Dog Obedience Training

lickcreek · #1 07/08/09, 07:59 AM

We have a puppy that is going to get out of hand soon if we don't start working with him, but we've never trained a dog before. I have looked online for books and tapes as to how to train a dog, and have no idea which one would be the best one to use. Can anyone recommend a book or tape that will give us some insight on how to train a dog "from scratch"?

7thswan · #2 07/08/09, 08:49 AM

I'm with WIHH, Cesar Millan is Awsome and very easy to understand.

popscott · #3 07/08/09, 08:51 AM

YouTube.com has some folks who have made training video clips..... Search on dog training or dog obedience..

Thanks,
Scott

pheasantplucker · #4 07/08/09, 08:58 AM

I have three dogs and I've taken all three to obedience training (one twice)...I don't think there is any substitute for working with a competent dog obedience trainer in a small class setting. Yes, I'm sure some aspects are worth noting from reading a book or watching a DVD, however, a good trainer can see imperfections and correct them there on the spot, and explain the reasoning behind such...whereas a video or a book can not do that...Good luck...ps...what kind of dog?

watcher · #5 07/08/09, 09:06 AM

The wife gets a bit peeved when i say this but training/raising dogs isn't any different than training/raising kids. You show/teach them what you want and reward them when they do it. You show/teach them what you don't want them to do and you punish them if they do it. After they have learned what you want you can reduce the rewards.

You also must remember you are the boss or they will walk all over you.

The absolutely biggest things are for EVERYONE to be on the same page and consistent. You can't have one person allowing the dog on the couch and another telling it to stay off.

lickcreek · #6 07/08/09, 09:18 AM

Thanks WIHH. I will look into those.

I would love to take him to classes, but have not found any in our area. I'm still looking.

He was dumped off, so we don't know a lot about him, although from what I have researched, he is at least (mostly) English Mastiff. Which means we need to get some control over him SOON! He is growing really fast!

7thswan · #7 07/08/09, 12:51 PM

Read up on the breed temperaments also. It will help knowing a dogs particular natural tendices.

soulsurvivor · #8 07/08/09, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pheasantplucker

I have three dogs and I've taken all three to obedience training (one twice)...I don't think there is any substitute for working with a competent dog obedience trainer in a small class setting. Yes, I'm sure some aspects are worth noting from reading a book or watching a DVD, however, a good trainer can see imperfections and correct them there on the spot, and explain the reasoning behind such...whereas a video or a book can not do that...Good luck...ps...what kind of dog?

Amen. We've always used the training service provided by the kennel where we've bought our dogs. Even though we've always had a Weinmarner, each has had a slightly different temperment and personality. I think it's as important for the owner to be trained as it is the dog.

brody · #9 07/08/09, 05:36 PM

I'm not a Millan fan
Monks of New Skete is ok, Woodhouse is ok

my current favourite for starting people is the Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller

(now I work with a lot of different dogs short term (fosters) and run three dogs in competetive agility so realtionship building is an important part of my training regieme)

SFM in KY · #10 07/08/09, 06:00 PM

I raised/trained/showed Rottweilers for 20-some years ... all of mine had at least basic obediance and several I had AKC obediance titles on, plus had some actual working police-types as well.

My foundation was with the Koehler method, and I was fortunate enough to be able to start out with local obediance classes as well so when they were no longer available I could continue on my own with a good foundation.

I will say that I've found Koehler to be readable and understandable ... and perhaps not as popular currently as it was ... but it worked well for me.

Wolf mom · #11 07/08/09, 06:17 PM

Begin immediately! Whenever he comes up to you, make him sit. Push his little butt down, stroke him under the chin to look up at you (for the next command or "good dog"). Praise, praise, praise!

Whenever he is fed, make him sit first. Puppies learn this quickly & especially with a big dog, it sure makes life easier. Don't believe the saying that a puppy has to be 6 months old before you can start training. I decided to have some fun with this, and in addition to making one of my dogs sit before I put his supper bowl down, I began shaking my head. He now shakes his head & sits.

The second command he needs to learn is come. He at the same time needs to learn where you want him to potty if he doesn't do that already.

