Blue Ribbon K9 - Las Vegas Dog Training
The Humane Dog Trainers Of Las Vegas
Blue Ribbon K9 Las Vegas Dog Training Center
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Las Vegas, Nevada 89130
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Dog Training (5)
House Training (1)
Crate Training (1)
Furniture (1)
Dog Laying On Furniture (1)
The Off Command (1)
Dog Jumping Up (1)
Mans Best Friend (1)
Loving A Dog (1)
Potty training (1)
aggression (1)
Dog aggression (2)
Teaching a dog to come (1)
basic obedience (1)
walking your dog (1)
Heal command (1)
raw dog food recipie (1)
Dog food (1)
Healthy dog secrets (1)
Dog Training Commands (1)
german dog training commands (1)
Dog Training Collars (1)
Dog psychology (1)
Dog behavior problems (2)
barking dogs (1)
new dog (1)
dog behaviorist (1)
dog trainers. (1)
House Training (1)
Crate Training (1)
Furniture (1)
Dog Laying On Furniture (1)
The Off Command (1)
Dog Jumping Up (1)
Mans Best Friend (1)
Loving A Dog (1)
Potty training (1)
aggression (1)
Dog aggression (2)
Teaching a dog to come (1)
basic obedience (1)
walking your dog (1)
Heal command (1)
raw dog food recipie (1)
Dog food (1)
Healthy dog secrets (1)
Dog Training Commands (1)
german dog training commands (1)
Dog Training Collars (1)
Dog psychology (1)
Dog behavior problems (2)
barking dogs (1)
new dog (1)
dog behaviorist (1)
dog trainers. (1)
- potty training
- aggression
- basic obedience
- crate training
- dog aggression
- dog barking
- dog collars
- dog food
- dog jumping
- dog trainer las vegas
- dog training
- dog training commands
- dog training las vegas
- dogs on furniture
- german shepherd dog training
- getting dogs used to crate
- heal command
- healthy dog food
- house training a dog
- how a dog controls the house
- las vegas dog trainer
- Potty training
- Puppy training
- raw dog food
- teaching come
- training style
- walking your dog
Bonding with your new adult dog
10/28/2014 10:44 AM Filed in: Potty Trainingnew dog | Dog Training | dog behaviorist | dog trainers.
1. Remember your new dog does not know your family. He will bond with you and your family in approximately 30 days. During this bonding there are going to be some things you do and don't do!!
2. DO NOT -- leave your dog unattended with your children until the bond is complete. Tell your children not to rush up to the dog but to let the dog come to them. Entice the dog to come to them with all kinds of food treats. If the dog does not want to approach them, don't worry the dog will in a few days. Do not force people on the dog. He will become comfortable with your family in a few days.
3. The dog should be fed twice a day. Have your family take turns feeding the dog. Have them take the food bowl to the dog, put it down and then leave the dog alone while he/she eats. DO NOT bother the dog while he/she eats. Always feed the dog in the same place, preferably his kennel, crate, garaged etc.
4. If you are going to leave the dog alone in the house, let him go to his crate as he wishes until the bonding is complete and the dog is comfortable in his surroundings. The dog should sleep in his crate at night. The crate can be put wherever you want but preferably with you or a member of the family that will be responsible for most of the dog duties.
5. DO NOT reach into the crate and try to grab your dog. Remember you have NO bond yet. Bring the dog out to you with food or a toy. You must show the dog that you are his /her friend and that he can trust you. Everything must be positive, etc.
6. When playing fetch, use the toy method (that I can show you) until you have a good bond with your dog. Playing with the dog is a good way to make the dog feel comfortable with you. Have the children play fetch with the dog also. DO NOT attempt to grab they toy out of the dog's mouth. First ask the dog to drop the toy, if he/she does not drop the toy, give him the command to drop it at the same time showing them another toy. When the dog drops the first toy, throw the other toy for the dog. This method will also strengthen your recall. The best toys are Kong’s, but make sure to get the appropriate one for your dog. For example if you have a German Shepherd don’t get him a soft Kong, you can check the manufacture’s website to be sure what size and color is good for your dog
7. If your children bring their friends to the house, be sure to put the dog away. Remember, your children's friends have Not been taught how to act around the dog. Tell your friends not to force themselves on the dog. If a dog wants to be petted he will approach them.
8. Playing, feeding and spending time with your dog is the best way to seal the bond. Do Not Try and force your dog to do anything like obedience, etc. not until you have bonded. Instead, have the dog do what you want by using a food reward and praise. This positive reinforcement method will work the best for you if you are consistent. You will see the dog react to this method in a very short period of time.
9. If you have other animals, your new dog will have to be socialized with them and taught how to behave around them. This is where we can definitely help as we are experienced in socializing dog in family environment.
10. Remember your dog is already trained. An untrained dog has been trained the wrong way. You are always training your dog everyday he watches you and learns from you. Never bad dogs just uniformed owners. Now you and your family must learn to handle the dog properly by attending the prescribed training methods.
