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06-26-2006, 02:36 AM | #1 |
Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: .
Posts: 493
| Training Questions and "The Dog Listener" I have started to read "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell. It seems logical, but I am wondering how it works with Yorkies on a practical level. Has anyone tried the methods discussed in this book? How did it go? Or, has anyone read another training book that worked very well? Mia is starting to get vocal and stubborn, so I want to start on a proper (and consistent) training method before her behavior becomes her personality. Oh, and if you went to puppy training classes, when did you start? I have read that it is good to start before 14 weeks... because the hormones kick in after that??? Well, anyhow, the vet did not want Mia to attend classes because of health concerns (she is 11 weeks today, and doesn't have all her shots yet), but if its really worth it I will schedule private lessons at home. Please let me know of your training experience. Thanks.
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06-26-2006, 12:05 PM | #2 |
Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,728
| I am going to bump this up as I only deal with dogs that are at least 8 months old in hopes of someone who can help you with a puppy. I will tell you I am not a big believer of Ceasar Millan for Yorkies. I have his DVD and his book and there really is some great things in his approach but not always with a Yorkie. I think the best approach is the Clicker positive training approach for these little ones. This breed is very intelligent but they can be stubborn (terrier) and to have a good relationship with them it has to be done on their terms. P.S. I must have over 20 some books on dogs/animals on behavior more than training and I take a little bit out of each book. Good Luck.
__________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products! |
06-29-2006, 08:30 AM | #3 |
Love my handsome boys Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Windham, NH
Posts: 1,821
| I started puppy classes with Jaxon around 5 months. I wanted to ensure he was getting socialized with other dogs and other people. He was very nervous at first but over time he improved. We also did a basic obedience class around 6 1/2 months, and now we're taking agility (just turned 9 months). For me, it's mainly a social thing for him. If he learns a few things along the way, that's a bonus too.
__________________ Andrea , Jaxon & Andrew |
07-01-2006, 12:24 PM | #4 |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London
Posts: 1,739
| Hi LolaBella, First, as far as puppy classes, I am a big advocate of them. My opinion is that as soon as your pup is fully vaccinated - GO! Until her shots have kicked in, though, I wouldn't worry about it. One of the biggest advantages of attending classes is the socialization and your little girl won't get that with private lessons. "The Dog Listener" - yes, I've read it. She's different than Cesar Milan ("The Dog Whisperer"), but alot of what she says is the same. She's a big believer in asserting your higher social rank. I don't really believe that's necessary nor do I believe that she can solve all problems as easily as she'd like us to believe. I also don't believe that dogs lay awake at night planning how to usurp our authority. I don't think that rank is as important to them as we humans like to think. Most of the researchers who first proposed the theory have since changed their minds, saying that wolf behavior in the wild cannot predict the behavior of domesticated dogs. That said, though, most of what she suggests is fairly benign. If you want to try it, I don't think any harm will be done. What I personally believe in, heart and soul, is rewarding the behavior that you want (behavior that is reinforced will increase in frequency) and finding alternate, incompatible behaviors to replace undesirable behavior. I believe in positive training. One way of achieving this is through the use of a clicker. Here is an absolutely wonderful website that can tell you more: http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/index.htm
__________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training! |
07-07-2006, 02:59 PM | #5 |
YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA
Posts: 2,992
| Caesar Milan's way of working with dogs had worked well with my dogs. But - with a few exceptions - I think that some of the behavioral problems he works with with bigger dogs are more serious than they might be with our very small dogs. And - as much as he stresses exercise - we can exercise our small dogs more easily than a person with a 150 pound retrevier can (we lucked out there!) However, little dogs are often much more spoiled than most larger dogs are - and they certainly can learn to run the household and rule the roost. And, we sometimes forget that their bites can be very painful and that they can inflict a lot of damage - especially to a small child. So, we still may have a lot of training to do. I'm sure that a lot of what each of us needs to do with our dogs (as far as training goes) depends on our individual dog's temperments. Both of my dogs are about as laid back and submissive as a dog can be (a Bichon and a Yorkie). They definitely don't think they are in charge and never have. I heard my Bichon growl for the first time in his life when he was four years old, and my Yorkie is the same way. They are both shy and submissive - but extremely friendly, playful, and affectionate little guys who love everyone. I think we should gently start training our pups as soon as we get them. From the beginning, puppies do things they shouldn't and need to be corrected... even if it only means telling them "no" and getting them busy doing something else. It doesn't make sense to let them behave as they want until they reach a certain age and then start training them to do things differently. Personally, I like Caesar - and many other trainers as well. I use my common sense and do whatever things work best for us. Good luck - Carol Jean |
07-07-2006, 08:57 PM | #6 |
Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama
Posts: 17,674
| I agree with what Carol Jean says about Cesar. I read his book and loved it. Everything he talks about isn't relevant to me or my Yorkies, but that is the case with any trainer. The earlier you start training the better. New born puppies are like a clean dry sponge soaking up everything. Training sessions for young pups should be short and fun for both of you. Believe in yourself -- be confident that YOU are the BEST trainer for YOUR dog. Learn to fine tune your training -- when to push and when to back off and when to call it a day. If you can afford to hire a personal trainer to come to your home to help you with Mia, then go for it. If you will be diligent in your daily training homework, then it will be money well spent. |
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