and reinforcement are all essential for dogs and for kids. I also have a generally "unless I see blood, everyone's OK" approach. It's insane too, what trends you see and how they're the same for kids and dogs. I was at the pharmacy the other day where two kids were running around, grabbing stuff off the shelves, and being brats. Their grandfather, who was behind me in line, said "I'm pretty sure those kids don't even know the meaning of the word 'No.'" Likewise, walking my dog the other day, we were rushed by a golden who was barking aggressively and running at my dog. Remi will NOT tolerate that from other dogs, particularly when he's on a leash. The owner came over and said "Oh, ___ You found a friend! Aw look, their friends!"
  
  WTF? Growling, tails and hackles up does not mean friends. These two events literally happened within hours of each other- similarities?
  
  Legit: I'm not sure. Remi would probably stand his ground until the other dog moved. If the other dog took so much as a step forward, it would probably escalate. He might bark, but I don't think he's retreat, unfortunately. We're working on his tolerance!


• I never had kids, but allot of people treat their dogs like children.
  Many of them try to train them like kids. I have seen numerous questions about putting dogs in time out.....come on do people you really think that does any good.
  Dogs are dogs and need to be treated like it. My dogs are better trained then allot of these spoiled rotten kids that train the parent instead of the other way around.
  
  My dogs will not entice a fight but they sure won't back down.


• I think that training/disciplining is different. I don't have kids, but I do take care of my brother. When he gets into trouble and starts not listening, he goes into time out. Sometimes he'll be destructive and start throwing stuff while in time out, and that's when I spank him.
  
  It's the same with my two dogs(a 4year old wolf mix and a 6-7month old chihuahua). I would only spank or use physical force if that was the only thing I that would help(like if my wolf mix happens to get into a fight). I actually don't like prong/chock collars. I don't think it's humane at all, but, eh, to each their own.
  
  Legit: My chihuahua would bark and retreat, then go back, yap, try to be threatening, but then end up just running back home with his tail between his legs. My wolf mix... Well, before, when he was untrained, he would approach the dog and fight. Now that he's trained, I think he might stand and stare down the other dog, but if I called him back, he would come back. If he was outside by himself and I didn't notice he had gotten out, he would approach and fight. Unfortunately, when he's out on his own and no one is with him, his wolf instincts take over, and a dog barking at him and displaying dominant behaviors would be hard for my dog to ignore. If the dog submitted to my dog, then my dog would be happy with that and just walk away.


• I am for corporal punishment of human children.
  
  I am not for corporal punishment of dogs. I may use some physicality on them - but its mostly to pop them out of their bad mode and get their full and focused attention for my correction
  
  LEGIT: my dogs would retreat. Jake is too mellow to fight and Roscoe is too chickensh*t - even though Roscoe can look pretty ferocious, for a 25 lb dog.
  
  Here is Roscoe kicking his brother's azz.
  
  http://www.flickr.com/photos/52566436@N0…


• As a person who has instructed many dog training classes for youth an d adults, I can tell you that both go hand in hand. Parents with well behaved outgoing children have well behaved outgoing dogs no matter what breed. Both the children and the dogs learn the rules and expectations through consistency. The parents and owners have taught the children and dogs understandable discipline and corrections for poor behavior. They properly praise and reward good behavior. they do not give many grey areas as to proper behavior. They are fair and and consistent in the use of their methods.
  
  Any more, I can tell the success of an owner in training class by the behavior of their children if any.
  
  Legit: One of my dogs would want to play. She would show this behavior by play bowing and barking. The other two would just ignore the other dog. All would come back to my whistle. I too contend with many "Bambis" in and around my yard. The deer are thick this year. Sadly so are the mountain lions.


• child training and dog training? for me, they're ABSOLUTELY similar.
  
