I've been training dogs for 20 years and Suzanne knows dogs and (more importantly) dog people better than anyone else I know. She's a good friend to have.
For all dog owners...need some advice!!!! (Fluffy thread)
by restrangled 26 Replies latest jw friends
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aSphereisnotaCircle
Asphereisnotacirle....did I get that right?
Thank you for your input. I do understand what you are saying.....and believe me teaching to large Dobermans not to mess with our cat took major work....but they get it.
The problem here is 2 large dogs on double leashes ready to kill any loose dogs, or wheels in the neighborhood.
I really wasn't talking about keeping your dog off your cat. I was talking about your dog not going ballistic when he sees bikes, strollers, whatever.
So now I'm not really sure where your coming from. If your dogs are out of control, why are you taking them both out at once? The more it happens, the more you are reinforcing the behavior. Take the dogs out one at a time and take control. Having two 100lb plus dogs on a leash with one going nuts over dogs and one going nuts over bikes is a setup for disaster.
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juni
Hi restrangled!
Edited to say this - these suggestions are for working one on one with each dog at a time. You are dealing w/2 big dogs. Mine are 20# mini cockers where I can work w/them together.
I haven't read any of the other postings so sorry if this is a repeat suggestion. I too am a believer in the Cesar Milan mindset w/dogs. Others perhaps might think he's "cruel", but he is only using the dog's natural pact instincts to get them in their place where they want to be actually - they would much rather have you as the pack leader so they can relax......
Firstly, you need to give these guys a job so they feel fulfilled. Get them a backpack and put some cans of food in there from your pantry so there's some weight. Tires them out faster and mentally they feel challenged w/a job to do.
When they get tired out and start feeling fulfilled that way - remember this takes some time- (like your police trained dobie once had a job to do and now that he's a couch potato he's feeling unfilled) then you start with desensitizing them to wheels.
Have someone ride a bike pass him back and forth while he's made to sit still. Get rid of the chest harness. You can't control them w/a harness - they're too big of dogs. Use a pinch collar or a choke collar to give a little jerk to the side and say your thing like Cesar says shhhht! Whatever sound you choose. This will take time and patience, but they will become desensitized to wheels. Same things w/cars, etc.
For now, at least until they're under control completely, walk them separately.
I've been using Cesar's ideas w/my 2 mini cocker spaniels. It works. But it takes consistency and patience. They're doing much better, but can still be trying. These 2 dogs are little yippers and much harder to deal with than my golden retriever who has passed away. Big dogs are so much more easily trained than the little squirts.
Always, always keep them at your side while walking or behind you. You must have them sit before going out the door for a walk. Keep the leash short so they remain at your side. And like Cesar says keep your head up and walk w/authority and keep them focused on moving straight ahead. If they want to start gawking at things that set them off give a quick jerk (not for pain) but to break their tendency to focus on wheels, etc. Stuff that is a sign they have become sort of neurotic. You can do it....... Just remember me and my 2 little mini cockers; we're working hard at good dog behavior. You're not alone and I praise you for being a responsible dog owner r!
Hugs, Juni
PS Don't use a muzzle - it's not teaching them a thing. Muzzles have their place, but you need to make these guys feel fulfilled so that they don't continue being neurotic about the wheels.
Edited again to say this about your other dobie who likes to attack other dogs. AGAIN it is a matter of you being alpha. The dog wants to protect you and be the alpha of the pack. I truly believe if you work w/him w/the suggestions above you'll see results. W/him it's not wheels, but other dogs. While fulfilling him w/a job to do on his walks with the backpack idea, then desensitize him w/other dogs. When you walk him, keep him close to your side. Just keep your head up and walk boldly by the other dogs - don't let him start gawking at the other dogs. Tell him, w/authoritative voice, "We're a pack passing through. Never mind." That's what I tell my "girls" and they keep their little asses moving and their heads straight forward. I don't give them the opportunity to want to stop and gawk.
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Deputy Dog
juni
Big dogs are so much more easily trained than the little squirts.
Sorry, but as a rule that's just not true! I've had three Field Spaniels they are some of the easiest dogs to train I've ever owned. In fact the problem is that they learn so fast, that if I'm not carefull, they learn bad habits before I realize it.
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juni
Deputydog what do u mean my field spaniels? (Springer spaniels?) Those ARE NOT big dogs.
My neighbor has 4 of those kind. Consistency isn't practiced there and the girlfriend couchie coos the dogs all the time. She got in between the one that is alpha and another and got her tendons ripped in her hand and forearm. The dogs listen fairly well when THEY WANT TO. That should never be the case. They still choose to keep the one that bit Pam.
Juni
Edited to say - I will take a look at the link you provided. Thanks mucho!
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delilah
Thanx for the link, Deputy Dog...awesome site..
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Deputy Dog
juni
No, not field springers, Field spaniels. These are the best kept secret in Dogs!
Check them out http://clubs.akc.org/fssa/ Field Spaniel Society of America, Inc
They have the best temperment I've ever seen as a whole. I've never met a bad one.
And smart too! I've trained two (best looking police dogs in the world) in Gun and ammo detection.
I've owned and train Bloodhounds as well, but they sure are not for everyone!