Dog training question?
I am taking my dog – still a pup (one year in Dec and a shepherd mix) to our obedience class. This is our second session. The first one was a disaster. King did not misbehave, but he is very vocal (he talks to us all the time). Dogs on either side of us came over several times and bothered him, yipping and snarling but he stayed with me and behaved. However, because he was vocal, the instructor kept putting us in time out. When we weren't in time out, her asst. was yakking in my ear. I didn't hear any of the instruction and my practice time during class was almost zero. I pretty much lost it at the end and told her I didn't learn a thing because I was excluded from the class 90% of the time.
Also, the trainer said at the end that "alpha dog training is a bunch of hooey," which I don't agree with. I trained all of my dogs using the Monks of New Skeet method and I believe in it.
So, what would you do? I'm considering just dropping out of the class. I don't feel that her methods will work with King and I can't even be sure since I've only heard a portion.
What is your idea of a good training program and how should I approach this?
Answer:
If you are not comfortable with the trainer and don't feel that you're getting anything out of the class, then don't go. There are several flags that would make me re-consider this trainer just from day one:
1) Did she give a REASON for her comment on alpha work? No? That right there would have me walking away – no good trainer will put down a method without a good reason.
2) No good trainer would "time out" a barking dog, either. They would use that dog as an example to ADDRESS the problem. Not ignore it. Did the trainer spend some time after to help you out or help you catch what you missed?
3) Yakking assistant – yakking about what? If they aren't talking training then why talk at all at that point? Why distract you form the lecture?
I would find a different trainer – i tend to look for one that uses multiple methods and does NOT put down any particular method (without good cause.) Someone who will work with me, not avoid issues, and make sure that i get what i'm paying for.
I have trained dogs most of my life. The method used is based on the dog. I start mine out with the sit, then move on to down, stay and come. Its usually quite easy to teach them not to bark at inappropriate times. Working with a young dog several times a day for 5 to 10 minutes was more effective for me than many other methods I have seen people use.
If you do go to an obedience trainer, check out their qualifications before you put down money for this.
well wiv my pup i train it with rewards
so if he sits then treat him then when he gets older he shouldnt want any treats (vets advice)
Hi,
I just replied to another post with a similar problem. Ill say it again (may sound bias) I dont believe in obedience classes. Having someone elce train your dog and multiple dogs being trained around you can sometimes teach your dog that he can trust anyone. We all know this isnt the case. I prefer training my dogs at home by myself occasionally ill have a family member or trusted friend assist me if im doing social training to teach them how to behave around other people (so the dont bite or jump up etc)
Ive read and used multiple books to help myself with dog training and have found that the "Dog Training Tutor" by Kobie Lawson is quite helpful.
here is a link to it: http://torenithe.hopfeed.com/feed/?u=Mjk4CVlFSzlCQzlWUVkJMgl0b3Jlbml0aGUJZG9ndHV0b3IJCQ%3D%3D
Hope this has been of some help.
When I went to my dog's obedience class, my instructor told me how to make my dog be quiet. He's a chihuahua, so he's extremely aggressive. She told me several things that work, but there's one that works the best. You can hold his mouth closed with your fist, make him look you in the eye, and tell him firmly, "quiet." If he keeps barking or growling, the other thing you can do is make a fist and bop him under the chin and tell him firmly, "quiet." If he keeps being vocal, and this is what works the best, grab him by the scruff of his neck (where his mother would grab him) and shake him by it until he lets out a soft cry. Tell him "quiet," but when he does get quiet, tell him "good quiet" in a happy voice. When he's vocal again, shake him again. His mother would do it in the wild and he understands that kind of behavior. He understand that you're telling him he's doing something wrong.