Quick points to remember
It takes 30 days to bond with your dog.
1. Do not let your dog sleep out of his crate for the first two weeks.
After two weeks he can sleep out of the crate at night.
2. Do not let you dog loose in the house unattended for two weeks. If you are going to leave crate him.
Leave him unattended for only short periods of time.
3. Be sure to take him out frequently to relive himself, he may be housebroken but he will be in a new area and may be excited and forget, so you will have to reinforce the training.
4. After the first 2 weeks you will start some obedience work.
5. DO NOT let your dog do anything you don't want him to do later on in life. Remember you are the boss. Your dog does not sleep on the bed or get on the furniture EVER!!!!! This can cause training and behavioral problems in the future. If you want to sit or lay next to your dog you go to him.
6. During the bonding period it is OK to use a few food rewards to get the dog to come to you. Also make sure you praise him ALOT!
One last word -- Many times owners are shocked when their dogs try to bite them during corrections. If this happens you must remember that you are NOT making your dog aggressive through firm corrections. You are simply exposing the level of dominance that was already present in the dog, but had not surfaced yet because the dog had never felt a true challenge to its perceived authority prior to the corrections.
We are happy to help you with all your Las Vegas Dog Training needs.
Happy Training
David
2. DO NOT -- leave your dog unattended with your children until the bond is complete. Tell your children not to rush up to the dog but to let the dog come to them. Entice the dog to come to them with all kinds of food treats. If the dog does not want to approach them, don't worry the dog will in a few days. Do not force people on the dog. He will become comfortable with your family in a few days.
3. The dog should be fed twice a day. Have your family take turns feeding the dog. Have them take the food bowl to the dog, put it down and then leave the dog alone while he/she eats. DO NOT bother the dog while he/she eats. Always feed the dog in the same place, preferably his kennel, crate, garaged etc.
4. If you are going to leave the dog alone in the house, let him go to his crate as he wishes until the bonding is complete and the dog is comfortable in his surroundings. The dog should sleep in his crate at night. The crate can be put wherever you want but preferably with you or a member of the family that will be responsible for most of the dog duties.
5. DO NOT reach into the crate and try to grab your dog. Remember you have NO bond yet. Bring the dog out to you with food or a toy. You must show the dog that you are his /her friend and that he can trust you. Everything must be positive, etc.
6. When playing fetch, use the toy method (that I can show you) until you have a good bond with your dog. Playing with the dog is a good way to make the dog feel comfortable with you. Have the children play fetch with the dog also. DO NOT attempt to grab they toy out of the dog's mouth. First ask the dog to drop the toy, if he/she does not drop the toy, give him the command to drop it at the same time showing them another toy. When the dog drops the first toy, throw the other toy for the dog. This method will also strengthen your recall. The best toys are Kong’s, but make sure to get the appropriate one for your dog. For example if you have a German Shepherd don’t get him a soft Kong, you can check the manufacture’s website to be sure what size and color is good for your dog
7. If your children bring their friends to the house, be sure to put the dog away. Remember, your children's friends have Not been taught how to act around the dog. Tell your friends not to force themselves on the dog. If a dog wants to be petted he will approach them.
8. Playing, feeding and spending time with your dog is the best way to seal the bond. Do Not Try and force your dog to do anything like obedience, etc. not until you have bonded. Instead, have the dog do what you want by using a food reward and praise. This positive reinforcement method will work the best for you if you are consistent. You will see the dog react to this method in a very short period of time.
9. If you have other animals, your new dog will have to be socialized with them and taught how to behave around them. This is where we can definitely help as we are experienced in socializing dog in family environment.
10. Remember your dog is already trained. An untrained dog has been trained the wrong way. You are always training your dog everyday he watches you and learns from you. Never bad dogs just uniformed owners. Now you and your family must learn to handle the dog properly by attending the prescribed training methods.
Quick points to remember
It takes 30 days to bond with your dog.
1. Do not let your dog sleep out of his crate for the first two weeks.
After two weeks he can sleep out of the crate at night.
2. Do not let you dog loose in the house unattended for two weeks. If you are going to leave crate him.
Leave him unattended for only short periods of time.
3. Be sure to take him out frequently to relive himself, he may be housebroken but he will be in a new area and may be excited and forget, so you will have to reinforce the training.
4. After the first 2 weeks you will start some obedience work.
5. DO NOT let your dog do anything you don't want him to do later on in life. Remember you are the boss. Your dog does not sleep on the bed or get on the furniture EVER!!!!! This can cause training and behavioral problems in the future. If you want to sit or lay next to your dog you go to him.
6. During the bonding period it is OK to use a few food rewards to get the dog to come to you. Also make sure you praise him ALOT!
