Originally posted by Rachellt4: Hi can anyone help us please,
We have got a 6 1/2 month Male Dobermann, he's great in the house and on a lead but when he gets let out into the garden he does nothing but bark, its driving us and our neighbours mad.
We bought our dog a bark collar, when she barks it bleeps & she stops to see what it is, we tell her she is a good girl & give her a treat. I think it might work as well with a clicker you get from the pet shop. When he barks click it & if he stops give him a treat. See if that works.
Originally posted by stuart 23: as ive said in an earlier post,for young dogs the method ive seen used is to spit into their mouths before they go out to show whos boss. its an old trick. then they know your still the boss outside even when your not there, and if they wouldnt do inside-they wont do it outside.
Thats a great way to get a dog to bite someones face off. Ludicrous suggestion which I cant believe I just read. Good grief !
>Firsly, the springer is still not clean after 6 >months. He'll go out in the garden as good as >gold but doesn't seem to be able to hold his >bladder for that long overnight or while I'm >out at work.
Any accidents should be cleared up without him seeing as even just a heavy sigh creates a negative atmosphere and will just lead him to hide where he does it. Use newspaper to mop up as it retains scent, then place it somewhere suitable in the garden. when he is next likely to need to toilet, take him out on lead toward but not right up to the paper. Let him get the scent which will stimulate his bladder to mark / pee. After he does pee, praise him loads - dont prise while he is in mid flow as it could distract him to stop which defeats the exercise. Be consistant, never tell off for accidents, and understand that at his age he will be raging with hormones, growth, muscle building etc and wont be able to control himself so well without the additional help of totally positive reinforcement.
>Secondly, he is a nightmare on the lead, >pulling all the time. Once he's off, he's >usually very good and stays close. He does >however have a great memory and runs off >towards some woods near us, because he knows >that previously someone has chucked out some >bread and so he's able to have a nice feed. At >this point, he will not come back.
Firtly, get a walking harness - not an anti-pull, just a standard webbing harness which will be comnfortable and safe and will help prevent pulling simply because the design of the right type is comfortable enough that the dog feels less need to pull, and prevents it better than any of the so called anti-pull types ime. Use a long line [ which must never ever be used just attached to collar as it could cause severe injury or worse if the dog stops suddenly by the neck ]. When you reach the place he likes to run off to, change his memory of what he thinks is there by pre-empting and slyly dropping something tasty just before the place he usually runs off. Go a few more steps and do the same. Do this a few times and it will gradually change his thinking to `near you is where the goodies are, no in the woods`. The longline will also help him learn that he can run so far ahead but then cant go any further which will teach a good subliminal understanding of distance to stay within.
>Thirdly, he tends to "spring" alot especially >when I come back into the house, throwing >himself at me, which leads to many a bruise. >He also jumps up at visitors.
So he is pleased to see people, which is much better than wanting to eat them I was given a very useful little tip by another behaviourist. Instead of using the word `sit`, use the word `hello` or `hiya` as a cue to sit. Once he understands it, [ and positive reinforcement is vital, and never train it for more than a few minutes at a time ], when you walk in, you should eventually be able to say `hello` and get friends to do the same, [ as its natural to say hello or hiya to visitors so will enhance the connection for him ], you will hopefully find that he will then sit niccely, knowing that when he does he then gets praised for it then can be released from the cue to say hi properly to people who will by then be ready for him and can repeat the `hello` to have him sit if he does forget momentarilly and gets excited.
>There are a few other issues and I'd like to >get them sorted, otherwise my other half is >threatening to rehome him (even though he has a >huge soft spot for him).
Many canine `issues` are easiest sorted by `rehoming` other halfs and keeping the dog
Originally posted by Secret Keeper: but make sure he doesn't see you clean it, otherwise he'll think he's dominant.
Sorry but thats rubbish Dominance is the most misunderstood of canine behaviours and should not be stated as a reason when it is not the case. It does not cause dominance at all, it stops the dog feeling a negativity to an accident so the dog doesnt think its supposed to hide where it goes for fear of being punished. The word Dominance should be ripped out of the canine dictionary
Originally posted by baby boo: try getting some equipment that will make a negative noise ie popping a balloon or even a dog dazer, and wen they do it make the negetive noise, but i needs to be quick and sharp, and say your reprimand. when my dog misbehaves in the garden in warmer wether i frow water bombs with froce, hitting next to her. she hates it.
