Really need help training my siberian husky/ german shepard dog really soon?

Question

Yeah I have a puppy that i got almost a year ago - hes half siberian half german shepard - looks like a siberian barks like a german ---- he's just over a year old right now and we never really took the time to train him, partially because we don't really know how to. Well my mom's gotten fed up with him because he randomly runs down the block when we let him out to go to the bathroom, he's always jumping on the couch and bothering my mom, and pretty much won't listen unless you have a treat in your hand. well she's planning on getting rid of him in like a week and unless i can find a good way to train this dog on my own, im screwed. if you need more info email me

Well as it turns out, my mom came to her senses and is giving us a month to improve his behavior.

We would take him to classes but we're extremely low on money right now and really can't afford to spend money. I'm barely gonna be getting anything for christmas as it is.

That Culture Clash thing seems to be a good idea though

Answer 1

Here is a link to an e-book provided free by a pretty good dog trainer, Jess Rollins. You might want to read it for tips on basic obedience:

http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-training-free-ebook.htm

Other than that: do not let him out on his own. Huskies are great escape artists and will run if you give them the chance. Leash him when you go for walks and when you let him out to use the bathroom.

Sibes are notorious for their independent minds, so the fact that he runs off and doesn't listen easily isn't really that surprising.

Read the book I attached - it's quite a lot to read, but it's quite helpful. If you can, borrow books from the library on dog psychology and dog training - it will help you understand how to train your dog and what goes on in your dog's head when you do. Another thing I would recommend is practising NILIF - Nothing In Life Is Free. It's a training program that helps introduce a strong element of respect in your relationship with your dog, without having too great an emphasis on dominance or intimidation. Read for more information:

http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm

Good luck! It will be an uphill battle since by allowing these behaviours for the last year, you have basically taught him to do them...but it is achievable. I really don't think it will happen in a month, but if you are consistent enough, you will probably see at least some improvement within that time, and maybe that will be enough to convince your mother. Sibes and GSDs are both supremely intelligent dogs, so not all is lost.

Remember, the key is to be consistent! Don't let him jump on the couch one day and then scold him for it the next. That means your mom needs to help with the training too, because you can't be watching the dog 24/7 and if he jumps on the couch when you're not around, your mom needs to reprimand him. If he gets to do it when you're not around, but gets scolded when you're watching, that will just confuse him and he won't learn anything. Be consistent.

Answer 2

Well, she's had almost a year to practice all these bad behaviors. You're not going to be able to fix them in a week. It's going to take time. Add to that the fact that most of the behavioral problems you are describing are PERFECTLY NORMAL dog behaviors. This doesn't mean they are socially acceptable to humans, but they are normal, natural, and perfectly acceptable for dogs. You need to teach him what is acceptable in your house and what is not.

Don't let him off leash outside. EVER. Don't give him the opportunity to run off down the block. Siberian huskies were born to run...they take off and don't come back. Obviously your dog has taken after the sibe in more ways than mere looks.

Check out the book Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson. It will give you a good idea of what's going on in your dog's mind and why certain training methods work better than others. There are LOTS of basic training books out there. For the miracle you are hoping to accomplish they should all be equally useless, but they may come in handy for the next dog. Your best option would be to sign up for a group class and get the help of an experienced instructor to show you how to train your dog. But it sounds like your mom has already decided to get rid of the dog and group classes aren't an option.

Answer 3

I think that 5 dogs for one person is a lot. We have 3 people and 7 dogs (3 are mine personally, 2 my mom's and 2 my brother's). We are in the agility world, so we don't have a lot of dogs to them, but the general public thinks we have a ton :) It does sound like you have the room and have done the research, but my question is how do you plan to exercise and mentally stimulate each of your dogs on your own? We train each of our own dogs and it's hard for me to get the 3 and give them each of enough mental stimulation. We all have Jack Russells and Border Collies and they have to have their jobs :) Or else they drive us nuts! It sometimes takes more than just running around. So just something for you to consider. If I were you, I would probably look into another Golden or a Shepherd. I personally don't like the Huskys because of the Northern breed tendency to be hard headed. Goldens and Shepherds want to please their people and are very loyal. So there is my opinion and good luck in your dog search!

Answer 4

Tell your mom that you really love your dog and you want to do what's best for him. Tell her you want to take him to an obedience class and that YOU will take him to class and learn how to train him. Then look online for an obedience trainer near you. Most classes only cost about $100-$120 and they go for about 6/7 wks

Answer 5

get a book on how to train them

you can find them in wal*mart and they cost like only 5 bucks

i have the same type of dog lol and she was a porbalem too shes really hyper

Answer 6

Puppies for Dummies is good. Only problem you wont change the behaviors in a week.

Answer 7

start by getting him to sit, stay, lie down, and come by command. those are what he needs now, and teach the rest later. It's best to start training dogs when they are a puppy.

Answer 8

get a book, theyre written by proffesionals who know their stuff.