Help with training a dog

[jesse_3]

I am going to start training my aunts dog (every wednesday from 6-7) and to describe her in one word......CRAZY!!!!! lol!
Anyways, this is her personality: Can't self-contain a lot of energy, jumpy, HYPER!, and doesn't know how to handle herself around little kids.

I know how I am going to train her, positive behavior and a long walk before training. I am going to start with sit, down, and walking on a lead.

She also runs away though. Is that from being energetic (her family can't walk her, she is too strong!)? What can I do with that situation?

Alex is very intelligent and friendly towards people. I want to know what "equipment" I should use, tips on training better, should I use treats; "Good Girl's"; or both, and information in general (websites, past experiences, etc.) Alex deserves a better chance to be able to be trusted more.

Thank you!-Steph and Jes

[Xeph]

My first question is, what kind of dog is it? If it's a large breed, I highly advocate the pinch collars. They work wonders (if used correctly)

[Uabassoon]

Are you going to show your Aunt how to train and handle her dog as well. Or will you just be training her by yourself. I don't know much about dog training (well, I really don't know anything at all). But I've heard that a big part of it isn't just the dog being trained but the owner knowing how to handle the dog. That's why the training class Payson will be going to suggests that everyone who is responsible for the dog attend the classes.

[jesse_3]

My first question is, what kind of dog is it? If it's a large breed, I highly advocate the pinch collars. They work wonders (if used correctly)
She is a lab/dalmatian cross, lol. She is so hyper because of those breeds in her!
I will look for pinch collars, but, I need more information on them first, I have never heard of them:confused:


Are you going to show your Aunt how to train and handle her dog as well. Or will you just be training her by yourself. I don't know much about dog training (well, I really don't know anything at all). But I've heard that a big part of it isn't just the dog being trained but the owner knowing how to handle the dog. That's why the training class Payson will be going to suggests that everyone who is responsible for the dog attend the classes.
Yes, after I get Alex a little more under control, I will show my aunt and continue with the training until Alex is well-behaved. my aunt has never had a dog this hyper before (her husband went out and bought her as a surprise!) so she does not know how to handle her well. Don't get me wrong, they LOVE Alex! They just need a little assistance.

I stayed at my aunts house today and got to let Alex be a little more familular with my standards. I was a little more demanding and forceful than my aunt. (Not hitting or anything though!)
Alex like to "mouth" people though. She likes to hold my hand or anything from a human that she can possibly touch! I just found that out today, so, any suggestions for that too?

[sammy101]

Pinch collars should'nt be used for training.Just for taking them for walks and such.I use one on Kodie and they work well for dogs that are bad pullers.They dont hurt the dog at all,it just gives them a little pinch.

Prong Collars (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 5543&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032900&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1122263982409)
I agree with Ubassoon,your aunt should know how to handle Alex.

[jesse_3]

Okay, I will talk to my aunt about getting a prong/pinch collar. She can't walk Alex for one reason: She has some shoulder and back problems. Her son can though, but, it is very rare because Alex is a VERY hard puller for a 13 year older who sits on the computer. He has MUCH more technoligical skills than physical. I can handle Alex though, so, when she learns that leashes are not meant to be pulled, I will let Andy have the lead.

I checked that website out too. I will look in our pet shop for that (it is an hour away though:() I wouldn't use that for training, I do have some knowledge on collars with names like that;):D

lol, I am not completely clueless with training, I want to do it right and so that Alex has a better life. I am only doing this for Alex, not for her family or me.

Steph and Jes:)

[ginagt]

Good for you wanting to help out your Aunt, family and most of all the dog.
Look into a Gentle Leader it will allow even your aunt with back and should problems walk the dog. Here is the website
http://www.gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?id=17

I would recommend clicker training for the fastest and best results for your training. Here is a really great website
http://www.clickertraining.com/home/

Good luck with your training.

[jesse_3]

Thank you very much ginagt! I will look at the gentle leader and the pinch/prong collar, see which my aunt would prefer..:rolleyes:

Steph and Jes:)

[Xeph]

Originally posted by sammy101
[B]Pinch collars should'nt be used for training.Just for taking them for walks and such.

I whole heartedly disagree! Pinch collars are TRAINING collars. They're FOR that specific purpose! The not pulling is just a bonus.

I use pinch collars on all my Shepherds during obedience training, and I get a much faster "sharper" (cleaner) correction than I do with a choke (Which they don't care about anyway).

I say use a pinch collar during obedience training if the dog won't pay attention to a flat or choker. You wean off it eventually, but still, it IS a training collar.

[DogLover9501]

My only suggestion is to use positive reinforcement.

In my own experience, dogs learn much faster when your letting them know what they did right(clicker training/praise), and not what they did wrong(choke/pinch collars).

Good luck!

[jesse_3]

I ALWAYS use positive reinforcement, no matter what dog I am training, I don't think that negativity is a good thing...