As a former 4-H leader, I always taught my kids to make training part of the dog's daily life. Not just "1/2 hour a day".

Maybe if you have chldren, there's a 4-H group around. Call your town. A lot of parks have classes. I'd read a bunch, go to the library, get some tapes on dog training & do what feels comfortable & logical for you. But, again, you need to begin as soon as you get off the computer & he comes up to you.

Have fun with your new dog. Mastiffs arent the smartest dogs, and can be lazy & independent minded. But the one I had sure was a loving companion.

HappyFarmer · #12 07/08/09, 08:16 PM

It depends on the level of training you're looking for, and the temperament of the dog, too. Do you want the dog to retreive your slippers & climb a ladder or simply sit, stay, come?

I agree with watcher for the most part. Work it into your day.

I would start with leading the dog, every day several times a day, on a lead. Choke collar or no-jump harness if you have to depending on the dog's behavior. Pull the dog towards you, and keep him/her within 2 feet as you walk, he/she will catch on quickly. This will reinforce the fact that you are in charge, you are alpha, you are the boss. Then work your way to sitting on lead, staying on lead, etc.

Treats work great for rewards. Be sure to practice taking food away, even out of his/her mouth (then give it back!) often. As a pup this is far easier to teach than an adult who may be food aggressive towards people taking food or protecting their food. Handle feet, ears, nose, mouth, tail, ect. often.

Things like ripping the garbage apart or urinating in the house are a zero tolerance & should be reprimanded quickly & efficiently. An alpha roll or the tone of your voice will make your unhappiness known.

Kennel or tie the dog bare minimally. Kenneled or tied dogs tend to become yancy & excited when they are loose, & they tend to show bad behavior after long periods of time confined. I'm sure there are plenty who may disagree with this statement but I've seen plenty of kenneled dogs over-react when let loose.

Most importantly, IMO, after each training session a treat & positive attention can do wonders for the dogs morale & bonding with an owner.

Good Luck
HF

empofuniv · #13 07/08/09, 10:50 PM

Our rescued F Chihuahua was so aggressive I was afraid to have her around children or other dogs. I just knew we were gonna get sued for sure.

We are currently in obedience class and OMGosh...what a difference!

At 8lbs she is the smallest one in the current class as the others are big labs, shepards and rotties etc.

I called our vet and asked for class recommendations. Called and talked to the folks and took her for them to see and evaluate, as well as to watch some classes in action before enrolling her.

The main instructor told me "we don't train dogs, we train owners to train their dogs".

This school focuses on food reward and praise. Only one 15 minute session of actual "training" a day when the dog wears the training collar. That is the only time the dog is to wear it. It is their "school jewelry" and they are to know that is their work time. Not to mean you can't continue w the commands throughout the day...just not as a focused worktime.

No feeding the day of class.

Miss Mouth is too old (19 mo) to be in the puppy class, so she is in the basic class and has made good strides with sit, come, stay. We are still working on heel - she has it down fairly good, but we are absymal failures at lay down. We are also working on "quiet" and have made some improvements. She was definately a yapper.

I was astonished to watch the advanced class at this school. Who knew a Jack Russell could be so obedient? Or the set of Yorkies that are just little jewels?! In case anyone would think this school focuses on little dogs, no. There are bird dogs and several Great Danes in the advanced classes that I've watched.

If you want to pm me w a mailing address I can send you a copy of the training instructions we have for Miss Mouth's homework.

Pam

lickcreek · #14 07/09/09, 02:15 PM

Empofuniv ~ I've PMd you (at least I think I have!) and would appreciate your notes on your homework! That is exactly what we need - someone who can teach us to teach our dog!

I am not looking for a "show dog", just one we can trust to mind when necesarry, and to be reasonable to live with (no biting, jumping on people, etc.) I have had luck teaching him to "sit", and he understands this. I worked with him with dog treats to get this accomplished, and now can do it on command. But I cannot get anything else to stick. If he knows there is a treat he will sit until he becomes impatient, then jump all over you to get the treat. I cannot distract him enough to pick up on any other commands.

Any suggestions?

