Do you have some dog training tips?...?

Question

He bites way too much. Are labs supposed to be honest,
or are they supposed to be biting, scratching, and non
kennel-going-into dogs?

Answer 1

With dogs the key to training them anything is consistency.

First, make sure that you're not hurting him by doing something and he's not biting/scratching defensively.

As long as that's not the issue, here's how you handle the biting problem:
as soon as the dogs teeth touch your skin, even if he didn't even bite down yet, stop whatever you're doing immediately. Grab him by the mouth (use two hands if you can't catch his head), close his mouth shut and keep it that way (just make sure that he doesn't bite down on his tongue). He will yank and squirm, trying to free himself. Do not let him go under any circumstances. He will then stop fighting, pet him gently, but keep the hold on the muzzle, after a few seconds of him not fighting, let him go and immediately switch his attention to something positive, like playing with a chew toy. If he goes for the nipping again, repeat this, hold his muzzle a little longer. He will learn very quickly and it's painless. It's all about drawing a clear, indisputable line for your dog. If he knows that you don't allow this behaviour and will enforce it immediately and every time, he'll stop and never try again. I've raised 4 dogs and helped my friends and family train theirs. As long as you are consistent and never ever allow the dog to break your rules, no matter what the circumstances are, he will love you and respect you as the leader of the pack and be a great companion.

As for scratching, if it's scratching you, you can handle it the same as biting. If it's scratching at the door to be let in, just do not enforce it and it will stop. For example, you need to put the dog outside for a little bit and he starts scratching like crazy at the door. Wait until he stops, even if just for a moment, and then let him in. Make sure that you don't come out to scold him, or acknowledge him in any way when he scratches and he will stop.

Also, you should get this book
http://www.amazon.com/good-owners-great-...

it's the best I've seen on training and understanding dogs. E-mail me if you have any questions, I'll be glad to help.

Answer 2

PetSmart stores have some basic training classes and one on one training classes that are very reasonable if finances are a factor. It sounds like you could use the help on being assertive with your dog. It sounds like your dog is the boss.
No judgement intended! This is common with dogs if a person tries to treat them like a little child being catered to. I knew a man whose big lab and chow mix would bite him and tug his pants when he was trying to get dressed and go to work. The dog was a terror with him and totally ruled and you could tell. The dog was soiling the carpets, chewing the couch, tearing up his leashes and was very demanding with his owner, or I should say: with the human that DOG owned.
With us, (we were the regular dog sitters) the dog behaved, went in the kennel when it was night time, never chewed things it shouldn't and was very well behaved. The owner would come to pick up the dog and immediately the dog reverted to the really bad behavior. I think he thought it was cute or something! It wasn't good for the dog at all.
So a trainer will help if you are willing to learn and want the behavior to change by changing how you handle your dog. Good luck and glad you want things to change because no one else around you will like a dog that is a holy terror!

Answer 3

Your dog will be how you raise it to be. With the idea here that you have a few different issues to tackle with your dog, you should really consider seeking out a good trainer in your area and get your dog into some classes.

I can't even begin to express how beneficial a good trainer will be for you and help you train your pet to have better manners all around.

Answer 4

Hi,

This worked wonders for my dogs and puppies if you're looking for "cheap puppy training" information.

All the best.
http://www.cheap-puppy-training.blogspot.com/