This leash is 10 feet long by 3/4 inch wide. The soft grip leashes are made from a synthetic immitation leather material. It has the same durability as leather, but is much stronger. The snaps on this dog leashes are made from the highest quality Italian bronze. These snaps are sewn and then pop riveted to insure the highest security available. This is very important in Schutzhund and police protection training where a broken leash can cause disaster.
Pogo Plush toys are simply irresistible! The patent pending design provides a unique bounce-back action that dogs prefer over traditional stuffed plush toys. Stuffing free, so there's no mess if your dog likes to destroy plush toys! Built with inner bouncy frames and free-floating squeakers that will give your dog hours of fun.
Love is the newest addition to Honest Kitchen's line of grain-free dog foods. It’s complete and balanced made with dehydrated hormone-free beef, vegetables, fruits and love. It’s ideal for puppies and active adult dogs, particularly those with food sensitivities to grains, gluten, eggs and those who need a low carbohydrate diet. Like all of our diets, Love is 100% human-grade, made in the USA, and does not contain corn, soy, rice, beet pulp or wheat. Just add water for a fresh, wholesome and human grade meal.
There is a lot of talk in the dog world these days about ALL-NATURAL DIETS (AN). The purpose of this article is to explain what these diets are and the reasons why I feel everyone should consider feeding their dog a natural diet.
There is little doubt that the Police style leather muzzle is the finest muzzle money can buy. The police style muzzle offers the security and the best air flow of any muzzle on the market for a leather muzzle.
This DVD is 4 hours long. The purpose of this Leerburg training DVD is teach you the art of dog training.
It's our goal to show you that dog training is not rocket science it's 100% common sense. There are no "Tricks or Secrets of the Trade." Dog training is an art that you can learn if you're willing to put your mind to it.
The best dog trainers know how to build a bond based on two way respect between the dog and the handler. These trainers know how to motivate a dog to want to learn. They understand how and when to apply distractions during training so they can show the dog that it must mind under all circumstances.
Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet DVD
$40.00
4 Hours
The goal of our pack structure training program is to produce a dog that is calm and submissive and a dog that follows the rules of the pack leader. This DVD teaches people how to become a pack leader that their dog respects and loves. Most people are not born pack leaders. In fact, far from it. The majority of dog owners (many who have owned dogs their entire life) simply don’t know anything about the instincts that control our dogs or how strong these instincts are in the domestic dog. Oh people may have heard that they need to be a "pack leader" or they may have heard they need to be an "ALPHA" with their dog but they don’t understand what this really means or how to accomplish it.
This is one of our most popular training videos for new puppy owners. Over 35 years Ed Frawley bred close to 400 litters of German Shepherd puppies. He knows what new puppy owners need to learn to end up with a calm quiet happy dog in the house. The DVD was updated in October 2010 to reflect how Ed and Cindy raise puppies in their home.
Basic Dog Obedience DVD
$40.00
4 Hours
This DVD is 4 hours long. The purpose of this Leerburg training DVD is teach you the art of dog training.
It's our goal to show you that dog training is not rocket science it's 100% common sense. There are no "Tricks or Secrets of the Trade." Dog training is an art that you can learn if you're willing to put your mind to it.
The best dog trainers know how to build a bond based on two way respect between the dog and the handler. These trainers know how to motivate a dog to want to learn. They understand how and when to apply distractions during training so they can show the dog that it must mind under all circumstances.
Housetraining eBook
$12.00
165 Pages | eBook
House training problems are one of the most common reasons that people give up their pets. This is really a sad statement to have to make because the solution to almost every house training problem is very simple common sense solution. I cannot tell you how many emails I get every week from pet owners that are pulling their hair out trying to solve their dogs’ house training problems. I have owned dogs for over 50 years. I have bred over 350 litters of German Shepherds and been a police K9 handler for 10 years. I have produced over 125 dog training videos and DVDs since 1982 and cannot remember how many dogs I have trained in my life.