My aunt thinks that the pinch collar looks vicious and that it would hurt Alex, I know what she is talking about, but, I can't convince her other wise...And the gentle leader, cannot be found in TRF...We would have to drive about an hour or so to get one...Bad luck there, but, I think that Alex is intteligent enough, and yes, it will take longer to train her, I realize that. She is smart though and I want to get to know her better!

Any hints besides positive training? What can I do about the runaway thing? Even though I am quite sure it is becuase of lack of excersize, what if I am wrong?

Tomorrow, I am starting the training, I'll keep you posted on her progress, and if I do something wrong, please tell me...I don't think I will, but, just in case;)

Thanks SO much everyone!-Steph and Jes

[ginagt]

When you say she runs away, what do you mean? Is the yard fenced and she is getting out and running away. She is running out the door when it is opened. If you give some more details of her running away issues I might be able to give you some suggestions.

Remember when you train to train in very small amounts like 1 min of training and 1 min of play time. This is the a good thing as it keeps the dog intrested and not over simulated.

Does Alex like to play tug ( with a rope toy or something similiar?) If so that would be a great break in between training and tugging is a wonderful bonding experience.

Does Alex like to play ball? If so I would suggest a session of ball before you start your formal training. You can actually use the ball session to burn off some stream but you can also use it as a fun way to train. Things like saying come while she is already on her way back to you with the ball. When she knows sit you can have her sit each time before you throw the ball.

Did you mention how old Alex is?
Good luck and have fun.

[jesse_3]

She runs out of the house, out of her kennel when opened (they have a fenced yard with a door, but it is rusty and broken, don't know why they won't fix it?) and when/if they walk her, she gets away and won't come back. Sorry, should've been more specific there...

I have learned the LONG training methods to be bad the hard way, Jes was my mistake. I have learned better now though. I try to go in 3 or 5 minutes though. If that does not work, I will try shorter sessions.

I don't know if Alex would like to play tug-of-war. I could try and see if she likes it! My best guess would be that she'll LOVE it!-and of course, the dog ALWAYS wins!

She likes to play ball, for one throw, she doesn't give the ball back, that is another thing I have to work on with her.:rolleyes: That seems to happen with a lot of dogs though...Only they are taught to give it back.

Sorry, she is 1 yr. a month ago! I love Alex, but don't know her too well. I didn't go to there house much before. Then my aunt started talking about how hard it was to take care of Alex, you get the story. Well, I jumped in and said I'll train her!

Thank you everyone! Your a HUGE help!-Steph and Jes

[ginagt]

Your Aunt and Alex are very lucky to have you help them out with training. :)

Sounds like you have your work cut out for you and that you are well prepared a fun filled training session.

If you have any questions or need any tips on giving the ball or tugging feel free to ask.

As for the running away when the kennel door is open and getting away on walks, the biggest thing to remember is never punish a dog for coming back to you. For example when she does get out and finally comes back nothing but prasie should be given. To encourage coming back have yummy treats, favorite toy, anything she loves to get her to come back and when she does it is the best thing ever, a party happens everytime she comes. Practice coming all the time not just when she gets away. It's important that nobody in the family punishes Alex for coming. I like to think about it this way, if I knew someone was going to yell at me for coming would I go back to them, probaby not.
Good luck
Gina

[Kosy]

Try to wear the dog out by tossing a ball for a while, but first attach a long line to the dog so she can't run away. If you can't afford a "real" long line, nylon rope/ cord would work just as well. That way the dog can't get away, but will get exercise. The long line is great also for teaching a recall.

You can also try an herbal remedy called Recuse Remedy. A few drops on the dogs tongue will help calm him. It's available in most health stores.

[GoldenRetrieverLover_01]

Does she like food? I have a Golden and he just loves food! I went to puppy training classes with him when he was little and this is what they taught me. Use the clicker (like others have said) and also treats. You click when he does the right thing. Also lots of praise- treats, just saying "good boy/girl" in a kind, excited voice and petting. You can also use hand signals along with words. For example raise your hand upwards as you say sit. Also with the treats, you start big then give smaller portions and gradually don't use any- just other forms of praise. Good luck with that and keep me updated!

[GoldenRetrieverLover_01]

Hmm...I have a neighbour with a boston terrier- very, very hyper! Sounds like the same issue as you have with the dog.:p She was going to take her dog to obiedience and agility training- or flyball. It gets a lot of their energy out- so I heard. You could try that...

[jesse_3]

Okay, the first day of training...UGHH!!!!!!!!!!!! I took her on a LONG walk, and she did better than I thought, until she saw another dog. This dog is friendly, while Alex tries to rip up eveything in her way! I am glad that I had two leashes and my cousin! We tied Alex and Katie stayed with her while I put the dog on the other leash and found her house. First bad part if the lessons.
Then, we took her to a park, and, well, she can get out of her collar. She likes to play with little kids by pinning them, and there were 3 and 4 year olds there. They saw us trying to get Alex, and layed down calling her! I stayed close to them while Andy (her owner) and Katie tried to catch her. I sat down and she bouded up to me. I told her "Godd girl!" and pet her while Katie and Andy got her collar back on.

