Comments for Dog training blog, Austin tx http://tarastermer.wordpress.com Tips and articles about training your dog from Training by Tara Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:16:44 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Is my dog dominant? by tarastermer http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-77 tarastermer Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:16:44 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-77 Wendy, You said that you have been stopping and walking in a different direction. One thing I try to tell my clients, and I am not sure if you do this, but do not talk to your dog unless he is in the right place. We as humans are so vocal that a dog never has to look back to see where we are. We chatter so much that they know you are there. Try staying quiet, do not "warn" him if you abruptly turn in a different direction, and in order for this to be effective you should go at least 10 paces in the opposite direction. Also try turning left into him, not into his mid body but try to align your body with his neck area. I would highly recommend asking a trainer to teach you how to properly use a slip collar. Do not attempt to use one without a lesson. I use slip collars on large dogs and I do not use them for the "choke" effect, but rather the sound of the "snap" it makes. The snap sound is a very effective attention getter, but again you must learn how to use it properly first. Wendy,
You said that you have been stopping and walking in a different direction. One thing I try to tell my clients, and I am not sure if you do this, but do not talk to your dog unless he is in the right place. We as humans are so vocal that a dog never has to look back to see where we are. We chatter so much that they know you are there. Try staying quiet, do not “warn” him if you abruptly turn in a different direction, and in order for this to be effective you should go at least 10 paces in the opposite direction. Also try turning left into him, not into his mid body but try to align your body with his neck area. I would highly recommend asking a trainer to teach you how to properly use a slip collar. Do not attempt to use one without a lesson. I use slip collars on large dogs and I do not use them for the “choke” effect, but rather the sound of the “snap” it makes. The snap sound is a very effective attention getter, but again you must learn how to use it properly first.

]]> Comment on Is it mean to crate your dog? by Stacey http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/is-it-mean-to-crate-your-dog/#comment-76 Stacey Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:23:23 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=53#comment-76 Just wanted to add that I am not having go at those owners who have their parents/a dog walker pop in to check on the dog - just those that think 9 hours in a tiny space is acceptable. Then after 9 hours at work, I assume you will go to bed at 10/11pm? Home at 4, 6 hours of time with your dog, maybe a 1 hour walk, then you ignore the dog in favour of the internet.TV? then the dog goes back into its crate for the night. 18 hours a day in a crate is unacceptable. Different when you look at it like that isn't it? Just wanted to add that I am not having go at those owners who have their parents/a dog walker pop in to check on the dog – just those that think 9 hours in a tiny space is acceptable. Then after 9 hours at work, I assume you will go to bed at 10/11pm? Home at 4, 6 hours of time with your dog, maybe a 1 hour walk, then you ignore the dog in favour of the internet.TV? then the dog goes back into its crate for the night. 18 hours a day in a crate is unacceptable. Different when you look at it like that isn’t it?

]]> Comment on Is it mean to crate your dog? by Stacey http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/is-it-mean-to-crate-your-dog/#comment-75 Stacey Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:19:14 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=53#comment-75 I strongly disagree with crating a dog from 7 till 4. I crate my dog (a weimaraner) and agree with all that Tara has written, however why don't you people go to work in the morning, and see how uncomfortable you get if there are no toilet breaks for 9 hours. If you are limiting water intake to aid you in crating for that amount of time you are risking liver damage. If you work 9 hours a day and are unable to get home for an hour at lunch then you shouldn't own a dog. You are selfish. You have the dog to fulfil your needs - not the dogs. I strongly disagree with crating a dog from 7 till 4. I crate my dog (a weimaraner) and agree with all that Tara has written, however why don’t you people go to work in the morning, and see how uncomfortable you get if there are no toilet breaks for 9 hours. If you are limiting water intake to aid you in crating for that amount of time you are risking liver damage. If you work 9 hours a day and are unable to get home for an hour at lunch then you shouldn’t own a dog. You are selfish. You have the dog to fulfil your needs – not the dogs.

