Today I am interested in your pet training tips. As you know I have adopted several pets and I find they are fairly rambunctious and don't listen to a word I say. Sure, I mumble a lot when I'm drinking, but would love to get them to obey. I would love to hear your pet tips for this and maybe everyone can help everyone out today.
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48 comments:
My dogs, like my kids, have never listened to me.
I paid for professional training once and the dog obeyed commands from everyone BUT me.
FOOD! It is the best motivator. If you are trying to teach your pet to sit, give a treat after it sits when you ask. Then they will realize they get rewarded for doing that in the future.
Consistency is also very important. I know that with my dog I have to keep a schedule or he will not know what is going on.
I've always had animals, cats or dogs sometimes both.
Well we just adopted a new puppy a little rescue from a puppy mill.
Normally I say crate train to house break but this little one is older and does not want to be crated. And so we have an arrangement (she is unaware of this).
She sleeps in her crate and spends the day out . Between the wee wee pads and the 5 -6 walks per day she's doing well. Each week I have been able to remove one pad...we are almost there...
Can't help you - I didn't grow up with pets and I don't have any now. Watch the Dog Whisperer or something...*L*
I've always mostly had cats, and they train me.
Can't help. After we rescued our dog we went to a training class and got kicked out because our dog was so psycho. I thought the whole point of the training was to TRAIN them to not act this way, but apparently it was too much for this trainer to take...they would actually have to do some work.
Spray water bottle! My dog HATES it! He couldn't care less if you smack him, but he gets extremely INSULTED by getting sprayed, and stops whatever he is doing. All I have to do is pick it up and aim....He stops! He's a medium size Shepard type dog. Hilarious and effective.
If you are have more than one dog, it's important that you be the "alpha" in the relationship, and that you don't treat the dogs as equals. In nature, there is always an alpha dog. We made the mistake of treating our two girl dogs equally and they got into fights. Once we reinforced the "ranking" (by giving the "top" dog treats first, having her go outside first, etc.), ALL quarreling stopped. It was amazing. Took an animal psychologist to come to the house and tell us this. We didn't mistreat the second dog at all--she was still very happy. We just reinforced the natural rank.
Well, we've got two dogs, and they're both the same, extremely pigheaded, breed. But here goes: be consistent. Always use the same commands for the same thing. Practice a lot, they love the attention. Don't get mad. Food or toy rewards, depending on the dog. Teach in small increments. If the command is 'Sit', e.g., make him sit with your hands, then say 'good boy' and reward, and reward each step towards him actually sitting on his own. Say it like you MEAN it. And the first command they should learn is 'No'.
what kind of animal? like people, not all animals respond to the same type of training. you may need to try various techniques.
I find that just changing the tone of my voice has an impact in making them stop what they are doing.
Clicker training! It even works on fish.
I grew up with dogs, but mostly Golden Retrievers, and they are chow hounds, so food is a good incentive. With my first and only dog, Henry (a rottie German Shepherd mix), he didn't require a whole lot of incentive. Sometimes he listened, sometimes he didn't. Age was a HUGE help!! As he got older, he mellowed big time and listened more, didn't tug his leash on walks, etc. Man, I miss my Henry. He was the best dog ever.
Hunt down "How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With". You need time with them, though.
I'll tell you what works with my cats- the air can, it's called "dust destroyer" - compressed air that you use to clean your keyboard, well they HATE it, absolutely terrified. When they do something bad I spray it- I don't even have to spray it near them, just in the air, and I say 'no'! And they listen. I don't even have to use it anymore, I just hold the can up and they stop what they're doing. Of course, they probably go back to doing it while I'm not around, but they behave when I'm home!!!!
I hope you have an animal walker/caretaker then, because DOGS NEED TO BE WALKED QUITE A BIT. I don't care if you have a huge backyard or this or that, they need to be walked at length. Period.