This is one of our most popular training videos for new puppy owners. Over 35 years Ed Frawley bred close to 400 litters of German Shepherd puppies. He knows what new puppy owners need to learn to end up with a calm quiet happy dog in the house. The DVD was updated in October 2010 to reflect how Ed and Cindy raise puppies in their home.
Basic Dog Obedience DVD
$40.00
4 Hours
This DVD is 4 hours long. The purpose of this Leerburg training DVD is teach you the art of dog training.
It's our goal to show you that dog training is not rocket science it's 100% common sense. There are no "Tricks or Secrets of the Trade." Dog training is an art that you can learn if you're willing to put your mind to it.
The best dog trainers know how to build a bond based on two way respect between the dog and the handler. These trainers know how to motivate a dog to want to learn. They understand how and when to apply distractions during training so they can show the dog that it must mind under all circumstances.
Living with Your Puppy - Establishing Pack Structure DVD
$40.00
Every new puppy owner has the same image of what they want their new dog to be like as an adult. First and foremost, everyone wants a great relationship with their dog but beyond that, those who plan on keeping their dog in their home want a calm, well-mannered, obedient house dog that minds and respects their family and friends. Those who plan on keeping their dog outside want a calm well-mannered dog that is respectful to the family and is quiet in the yard or kennel. They only want their dog to bark at strangers that come near the home. New dog owners think the road to success only involves obedience training and house training new puppies. Well that’s the old wives' tale that’s been spread for 100 years and nothing could be further from the truth.
Housetraining eBook
$12.00
165 Pages | eBook
House training problems are one of the most common reasons that people give up their pets. This is really a sad statement to have to make because the solution to almost every house training problem is very simple common sense solution. I cannot tell you how many emails I get every week from pet owners that are pulling their hair out trying to solve their dogs’ house training problems. I have owned dogs for over 50 years. I have bred over 350 litters of German Shepherds and been a police K9 handler for 10 years. I have produced over 125 dog training videos and DVDs since 1982 and cannot remember how many dogs I have trained in my life.
In my DVD, I provide 3 1/2 hours of information to help people solve their problems with dominant dogs and aggressive dogs. This information is based on 45 years of experience training dogs. For the last 30 years I have studied the art of protection training dogs. I was a police K9 handler for 10 years, and was chairman of the training committee for the WI police dog association for a number of those years. I have bred German Shepherds for police service work for 28 years. During this time I have bred over 350 litters of working dogs. I have dogs from my kennel working in law enforcement, Search and Rescue and competing in Schutzhund all over this country. No one I know in the United States can make these claims.
Basic Dog Obedience DVD
$40.00
4 Hours
This DVD is 4 hours long. The purpose of this Leerburg training DVD is teach you the art of dog training.
It's our goal to show you that dog training is not rocket science it's 100% common sense. There are no "Tricks or Secrets of the Trade." Dog training is an art that you can learn if you're willing to put your mind to it.
The best dog trainers know how to build a bond based on two way respect between the dog and the handler. These trainers know how to motivate a dog to want to learn. They understand how and when to apply distractions during training so they can show the dog that it must mind under all circumstances.
Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet DVD
$40.00
4 Hours
The goal of our pack structure training program is to produce a dog that is calm and submissive and a dog that follows the rules of the pack leader. This DVD teaches people how to become a pack leader that their dog respects and loves. Most people are not born pack leaders. In fact, far from it. The majority of dog owners (many who have owned dogs their entire life) simply don’t know anything about the instincts that control our dogs or how strong these instincts are in the domestic dog. Oh people may have heard that they need to be a "pack leader" or they may have heard they need to be an "ALPHA" with their dog but they don’t understand what this really means or how to accomplish it.
In my DVD, I provide 3 1/2 hours of information to help people solve their problems with dominant dogs and aggressive dogs. This information is based on 45 years of experience training dogs. For the last 30 years I have studied the art of protection training dogs. I was a police K9 handler for 10 years, and was chairman of the training committee for the WI police dog association for a number of those years. I have bred German Shepherds for police service work for 28 years. During this time I have bred over 350 litters of working dogs. I have dogs from my kennel working in law enforcement, Search and Rescue and competing in Schutzhund all over this country. No one I know in the United States can make these claims.
