Training dogs

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Well we went ahead and took the Australian Shepard, but you are right she has some bad habits. Would you reccommend since I am starting out with an older dog, 8 months, that I should keep her on a leash with me exclusively for a while?

This is not in one of my current books, but I think I remember somewhere a book that reccomends keeping the dog always with you on a leash. It is more work, but already she is learning, I just don't want to push it. The only commands I am working with right now are lay as she is somewhat used to this one. I am keeping her mostly by me on her leash. And using no when appropriate. But mostly lots of love when she does right. I am using the book Heeler Power and an old book I have used in the past called Paul Loeb's complete book of dog training. We will not even start working with the ducks until she has some basics so I know she will listen well.

-- Lynn (johnnypfc@yahoo.com), June 14, 2001

Answers

I had a feeling you would take her! Yes, keeping her on a leash and with you is a very good way to bond with her, and to get a good start with down/stay. Truthfully, I think most any of the books about training are good, the key is consistancy. My obedience trainer gave one piece of great advise at the beginning of her classes. Give them the command, then help them do it. It beats having to say "Fido, sit!" a dozen times, getting frustrated, then finally Fido sits. Say it once, then help them do it. Good luck with her, and don't rush it.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), June 14, 2001.

This isn't really in response to the above, but is good wisdom nonetheless: The best piece of advice ever given any puppy owner is to get a newspaper, roll it up very tight, secure it with a rubber band and leave it on the coffee table. When the puppy piddles in the house, chews up a slipper, or does anything it is not supposed to do: Take the newspaper and bang it on the top of your head very hard while repeating: "I should have been watching my puppy." "I should have been watching my puppy." "I should have been watching my puppy."

-Unknown Obedience Trainer

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), June 14, 2001.


You're kill'in me with laughter!

-- Lynn (johnnypfc@yahoo.com), June 14, 2001.

LOL!!!! I love that!!! I will remember that! We got a new puppy. :-) I started her parvo shots the day we got her etc..no problems. She was raised around goats so loves to be out with them. My biggest worry now is if my big milk goats will hurt her. She is with me at all times. I am no dog trainer, I just trained them for shows, but myself, personally, I plan to keep the dog close by until I feel secure that no one gets harmed. I may get told that is wrong, though. Good luck!! Cindy

-- Cindy in Ok (cynthiacluck@yahoo.com), June 14, 2001.

Keeping the pup with you all the time is the best, best ,best way to train, ever. Even to the point of fastening the lead to your waist so you can't make a move with out the pup. The pup learns to tune into you in a way that no 'part time training' can ever do. And you learn the same toward the pup.

-- Thumper (slrldr@aol.com), June 14, 2001.


There are a number of herding clubs around the USA. and some good web sites. Start with your Breed(Aust. Shepherd) and find it's webpage's and forum. You'll get lots of help from people who have "been there, done that"... :-)

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), June 15, 2001.

Try the books by the Monks of New Skete. One is "The ARt of Raising A Puppy" and the other is "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend". Both have been invaluable to us (and our neighbors).

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), June 15, 2001.

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