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Old 05-05-2009, 07:53 AM   #1
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Default Need all kinds of help (training tips)

Hey everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me. I have 6 dogs, yes 6 and they're getting out of control. My oldest is 14 and she is fine, really doesn't give me any problem. But the other 5 are driving me bonkers. Two of them are 3 years old and the 3 puppies are turning one in June.

I thought I had a handle on the potty training but all of a sudden in the last couple weeks they have gone back to peeing and pooping in the house. And its not from lack of taking them out. They go out for 15, 20 minutes every 2-3 hours, I bring them in thinking that should have been enough time and within 5 minutes I have a whole mess waiting for me in the hallway and kitchen (at least they're kind enough to not mess on the carpets). They bark at the slightest sound; when people walk in, noises outside, people walking on the street. Well, thats not fair...two of them bark and then the others join in. When I have the "quiet" ones outside alone they are fine. It seems the leader of each age pack influences the others. Its just gotten to the point where I feel like the dogs are running the house and not us. I leave them in areas where I feel they can't get into too much trouble but there are times I have to leave for maybe 20-30 minutes so I leave with access to other areas and I find something destroyed. If I have to leave them in the kitchen and hallway when I am not home that is fine but they can sometimes be destructive when I am there too.

It seems their behavior comes and goes in spurts. They're all good for 1 week and then its 2 bad weeks. People come over and they have to stay in the room because it is constant barking at people who do not live in the house. PLEASE HELP!! I'm one of those people who loves their dogs way too much and this is what happens but I need to put an end to it. My sister even saw some commercial that trains dogs ASAP, that is how desperate I am but I don't know if I buy into it.
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Old 05-05-2009, 08:07 AM   #2
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Hi! Wow 6! OK...

First, are you taking them out or letting them out? My two are 3&4 and house trained but I still go outside with them and make sure they go before they come back in. Otherwise they play in the grass and forget to go and are asking to go out again 5 minutes later In your case it would prevent accidents. I would take them out every hour, make SURE they go (it should not take 15 minutes! 5max, mine are outside about 2 minutes unless they need to poop and are trying to find a spot)

As far as damage and mischief, you need to contain them unless they can behave. You could also walk them a few times a day (I know, it's hard with 6) so they are more tired and sleep rather than chew things. It sounds like you have a fenced yard to go outside with them and throw a ball and just let them get the crazies out

Then you need to work with them individually. Some will be easier to train than others, but I find even having one out of two trained (Loki) is OK because Sammy just does what Loki does. She seems to have better things to do than learn commands so she just follows her brother - if I tell him to stay on the rug she will go copy him to make sure she gets a treat. Maybe train the leader?? Training is great. I just set my cereal bowl on the floor to sit here and answer your post and Loki came over sniffed it, I said "leave it" and he layed down near it and stared at it but he did NOT touch I love "leave it" He just wandered away because he knew he wasn't getting any! LOL Maybe take the leader to a training class? Real training takes time, working every day with commands and reinforcement. Instant training is either a scam or they are going to use devices like choke or shock collars.

Does that helps at all? I hope so. Good luck.
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Old 05-05-2009, 08:13 AM   #3
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Oh I forgot to say - the reason you go out with them is so you can give them a treat for pottying right there. Otherwise there is no incentive for them Plus, if you give the treat when they run back to the door they think it's for coming to the door, not for pottying outside. I believe the reason my dogs are completely housetrained while many Yorkies are not is because we do not have a fence so my dogs go out on leashes (Flexi's) and I either go outside with them or stand in the door and encourage them and praise them when I see them go. If I just let them out to play in a yard they would totally just chase birds and squirrels I mean, now they are trained and know why they are going outside, but when they were puppies they had no idea. I had to teach them why we were out there!
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Old 05-05-2009, 08:37 AM   #4
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In all honestly, I was taking them out for a while but then once I saw they were doing their business outside I just let them out and brought them after 15 minutes. When I was taking them I brought treats with me and didn't acknowledge them until they went and then they would get a treat. Now they get treats when they come back in and I can see where that might be hurting me. I will have to go back to walking outside with them and also playing with them.

