My dog is driving me nuts.....?

Question

Ok so when I moved in with my bf I had mentioned that I wanted to get a dog. He wanted to get me a dog. We believed adopting one was the best bet because these animals need a second chance.

I was thinking small friendly you know like a girl kinda dog. One that me and my daughter could walk to the park and play with.

He fell in love with the dog we now have he is a Rotti/Lab cross and absolutely gorgeous. We got him last december and he was seven months old. Hyper and out of control. He is always in my face he doesn't realize his own strength. I can't take my daughter for a walk with him cause he is too strong. He comes to my hip and i am 5'5 and he out weighs me by 15 pounds and pure muscle

I do feel safe having him hear when my bf isn't home. But what can I do to calm him down a little bit any advice

he doesn't have the attention span for training at petsmart yet LOL we have thought about it you get him near any other dog or person he wants to play

we take him for walks all the time and once a week he goes for a super long run in the field behind our house.

He is a good dog and I do love him I would be lost without him

are gentle leaders safe does anyone recommend them

Answer 1

Obedience training. Call your local humane society & ask for referrals. Not all obedience classes are good. You need to find a trainer who will help you train the dog and will also train you to be in control. Your dog is still a puppy - that can sometimes last up to 3 years.

My out of control mutt can be calmed down using a gentle leader, which puts a mild pressure on his muzzle. If your dog is a strong alpha dog, you will have problems. You need to be very firm with him, all the time. Sort of like having a terrible two year old kid. Your dog will test you every second of every day. If you think you are not up to the challenge, please give him up to the humane society and consider adopting a less dominent animal. A dog you cannot control is a danger and a hazard to you, to your daughter and to the world at large.

Answer 2

The walk is very important in controlling your dog. Also, a good daily walk will help him expend some of that extra energy and he should calm down quite a bit with frequent walks. If you can master the walk then you will earn trust and respect from the dog as well.

When walking with him make sure he is behind you or next to you at all times. Remember, you are walking the dog, he isn't walking you. Next, every time the dog walks in front of you and pulls on the leash correct him with a quick and short pull of the leash and a "No." Remember don't become angry with the dog or he will just become more excited. Stay calm, yet still assertive and powerful. You could also try a choke or prong collar.

With a powerful dog like that you want to have good control over him so he doesnt hurt you or anyone else. Good luck.

Answer 3

You should take him to some obedience classes. You are the one who would benefit the most from the dog being more easily controlled. This is important for both you and your daughter. Check with your vet and see if he/she can suggest any local classes you can attend. There are also training books available in pet stores and book stores. You probably need some personal guidance from a trainer in order to feel more in control of the dog and non-concerned when your boyfriend is not around. Good luck and have a good night!!

Answer 4

Labs have a lot of energy. Your dog probably isn't getting the amount of exercise he needs. Take him on long walks and runs. Play with him in the back yard.

When it comes to walking, I find that a prong collar works best. It looks mean and I myself said i would never put one on my dogs. But having Rottweilers and me only weighing 110 pounds, its mind over matter. The pinch collar just pinches the loose skin and is better than the choke chain since the dog isn't choking.

Take him to obediance training. This will help TREMENDOUSLY!!!!!!!!!! Talk to the traininer about a prong collar or halti.... see what they suggest.
Good luck

Answer 5

a few things - he's fixed right?
try bringing him to a dog park. he may get along with other dogs and that will greatly wear him out. You can also try getting him a companion, preferably an older dog so that the older one can teach him how to behave.
Don't go to petsmart for training! They don't do ANYTHING! Try going to a private trainor, one that can handle your dog, one that has experience. Your dog is the reason why there ARE dog trainers! It can help greatly as well.
also, good for you for adopting!!!

Answer 6

First, he is still a pup, basically. He needs to know that you are the boss, not him. Also, a good training class might help. Places like Petsmart have them for around 100 dollars. It may sound expensive, but if you will gain control of him, it would be worth the money.

Answer 7

a rott/lab is going to be hyper. That is the lab in him. Is he neutered, that might help some but not complely. Get him in some obedience classes and work hard on what you are taught. Get a gentle leader harness that goes around the muzzle(THEY ARE NOT CRUEL) and controls that dog when he/she tries to jump

Answer 8

he is in the stage where he is about to calm down. that is just the lab in him. fixing your dog will help to calm but really, this is only something time will fix as your dog matures. When walking him, try a choke collar. this will make him want to not pull away but really, it is the best bet in leash breaking your dog.

Answer 9

Dogs are usually eager to learn, and the key to success is good communication. Your dog needs to understand how you’d like her to behave and why it’s in her best interest to comply with your wishes.
https://tr.im/cLLPw

Answer 10

take him 2 petsmart or 1 of those places that train them if u can't...never tried that but I think we should've w/ my dog instead of taking her 2 an animal shelter...sigh I miss her:'(