Some info please?
1. Is this you first large-breed type doggo?
2. Have you owned other dogs in the past?
3. Are you primarily in urban, sub-urban, or rural environment?
4. Is Rockwell intended to be any kind of ‘working’ dog?
Obedience training where the trainer teaches *you* how to work with your dog is certainly worthwhile.
I live in suburbia. I usually have two large-breed dogs at any given time. Right now only one due to the passing of my beloved PTSD golden labrador last year. He was about 90 pounds when he passed.
Our current fuzz-monster is a 90 pound German Shepherd. Going back in time, we’ve had a Golden Lab (90#), Shepherd/hound mix (75#), Pyranees/Newfoundland mix (125#), Golden/Black lab mix (80#), Malamute (100#), and a foster Boxer/Pit puppy (40#). That’s about 35 years of history.
Except for the current shepherd, all of the others were rescues. All had different temperaments and all required different training methods and approaches.
Only a couple needed choke chains. I hate the spiked collars and have never used them, but they do have certain applications. My pups have always been trained to the point where only a simple, standard, neck collar is sufficient for walks and outings.
With high-energy, powerful dogs like Rockwell, I’ve found that a good 15-20 minutes of playtime before a training session, walk, or outing, takes a little gas out of the tank and helps them focus better.
Best of luck! Rockwell looks like a beautiful companion.
Kit
1. Is this you first large-breed type doggo? Yes
2. Have you owned other dogs in the past? Yes
3. Are you primarily in urban, sub-urban, or rural environment? Rural
4. Is Rockwell intended to be any kind of ‘working’ dog? No
Obedience training where the trainer teaches *you* how to work with your dog is certainly worthwhile.
Obedience is not the issue. I'm just looking for proper collar/harness/leashes. I've received great advice on this.
Thanks to all.
Very good advice KitJ.
Responsibility2nd, did you get your dog from a pound, a rescue organization....?
I volunteer for a Great Dane rescue organization and whenever a dog gets adopted, we will gladly help with any questions, concerns and basic training.
I have owned Labradors, Rotties....and currently have 2 Great Danes (125# & 138#). The boy Dane is also deaf.
I take both Danes for walks without any issues.
Leash training is not hard or complicated, but it does take time and patience.
I would recommend, you find a dog trainer and get at least the basic rundown.
It will make walks with your dog much more enjoyable, in the future for both of you.
Most people don’t even think about this, but
every training session has to include these 2 methods;
Do NOT let the dog walk in front of you. He should always walk next to you.
He is not the leader taking you for a walk, YOU are Alpha !!
Also, don’t just concentrate on walking. During the walk, stop a few time and have him sit down. If he was a good boy, praise him. Maybe take small treats with you, and reward him.
As KitJ said, playtime before a walk can help tremendously.
Please, don’t use spiked choker collars or even pronged collars.
I have used slip link training collars, but never those torture devices.
You will end up with a dog that will never trust you, and eventually will snap back.
Good luck. Feel free to PM me, if you have questions.