Now for the good part. She knows sit all ready! One session and she learned it! YAY!!!! She is very intelligent, as I have said before:)


Hmm...I have a neighbour with a boston terrier- very, very hyper! Sounds like the same issue as you have with the dog. She was going to take her dog to obiedience and agility training- or flyball. It gets a lot of their energy out- so I heard. You could try that...
My aunt all ready tried many obediance courses. One told her to leave:mad: and one was mean and yeld at Alex! The rest only lasted three days...No luck there. She also doesn't like dogs and probably fely a little threatened and nervous.
For agility training, that would be fun for both of us!-but, of course, we don't have one in our town!


Does she like food?
Nope:rolleyes: I have tried that in her kennel...Doesn't affect her at all. But, I have found an old sock that is hers, and we play tug-of-war with that! We do that in between 1 minute training sessions...

Your Aunt and Alex are very lucky to have you help them out with training.
Sounds like you have your work cut out for you and that you are well prepared a fun filled training session.


Thank you! That gives me A LOT more encouragement:) I am having TONS of fun too, for the most part;)

I have one question, how do you get her to drop her ball, I can't figure it out, she tries to play tug-of-war with that too!

Thanks everyone!-Steph and Jes

lol, sorry this was so long

[ginagt]

I logged on tonight to see how your session went, sounds like you had a good time and made some progress.

First off I would strongly recommend you get some sort of collar/harness that Alex cannot get out of. My golden retriever who is normally a good girl got out of her collar one time and lunged toward another dog. I didn't want that to happen ever again so I bought her a martaindale colllar. It has a regular collar in the front put a chain in the back, it is not a choke chain and never chokes the dog. What it does it tighten so the dog cannot pull out of the collar. If the dog pulls it tightens but only to a certain point. I high recommend it. The picture here is not very good but I wanted to show you what I was talking about so you know what to look for should you choose to get one.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444180 6378&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032900&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1122614747891

I have never met a dog who didn't like food, the key is you need better treats. People food works the best, I use turkey hot dogs, some people use string cheese, boiled chicken you need something that Alex will go crazy for and do anything for. Keep trying different things until you find the best treat ever!!!!
Once you find this treat then you can teach her to GIVE the ball. To teach her to Give you the ball, you have to offer her the treat and save give. When she gives you(my Golden drops it on the ground so I can pick it up with the chuck it) the ball give her the treat and give her the ball right back and do it again. When she gets it and starts giving the ball up then randomly give it back sometimes throw it for her. Continue to give her a treat so giving it to you. Think of it as a trade for the ball, if she won't give it to you then hold the treat in front of her nose and say give again. It's important to remember dogs don't english so just by saying give she doesn't have clue what you want. You could say smile and get the same result. You are teaching her what Give means.

I might also suggest you do your training at Alex's house, the park has to many distractions.
Sorry this is so long. Keep up the good work. This dog really needs you.
Gina

[jesse_3]

Okay, I know what is wrong, I was using Checkers (her pal dog, 13 yrs. old) treats! I will try some meat, I know that my aunt has some:)

I do train her at her house, besides the walks...I wanted to see how she reacts towards people at the park, so she had a little field trip...I was sort of training her there, but not sit, manners. Too fast I'm guessing?

I have seen those collars before!-I can try to buy one for my aunt (she is in a little money problem, spare all the money that she can)-I don't mind really, this dog will almost be half mine;)

Thank you SO much Gina, your a real big help:)-Everyone is!
Steph and Jes

-Do not worry how long your post is:) I need all the help that I can get, I am thinking that this is going to take a LONG time!

[jesse_3]

lol, I forgot to mention this, I have a collar that I can use. The problem with hers is that she pulls too hard, and the collar loosens. I have a collar that doesn't clip/buckle together. Here is a website for one: http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 5191&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025650&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1122651477259
lol, long website!!

[ginagt]

Loosening of the collar happens with most adjustable collars that is why the Martingale collar is such a good one. It won't let the dogs heads out. It tightens and doesn't loosen up until the dog stops pulling. It also helps with walking as the dog learns to pull less. Jasmine my boyfriends 9 year old Golden used to pull like crazy but with the Martindale collar you can actually have an enjoyable walk. I only use the Martindale collar for walking, I actually have her regular collar and martindale collar on when we walk and can switch back and fourth when need.

What is also going to be important is that everyone in the household follow the same set of "rules" you are making. Like Alex sits before she gets her dinner. etc.

I'm glad I could be of help. Keep up the great work.
Gina

[barncat]

One of my dogs can slip any collar I tried... my vet recommended using two collars, one in front of the other and putting the leash on the rear collar. It worked, probably not as well as the specially made collars, but it is quick and cheap as a temporary solution.