]]> Comment on Pit Bulls and Common Owner Mistakes by tarastermer http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/pit-bulls-and-common-owner-mistakes/#comment-74 tarastermer Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:11:15 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=108#comment-74 Thanks Scott, it truly upset me and I had to write about it! Thanks Scott, it truly upset me and I had to write about it!

]]> Comment on Pit Bulls and Common Owner Mistakes by Scott http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/pit-bulls-and-common-owner-mistakes/#comment-73 Scott Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:08:33 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=108#comment-73 Terrific post, Tara. As someone who owned (and loved) pit bulls in the past, I fully agree. Terrific post, Tara. As someone who owned (and loved) pit bulls in the past, I fully agree.

]]> Comment on Is my dog dominant? by wendy http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-72 wendy Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:27:03 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-72 hi i have a staffy he is 17 months old ,i have had him 8 months now, he has been nueteured and we have been to basic dog training club but after all this time i still cant get him to walk on the lead, he horrendously pulls i have had so many different collars and harness'es even the dog illusion collar from the dog whisper did not help. The only collar/lead that is brilliant is the genco but this is rubbing behind his ear and causing sore's i have tried the techniques taught at the dog club (stopping every time he pulls/walking in a differnt direction) to no avail my muscle in my arm is damaged through his pulling i am still working with these techniques as i know they can take time and espeacilly with staffies. can anyone help with any other suggestion as i am getting to the stage of not wanting to take him out anymore hi i have a staffy he is 17 months old ,i have had him 8 months now, he has been nueteured and we have been to basic dog training club but after all this time i still cant get him to walk on the lead, he horrendously pulls i have had so many different collars and harness’es even the dog illusion collar from the dog whisper did not help. The only collar/lead that is brilliant is the genco but this is rubbing behind his ear and causing sore’s i have tried the techniques taught at the dog club (stopping every time he pulls/walking in a differnt direction) to no avail my muscle in my arm is damaged through his pulling i am still working with these techniques as i know they can take time and espeacilly with staffies. can anyone help with any other suggestion as i am getting to the stage of not wanting to take him out anymore

]]> Comment on Is my dog dominant? by tarastermer http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-70 tarastermer Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:14:44 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-70 Chelsea At 4 months old, your puppy is just learning how to play with other dogs. It is very rare to see dominance younger then 6-7 months. They are basically learning what is allowed and what is not. I would recommend having controlled play, and controlled greetings with other dogs. Keep him on leash and do not allow him to "rush" up to other dogs. Have him sit first and then you need to tell him when it is ok to greet. If he jumps on them, growls or bites at their faces, say "enough" pull him back and make him relax for a minute. When he relaxes allow him to go and play again. You will have to keep at this as he is just learning. If you have continued problems with this, I would get him in to see a trainer who is experienced in turning off play. :) Good luck! Tara & the "pack" Chelsea
At 4 months old, your puppy is just learning how to play with other dogs. It is very rare to see dominance younger then 6-7 months. They are basically learning what is allowed and what is not.
I would recommend having controlled play, and controlled greetings with other dogs. Keep him on leash and do not allow him to “rush” up to other dogs. Have him sit first and then you need to tell him when it is ok to greet. If he jumps on them, growls or bites at their faces, say “enough” pull him back and make him relax for a minute. When he relaxes allow him to go and play again. You will have to keep at this as he is just learning.
If you have continued problems with this, I would get him in to see a trainer who is experienced in turning off play. :)
Good luck!
Tara & the “pack”