He runs free most of the time, outside. There is absolutely NO room indoors for a dog, and he never has offered to come inside. He is happy on the porch, and has a cardboard box for a bed. He has been on a cable on occassion when it was best for him to be there. (When I sprayed roundup, etc.) He knows the end of the cable and does not jerk on it any more. We have had him on a leash, and while he doesn't pull on it, "heal" is a foreign idea.

I just need some instruction on how to introduce these commands to him and teach him to obey them. Thanks all for your input. I am still researching your suggestions.

heather · #15 07/09/09, 05:23 PM

We took our puppy to Puppy PreSchool at PetSmart 9 years ago - best $$ we spent on him so far

HappyFarmer · #16 07/09/09, 08:06 PM

Well as with anything your mileage may vary.... Below is what works for us, on many different sizes & breeds of dogs.

Jumping on people is easy. while the dog is jumping up, knee the dog in the chest while stepping into their back toes. They'll fall back/sideways off balance. Usually takes only once or twice for them to get the hint. do this each & every time he/she jumps up on you or someone. Be ready for it. Kids shouldn't do this, as they don't have the height.

Biting people can be a bit more complicated-biting strangers, visitors or family???? I would expect any dog to protect it's owner, introductions to regular visitors will help, but strangers all depends on the stranger, really. If the dog is biting family, even in play, I would grab the lower jaw from underneath, tightly, applying pressure into the gums on the teeth until he feels very uncomforable (don't draw blood!). Works like a charm letting the dog know that teeth hurt! Again, you must be ready & react almost instantaneously or they don't know why you are doing this!

Get a chain leash or one of those short cables. Tie the dog in the shade an hour at a time, with only 3-4 feet to move around with. The idea is to let the stable tie-in train the dog to respect the pressure of the lead. Make SURE he can't get loose. Be sure to tie the cable or leash to a sturdy object for a tie-in, in such a way the dog can't choke him/herself. After he realizes it's futil to fight the leash, he's ready for leash training as already described. 15 minutes a day of pulling/jerking him towards you as you walk, circle, reverse, walk, counter-circle, walk and within a week he'll be following you as you move. You must be firm, you must be in charge for this to work. Constant pressure until he moves away from your pressure, then let-up when he moves in the correct direction.

If he doesn't sit, he doesn't get the treat. Period. Correct him. Start off with just a small amount of time (a minute maybe) increasing the time slowly each day, giving treats only after he's sat for the pre-determined amount of time. Correct him as many times as you have to, until he sits for a reasonable amount of time. Do not pet or pay any positive attention to him at all when he is misbehaving.

Being firm with persistance is the key to this type of training. If you aren't able to do this (and many people can't or won't), then perhaps training classes are the better choice for you.

Because the dog is used to so much freedom, I feel it would be key for you to offer plenty of treats & praise, as he may view your training sessions as "work".

At any rate I agree the training should start yesterday.
HF

empofuniv · #17 07/09/09, 09:19 PM

I've PM'd you.

Pam

gunsmithgirl · #18 07/09/09, 10:06 PM

I like Leerburg's tapes and methods. He has a lot of FREE e-books and podcasts on his sight too. There is also a very active dog training forum there with a lot of knowledgeable people.
Here's a link: http://leerburg.com/

pcdreams · #19 07/10/09, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lickcreek

We have a puppy that is going to get out of hand soon if we don't start working with him, but we've never trained a dog before. I have looked online for books and tapes as to how to train a dog, and have no idea which one would be the best one to use. Can anyone recommend a book or tape that will give us some insight on how to train a dog "from scratch"?

why not check your local area and see whats available? You can usually find a 8 week course for $40-50. Around here its 1 night a week.. They give you instruction and you work that week with the dog and they test the results the following week.. Good for socialization as well.. lots of other dogs there.

is he/she house broke yet? If not I highly recommend crate training. Our girl house trained in just over 2 weeks.. You've got to be vigilant though..

pcdreams · #20 07/10/09, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by empofuniv

we are absymal failures at lay down.

Pam

have him/her sit.. then hold a piece of treat they like out in front of their nose.. say down then move the treat down and away from them (not to far).. their nose/mouth will get them doing it right after just a few tries. I had difficulty with this one until I learned this trick. good luck.