[jesse_3]

Okay Gina! When I go to Grand Forks, where I can buy some supplies, I will look at that collar!-It doesn't look like Alex can slip out of that one!

barncat, wow! Was your dog a Houdinie(sp?) Any collar! That is interesting! If she slips out of this collar, I will try using two collars!;)

Steph and Jes

[barncat]

lol... She seemed like it. She once slipped her slip chain while walking by backing up and shaking her head! She's a border collie and something cross... I am her fourth owner (I got her when she was only a year.) She was a handful, but now (4 years later) she is a very good dog. She also has a rather small head compared to her neck which no doubt helped in the slipping department.

[jesse_3]

She's lucky that you came along! Poor pup, 4 homes:(

Did you ever consider a harness for her? I have one for Jesse (it is too small for Alex) She has figured out how to slip out of that! I don't know how she does it yet either, she can also slip out of an adjustable collar too, I now watch her carefully;)

Steph and Jes

ps. I miss Alex, I won't see her until next week:(

[bckrazy]

hm.. All I will say, is definitely wait to take her to the park or basically anywhere with distractions for now. She needs to have solid recall, sits, downs, stays, heeling, and everything in a familiar environment before you move on to training her in public places. Start by training her inside of her house or in the yard, using a LOT of tiny hot dog bits and praise.

It must be really annoying that they're asking you to train their "out-of-control" dog, and they wont even buy a new gate for her -.- ... that would annoy me, at least. Tell them they need to secure their backyard if they want to improve their dogs behavior. She sounds like an under-stimulated and under-exercised puppy. Puppies her age and breed usually need 1-3 hours of good exercise every day! That's probably a big part of why she's bolting out the door and out of the yard. Try playing ball, tug, frisbee, or run around with her for 1 hour before training. Let her rest for a while, then start training. You should have your Aunt sit outside and watch you train her, at least.

Also... halti's could possibly help with walking for now. You can order them, chokes, and prong collars on-line. A fine choke chain that fits her (it should fit her neck with only a few inches of extra chain) could help with training. Adjust it so its always around the top of her neck, where it meets her head. Don't pull on the choke constantly! Only pop it once to correct her when she pulls or ignores you. Martingales also work really well. :) Good luck!! It sounds like you have a really tough job ahead of you... it'd help a lot if your Aunt called a behaviorist for professional advice or you looked for better Obedience classes.

[jesse_3]

hm.. All I will say, is definitely wait to take her to the park or basically anywhere with distractions for now. She needs to have solid recall, sits, downs, stays, heeling, and everything in a familiar environment before you move on to training her in public places. Start by training her inside of her house or in the yard, using a LOT of tiny hot dog bits and praise.
That is what I was sort of thinking after the park incident....I will keep her walking around her house (more like three blocks away) and in her backyard for training....


It must be really annoying that they're asking you to train their "out-of-control" dog
Actually, I volunteered!!!;) They love their dog very much, and are hsving a bit of money problems, to fix the fence would be a lot of money, they will be getting a new one. They do have a tie out for her, and I found out that my aunt was opening the kennel the wrong way. She was opening it towards her instead of away from her. I corrected her, and she now does it that way. So, that has illiminated one problem.

I will talk to my aunt and see if at all possible I could come over evey other night just to walk and train for a few minutes, I have to ask my parents too though. Do you think that would help?

Steph and Jes

[ginagt]

I will talk to my aunt and see if at all possible I could come over evey other night just to walk and train for a few minutes, I have to ask my parents too though. Do you think that would help?


Yes!!! That would help. Every little bit helps. Is you Aunt willing to continue the training when you are around? One thing that will help a lot with control is making Alex sit for each meal. Is that something your Aunt would be willing to do?

I think you are doing a great thing and are being a wonderful niece and person!!

[jesse_3]

Okay! I will speak to both my parents and aunt to see if at all possible!

I will tell my aunt to do that. Making her sit before every meal, that would help a lot. I am guessing, but, with Alex's personality, I wouldn't be surprised if she pawed or jumped on them while being fed...Thanks, I hadn't really thought of that before...
Try to wear the dog out by tossing a ball for a while, but first attach a long line to the dog so she can't run away. If you can't afford a "real" long line, nylon rope/ cord would work just as well. That way the dog can't get away, but will get exercise. The long line is great also for teaching a recall.

I will try that! It sounds like a great idea!-sorry that I didn't post that till now! I will try that though!

