Dog Whisperer

[TheOtherLeadingBrand]

I said disagree. I do agree with some things he says- like extensive exercise being important. However, I believe dogs do what works to get what they want. I think dominance is a load of bullhockey, and I am a pretty (very) experienced trainer of hardcore dogs like working GSDs and field bred retrievers, rescue dogs, dogs with major behavior problems, and sensitive dogs which shut down entirely with harsh methods.

Clicker training works- and if you do it right, you don't need the clicker after the dog learns the behavior, unless you want to shape or change the behavior later. If you need the clicker all the time, you're doing it wrong. It takes my GSD puppy about five clicks to have a new behavior down. I taught him sit, down, paw, and nose touch (touch my hand with his nose) in about five minutes each. He KNOWS what the click is. I click something, he offers it again. Once he offers it about five times, I add the word to it, and viola, association- clicker is no longer needed.

I also agree not letting the dog on the bed has nothing to do with anything, neither does who eats first or goes out a door first. Does it ever occur to these people that maybe dogs run out the door first because they're excited? Duh? lol

BTW, again, I've had some pretty serious problem dogs (Not mine- I do rescue and dog rehabilitation), and I can't name one that's ever growled at me for asking him to get off my bed or whatever. I have a confident manner with dogs- they observe me. I communicate with them- I read them, and I know them. Dogs like that. Dogs watch me because I'm worth watching. Become more interesting to your dog than any other distraction in the environment, and you've found the secret, really.

Which dog works better? The one working to avoid a neck jerk with a collar, or the one working for a chunk of meat? I don't really have to answer that, do I? Dogs aren't supposed to obey people just because they're dogs and we're people. Dogs obey us because we make it worth their while. Give up the Lassie fantasy- dogs don't live to please. And they're still awesome