Discipline and Corrections - Page 1

Hey ya'll,
I'm curious to see what methods the different people on this forum use for discipline and correcting their dogs.  Pretty sure everyone on here already knows how new I am to all of this, so I'm hoping to find some clear cut, simple advice.  I've been told different ways to discipline Shelby from different trainers, and some don't work and some do, but I'm wondering what everyone else does. As a side note, most of the advice I've been given when it comes to barking and biting/nipping has not worked. Especially the barking.
My husband and I have been doing more obedience and only giving her things when she does what we see as good: the sit, down, stand, etc. But I don't really think she's thinking of us as the leaders yet. So if ya'll have advice in that respect too, that'd be great. 

NOTE: I do not hit, beat, or physically abuse my dog. Nor am I interested in methods that involve spanking, alpha rolls, etc.  My pup gets more riled up with rough physical contact (read: not hitting, but vigorous petting, wrestling with other puppys, etc.), with the exception being scruffing and moving the hand backwards into the mouth if she bites the hand.

hmm..so you want to know what methods people use as long as they are not..this,this and this...

so why ask a question if you only want to hear response that falls into specific category?
Some dogs require heavy hand otherwise they do not take you seriously, some dogs obey at just one glance...it is not always about what methods you prefer, it is more about what works on your dog...I had a boston terrier that was a terror he was given to me but totally was not my cup of tea, i could not rehome him to save my life, i never seen more stubborn dog, but if he was going to stay w/ me he was going to be following same rules, nothing worked on that dog until he had to be pinned down and held there...longest 30 min of my life...he fought back, he creamed like i was gutting him, but it was either that or shelter....he stayed with me for almost 3 weeks and after being pinned down he was a different dog, he would pay attention at a snap of a finger...he was not miraculously cured by any means but he sure did pay attention to me and followed my commands...he was rehomed shortly after.
added: RLHAR said it perfectly!

You've pretty much already answered your own question, in so far as anyone across the internet without direct interaction with your dog can help.

Of course different trainers are going to have different methods.  We use the term 'tools in the toolbox' because every theory, idea, method out there is but a tool in the tool box.  Not ever theory, method, style is going to work for every dog so when you say that some of what you do works and some doesn't you answered your own question.

Build on what works for Shelby.  Be CONSISTANT and FAIR with what she responds too and don't expect miracles overnight.  Learn your dog, learn what she needs and work with it.

 

One of the ways to get a dog to see its humans as the
leaders / alphas in the family pack is to ensure the humans
always get the privileges.  So this isn't about spankings
and rollings.  If you and your other half ALWAYS make sure
you go through doors first;  eat first;  sit on the sofa, or lie on
the bed first  (personally I don't let my dogs on the furniture
at all, but I know many people prefer to - as long as it is
subject to them inviting it / giving permission;  not just the 
dog deciding for itself that it will lie on everything available),
then you will be reinforcing the idea that humans are superior
and in command.  Start allowing the pup to lead you and act
first, you'll have lost the battle ...

Other than that, RLHAR is right about teaching particular
exercises - research the availble methods, then use the
different techniques to suit.  If one 'tool' works better & gets
a faster response from your dog, use that instead of others;
be prepared to try a variety of approaches to each task.

find a trainer that you like and train, train, train.  You can't have too much experience.  Try all methods taught and see what works for you and your dog.  Best of luck  Nan

You should always consider the age and the individual dog when administering corrections. I am guessing Shelby is about eleven weeks old now and at that age I believe in ignoring bad behaviors and rewarding good behaviors. Shelby's barking toward you is because you are confusing her or she is asking for her needs. She may be confused if you are upset over normal puppy exuberance or if you are trying to discipline her for something she does not understand. The barking may be because she needs to go outside to potty or she needs to play. The best way to make her a good citizen at this age is to tire her out. She sounds like a great puppy, I would not like to break her spirit and I like to see puppies pushy and wanting to work. I hope you are up to the challenge that she is presenting.

I was taught placing the hand in the mouth to keep your hand from being a target, jerking it away makes it become a toy. I try not to scruff pups but at least it is a correction that they understand and may be appropriate in some cases. I try not to correct exuberance.

Is it really about corrections or about training in general?

Interview trainers.  Find one that you are sympatico with.  And do what they tell you.