No no no no no !!! Who on earth is teaching you to do this disgusting and potentially dangerous treatment ????? Dont you want your dog to love you rather than see you as a punisher for a dog being a dog ? For goodness sake
Originally posted by Dumplin: Just need a bit of help with my two border collies really, they are both 6 month old sisters, lovely natured, soppy as anything, BUT they are wrecking my life. My house has been chewed to shreds, they bark all day if i put them out while im at work, and the neighbours are complaining like mad. Has anyone got any tips on how to stop the chewing, the messing, the jumping up, and mostly the barking?? Any advice would be great as its much needed. Cheers Dumplin
They need brain work quite simply. If Collies are not given this, they go stir crazy which is exactly whats happening. Contact Sarah at Wiccaweys Collie rescue http://www.wiccaweys.co.uk/ and let her know what area you are in and as well as being able to give you tips over the phone and may know of someone in your area who can help `hands on`. When they are old enough [ must be 12 months minimum ] see about agility for them as its great brain and physical exercise [ not just for collies of course but many collies absolutely thrive on it especially as the training is positive reinforcement and play only, which is ideal as collies are very `soft` dogs - meaning they suffer greatly mentally with punishment use ].
Hi, a friend of mine uses a huge cage to put her pooch in while she's at work - they don't like to mess in the same place they sleep! Also, my 4 year old German Shepherd has a problem with jumping - she's slowly getting outta the habit but it's hard work! I asked my vet what to do about it and he suggested stepping on her back paws when she jumps up - not hard but just enough to make her get down - it work's but you have to be quick!
Great way to risk injury to a dog..... Some vets should stick to medical care and not try to get involved in behavioural when they dont understand it well enough. Very few vets are truly able to help on both counts unfortunately.
Originally posted by nicola_martyn: hiya people. I have the worse dog ever! He is 2 years old and is a german sheperd hes just a total nightmare. His name is Boston and loves 2 bite people. He doesnt let anyone in his house and he also loves 2 chase chilrden but doesnt want 2 play with them he wants 2 bite them. Also he hates my brother and always growls at him. He also goes crazy at the postman and destroys our mail. Everybody in my street is scared of him. Also he cant just walk past a dog or another person while out a walk he just trys 2 bite them so he now has 2 wear a mussel. All i want is a normal dog who i can take out and not worry that sombody wil get hurt. Can anyone help me plz! i am really desperate!!!! you hav no idea what this dog is really like he is of his head he thinkz he is the boss of us and he also thinks he is better than us. I think he doesnt actually know he is a dog he thinks he is a person. so sombody help help help!!
He is not trying to be the boss, he sounds confused and frightened and is showing typical defensive behaviour - thats why its called fear aggression. First thing I would do is get him to the vet for a thyroid test - if its out of whack it could be the main cause though how you handle his behaviours will have impact too, if you tell him off r coddle him. Thyroid test first and foremost, general chek up for any other possible pains or underlying illness, and if all is clear, call in a reputable behaviourist - not one who uses `dominance` every other word, not one who advocates choke chains, and not one who spouts the alpha schmalpha rubbish.
Cages are more like a den to the dog if they are used properly, there should be more than enough room for the dog to stand and sit in comfortably and if you have their blankets inside then it's fine. I'm shocked that your dog was tied up, but you may find that it may solve the problem. As for cleaning up the mess, make sure that you
Send the dog out and ensure she can't see you cleaning up the mess
Never use ammoium cleaners, because they'll only make the problem worse by enticing the dog.
Dogs tend to clean in the same spot, and they don't like the smell of citronella, after cleaning wipe with a cloth and water mixed with a few drops of it.
It's not the cage that's cruel, but how it was used, use a cage and make sure that it has the room and that it's comfortable. Once she gets used to it she will be fine.
Thanks Secret Keeper. Have not got any citronella but will go and get some. We've also just started using a no odour spray on the spots where she favours and so far we've had 3 dry nights in a row so fingers crossed! Before we were using a normal household cleaner so maybe that was part of the problem. Still not very happy about the idea of cages because of her past history but will give it some thought. Thanks again.[/QUOTE]
Another thing to try when cleaning up 'accidents' is biological washing powder. It breaks down the enzymes and therfore gets rid of any lasting smells - Having had 5 deliberate 'accidents' on our front door mat we tried it and it stopped the problem. In relation to 'cages' we have had one for our Bullmastiff since we got him at 10 weeks. He has been dry through the night since then! We are trying to get him out of it now, he's 11 months old now. We leave it open at night and wen we are out but whenever we get up/come home he's curled up in it. With regards to the drinking in the evening: Try giving her ice cubes instead of letting her have access to a full bowl, it will give her the water she needs but also it is great fun for them. Hopefully this weather is making her drink more during the day anyway. Hope this helps - Good luck
I have two dogs, one a Highland Fling (westie/shi tsu cross) who is 4 years old and a springer spaniel who is 6 months old. They get on famously and love each other to pieces.
