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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

Registered: 11/30/11
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Loc: Deep in the system
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Dog training 4
#26773633 - 06/22/20 06:30 AM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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So I've never had a dog younger than a year old before, which means I've never had to go through all the sticky early stuff. I've got good plans for socialization and I'm reasonably well versed in obedience training (although I want to get far better) so if anyone has any tips or resources that they feel are really amazing or worth more research I would love to hear of them.
I've 1.5 weeks to prepare my life for Puppy Entry, so I think an information digesting marathon is in order!!
Grace:

Thanks in advance.
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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Alexthegreat



Registered: 09/17/15
Posts: 2,672
Loc: United States
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Australian Cattle Dog?
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pirate-blues



Registered: 10/15/12
Posts: 13,697
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oh durr, I thought this was a blue heeler dog. I knew it came from australia at one point or another .
Anyway, she's so adorable and perfect!! I want to cuddle 
Anyway, I'll come back to this thread to add some tips I've discovered along the way, because you've got your work cut out for you. If you want a dog and have the means, quarantine is really the perfect time to bring a puppy home though. Just telecommuting in general is gonna save you a huge headache, I wish I had been working from home 100% of the time when I got my pup.
Do you have any crate training experience? It's easy enough, but you can't wing it, got to find a plan and stick to it. Trying to get this through one of my old roommate's heads was a total nightmare and the dogs training definitely suffered some delays as a result. I did the best I could do at the time, but any progress I made was immediately wiped out by inconsistency.
Similarly, there's a million different dog training methods. Best way is to find the one that's the easiest for you to use, imho - she'll follow your lead, and really most good dog trainers are going to try to train you, not the dog. It'll also offer you a direct line to someone who can help you when you run into some issues.
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The Blind Ass
Bodhi



Registered: 08/16/16
Posts: 26,732
Loc: The Primordial Mind
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That’s one good looking pup. She’s going to grow up to break all the boys’ hearts in a good way.
-------------------- Give me Liberty caps -or- give me Death caps
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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

Registered: 11/30/11
Posts: 26,088
Loc: Deep in the system
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Quote:
Alexthegreat said: Australian Cattle Dog?
Yep, ACD is a Blue/Red Heeler.
Quote:
pirate-blues said: Anyway, I'll come back to this thread to add some tips I've discovered along the way, because you've got your work cut out for you. If you want a dog and have the means, quarantine is really the perfect time to bring a puppy home though. Just telecommuting in general is gonna save you a huge headache, I wish I had been working from home 100% of the time when I got my pup.
Do you have any crate training experience?
Thanks PB. Crate training yes, but only mild and with someone more experienced than I to help guide me. It's all on me this time. Absolutely will be implementing from day one.
I'm already 1/4 way through a book that's breed specific, but it's not very detailed. Ideally want to find something quite granular on how to best deal with the puppy aspect. I will learn more as I go. Just want to be ready to bring her in to my place. Already have a room set aside for her.
Agree on this being the perfect time. What do you mean in regards to telecommuting?
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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Crazy_Horse
I’m Rick James, bitch!


Registered: 08/15/16
Posts: 13,356
Loc: Hampsterdam
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Did you watch the leerburg videos?
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larry.fisherman
shoulda died already


