Thursday, October 4, 2007
A really cool video of Bullmastiff Tricks!
Check out Jack. You absolutely have to see this dog. Amazing training...
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Importance of Good Puppy Training
I have to say that I do enjoy having house guests.However, don't mistake a house guest as someone who cares about your furniture or as a responsible puppy sitter!
The story goes back over 2 years now. We had a fellow over visiting for a few weeks. One day he was asked if he could watch the pup (who was about 4 months old and 50 lbs at the time). Long story short - he didn't. She ate my couch!
It was a matter of minutes and the damage was signifigant. Not a big deal if it's an old rickety couch but this was my NEW leather couch. Ouch!
Check it out...
Check out a great way to train you dog and SAVE YOUR COUCH!
UPDATE: In hindsight I suppose I shouldn't have left a puppy in the care of a guy who wasn't paying much attention. Needless to say I still have the old couch which is now covered with a bit of black tape :(
My Bullmastiff has come a long way though. Since this incident nothing has been destroyed. Namely because we called in Barkbusters. They are a global dog training company and they literally changed my dogs behaviour in one session. It was amazing to see the results. Basically the principle is simple. Be the pack leader. Use proper voice enunciation and tone and be consistent ALWAYS.
The going rate is about 500 dollars CDN for the lifetime of your dog. This may seem steep but when compared to the cost of the furniture, liability of dog bites and just the stress of having a crazy wild dog - it's well worth it. If you can't or don't want to spend that amount check out this guide which is very reasonable comparatively and offers the same training that you can do on your own.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Ultimate House Training Guide
This book is results guaranteed or your money back. You'll also get a consultation. Definitely the best deal I've seen online.
Bullmastiff vs. German Sheppherd
It was probably a month ago now. I was sitting on my almost totally enclosed wraparound white picket porch. It was sunny and breezy and a perfect day to be reading and enjoying the sun. It seems that it was a perfect day to be walking your dog as well.
I had Payton, my 145-pound Bullmastiff (that is normally quite well-tempered), tied to a banister on my porch. She had on a thick leather collar about 2" in width and reinforced with two layers of 1/8" leather. Attached to that was about 30 feet of steel cord wrapped in nylon. Needless to say, it wasn't strong enough.
Halfway through my book an ornery German Shepherd walked past with owner in tow. A slight growling is all I heard. The nylon covered steel wire tying Payton to the banister made a quick zipping sound. Strangely enough I didn't grab it having experienced a quickly formed hand blister in the past.
The next thing I heard was a "Cling" sound as the wire became taught. I watched in horror from the porch. My normally obedient had dog lost it's mind. I yelled to her "COME!". Almost like magic she slowed before reaching the now rearing rival. She slammed on her doggie brakes and turned to look in my direction.
Only half-relieved I started towards her. Now angry passing the remnants of her collar on the pavement. "Payton! Come!", I growled. Payton, now scared, took off across the street. Seemingly oblivious of the traffic both she and I began a game of cat and mouse.
"PAYTON!", I yelled. I can imagine that this was fun for her as she almost galloped towards the next person she encountered.
The guy had to be 6'7". In hindsight his reaction was comical. Upon seeing the bounding horse-dog, jowls flapping, white fangs now exposed; he did what any guy who do. He double handed his groin area.
"Payton", I summonsed her again. This time quieter as I approached. She turned and knew the jig was up. "Good girl", I lied.
Having remembered that it was important not to scold a dog for doing what she was asked to do; I did my best to apologize to the seven-footer and coaxed my dog across the street back into the house.
Not a complete loss I guess. But definitely a few things learned:
I had Payton, my 145-pound Bullmastiff (that is normally quite well-tempered), tied to a banister on my porch. She had on a thick leather collar about 2" in width and reinforced with two layers of 1/8" leather. Attached to that was about 30 feet of steel cord wrapped in nylon. Needless to say, it wasn't strong enough.
Halfway through my book an ornery German Shepherd walked past with owner in tow. A slight growling is all I heard. The nylon covered steel wire tying Payton to the banister made a quick zipping sound. Strangely enough I didn't grab it having experienced a quickly formed hand blister in the past.
