Is Training Necessary?

[minet]

Hi, I'm minet from Perth. I am new here and new with having a dog as well

Recently, we adopted a dog from a shelter. She has grown into our hearts really well . We've enrolled her to an obedience training a month ago but we've only joined them once...well, joined, because we go there every week but couldn't join because we are so embarass she barks and jumps at all other dogs the whole time She couldn't join the walk where all the dogs would line up and walk up and down one by one and watch other

For 3 straight weeks we would just be near the facilty but couldn't go in because her behaviour is just really terrible. We train her at home and she's good. She does alot of tricks, in just 5 weeks we've managed to teach her even play dead, roll and play hide and seek...but with just other dogs, she's just terrible. Oh, as well as when we walk her, she's good until she sees other dogs. ;)

What do we do with her? We wanted that training because we also want her to socialize with other dogs How do we make her calm down in the school?

[Nekhbet]

She's good at home but you need to practice under distraction. What techniques has the school shown you? Are the instructors helping at all? Maybe get a one on one trainer to give you some tips then start going back to dog school. I know its hard and can be embaressing but Rome wasnt build in a day. Hang back from the other dogs, work on control. A corrective collar is a good start and dont feed her that day AT ALL so she will be so hungry she will want to pay attention to you and treats instead of other dogs.

If the school cannot or will not help you then find another capable. It is not a problem that should preclude you from attending but you should be getting help with it or behavior like this just snowballs.

[Caesars mum]

Minet there is no need to be embarassed about the behaviour of a rescue dog.

the idea of taking a dog to training is to assist with socialising the dog and teach it how to behave amoungst other dogs ad well as teach them how to do general obedience stuff.

the trainers will assit you to teach the dog to be calm and well mannered and focus on you and not all the other dogs.

I would highly recommend participating in the training, the dog is obviously smart and will learn quickly how to behave amoungst his peers

good luck and remember all the dogs there that are so well behaved were not born that way.

[Simply Grand]

Hi Minet, welcome! Good on you for adopting a shelter dog and working to improve her behaviour!

DON'T feel embarrassed about her behaving badly at obedience, that's the whole reason you're taking her there! People understand that most dogs aren't perfect and need some help to learn how to behave. Also, I think a lot of people are more focused on their own dogs than anyone elses, at least in my limited obedience training experience.

Like Nekhbet said, if the trainers at this school aren't really helping, maybe it's worth checking out another school, or some one on one training.

Good luck

[jazawayaya]

I have the exact same problem with my rescue. although he isnt doing sooo well at home either.

The obedience group we joined had massive classes and he barked and lunged at dogs from start to finish. After being so terribly embaressed and getting NO help what so ever from the overworked teachers we havent been back.

Looking into ones with smaller groups I got one reply saying that my dog wouldnt be suitable if he barks all the time as no one will learn anything

Now am looking at getting a board and train or getting a private trainer (both as the cost of a fair few hundred)

All very stressful. I just want him to behave with other dogs. I wouldnt even care about anything else if only he could be decent around other dogs.

Strange though cause at the rspca he was sharing with a couple of other dogs and was fine with them

[Jaxx'sBuddy]

maybe a couple of one on one sessions with a private trainer (ask here for recommendations) may give you enough to then progress to the higher distractions of the training club.

dont be too embarrassed, i have had pound dogs that were very badly behaved but that is only because they didnt get the best start in life and we are trying to set that right!!

[RubyStar]

dont be too embarrassed, i have had pound dogs that were very badly behaved but that is only because they didnt get the best start in life and we are trying to set that right!!

Here here! Not a thing to be embarrassed about, you did a good thing and trying to do the best thing for your dog!

Admittedly I got lucky with my rescue, she's been a breeze to train, BUT, she's the devil child when trying to get into the car at training!!! The term "psycho" springs to mind

I'm in Perth, too, can I ask what club you are attending? Some one on one sessions sound like they would be most beneficial. Kathy Kopellis McLeod comes highly recommended by many. www.kathysdogtraining.com.au

Good luck!!