Registered: 11/03/12
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I've had a heeler before when I was younger, very sweet dogs. The first consideration is the breed. Blue heelers are technically herding dogs, very sweet and intelligent that are strong and actually make good guard dogs. They're bred to work and their personality matches that. They are fairly high energy and can get bored. This means they need exercise and a clear sense of who/what people are as well as consistent activities, like does my dog like toys? Is she getting anxious when I leave? Luckily they tend to calm down over time whereas my collie/aussie shepard is probably gonna do laps around my house like a psychopath his whole life. You're going to want to make sure your friends interact with the puppy at a young age. Herding dogs have a hierarchy a lot of other dogs don't. Imagine having a herd and being the "alpha," you leave this dog in charge but they're not really the alpha themselves. Boundaries begin to be set and they assume a sort of second-in-command and this is why you can get dogs that can be a little nippy with other folks or particularly kids without actually being malicious. It's confusing for them and I think any misunderstanding in this way is frustrating for them particularly because good dogs love to please. So I suppose my point is, spend a lot of time with the dog, exercise it well, and socialize it with other people(and kids if you can) just as much as other dogs. Gentle but firm.
Oh and as far as house training goes it might be prudent to know that showing the dog their mess can reinforce the behaviour just as easily as not. Catch them in the act, tell them it's bad, take them out. Reward them when they do their business in the right place. Be very motivational and have phrases you repeat at certain times. And don't dumb it down, smart dogs learn English. Like when she's taking a shit outside be like, "Are you taking a shit outside? Are you taking a shit? Good girl. *treat*" She will then learn what you mean when you say "take a shit" and she won't just know you're asking her something but maybe even telling her to. I let my dog outside and say "take a shit Bodhi", he'll look for a spot to drop a deuce. Or he won't, and I then know he just wants to be outside. A lot of people don't try to teach their dogs this kind of stuff and it's super helpful for everyone involved. Also limit water access particularly at night until they get good with house training, and take her out at consistent, frequent intervals. Training a dog is all about being consistent and observant.
And if you insist on crate training make them understand it's their space. They need to like their cage. Keep it open and suggest they use it. A nice comfy bed, some toys, toss a few treats in there every now and then. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the dog is gonna get anxious asf when it's older in that thing.
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psi
TOAST N' JAM


Registered: 09/05/99
Posts: 31,458
Loc: 613
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Training a puppy for the first time too but I have lived with adult dogs before. She is apparently 3/4 poodle and 1/4 golden retriever. Ballpark of 6 months off the top of my head. For crate training an opaque one seemed to be good.
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pirate-blues