Basic Dog Obedience DVD
$40.00
4 Hours
This DVD is 4 hours long. The purpose of this Leerburg training DVD is teach you the art of dog training.
It's our goal to show you that dog training is not rocket science it's 100% common sense. There are no "Tricks or Secrets of the Trade." Dog training is an art that you can learn if you're willing to put your mind to it.
The best dog trainers know how to build a bond based on two way respect between the dog and the handler. These trainers know how to motivate a dog to want to learn. They understand how and when to apply distractions during training so they can show the dog that it must mind under all circumstances.
Remote Collar Training for Pet Owners DVD
$40.00
2 Hours, 45 Minutes
The remote collar is the most effective dog training tool that has been developed in the past 100 years. Our low level stimulation training is 100 times more humane and more effective than using "CHOKE COLLAR or PRONG COLLAR." In fact our remote collar training program eliminates the need for these other training tools. In our home we start our 16 to 20 week old puppies on our remote collar program. The levels of stimulation used in our training program are often times not even felt by many humans.
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This DVD is 4 hours long. The purpose of this Leerburg training DVD is teach you the art of dog training.
It's our goal to show you that dog training is not rocket science it's 100% common sense. There are no "Tricks or Secrets of the Trade." Dog training is an art that you can learn if you're willing to put your mind to it.
The best dog trainers know how to build a bond based on two way respect between the dog and the handler. These trainers know how to motivate a dog to want to learn. They understand how and when to apply distractions during training so they can show the dog that it must mind under all circumstances.
Our DVD will show you how to approach dog training. It will teach you how to break a task into small incremental training steps (or building blocks). Once the dogs has learned each of these small blocks we show how to put them back together again so the dog can easily perform the exercises.
I have been training dogs for over 45 years. In 1982 I released my first Obedience training VHS tape (a long time ago). Over the years I have redone this video 6 or 7 times. I continued to add information and refined our program to the point where it is the best dog training DVD on the market. The latest version was released in August 2006.
If I were you and I were considering spending many hours of time following the training recommendations of someone like myself I would want to fully understand that persons philosophy of dog training. I suggest that you take a minute right now and read the article I wrote on my philosophy on dog training.
There is an old saying, "Dogs know what you know and they know what you don't know." My dog training program and this web site can be your first step in the journey of showing your dog what you know.
This DVD is organized into chapters, just like a book. The menu for our DVD allows you to watch the chapter you want when you want. This makes for a very simple review
The information in this video is designed to be watched again and again and again. There is more information here than you would get in any local 10 week obedience class.
Basic Dog Obedience Outline
Introduction:
Goals of this DVD on Dog Training
Terminology
Rules of Dog Learning
Schedule for Your Dog Training
Training Equipment:
Dog Training Collars
Dog Training Leashes
Training Sections:
An Introduction to Marker Training and Motivation
Learning how and when to Praise your dog
Training Your Dog to SIT
Training Your Dog the DOWN
Training Your Dog the RECALL or COME
Training Your Dog the STAND
Walking Your Dog on a Leash
The theory of Corrections
What Our DVD Will Teach You
How to train your own dog in your own home.
How obedience training can develop a fun relationship with your dog.
How to get control over your dog and make him respect your commands
Good information leads to improved confidence in working with your dog. You learn the tools to overcome training concerns.
You will learn to problem solve. No one can anticipate EVERY problem EVERY dog owner will have. You will learn how to approach a problem and come up with a workable solution.
What to expect from your dog and what to do when the dog does the unexpected.
How to develop your timing to reward and praise - good timing is critical to successful dog training.
You will learn when to correct your dog, how to correct your dog and most importantly when NOT TO CORRECT YOUR DOG.
You will learn how to approach and organize a training session so you and the dog get the most out of your training time.
While every new dog trainer needs to learn how to correct his dog, every great dog trainer needs to learn how to properly “praise” his dog. Praising a dog is not something that comes naturally to a lot of people, especially men. It is actually an important learned exercise for people.
