Cosmolo

Need to be careful here- what was described in the OP i have seen many puppies do to varying degrees without those puppies having serious issues. Descriptions can be warped too. But, yes we've had a couple of puppies with intense aggression issues- ie, they have put serious holes in people at 10-12 weeks. It does exist for sure.

And I would suggest it's far more likely to be a technique issue rather than simply changing the marker.

In addition the dog is sensitive to noise so the clicker may be more challenging than usual.

Sorry but i disagree with the article. "People who use a word just don't have the same chance to develop good timing"- I completely disagree with this- i'm not perfect but i have pretty good timing and use a verbal marker. I still think the reason why clicker training seems to work better is because people are less likely to repeat it accidentally in training without following through with food. That doesn't mean the same can't be done with a verbal marker.

I truly believe that dogs understand context VERY well and that hearing me say yes to my husband (in a completely different tone to what i use in training and without training context and training cues) does not even register to them as a reward opportunity. They don't even notice which means there is no reduction in the value of the marker because they haven't noticed the word was even said.

I have videos of some amazing shaping sessions with my dogs that are proof enough for me that a verbal marker can be just as effective as a clicker. I have had groups of students divided in half, with one half shaping with a clicker and the other group with a verbal marker- there is no consistent difference between the groups (i have done this with about 30 groups)- the differences relate to MANY other factors relating to the skill of the handler but the clicker groups were no more likely to achieve a better result than the verbal marker groups.

It's just my opinion and i respect you feel differently. But i'm not just making something up and running with it- this is based on my experience.

Surprised at some of the comments here. I would have met over a thousand 'oodles'. The majority were great dogs. I find them no better or worse than any other breed.

I am however frequently astounded at the lies the owners have been told by the breeders they have bought the dogs from- unfortunately people believe what the breeders say- personally i don't think this makes them stupid or ill informed. I believed what both my registered breeders said about my ACD and JRT- i was just fortunate that they were ethical and honest people with a great deal of knowledge- 'oodle' owners think they are talking to the same.

I absolutely disagree that it's impossible to reward each time you say yes- why would that be any different to a clicker? I do agree that it's more likely that a novice handler will say yes without reinforcing than when using the clicker but that certainly doesn't mean it's impossible. My dogs value my verbal marker just as much as any clicker work.

I agree with doing LAT but i do believe a verbal marker can be just as good as a clicker- you just have to make sure you don't accidentally use your verbal marker randomly at other times.

Is your goal to leave the dog in the yard when you're not there as well or just when you are there?

Definitely front attaching- much less friction and subsequent rubbing than the sporn.

Beagles have to approach people and baggage- they need to be socially acceptable and friendly in appearance- many people are already scared of dogs and they definitely don't want them to seem imposing.

A dog will escalate when you violate their expectations. So when you corrected him instead of putting his halti on in that situation he upped the anti a little- you need to be especially careful about this as if you enter into confrontations that you do not 'win' you can make things much worse very quickly.

You need professional help from someone who knows what they're doing in these situations and with ACD's- they do not suffer fools and a failed training attempt will also escalate the problem. Feel free to contact us via our website www.underdogtraining.com.au

I would absolutely get in touch with Aidan2- I'm sure he'll be able to help you.

Yes but surely that is a problem with the legislation- i don't extrapolate from the fact that that was allowed to occur that, behavioural assessment is useless?

There were plenty of limitations in that link with data collection etc. Again it depends on who is conducting such assessments- not everyone would fail the dog for resource guarding or euthanase a dog that didn't like a doll.

A bad behavioural assessment is a bad behavioural assessment. That doesn't mean that good basic behavioural assessment cannot be used as a tool to assess dogs. The person assessing needs to have a great deal of knowledge and NO vested interest. Someone with a great deal of knowledge with regards to assessment simply would not test a dog in a vet clinic situation.

Quality behavioural assessment instead of the rubbish we have in VIC would be a good thing. Assessments like this would not even have to take place in pounds/ shelters in situations where council were concerned about a dog in their area. They could be done in and around the dogs home.

To not acknowledge the seriousness of the problem is irresponsible and dangerous. While having the dog put down or not is her choice, the dog should absolutely be muzzled in public given his history AND the owners total lack of concern and understanding of her dogs behaviour.

I'd definitely take the pup to work given that is an option.

Unfortnately you are teaching her that when she cries you will go to her.

Given your situation, set it up differently so that she is near to you and less likely to make noise in the first place. Tire her before putting her to bed and try to wake in advance to take her to the toileting area.

You need to teach the puppy to give to pressure. I do this much like halter training a horse- some pups are harder than others but it's a principle they should all learn.

At home put the lead on- flat collar only but firm enough that puppy can't slip out of it. Puppy plants feet. Apply gentle but consistent pressure until the pup takes even one step forward. As soon as there is one step release the pressure for a moment then start again, gradually building up the number of steps. This method should yield quick results- if it's not your timing is probably off.

Ignore any tantrums. Be prepared to take your time, be calm, say nothing except praise for the right behaviour. Using high value food rewards when the pup gives to pressure will speed up the process but doesn't have to be every time.

If you're not sure/ confident get a quality trainer to help you. Sounds like a lovely pup in general.

In that area i'd look at Southern Cross Animal Stars and/ or Pro K9.

Make sure you can find out information about the trainers- i am always a bit wary when websites have no information about any qualifications OR experience.

I have had shit happen to a dog who had been left alone for 45 minutes.. Bad things can happen to anyone.

I know a number of dogs who have one or both adults of the home at home full time. These dogs NEVER leave their yard. Some NEVER come inside. I know dogs owned by full time workers that have amazing lives. That's the problem with generalisations. Case by case basis for me but of course breeders are entitled to do whatever they feel is best with the dogs they home.

I am a bit amazed at the negativity surrounding Greencross. My vet has become a Greencross vet and there is absolutely nothing that has changed about the way we and our pets are treated. I'd never think about changing vets because they were taken over by someone else. I believe the vets have a choice about how they change things- no one can make them upsell or do uneccesary procedures.

Thornbury Vet clinic in High Street is great- have many happy clients that use them.

I have an information sheet "So Your Dog Overwhelms your Visitors"- happy to send it to you if you email [email protected]

What has your puppy school trainer said about her behaviour? Are you going to get them to do an in house session or someone else?

That wasn't my dogs experience with TPLO- no weight bearing when he left the vet at all and for at least 2 weeks and he was in alot of pain despite the pain medication.. Maybe my experience isn't the norm but still something to speak with the specialist about re: pain management etc

Lort Smith do a fantastic job!

Vic block training via Precise is different to QLD- different instructors take it. The Precise training/ NDTF course can give you a reasonable foundation from which to build upon.

I absolutely agree with getting as much practical experience as you can as well.

If they whine and understand the concept of free shaping you can shape it.