One last word -- Many times owners are shocked when their dogs try to bite them during corrections. If this happens you must remember that you are NOT making your dog aggressive through firm corrections. You are simply exposing the level of dominance that was already present in the dog, but had not surfaced yet because the dog had never felt a true challenge to its perceived authority prior to the corrections.
We are happy to help you with all your Las Vegas Dog Training needs.
Happy Training
David
Barking Dogs... what to do!
So what can we do to stop the constant barking? I get this question all the time. Dogs love to bark, psychologically it is a release for them when there are anxious, fearful or just to have fun. First you have to decide if you really want to stop this behavior, after all we want our dogs to bark and warn us of danger or an intruder. What we are talking about here is the constant and persistent barking that never seams to end.
First pick a word to use like no bark or quiet, then get yourself a short training line and when the dog starts to bark tell him, “no bark, quiet,” then give him a slight correction. You will probably need to do this several times.
If this method still is not producing good results you can always us a water bottle or canned air also say quiet and spray him. In the old days we use to use a hose.
For really stubborn dogs you will need to increase the firmness of your correction and be consistent. All dogs will finally give up, we just need to be firm and consistent with our corrections.
In extreme cases you can us a nylon muzzle but make sure the dog can pant easily and put it on him for 15 minutes then take it off, also with very stubborn dogs you might want to go to a bark collar. I would use this as a last resort. If this is the case consult a professional trainer before trying this method, so they can show you how to use it properly.
Call us will all your dog training question: 702-656-9719
First pick a word to use like no bark or quiet, then get yourself a short training line and when the dog starts to bark tell him, “no bark, quiet,” then give him a slight correction. You will probably need to do this several times.
If this method still is not producing good results you can always us a water bottle or canned air also say quiet and spray him. In the old days we use to use a hose.
For really stubborn dogs you will need to increase the firmness of your correction and be consistent. All dogs will finally give up, we just need to be firm and consistent with our corrections.
In extreme cases you can us a nylon muzzle but make sure the dog can pant easily and put it on him for 15 minutes then take it off, also with very stubborn dogs you might want to go to a bark collar. I would use this as a last resort. If this is the case consult a professional trainer before trying this method, so they can show you how to use it properly.
Call us will all your dog training question: 702-656-9719
Should I let my dog sleep on my bed?
I have had many clients ask me if their dog can sleep on the bed with them or lay on the bed while they are at work. This is not a good habit. Because it is an issue of dominance and establishing pack leadership. When you allow your dog on the bed it tends to make the dog think that he is above you in the pack order, and if he is above you why should he mind you. Your dog is no dummy, he is well aware of a hierarchy in the family pack. The moment we bring a dog on the bed we are granting him a new place in the pack order. By allowing them to sleep with us we are dissolving the rank order and setting up a dangerous situation. When you put your dog in a leadership position your dog has a harder time dealing with strangers, your absence, other animals and even members of your household. Plus why should he mind you when you just told him in “Dog Language” that he is the pack leader.
Another point when your dog sleeps on the bed with you he brings little treasures that he has acquired during the day onto your bed. This is another critical issue. There are all sorts of diseases and parasites that you can catch from sleeping with your dog. Their system is designed to better handle these different bacterias and parasites and yours is not.
But I understand that some people just have to sleep with their dog. So there are some things you can do to help keep the pack structure in perspective. Never let him on the bed unless you invite him and when you want him to get off tell him to get down.
This should help and this should also be applied to your furniture.
Happy Training,
David
Another point when your dog sleeps on the bed with you he brings little treasures that he has acquired during the day onto your bed. This is another critical issue. There are all sorts of diseases and parasites that you can catch from sleeping with your dog. Their system is designed to better handle these different bacterias and parasites and yours is not.
But I understand that some people just have to sleep with their dog. So there are some things you can do to help keep the pack structure in perspective. Never let him on the bed unless you invite him and when you want him to get off tell him to get down.
This should help and this should also be applied to your furniture.
Happy Training,
David
How to choose a dog training collar
Dog Collars
How to choose a good dog training collar
Lately people have been asking been asking about which kind of collar is best for training. I get this question a lot so here is my best advise.
I recommend you train your dog well, so you don’t have to use training collars. I like to use psychology as the primary training method. I think it is important to train your dog to have a relationship with you and responding to you. If you don’t win the dog over psychologically all you are left with is force, compulsion and bribing with food to try and get your dog to behave.
Choke chains
Using a choke chain. Choke chains work on certain dogs. A soft dog who doesn’t like the sound of the chain but too often the owner becomes frustrated and begins yanking and jerking too hard. Please think about this before you use one. It can cause Tracheal and esophageal damage, sprained necks, paralysis and hind leg ataxia. I am not talking about the family dog wearing a choke chain around the house. I am talking about compulsion trainers whose only dog training method is based on harsh corrections and no rewards. NOT ALL DOGS ARE FUR BABIES, there is a time and place for compulsion. Like when your trying to save the life of an aggressive or dominant dog. The good news is 75% of dogs do not require you to get real physical with them.