And a big thank you to the person who said:
"If you are have more than one dog, it's important that you be the "alpha" in the relationship, and that you don't treat the dogs as equals. In nature, there is always an alpha dog. We made the mistake of treating our two girl dogs equally and they got into fights. Once we reinforced the "ranking" (by giving the "top" dog treats first, having her go outside first, etc.), ALL quarreling stopped. It was amazing. Took an animal psychologist to come to the house and tell us this. We didn't mistreat the second dog at all--she was still very happy. We just reinforced the natural rank."
That is so right on and after 2.5 years with a 2nd dog in my household, I understand this statement to be absolutely true.
treat them like the thinking beings they are. works for me
I try to observe their behavior and see what I can get them to do that closely aligns to what they would normally do.
My cat Jupiter actually comes when I call him, like a little dog. Well, most of the time any way. I always make it a rewarding experience for him by praising and petting him when he comes running.
Jupiter will also "stay" when I command him to...well usually. I use a specific stern tone with him each time I say stay and look him directly in the eye. The tone startles him a little I think so he freezes for a moment, which is exactly what I want.
Treat them like dogs. If you treat them like peope they will not respect you.
Pressure & release, however you want to do it.
Pressure is what the animal feels when they're doing what you've told them to do - sitting, walking, dancing on their back feet, whatever. Release is when they're allowed to stop and be petted or rewarded. Animals learn by good feelings - if you make them feel good when they've done something right, they'll want to do it again.
what sylmarillion said...be consistent. and work on one thing at a time. they(animals) are kind of like kids, they need structure and stability and get overwhelmed with too much information at one time. we have 4 dogs and they are pretty well behaved. the setter is the hold out, but setters i don't think are known for their mental acuity;o) i've even trained my chickens to come when called.
Positive reinforcement works best. Spend TIME with your pet. Sitting in the same room with them while pre-occupied with something else doesn't count. You must engage your pet in play time and form a bond. Also read a good book to get an understanding of your pet's unique language. If they pee on the floor in front of you, they are not doing it out of spite. It's a sign of submission. They have NO IDEA that this is NOT what you want them to do,... until they are trained.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, HIT (KICK OR THROW) your pet!!!! That is abuse, not caretaking!
@L'auteur is correct, you must be the Alpha dog. Dogs are pack animals and if you aren't the leader they will assume that position and then you're in trouble.
My dog does not recognize any type of toy as being something from his planet, but he would follow me the the ends of the earth for a food treat. Discover what motivates your animal.
If they pull on the leash, stop. Never pull back, if you just stop they get the message quickly that they don't get where they want to go if they pull.
For the dogs safety you need to teach sit, stay, down, come, out...
the phrase I use for them dropping whatever they have in their mouth.
Praise them or give a treat for everything they do correctly. Never ever praise or coo or babytalk a scared or misbehaving dog, you will just reinforce the unwanted behavior.
I don't talk a lot to my dog, so when I do talk he listens. When he is calm and quiet I love him up lots.
I got him over his fear of loud noises by sitting with him through the fireworks we can see and hear from our house and acting like everything was just fine. Same with thunder, we sat outside and I ignored his pacing and panting. Soon he was lying quietly beside me. If you make your dog think it's something to be worried about,they will be worried.
Exercise for a dog is important, it burns up tons of energy that could be used for more nefarious purposes.
Most dogs need a job to fulfill their place in the pack, my dog guards the yard and me. He loves everyone unless they threaten me or him.
I respectfully disagree with you, Tempestuous Grape. Not ALL dogs have to be walked. I have two pomeranians who HATE going for walks. They would rather ride in the car or, even better, stay inside. They will whine constantly and sit down and refuse to move if I try to walk them. They are just not into it. At all.
On the topic at hand, I have no real advice beyond using a water spray bottle. After the first couple of sprays, I usually just have to show it to someone to get them to stop what they are doing.
Behavioral classes usually have good results, if you are consistent and follow the guidelines you are given.