  PREVENT inappropriate behavior with good diet and lots of exercise. this is as important for humans as it is for dogs. my kids and dogs are exercised together (we all run together in the woods, and i run with the dogs while my daughter rides her bike with us)
  
  TEACH them what you want them to do, and reward them in some way when they are doing what you want. this can be as simple as food or play for a dog, and compliments, hugs, stickers, allowance, etc. for a child.
  
  CORRECT behaviors that you know they KNOW are inappropriate. if it is something they have not learned yet, a simple NO, and telling them what they ought to do should suffice (with a dog, i might just give it a conflicting command, with a child, i'd explain to them WHY they can't do it) then the performance of the desired behavior can be rewarded. intentional disobedience calls for a stronger correction. (dogs- collar correction, etc., children- age and infraction appropriate punishment, like spanking (rarely) time out, grounded, etc.LEGIT:::::::::::::::::::::
  good recall prevents that situation from ever happening, and training- they won't leave the yard unless i tell them to. BUT, hypothetically, they would approach the dog, and probably kill it.


• Yes, I do think I approach discipline in the same way for both kids and dogs.
  
  I don't have kids. At this point in time, I'm not sure I want any in the future.
  
  When I was growing up, my mom NEVER resorted to physical punishment aka hitting, punching, slapping, spanking, etc. She believed that trust is far more important than having your kid fear you. All kids are individuals, (What works for one, may not work for another.) but I believe that you should never raise a hand to your children. I was raised successfully WITHOUT physical punishment. To this day, I have a great relationship with my mom! I don't fear or hate her for memorable physical punishments because there were none!
  
  Don't get me wrong, my mom did NOT use the ignore method. There were groundings, loss of privileges, time outs, verbal warnings and writing lines. She was always fair and picked the appropriate punishment out of the ones above.
  
  I do NOT approve of today's kids! I DO think parenting has gone down the drain! Like I said above, I don't believe that anyone should still be using the spanking crap, but today's parents just stand back and do NOTHING!
  
  It's pitiful! You can't even say “Johnny and Michael stop doing that” no, you have to “invite” them or “ask” them to stop! If you TELL them to stop their “self esteem” might be hurt! Now THAT is the stupidest thing I've ever heard! And people wonder why suddenly there's an epidemic of bratty kids! That's because we cannot raise our voices, TELL them what they can and cannot do and say words like “Stop” and “No!”
  
  Now with my dog, I don't use physical punishment. Obviously, I can't issue “time outs” and things like that, but I can get my point across verbally and with a collar correction when I need too. Changing the tone of my voice is one of the easiest ways to get my point across. I don't classify corrections as physical punishment. Prong and choke collars aren't painful or harmful when used properly unlike a good slap which is going to hurt.
  
  Legit: First, my dog would never be running loose. But if it did happen, she'd probably bark ferociously and run for her life. If the other dog approached her than she would fight because she'd feel like she has no other choice.


• When I was in Jr High, my parents had me take our family mixed breed to obedience classes. We loved it! Went to a couple of fun matches and I was hooked. Parents bought me my first Sheltie when I was in High School for my competition obedience dog. Then married, got into conformation showing and breeding.
  
  We were not going to have kids, as the majority I saw in public were obnoxious, bratty, whiny, screaming, wild heathens. Their screaming was like fingernails scraping a blackboard to me and I would actually start shaking inside.
  
  Then, after being married for 10 years...oops! (So I ended up running around the conformation ring with a big fat belly!) My daughter was dragged to dog shows from the time she was a baby. Two years later, oops again, my son. (One would think I would have figured this out)
  
  My kids are grown and gone. And I survived! They drove me nuts, but all in all were pretty good kids. Considering they were still kids. Never got into any "real" trouble. Have good morals. We always got compliments on them.
  
  Generally, we used the same concepts for our kids: set the rules, praise for good, correct for bad, earn freedoms or lose freedoms.
  
  For the kids, I explained that "we" did not punish them. That by their decision to not follow rules, they, themselves, chose the "consequence". Plain and simple.
  
