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Post by jgdaycare on Mar 3, 2010 11:07:56 GMT -4
Hey all, I need some advice here. I have a 1 yr old chocolate lab. His name is Reese, hes been wonderful until now lol.. He was been walk on leash since we got him in May. Now he has decided to act like a crazy when I walk him. He walks me now. He has also gotten to the point when he sees other dogs on a walk or just outside his hair stand up and he act crazy. I am not sure if he is be aggressive or if he just wants to play with them. His hair on his back stands up and everything. He know basic commands, sit, stay , fetch, drop.. things like that. But I am feeling at this point he is trying to do what he want, which don't work for me. I am looking for some advice on how to deal with this or if anyone has any good obedience classes we could get involved in. Is there any obedience trainer that comes to your house? Thanks in advance for the information. ;D
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Post by jgdaycare on Mar 3, 2010 12:58:07 GMT -4
Thanks for the information. I am going to do some googleing right now on it I just want oget him to the point that we can take him and without him acting like he dont have a brain lol.. He is just so big and is over powering for me at this point so I need to get his crazy butt under control now.
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Post by AquaHolic on Mar 3, 2010 13:27:23 GMT -4
I have a prong collar for my German Shepherd. ONE good correction is worth not having to do many nagging ones. I will not debate my use of this collar with anyone. It is humane....my dog is under control at all times. Tried Clicker training...even paid the big bucks for my dog to go through classes...worked for minute...but let me tell you..if my dog thinks some other dog is a threat to me a clicker won't cut it.
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Post by jgdaycare on Mar 3, 2010 14:26:53 GMT -4
I have had a few recommandations to use the prong collar.. SO I went and bought one last week. However I bought the wrong size for him. I need to take it back or as someone else told me that you can just buy prongs for it. I looked into a few training classes today and boy they ar expensive. Which being on a limited budget right now is not in the cards for us. So I am going to try a combination of both positive reinforcement and the prong collar.(when I get my lazt butt back to pet smart LOL) I used to have a GSD and we had to put him to sleep at 3 years old due to hip issue.. I miss my boy. Thanks for all the input on this. I def need to put it into effect ASAP. I do have one more question.What is the best way to go abotu doggie socializing? It makes me nervous at this point to take him tot he dog park until I feel I have complete control of him. Any suggestions on this?
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Post by pirategirl on Mar 3, 2010 14:44:09 GMT -4
I've had my far share with this subject. I have a German Shephard, Yellow Lab, and a Boxer. First of all, it sounds like your boy has grown into an Alpha Dog, and he is trying to protect you and be the leader. A couple of things to help with this. Anytime you come home, do not greet him until you are ready. Always make sure you go outside or up the stairs first. Don't know if you have more than one animal, but feed him last. And (this one is very hard for me), don't let him sleep on your bed, or anywhere off the floor for that matter. When they do this, they feel that they are "lording" over their pack.
Another suggestion, ARF had these wonderful harnesses called the Easy Walker. I bought mine about 2 years for $20. They are designed for dogs that pull, but when they do, they feel it on their back, not in front, which just makes them strain even more. They think this is different and stop pulling. It worked for my 2 big dogs.
On a personal note, we tried clicker training, and it didn't work for us. I'm all for old fashioned hand signals and rewards, whether it be voice or treat. To each, their own. Also, ARF does offer training classes. If you google dog training, Eastern Shore Md, you will see other trainers. Petsmart also has classes, but the trainer that I had about 3 years ago was very bad and it was a waste of my money! But, I will say, walking him around Petsmart is good training with all the other dogs in there, but if you take him to the dog park, I would keep him on a leash until he starts to act better. Good luck!
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Post by jgdaycare on Mar 3, 2010 15:04:41 GMT -4
We are def not ready for the dog park yet LOL... I need to feel confident enough that I have the control not him. He is a good dog all around but needs some adjustments. Which is my fault cuz I have spoiled and baby him. ..LOL..I have heard of the walking harness (the gentle lead) I was thinking about that one also. He is used to people being around. I do daycare and have many kids and parents in and out all day and he is fine with that. I think I am more focused on being able to take him out of the house and feel as if I hav control over him with ease. I want to be able to walk and and take him to swim and to the beach but as of now again we are nto ready for that LOL!!