Registered: 10/15/12
Posts: 13,697
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I just mean it's waaaay easier when you can telecommute vs having to be on site every day. That's kind of a nightmare with a puppy unless you've got some significant help.
So yeah, the whole idea behind most puppy training - crate training being no exception, is overwhelming positivity - and stopping while you're ahead, always manage your expectations and end on a good note, even if you've got to compromise a little and don't really accomplish what you set out for. Especially with smart dogs(and smart animals in general) is they'll start getting anxious if you ask too much too fast. Consistency and proper socialization are the most important thing. A puppy class is fantastic for that, and some people do puppy playdates - most dog parks I've been to don't let young puppies in, and if they end up having a bad experience there it could make them dog aggressive.
Regarding the crate, she is probably going to scream and cry like crazy that first week as she gets used to overnights in crates - if you've got some neighbors you share any walls with maybe leave a note giving them a heads up and a bottle of wine or something, because it can get bad. If you give into it, it'll only drag it out. The best way to shorten it is make the crate as comfortable as possible - get her a bed, get her toys, I like to cover it with stuff so it's more den like. I also left it open when he was out and about and would encourage him to take naps and be comfortable in there. I've never tried crate training with the crate in my bedroom, but she might have an easier time if you're in the same room..it might also just drag it out more and cause more separation anxiety.
Puppy gates are a god send too. Especially during the work day. She's gonna get into shit, without a doubt, and the easiest way to puppy proof is to get yourself outfitted with dog gates. Chewing sprays are okay for some particularly voracious chewers or when she starts to teethe - she is going to destroy something you love, and it's best to just accept it now .
Also, for any properly socialized dog - a tired dog is a well behaved dog. There are going to be some inherent issues, like chewing/teething, that are a little unavoidable. Keeping that pup worn the fuck out, and giving her stuff she is allowed to destroy(and of course setting your rules and boundaries and enforcing them consistency) is going to go a long way to making sure it doesn't spiral out of control.
I have to work on my dogs leash etiquette a bit, gotten sloppy throughout quarantine - he's okay until he goes on one of those long retractable leashes and a deer or something he wants to chase walks into the picture. I sprained my ankle in an unrelated tumble last week and asked my dad to take my dog for a quick pee while I rested my foot a bit, and the dog tried to chase after a deer, yanked my dad pretty hard and suddenly - ruptured an old hernia which led to septic shock and almost death...so...yeah, I'm feeling super guilty and remembering how important it is to keep up on that training. Especially for large, young, energetic dogs, for sure.
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CHeifM4sterDiezL
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Re: Dog training [Re: psi]
#26773760 - 06/22/20 08:23 AM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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Puppies are considered like less than 12 weeks. I had mentioned the puppy culture program in another thread. Its what real serious breeders use and it gives you a good baseline to begin building more complex obedience. If a puppy wasn't hand reared by puppy culture or similar program its like expecting a kid to learn to read without going to kindergarten first.
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CHeifM4sterDiezL
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Quote:
pirate-blues said: I just mean it's waaaay easier when you can telecommute vs having to be on site every day. That's kind of a nightmare with a puppy unless you've got some significant help.
So yeah, the whole idea behind most puppy training - crate training being no exception, is overwhelming positivity - and stopping while you're ahead, always manage your expectations and end on a good note, even if you've got to compromise a little and don't really accomplish what you set out for. Especially with smart dogs(and animals in general) is they'll start getting anxious if you ask too much too fast. Consistency and proper socialization are the most important thing. A puppy class is fantastic for that, and some people do puppy playdates - most dog parks I've been to don't let young puppies in, and if they end up having a bad experience there it could make them dog aggressive.
Regarding the crate, she is probably going to scream and cry like crazy that first week as she gets used to overnights in crates - if you've got some neighbors you share any walls with maybe leave a note giving them a heads up and a bottle of wine or something, because it can get bad. If you give into it, it'll only drag it out. The best way to shorten it is make the crate as comfortable as possible - get her a bed, get her toys, I like to cover it with stuff so it's more den like. I also left it open when he was out and about and would encourage him to take naps and be comfortable in there. I've never tried crate training with the crate in my bedroom, but she might have an easier time if you're in the same room..it might also just drag it out more and cause more separation anxiety.
Puppy gates are a god send too. Especially during the work day. She's gonna get into shit, without a doubt, and the easiest way to puppy proof is to get yourself outfitted with dog gates. Chewing sprays are okay for some particularly voracious chewers or when she starts to teethe - she is going to destroy something you love, and it's best to just accept it now .
Also, for any properly socialized dog - a tired dog is a well behaved dog. There are going to be some inherent issues, like chewing/teething, that are a little unavoidable. Keeping that pup worn the fuck out, and giving her stuff she is allowed to destroy(and of course setting your rules and boundaries and enforcing them consistency) is going to go a long way to making sure it doesn't spiral out of control.
I have to work on my dogs leash etiquette a bit, gotten sloppy throughout quarantine - he's okay until he goes on one of those long retractable leashes and a deer or something he wants to chase walks into the picture. I sprained my ankle in an unrelated tumble last week and asked my dad to take my dog for a quick pee while I rested my foot a bit, and the dog tried to chase after a deer, yanked my dad pretty hard and suddenly - ruptured an old hernia which led to septic shock and almost death...so...yeah, I'm feeling super guilty and remembering how important it is to keep up on that training. Especially for large, young, energetic dogs, for sure.
Thats my number one pet peeve is to see a dog just out of control on a leash. You can tell how terrible of dog owners these people are as dog owners by how thier dog walks on lead. Most times it takes about 2 seconds of correct handling and not allowing them to go apeshit to get thier dogs to properly heel.
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CHeifM4sterDiezL
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Like the dog should only be looking up at you for instructions not distracted by deer or other things thats just dangerous and if you had a more serious dog could lead to real trouble
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psi
TOAST N' JAM