Steph and Jes

[pnance]

I'm not a trainer, but my chow/pointer mix is an extremely hyper dog. In fact it's why her previous owners got rid of her! She pulled on the leash, had absolutely no manners, just looked at you when you told her sit or stay then continued what she was doing. She even took out our screen once when she saw something in the yard. She's also not toy or dog treat motivated. Anyway it took awhile and a lot of patience. I started slowly, training only a couple of minutes initially (she had absolutely no attention span). I found she liked cooked chicken so I picked up some and at random I'd tell her to sit, throughout the day when I was home (this is where you aunt has to help). Alex gets training but it doesn't seem like a chore, more like periodic treat time. Running out the door we stopped by training her to "wait" different than stay because wait meant she could still move around just couldn't go past the point I told her to wait. Initially I knew she'd still bolt, so I was always ready, this way I could grab her and correct her w/o having to chase her down. I'd take her back to the spot she was when I told her wait and tell her no very firmly, and repeated what I did initially. I started initially by just opening the door slightly and for very short periods of time, eventually working my way up to the point where I can leave it open and she won't budge if I tell her to wait. Stay worked the same way. Never give a command twice, if you tell her to stay and she doesn't firmly tell her no and put her back in the same spot. On the other side if she does it well lots of praise and treats. Jumping was dealt with in a couple of ways...if I saw her start to jump I'd tell her no, if she didn't then she got praise and treats. If she jumped I'd tell her no and walk toward her which forced her down. I've even grabbed her front paws and held them for a couple of seconds as I told her no. It didn't hurt her, but she didn't like the restraint in that position. Leash training was harder for her. I could get her to stop everthing except pulling, finally I gave up and took her to a good trainer. We tried everything, halties, chokes, even treats while you walk, but ended up finding out that the pinch collar was the only thing that would work on her. When used correctly it doesn't hurt her and she won't take my arm off anymore. Truthfully I know they look horrible, and they are definately not for all dogs, but Nikka caused more damage to herself when I tried a choke collar than with a pinch. She'd pull so hard she'd choke herself. I kept having to switch back to her normal collar so she wouldn't hurt herself, which meant she pulled. She has no problem with other dogs or people, but has an EXTREMLY HIGH prey drive and we live in an area with lots of bunnies and gophers. It's the one thing I'm still working on with her, but instead of bolting to try to get it and therefore yanking me she now just whines and stomps her feet a lot. So that was my longwinded way of agreeing with some of the others. I wouldn't take her to the park until you have full control, there's just to much going on and if she can slip her collar definately not a good idea. Training dogs like Nikka and it sounds like Alex needs to be done when there are as few distractions around as possible intially. Once she's doing really well without distractions, then you can slowly start moving her into different areas with more distractions, but be prepared that even though she was doing everything perfectly w/o distractions, you'll probably have to do a few reminders once you start adding those in. ;) I was lucky in that as hyper as Nikka is she also loves to be praised and be told she's a good girl. I think that worked better than the treats for her. So I'd recommend finding what Alex absolutely loves whether it's toys, treats or praise and use that as your primary training tool, with the others as just nice reinforcers.

[jesse_3]

Thanks! I think that she is more praise drive than anything! I don't think she gets it that much because she does so much wrong:( I compliment her with EVERYTHING she does right. For example, when I walk to her and she doesn't jump. I tell her good girl and give her a rub down. That was only one training session though, I have many more yet to come!
I have been taking notes, and I think that I will give these to my aunt as well. They will be handy and help me a lot with training too!


if she can slip her collar definately not a good idea.
We didn't know that she could until she did! Otherwise I would not have taken her. I wasn't using good judgement that day though...

Steph and Jes

[ginagt]

I think you are doing a great job, keep up the good work.
Did you ask your aunt and parents about more training sessions?

I was thinking about what you said about Alex not really being food motivated, don't feed her before your training session that way she will be good and hungry and will pay more attention to your treats. When you are all finished training then go ahead and give her, her dinner. Be sure she sits until you(or whoever) places the food dish on the floor. To practice this say sit, and start to lower the bowl, if she gets up say "oops" and pull the bowl back up, try again start to put the food down, if she gets up say oops and pull the bowl back up ( standup). It won't take long for her to figure out the program. You gradually work up to having her wait after you set the food down before she eats it.

Also you might want to keep a journal of her progress so you can see how far you two have come and so you know where to start on your next training session.
Good luck, can't wait to hear how the next session goes.
Gina

[pnance]

Sure, I hope it helped a little. Hyper dogs can take a lot of patience to train, smart ones I think are even worse sometimes, but it definately can be done! Have your aunt help by taking a couple minutes during the day to reinforce whatever you worked on when you were working with her. Make it part of her normal routine for her to sit for anything they're giving her that she wants, treats, toys, etc. It really helps, and will also help with the jumping and teaching restraint. All mine automatically sit now whenever I have something for them, since there are 4 of them and all large it makes my life much easier. Just make sure along with whatever your giving her, praise her, especially if she's praise driven. :) Let us know how it goes.

[jesse_3]

Gina,
I will ask my aunt not to feed her before I come! I know she does, and I hadn't really thought about the whole thing about not wanting food. She is too full!

The journal is a good idea too! I'll be sure to keep one of her progress. Sadly, I have not asked my parents about extra time with her...I haven't been very, umm, good lately. They think that I am doing this for me, and I will ask tonight, because they and I are all in good moods today.:)

Steph and Jes

[jesse_3]

Hyper dogs can take a lot of patience to train, smart ones I think are even worse sometimes, but it definately can be done!
Completely agreed! She is one of the most intelligent, and hyper, dogs I have ever known. Thanks!-Every bit of info is helpful!