Haltie collars and Gentle leaders
This is a well intentioned but dangerous Fad. Some well intentioned armature behaviorists and part time trainers use them. These dangerous collars come off and can cause cervical and spinal injuries to the dog if he luges because it turns his head. Also they are useless in the house and if your dog misbehaves inside you need to correct the behavior, not the the dog. It really is an inefficient tool. They don’t teach a dog anything, they are not a so much a training tool but a crutch for people who do not understand animal behavior. All they really are is a restraint and you are risking spinal injuries to your dog. Logic and experience tells me that as soon as you take this type of collar off the dog, he will go back to his old ways. I have also seen the dogs noses rubbed raw because of this method.
Clickers
I know it is not a collar but I thought I would mention clickers because they are the epitome of what does not work in real life and the nonsense people need to look out for. Somehow these people believe that clickers and food work better than your voice and body language. Do you really think your dog is even going to pay attentions to the clicker over the screeching tires of a car and run back to you because to have a treat when he is in full prey dive. Clickers and treats seem logical to some people, and they have their place in some specialized training, like in movies and other special work. But what is sad is that when their dog runs across the street and gets hit by a car because he wasn’t taught to recall without treats.
Prong collars
Prong collars have saved many dogs lives and are used for training. They are now very popular with a lot of trainers, especially military law enforcement and sport trainers. THEY ARE especially effective for kids, seniors , people with disabilities. it only takes 20% or less energy to get the same response from a dog wearing one. Many people with large dogs and people with dominant and aggressive dogs did not have to euthanize their dog because the owner kept and open mind and tried this method. Consult a real trainer, who has experience with aggression. Half of the homes I go too already have them because their dogs were pulling them down the street. Almost always people who are against prong collars have never used one. These are also the first people to tell you to destroy your dog when treat training does not work. How could you be against anything that has saved so many lives.
This collar was developed by a veterinarian as a safe and humane alternative to choke chains. They also work great for small dogs like spaniels and jack Russell terriers that have easily damageable and delicate necks. Prong collars are by far the safest collar. They mimic the mothers bite, that is why for a long time they were called: Mothers Bite Collars.
Shock Collars or E-Collars or Remote Collars
I am not totally against remote collars when used properly in cases of dangerous aggression, they do save lives. They are a good tool when used properly. The problem is many people over use the method. MY experience is that the average person simply turns up the juice when his dog does not comply and more often than not you end up with a nervous, broken spirited , skittish dog and in some cases more aggressive then when you started the dog training. This should be a tool of last resort.
Martingale
This is very similar to the prong collar only it is made out cloth nylon or leather and is for a very soft or happy go lucky dog. some labs, goldens and very soft dogs do well with this type of collar.
If you have any more questions on collars please let me know, I am always happy to share my experience.
Happy Training,
Dave
How to choose a good dog training collar
Lately people have been asking been asking about which kind of collar is best for training. I get this question a lot so here is my best advise.
I recommend you train your dog well, so you don’t have to use training collars. I like to use psychology as the primary training method. I think it is important to train your dog to have a relationship with you and responding to you. If you don’t win the dog over psychologically all you are left with is force, compulsion and bribing with food to try and get your dog to behave.
Choke chains
Using a choke chain. Choke chains work on certain dogs. A soft dog who doesn’t like the sound of the chain but too often the owner becomes frustrated and begins yanking and jerking too hard. Please think about this before you use one. It can cause Tracheal and esophageal damage, sprained necks, paralysis and hind leg ataxia. I am not talking about the family dog wearing a choke chain around the house. I am talking about compulsion trainers whose only dog training method is based on harsh corrections and no rewards. NOT ALL DOGS ARE FUR BABIES, there is a time and place for compulsion. Like when your trying to save the life of an aggressive or dominant dog. The good news is 75% of dogs do not require you to get real physical with them.
Haltie collars and Gentle leaders
This is a well intentioned but dangerous Fad. Some well intentioned armature behaviorists and part time trainers use them. These dangerous collars come off and can cause cervical and spinal injuries to the dog if he luges because it turns his head. Also they are useless in the house and if your dog misbehaves inside you need to correct the behavior, not the the dog. It really is an inefficient tool. They don’t teach a dog anything, they are not a so much a training tool but a crutch for people who do not understand animal behavior. All they really are is a restraint and you are risking spinal injuries to your dog. Logic and experience tells me that as soon as you take this type of collar off the dog, he will go back to his old ways. I have also seen the dogs noses rubbed raw because of this method.
Clickers
I know it is not a collar but I thought I would mention clickers because they are the epitome of what does not work in real life and the nonsense people need to look out for. Somehow these people believe that clickers and food work better than your voice and body language. Do you really think your dog is even going to pay attentions to the clicker over the screeching tires of a car and run back to you because to have a treat when he is in full prey dive. Clickers and treats seem logical to some people, and they have their place in some specialized training, like in movies and other special work. But what is sad is that when their dog runs across the street and gets hit by a car because he wasn’t taught to recall without treats.
