Dog Training?

[janette]

Any luck with training the clueless? Our newest addition is about 8mths, we got him from the pound in Nov but not sure of his exact age.

He doesn't seem like the smartest dog, the only command he's mastered is "go to bed" since that involves a treat. He isn't totally house broken, chews, jumps and all those other bad puppy things. He's very happy, thinks any attention is great whether he's in trouble or not. Thankfully he's only 12lbs so there is a limit to the damage he can do.

I'm thinking of sending him to a doggie day camp this summer they say they can train any dog. Is this true? I'm not an expert and none of our dogs are well trained but we've managed to get the basics across to the others.

 

[Piecey]

Rink flunked out of obedience school... He was invited back, but would have to repeat. Poor doggie.

Anyway- the only thing that got Rink going outside (and we still have issues every once in awhile, mostly when he's mad at us!) ... was after an accident, taking him to the door and showing him to paw at it. Then he'd go out, use the bathroom, and get a treat.
He only gets those treats when he goes outside and we've been using the same ones since we started this.

Overall this has worked wonderfully..he'll go to the door and paw now when he wants out. Except, like I said, when he's mad.
Like tonight (I trimmed the fur out of his eyes and gave him a bath) and he peed on the floor right in front of me. Ugh.

 

[RN4Babies]

I'm thinking of sending him to a doggie day camp this summer they say they can train any dog. Is this true? I'm not an expert and none of our dogs are well trained but we've managed to get the basics across to the others.

I don't intend for this to come across as harsh or rude....


I've been a dog trainer one night a week with the humane society for 20 years now. 95% of what I do is training dogs' owners; the other 5% is training the dogs. Your admission that "none of our dogs are well trained" tells me that YOU and your dog need to go to a training class now, and together. At eight months old, you already have a late start, but it can be done. Your dog needs to be crate trained so they have a safe place to be when you're not home, and contained to a small area (most people use their kitchen) until they're housebroken. They also need to be taken out frequently; small dogs have small bladders when they're puppies. We have an eight month old pomeranian puppy. When we're home, someone takes her outside every two to three hours. When we're gone, she's in her crate. She hasn't had an accident in the house for over three months now.

I do not think a doggie day camp is the answer. You (or a family member) need to be the one working with the dog under the guidance of an instructor who is experienced and knows what they're doing. Your dog needs to know the "pack leader" is in your house, not at doggie camp.

 

[janette]

He is crate trained that is the one thing he does well, we have a dog door so they can go out whenever they want.

I don't claim to be a good dog trainer, that is why I'm considering an expert. Part of all of the training camps I've looked at include sessions with the owner so that we know how to enforce what he's learned at home. He just needs more training than I have time, patience or expertise.

I'd like to know if people have had success with it since it isn't cheap but would be well worth it if it works.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

He is crate trained that is the one thing he does well, we have a dog door so they can go out whenever they want.

I don't claim to be a good dog trainer, that is why I'm considering an expert. Part of all of the training camps I've looked at include sessions with the owner so that we know how to enforce what he's learned at home. He just needs more training than I have time, patience or expertise.

I'd like to know if people have had success with it since it isn't cheap but would be well worth it if it works.

I agree with RN 4 babies. You need to train the dog, not some doggie day camp person who is going to give you a quick run down of what the dog was taught. Its your dog, not theirs. Part of dog ownership is taking the time and responsibility to train and manner your dog so 2-3 years down the road, you don't say, I've had enough of the chewing, peeing on the carpet and barking and are trying to find a new home for him.

Sound harsh maybe. But I also taught obedience classes for almost 17 years. Its takes time and effort. For a dog to flunk obedience class tells me, the trainer didn't have the time and patience or the owner didn't want to be bothered. No dog should ever flunk obedience class.

Obedience classes don't have to be expensive . $85.00 for ten sessions, 1 hour , 1 time a week. And working with the dog a few minutes a few times a day. its not hard . And after classes are finished, reinforce the learned behavior.

Sorry don't believe in other people teaching my dog, plus just because he listens to the trainer, doesn't mean you're going to take the dog home and it will listen to you.

 

[janette]

Nevermind, should have known better than to ask.

I'm not looking for a critique of my doggie mommie skills. I know they aren't great but I love my dogs and do what is necessary for them. I've never given up a dog for any reason and have had instances where most people would have. I'd like information on the success of having a professional dog trainer work with my dog anyone have that?

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Nevermind, should have known better than to ask.

I'm not looking for a critique of my doggie mommie skills. I know they aren't great but I love my dogs and do what is necessary for them. I've never given up a dog for any reason and have had instances where most people would have. I'd like information on the success of having a professional dog trainer work with my dog anyone have that?