Steph and Jes

[jesse_3]

OMG!!!!! The session went GREAT tonight! She knows sit, and does it before anything by habit all ready!
Her youngest master (Andy) was there and I should him how to reinforce the training and keep her feet on the ground. He did very well, with me there.

Her walking has all ready improved! I am so proud of her! She hadn't been fed supper before I came (as I had asked) and she has no interest in chicken, beef, dog treats, etc.???:confused: First dog I have ever met who doesn't like food. She has an AMAZING praise drive! I think that it is excellent!

She has tug-of-war breaks every 3 minutes and sits as I am getting her toy!-When she sees it she is still sitting until I say GET IT!!! Then she and I have excellent games;) Even Andy played tug-of-war! It was amazing to watch them. They are going to quickly become best buds (their dog probably won't live through the winter:( That is a WHOLE different story though.)

So, what do you think of her speedy progress? I know that I am proud! No chokes (which don't work well) no prongs, gentle leads, etc! Just praise and toys! I am so excited!

Thanks everyone!-Steph and Jes

[pnance]

Congrats, keep up the good work!:D

[jesse_3]

Thanks!

[ginagt]

Sounds like you are making progress already, congrats!!!

Since she is not food motivated but is toy motivated you can use that as your reward for a job well done. Keep trying with the food though, she may just not be in the mood for treats.

Good luck! Keep up the good work.
Gina

[jesse_3]

Thanks Gina!

I was sort of wondering where you had been, you didn't post:p:D

I guess that Alex gets quite a bit of human food (chicken and such) soooo, that is what is causing my problems..She is so skinny (healthy) and I can't understand how?? She must not be getting as much human food as I thought then.

Steph and Jes

[sandragonfly]

hey stephanie -- any more lucks? tell us an update!

I think you did great!!! probably more patience than I have.. :rolleyes: I'm really glad this is going well and am proud of you! :D I use martingale because my crayola is a service dog and trainings never finishes! ;)

gina, I'm curious..

do you only use martingale for walking or you do use it for general training sessions too?

..gina :)

[jesse_3]

Well, last Wednesday, I missed her, I was at church:( I have bought a cheap walking harness that works pretty good!

She knows sit and does it every time I tell her to, so, we will work on lay down now. Tomorrow is the next session, SO, I will see how much she has remembered...

Steph and Jes

[ginagt]

Gina, I only use the Martingale for walking, Jasmine is a Golden mix and I don't want her fur to get caught up in the chain on the Martingale collar. I have both collars on her when we walk and then clip it her regular collar when we are finished and take both leash and Martingale collar off.

Stehphanie, what are you going to work on with Alex tomorrow?

[sandragonfly]

can't wait to hear new news tomorrow! good luck, stephanie.

interesting, gina.. I have a golden, and never had a problem with that. I too, take off once we get into house so he can sleep, snuggle all he want!
---------------------------------------------------

posted by ginagt
Stehphanie, what are you going to work on with Alex tomorrow?


posted by jesse_3
..so, we will work oon lay down now.

:)[/color]

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Have just read entire thread and Steph you have inspired me to work a lot harder on training my own dog........the advice you've been given has been so practical and reading how well you have been doing with your Aunt's dog is simply amazing.......

you have all enforced that a well trained dog is a happy dog

[jesse_3]

Have just read entire thread and Steph you have inspired me to work a lot harder on training my own dog........the advice you've been given has been so practical and reading how well you have been doing with your Aunt's dog is simply amazing.......

you have all enforced that a well trained dog is a happy dog

I am glad that this thread has helped more than one person:) Also it is very true, a well trained dog is a happy dog. They feel more useful in life. If you have any questions on training your dog, feel free to post it here! I know that everyone has helped me SO much!

As for tonight, we had a severe thunderstorm, so, we had one of the first lessons inside. I kept her walking leash on her, to teach her not to run in the house. We also worked on lay down! I am so impressed with her! She has all most come to knowing lay down perfectly! It is amazing how smart Alex is!!!! For the lay down, I had to use doggy treats, they had bought a different type, so it worked! Now, she sits before she lays down. I don't give her the treat when she sits, but when she lays down I do. I just say happily<"Good Girl Alex!" when she sits...Is that enough?

Thank you all so much! We have also improved on Andy (her youngest owner) not being a chew toy, and Any has promised that he will walk her. He sort of forgot the harness was there, and was too scared to walk her!

Thank you everyone for keeping up with this, and Brody's Mum, good luck!
Steph and Jes

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Originally posted by jesse_3
and Brody's Mum, good luck!


Thanks! Tobey is quite a bright dog so he has already got the hang of "sit", sitting and waiting at the kerb and very nearly mastered the art of "stay". This morning he did "lie down" 3 times in a row but I think that was more coincidence than my training skills ;)

Will continue working on that one but also want to teach him not to jump up at people when they come visiting and to stop chasing Brody!!! Finding it quite exciting to have my very own dog to train :D

By far the most successful command I have taught His Woofship is the "lie-in" - Sundays mornings he and I sneak back to bed for a snooze :D

[ginagt]

Now, she sits before she lays down. I don't give her the treat when she sits, but when she lays down I do. I just say happily<"Good Girl Alex!" when she sits...Is that enough?

