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Originally Posted by hasrv4fun Why doesn't this work both ways ? Both those that want to hear about him and his training program and those that don't should receive the same respect. |
I agree....not everyone agrees about the techniques used by every trainer and some things work for some and not for others so if these threads are to teach ALL members not just those who don't like a certain trainer then I think it is only fair to allow ALL training methods which might help someone be discussed in a civil and respectful manner.
I have several trainers, my dogs are service dogs, and I have been obedience training my own dogs since 1972. I have never had a "red zone" dog before so I am unfamiliar with that level of training. I am pleased that the forum finally has an active training section as I feel training is so important for the well being and safety of the dog. I would like to participate and would hate to feel like I have to be careful what trainer I quote for fear that he or she may not be one that some of you agree with.
Let's keep this friendly.
Yorkie Mum and I have a mutual respect and have communicated privately. I don't think she has a problem with my post and I think it is fair to ask everyone to watch the show before you judge it. If you decide from your own personal experience that you do not care for it, then you can say why what you saw bothered you and why it wasn't "positive" as you define that word.
There are a lot of people who are just getting "turned on" to training their dog BECAUSE of the popularity of the show and even those who may not agree with all of his techniques would have to agree that is a GOOD THING. Back on topic now.......
Here is some interesting advice on handling food aggression:
Here are some suggestions for coping with food-guarders, compliments of Fisher and behaviorist/author Jean Donaldson (Dogs Are From Neptune):
* Practice being close to the dog during feeding time by hand-feeding. Encourage the dog to take the food without grabbing or nipping-say "gentle." (This is a good technique to practice even if the dog has not exhibited food aggression.)
* Feed twice vs. once daily (the same daily amount fed over two meals).
* Change the food bowl as well as its location to a place free of stimuli that might trigger mistrust.
* If you have two or more dogs, feed them in separate areas, or even in their crates.
* Buy two similar feeding dishes. Place one bowl on the floor and put the food in the other. When he dives into the empty bowl, put a couple of spoonfuls into the floor bowl, adding food in small quantities, until the dog finishes the food, then take the bowl away.
* This slows down a gulper and also establishes you as controller of the food.
A behavior modification plan:
* Start with a low-intensity version of the bite-triggering scenario. Stand at a distance from the dog and the food. Then as the dog appears comfortable with you at a certain distance, gradually decrease the distance.
* Use a less desirable food item.
* Vary the setting and stimuli. Try a new food, new dish, different room and different time of day for feeding.
* Decrease the distance and increase the desirability of the food item very, very gradually.
* Never smack a dog in response to a food guarding response; this tends to teach him to dislike your hand and often will toughen a dog's resolve to protect his food. However, you do need to nip this behavior in the bud. Once the dog learns that aggression allows him to "win" the food, he may try this tactic with resources and possessions other than food.
An effective strategy is to establish yourself and other people in the home as the controller of all resources.
* Call your dog to you, and immediately reward his arrival with a small food treat and say "take it" at that moment. This will reestablish a conditioned response.
* If the dog tries to snap the treat from your fingers, command "GENTLE!" and withhold it until the dog takes it politely. Then praise "good dog." Repeat this several times.
* Next, delay giving the treat for a few seconds. If the dog jumps for the treat, close your hand and say "OFF." Ignore the dog until he calms down. As explained on
http://canines.com, the dog will learn that the owner controls the treats.
Hope this helped someone out there.