Yea, I do. I've had several people in my obedience classes over the years that paid so called professional trainers hundreds of dollars to train their dogs for them, only to find after after they took the dog home and the trainer was gone the dog didn't listen to the owner, because they weren't the ones who trained them.

I'm sure you will find people on this board who has had success with them. The trainer will take your dog , teach them commands , and then show you what the dog learned and teach you how to continue training with the dog. And you pay the person couple hundred or maybe a few hundred dollars. it may work at the beginning, but most people never follow-up on the behavior training like they are told to do , the dog resorts back to the original behavior, hundreds of dollars are wasted and thats when the owner and dog came to me for training.

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

I agree that you, your husband, or even one of your kids (if they are maybe 12 years old or older) could easily be taught to train your own dog. I learned how to train my first dog by reading a book, Training Dogs My Way by Barbara Woodhouse. But then I took my dog to obedience school and she finished first in her class. Then I took my next dog to class, and then the next one. By going to class, it seems to make you try harder when training your dog, because you don't want to have the least obedient dog there (I wanted my dogs to be the best)! Truly, 15 minutes of training twice a day and your dog will probably be the smartest dog in the class... Also, obedience school is really training the owner how to train the dog. You can have someone else train your dog but if you're not trained too, it's probably not going to do much good. You obviously love your dogs since you have three of them and have their pictures in your signature. Why not spend an hour a week taking them to a class and have fun learning to train them yourself? I think you'd really enjoy it.

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

I forgot to ask where you are located in Texas. I know a GREAT dog trainer in Dallas if you're near there. She could no doubt help you.

 

[RN4Babies]

He is crate trained that is the one thing he does well, we have a dog door so they can go out whenever they want.

I don't claim to be a good dog trainer, that is why I'm considering an expert. Part of all of the training camps I've looked at include sessions with the owner so that we know how to enforce what he's learned at home. He just needs more training than I have time, patience or expertise.

I'd like to know if people have had success with it since it isn't cheap but would be well worth it if it works.

My experience with doggy camps is that they work for a short period of time, and then the dog reverts to previous behaviors. I have two dogs in my adult class right now who "graduated" last year from different doggy day camps who were totally out of control when my class started two months ago. Now they're both coming when their owners call them in class and at home, they sit and stay, even with distractions, and are well behaved, fun to have in the home dogs. Both owners have admitted to me that they've gotten more out of the class than the dog has. I can't tell you how many dogs (and their owners) I've retrained over the years after the dogs had worked with a private trainer/been to a doggy camp facility. They don't work without the active, ongoing involvement of the owner, meaning you're there during the training working with the dog (NOT just shown what they've learned at the end of the day), and that you practice with your dog at home for 20-30 minutes a day (heeling while leash walking, coming when called using a lunge line, etc).

A doggy door so the dogs can go out "whenever they want" isn't working, as you say your dog isn't housebroken. Someone needs to be taking your dog outside every couple of hours until he's consistently going outside and not having accidents in the house.

Expertise can be learned by taking your dog to a training class once a week. Seriously, I don't understand why you brought another dog into your home if you "don't have the time or the patience" for training it.

Sorry I'm not telling you what you want to hear.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Dog training never ends. I think perhaps that is what you don't understand. It is 24/7.

My dogs are 3 and they are trained everyday. Eating is a training session, walking is a training session, in the house we train, outside the house, etc... learning to master the training is what you strive for.

Start with the basics, sit, down, stay. An excellent way to teach stay is to have them in a down/stay when you eat at the table.

When we eat at the table now, our dogs immediately go into a down/stay as habit or a simple command puts them right where they need to go.

Bottom line, dogs do like to know what they are supposed to be doing, you just have to be the one to enforce the training. Generally they like to please you. You can do it.

I have a 40lb border collie mix and a 70lb lab mix.

 

[JPN4265]

Any luck with training the clueless? Our newest addition is about 8mths, we got him from the pound in Nov but not sure of his exact age.

He doesn't seem like the smartest dog, the only command he's mastered is "go to bed" since that involves a treat. He isn't totally house broken, chews, jumps and all those other bad puppy things. He's very happy, thinks any attention is great whether he's in trouble or not. Thankfully he's only 12lbs so there is a limit to the damage he can do.

I'm thinking of sending him to a doggie day camp this summer they say they can train any dog. Is this true? I'm not an expert and none of our dogs are well trained but we've managed to get the basics across to the others.

Why don't you crate train him? This works wonders, and the dog will love it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

He is crate trained that is the one thing he does well, we have a dog door so they can go out whenever they want.