  After a sister/brother fight outside when they were like 6 and 8, my son came running into the house and I found him on the time out chair!
  
  My reflections on dogs vs kids. Dogs are so much easier!!!! You can put them in a crate and leave them at home when you go to the store. If they bark too much, you can have them de-barked. If you don't like them, you can give them away. If they are really bad, you can put them down. If you do this with kids you go to jail! :)....yeah, yeah. I know I am going to get thumbs down. Or a violation for the above. Because I am not PC, and people don't have a sense of humor anymore.
  
  Being in the "dog world" my entire life (most people I know are breeders, trainers, and compete with their dogs in all areas) I have to say the majority of "dog people's" kids are much better trained than the general public's.Legit question: If I had a neighbor with a large dog inside an electric fence, and I had my dog off leash, and she was running ahead and got close to the fence, and the neighbor's dog started barking with hackles up......my dog would not bark, she would not approach the fence. She would stop, startled, stand and look to me. And I would call her to me and praise her. This would be the scenario on our first walk. Any further walks, she would be sure not to get too close to that fence!

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training Help!!!?

Yesterday i got a 3 month old welsh corgi.... We need help potty training her. The problem is is when she squats we pick her up and put her outside but she won't pee. She just begins playing in the grass. Then we let her inside and she begins sniffing around and starts to squat again!!! We know that she is trying to pee but she won't... She pees in her cage though... WE NEED HELP!!!!!!!

Dog Training Part I

Recommended Answer:
You need to be patient. Keep in mind that this position is a very vulnerable one for a dog and they are not apt to do it if they are not extremely comfortable and secure in their surroundings. She will need more than just one day to feel that secure outside in a new place... many sights, smells and sounds that even you probably don't notice since you are already used to it!

If you can keep bringing her to the same place in the outside and make sure it is a location that allows her to "hide", you will probably have more luck. I would also suggest that you give her say 10-15mintues to go outside. If she does not, bring her back in. When she starts to sniff, bring her back outside again and again, give her the 15 minute rule. Eventually, she will have to go... then -reward, praise excessively without scaring.

Dog Training With A Clicker

• Have a pocket of treats handy with you and try playing, getting her running around when she is outside. In PK classes you can have a virtual "potty party" when puppies are playing and then squat on a dime because they've been so busy and intent on playing they forget about everything else until it's too late. When she goes have a party telling her how absolutely great she is and utilize those treats.
  
  Make sure the crate is small enough so she doesn't have extra elbow room and take any padding out that soaks up urine. Chances are you're already doing those things, but throwing it out there just in case. Good luck.


• When you catch her and take her outside don't bring her in until she has peed. Also when you take her out is it in the grass? It could be that she doesn't like to pee in the grass you may want to try a gravel or paved area. If she will go there then slowly work her into peeing in the grass.

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Dog Health Questions: Gun dog training tips, i need help with my 3 1/2 month old yellow lab. Help?

i have a 3 1/2 month old pup and when i play fetch with her she just walks to the toy and sometimes i need to push her to go. What do i do? And what do i say when i want her to fetch, do i say her name or what? Also i need tips on how to train her to heal.
PLEASE & THANKS

Important Information Regarding Dog Training That Can Help You

Recommended Answer:
i have a gun dog spent 1 year training her to fnd she is terrifyed of gun shots.so buy a blank pistol to see if she can tolerate it most dogs can.fist you must teach her to sit,stay,lay down,fetch on command and to bring the fetched item back 100 % of the time (nothin worse than a dog swimmin away with ur duck)also buy her a trainer bird or one of those buoys and maybe even one of thos eguns that shoots em out there real far and be sure to let her swim ALOT.when you throw somthin,pinch her ear a bit not to hard just eough so she stays and let go and tell her to go get it on command. good luck

Dog Training Tips - Negative Reinforcement Vs. Positive Reinforcement - Which Is More Effective?

• get her attention with the toy, like tease her and wave it in her face. throw it, if she get's it praise her alot.