This advice should be taken with a boulder of salt, though, because I am definitely the low man on the totem pole in my house. All four of my fur babies very obviously love "mommy," but they don't respect her. Sigh.
I respectfully disagree with you, Tempestuous Grape. Not ALL dogs have to be walked. I have two pomeranians who HATE going for walks. They would rather ride in the car or, even better, stay inside. They will whine constantly and sit down and refuse to move if I try to walk them. They are just not into it. At all.
On the topic at hand, I have no real advice beyond using a water spray bottle. After the first couple of sprays, I usually just have to show it to someone to get them to stop what they are doing.
Behavioral classes usually have good results, if you are consistent and follow the guidelines you are given.
This advice should be taken with a boulder of salt, though, because I am definitely the low man on the totem pole in my house. All four of my fur babies very obviously love "mommy," but they don't respect her. Sigh.
Like others have said, first be patient. Also, dogs need lots of exercise, some breeds more than others that is why it's important to do some research BEFORE you get a dog so you get a dog that will most suit your lifestyle.
Positive reinforcement is best for smart, but sometimes stubborn, breeds like those in the Terrier group. Ignore unwanted behavior and praise the desired behavior to the roof. If you have a dog or puppy that is afraid of storms, one of the worst things you can do is comfort them when they are afraid. It is hard, but completely ignore their whining or trembling. If you fuss over them or comfort them, they will see that as praise and think that fear is desired behavior. Also, only scold them when you catch them IN THE ACT of an undesired behavior. They won't understand why they are being punished or scolded if you scold them after the fact. Also, if housebreaking is the problem, keep to as regular a schedule as you can. Consistency is the key.
My dog is my alpha.
You get the picture.
My Dog, Vernie, a Rottie Lab Mix, is a big goof and just wants to be near us. the wors thing we can do to to him is not pay attention. When we are working on our laptops he will come and put his big head on the keyboard, like "Look at me, I'm so much cuter than this machine!"
You know how cats like to do the kneading thing with their paws? Put them on your back for a mini-massage. It's easy...No training necessary!
I agree with all the alpha dog comments. Here's a trick if you're having trouble establishing your alpha position.
Turn your dog onto its back on the floor, lightly grab their throat area in your mouth (don't actually bite them) and then growl. I promise you, if you do it right, you'll only have to do it once. This is how dogs prove their dominance and it works for really stubborn dogs.
Also, a bored dog is a bad dog. They need some type of physical and mental stimulation everyday. The more the better. They also live longer if they are regularly exercised.
I'm a cat person so you don't really "train" cats, but I've found that the more affection you show them when they're young, the more affectionate they'll be. At least that's been my experience. My cats are great lap cats and love to be loved, but I find people that ignored their cats when they were young have standoffish cats.
My cavachon knows 10 tricks and is the most obedient dog I have ever met. So is my chihuahua although she can be overly protective and clingy. They both acknowledge that the humans are the alphas, and biscuits are a good motivator for them. The husky on the other hand....I still don't know how to make her listen. She's submissive at times and treats us as alphas. But if guests are over, she will jump. Husky owners tell me it's a part of the breed's personality that they're so hyper and friendly, but my friends do not appreciate claw marks and being jumped on by a 45 lb animal. So I would say the alpha thing and food would work, unless you have a husky...
My tip is to get a cat.
I HIGHLY recommend the book, "The Dog Who Loved Too Much" by Dr. Nicholas Dodman.
It's a book about the psychology of dogs but it works for cats (and people). Honestly, the book has changed my life, it's just a very informative look at why animals (of all species) act the way they do and how to use their natural inclinations to get them to do what you want. I give the book as gifts to everyone, even people who don't have pets, because it is that good.
Plus, it is made up of a bunch of short stories, so it is the easiest read.
