Do you have any tips for training dogs? Please Help.

1. 61

   CharlieNikholeposted 12 years ago

   Do you have any tips for training dogs? Please Help.
   
   My dog is very stubborn, I take him to training classes every Saturday but I still struggle. The teacher says he is aggressive towards other dogs because he feels the need to protect me and as sweet as that may sound, its bloody hell on my hands with his leash. I don't know how to make him see that I am dominant. PLEASE HELP!

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2. 64

   Choxyposted 12 years ago

   "Go very slowly when dealing with anxiety-related behaviors. The best way to rehabilitate an aggressive dog is to change how he perceives the stimuli that make him anxious. Do this by slowly showing your dog that the thing he fears is no longer scary." - Victoria Stilwell
   
   Check out http://positively.com/
   
   She uses positive reinforcement and may have a trainer near you if you need extra help.

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   1. 61

      CharlieNikholeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you very much, I have plenty of time to work with him I jut didn't know where to start.

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3. 0

   Ari Lamsteinposted 12 years ago

   Hi CharlieNikhole,
   
   Sorry to hear that you're having so much trouble with your dog!  Behavior problems like this can make dogownership a negative experience.  I think that you're on the right track by taking him to training.  It's also great to hear that you have the time to implement a training program with him.
   
   I don't think that you can get a good answer to your question here - training is something best done in person with an experienced trainer and you dog present.  It sounds like you might not be getting good results with your current trainer.  You might try to spend a few sessions with another trainer.  You can use Yelp.com or Google.com to find a dog trainer in your area.  Also, your local animal shelter or humane society might be able to recommend a skilled trainer.
   
   I personally had a lot of trouble with my dog when I first got him.  He pulled very hard on the leash and had many other problems.  But after taking a training class at my local animal shelter I saw great improvement.  I think that if you find the right trainer and consistently implement the suggestions that they recommend then you, too, will be able to see improvements with your dog.
   
   Good luck!
   
   Ari

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4. 93

   alexadryposted 12 years ago

   If he is too worried about the other dogs this may affect his cognitive functions and thus his ability to learn. If you bring to a pet store, this may not be the ideal place; too many stimuli and too close to the other dogs. The first group classes are very difficult at first but some dogs get a hang of it, but I really think he may do better in private classes for now and then once ready he can gradually move on the group.
   
   You do not need to show you are dominant, all he needs is to understand which behaviors are appropriate and which are not. If he is biting your hands and leash, this can due to the fact he is stressed and is re-directing towards you his tension, or it could be he finds it rewarding to do so.
   
   You need to find an alternate behavior to reward. Find a good trainer that is willing to to do private classes and give you one-on-one attention. Best wishes!

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5. 86

   yeagerinvestmentsposted 12 years ago

   What breed of dog do you have? I have a few hubs about teaching dogs some simple commands. He may feel like he's the pack leader and so he needs to give that back to you. Try some simple sit, stay and lay down commands without any distractions and give lots of praise.

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