Comments for Dog Training http://mjspros.com Tips for canine education Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:36:04 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by ninjaaa! http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-650 ninjaaa! Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:36:04 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-650 My dogs are EXTREMELY food-motivated. When I train in high-distraction environments, like the park, I use higher-value treats like cheese, pieces of beef jerky, spam, etc. Their favourite seems to be spam. When I train in low-distraction environments, for example when I'm just doing revision of basic commands in the backyard, they are so food-driven that I can just use single pieces of kibble or even - get this - their glucosamine supplements. I guess I decide on treats by trial and error. I'll try different treats in different areas and see what works. They love chicken on the street just outside my house, but once we're walking in an exciting new place (like taking a new route) it's useless. So the next time I'll know to up it to something better. My dogs are scenthounds, so the stinkier, the better - cheese usually works pretty well. My dogs are EXTREMELY food-motivated.

When I train in high-distraction environments, like the park, I use higher-value treats like cheese, pieces of beef jerky, spam, etc. Their favourite seems to be spam.

When I train in low-distraction environments, for example when I’m just doing revision of basic commands in the backyard, they are so food-driven that I can just use single pieces of kibble or even – get this – their glucosamine supplements.

I guess I decide on treats by trial and error. I’ll try different treats in different areas and see what works. They love chicken on the street just outside my house, but once we’re walking in an exciting new place (like taking a new route) it’s useless. So the next time I’ll know to up it to something better. My dogs are scenthounds, so the stinkier, the better – cheese usually works pretty well.

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by drb http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-649 drb Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:22:43 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-649 Yes, I have a hierarchy of treats of differing motivational value. At the very top, probably is small pieces of string cheese. Although it's pretty messy, small lumps of frozen dog food, such as the Bil-Jac brand, thawed and rolled into little pellets works well, too. A treat that is also highly valued by my guy is to take all chicken hot dogs, slice them about 1/4 inch thick, then dry them for about four minutes in the microwave. You can cut the slices in halves or quarters to make smaller ones. Easy to handle, and most dogs seem to really like them. At the bottom of the list are baked dog biscuits, although some are better than others. Yep, it was pretty much trial and error. Yes, I have a hierarchy of treats of differing motivational value. At the very top, probably is small pieces of string cheese. Although it’s pretty messy, small lumps of frozen dog food, such as the Bil-Jac brand, thawed and rolled into little pellets works well, too.

A treat that is also highly valued by my guy is to take all chicken hot dogs, slice them about 1/4 inch thick, then dry them for about four minutes in the microwave. You can cut the slices in halves or quarters to make smaller ones. Easy to handle, and most dogs seem to really like them.

At the bottom of the list are baked dog biscuits, although some are better than others.

Yep, it was pretty much trial and error.

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by ? Liz ? http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-648 ? Liz ? Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:39:17 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-648 I have never had a picky eater...so I can use any type of food to train my pups! But, the best for me is something soft and small. My first choice would be liver, my second, any sort of soft treats that are easy to eat...not like a hard crunchy cookie where crumbs can fly out of their flues....then they will be "nose to the ground" for the rest of the training period! I have never had a picky eater…so I can use any type of food to train my pups! But, the best for me is something soft and small. My first choice would be liver, my second, any sort of soft treats that are easy to eat…not like a hard crunchy cookie where crumbs can fly out of their flues….then they will be “nose to the ground” for the rest of the training period!

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by gringo4541 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-647 gringo4541 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:55:57 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-647 I don't think there is any one 'best' training bait. Every dog has their favorites. I like something that is easy to break apart into smaller pieces but not be oily/greasy or stain pockets. Purina makes some great beef and chicken treats, string cheese can work well, Billjac has a nice sized little treat in a carton..... There are just too many to list. Find one that your dog loves and work with it. I don’t think there is any one ‘best’ training bait. Every dog has their favorites. I like something that is easy to break apart into smaller pieces but not be oily/greasy or stain pockets.

Purina makes some great beef and chicken treats, string cheese can work well, Billjac has a nice sized little treat in a carton….. There are just too many to list.

Find one that your dog loves and work with it.

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by jordie0587 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-646 jordie0587 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:06:25 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-646 I use hot dogs cut up very small, usually turkey dogs. I also use natural balance rolls. If you cut them up and put them in a plastic baggie, add a little water and mush it up, it's great for training. Especially agility because it will stick to the obstacles. You can pinch off as much as you need and it's easy to hold in your hand. I've just tried different things, but I'm pretty picky about what my dogs eat so I tried to get something healthier. My trainer just uses the frozen bil-jack, but I don't want my dogs eating that junk! I use hot dogs cut up very small, usually turkey dogs. I also use natural balance rolls. If you cut them up and put them in a plastic baggie, add a little water and mush it up, it’s great for training. Especially agility because it will stick to the obstacles. You can pinch off as much as you need and it’s easy to hold in your hand.