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Post by jgdaycare on Mar 3, 2010 18:39:16 GMT -4
OH he is wonderful with all my daycare kids and I also have 3 of my own,and he is awsome with all of them. It just concerns me when we walk he tries to rip my arm off LOL.... Now if only I could get eh weather to make ups its mind so I can get into a routine with him and stay with it GEZZZZ!!!!! lol
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Post by AquaHolic on Mar 4, 2010 7:41:36 GMT -4
If someone used a Prong collar and it drew blood...then it was NOT used correctly. I am telling you from personal experience that my dog understands when I put on that collar he will be corrected. I have stopped him from attacking other dogs as he is an Alpha male (who is dog aggressive) and if the other dog does not submit he will go after them. One snap of that collar and he is instantly under control. He would laugh at the no pull collars as he is a 110 German Shepherd. (harness's are made to pull..just look at the sled dogs) You should really have the dog fitted for the collar (Frank at Bev's Grooming will help you with that) I think they have extra prongs also. Geesh I sound like an advertisement. Its just what worked for us...
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Post by pirategirl on Mar 4, 2010 9:40:40 GMT -4
We are def not ready for the dog park yet LOL... I need to feel confident enough that I have the control not him. He is a good dog all around but needs some adjustments. Which is my fault cuz I have spoiled and baby him. ..LOL..I have heard of the walking harness (the gentle lead) I was thinking about that one also. He is used to people being around. I do daycare and have many kids and parents in and out all day and he is fine with that. I think I am more focused on being able to take him out of the house and feel as if I hav control over him with ease. I want to be able to walk and and take him to swim and to the beach but as of now again we are nto ready for that LOL!! The gentle leader is a leash that goes around his muzzle (tried this one also), but the easy walker looks like a reguar harness, but when he pulls, he feels it on his back. I have one you can borrow to try if you would like.
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Post by AquaHolic on Mar 4, 2010 9:44:14 GMT -4
correcting is not training (well it is... but**) training relieves you of the need to correct him * correcting him is training him - to continue doing what he wants and you'll just tug him sometimes feel free to be defensive - I would be - but let's not pretend a corrective collar should be a long term solution. Your 110lb GSD WILL tire of you tugging on him and may one day decide to just drag you along with him - that's why training is needed; unfortunately training is a bigger investment than buying a collar. Frank is great, isn't he? TG for Bev's. I do find myself surprised they sell corrective collars without the warning it should only be used temporarily until training takes effect. For your information my GSD is trained. I keep the collar only for the rare occurrence I take him for a walk. The reason its rare is that some dog owners are A$$holes and let their dogs come out into the road. Which is the reason my dog is now aggressive toward other dogs. We were attacked by a Golden and a lab while we were walking down the road. My GSD was only 6 months old at the time....he is now 7. The collar is there for my benefit..not his. He understands Leave it and will walk away...but IF the A$$hole neighbor dogs keep coming he will protect me. I am not defensive. I just know what worked for me. I absolutely agree with you about the training. But you can have the most wonderfully trained dog but still have an issue IF there is another dog who is not restrained. And one more thing..I do not tug...that is NOT the proper way to use a prong collar. Training should come with these collars...as well as the choke collars which I do not like.
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Post by jgdaycare on Mar 4, 2010 14:23:22 GMT -4
Sorry guys didnt mean to start sucha debate here LOL... But I have to say I think a combination of both is what I am going with here. I feel like I cant control him due to his size and stranght at this point so I feel the prong collar helps me do that and help him relize what I expect of him. Everything I had read says that training is the key with the prong collars, and knowing how to use it is a very important part of it. I just order more prongs for the collar today, so I am hoping we can get on tract and start this training soon. I do worry about the dog aggression thing. But I guess at this point its reall just a matter of working with him and trying to do what we can. Thanks for all the helpful information.Its been great
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Post by AquaHolic on Mar 4, 2010 18:19:10 GMT -4
I would like to hear the "proper" way to use a collar designed to squeeze or pinch in a case where your dog is becoming aggressive, if not to pull back on your dog. If he's trained and knows Leave It but won't, then what do you do with a collar? How is a collar - one designed to inflict some level of... let's call it discomfort - there for your benefit if it is not to be used to inflict discomfort on your dog to bring him under control? The sound alone can't work if he won't listen to the sound of your Leave it command. I'm askin'. I've got a few old pinch collars in the garage from back when. You don't Pull back on the dog because he will pull back and win as he is much stronger then me.. The prong collar is designed to pinch...so one good pinch should tell an intelligent dog...okay...I am not listening to the Alpha B1tch ...I don't like how this feels. It reinforces my voice command. My dog also knows hand signals... When there is an incident where a dog is coming close Axel will Posture first...ears out forward like a bull...waiting for the other dog to retreat. I can read him and knows what comes next. I will say leave it...he will focus on me (because I also use positive training with treats). IF he does not listen I will yank that collar so he feels it. I do NOT play around. I expect my dog to obey me at all times. Once he got out of the house in the front yard...went after the UPS man...and yes with voice he left the UPS man live for another delivery. Obviously you don't agree with my method of training my dog...which is fine. But I know my dog is well behaved and because of that pinch collar (in the beginning) it reinforced my commands. I taught him sign language for when he gets old and can't hear well...he will know what I expect from him. All I have to do is jiggle that collar...and he gets so excited because he knows its walk time. but like I said...thanks to some neighbors who just do not get it..I can't walk him in my own neighborhood.