You know, I think I got spoiled with my oldest because she never gave me this kind of trouble. She trained well all the way around. And maybe the mistake I am making is treating them all the same. So you would suggest I train Luna (3 year old) and Mia (puppy) because they are the leaders? How do I get them to quiet down? How do I introduce them to people and not have them bark or nip? Does walking more help? And when they walk and bark, what should I do? I'm sorry for all the questions but I am at my wit's end! LOL
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Old 05-06-2009, 07:59 AM   #5
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You received great advice above there! ^

I think you definitely need to work with the trouble makers of the bunch first and foremost. Because they're the ones started all the ruckus it sounds like. If you can't walk all 6 at once (understandable!) then you really need to dedicate a walk (at least 15 mins) for each of them, or maybe two at a time. Walking is way different than just running around in the backyard. Too many owners think dogs don't need a walk because they have a fenced in yard but that's not true. The walk is part of what makes them a pack, and if they are following you like they are supposed to be, it drains a lot of energy out of them! Walks are really great! Definitely sounds like you need to become in charge! Do NOT let them rule you!! Start with simple things... make them sit before receiving their food, YOU walk out the door before them, you walk in front of them on walks, etc. Let them know who is boss. I definitely think you should have thought about owning six dogs a little more! It's hard enough with 1 or 2! But if you got 6 little dogs trying to dominant you... it makes it more difficult.
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Old 05-06-2009, 08:07 AM   #6
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So you would suggest I train Luna (3 year old) and Mia (puppy) because they are the leaders? Yes, I would, definitely! Are they the instigators? I would work on them first.

How do I get them to quiet down? Pennies in a can has always worked for me. I learned about it on this site. Get a soda can or something of the like and whenever they bark, shake it loudly and say "NO" or "quiet!" They do not like the sound. Eventually, you should just be able to say "quiet!" without the can. Spray bottles can work well too, just a little squirt in the face. They usually don't like that.

How do I introduce them to people and not have them bark or nip?
Have guests/friends/etc give them a treat. Let your dogs know these people mean no harm. They are probably barking and nipping because they think they are protecting you. YOU need to protect them.

Does walking more help? YES! Dogs thrive on a good walk. Gives them new environment, new smells and sights.. gets them some interaction. And it majorly tires them out equaling less barking.

And when they walk and bark, what should I do? Either shake the can, Like I said. Or when you're out on a walk, if you don't wanna look like a fool shaking a can, LOL.. just turn the other direction. Let them know you are NOT going to allow them to move forward until they are quiet. Out of sight, out of mind type of thing. The minute they bark, a quick tug on the leash and turn in the other direction until they stop barking.

It will take ALOT of time, consistancy and patience with six of the little rascals! I think owning a lot of dogs is great. But you've really got to consider the responsibilties that come along with owning six dogs. If you can't devote a walk to all of them every day... I would say re-homing one or two should be considered a possibilty. It's not fair to the dogs. From the way you describe it, they are NOT happy. That constant barking, nipping, etc means they are very stressed out dogs and very concerned with trying to be the leader and protector. Take that weight off of their shoulders and they will be much happier!
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Old 05-06-2009, 10:32 AM   #7
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Britster - I totally agree with you except one thing. When walking, the dog's don't literally need to follow. LOL I know this is something that Cesar says and I have no idea why, because it's not true. Being the "leader" means giving them permission. You can teach this using verbal commands, like making them lay down while pouring their kibble and then giving a release word like "OK!" to release them to eat. Teaching things like wait, leave it, off, etc. teaches them you are in command Often people interpret this to mean that you should do things such as walk through doors first, but dogs have no idea what that means. If they know they must have your permission to walk through the door, they know you are in charge.