I’ve just tried different things, but I’m pretty picky about what my dogs eat so I tried to get something healthier. My trainer just uses the frozen bil-jack, but I don’t want my dogs eating that junk!

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by arkpudel http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-645 arkpudel Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:45:00 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-645 It's such an individual preference per dog. I would make a list of things that you "might" use- cheese/hot dog/toy, etc. And, just do a little experiment to see which ones your dog prefers, and rate them about how excited your dog gets for them. I use a high value reward whan I'm training something hard. I will a lower value reward for something simple. I have one dog that, as long as it's edible, she's psycho over it! Another would rather have a ball than anything else in the world. It just takes time and working with your pup to see what's most motivating- and to keep the value high, don't overuse it. Also, I would be careful about training in a distracting environment as it's harder on your pup- distractions should be added slowly, and only as the dog can handle them. Good Luck! :) It’s such an individual preference per dog. I would make a list of things that you “might” use- cheese/hot dog/toy, etc. And, just do a little experiment to see which ones your dog prefers, and rate them about how excited your dog gets for them. I use a high value reward whan I’m training something hard. I will a lower value reward for something simple. I have one dog that, as long as it’s edible, she’s psycho over it! Another would rather have a ball than anything else in the world.

It just takes time and working with your pup to see what’s most motivating- and to keep the value high, don’t overuse it.

Also, I would be careful about training in a distracting environment as it’s harder on your pup- distractions should be added slowly, and only as the dog can handle them.

Good Luck! :)

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by greekman http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-644 greekman Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:56:41 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-644 I love animal artworks answer!!!!! I use a toy, usually a tug as a reward, but, and here is the big but, the dog has to work for it. What that means is that the dog will need to work for 5-10 minutes, knowing that there is a tug toy waiting before he gets it. I do not reward dogs after a simple, single command once they have their foundation training done, they need to work to earn the toy. Also, like animal artworks mentioned, if I need to get the dog's attention, I will do it with or without the tug. Good work gets the toy and we play, attention deficit disorder gets a real correction. I love animal artworks answer!!!!! I use a toy, usually a tug as a reward, but, and here is the big but, the dog has to work for it. What that means is that the dog will need to work for 5-10 minutes, knowing that there is a tug toy waiting before he gets it. I do not reward dogs after a simple, single command once they have their foundation training done, they need to work to earn the toy.
Also, like animal artworks mentioned, if I need to get the dog’s attention, I will do it with or without the tug. Good work gets the toy and we play, attention deficit disorder gets a real correction.

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by Laura ? http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-643 Laura ? Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:20:00 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-643 Low-level treat = kibble pieces, biscuits, carrot Mid-level treat = Zukes, cheese cubes, hot dog bits High-level treat = turkey, cooked chicken, and those wonderful Dick van Patten "sausage" lamb-flavor things I can never remember the name of Low-level treat = kibble pieces, biscuits, carrot

Mid-level treat = Zukes, cheese cubes, hot dog bits

High-level treat = turkey, cooked chicken, and those wonderful Dick van Patten “sausage” lamb-flavor things I can never remember the name of

]]> Comment on Has anyone ever taken their dog to the PetSmart or Petco dog training classes? Did you like them? by ownedbymypugs@sbcglobal.net http://mjspros.com/dog-training/has-anyone-ever-taken-their-dog-to-the-petsmart-or-petco-dog-training-classes-did-you-like-them/comment-page-1/#comment-110 ownedbymypugs@sbcglobal.net Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:45:54 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/has-anyone-ever-taken-their-dog-to-the-petsmart-or-petco-dog-training-classes-did-you-like-them/#comment-110 I truly believe the training method and location is second to the trainer themselves. When I got my first pug about five years ago, I took her to Pet Smart for the puppy class. Unfortunately, two weeks into the class, my pug puppy broke her foot which had to be put into a cast for about six weeks. The trainer was a really nice, and allowed us to start classes in the beginner section after the cast came off. The trainer herself was very friendly and clear in her directions. What I liked the best about the class however, was at the last 10 minutes of each class was spent with the dogs off leash in the training area playing with each other under professional supervision. At the beginning of the classes my pug was quite fearful of other dogs but by the end she was playing with everybody. The socialization was just as important as the commands she learned. To this day, she is still the most friendly of our dogs. Also, she has remembered. Almost all of the commands that she learned during her beginner's class. When we got our German shepherd puppy last year, we knew immediately that we would have to take her in for training. The trainer was not the same at the original Pet Smart store, but we were confident in the methods. This experience, however, was terrible. The trainer was awful. She would spend most of the class reviewing what was gone over in the previous class, and would only address new material, very briefly in the last 10 minutes of class. Also, due to insurance constraints, we unleashed supervised play that I've had been such a fan of during the original classes has been discontinued. My German Shepherd puppy really did not learn anything from this trainer. My husband and I were at a different Pet Smart in January and met the trainer at that store. We told her about our experiences with the trainer at the other store and how disappointed we were. She was extremely sympathetic and explained her methods for training. First, she does not believe in automatically graduating a dog at the end of the class. She does believe that different dogs learn different rates and she believes that a dog should not graduate until they have learned the concepts. So, to that end, she has dogs repeat classes until they understand and have the concepts down. But, only the first round of classes is paid for. As long as the owners are willing to put in the time, she will not ask them to put in more money. Now, some people may say that part of the job of the trainer is to make sure that the dogs learn the commands in one series of classes and if the dog doesn't, then it is the fault of the trainer. I disagree with that. We started our German Shepherd puppy in the beginner class and it was wonderful. The trainer was very patient but would tolerate no excuses, if we slacked off in reinforcing the lessons. She would say there is only so much she can do in a one-hour session once a week, and if we were not willing to put in the time to reinforce the lessons at home, we might as well just take our money back and stay home. Now, some people don't like this method, which brings me to the point of this answer. You really need to have a chemistry with the trainer in order for the training to work. Go see a couple of classes before you sign up for them. See what methods the trainer uses. See how the trainer asked with the dogs and with the owners. Then decide for yourself whether you agree with what they are doing or not. Always remember, however, that there is no miracle cure for bad behavior. It took a long time to develop the bad habits, and it will take a long time and a lot of patience to make them go away. Whatever you decide, good luck with your training! I truly believe the training method and location is second to the trainer themselves.