Registered: 09/05/99
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Quote:
CHeifM4sterDiezL said: Puppies are considered like less than 12 weeks.
Young dog, whatever.
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pirate-blues



Registered: 10/15/12
Posts: 13,697
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I feel you, and I've been around animals and animal training activities aside from just dogs my whole life lol, so I get the importance. It's downright impossible for me on the long retractable one - just no leverage - we're fine otherwise on our usual leash, just need to brush up on some stuff.
He's going crazy over the deer because I just got attacked by an aggressive deer and it's now his life mission to protect me, and anyone else from them. I seldom run into people when I do use that leash because I exclusively use it for hiking/trail running to give him a bit of space to sniff and explore, but it's been leading to some bad habits. Obviously. But I don't think this would've been an issue if he hadn't had to chase off an aggressive mother deer repeatedly.
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CHeifM4sterDiezL
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Yah I would never use a retractable leash. I'd either let them off leash for exploring if it was safe to do so or they would be kept on like a 3ft lead either directly at my heel if commanded or walking slightly behind me. U cant just let these thing do whatever they want. If he keeps running away or trying to chase or bark at deer why don't you teach them to stop?
Edited by CHeifM4sterDiezL (06/22/20 08:40 AM)
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pirate-blues



Registered: 10/15/12
Posts: 13,697
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You don't think I'm doing that now? Sometimes we turn a corner and surprise a deer while we're already running and he slips up. Sorry I can't snap my fingers and have him unlearn some behavior that he adopted to save my ass from a pissed off momma deer, I'm working on it.
But please, shame me some more oh perfect animal trainer 
And no it's not safe around here to let him off leash. He will disappear forever like many other dogs that people like to let off leash up here. And no I don't have a fenced in yard or park to let him run, so these are my options.
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CHeifM4sterDiezL
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Wasn't trying to shame u just didn't understand why you wouldn't just teach your dog not to do that.
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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

Registered: 11/30/11
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Thanks Larry and PB, some great tips there. Definitely on board on all counts. In regards to socialization, I've got plenty of friends around here (many with dogs), a dog park across the road, neighbors with dogs (one of which is an extremely well trained ex-police dog who will apparently take Grace 'under her wing' teach her a lot) and my gym, where there is a large community of humans for her to meet. Being a hugely sociable person myself, it's a trait I'll be working very hard on with her so that she gets used to and fits in well with my lifestyle.
She's also going to know in no uncertain terms where she exists in the hierarchy; this is something I'm quite adamant about as I've seen how well it benefits a dog to know (and also how not being sure incites bad behaviour). Praise will be given in droves too, and I appreciate having the command for toilet time - I've used 'wees and poos' before. I'm used to keeping a pocket full of treats, but puppies have tiny stomachs and I don't want to fill it with the things, so thinking I'll be holding off on those and just using praise in the early days?
Moving the crate between day/night position would be OK right? She'll be able to see me from both locations but I want the day location to be in my spare room where she'll be gated when I have to leave her when I can't bring her out somewhere. Don't mind whining in the night as I sleep heavily, however I don't want to encourage separation anxiety at all...
Definitely acutely aware of how much exercise she's going to need - this is the one downside to this breed. Still, for better or for worse, I'm taking on this challenge.
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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pirate-blues



Registered: 10/15/12
Posts: 13,697
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Quote:
CHeifM4sterDiezL said: Wasn't trying to shame u just didn't understand why you wouldn't just teach your dog not to do that. 
sorry lol, I still feel super incredibly guilty that this caused my dad to end up in emergency surgery, so it makes me feel a bit touchy . Right now I just give him a firm 'no' and bring him to a sit and making him wait a little bit, and it seems to work for the most part. I have gotten a little lax out there with him when I run just because my head is normally elsewhere and I usually want to keep running instead of stop and correct the behavior, but I'm definitely working on it more now on the short leash while my ankle heals up.
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CHeifM4sterDiezL
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Make sure u give him extra pats and pets for being a good pupperino!
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