Unfortunately I still have a few problems and could do with some help or advice. Firsly, the springer is still not clean after 6 months. He'll go out in the garden as good as gold but doesn't seem to be able to hold his bladder for that long overnight or while I'm out at work.
Secondly, he is a nightmare on the lead, pulling all the time. Once he's off, he's usually very good and stays close. He does however have a great memory and runs off towards some woods near us, because he knows that previously someone has chucked out some bread and so he's able to have a nice feed. At this point, he will not come back.
Thirdly, he tends to "spring" alot especially when I come back into the house, throwing himself at me, which leads to many a bruise. He also jumps up at visitors.
There are a few other issues and I'd like to get them sorted, otherwise my other half is threatening to rehome him (even though he has a huge soft spot for him).
Does anyone have good advice? If Victoria Stilwell wants to come and share her thoughts with us, I'd be more than happy!
I cannot advocate the use of a 'crate' or 'cage' strongly enough in relation to toilet training. We have a Bullmastiff who is now 11 months old. We got him at 10 weeks and he has been dry through the night since then thanks to his 'cage'. You can get some great ones at a good price online, or try ebay for a bargain. We bought a small one initially and then when he outgrew that we got one that is 4 foot long, 2 foot wide and 4 foot tall. He loves it as he always knows where to find his 'precious things'
Originally posted by maz123: hi hope some can help i have a wondafull dog called milly but unforantly for me she has a few bad habits my main one is that, some times when we leave her in the house on her own occanaly she chews things not just any old thing its the door frames and bottom of my doors she has nearlly destroyed one of the frames .shes a medium size dog spannel cross staff and probly somthing else (a wood shaver prehaps) has any one got ay idea how to stop this i would be most greatfull
Try putting tabasco sauce on the frames, most dogs don't like the taste and will only lick it once!!!
I have only just started reading from this forum and some of the advice is great. I have an 18 month old collie/black labrador cross who is pretty good, and responds well to training. I have just recently purchased a harness to stop him pulling on the lead and he is now very good. However as a result of that he has started barking whilst on the harness and getting aggressive with other dogs that he meets. He only does this whilst on the harness, as when off the lead he is very mild mannered. Has anybody got any thoughts on this please? My biggest concern with him though, is the fact that he is attacking the door everytime the paper or post is delivered. I guess he is guarding the door. However I have tried sitting there in the morning waiting for the postman to arrive to show him that it is not someone that he should fear but he just becomes aggressive. He is very social dog and gets excited when friends etc come to the door and I am slowly trying to train this out of him - I like the earlier suggestion about the sit command becoming hiya or hello - might try that. Any help on the aggression would be greatly received.
I own a retired greyhound, he's eight this year and I love him to bits. He has the sweetest face you have ever seen, he enjoys a cuddle and loves eating (his favourite pastime) and likes sleeping. When he isnt doing that he likes to chase me and my partner round the garden or just run round it himself, tearing holes out of the grass. He also likes to dig massive holes in the flower beds, and when he first got him he ate all the daffodil bulbs out of the flower beds!!!!!
I wouldnt be without him, and missed him terribly when we went on holiday this year. Next year I want to go on a uk holiday and take him with us. What with all this hassle and the airports I think that most people will be doing that anyway!!!!!
Help...... My dog is mad! We have a year old Bullmastiff who is generally fabulous, however, he has an issue with being given a new bed!. He has had a crate since we got him at 10 weeks and he loves it. As bullmastiffs tend to take the quickest route to the floor ie: just drop down, it is recommended that they have padding in their bed. He has had the same fleece for a few months now as a general cover for the base of his cage. We have also over the months bought him padded beds which, for some reason he feels the need to rip to shreds. The last bed that we bought could be washed complete and that was fine during the summer months when i could wash it weekly and get it dry. It had started to get really tatty so today i bought him a new bed with a removable cover. I have put it in his bed and he has immediately ripped it to shreds!!! None of the books that i have read explain why he is doing this or how to stop it..... If you can help please, please, please let me know.
Originally posted by lagooner: I have only just started reading from this forum and some of the advice is great. I have an 18 month old collie/black labrador cross who is pretty good, and responds well to training. I have just recently purchased a harness to stop him pulling on the lead and he is now very good. However as a result of that he has started barking whilst on the harness and getting aggressive with other dogs that he meets. He only does this whilst on the harness, as when off the lead he is very mild mannered. Has anybody got any thoughts on this please? My biggest concern with him though, is the fact that he is attacking the door everytime the paper or post is delivered. I guess he is guarding the door. However I have tried sitting there in the morning waiting for the postman to arrive to show him that it is not someone that he should fear but he just becomes aggressive. He is very social dog and gets excited when friends etc come to the door and I am slowly trying to train this out of him - I like the earlier suggestion about the sit command becoming hiya or hello - might try that. Any help on the aggression would be greatly received.
