Dear Adam:
[From
a previous e-mail which questioned why I recommend that dog owners
don't try to train their dogs in a group class setting]
Yes,
I understand about the imprint stages [two week stages from birth
to 4 months of age in which a small amount of exposure will have
a lasting affect on the dog's socialization to it's surroundings]
but not everybody lives in the ideal world of getting their puppy
at 6 to 8 weeks of age.
[The
imprint stage when dogs learn dominant and subordinate behavior
with other dogs. Missing this stage, or having a negative experience
during this stage, can cause dog aggression later in life].
What
are you then suggesting happens? There are a lot of people out there
that don't know the first thing about dog training. So, all of these
theories are great but how would that help somebody that comes to
you when their dog is a couple of years old and displays canine
aggression?
Regards,
TB.
Dear TB:
Here's
the deal: I don't have a lot of time to go into detail as this is
a subject that could end up being another book. But to fix this
type of thing, you need to:
#1:
Establish yourself as the pack leader so that the dog respects you
and what you say.
#2:
Build a strong sit and down stay.
#3:
Teach the dog that he must hold the positions around other dogs.
It's your responsibility to make sure that the other dogs do not
jump on him.
#4:
With some dogs, the aggression can only be controlled. Other dogs
will get comfortable enough, over time being around other dogs,
that it will be eliminated. It really depends on the dog.
#5:
The problem with group classes is that there is too much going on
for your dog to really learn. Plus, the 10-on-1 nature means that
YOUR instruction is lacking. It's a good environment if the dog
is ALREADY TRAINED... as you can take advantage of the various distractions.
[During the proofing stage, that is]. But for teaching the dog...
no way!
And
you don't have to trust my opinion. Just look at the caliber of
training that you'll find with dogs that come out of group classes.
They're substandard compared to dogs and owners that have worked
just a few sessions with a competent dog trainer.
To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click
below):
Secrets
of a Professional Dog Trainer!
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