]]> Comment on Is it mean to crate your dog? by Jennifer N. http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/is-it-mean-to-crate-your-dog/#comment-69 Jennifer N. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:00:30 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=53#comment-69 I have had 4 Boxers, My Odie who almost 1 year old just passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen test. When I am around he dosen't destroy anything never chewed wood or sofa's etc. BUT---- When I am not home and I leave him upstairs while my husband gets ready for work( usually when he's in the shower) Odie ate a pillow,another time destroyed a sofa upstairs and a quilt.( The last time 2 weeks ago I took him to the Vet for x-rays because he ingested a lot of fuzz from the pillow and was sick. ) Why was he left upstairs???? Because I felt bad he's in his crate 3 days a week while I work. By the way--- I have a pet sitter come in during the day ( too expensive for me , but I feel bad and I give up other things like buying lunch out) So---- Odie is crated when we are not home and out all the time we are home--even sleeps with us. I have another Boxer who is 4 and she is loose ( that's also why I felt bad for Odie). But It is for his own saftey. He really dosen't mind often when I come home I open the crate and he takes his good old time coming out. So I guess I need the attitude adjustment. If you love you dog, walk him, let him run if possible, lots of hard chew toys and never use your crate for punishment, they will be fine. Oh and lots of hugs & Kisses !! Jen I have had 4 Boxers, My Odie who almost 1 year old just passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen test. When I am around he dosen’t destroy anything never chewed wood or sofa’s etc. BUT—- When I am not home and I leave him upstairs while my husband gets ready for work( usually when he’s in the shower) Odie ate a pillow,another time destroyed a sofa upstairs and a quilt.( The last time 2 weeks ago I took him to the Vet for x-rays because he ingested a lot of fuzz from the pillow and was sick. ) Why was he left upstairs???? Because I felt bad he’s in his crate 3 days a week while I work. By the way— I have a pet sitter come in during the day ( too expensive for me , but I feel bad and I give up other things like buying lunch out) So—- Odie is crated when we are not home and out all the time we are home–even sleeps with us. I have another Boxer who is 4 and she is loose ( that’s also why I felt bad for Odie). But It is for his own saftey. He really dosen’t mind often when I come home I open the crate and he takes his good old time coming out. So I guess I need the attitude adjustment. If you love you dog, walk him, let him run if possible, lots of hard chew toys and never use your crate for punishment, they will be fine. Oh and lots of hugs & Kisses !!

Jen

]]> Comment on Is my dog dominant? by Chelsea http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-68 Chelsea Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:20:17 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-68 Tara, We have a four month old corgi puppy (male) who was obviously the king of his litter. We chose him (too) young, at two weeks, so didn't really see his personality traits developed. We got him at 8 weeks old. He is definitely headstrong, but we work with him everyday. He gets at least 2 hours of walking exercise a day, and often goes to work with my boyfriend in the woods, walking. He is great around us, and at home. He has no food dominance, and has mastered a lot of commands. He never gets to leave first on a walk or to get into the car. He sleeps in his crate and is not allowed on furniture, though our house has plenty of dog beds and toys for him. here's the issue: he wants to be the dominant one when he's around other dogs. He is constantly jumping on top of them (even much larger dogs, like labs) and yesterday it got so bad with a boxer that he was full on growling, showing teeth and gnashing at him. We don't know what to do. We are trying to be the best dog parents that we can be, but just want a well-socialized, nice, dog. Tara,

We have a four month old corgi puppy (male) who was obviously the king of his litter. We chose him (too) young, at two weeks, so didn’t really see his personality traits developed. We got him at 8 weeks old. He is definitely headstrong, but we work with him everyday. He gets at least 2 hours of walking exercise a day, and often goes to work with my boyfriend in the woods, walking. He is great around us, and at home. He has no food dominance, and has mastered a lot of commands. He never gets to leave first on a walk or to get into the car. He sleeps in his crate and is not allowed on furniture, though our house has plenty of dog beds and toys for him.

here’s the issue: he wants to be the dominant one when he’s around other dogs. He is constantly jumping on top of them (even much larger dogs, like labs) and yesterday it got so bad with a boxer that he was full on growling, showing teeth and gnashing at him. We don’t know what to do. We are trying to be the best dog parents that we can be, but just want a well-socialized, nice, dog.

]]> Comment on Prong Collars and Why I do not recommend them. by Clayton Cosenza http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/prong-collars-and-why-i-do-not-recommend-them/#comment-67 Clayton Cosenza Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:59:40 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=30#comment-67 I wish my dog wasnt so lazy >.> all he does is sleep and go out for walks! I wish my dog wasnt so lazy >.> all he does is sleep and go out for walks!

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