If you watch a very good dog trainer, he praises his dog at a very personal level. In a training program, “praise” is used to bond with a dog; it is used to remove the stress of corrections and it’s used to build drive.
Dog training should be fun for both you and your dog. This is accomplished by learning to properly “praise." After watching our section on praising, you will not only understand correct praise, you will see what happens when you don’t praise enough, or just as importantly what happens when you praise too much, (we call this “praise to the level of distraction”).
5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews. Product Reviews
5/5
Saturday, December 08, 2012 Product: Basic Dog Obedience DVD
Excellent DVD. My 2/3year old rescue pit mutt has benefitted greatly from this DVD and Leerburg.com in general. Obedience must be reinforced and taught continuously.
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5/5
Thursday, February 23, 2012 Product: Basic Dog Obedience DVD
I am the proud owner of a 6 year old Maltese who thinks she is ten feet tall and bullet proof and a 17 week old lab (a gift to my son) who is still growing into his legs. I purchased your Obedience Training DVD and have had great results. Next purchase is Training the Retrieve.
As a woman who just finished up Chemo for Breast Cancer I did not think I could take on such a challenge of training a large dog but your DVD was straightforward, easy, stress free and quick! Much to the disbelief of fellow lab owners! The results of the training has even given me a new lease on life and has given me a since of accomplishment after a very long six months!
However, I must confess, that the largest delight I get from your website is reading the Dumb and Dumber questions and responses. I sometimes laugh out loud at the questions and your distinctive and to the point reply.
Keep up the great work!
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Older Reviews
September 8, 2009
I found my dog obedience DVD and freshend up the skills. It was very motivating. It makes you feel like you are a leader; that you are in charge. I worked the first dog that had never had obedience training and he did well for his first try. (Jack Russell) He is also the aggressive dog. I then worked my submissive golden. I was about to bring my boxer mix out, and the JR and boxer got into a fight. I broke it up on my own because of Ed's teaching about how to break up a fight. I swung the jack in a circle in the freaking air and made my boxer sit and down. Thank god she listened to me! The JRT would not stop going at her, even after I had my boxer in the down position.
So, thank you for providing these videos. It does make you feel confident that there is a way to make this happen. I need this reassurance that there is hope.
Jessica
October 24, 2008
Ed,
I just wanted to compliment you on a great website. There is so much information here, and I appreciate that it is given straight up, no hiding around the edges. I recently adopted a 4 yr Akita. Someone from the rescue group had happened upon your site and recommended a couple of the videos. I browsed around on your site and really loved all of the information... straight, concise, to the point, with step by step instructions for introduction to the home, and observations that people need to watch for. I ordered 2 of the videos to start, Pack Leader and Basic Obedience, and delayed bringing the new dog home while I viewed them and set-up. He's been home a week now, and it's been an easy transition so far, and I'm so grateful.
I went looking for an obedience class...he's not ready yet, but the opportunity to observe was there and I took it. I have to tell you, what a disaster. In watching her "advanced" class, I asked her up-front if these were dogs that she had previously worked with, and she proudly told me yes. One dog actually was doing well, but the "trainer's" solution to the other's distraction was to allow all of the dogs to play together for awhile to "get it out of their system," including an intact dobie with the females. How there wasn't a flat-out dog fight is still a mystery. Needless to say, not one dog could focus or listen after this chaos, even the one who had started out reasonably. I sat there thinking "Ed said so!" I'm betting I'm going to be on my own about training this dog, thankfully he seems pretty straight forward from what I can tell so far. With the coaching and information from your videos, I'm proceeding cautiously. I'm so excited about the marker training video, I'll be ordering it soon! I'm not as serious as many of the people on your site, just an average pet owner who wants a well-mannered, well-adjusted, house pet. But I still take what my dog knows, and how he behaves, very seriously.
Thanks for so freely sharing your knowledge so we can learn,
Nancy
April 28, 2008
Hi Ed,
I recently purchased your Pack Structure and Dog Obedience videos and am reading your ebooks. They are fantastic. I've always had small dogs and I wanted to make as few mistakes as possible bringing a larger dog into our little pack. Following your teaching paid off in spades in what could have been a very bad situation.