An adolescent daughter of a family friend adopted a terrified, abused Australian shepherd from a shelter where she volunteered, and trained it to do agility runs with her. It's awesome. She was in a depression at the time and says the dog and she saved each other's lives. She made a film about her rescue dog for a class project. For those interested, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9IdV3n-KUE
My daughter trained my Chow Chow to do several tricks using McDonald's french fries. Not that potatoes, especially fried potatoes are good for dogs (or people), but it worked like a charm.
I dog sat my sisters Shih Tzu and rescue dog (Spaniel/wiener mix) and excitedly saying the word, "Treat!" seemed to get them to do things, like come inside when I had to be at work soon, LOL.
And Enty, good for you for adopting dogs!
I have to add that I adore my Chow, and my sister's Shih Tzu, but her rescue dog, Abbey has a special place in my heart. She's had so many mental issues, but I see how she loves her new home and is trying SOOOOOOOoooo hard to be a good doggie. It breaks my heart that she things she has to impress my sister, because my sister will never give her up like the last 3 homes did.
Beat them and yell a lot.
Thanks for the advice about a 2nd dog. They both know I am alpha, but I try to love them equally. I switch who gets treats first or who goes out first, etc. My Annie will fight with her brother Gage & take him down although she's half his size. She does this outside for the most part or I wouldn't have walls.
I make them sit before any attention when I come home & have guests ignore them until they are sitting & calm. They want the affection & now they know how to get it. My Annie is also known as The Spazmanian Devil, but she will walk right in front of me & sit to get her love from me. Her entire body shakes with excitement, but she waits. She's a good girl! :) Anytime I take them out to play, we run thru commands first, then play. They also follow hand signals for the basics. Good puppies! (sorry, I really love my furry babies)
Love this! I had a cat who would play fetch better than my dogs. Always brought the toy back for me to throw it again. :)
MadLyb, I have a Chow Chow too! Her name is Calliope, and she's a red chow. I absolutely adore her and the breed. I personally think it's the best breed around.
I agree with the making the alpha dog. I have 3 dogs, and they are fed in a specific order every time so my Boxer and the other 2 know he is alpha. They also have to sit and wait until I say OK before eating.
Squirt bottles are great to train cats not to get on things, but they work best if you hide when you squirt them. That way, the cat associates the negative stimulus with the object (i.e. the counter, table, keyboard) and not with you.
The best advice I got was only use their name in a positive context. You don't want them to associate their own name with something negative or they won't respond to you when you need them to listen. For instance, If they are doing something bad just say "no", not "Rover, no". The reasoning is that they will tune you out when you say their name or call to them because they think they are going to get scolded. God forbid if they are running across the street or something and you need to call their name. You want your dog to hear his name and think "oh joy, something good is about to happen". Positive reinforcement is definitely the way to go. Good luck Enty!
I'm assuming you have dogs, Enty, and not cats--as those of us who live with cats know all too well, dogs have masters; cats have domestic staff!
Being loving & affectionate w/your cat can help, but whether or not they're a lapcat is mostly personality IMO. I had a cat named Mojo whom I raised from about 8 weeks on, and he would put his paws around my neck to hug me when I picked him up, and would start smurgling to beat the band in my lap if I let him. ("Smurgling" is a term I recall from rec.pets.cats years ago that describes the knead/knead/drool bit that some cats do.) Jezebel, on the other hand, doesn't really like being picked up & snuggled--she doesn't fight, but it's obvious that being so high up kind of spooks her--and is NOT a lap cat; rather, she likes to be right next to me, and in her old age (almost 16) she's become extremely demanding of my time and attention. They all have their own personalities, just like people.
If they start jumping, turn your back to them until they stop. When you're walking them and they start pulling or running, turn around and go the other direction.
Do not give them treats from the table nor allow them to sit there and beg. After the meal then pass out the treats...they soon learn that they will get some after you are done and not beg.
Rule #1: The cats run the house.
Rule #2: See rule #1.
My dog Benjamin is very cooperative whenever there is pizza involved.
Walk the dog, a lot! Makes a woooorld of difference. Plus it builds your relationship with your dog at the same time - bonus!
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