Training Tips

No. Pit Bulls cannot lock their jaws, they are just three times stronger than what they weigh, and they were bred specifically for very strong grip for the use of bull baiting.

A raw diet is great for dogs. Although it is expensive to feed your dog raw meats, the protein-rich and well balanced diet yields incomparable results.

Cropping should be done as soon as possible–in the first 8 to 12 weeks. The longer you wait, the worse the recovery is. A canine’s cartilage grows harder as the dog ages. Also, the heavier the dog is, the higher the price of his anesthesia.

Like cropping ears, tails should be docked as soon as possible.

Temperament varies from breed to breed, and because of how owners tend to socialize their dogs. The owner of a small dog has a tendency to allow more aggressive behaviors than a person who owns a large breed.

It’s fine to let your dog ride in the front seat. It is a lot safer for the dog to be crated or in the back. A crate is the safest way to travel with your dog. If you are going to allow your dog in the front seat, be sure your dog isn’t in your lap.

Ask the breeder about the temperament of the dam and sire. Ask about any genetic health concerns. Ask for parent’s medical history.

Dogs should eat once or twice a day. Food should not be left out.Overfeeding your dog can cause serious health concerns. Plus, a hungry dog will be more eager to work than a dog that is overfed.

No, you never want to hit a dog. If you hit your dog that dog will associate your hand with punishment and become afraid of getting pet. This can encourage fear induced biting. Any corrections should be done through the leash.

A small dog should not be allowed to sit in laps prior to training. Allowing a small dog to sit in laps may encourage dominant behavior. Make your dog regard sitting in your lap as a privilege, not a right.

I train all breeds and sizes of dogs using the same methods. However, some breeds are genetically predisposed to excel in certain tasks.

This is because the dog likes to bite and certain dogs have a genetic disposition to chatter their teeth.

Your dog needs to learn through training how to associate his name with coming towards you. This is accomplished through marker training.

It is an AKC designation that tests the temperament and obedience of your dog in society.

Consider introducing protection training in his life. This will give him the training it need to recognize friend or foe

Immediately correct the dog if you catch him in the act. Never encourage digging under any circumstances. Digging in the yard is a sign of boredom. Your dog most likely has insufficient stimulation and needs another outlet. Exhaust your dog by playing with him at least thirty minutes to an hour a day and consistently correct the digging. Over time, this behavior should disappear.

Your dog obviously has a lack of structure. He needs to have his life restructured so that he will respect the pack leader.

Like any other anxiety, the dog’s fear of water can be dealt with through socialization.

There are electronic bark collars that apply low setting stimulation to the dog each time he barks. The dog immediately senses the stimulation and associates his discomfort with the bark.

Consider training your dog in a foreign language. Also, establish a very strong bond with your dog.

Do not allow your dog full access to your home. Manage your dog’s space until he is fully trained and be sure to give your dog other things to chew and plenty of exercise.

A dog must associate the word “no” with correction. Be sure to drop the normal tone of your voice to a deep baritone.

Training must be maintained and consistent. If you neglect your dog, he will neglect you and refuse to behave according to your demands.

After the first 8 weeks with his mother, a pup can begin training with a human. Keep in mind a dog’s distraction level as a puppy.

Dogs trust their masters once a relationship is established between them. You establish this relationship by luring your dog with treats and feeding him by hand, and spend time with him. Reassure him that you are not going to hurt him. Gradually pet him with confidence. Do not show the dog that you are uneasy about his presence. He wants to feel accepted in your pack. Make him feel at home and at ease.

Once a dog reaches about two years old, he becomes a bit more serious. You can always expect a young dog to be full of energy. Take advantage of this energy and enthusiasm and train early. It is a true joy to have a young, motivated, well-behaved dog.

A good security dog must possess solid nerve, good temperament, and high prey drive. Once these attributes are recognized within your canine, the defensive drive can be trained and worked by an experienced decoy.

Yes, but never with other dogs. Also, pick up the toys when the dog is done playing and be sure to be in charge of when your dog gets to play. Never let your dog continuously chew on toys and always have the last say as to when playtime is over, because letting your dog win too much can encourage dominant behavior.

You can use a toy as positive reinforcement whenever the dog does something well. Toys provide motivation to lure high-drive dogs. You can use toys as an alternative to treats if your dog has enough drive for the toy.

Food is great for marker training. The power of food can be wielded if you properly ration your dog’s portions. A dog who is overfed will not perform like a hungrier dog. Never overfeed your dogs. Feeding too many treats can jeopardize your dog’s health.

Your dog can benefit from activities such as a bike ride, a long walk, a hike, fetch, tug, and obedience training.

Keep your dog on a leash and lure him with food. Gradually pet him. If he exhibits unwanted behavior, correct him, but NEVER hit him with your hand.

Your dog needs to be socialized in a controlled environment. Dogs that growl are usually just nervous.

No, at a low setting they merely cause mild discomfort similar to being shocked by static electricity.

No, micro-pinch collars are safe for small dogs. Smaller pinch collars are appropriate for small dogs and proportionately, larger pinch collars are appropriate for large dogs. I do not recommend choke chains for any size dog because choke chains can cause nerve damage when they are popped on the dog’s neck.

This dilemma varies from dog to dog and situation to situation.

It is only safe to leave your dog in the same room with a small child if your dog is thoroughly socialized in this environment. Dogs have a tendency to associate small children with other animals and may play rougher than you desire.

Dogs can smell hormones that are emitted when a person is afraid. They also sense body language. Generally, people who are afraid of dogs move around them oddly and with caution. This can cause the dog to become nervous and bite out of fear.

Try not to run. You will turn into prey. Make yourself look as large as possible. Threaten the dog and make deep and loud sounds. Or, if the dog is coming to bite, catch the dog’s bite with your shirt.

Back away from the dog, but don’t run away. If you run, you might become prey.

Never step between two dogs. Make sure you gain control of one dog by tying his back legs to a sedentary structure. Then, grab the other dog by the rear legs and swing him around in a circular motion, away from the tied down dog.

The safest way to introduce a puppy to other dogs is in an obedience class with a social pack.