I don't claim to be a good dog trainer, that is why I'm considering an expert. Part of all of the training camps I've looked at include sessions with the owner so that we know how to enforce what he's learned at home. He just needs more training than I have time, patience or expertise.

I'd like to know if people have had success with it since it isn't cheap but would be well worth it if it works.

You are doomed to failure with that statement. You either want to train your dogs, or you don't.

Paying for a "day camp" is not going to help with that line of thinking.

 

[janette]

Just can't resist the lectures can we.

Thought about it, what we are stuggling with are the negative behaviors. I know he'd do well at obedience type stuff, he loves rewards and responds very well to that type of training. It's getting him to consistently not do the things he shouldn't without having to remind him every 10 secs. He will go a couple of days without an accident in the house but then have 3 in one day. He is taken out when he gets up in the morning and anytime after he's been confined to his crate. I've tried rewarding him when he does his business outside but he gets distracted by the possibility of a treat.

I forgot to ask where you are located in Texas. I know a GREAT dog trainer in Dallas if you're near there. She could no doubt help you.

We are close to Dallas, I'd love to have her name. Thanks!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Just can't resist the lectures can we.

Thought about it, what we are stuggling with are the negative behaviors. I know he'd do well at obedience type stuff, he loves rewards and responds very well to that type of training. It's getting him to consistently not do the things he shouldn't without having to remind him every 10 secs. He will go a couple of days without an accident in the house but then have 3 in one day. He is taken out when he gets up in the morning and anytime after he's been confined to his crate. I've tried rewarding him when he does his business outside but he gets distracted by the possibility of a treat.

So you are struggling with housebreaking. The key with housebreaking is you are training your dogs to tell you when they have to go out to potty.

That is the goal.

I use a bell on my door. It is easy and the dogs are quick to pick it up.

As far as training them not to potty in the house, the basic rule is NO FREE ROAM until they are housebroken. No exceptions.

 

[RN4Babies]

Housebreaking is totally different than "dog training the clueless" (the OP's words in her first post).

As I stated in previous posts, keep your dog in a crate when you're not home (good for you that's already in place!). When you're home, keep the dog confined to a small area; probably your kitchen, assuming you don't have carpeting. NO house roaming priviledges until there have been no accidents in the kitchen for at least a month. Housebreaking a small dog is very different than housebreaking a larger dog. Smaller bladders mean they have to go out more often. If you've ever been pregnant, think of how much more often you had to go to the bathroom during that time than you normally would....you had a smaller bladder because of the baby taking up more space. Same idea with smaller dogs; their little bladders fill up quickly. Being taken out in the morning, at night and "anytime it's been in the crate for a period of time" is not enough IMO. To train with a bell on the door, you help him paw it, then say in a happy, excited voice, "Oh, you have to go out! Let's go outside to go potty!" Once outside, you should be very quiet, avoid eye contact with him, and basically detach yourself from him while walking around with him until he squats/lifts his leg. After that, you basically do a cheerleading routine whenever he does anything outside; lots of praise, head and belly rubbing, etc. I don't use treats for anything when I train a dog. As you've stated, the dog gets distracted by the treat, and comes to expect treats in order to follow your commands.

As you got your dog from a pound, you don't know when he was separated from his mother. If it was before he was 12 weeks old, he may not know "how to be a dog".....so learning to use a doggy door could take a lot of time. You need to have him going outside consistently, no accidents in the house for several weeks, before going on to the next step of using the doggy door to go outside.

As for chewing, make certain there is a basket of doggy toys in the kitchen, on the floor, where he can reach them. Try balls, nylabones, plush squeaky toys, etc. Pet stores have a wonderful selection of different things with different textures. Give him a "chewie" (my dogs love pig wraps) every day. Puppies chew; when you catch him chewing something he shouldn't, get down on his level, say in a firm, strong voice, "No! We don't chew wood/the flooring/the rug...." whatever the case may be. Then immediately give him one of his toys and praise him when he takes it and chews. Puppies (and some adult dogs) chew. If it's a solid surface, like a table or chair leg, applying some bitter apple can be a great deterrant.

Having said all of that, I do hope that in addition to training to eliminate negative behaviors, that you're able to find the time to do some obedience training as well. Having a polite, well trained dog who listens to you is so much fun!

 

[goofy4tink]

I don't intend for this to come across as harsh or rude....


