Prefered methods for basic obedience training? - Page 1

From the Monks of New Skete to Leeburg the methods for getting your dog up to par on basic obedience span the spectrum of philosophies. Woul anyone be willing to share their preferred training guru and why you like his or her methods? Also how many of you train purely from book and video as oppose to going to obedience classes? I'm planning to train at home but to also take my pup to classes for socialization purposes.

Training for a pup should be fun and up beat, with no harsh corrections or force. I prefer motavaional methods on a young puppy, lots of treats, toys and praise, simular to clicker training with out the clicker. I also take mine to classes for socilalizing and working with distractions. There are almost as many methods as there are dog trainers. I am sure you will get alot of resposes. I am always looking for new ideas, this will be interesting hearing what others think. Ben

The method of training depends on the handler...and the dog alike...What's the handler's personality like and also the dog's personality... You must match the training method to what the dog has to offer...How old is the dog and what's his/her personality like...For most young dogs you definitely want to use "motivational" techniques...Such as food or toy drive...(play drive)...You need to expand on what your dog is like and what you want to achieve...Does your dog like food...this sounds silly but is very important...Does your dog like to play with toys...such as tennis balls...kongs...etc...

These books (3 in a set) were given to me as a suggestion and recommended by several people. I haven't purchased them yet so I can't offer an opinion. I believe it applies to AKC style obedience though. STEPPIN UP TO SUCCESS SET by Terri Arnold Available here: http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=A240

There are so many variables. Classes are great for socializing and teaching the dog to pay attention amidst distractions. Personally, I do not like to use excessive treats for motivation, but as a foundation I like praise. I suppose this is old school, but I prefer a young dog bond to me and seek my approval as opposed to treats. I want them to respect me, not what I have in my pocket. This is not to say that with some dogs, under some conditions I won't use treats. I use them with my current dog, but sparingly. Later on I will use treats more often, but not so much in the early weeks/months. I will also say that I have not been around obedience for some years so others may have better advice. As far as books go the ones that comes to mind that has whethered the test of time is Winifred Stricklands books. She has many, many titled dogs to her credit. What ever you decide, make sure that YOU make it fun, and if you are upset stop or do not start the training session. Better to miss time then take the fun out of it for your dog! Good luck.

What we like to do is take the dog out of there enviorment and introduce them to obsticales. we the work with them on such obstacles, I.e. Picinic tables milk crates even a skid on the floor, we guide them into position on these calmingly and once executed we endorese what they have done with praise we then give them an ok command to retreat from the obstacle and a ton of praise again. What this does is several things just accomplishing the obsticale is part of obedience and socialization to enviorment, if you work your dog through the obstacles and show them you are there for them without them getting hurt to calm them when the stree comes in and to have party after accomplishment this tightens the bond between you and your dog and increase his willingness to work with you. the obstacles work even with dog aggressive and people aggressive dogs, the stress is now more on them and less on you so they react slower to a situation if at all even acting out they are to busy concentrating on there enviormental stimulis. Basically its about creating a strong and comfortable bond were the dog respects you and wants to work with you as a team. Steve