It really depends on what you want. My dog downs from a standing position. I didn't want to have the extra step of sitting first in there, eventually she will do agility and I don't want to add the extra time.
Are you using a clicker in your training?
If you want I can tell how to eliminate the sit before she downs.

[sandragonfly]

steph! it seems alex did well with serve thunderstorms! from all of this successful news you shared, I'm sure alex will be one pro in no time! ;)

"is that enough...?" - I never realized/noticed if my crayola downs with/without sitting first, and I just tried that, he would just down first. but you got me to think I should teach him 'stand'! when he comes to me, he just automically sits down..lol. he also understands 'up' as of sitting up. did you want him to not sit before going down?

gina, can you summarize how anyway? even though I never trained him that, I'm curious.

hope this is okay with you, steph... brody's mum, I have a question, tobey likes to chase brody when guests come or just does that sometimes with guests?

[ginagt]

gina, can you summarize how anyway? even though I never trained him that, I'm curious


I train with a clicker (and I love it) what I do is wait for the dog to lay down (clicker trainiers call it capturing) and when the dog lays down <click> and give a treat. I throw the treat so the dog has to get up, then I wait and when they lay down <click> and give a treat. I don't say anything I am just waiting for the dog to offer the behavior. The dog my be going from a sit to a down which is ok, once they are relibly going to a down, I start clicking only for a down, not a down from a sit.

If you don't train with a clicker or don't want to you can teach down from a stand by holding a treat in front of the dogs nose and going straight down. This might take several attempts so don't give up. Say "good" when they lay down and give a treat from your other hand, in a way that makes the dog have to get up. Repeat again.
Don't say down until you have the down (behavior) you want. They say once you name the behavior that is what you will get.
I hope this helps.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Originally posted by Gina's Ark Inc.
brody's mum, I have a question, tobey likes to chase brody when guests come or just does that sometimes with guests?[/color]

Sorry, wasn't clear -these are two separate issues I want to tackle. He always chases poor Brody and always jumps up at visitors! I'm sorting that one out by putting him on a short lead before I answer the door so I am in control of him. I was thinking of using the same kind of tactic to stop him chasing the cat (might use his extendable lead so he can still roam around the living room) - he does know he is wrong to do this because once the cat is upstairs Tobey comes straight back down

[jesse_3]

hope this is okay with you, steph... brody's mum, I have a question, tobey likes to chase brody when guests come or just does that sometimes with guests?
That is fine! I have it titled Help Training with a Dog, I didn't specify who;)

Well, I just heard some very bad news about Alex..They are giving up on her, she got away and they got her from the pound, and then she bit my uncle. I am going to tlak to them about this, and say that I need more training time, and this will all be solved. Any suggestions on what to do? I am so dissapointed.:( we got this far in three sessions, just a few more and she will be better.

Please, I really need help! I adore Alex, and they don't know how intelligent and nice she is..How do I show them this?

Thank you for any suggestions..
Steph and Jes

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Oh Steph - I do hope you can persuade them to give Alex another chance, she was doing so well.

Great news about the hedgepig!

[ginagt]

Well, I just heard some very bad news about Alex..They are giving up on her, she got away and they got her from the pound, and then she bit my uncle. I am going to tlak to them about this, and say that I need more training time, and this will all be solved. Any suggestions on what to do? I am so dissapointed. we got this far in three sessions, just a few more and she will be better


I hate to say this but if they are not willing to put in the time to train and reinforce what you have taught her then she will never learn. Perhaphs you can take her and she can live with you? I know it's a lot to ask of you and your parents but its so sad that the dog has to lose in the end. People do not understand that a dog is just not born knowing the rules, they have to be taught and shown just like children do. If your child acts out you don't just to give it away you deal with it and do better in displining (training). If your aunt decides on another dog prehaps an older more mature dog would be a better fit.

Unless you can find someone to take Alex or you take her I doubt you can change your aunts mind, even if you did change it it would probably only be until the next time Alex did something wrong.
Young dogs need a lot of attention, training, stimulation and exercise everyday.

You have done a great thing helping out with Alex. I'm sorry things have come to this.

[jesse_3]

Gina, I would LOVE to have Alex, unfortunately my mom hates her and my sisters are scared of her. One day Alex had decided to tackle Syrie and started to mouth her whole face. Syrie wasn't hurt and Alex was just playing, but my mom thought that Alex was tearing Syrie apart by the way she was screaming. Ever since that, my mom has NEVER and will never trust her. If I can, I want to find a good her for her in the country where she can get more excersize, and will be loved.