The next thing I heard was a "Cling" sound as the wire became taught. I watched in horror from the porch. My normally obedient had dog lost it's mind. I yelled to her "COME!". Almost like magic she slowed before reaching the now rearing rival. She slammed on her doggie brakes and turned to look in my direction.
Only half-relieved I started towards her. Now angry passing the remnants of her collar on the pavement. "Payton! Come!", I growled. Payton, now scared, took off across the street. Seemingly oblivious of the traffic both she and I began a game of cat and mouse.
"PAYTON!", I yelled. I can imagine that this was fun for her as she almost galloped towards the next person she encountered.
The guy had to be 6'7". In hindsight his reaction was comical. Upon seeing the bounding horse-dog, jowls flapping, white fangs now exposed; he did what any guy who do. He double handed his groin area.
"Payton", I summonsed her again. This time quieter as I approached. She turned and knew the jig was up. "Good girl", I lied.
Having remembered that it was important not to scold a dog for doing what she was asked to do; I did my best to apologize to the seven-footer and coaxed my dog across the street back into the house.
Not a complete loss I guess. But definitely a few things learned:
- Get a good quality strong dog collar
- More work on emergency recall by using repetition and intonation.
- Repetition with voice commands. Focusing on intonation
UPDATE: The money was well spent but we did end up with a $500 dollar bill from Barkbusters. This was WELL worth it and if you have a local one in your area I highly recommend them. I would definitely suggest getting to a puppy training facility but really focus on yourself as opposed to the dog. By that I mean ensure that you are learning what it takes to TEACH your dog what you NEED it to do. If you are inconsistent or not speaking it's language you will have a hard time. A great guide that is a fraction of the cost is available if you don't want to pay the expensive costs of having a dog behaviouralist attend your home. Good luck. You'll need it ;)
Save your dog's life: Teach the command "Come"
This is by far the most important command you can teach your dog. It is also a difficult one under certain circumstance (dog being distracted by other dogs and outside influences).
Lets start with the basics first:
When you have your new football sized mastiff (or whatever you've got) - any puppy will do :)
Get your new pooch into a quiet area and place it on the other side of the room. Squat down and open your arms wide to grab it's attention by using an excited voice and saying "Come". Begin praising the dog immediately. "Oh what a good girl/boy" The little guy won't be able to resist if you raise such a fuss. Reward it with a scratch or pat and cuddle. Do this a few times a day. Repetition is the key. A nice food reward helps encourage the behavior.
** NEVER ** yell at the dog or scare it when attempting to get it to come. Make only positive memories of your encounter. A large problem i've had with my pooch was scolding her for running off and not obey my command after she has finally responded and come to my side.
In the dogs mind she's thinking: "Why am I coming to this loser that's now mad at me? I'm outta here or better yet, next time I won't come at all!"
Don't underestimate the resolve of your dog!
This is an especially important skill for big dogs to learn.
I'll share a quick story: Bullmastiff vs. German Sheppherd
Lets start with the basics first:
When you have your new football sized mastiff (or whatever you've got) - any puppy will do :)
Get your new pooch into a quiet area and place it on the other side of the room. Squat down and open your arms wide to grab it's attention by using an excited voice and saying "Come". Begin praising the dog immediately. "Oh what a good girl/boy" The little guy won't be able to resist if you raise such a fuss. Reward it with a scratch or pat and cuddle. Do this a few times a day. Repetition is the key. A nice food reward helps encourage the behavior.
** NEVER ** yell at the dog or scare it when attempting to get it to come. Make only positive memories of your encounter. A large problem i've had with my pooch was scolding her for running off and not obey my command after she has finally responded and come to my side.
In the dogs mind she's thinking: "Why am I coming to this loser that's now mad at me? I'm outta here or better yet, next time I won't come at all!"
Don't underestimate the resolve of your dog!
This is an especially important skill for big dogs to learn.
I'll share a quick story: Bullmastiff vs. German Sheppherd
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