• Nail the basic commands first. Sit, stay, here. Usually when you send her to retrieve, you say the dogs name first then the send or fetch command. When she retrieves, call her back, then say "dead" for her to drop the bird at your feet. Takes a lot of effort & work, but my uncle had a champion gun dog... it's great to watch them work, they live for it. Best of luck.


• If you haven't already desensitized your dog to gunshots you're running out of time, and it may be too late already. You need to work on that as well. Can you get the dog excited about the toy first, throwing it up in the air, teasing her with it, before throwing it?
  
  www.fearfuldogs.com/books.html has a list of good general training books

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Dog Health Questions: A question on dog training?

does petco or petsmart have good dog training classes? Or is there a book that I can study and train my dog at home? I do not want to waste money

How to Find the Perfect Dog Training System

Recommended Answer:
Hey there goldenre ,This is a very comprehensive dog training guide written by daniel stevens.
that guide worked wonders for my dogsTake Care

All About The American School Of Dog Training

• Nope-the worst possible on the planet!
  Contact your local kennel club for real training from real dog-people.


• Well, I say do it at home! You don't need someone to tell you what to do in a hall filled with other dogs. I run a dog class myself, and only take my dogs to get them more socialized. I have never taken a dog to dog class to train.
  
  There are loads of books you can buy, but I never have. I got 101 Tricks To Teach Your Dog but that was it. I never buy - or rent - training books. Go to your library and ask.
  Make sure you teach him/her the simple, easy commands like Sit and Down, Come and Wait first. It's murder to have a 11 month old dog that doesn't know the word 'Down'.
  Good luck! :]


• Depends on your Petco or Petsmart as far as if they are good or not. The individual giving the training is the main factor. We like to watch the tv program The Dog Whisperer. We have learned allot from him. There are some good books out there but can not recommend any at this point been awhile since I have needed to read one.


• I'm with Linda C. It all depends on the Petco or Petsmart. Petsmart by me has one super trainer now. But their last trainer was terrible. I learned a great deal from the trainer, and got the basics down pretty well. Now I work with my dog at home using the techniques I learned from her. There are lots of books on training dogs you can buy. Most of the books will say that consistancy is the key. It is! And there are many techniques to use to train. You will need to find what works with your dog. I used positive reinforcement with treats, rewards and praise. That worked with my dog. But it depends on your dog, and the way he/she responds.
  If you decide to use a trainer, whether it is Petsmart of Petco, I would talk to whatever trainer you are going to use. Visit a class or two to see what goes on and how the dogs respond to the trainer. I would be cautious if they don't let you sit in or observe a class. Bring your dog and see how your dog responds to the trainer, if that is what you are going to do. Many trainers will let you take a class free of charge, just to check them out. Petsmart let me bring my dog to a beginner class to see how the trainer and my dog got along. And it all worked out and we took the class.
  Your other consideration is to do it yourself using books. And sometimes that is a better alternative. Some dogs respond better with one on one training. Some have problems with other dogs and won't do well in a regular training class. Aggression, anxiety etc. are some reasons home schooling is better.
  Good luck


• I think you might find the information you need at http://kalger.bezoogle.com/pp/dog-training/


• I recommend this ebook
  http://tinyurl.com/mt9wjm
  It's exatly what you are looking for - How to train your dog at home - methods, tips and tricks and more.
  Happy dog training:)

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Dog Health Questions: I need to come up with at least 10 questions to ask to my mentor about dog training?

does anyone please have so suggestions. Thanks by the way....

Choosing an Online Dog Training Program

Recommended Answer:
The first question I would ask is about your profile picture?
How can this person be a mentor and you not have questions for him? What is he mentoring?

Dog Training - Beyond Conditioning

• Is this like someone who is going to help you train your dog? If so:
  -What experience has he/she had with dogs?
  -How long has he/she been working with dogs?
  -Any useful tips that he/she would have for you?

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