I hope that I can convince them that I can get Alex through this..She really needs an understanding home. I really think that the problem is that they have a 13 yr old dog who needs to be put down, so if they do get another dog, it will be ignored and untrained, unless I jump in right away. They just can't spend the $150 fine to get her out of the pound, and with her biting her master (which was the first time she has ever bit) I think thta she deserves another chance.....

Wish me luck as I try to talk to them, my aunt and her son really do love Alex, but, it is my uncle who is the problem..

Steph and Jes

[jesse_3]

I have GREAT news! My aunt and I were talking on the phone, and she knew how sad Andy and I would be if they got rid of Alex. She is giving Alex another chance, despite of whta her husband says:) I am so happy!-and I can't wait until tomorrow for the training session!:D:D

Steph and Jes

[ginagt]

That is great news about Alex. Just remind that training is an ongoing process. The more time and effort put into the greater the return. I have a 1year old Golden Retriever that I have been training since I got her at 13 weeks old and she is still not a fully trained dog, is she better than when I got her yes, better than a month ago yes, but I do some sort of training every single day. It can be as simple as sitting for food or and complex as learning the weave poles for agility.

Great job with Alex. What are your training plans for tomorrow?
Does Alex have a Kong to keep her busy and entertained?

[jesse_3]

Just remind that training is an ongoing process. The more time and effort put into the greater the return.
I have known that for a long time! lol! Even before I jumped in, I heard that she was part Dalmatain, and I knew that it would take EVEN longer to train her!

Yes, she does have basic training every day, with sit. She sits before they do anything with her! Food, being pet, an occasional treat, going outside, etc.

As for the kong, she LOVES her socks. They are old socks that we play tiug-of-war with. She addores them so much! We take breaks quite often!

As for tomorrow, we are still going to work on lay down, house manners, and walking. I don't know if you have seen, but I bought her a walking harness, and it works like a charm!

Steph and Jes

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Yay!! that's great news

[sandragonfly]

argh! I keep on thought you were talking to me... no, other gina! :p sorry, I clicked "unsubscribed all threads" last week and just remember this now. :o

thanks gina!! yes I thought so, the last instruction is whati would do. I can't really have/train with a clicker, I need an empty hand because my golden doesn't take verbal commands at all.

allright steph! I'll blab all I want. :p ;)

brody's, maybe you already know this...I'll go ahead and type. the best thing you can do for tobey is to have leash on when guests come in, do a few quick flicks until he sits down by 'sit' command. once he sits down, treat(s)/praise!! over again & again....meaning a lot of guests/friends. (hard for you to do yourself because you're his attentive owner).. meanwhile he sits, it's best to not have anyone pet/talk to him for a few minutes so he can take time to calm down and understand that people wouldn't want to come to him if he gets too excitied. do that a few time perhaps, then without leash, with a command. this could help with tobey's behavior of chasing brody off a little bit. let's start with guest-sit trick. grand luck, brody's mum.

now,...steph, I read the whole thing about pound, bite & her skinfamily. . I don't think this is really fair for you. will they really take their time and train her too. (trainings never finish!) are you gonna train her forever or just for a couple of weeks? I ask that because if it's just for a couple of weeks, I can feel that when you get back to her in a long run, she'll be back to the same ol' alex. I think it's best if alex's owners train with you! so alex can have "transitition" in case anything happens, you know? it's her owners' fully responsibility though! poor you girl...lol. well, you saw what happened, you trained her very well but not to bit an uncle! I think gina ('s effort) also means more effort from alex's owners! they can't let her jump while you're not there too, etc. alex must have her constant rules to make a big progress... (oh my, I yakked!) :D

whatever happens, many lucks!

hugs,
..gina

[jesse_3]

Gina, actually, I have found out that they are having mini training sessions every day!:D I was so excited, they even took her on a walk:eek: Since I bought that new harness, they have been doing more with her because they can control her now! i was thinking the same thing though Gina (Gina's Ark Inc.)!

As for last night, the training session went very good! She was a little hyper at first, but then she got her usual walk...and Shari went online to get more info on what to do...They might even buy a muzzle (it is nylon, and it is from Dr. Foster and Smith!) This is just for when Alex is around little kids, or on walks, and when she is unsupervised. IF they buy it though.

I am very pleased on how well they are keeping up for a busy family. Unfortunately, only two members even pay attention, and that is Shari and her son Andy. SO, they both are with me while we train..

Thanks for keeping up everyone! Alex is still learning "lay down" though. She isn't catching on quite as fast, she keeps thinking that it means sit.
Steph, Jes, and Splinter

[pnance]

That's great!:) I'm glad it's going so well.

It might help to try getting her to sit first then from there down, it's usually much easier. Going from standing to down is much more difficult to teach until they know what "Down" is. Use some food to get her down and say "Down". Once she's there, step on the leash close to the collar (not so close that it pulls unless she tries to get up). Only hold for a couple of seconds initially then release and praise, slowly work your way up to longer times. ;)

[jesse_3]

Thanks for the info pnance, it is much appreciated! I will try that next session!:)

Steph, Jesse, and Splinter