Questions choosing a trainer and various training techniques
My mom was over this week and Stella was so excited, she jumped up and banged her head and teeth in to my moms face, causing a pretty serious cut. I really only looked away for one minute and this happened. It was clearly a case of stella being excited and happy, but still dangerous. I don't want to have to crate this little girl whenever mom (who is quite fragile) comes to stay. OK, my question is.... What type of training do you feel works best? Clickers? Treats? Hand signals? I have a huge list of trainers to go through and each one has a different technique. Any thoughts from the more experienced dog owners? Thanks and sorry for the long message, Mark |
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| Hey Mark,
Poor little Stella is just so happy to see Grandma. I understand your concern - we had issues with Mopsy when Grandma came over and we are trying to address appropriate behavior with Harry. The bottom line is all methods work well, and whatever feels right to you will work, as long as you take the time to work with her. I think clicker training also uses treats initially and hand signals work if Stella's hair will be out of her eyes most of the time. You might check around with neighbors, friends and co-workers to see where they got their dog trained. Ask lots of questions and you will get a good idea about the methods used. Then you can contact those places or people and see if they will come to your house and train. Or you can call those trainers whose names you have and ask for referrals. Regarding the jumping: Bosley's Mom posted a great thread recently under Training/Advanced Behaviors. Harry is just into his second session of Novice training (off leash work that follows basic obedience) at the age of fourteen months. He has that selective Sheepie hearing and goes through phases of "maybe I will sit maybe I won't" But I have been working on walking away from stubborn sheepie behavior and suddenly Harry is trying to do what I am asking. Good luck. If I can answer anything more specifically I will be glad to do so. |
| I'm sorry to hear about your mom.
There are (as you have found) many ways to train. If you can, visit some places, and ask if you can bring Stella with. You can observe the methods used to train; and also how they relate to your dog. Trust your feelings, if you don't feel committed to a method, you probably won't follow through, and won't see the results you want. One thing you can do is make sure Stella gets plenty of exercise, especially before your mom comes to visit. This is true regardless of the training method used. Having regular exercise will make Stella a calmer girl  .
I personally don't use treats - most of ours tend to overly focus on the treat and their mind goes. I use verbal praise and praise by positive touching. This is most similar to how dogs would communicate to each other. Another thing is to have her earn petting. Any little thing works, even just her looking at you when you say her name. If you "over love" her, her need for attention will already be met and she will have little incentive to do things you want. Good luck with your training school search. Afterwards you will have a more socially acceptable and happier dog - because she will understand what you want from her and she will be comfortable and confident. |
| Just chiming in to suggest that until and unless you know for certain that you can trust your Stella, please put her in another room when your mom comes to visit, and let her greet your mom (and other visitors) when she is calm. I'd keep her on a short leash, literally, when she is allowed to come into the room with your mom or other visitors. |
| Mark,
I have used the Koehler Method of Dog Training with great success with my two sheepies. The method, developed by Bill Koehler - Disney's chief trainer in the '60s- is described briefly at www.koehlerdogtraining.com. and companion training forum www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/kmodt/ You should be able to find a number of Koehler certified trainers in your area. George |
| I would not recommend that you have someone come to your house and train your dog for you. And I would NEVER suggest sending your dog off to a training facility to be trained. You should have someone come and teach you how to train Stella, or better yet, take her to a class environment. If you select the right cource it will be enjoyable for both you and your dog and a great bonding experience.
I would then think about what type of relationship you want to have with your dog. There are different types of training and different tools to use. Unfortunately there is no real "degree" or "certification" for being a dog trainer. All it takes is someone or some club to call themselves dog trainers. If you decide that you would like to adopt a postive way of training, one that does not involve hurting or scaring your dog, then you are looking for a "Positive" training program....one that I personally recommend. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, http://www.apdt.com/ , would be a start. Although anyone can become a member, the intent is that only postive trainers join, and it encourages education in dog behavior, and recommmends only dog-friendly, humane training. If a trainer wishes to become certified by the there are tests to be taken that are quite intense. It is supported by veterinarians, behavirosits, and Humane Societies. The training methods encourages are the most current and based on real, scientific studies...not just the way it has always been done. Education is key for the trainers, so that they are constantly staying on top of what is being researched by professionl animal behaviorists and written about in the dog-training world. Visit the site, and see what you think. There is a place where you can look for a trainer in your area of the country you are in. Good luck in your search. |
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