Anyone used "The Perfect Dog?"

[d4est]

We are looking for a training system for our dogs. They are not horrible, but are barkers, jumpers and runners. I saw an infomercial for this system, but infomercials scare me!

Any info/tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Never heard of it, until now when I googled it.

I am a former obedience instructor with many obedience titles on my dogs. I am a firm believer of plain old fashioned obedience school. Just because your dog behaves inside your home does not mean it will behave out in public.

A dog needs distractions and interaction so he/she will learn to listen everywhere, not just at your home with no one around.

When training for a show, I always went to the local park with plenty of people around because I figured if "the girls" listened there , they would listen anywhere.

There is no quick fix for an obedient dog. Training, consistency, and love is the recipe for a well behaved dog.

 

[kacaju]

I agree!!
I also have shown my dogs and the best thing you can do is take your dog to a good obed school. Not one where the trainer comes to your house and trains your dog for you. A place where you go with your dog and train him/her yourself.
You don't have to be interested in showing to go to obed school. Google local kennel clubs in your area and look for one that offers obedience classes.

 

[wdwmom2]

Another former obedience instructor with several titled dogs weighing in here!!! Nothing substitutes for good old obedience training. YOU need to train your dog. You need to train it around as many distractions as you can think up (cats, dogs, food, moving vehicles, people all around, etc.). And don't just practice in your backyard, take your dog different places. They have to learn to be obedient whereever they are. Lavish the praise when your dog earns it. You must be consistant and dedicated to the training process. It's really not hard, you just have to do it!

Basic obedience(heel, sit, down, stay, recall) can transform an unruly dog into a wonderful partner.

Find a reputable trainer in your area and sign up !!!

 

[d4est]

Thank you for all the replies. Unfortunately, I live in a rural area and there are no obedience schools around. Believe me, I have looked! I've googled til I'm blue in the face and even contacted a nearby shelter to see if they knew of any.

 

[KDIPIAZZ]

Yet another instructor weighing in. Previous posters are correct in stating that a class would do you the most good - nothing better than in person help as the instructor can actually see what you're doing and how your dog is responding and you have the built-in distractions of other people and dogs.

That said, Don Sullivan is a perfectly acceptable balanced trainer along the lines of William Koehler or Margot Woods and you should be able to see results. I have issues with trainers touting the leatest and greatest (the plastic "command collar" that comes with the system isn't necessary) but I realize that they need something to stand out from others. Dog training isn't magic - you don't need DVD's and fancy stuff - just a training collar, 6 ft lead, perhaps a longe line (Sullivan calls them "Freedom Lines") and a whole bunch of time, patience and consistency. In fact, if you want to spend less $$, pick up a copy of The Koehler method of Dog Training on eBay. Follow it step by step and ignore the last chapter, which deals with problem dogs. If you have a problem dog, you need in-person help.