[minet]

Oh, thanks guys

About the corrective collar...currenty, she has this metal type...she doesn't seem to be bothered about it though. she still pulls...alot...sould i change to the cord type? is there really any difference?

About not feeding her before training...i will try...with that cuteness...ahh..it's just so hard not to give her what she wants hahaha...but don't worry...we're making sure she does not get over feed

again, thanks all if you have any suggestion for a good trainer school that can help us with behavior like this, please do suggest because currently, we are not too happy with our situation in that school. We don't have much support to help us, the owner. We are around south of perth..almost Rockingham

[minet]

I have the exact same problem with my rescue. although he isnt doing sooo well at home either.

The obedience group we joined had massive classes and he barked and lunged at dogs from start to finish. After being so terribly embaressed and getting NO help what so ever from the overworked teachers we havent been back.

Looking into ones with smaller groups I got one reply saying that my dog wouldnt be suitable if he barks all the time as no one will learn anything

Now am looking at getting a board and train or getting a private trainer (both as the cost of a fair few hundred)

All very stressful. I just want him to behave with other dogs. I wouldnt even care about anything else if only he could be decent around other dogs.

Strange though cause at the rspca he was sharing with a couple of other dogs and was fine with them

Yeah, she's with two other dogs too...but then again, my husband thinks it was just because she just got desexed at that time...I'm currently looking at one of the recommendation here , www.kathysdogtraining.com.au ...see how it goes ..but my problem with personal trainer is...she really doesn't have a problem when she's the only dog ...it all starts when she sees other dogs ...she's nice to other people too.

[luvsablue]

As well as going to an obedience school some people find other dog people near them and they all walk together and meet so the dogs can socialise. It might be less embarrassing than being at a formal school. You might be able to ask at the local vet's, or put it on their notice board, if they have one.

Even though some private professional help would cost a bit, you'd probably only need one or two sessions. There are some very basic and easy techniques for getting the dog's attention onto you and away from whatever it is, in your case other dogs.

Your dog sounds very intelligent and would soon learn to leave what you say to leave. It is important that after you ask it to leave (the thing it is doing that you don't want) you give it something else to do eg sit, so you can reward.

Good luck

luvsablue

[RubyStar]

I have the exact same problem with my rescue. although he isnt doing sooo well at home either.

The obedience group we joined had massive classes and he barked and lunged at dogs from start to finish. After being so terribly embaressed and getting NO help what so ever from the overworked teachers we havent been back.

Looking into ones with smaller groups I got one reply saying that my dog wouldnt be suitable if he barks all the time as no one will learn anything

Now am looking at getting a board and train or getting a private trainer (both as the cost of a fair few hundred)

All very stressful. I just want him to behave with other dogs. I wouldnt even care about anything else if only he could be decent around other dogs.

Strange though cause at the rspca he was sharing with a couple of other dogs and was fine with them

Yeah, she's with two other dogs too...but then again, my husband thinks it was just because she just got desexed at that time...I'm currently looking at one of the recommendation here , www.kathysdogtraining.com.au ...see how it goes ..but my problem with personal trainer is...she really doesn't have a problem when she's the only dog ...it all starts when she sees other dogs :D ...she's nice to other people too.

Kathy has a "Reactive Rover" class, maybe that is something to look into as it sounds like it's a class and not a one on one thing for dogs who are reactive around other dogs Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sure!

[Ptolomy]

Hi Minet

I think I saw you a couple of weeks ago - I had the pack of red dogs training on an oval away from the main training area.

If it was you, I have to pat you on the back as you made no attempt to take the dog into a situation you couldn't handle. You spent time with the dog after you got it out of the car trying to get some control, you stayed away from my kids (BIG pat on the back for this one) and you walked the dog around the oval where there were limiting distractions.

Yes you need help - but if this was you - you are doing all the right things

[ChristineX]

Hi Minet,

1. Don't be embarrassed. If it helps, Duke spent 2 years barking, screaming (think school siren) and lunging before he coped well enough to join the class. We spent the first year mostly 30 m from all the other dogs, working down to about 5 metres by the end of the second year.

