I have a pet dog,a Dalmation and his name is Ollie.He is just a pet and more to the point I am just a pet owner.This blog is to pose the question,do all the dog training books and dvd's from experts with years of experience really help the average pet owner.
I have looked at many books and DVD's and they all have in common two things,the authors are 'experts' and they never quite agree.You would think that with all their combined experience,these experts would have come up with THE easy way to train the pet dog.
Yet many pet owners cannot get there dog to return to them,let alone anything else.I wonder what your thoughts are?
(Please say whether you are a dog trainer or just a pet owner )
Ollie
Here comes Ollie
7 comments:
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Pet Owners-problems
Hi to all the pet dog owners out there.To all those who love there dog and just want to enjoy time with their dog(s) at home and out and about.
What are your top 3 issues?
Have you bought any books,DVD's etc.
Did they help?
If not why not?
eg Lack of understanding,experience or maybe you didn't read more than the first chapter or two?
Posted by Just A Pet at 2:21 AM 0 comments
Open Invitation to the experts
I would like to invite the worlds leading Trainers and behaviourists to join Kevin Behan in posting on this blog to help Mr & Mrs Average pet dog owner:
So to name but a few I have already purchased books and DVD's from,I would like to invite;
Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer)
Jan Fennell (The Dog Listener)
Turid Rugass (Calming Signals)
Ed Frawley (Leerburg)
Paul Owens (The Dog Whisperer)
Doug & Elizabeth Simpson (Tenderfoot)
Susan Garrett (crate games)
Karen Pryor (clicker)
Please spare a few moments to post ...
Posted by Just A Pet at 2:11 AM 0 comments
Exciting News
I have just heard from one of the most exciting Dog Trainers in the world Kevin Behan,who has confirmed he will be happy to post some thoughts on this blog.This is great news as I believe Kevin has a real alternative to some of the other training methods out there.
Check out Kevin's site;
http://www.naturaldogtraining.org/
Susan Garrett elite dog trainer contacted me to confirm she had tried to post but had some difficulties so she posted an elaboration of the comments she tried to make onto this blog on her own blog;(copy & paste this link)
http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/10/can-a-family-pet-be-a-great-agility-dog.html
I have highlighted a few points here to wet your appetite,for the full post please visit Susans site via the link.
'Can a Family Pet be a Great Agility Dog? Posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009
I won’t comment on why there is such a dichotomy of opinion in the training books describing how a dog should be raised, only to say that dogs are a divine gift, they learn to do what we want not always because of how we teach them but sometimes inspite of the methods we choose to teach them...
... have never re-homed a dog if it wasn’t good enough, I have just searched for the dog training solution to help that dog to become as good as he could be. I believe every dog takes you on a journey, so I allow each dog to take me where I need to go. If my dog training knowledge has evolved to be considered “highly regarded” by my peers, then that is the reason. I have arrived here, by following the lessons from my dogs...
...My program is based on controlling the reinfrocement in your dog’s life. There is no force, no collar corrections, no intimidation or pushing, pulling or smacking a dog into position. It is mutual respect that is earned through play and controlling sources of reinforcement until ultimately, you become more valueable to the dog than any reinforcement. The program has been successfully adopted by family pet owners, police dog trainers, highly competitive obedience, flyball, agility, protection work or schutzhund trainers alike.
...So yes, all of my books and DVDs will do the average pet owner a world of good as they are all packed with informaiton on how to create the family pet that everyone enjoys and wishes lived in their own home. This theme will continue with the latest DVD I am working on.
My blog and website have lots of free dog training advise to get any pet dog owner started. Every book or DVD I have written, even the ones that are about specific agility equipment have dog training gems scattered throughout that will enhance your relationship with your dog.'
Many thanks Susan
Susan Garrett touches on three great points;
Dogs learn to do what we want not always because of how we teach them...to search for the dog training solution for your dogs problem and respect earned through play and controlling sources of reinforcement.
I think these are wise words,Susan does not seem to be claiming to have all the answers with the dog and her own desire to solve problems along the way as important has the methods she adopts.
In my opinion, there is no one set way to teach something to every dog. I am someone who does agility and I do my own training. I have purchased many DVDs and books on training and finding the one that fits you and your pet is somewhat trial and error. An example is that I was having trouble with my dog doing the A-frame. I have probalby spent over $100.00 on DVDs on this subject and just nothing clicked. Then I found one by Amanda Shyne and what I saw on her dvd, really made sense to me and would fit my dog. Every dog learns differently. It is just finding the right method for you and your dog.
Hi,
Thanks for your post(please add your name if possible).As people we all learn differently,visual,auditory,Kinesthetic etc.If every dog does indeed learn differently could it be they have similar preferences? I would have thought they are much more Kinesthetic,but some prefer balls,some food,some tug etc.Aren't all these prey?
You say there is no one size that fits all,but could there be a common thread we have not discovered.What do you think?
well, if there is a common thread, I would have to say it is "Positive training" . When your dog does something you are asking for, you treat, if they dont offer what you are asking, no treat (negative reinformeny). Ex: When my dogs came running to me when I called, I gave them a treat ot toy. Now my dogs come to me at the speed of sound. They know something good is going to happen when they get to me.
In the long run, a dog is more likely to give you want you want, if he knows something good is going to be rewarded for his actions.
Janis
Jan Fennell Response;
'Yes we did receive your previous email but do not wish to participate.It is Jan's choice not to participate, thank you.'
I am disappointed,as Jan clearly has a wealth of experience-but does not wish to give us the benefit of it.
Just a Pet
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