I've been a dog trainer one night a week with the humane society for 20 years now. 95% of what I do is training dogs' owners; the other 5% is training the dogs. Your admission that "none of our dogs are well trained" tells me that YOU and your dog need to go to a training class now, and together. At eight months old, you already have a late start, but it can be done. Your dog needs to be crate trained so they have a safe place to be when you're not home, and contained to a small area (most people use their kitchen) until they're housebroken. They also need to be taken out frequently; small dogs have small bladders when they're puppies. We have an eight month old pomeranian puppy. When we're home, someone takes her outside every two to three hours. When we're gone, she's in her crate. She hasn't had an accident in the house for over three months now.

I do not think a doggie day camp is the answer. You (or a family member) need to be the one working with the dog under the guidance of an instructor who is experienced and knows what they're doing. Your dog needs to know the "pack leader" is in your house, not at doggie camp.

100% on target!! Took the words right out of my mouth.

He is crate trained that is the one thing he does well, we have a dog door so they can go out whenever they want.

I don't claim to be a good dog trainer, that is why I'm considering an expert. Part of all of the training camps I've looked at include sessions with the owner so that we know how to enforce what he's learned at home. He just needs more training than I have time, patience or expertise.

I'd like to know if people have had success with it since it isn't cheap but would be well worth it if it works.

I'm sorry if you feel that some have piled on and been negative here. I know that sometimes we ask for advice and aren't so happy with what we get...been there, done that.
Now, that being said....being crate trained is not the same as being trained. Dog doors tend to negate proper 'housebreaking' (for lack of a better word). If a dog is allowed to come and go as he wishes, he never learns the discipline of having to wait! I would leash the pup to myself, whenever in the house. If he starts doing his business inside, you are right there to make the correction and take him outside to do it properly. Not on the leash, attached to you? In the crate..one or the other until he learns where to do his business.
My golden is also very food oriented. He will do anything for a treat. So...that is what I used to train him..little tiny pieces of his kibble. It was a ton of work and at almost 9, he is still training. He has to 'work' for almost everything he gets. Time for his breakfast or dinner? Okay...sit, wait. Only when that is accomplished does he get his bowl. Everyone in my dh's family thinks I'm a huge meanie to make him behave this way...but guess who's dog is always welcome?? Who's dog is well behaved and doesn't annoy others? Yep...mine. He completely understands who the pack leader is.
Training involves the owners as well as the dog..it is just more effective that way. If you send your pup off to doggie camp, in order to be trained, you will have a dog that listens to that trainer, and not neccesarily to you or to anyone in your family. So...accompany him when he is trained. I needed just as much, if not more, training as my golden!!! I was the one getting corrected all the time....and there were no treats for me .
Good luck..hope it all works out for you and you have a happy, well behaved dog in your future. Remember....a well trained dog is a happy dog!!

 

[airhead]

I agree with RN 4 babies. You need to train the dog, not some doggie day camp person who is going to give you a quick run down of what the dog was taught. Its your dog, not theirs. Part of dog ownership is taking the time and responsibility to train and manner your dog so 2-3 years down the road, you don't say, I've had enough of the chewing, peeing on the carpet and barking and are trying to find a new home for him.

Sound harsh maybe. But I also taught obedience classes for almost 17 years. Its takes time and effort. For a dog to flunk obedience class tells me, the trainer didn't have the time and patience or the owner didn't want to be bothered. No dog should ever flunk obedience class.

Obedience classes don't have to be expensive . $85.00 for ten sessions, 1 hour , 1 time a week. And working with the dog a few minutes a few times a day. its not hard . And after classes are finished, reinforce the learned behavior.

Sorry don't believe in other people teaching my dog, plus just because he listens to the trainer, doesn't mean you're going to take the dog home and it will listen to you.

This is good advice,take it.

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

Here is the trainer's name and links to her websites. Carla Collins. She is absolutely amazing. I have worked with many trainers over a 25 year period, but Carla's methods are the most amazing I have ever seen/used. I wish you the best of luck getting your dog trained!!

http://www.sitmeanssit.com/dog-training-locations/dog-training-dallas-texas/

and her personal school

http://www.absoluteobedience.com/

 

[daisax]

I would also start a journal of when the dog goes (outside or inside). Dogs are very regular in terms of their elimination habits. If you always take the dog outside to go after you get home from work, but the dog doesn't really NEED to go until 45 minutes later, you're going to have a dog that goes when you take him outside at your convenience, and then goes AGAIN when it's "his time."

They don't all read the books about needing to go after a nap/play session. Some dogs poop a little, wait two minutes and poop again. Once you know your dog does this, you just get in the habit of waiting for the second poop -- otherwise you go back in and the dog needs to go out again (or worse, just goes inside).

I bet if you keep track for a week or two, you will find that your dog is pretty consistent in when he/she needs to eliminate, and that will help cut down on accidents. In the meantime, the dog should only go out on a leash, and be leashed to you indoors when not in the crate.