When I got my first pug about five years ago, I took her to Pet Smart for the puppy class. Unfortunately, two weeks into the class, my pug puppy broke her foot which had to be put into a cast for about six weeks. The trainer was a really nice, and allowed us to start classes in the beginner section after the cast came off. The trainer herself was very friendly and clear in her directions. What I liked the best about the class however, was at the last 10 minutes of each class was spent with the dogs off leash in the training area playing with each other under professional supervision. At the beginning of the classes my pug was quite fearful of other dogs but by the end she was playing with everybody. The socialization was just as important as the commands she learned. To this day, she is still the most friendly of our dogs. Also, she has remembered. Almost all of the commands that she learned during her beginner’s class.

When we got our German shepherd puppy last year, we knew immediately that we would have to take her in for training. The trainer was not the same at the original Pet Smart store, but we were confident in the methods. This experience, however, was terrible. The trainer was awful. She would spend most of the class reviewing what was gone over in the previous class, and would only address new material, very briefly in the last 10 minutes of class. Also, due to insurance constraints, we unleashed supervised play that I’ve had been such a fan of during the original classes has been discontinued. My German Shepherd puppy really did not learn anything from this trainer.

My husband and I were at a different Pet Smart in January and met the trainer at that store. We told her about our experiences with the trainer at the other store and how disappointed we were. She was extremely sympathetic and explained her methods for training. First, she does not believe in automatically graduating a dog at the end of the class. She does believe that different dogs learn different rates and she believes that a dog should not graduate until they have learned the concepts. So, to that end, she has dogs repeat classes until they understand and have the concepts down. But, only the first round of classes is paid for. As long as the owners are willing to put in the time, she will not ask them to put in more money. Now, some people may say that part of the job of the trainer is to make sure that the dogs learn the commands in one series of classes and if the dog doesn’t, then it is the fault of the trainer. I disagree with that.

We started our German Shepherd puppy in the beginner class and it was wonderful. The trainer was very patient but would tolerate no excuses, if we slacked off in reinforcing the lessons. She would say there is only so much she can do in a one-hour session once a week, and if we were not willing to put in the time to reinforce the lessons at home, we might as well just take our money back and stay home.

Now, some people don’t like this method, which brings me to the point of this answer. You really need to have a chemistry with the trainer in order for the training to work. Go see a couple of classes before you sign up for them. See what methods the trainer uses. See how the trainer asked with the dogs and with the owners. Then decide for yourself whether you agree with what they are doing or not.

Always remember, however, that there is no miracle cure for bad behavior. It took a long time to develop the bad habits, and it will take a long time and a lot of patience to make them go away.

Whatever you decide, good luck with your training!

]]> Comment on What’s the best treat for training your dog? by berner mom http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/comment-page-1/#comment-642 berner mom Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:34:21 +0000 http://mjspros.com/dog-training/whats-the-best-treat-for-training-your-dog/#comment-642 I use different things Chicken hot dogs, cheese, meatballs (made with ground turkey, sweet potato, oatmeal and garlic--their favorite). Sometimes I use crab, salmon or leftover steak. Yes, I do change them around depending on the difficulty/distractions and just experimented to find what they like the best ADD Sarah...you can cook the hot dogs in the microwave (a package for 6 minutes and they aren't greasy) I use different things

Chicken hot dogs, cheese, meatballs (made with ground turkey, sweet potato, oatmeal and garlic–their favorite). Sometimes I use crab, salmon or leftover steak.

Yes, I do change them around depending on the difficulty/distractions and just experimented to find what they like the best

ADD

Sarah…you can cook the hot dogs in the microwave (a package for 6 minutes and they aren’t greasy)

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