I believe you'll find that that's in the dog's nature. They feel stressed being pinned down like this, and there's no way to explain to them that it's to make sure that they don't injure themselves or anyone else. I suggest that you try to find a wide open space that you can take your dog onto every now and again without the lead (make sure that you call him and release him throughout otherwise he won't come back mind). It won't help completely, but a good run once or twice a week does make a difference in mad breeds like Dals and Labs.
Me and my bf rescued a 3yr old collie cross called Micky from the dogs home in feb this yr. when we take him out, he is fine on the lead and mostly off, although he sometimes ignors us when trying to call him back. His biggest problem is that when we come in from work he goes mad (even tho my bf's mum is at home all day with him) and jumps up at my bf! and me but not as much! no matter how many times we turn our backs and igore him he still runs upto us and bouces off us!! very anoying!! also he had a big problem with snatching food from the kitchen surfaces! if i told you how much he has knicked wilist we arent watching yoou wouldnt belive it! he isnt too bad now, but he is a little reble! any advice appriciated.
thanks
~LoVeS it~ThAt'S HoT~ ~BiRdMaN- YoU WaNt SoMe SeEd?~ ~WeLcOLm To ThE O.C BiTcH~
It might be pent up energy. Border collies are working dogs and they have a lot of energy. Playing with them (chase, training tricks like wave and touch (using either his nose or paw) for example) to stimulate his mind as well has physically exercise him.
I'll give you an example of how effective this is. Before I left for uni (I'm staying in a residence) I took beginner's agility with our Dalmatian for an hour, and straight afterwards go to work. Agility would end at 12 and I would get home at 5, and he would still be exhausted.
Finally, make sure that he does not get food unless it's through you or your boyfriend. Remove temptation and make the kitchen a canine-free zone when you're cooking.
Yea he does have a lot of energy we have to take him on a long walk at the weekend to tire him out as normal walks don't!
we took him to training but it wasn't very good so we are thinkin of private traing with a freind we know.
Yea we have shut everything away in the kitchen but when Iain's mum is cooking he stil waits in the kitchen for any food that dropps on the floor, the worst thing is that i cant tell him off and train him etc that well as its his dog and his mum is there! so i have to bite me lip! i can wait till we get our own house so that i can have things our way!
~LoVeS it~ThAt'S HoT~ ~BiRdMaN- YoU WaNt SoMe SeEd?~ ~WeLcOLm To ThE O.C BiTcH~
Originally posted by C4 Andy: Hey folks. Here's your chance to let us know about your dogs' best or worst habits, and discuss ways that you've got your best friend to behave.
Best (behaviour),
C4 Andy
Hello All,
I bought a Thai Ridgeback earlier this year, on a Pet Passport from the Nederlands, she was a 15 months old kenneled/crated dog of show quality.
When I got her home, she was extremely nervous, not socialised, not house-trained, had battle scars, lump on head, poor coat and skin, and needed surgery to remove a cyst.
This is my first dog. We ended up in a fight which I very nearly ended her life. I can go on and on about her problems, but I do not see the point in giving on-line consultations when people have not even met the dogs.
As I learned how to control her, she has improved. She is a demanding dog to own and will never be a normal dog, however she has helped me by keeping my energy balanced.
As a responsible owner, I strive to get more than 100% control from good leadership.
I'm glad to hear that your dog is coming along. I heartily wish you the best of luck.
As for your opinion about online consultation, minor problems such as teaching your dog to not excrete in your house I have no problem with. However, complex and serious matters (such as aggression) do require professional help and I have said this in the past.
I was given a very useful little tip by another behaviourist. Instead of using the word `sit`, use the word `hello` or `hiya` as a cue to sit. Once he understands it, [ and positive reinforcement is vital, and never train it for more than a few minutes at a time ], when you walk in, you should eventually be able to say `hello` and get friends to do the same, [ as its natural to say hello or hiya to visitors so will enhance the connection for him ], you will hopefully find that he will then sit niccely, knowing that when he does he then gets praised for it then can be released from the cue to say hi properly to people who will by then be ready for him and can repeat the `hello` to have him sit if he does forget momentarilly and gets excited.
Dominance is the most misunderstood of canine behaviours and should not be stated as a reason when it is not the case. It does not cause dominance at all, it stops the dog feeling a negativity to an accident so the dog doesnt think its supposed to hide where it goes for fear of being punished. The word Dominance should be ripped out of the canine dictionary 