Prong collars
Prong collars have saved many dogs lives and are used for training. They are now very popular with a lot of trainers, especially military law enforcement and sport trainers. THEY ARE especially effective for kids, seniors , people with disabilities. it only takes 20% or less energy to get the same response from a dog wearing one. Many people with large dogs and people with dominant and aggressive dogs did not have to euthanize their dog because the owner kept and open mind and tried this method. Consult a real trainer, who has experience with aggression. Half of the homes I go too already have them because their dogs were pulling them down the street. Almost always people who are against prong collars have never used one. These are also the first people to tell you to destroy your dog when treat training does not work. How could you be against anything that has saved so many lives.
This collar was developed by a veterinarian as a safe and humane alternative to choke chains. They also work great for small dogs like spaniels and jack Russell terriers that have easily damageable and delicate necks. Prong collars are by far the safest collar. They mimic the mothers bite, that is why for a long time they were called: Mothers Bite Collars.
Shock Collars or E-Collars or Remote Collars
I am not totally against remote collars when used properly in cases of dangerous aggression, they do save lives. They are a good tool when used properly. The problem is many people over use the method. MY experience is that the average person simply turns up the juice when his dog does not comply and more often than not you end up with a nervous, broken spirited , skittish dog and in some cases more aggressive then when you started the dog training. This should be a tool of last resort.
Martingale
This is very similar to the prong collar only it is made out cloth nylon or leather and is for a very soft or happy go lucky dog. some labs, goldens and very soft dogs do well with this type of collar.
If you have any more questions on collars please let me know, I am always happy to share my experience.
Happy Training,
Dave
Dog Training Commands In German
10/06/2014 11:06 PM Filed in: Potty TrainingDog Training Commands | german dog training commands | Dog Training
German Commands
Heel --- Fuss (Fooss)
Sit--- Setz
Down--- Platz
Stay--- Steh (Shtay)
Come--- Hier (Heeer)
Stand--- Blibe
Retrive/Fetch--- Bring (Brrring)
Jump--- Hop
Go Out--- Voraus
Track--- Such(Suuk)
Guard--- Pass Auff
Attack--- Packen
Let Go--- Aus (Ows) Lass Es
Speak--- Gib Launt (Geblout)
Narcotics--- Rauschgift
Find Narcotics--- Such Rauschgift
Building Search--- Voran or Revier
Kennel--- Zwinger
Go Outside--- Helyedre
Go Ahead--- Geh Voran
Get In--- Geh Rhein
What Going On--- Was ist log?
Good Boy--- Bravo - So Brav
Bad Boy--- Pfui (Fooey)
Don't Do That--- Las Das Sine
Attention--- Achtung
Eat Food--- Nim Foota
Helper Stand--- Blieben sie Rhig Stehen
Relax--- Schon Gut
Article Search--- Verlore
Get Back--- Zurucker Halten
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Raw dog food recipe
Best Raw Dog Food Recipe
20 lb. of ground meat, or hearts, liver, bone and muscle blend
15 lb. of ground turkey
2 head of green romaine lettuce
4 lb. of lightly steamed organic carrots
8 ounces of coconut oil
4 lb. cooked sweet potatoes
1 head of organic steamed kale
1 pack of organic steamed spinach
1 bag organic frozen broccoli
1 bunch of organic oregano
Add water as needed to make the food a nice stew consistency.
Add rice germ and or brewers yeast when putting it in the bowl
Quality Green supplement preferably made for humans put in bowl at feeding time
Enzyme preferably a human based enzyme one capsule is usually enough open capsule ad put in bowl at feeding time
Steam all veggies then place in food processor or blender with water then set to the side.
In a big bowl mix all the meat and mix in the veggies.
Place 16 ounce portions into glass jars or plastic bags and freeze.
My dogs eat about 1.5 to 2 per cups day.
It takes about a day and a half to defrost so plan accordingly.
If you wish to give your dogs cooked food just adjust the recipe by cooking the meat in a pressure cooker or the oven.
Good Luck and Happy Training,
Call us now!
702-656-9719
Teaching your dog to heal next to you on a walk
08/01/2011 03:28 PM Filed in: Potty Trainingwalking your dog | Heal command
I heard many of my clients say to me, “My dog pulls and pulls and won't slow down let alone walk beside me”. This is a very common complaint.
Teaching you dog to heel or walk on a leash with you can be one of the most most pleasant or annoying things you can do with your dog. I see people all Around my neighborhood being drug down the road and pulled in all directions. This is not only hard on the owner's arms and hands but you are teaching your dog that HE/SHE IS THE PACK LEADER AND NOT YOU.