2. Talk to the instructors about your dog - most of them are only too pleased to help. I know I felt so relieved the day the head instructor came up to me and said "we've been discussing Duke this week, and we'd like you to try....."

3. I am a member of Kathy's class, and yes it is a class with a number of dogs. I would contact her, because if she can't help, she will be able to refer you to someone who can.

4. Lots of dog clubs in Perth, how far do you want to travel? I go to the one in Victoria Park - small numbers, supportive people (instructors and members alike).

And keep working at it. It takes time because you are retraining your dogs brain. And you might like to try a harness - I use the gentle leader one that clips the lead on at the front. It works for him because for some reason, it reduces his stress levels. Saves your shoulder/fingers/hands and his/her neck.

Christine.

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

Minet

Good on you for trying.

Corrective collar -> if she's ignoring that, you might want to try a front attach training harness (one that clips on the front of the chest not the middle of the back) instead. There are other types of corrective collars around but I would only recommend trying those under supervision of a professional experienced (ideally qualified) dog trainer.

Also try arriving early like 15 to 30 minutes early - the guys that run our dog club usually arrive half an hour early, and discuss your problems with them. Our club has "graduation" at the end of each month, so on that day - dogs are usually on their best behaviour and have had a whole month of practice, in class and ideally - at home or the local walking places.

I've seen heaps of dogs do the bouncy bouncy thing and learn to behave, but your dog won't if you avoid class. A smaller session with a one on one or small group trainer would probably help. I found the many dogs at dog club fantastic for socialising my dog. Cattle dogs can be quite grumpy if not taught how to behave nicely, tho mine has always been a grovel dog - she's had to learn there's some dogs you MUST leave alone... Couldn't have done that without the close supervison and well publicised greeting rules at dog club either.

[Nekhbet]

if you are finding a check chain difficult maybe you are not using it properly. Here is a quick video on the proper use of a chain

can I just say instead of correction with that prolonged drag she does I do a quicker jerk. If the dog shoots ahead do a 180 and walk in the opposite direction

If you want to use a nylon cord it has to

1) sit high, just under the jawline and be a smaller size, barely any extra, ring to sit under the chin

2) not have the dog on a long line, you hold it on a short lead

3) you do not YANK you simply apply pressure until the dog has settled, pause, focus, reward.

although this is something a professional should really show you if you are not confident with dog training.

[charlie mouse]

Where are you in SA jazawayaya ??

The school i belong to has small classes (max 8 dogs). We run naughty but nice classes for dogs with poor social skills and also do one on one behavioural lessons. We train on ten acres of land so have plenty of space to spread the dogs out if we need to. Our website is www.schoolfordogs.com.au and we are based down south in silver sands.

[bedazzledx2]

I think this clip is a really good advertisement for not using a choke collar!!! That dog looks disinterested and is simply being corrected rather than being taught! Yuck!!! How about teaching as a first suggestion rather than correcting please.

To the OP, there are many obedience clubs in WA just Google them or go to http://www.dogswest.com/ and follow the links.

if you are finding a check chain difficult maybe you are not using it properly. Here is a quick video on the proper use of a chain

can I just say instead of correction with that prolonged drag she does I do a quicker jerk. If the dog shoots ahead do a 180 and walk in the opposite direction

If you want to use a nylon cord it has to

1) sit high, just under the jawline and be a smaller size, barely any extra, ring to sit under the chin

2) not have the dog on a long line, you hold it on a short lead

3) you do not YANK you simply apply pressure until the dog has settled, pause, focus, reward.

although this is something a professional should really show you if you are not confident with dog training.

Edited June 11, 2010 by bedazzledx2

[Tiggy]

Is she dog aggressive or does she want to play with everyone?

[luvsdogs]

I would only use positive training on your dog. You will find lots of info & video clips on this site that may help you.

www.dogstardaily.com

[Red Fox]

In answer to your question, yes training is necessary BUT training at a club is optional