We have a 100 lb lab. He's so cute and full of personality. Here's the problem... Even though he went to 2 months of training (we call it boot camp) he refuses to obey. He loves to tip toe around the house and open closed doors on his own, take food off the stove /counter that i'm in the middle of preparing, drag us on our walks - get the picture? We tried very hard to enforce everything they said he learned but we found out later they used a shock collar (never occured to us to ask and they never mentioned it or he wouldn't have gone to that school) so... since we won't use one on him he gets away w/ murder- or would if he could figure out how. Commands,treats, choke chains etc... nothing seems to work. He is taller than i am when he stands on back feet and almost weighs as much too. I am tired of him calling the shots and would like my own bed back. He's now telling me to get off the computer because it's time for him to take me for a walk!! Will getting him neutered help? what else?
2007-09-21 17:57:10 · 5 answers · asked by sea7witch 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You really need to get him back into classes. Check with your vet, he/she will recommend someone for you.
and get stearn with him... strong voice to tell him who is boss (just don't yell), be persistant, in the mean time.
PLEASE do not use a shock collar,,,,and tell everyone not to go where you went...
Best of Luck to you and Jefferson....
2007-09-21 18:16:26 · answer #1 · answered by Doberman Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, getting him neutered would probably help. But mostly you're going to have to do dominance training with him. It's not necessary to use a shock collar or hurt him to show him you're the boss. It's all about him understanding you are in charge. It works best if you take him to obedience classes so you are there, too, instead of sending him somewhere on his own. Then he just learns to obey the school people, but not you. Check out Caesar Milan's website, which has a lot of good info on how to train your dog and calm him down. It involves making sure your dog is well exercised, then asserting you are in charge with your tone of voice, posture, etc. It will be hard at first- your dog will fight to keep his place in the pack.
For the pulling on his walks, try getting a Halti headcollar. It's totally humane, and discourages him from pulling or launching off.
2007-09-21 18:34:21 · answer #2 · answered by Bambi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, get him neutered. Also, he is not cute. (If you think of him that way, he is going to pick up on that and sass you for sure.) Also, he is BORED. What will work is if everyone first decides that Jefferson is now going to be 'dethroned'---and a new kingdom will appear where Jefferson becomes the lowliest serf and you become the reigning monarch. If you want your bed back, stand tall, shoulders back, point at him and say OFF--keep eye contact with him, do NOT change your stance, hold steady (dont you dare smile at him) and wait. If you do this right, he WILL get off your bed and will probably thank you with a look that says, "Jeez, it's about time somebody took the lead here....I really dont want to be leader, too much pressure for an easy livin guy like me....".
You have to earn the dog's respect FIRST. If a dog doesn't respect you, he will never listen to you. (And respect is NOT earned by shock collars--my opinion only, sorry) P.S Don't forget his breed--Chessie and Lab mean double-dose of retriever!
2007-09-21 18:24:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,definitely get him neutered;it will help with his dominance issues,which is what he is displaying,by challenging you and refusing to listen.Also,get him a crate.When you are busy ,or preparing meals,simply put him in the crate with a Kong toy,stuffed with treats.If he whines,shake a pop can with 15 pennies in it,and say "NO!" Plus,you need to make sure that he gets 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a day,running,fetching,swimming,long walks,etc.Another obedience class - with YOU in attendance,should help as well.Remember,he is still a puppy;Labs and Chessies act like puppies for three years,so you have to find things to keep him busy and get him tired.A tired dog is a happy,calm dog.Oh,and let him sleep in the crate at night,too,or in another room,to keep him off the bed.
2007-09-21 19:49:03 · answer #4 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you watch the dog trainer on tv you will see its alot of you being trained on how to do this also. yes they can go to training but you also have to be accertive and do things also and this animal should be in small cage while you are gone if in the house. they tend to get into trouble and mess around. its just nosey and they are fine just little taching will help dog whisperer you check him out and see what hes talking about.
2007-09-25 16:14:30 · answer #5 · answered by Tsunami 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