Here's my story. I've been following all your protocols establishing ground work with a rescue GSD that we carefully selected. She is a 5 year old purebred that recently had a litter of what tested out as confident quality pups. She was fostered and evaluated for 3 months by a very reputable rescue group. She is mellow and well behaved and your ground work directives have been going well.
I decided we were ready to move forward a bit since she seemed to be accepting me and listening. I adjusted from the isolated exercise walk to a training collar and a trail during a quiet time at a local park.
Suddenly two unleashed lab mixes noticed us and charged across a field on the other side of a fairly large creek that we were hiking beside. I yelled out to the owner to control his dogs. For a moment, it seemed like the dogs paused and I said, 'thank you', but in a flash they recommitted. The owner was yelling at his dogs and I could see that one stopped half way across the creek but the other dissapeared out of sight.
It was then that the other dog sprang up from the creekbed after diligently fiording the shallow stream. He bounded up onto the embankment charging at us growling, barking, showing teeth and focused on my dog.
Having taken all of your advice to heart, we were prepared. I say this with all humility since with two more difficult dogs I could have been way overfaced. Nevertheless, I had a walking stick with me and holding my Shepherd with my right hand I moved between the charging dog and my dog flayling my walking stick yelling like a banshi. My dog stood with what I can only say was confidence next to me because she didn't pull away, charge, bark, whimper or cower.
That dog was totally focused on my dog and was only driven back for a fraction of a second. I had to hit the dog (who didn't even yelp) and wasn't in the slightest deterred until I caught it with a back-handed swing to the front legs. Once again, he didn't yelp, but stopped, at which point, the stupid owner who wouldn't cross the creek was yelling at me screaming, 'NO RIGHT TO HIT MY DOG!, bla, bla, bla!!! Now Ed, I'm a 5'3" 115 lb woman who's not left handed.
I then para-phrased from your tape and yelled back that there wasn't a policeman in the world who wouldn't understand that I had I right to protect myself and my dog if I felt threated by an unleashed aggressive attacking dog; and PS, I would be reporting them. That shut him up.
It was still dicey getting out of there because the owner had no leashes, the other dog was frozen in the water waiting for what to do next, and the ignorant owner didn't want to cross the creek and get his clothes wet to the knees (I would have been swimming across if I had to in order to get my dog off of someone!)
I had a mile to go before I could get to my car. I didn't want to run which might trigger another attack, but I also was well aware that completely turning my back could provide an opportunity. I called 911 as I was getting away but they were really tough to communicate with. They said if I wasn't being attacked NOW, they would meet me at my car in a while. I said I couldn't be sure that the whole thing wasn't going to repeat itself. Any advice?
Anyway, so far so good. I consider myself and my dog lucky to have had the benefit of your teaching. I've only had her two weeks and she is not a tough dog but she of course didn't know me when we left the rescue. I've been following your advice everyday to the letter as best I could, and it most definately worked at a critical moment. In fact, I can only imagine the price I could have paid in Vet & Dr. bills had things gone a bit differently. I also think like you said, she took note of what I did and she really seems a bit different to me-more eye contact and she started licking my face when I feel asleep on the sofa with her on the floor next to me. Very cool.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill. I'm looking forward to learning and having a quality relationship with my nice new dog.
Thanks again,
Sandra
April 13, 2008
Hello Ed,
My name is Bob and I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying my 2 new training DVDs, Establishing Pack Structure and Basic Dog Obedience. They're just what I've been looking for - practical methods, laid out in an easy to follow sequence, with enough detail that I can tailor the training for my 2 Golden Retrievers, one a hard dog with high food drive and the other a soft dog with relatively low drive but with dog aggression issues.
Due to my previous careers in the military and the airlines I haven't had much of a chance to own and work with dogs much for the last 30 years. After I retired early due to a medical condition I took the opportunity to start doing a lot of volunteering with Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (http://www.grra.com/). I like your no nonsense approach and it fits great with my observations of dogs and their natural behavior. In spite of my relative inexperience, I end up handling many of our problem dogs. I have learned a lot about dogs and even more about people!
