Dog Training

[Gail]

Pam, Richard- anyone who has a dog:

What kind of training have you gotten for your dog? and...

Do you have a specific philosophy about dog training?

[phkrause]

I have or had a great book for dog training. I have no idea what happen to this book. The guy trained dogs in WW2 and also for the LA police. He trained dogs for home as pets, as guard dogs, attack dogs, etc. It was great.

pk

[Gail]

I'm in touch with a breeder that does NOT want me to follow The Dog Whisperer...

[Gail]

It's because this breed is sensitive in nature.

[Gail]

Doug...

Are you trying to hijack my thread? LOL

Just kidding! Go and have fun! We'll save your seat.

[phkrause]

Doug...

Are you trying to hijack my thread? LOL

Just kidding! Go and have fun! We'll save your seat.

I second that.

pk

[Dottie]

I took my aussie to PetSmart for training. What I learned is that it's not the method, but the persistence in working what was learned that does the best job.

Also, that it is the owner who needs to be trained, more than the dog.

[Gail]

I think so, too! We have a Petsmart not far from us and we take Spooky there shopping. I have checked into classes and prices. They offer visitation training and I'm interested in that. My hubby thinks that Spooky would be good at that and the new pup's breed is supposed to excel at hospital visitation. I think to do that with both dogs would be cool.

[Dottie]

I forget, Gail what breed your dog is. I know you said that he's big, but that's all I remember.

[phkrause]

I took my aussie to PetSmart for training. What I learned is that it's not the method, but the persistence in working what was learned that does the best job.

Also, that it is the owner who needs to be trained, more than the dog.

Exactly Dottie, we are actually training the owners and not the dog. Obviously the dog does get trained. And I agree its the persistence or reppatient (sp) that the dog and owners really need.

pk

[Gail]

I forget, Gail what breed your dog is. I know you said that he's big, but that's all I remember.

Our present one is a Weimaraner.

We are currently on a list for a Vizsla.

[Gail]

This is a Weimaraner:

And this is what we are getting come this summer:

[phkrause]

Beautiful dogs Gail.

pk

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I'm taking Newly to Petco for his training. They only use positive reinforcement and treats. Newly does great down there for the training, but at home it's like he never heard of the word, "OFF"!!! He likes to grab my feet and/or legs and hug them so I can't get away. But he doesn't do that at the training sessions.

Dottie is right too....the owner needs to be consistent in commands and follow-through. If puppy doesn't do it right, make him/her go back and do it again until it's done right.

[Amelia]

Gail, I trained my own dog and two of my folks dogs using the New Skete method.

http://www.newsketemonks.com/catalogue.htm

[Gerr]

I've heard that Weimaraners are so smart they'll even answer the phone for you. Is that true? :)

[Dottie]

http://blog.verdylives.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/wegman-photo-005.jpg

Link to a Wegman photo.

Yes, I know weims and vizslas. But weims much better; my boys used to watch Sesame Street.

[Gail]

Gail, I trained my own dog and two of my folks dogs using the New Skete method.

http://www.newsketemonks.com/catalogue.htm

Amelia, this is a method that the Vizsla breeder does NOT want me to use. This is why I am asking for as much help as I can find.

It is because of the Vizsla's sensitive nature, and I can see similarities also in the Weim. They try SO hard to please and their feelings are easily wounded. Russ gives his commands with a soft, gentle voice and I try, too. I find that Spooky responds well to a soft voice.

So far I have found a course for Vizslas that sends information by email once a day. I am trying to learn that. There is also a book that I need to try and locate that the breeder recommended.

[Gail]

I've heard that Weimaraners are so smart they'll even answer the phone for you. Is that true?

She is a smartie! Russ says that she's the smartest dog he's ever owned. This is my first pup ever so I don't have a reference point to tell from. But she trains very easily!

So far she knows the basics: heel, sit, stay, come, stop, lie down and jump. We are working on twirl, just for fun.

When Russ takes her to a place for a walk and she's been there before, she recognizes where she's going a few kilometres down the road and beings to sing in joy. It's hilarious!

The dam who will be mom of the pup we are getting works in a day care. She ministers to the children and knows them so well that she adjusts her behaviour to the child's temperament. She also knows when a child is not well and ministers to that. That is why I would like to train the pup (and Spooky) for hospital and shut-in visitation.

The down side to both breeds: High energy and boredom, as well as jumping on people and easily distracted.

[Gail]

Beautiful dogs Gail.

I think them striking in appearance. Russ specifically wanted the Weim, especially after having seen a beautiful one on leash in White Rock, BC. That was a $2000 dog, but ours wasn't. Ours is purebred but not registered.

I melted when I saw the Vizsla that Spooky is friends with. With its amber eyes and starking red hair, I fell in love. Serika (Spooky's friend) was $1700, but ours won't cost that much. We have to go out of province for it, but I am impressed with the breeder. This one will come registered.

[Gail]

I'm taking Newly to Petco for his training. They only use positive reinforcement and treats. Newly does great down there for the training, but at home it's like he never heard of the word, "OFF"!!! He likes to grab my feet and/or legs and hug them so I can't get away. But he doesn't do that at the training sessions.

Dottie is right too....the owner needs to be consistent in commands and follow-through. If puppy doesn't do it right, make him/her go back and do it again until it's done right.

Pam, I'm so happy that Newly is doing much better than the first class! This is so encouraging! I just have a feeling that he will come along nicely with your love and postive reinforcement.

Could you take a photo of him in class for us?

I know that Newly is also sensitive in nature. If you have any more helpful hints, I will note them.