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Post by sharon on Mar 5, 2010 9:46:31 GMT -4
I have seen all kinds off training methods & to each his own. What I did with my GSD was every day I would take him out in my yard with just his choker & a 16' training leash. We would only spend about 15mins each session. as dogs tend to get disinterested after that. I would place his choker high on his neck so it was just behind his ears. Take several steps, stop, wait a sec or 2 for him to stop then give him his command. Allow a second or 2 for him to respond then either reward with a tidbit if he did what he was expected to do or give just a light snap & a voice 'eh'. If he did it right we went to another command. If not we redid that command until he got it then was rewarded. After our session a free tidbit with a few seconds of ruffled head & chest & words of praise. Even after he was grown we continues to do his yard walk training but just not every day but whenever he went on his leash for walks along the way I would implement a few refresher training commands under the different surroundings so he was exposed to all places.
When I come home as the dogs meet me at the door to welcome me back I say 'excuse me' they move I come in they exercise some crazy moves but I dont touch them until I am inside & they have gone to their 'cookie' spot & sit. It only takes them a few seconds to realize their is no touching or hugs or treats until the have sat. if they seem to be a bit over excited I will pick up the clicker off the counter click & they hit the floor at which time they just get a 'good down' verbal. They then wait there until I give them their treat.
We also have the invisible electric fence & once they were conditioned to the boundaries they now go outside without their collars & wont cross it, even if there are little wildlife creatures on the other side. My lab hasnt worn her collar for this in over 2 yrs & still wont go past the boundary unless I have her on her walking leash. We just reinforce her with a verbal 'eh' when she gets close. No problems.
As for my Beagle he is a bit more of a task. Even with his electric collar on if he sees a squirrel on the other side will bolt & he is so quick the little bit of a shock he gets doesnt stop him we are still working with him.
It doesnt matter what form of conditioning a person uses as long as it isnt done to create pain for the dog. Good luck.
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Post by simplyasiam on Mar 12, 2010 16:07:09 GMT -4
I know there is a local trainer (I think her name is Gretchen). You could get in touch with Bed and Bones Pet Resort/Rescue... www.bednbonespetresort.com or call christine @ (410) 440-4279
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Post by imazpa on Mar 12, 2010 18:00:52 GMT -4
we use the gentle leader for our overweight and hardheaded Golden to great success.
The harness goes on the dog's muzzle and the leash attaches under the chin, when the dog pulls, the dog's head gets pulled sideways and they slack off because they can't see ahead.
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Post by systematicdog on Nov 2, 2016 6:29:56 GMT -4
When you begin to train a dog they are listening carefully to your words, but they haven’t yet learned your language, and many words do sound similar, especially to a dog. If you’ve decided to make the word sit one of your commands, then everyone that talks to the dog needs to use the same exact command spoken in nearly the same tone, and not use sit down, sit up, sit over there or other confusing sentences. the dog training secret
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Post by frankf on Nov 2, 2016 6:44:34 GMT -4
When you begin to train a dog they are listening carefully to your words, but they haven’t yet learned your language, and many words do sound similar, especially to a dog. If you’ve decided to make the word sit one of your commands, then everyone that talks to the dog needs to use the same exact command spoken in nearly the same tone, and not use sit down, sit up, sit over there or other confusing sentences. the dog training secret Timely answer on a 6 year old post. LOL!
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systematic
First Time Poster
Having a dog for your best friend and companion can be a rewarding experience that will last a life
Posts: 1
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Post by systematic on Nov 7, 2016 10:44:09 GMT -4
However, since most dogs need to urinate and defecate almost immediately when starting on a walk, the absolute best way to train them is to take them outside and have them run or walk until they’ve finished their business. Praise them profusely and give them a treat so they know they’ve done the right thing at the right time, and that is one of the secrets to training a dog right.
Even if you haven’t had a lot of experience with training your dog the main secret is to stay positive, use plenty of treats, and profusely congratulate and praise your dog anytime they perform a task as requested. The number one thing that most dogs need is your attention and love and they will do almost anything to get it. It’s up to you as the master to give the love and attention your dog needs while giving it instructions so it knows how to act as well.
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