I have to admit that as I was doing research into useful sources of information for dog training I was wondering why you were so adamant in all your disclaimers. After seeing the many different attitudes toward and about dogs and how often passion rules over common sense, though, I think I understand.
I'm sure I won't agree with everything you ever say but, so far, you're right on with much of what I've seen in this world and I'm looking forward to learning much more. When I adopt your training rules and methods I'll do it, not blindly, but because they make sense in the context I'm working.
I'm looking forward to enjoying and learning from the DVDs I have and, as I progress, adding others to my library. Many thanks for all your work putting them together and making them available.
Regards,
Bob Heath
January 23, 2008
Just received my order for the training DVD's and leather leash & collar. I love the leather on the collar and leash. I'm sure they will perform beautifully.
Also, I really love the updated version of the Basic Obedience program. I recently watched a vhs copy of your original 82 (?) tape which I found very useful (though I don't think I'd ever leave my dog unattended outside of of a local 7-11 in this town--even on a solid downstay). I'm excited to see how you've updated the program to include marker training and the "yes" command, etc.
You do need your own television program. I think you'd give the dog whisperer a run for his money. It would be terrific to see you work with different dogs each week--taking them through the obedience cycle from start to finish (and maybe focusing on police dog training. you should pitch the idea to the national geographic channel). you could focus on different types of training--small dogs, police dogs, training for agility, etc. There's definitely a huge audience for this type of program. Perhaps you could feature more training sessions on youtube. It really helps to see trainers work with real world problems/problem dogs in addition to demonstrating a command on an already well behaved/well behaving dog...
Anyway, I'm happy to have you as a trusted resource.
Regards,
Lesli
Dear Mr. Frawley,
First of all, let me say that I normally do not write these kinds of letters. However, the change in our dog over the last month has been so dramatic, I felt that I really needed to thank you.
Our dog, Wilson, is a 16 month old Golden Retriever. He wasn't a bad dog, just head-strong. We've been through several training classes and even passed his CGC. The problem was, he was perfect in class, but at home, he could be a not-so-little monster. He would obey if he felt like it, and his jumping was getting way out of hand. I'm sure he would have outgrown much of this in another year, but meanwhile, I was the only one in the family who still liked him! To make matters worse, he has an orthopedic condition known as Osgood-Schlatter Disease, which means we can't exercise him enough to get his energy out.
About a month ago, I found your website. I started implementing some of your methods immediately and ordered your basic obedience dvd. I also purchased a Dogtra 1700 and your dvd on using an electric collar. Wilson is a hard dog. Although the prong collar worked on him, I really had to yank to get a response. Plus, he'd gotten collar wise. After 2 weeks of conditioning him to the e-collar, we gave it a try. We got the desired response at only 36! Within 2 days, he was no longer jumping on people. 2 days later, he was off leash in the yard, with 100% recall. I've had to "stem" him maybe 15 times total. Amazing.
To make a long story short, we don't have the same dog that we had a month ago. Everyone in the family is grateful for the change. Yesterday, my elderly parents came for a visit, and we were able to leave Wilson out of his crate and off leash. He's finally able to be the part of the family that I've always dreamed of. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. It has made such a difference to us. I only wish we'd found you a year ago.
Sincerely,
Brenda Theune
Mr. Frawley,
Allow me to thank you for providing such a comprehensive and high quality source of dog training information and equipment. After bringing home our new pack member at 8 weeks (a male GSD from very strong working lines) we found your DVD "Your Puppy 8 Weeks To 8 Months" invaluable. Since then we have purchased "Basic Dog Obedience," "Raising a Working Puppy" and "Drive-Focus-Grip" finding them all equally useful. We also use and appreciate the extremely high quality Amish leather collars and leashes, toys and grooming supplies found on your web site. The only equipment available to us locally was the standard cheap Chinese crap that we found to be so poorly designed and manufactured that it could be dangerous to our animal. Again, many thanks.