This sets a bad president and can be the start of many behavioral issues to come. All dog training should start with the walk this is how we establish ourselves as a pack leader in the dogs eyes. Watch animal planet or the national geographic channel and watch the wolf pack. Who's in front: the alpha wolf, or a lion pride, again who's in front? With deer its the same thing, the leader is always in the front position. It is the same even with a mother duck walking down to the pond with her ducklings, she walks out in front. But how do you accomplish the task?
In training your dog to heal you will benefit tremendously by using a few different methods. The pet warehouse method is to lure of bribe your dog with food. Simply walk with your dog and when he looks up at you and is at your side give him a treat. The problem with this method is that you are teaching the dog nothing, you are simply bribing him with food. You could get a tiger to heel by dragging a peace of meat around. I know I have a tiger and I have done it. The first method I would try is the about face. Get a strong leash and a collar. A flat collar or slip loop will work fine. Start walking with your dog when he forges ahead make a fast about turn and let him hit the end of the leash. The faster you make your turn the faster he will turn around and then run to catch up to you. He must learn that sometimes he has to do things that he doesn't want to: you are the pack leader and you need to have control. Your dog must walk with you not you walk with him. You can also stop and let him hit the end of the leash, then start again. Most dogs after 20 to 25 about turns will slow down, once they realize they will hit the end of the lead each time they pull. If your dog is pulling make an quick turn in the opposite direction that your dog is going this should stop him from pulling after a few sessions. For those of you who have a really strong willed dog or a dog with a high threshold to pain you may have to use a metal collar. In terms of producing pain for the dog it looks a lot worse that it is. If you put the collar around your leg or arm and pull it you will see that there is not much discomfort. This is a very effective way to correct a dog that likes to pull you down the street also you will be using only one tenth of the strength you normally would have to control your dog. It also works wonders with stopping lunging and dog on dog aggression. Make sure you consult a professional and have it fitted properly once this is done even the most egregious pullers fall into place. However training collars though useful with aggressive and dangerous pulling are not something to have your dog wear all the time, it is a tool to use to correct aggression pulling problems until he learns not to pull you dangerously down the road. When he/she learns to heal next to you, you can go back to your flat collar, martingale or slip loop or choke chain. Remember leadership is the key, walk strait and look ahead act like a pack leader dogs don't want to follow someone timid. Don't look back at your dog - looking back at him will only teach him to slow down. If he sits and puts his rear on the ground and refuses to go forward just give him a slight tug on your leash and say walk he will come forward when he does reward him with lavish praise. Always praise and talk to your dog when on the walk. You want the walk to be a fun and enjoyable experience there is nothing wrong with talking and praising your dog while on the walk. If you are still having trouble please consult a professional handler.
Good Luck and Happy Training,
David
Teaching you dog to heel or walk on a leash with you can be one of the most most pleasant or annoying things you can do with your dog. I see people all Around my neighborhood being drug down the road and pulled in all directions. This is not only hard on the owner's arms and hands but you are teaching your dog that HE/SHE IS THE PACK LEADER AND NOT YOU.
This sets a bad president and can be the start of many behavioral issues to come. All dog training should start with the walk this is how we establish ourselves as a pack leader in the dogs eyes. Watch animal planet or the national geographic channel and watch the wolf pack. Who's in front: the alpha wolf, or a lion pride, again who's in front? With deer its the same thing, the leader is always in the front position. It is the same even with a mother duck walking down to the pond with her ducklings, she walks out in front. But how do you accomplish the task?
In training your dog to heal you will benefit tremendously by using a few different methods. The pet warehouse method is to lure of bribe your dog with food. Simply walk with your dog and when he looks up at you and is at your side give him a treat. The problem with this method is that you are teaching the dog nothing, you are simply bribing him with food. You could get a tiger to heel by dragging a peace of meat around. I know I have a tiger and I have done it. The first method I would try is the about face. Get a strong leash and a collar. A flat collar or slip loop will work fine. Start walking with your dog when he forges ahead make a fast about turn and let him hit the end of the leash. The faster you make your turn the faster he will turn around and then run to catch up to you. He must learn that sometimes he has to do things that he doesn't want to: you are the pack leader and you need to have control. Your dog must walk with you not you walk with him. You can also stop and let him hit the end of the leash, then start again. Most dogs after 20 to 25 about turns will slow down, once they realize they will hit the end of the lead each time they pull. If your dog is pulling make an quick turn in the opposite direction that your dog is going this should stop him from pulling after a few sessions. For those of you who have a really strong willed dog or a dog with a high threshold to pain you may have to use a metal collar. In terms of producing pain for the dog it looks a lot worse that it is. If you put the collar around your leg or arm and pull it you will see that there is not much discomfort. This is a very effective way to correct a dog that likes to pull you down the street also you will be using only one tenth of the strength you normally would have to control your dog. It also works wonders with stopping lunging and dog on dog aggression. Make sure you consult a professional and have it fitted properly once this is done even the most egregious pullers fall into place. However training collars though useful with aggressive and dangerous pulling are not something to have your dog wear all the time, it is a tool to use to correct aggression pulling problems until he learns not to pull you dangerously down the road. When he/she learns to heal next to you, you can go back to your flat collar, martingale or slip loop or choke chain. Remember leadership is the key, walk strait and look ahead act like a pack leader dogs don't want to follow someone timid. Don't look back at your dog - looking back at him will only teach him to slow down. If he sits and puts his rear on the ground and refuses to go forward just give him a slight tug on your leash and say walk he will come forward when he does reward him with lavish praise. Always praise and talk to your dog when on the walk. You want the walk to be a fun and enjoyable experience there is nothing wrong with talking and praising your dog while on the walk. If you are still having trouble please consult a professional handler.