As far as walking, I agree they should be walked 1 or 2 at a time. Mine do more sniffing and peeing than actual walking, but they come home exhausted even though it wasn't so much exercise as mental stimulation. You can also do puzzle toys (like Kongs, Busy Buddy) for mental stimulation, just be sure to separate them so they don't fight. When walking, work on the command "watch me" which is basically them giving you eye contact. Mine also know "walk" as in stop sniffing and walk! We never did "heel" as Loki prefers to walk out front. Sammy just follows him as best she can, she has short legs! Loki walks on a loose lead, but if both of my dogs walked by my side we would trip over each other When I say watch me, he looks at me - keeping his attention from a passing dog or keeping his distance from me in check.

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Old 05-06-2009, 01:03 PM   #8
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I understand your frusteration, we have 4 dogs in our household and sometimes its very overwelming. Keeping them exercised makes a huge difference.

I think you need to reestablish yourself as the Alpha of your household, you need to become the leader that influences their actions. Training and consistency is important.
For example when the dogs come inside they ALL wait at the door until the command is given. Everyone in our house makes sure this rule is followed.

As others suggested I would start with basic one on one training. Make sure to get everyone in the household involved so they get the respect of your pack.

There are lots of things you can do to help gain alpha status, and while it might not seem like much, it all makes a difference.

- Cut back the amount of attention the "leaders" get. Alpha dogs are used to being fussed over, you may notice the other dogs licking and touching the leaders. This is a sign of submission. So for now, cut back on their attention, if they pester you for cuddling, don't give in.

- Stand tall and be confident. Use a strong, firm voice.

- No more free rides. No sit? No reward.

- Do you let your dogs in the bed? On the furniture? Until their behavior improves I would deny them both.

- Walk through the door first.

Remember be consistent so they learn what is expected of them. There are tons of articles on the web about being the alpha and becoming the pack leader.
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Old 05-08-2009, 10:38 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erin View Post
Britster - I totally agree with you except one thing. When walking, the dog's don't literally need to follow. LOL I know this is something that Cesar says and I have no idea why, because it's not true. Being the "leader" means giving them permission. You can teach this using verbal commands, like making them lay down while pouring their kibble and then giving a release word like "OK!" to release them to eat. Teaching things like wait, leave it, off, etc. teaches them you are in command Often people interpret this to mean that you should do things such as walk through doors first, but dogs have no idea what that means. If they know they must have your permission to walk through the door, they know you are in charge.

As far as walking, I agree they should be walked 1 or 2 at a time. Mine do more sniffing and peeing than actual walking, but they come home exhausted even though it wasn't so much exercise as mental stimulation. You can also do puzzle toys (like Kongs, Busy Buddy) for mental stimulation, just be sure to separate them so they don't fight. When walking, work on the command "watch me" which is basically them giving you eye contact. Mine also know "walk" as in stop sniffing and walk! We never did "heel" as Loki prefers to walk out front. Sammy just follows him as best she can, she has short legs! Loki walks on a loose lead, but if both of my dogs walked by my side we would trip over each other When I say watch me, he looks at me - keeping his attention from a passing dog or keeping his distance from me in check.

You really need a good book. Let me look through my bookshelf and I'll give you some recommendations for multiple dog households
I totally agree with you! I guess I should have explained myself more about the walking out the door first, etc... I completely agree that they need permission, etc.

As for the walking behind, I don't think they necessarily need to be walking behind you at all times but at least beside you or not too far ahead. I think it definitely makes you look more in control when your dog is walking beside you or only a tiny bit ahead. I guess the main concern is to make sure they're not PULLING you.
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Old 05-08-2009, 10:42 AM   #10
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I totally agree with you! I guess I should have explained myself more about the walking out the door first, etc... I completely agree that they need permission, etc.

As for the walking behind, I don't think they necessarily need to be walking behind you at all times but at least beside you or not too far ahead. I think it definitely makes you look more in control when your dog is walking beside you or only a tiny bit ahead. I guess the main concern is to make sure they're not PULLING you.
Yeah I think the key is boundaries. Loki walks ahead of me but he doesn't pull. I figured out a long time ago that when he does pull, he's not pulling to be defiant, he just likes to keep a faster pace for the first half of the walk. If I pick it up a little (I need the exercise anyway) he walks perfectly. He runs out of steams quickly and lags behind the whole way home anyway
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