Sincerely,
Frank
Mr. Frawley,
Just over 3 years ago we adopted a male nearly 5 years old. He was virtually blind from pannus and had at least 3 other homes before he came to us. He was an emotional wreck.
I have used your training videos, gone for classes, even a private trainer, as he showed dog aggression when we first brought him home. Yes, it took about 9 months to establish a strong, trusting relationship with him. But my point here is that your articles, insight and videos were far superior to anything. My dog has become an incredible animal; confident, devoted, spirited. Thank you for sharing and helping me to discover a very beautiful companion GSD.
Jan
Hillsboro, OR
Dear Mr. Frawley,
I just want to thank you for your extremely effective, useful information on training a hard, high drive, slightly nervous dog. I have spent so much wasted time and money on "positive" training that didn't help my dog AT ALL. Our walks were pure misery for both of us. I was "nagging" her, and stuffing her with treats, while she destroyed my shoulder and neck with pulling and zig-zagging. I thought prong collars were cruel. Boy was I mistaken.
Well, I finally was at my wits end and bought your basic training video and the correct sized prong collar. I did everything EXACTLY the way you said to, and it WORKED! I sound surprised because I had just about given up on my girl. I mean, this is a dog that would walk most of a mile on her hind legs because she was trying to scratch the "gentle" leader off her face with her front paws. Now, we are walking together and both of us are enjoying it. She has her tail up and wagging, but no lunging, barking, zig-zagging or anything! Yesterday we went to the pet store and walked all around. We had a very nice, peaceful outing. Until now, I had given up hope that it would ever be like that!
It's hard to believe that my "former" problem child is just a 15 lb schnauzer/poodle. She is as white as snow and looks like a little lamb (very deceptive). Someone dropped her off in a parking lot and I think I know why. So she had some practice at being a pain in the butt before I got her from a rescue group. Her name is Cracker, and I thank you again for helping me give her the good life she deserves.
Darrae
Vero Beach, FL
Ed,
I really would like to thank you for creating your web site. and training videos and products - you provide a great service to dog owners such as my wife and I. It is unbelievable that we have 40+ years worth of dog training experience, so easily accessible. Your site and videos are very thorough and easily followed as well as instituted. With the help of our obedience trainer and your site as great follow up for study, we have had such a rewarding experience!
After rescuing Jake from the Humane Society we will always be thankful for the great knowledge contained in your site as well as your willingness to answer questions through email. Anyone who reads your web site. articles and watches your videos will quickly see how much you do care for and understand your dogs and their behavior. It was great reinforcement for my wife and me to see the type of interaction you have with your dogs from your video. I do believe, that people who criticize you of going to far, or even "cruel", are completely disillusioned and do not understand dogs; they live in dream world where they have special, magical dogs that can read minds and reason like human beings; c'mon. I can honestly say that without our trainer and your web site. our dominant dog Jake would have been returned to the humane society as he was not responding to the positive only methods that were advised to us by the shelter, in fact he was getting worse (they said we should never give the dog corrections and only reward him for good behaviors, that corrections were just not necessary; yeah right). In my life I have learned that ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away, so why would it be different with a dog. The people who believe their dog is a small furry person are crazy; be realistic it is a dog. And it can be dangerous to think otherwise. Don't get me wrong, we love our dog and he is a great pet and over the past 3-4 months have already created a great bond with him that continues to strengthen!! At the same time, he understands who is/are boss. He is highly food motivated and we use this so much in our training; yes, positive training and motivating the dog is the best way to train your dog, but dogs NEED to be corrected. We would never let any harm come his way, which is the main reason that we have adopted the training methods we have. Jake is 100 times happier today than he was when we brought him home; even though we used methods that a lot of people, apparently, don't agree with. If these methods are so bad for the dog, than why is he getting happier daily and better behaved at the same time –that is proof enough for me!
Sorry for the rant it wasn't my original intention; thanking you was! - but after our experience it angers me that these shelters take dogs in and then give bad advice, to inexperienced dog owners (really dangerous), that will almost certainly guarantee their return or worse. How is that good for the dog? Well, in our opinion its not. I would rather train my dog to respect the pack order in our household than see it go in and out of shelters or even worse seriously injure someone and then be put down. So basically, thank you for helping us to TRULY rescue our dog, Jake - he is so much fun now!
