Posted on 11/06/2009 8:10:32 AM PST by scottdeus12
Hi all, I've been interested in dog training for quite some time now, and am wondering what the industry standard is (if there is one)....such as - which books to read, training methodology, etc.
I'm also wondering if that it's a profession where you get licensed?
Any info would help - thanks in advance.
Scott
We rescued a 1 year old golden retriever that had been through a couple of families and after about 8 months of “normal” training like at Petco, etc I was getting pretty frustrated but, while I Sea World, I saw the Shamu show and I figured if they can teach a fish to swim to music, I can teach the dog what I need in our relationship.
I believe the owners need to train the dog as they are the ones having to deal with it so, now, the dog is the greatest dog we have ever had...
It all worked out.
So, I’d say train your dog like they train fish, patience, praise all good, do not acknowledge any bad and move it forward with constant contact.
Works.
While there's not a ton of info on training, I also suggest the book "How Dogs Think".
Lots of free training info on the site as well as training books, DVDs, accessories, etc. From my experience it’s very good, solid training information.
Well OK - the debates may often remain civil - but are endless - I guess this is a good thing - but there’s never any finality - in the end you have to figure out what school of thought you find yourself in.
Thanks! 2 cents worth coming right up!
1. What breed of dog do you have?
2. What do you plan to DO with the dog? Is he going to be just a house dog/companion, or do you plan to engage in specific training either for competition or for the dog's natural 'job'?
3. How letter perfect do you need the dog to be?
4. How willing are YOU to get trained in what the dog needs?
Once we've got THOSE questions answered, then we can start zeroing in on the best method for you to train your dog.
And then there's the question of how to find the best trainer for you and your dog. It's sometimes a fairly involved process.
However, once we figure out what sort of training you're aiming at, we can discuss what sort of certifications there are out there in different disciplines. For instance, if you were doing retriever training the best starting point would be one of the Hunting Retriever organizations, to find people who are 1. certified judges and 2. successful pro trainers. That's how I selected my retriever trainers. I work primarily with two pro trainers - they use somewhat different methods but are both very successful with their client dogs. I also take seminars with other well known pro trainers - again, folks who have taken their own dogs and/or client dogs to the highest levels.
Same thing with Agility training (my older dog is cross trained in Obedience, Agility, and Hunting Retriever) - I looked for a club with instructors who were succeeding on the highest levels (going to Master Nationals and so forth).
. . . but then, I am just a WEE bit competitive. You may just want a house dog. But sometimes your dog chooses. My older dog HAD to work in a competition setting, she would have wrecked the house otherwise. Competition allows her to blow off steam and to feel successful and accomplished (she knows when she has done well and gotten a qualifying score, and she knows when she didn't Q. Not all the 'happy dog!' praise in the world will convince her otherwise.)
First thing you do is firmly but gently establish yourself as the pack leader. Everything after that is modification of natural behavior reinforced with rewards.
A long time ago I used a book written by monks who train dogs to be service dogs and their routine worked better than I could have imagined.
To tell you the truth, if you are not available during working hours and willing for focus on your puppy for clues and behaviors of their needs, you won’t have so much success. Dogs do want to please if you make that possible and clear to them in a respectful way.
Dog training ping....
Get a big stick with a nail in the end...
ROTF...so true!!
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