Puppy Training

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

First, a really good read is a book called Control Unleashed. Great info on managing "disorderly" dogs.

Another thing I'd look into is a DVD called Crate Games...it's designed more for sport dogs, but the first few phases teach self control, I found it to be a fabulous tool.
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and why didn't you tell me abbout these two?

Steve

[workn2hard2day]

It will also help to make his mind work.
We taught our dog to sit at the side of the trail when we saw people approach. (it took a special treat - real chicken bits!)
He would have to sit until they went past. Some people will ask to pet him because at that point he will be "well behaved".
Keep the treat in your fist and low to the ground, make him work to get the treat it. They will pet and go on before he gets the treat.
Your walk will take longer, but it will make his little brain try to figure out what you are doing.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Thanks everyone. Sorry for the late reply but I kind of got busy and forgot about this thread! So much great advice. Some is along the lines of what we are doing, some is new.

I still run with diesel as much as possible but it never tires him out for long. He is a machine. I grew up with two German Shepherds, two Rottweilers and a Rotty/Bernese mountain dog X, who combined probably didn't have as much energy as this guy! I grew up on 200 acres though so the dogs had a lot of freedom

He is still relatively good at home but continues to have issues with socialization. I have to be honest too, I take him out much less now during the daytime or where there are a lot of other dogs simply because I can't handle the way he acts. I know this is really wrong but for the past few weeks I just can't deal with his whining and barking when he sees another dog.

He is starting a dog daycare twice a week on monday. So he goes in for 8-9 hours a day. The dogs are all in a nice big area together with lots of toys, a cool little playground and half of it is outside, so fresh air. They seem to take great care of the dogs and allow big and small dogs which I like. I didn't want him going to a small dog daycare which actually may not allow him anyways because I am hoping some of the older, big dogs can put him in his place.

We'll see how that goes.

I forgot to mention something funny. Today I was walking him past the big Vancouver Police Station near my place and there was a huge group of officers outside. Well Diesel decided he would bark as loud as he could at them! So embarrassing! They were cool though and just kind of asked if I wanted them to arrest Diesel and take him away. I said sure but I guess they didn't realize I was serious.

[my2rotties]

Good to hear Justin!!!

[Leah]

Glad he is behaving Justin!

[fishoholic]

One thing I found that helps tire out my small dog (who has lots of energy) is a laser pointer toy. He love to chase the mysterious red dot all over the living room. He puts on quite a show for our guests and is so tired after that he behaves himself really well around them.

[my2rotties]

I have to disagree with the use of laser pointers. Some dogs develop OCD like symptoms from chasing and object and never being able to catch it. However some dogs react negatively, and some dogs do not. With breeds such as mine, I just won't do it. Here is a link...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-Laser-...Dog?&id=292320

Originally Posted by fishoholic

One thing I found that helps tire out my small dog (who has lots of energy) is a laser pointer toy. He love to chase the mysterious red dot all over the living room. He puts on quite a show for our guests and is so tired after that he behaves himself really well around them.