Good Luck and Happy Training,
David
Teaching the "come" command
08/01/2011 03:13 PM Filed in: Potty TrainingTeaching a dog to come | basic obedience
Getting your dog to come when called can be a frustrating and madding experience. It is also important that he /she always comes when called this could save your dogs life. At some point in your dogs lifetime he/she is going to get off the leash and out of your control when this happens they will not see the car or truck coming down the street they will be too focused on whatever it is they are chasing. Your dog needs to know that come means come now, and they should run to you as if their life depended on it, because it may.
You teach your dog this command you first want to stand in front of your dog after he has learned the stay command, ask him to come and pull the leash toward you. Your dog will come and when he does make him sit in front of you. Always give him a verbal and a visual cue. Then call his name; "spot come and at the same time give him a hand gesture with your palm pointed out away from you and make a pulling monition towards your body at the same time you call him, this way he can see you are calling him to come close to you. Some dogs look away as if they didn't hear you. Here is a news flash they hear you alright they just didn't want to come. They must come all the time every time. Once he has come and is sitting in front of you give him lavish praise and pet him. Repeat this process several times. Then get a longer lead or a rope and repeats the process until he will do it every time. When he does it reliably every time its time to move to off leash. If he does not come go get him pull him to you and then praise him. DO NOT PUNISH YOUR DOG FOR NOT COMING, doing this will only make him/her not want to come to you again. Never ever punish a dog for not coming. You can also get his favorite toy or food and give it to him every time he comes. Very few dogs will come every time for praise alone so find out what his hot bottom is!! Is it food, toy, or ball. As soon as he comes and sits in front of you give him his reward. This is not his toy that lays around the house for him to play with. This is your toy and you only give it when he comes. Also walk backwards when calling him and be very animated and you will see his speed improve. Soon your dog will be coming every time when he is doing that then move to off leash and distractions.
Good Luck and Happy Training,
David
You teach your dog this command you first want to stand in front of your dog after he has learned the stay command, ask him to come and pull the leash toward you. Your dog will come and when he does make him sit in front of you. Always give him a verbal and a visual cue. Then call his name; "spot come and at the same time give him a hand gesture with your palm pointed out away from you and make a pulling monition towards your body at the same time you call him, this way he can see you are calling him to come close to you. Some dogs look away as if they didn't hear you. Here is a news flash
they hear you alright they just didn't want to come. They must come all the time every time. Once he has come and is sitting in front of you give him lavish praise and pet him. Repeat this process several times. Then get a longer lead or a rope and repeats the process until he will do it every time. When he does it reliably every time its time to move to off leash. If he does not come go get him pull him to you and then praise him. DO NOT PUNISH YOUR DOG FOR NOT COMING, doing this will only make him/her not want to come to you again. Never ever punish a dog for not coming. You can also get his favorite toy or food and give it to him every time he comes. Very few dogs will come every time for praise alone so find out what his hot bottom is!! Is it food, toy, or ball. As soon as he comes and sits in front of you give him his reward. This is not his toy that lays around the house for him to play with. This is your toy and you only give it when he comes. Also walk backwards when calling him and be very animated and you will see his speed improve. Soon your dog will be coming every time when he is doing that then move to off leash and distractions.Good Luck and Happy Training,
David
Dog aggression
08/01/2011 02:33 PM Filed in: Potty Trainingaggression | Dog aggression
Aggression in dogs can become a challenge for an owner. A lot of times it's not even aggression its a matter of dominance. If you have a small dog who acts aggressive people might laugh and say oh my,
he thinks he's tough, but if you happen to have a large powerful dog, you not only open yourself to injury but a law suit as well. Almost All the time aggression is caused by the owner. Things that can cause aggression are, isolation, that in turn causes the dog to think that he is in charge of your family pack. Just go for a walk around your neighborhood and watch all the dogs that are out front dragging their owner down the street. THIS IS A RECEPE FOR DISASTER. I have rarely seen a dog that walks behind or bedside the owner who becomes aggressive when he sees other dogs. In a wolf or wild dog pack the alpha dog makes the decision when to become aggressive. If the alpha dog needs help the he/she will ask for it. In other words your dog looks at you and your family as his pack and if you let her/him walk out in front of you, you are telling him that he/she is the pack leader. He/she is just doing watch comes natural. DRIVING OFF NON PACK MEMBERS. Never let your dog walk out in front of you. You can stop, give him a lose leash and let him sniff his favorite tree check if his friends have been by, but while you are walking he/she needs to be at your side. There are various methods to accomplice this and different types of collars and