Force Free Dog Training
 

Besides being here for a neurological problem, I'm also a so-called Force Free dog trainer and behavior consultant. So if anyone is interested in Clicker Training tips, discussing dog "problems" (which are mostly people problems), let's do it.

;-)

My Lab mix, Rosie, is the bottom of the household pack which consists of 2 people, 2 cats, and her. She knows her place with the cats but doesn't listen to us humans when we call her to come. What do you suggest?

What do you do, when she doesn't come? And what do you do when she does come?

If you are familiar with the science of behaviorism, you'll know:
1) all creatures do what is in ther own best interest
2) behaviors that are rewarded are repeated, behaviors that are punished are not (Thorndike)

Rewards are anything that the subject finds rewarding (not the handler). Punishers are anything the subject finds punishing (not the handler)

If you're outside and the dog has the choice between coming to you and sniffing another dogs bum, is it in the dog's best interest to come to you? Is it rewarding or punishing to come to you?

Reward based training is based upon the precept, that we want a dog that WANTS to co-operate with us, not one that is forced to. So we ask ourselves, what can we do, so that our dog wants to come when we call?
*edit*

Please note: I live in Switzerland, so I'm not selling my services. I would however recommend, you find a good Force Free Trainer who can answer you questions more individually and show you how to reach your training goals and great relationship you got your dog to enjoy. You can do so through the Pet Professional Guild here: *edit*

I would also suggest you read the following book by Alexandra Horowitz "Inside of a Dog" which will dispel some more myths such as pack structure, dominance, alpha and the rest.

Happy Training!

Buzz Cecil

Thanks. **

Housing training
 

I have a yorkie 7 years old who refuses to be 100% house broken. She is pee pee pad trained, she sill finds her way to go in other rooms on the rugs I have given up on her. What should I do ?

She has a long (what they call) "reinforcement history". This means, that management combined with positive reinforcement is about the only way to go, think of how one does this with a little puppy.

You never let the pup out of your eye. After max 90 minutes you take her to her pee-place but do not interact with her. (In you case, make sure that no toys are near or anything that would distract.) As soon as she squats to pee, whisper "pee" and when she's done, give her a yummy treat. Not just kibble, but something REALLY good, like a sliver of cheese or boiled chicken. Then you might play a short tug game or something she likes.

Scolding doesn't work. You've probably noticed this.

Also, where ever she's peed before MUST be completely cleaned with a non-amonia containing detergent. You can get this in a pet shop. The most important thing here is the management. If she CAN pee, she will. If you can offer her to pee BEFORE she get's the idea to AND it's worth her while to do so (getting a treat), then she'll do that.

Having said that, do have your vet check for any incontinence or any physical reason, why she can't hold it. Toy breeds cannot hold it as long as large breeds, but they should be physically able to hold it for 4+ hours, but they have to learn this.

Also, if she only does this when you're NOT home, this may also be a manifestation of separation anxiety. I didn't read in your question when she does this.

I absolutely love clicker training. It is so fun and done wonders training my dog.

I keep saying I am going to work on it with my cats.

I have a 5 yrs old havannese--she great dog --but she had problem eating --so took her vet had teeth fixed all thats ok now per vet --she started eating now ---she wont eat for 2 days --all medical test are fine . Im clueless how to fix this --thanks --

I have 4 jack russell terriers, 3 females, 2 of my girls fight until they have truley hurt each other. I have had stitches 3 times in the past 6 months from breaking them apart. I love these dogs like they are my children, I don't want any of them to have to leave but I don't want one of them to kill the other either. Any suggestions?

Do you keep food, toys or bones out?

If so you need to remove them. They can trigger fights. If you are giving, treats, bones, etc. Keep them separated either in crates, by doors or baby gates.