Dog experts? This question is for you.?

Question

Huuh. How do i say this.. i think i seriously messed my dog up. Okay. Heres how it goes:

-mandy had a guinea pig.
-guinea pig got scabies and all it's hair fell out.
-guinea pig died.
-date when that happened was near christmas.
-mandy got early christmas present b/c her parents felt sorry for her.
-present was puppy.
-mandy was 2 years younger than now and VERY hyper and played roughly like a litter-mate with dog.
- 2 years later, dog is too rough for small children, and older, more mature mandy is in a crisis with dog's crazy behavior.
-dog gets angry too easily, rarely listens to mandy, and is more hyper than a ditzy cheerleader that just drank a can of monster.
-finally...
-mandy NEEDs advice on wacko dog.

p.s. mandy says giving the dog up is NOT an option.

hey thanks people you all helped sooo much. i think i mightve exaggerated a bit. he is calm usually but when i open that sliding door that gos outside..the craziness emerges. he, Buster, is a mix between a border collie and chocolate lab, which explains a lot of the hyper-ness.^^

and..umm..libertyd..
i am NOT a dog.
i am Mandy. wait..was that an insult..?

Answer 1

This method of re-training may just be the answer for Mandy and her dog. It is THE most fun method, for master and dog, and no dog is too old to learn these lessons. read this site, and see if you can make the time and commitment to re-train the dog.> http://www.clickerlessons.com/
I know it is the answer you need, but all depends on your own dedication to teaching this way.
You can get the clicker at any pet supply shop for only about $4, and online for even less (ebay, they are $2.50 after shipping)

Mandy, check out these awesome videos> http://video.google.com/videosearch?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&q=canine%20freestyle&btnG=Google+Search&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv
All of those dogs are trained by this method!
Its not too late for you to have that kind of relationship to your own dog. Two of those trainers are 12 years old!

Answer 2

You never said what breed or size her dog is. Some dogs (like springer spaniels) are hyper till they're around 3 yrs old. But I agree with everyone else, this dog needs to have some obedience training. I wouldn't suggest Mandy does it. Mandy's already taught the dog that Mandy is a "littermate" not a pack leader. I'd have an adult teach the dog it's manners, then have the adult teach those same manners to Mandy, so Mandy knows what and how the dog was trained.

Answer 3

Oh, Mandy it's never too late. Find a local obedience training school that does not use clickers or treats, they would be too much of a distraction for your wacko dog. Sign up for basic obedience training and do it. Practice the exercises that you learn for a minimum of three session a day, 15 minutes per session and be faithful to the practice. Apply what you learn to doggy's everyday living.
Remember, after you have passed the training, don't just stop cold. Practice periodically to make certain that your baby doesn't regress.
Never give up your pet because you made a mistake, just correct the mistake.

Answer 4

Dear Mandy.
It is good that you don't consider giving the dog up. I am not a dog expert, but from the little experience I've got, i'll tell you this:
1. the problem CAN be solved, it isn't too late.
2. you need a professional trainer's advice, a dog behhaviourist or something
3. Be careful what professional you choose. He must be against all forms of violence (shock collars, choking collars, etc.) These will make things worse.
4. You need to establish your role with the dog as alpha, and not play mate. Also, when he has a behaviour you don't like, don't shout or show you are angry, they have fun pissing you off. Just show this behaviour is not rewarding, stop playing with him, ignore him, so that he understands that rough playing is stopping the fun of playing with you.
5. Last but not least, get him neutered if he is not already neutered.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Mandy needs to exercise wacko dog. Tired dogs are not so wacko.

Mandy needs to take dog to obedience class. Positive obedience class. Mandy needs to be the alpha..try Nothing in Life is Free

http://www.sspca.org/Dogs/TANSTAAFL.html

Mandy need to be very careful when socializing dog with kids. Like taking the dog for lots of walks in a park with lots of kids (but don't let the kids be too close to dog) and reward dog for calm behavior. Take dog out in public after it has some obedience and reward for calmness. Make sure kids are gentle, calm, and non-hyper.

Answer 6

Mandy then needs to realize she has to reestablish her dominance..I wouldnt suggest getting rid of the dog unless it became people aggressive.. the dog's behavior is centered the th pup lacked the obediance needed...several factors to be examined....

Hyper can be cured by correction..My favorite thing to suggest is a water bottle... 1/4 vinegar 3/4 water when the dog starts with Hyper behavior a simpl spritz and a "no" you may also want to consider the option of crating...dont use crating as a correction use it as alternative... dog wants to be hyper dog can go into crate like a time out with a child....it also teaches the dog he has his own "Room" to go to.. it gives him an "Out" Animal behavior can be complicated dogs rely on pack system of organization what it sounds like is your pup has forgotten and thinks he is the Alpha again, My suggestion is to begin training him again basic obediance.. even if he knows it..it will reestablish your place "Above him" sit stay heel ect...15-30 min a day, take him for walks you should begin to note a change in behavior

Answer 7

Mandy needs to do some serious obedience worth with the dog, starting over with everything, and socialization is at the top of the list, especially with kids. Many also needs to assume a leadership role, one who is respected and deserves to be listened to. Mandy has a whole lot of work ahead of her! :)

Answer 8

You just need to retrain your dog! Get a squirt bottle with water... and a penny can. DO NOT LET THE DOG SEE YOU THROW THE PENNY CAN... when he is being naughty, or aggressive... squirt him in the back of the head with the water bottle.... and if he is being aggressive, throw down the penny can.. Both WILL get your dogs attention!

NOW.. .when he is doing something good.. make sure you reward him! In a high pitched, happy voice, say Yes!! Good boy,

It works! I have retrained a dog doing that! Just take your time! It may take a little longer, but it will happen!

Good luck!

Answer 9

Both dogs probably could benefit with some new house rules and consistent training.

You can help and keep this new dog, but you will need to adapt some major new changes.

Are they spayed and neutered? If not, get them done and this will help.

As far as to rough with children, etc...this is a socializion issue. It can be worked with, as with most everything, but anything you do will take time, consistency and patience.

What breed is the newer dog? How much exercise do the dogs get?

Answer 10

This dog needs training. Get him and Mandy enrolled in an obedience class and stick to it! An untrained, beligerant dog is miserable to live with, unhappy, and dangerous. A well-trained dog is a joy to own.