harnesses. If you are having this problem it is best to hire a professional behaviorist who can talk to you about inductive training. Treats and clickers won't stop aggression; dogs don't adhere to the adage. Can't we all just get along". They respond from a position of power and respect. It doesn't matter if you have a Muffin, Lassie or Cujo, all dogs are inherently the same in how they see their world and you. To find out the quickest and easiest way to communicate with your dog and to what level of training he/she needs you would be wise to hire a professional. Most aggression can certainly be controlled and you can have a happy well balanced dog for a lifetime. There are as many different methods of tackling this dilemma as there are dogs. One camp says use shock collars and citronella sprays. Then there is the opposite camp who prefer cookies, treats and clickers. If your dog is only pulling a little, this method of positive training is usually fine, but if your dog is so dangerous that you cannot even walk him down the street without him lunging at every dog or person that passes, you may need something more firm than a cookie or a clicker to stop him. In this case a slip collar, martingale or metal collar should do the trick until he realizes that this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. The bottom line is that you have to take the position of power with your dog and control the situation. You can't have a dog jumping on your bed, throwing a fit at the door when people come over, counter surfing for your favorite sandwich, incessant barking at sounds outside the house, rushing past you on the stairs, running out the door first, not coming when called. If he is doing these things you can't expect him to act like an Angel on a walk. You have to take control of your dog in all aspects of his life.You don't have to fight for control the way a dog fights for it, you only need to believe in yourself and that you are the leader and act like one. You do it by the way you walk talk and act. By your voice and gestures. Your dog needs to believe that you are the leader. Aggressive dogs need a firm set of consistent rules. Your dog needs to know that you will protect your pack. Something as simple as your dog demanding that you pet him while you are busy could be a sign of dominant behavior and that could potentially escalate. A professional trainer /behaviorist can help you determine how to control the aggression and what would be your best approach to take control back and have a happy well adjusted best friend.Good Luck and Happy Training,
David
How to get your dog not to lay on the furniture while you are out
A dog left to his own devices will always choose something soft to lay on like your furniture, your favorite chair and they really like couches.
If your dogs do not respect you when your gone Katy bar the door the natives will be taking over the asylum.
So what to do first?
Do not invite your puppy up on the couch or chair with you, it might be cute at first but when you are cleaning hair and flees off you furniture it can become tedious. If you catch on the couch tell him no, take him over to his dog bed and tell him to lay down and stay, again ignore him for five minutes unless he leaves the area where you put him. Put a dog bed or pad and in the area where the furniture is and teach him that this is ok to lay on and the furniture is not. Again be consistent some dogs learn quicker than others but they all can get it. Try not to leave food on the countertops and tables. These are temptations that a dog in training cannot resist. Anticipate potential jumping situations, and tell your dog to sit or redirect her attention to something else.
Now when your gone this is a different matter which I will discuss in a moment. do not invite your dog to sit with you one day and off the couch the next it will only confuse him and cause other problems. The next problem is chewing. As you know all puppies chew stuff and even grown up dogs like to chew so make sure you have a few chew toys around that should prevent the chewing of furniture. If your gone and he chews something it is too late, if you punish him he won't know why and you'll only confuse your dog. If you have a dog that has developed an acquired taste for the leg of your armchair or your shoes or leather belts etc we have to move to plan B. "Apple Bitter"
apple Bitter spray is colorless and odorless to humans but dogs hate the smell and will not bite something that you spray it on. A couple of squirts here and there and that should do the trick!
The happy chase biter
Most puppies are pushy and nip the litter mates and chase them around This behavior is NOT aggression just rough play. When this happens the other pups will yelp and move away from the nipper or the mother will correct the puppy with a bite of her own. This lets the offending dog know that his behavior is not acceptable. With this method they learn rather quickly how hard is too hard.
NEVER LET A DOG PUT HIS TEETH ON YOU AND REFRAIN FROM PLAYING HAND GAMES, GRABBING HIS MOUTH -- THIS TEACHES BITING IS OK.
Another very good method to get the point through to your dog is when your pup nips at you let out a howl or yelp and tell him no. This can also can be combined with making him go to his area and stay there for five minutes. Another good method I use is to tell the pup, "no biting" and if he grabs my hand again I take my index finger and tell him "don't touch as I gently tap his nose, I use very little force and it redirects them into, gee I guess I shouldn't do that. You can also use two fingers and poke him lightly in the neck this simulates what a mother dog does to correct her young. Be consistent these are tried and tested methods that work for all types of dogs.