Regards,
Kate and Laurence
Hey Mr. Frawley,
I just wanted to say thank you for all the great information you have on your site. I bought your videos Puppies 8 weeks to 8 months and the Basic obedience a few weeks before we got our Chihuahua puppy. I have some dog experience but my husband had never owned one and the videos have been incredible. We have learned so much and Weller at 12 weeks is coming right along with the boundaries you have helped us set. It has also helped us to anticipate what we’ll need to work on next and what expectations we should have at each stage. I constantly refer others to your site and check back myself often to keep learning. You took the time to write me back after initially being unsure if your methods will work for a small dog and I’m so glad you did. I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you and your site. You’re awesome!
Heidi
October 22, 2004
Hey Ed,
I just wanted to let you know that I just received your Basic Obedience video yesterday and
watched BOTH DVD's last night. I had no idea what time it was....time FLEW by watching them!
As I have stated in previous emails to you, I am a first time dog owner and didn't know ANYTHING about dog training before I found your site. I was leery about ordering your videos as I wasn't sure how in depth they would be and how easy they would be to understand with having no prior knowledge. I expected them to be some guy acting like a
bad ass dog trainer and really just expecting the student (me) to 'figure the rest out'. I don't know why, but even with the testimonials, I still wasn't expecting much. So many times you hear good things and they turn out to be 'not so great'. So it takes a lot for me to feel like I got my $$worth.
Let me tell you I was VERY impressed! I cannot believe how in depth you go and how easy it is to follow along!! ANYONE new to dog training should order this DVD! The quality is EXCELLENT!! I thought it was going to be some home video camera stuff. Not the case, it is very professional and you are calm and actually TEACHING as you go. I did not expect this at all. I am 200% satisfied!!
For coming out of the gate, etc ....I had that same problem ....I tried the trick you show in your DVD when the dog starts to come out and hold him there just enough so he can't get in or out!! I had to do it about 3 times....now EVERY time he sits there with the gate wide open until I say 'okay'. HAHA!!
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how pleased and excited I am (which I didn't expect) about re-watching and using this DVD. Its probably the best $$ spent so far!
Thanks a lot Ed!!
Dear Ed Frawley,
First of all, my canine Furio and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
I'd ordered your basic obedience video just out of your reputation, not really expecting anything out of the positive & negative / reinforcement & punishment lectures that everyone knows.
But please allow me to say that neither your video description, your training philosophy, nor any of your testimonials touches on the FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE of this video, so I'd like to comment on why I believe there's nothing like yours on the market:
In addition to this being an exceptional obedience training video, the framework and philosophy behind "Basic Obedience" puts the relationship of the canine and handler FIRST AND FOREMOST. It does so by defining canine drives, understanding how these drives effect our corrections from our dog's POV, and more importantly, how to establish a mutually FAIR AND QUANTIFIABLE training relationship with this in mind.
Anyone who neglects these key points in their training are either IGNORANT OR CRUEL, and ultimately, it WILL negatively effect your relationship with your canine.
Best Regards,
Sam and Furio
April 17, 2000
Just wanted to let you know that your Basic Obedience video has been by far THE BEST BASIC OBEDIENCE VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! I never bought it earlier for reason of already owning several basic obedience videos. Boy was that a mistake, I wish that was the first video I ran in to. It is so thorough and detailed. Everything is presented the exact way a training video should be presented. I know this sounds like a plug for your video but it is honestly well deserved. There was definitely thought put into this video.
I also read your Tracking thru Drive article you recommended and thought it was very interesting. Sounds like a great alternative and something that would revolutionize the tracking field if implemented. Your web site. is the best!
Sincerely,
Christopher
I just recently bought the basic video, my dog is now enrolled in advanced obedience and the teacher asked me if I had already completed this class with my dog!! He slept through the whole thing he was so bored. THANKS ED for a great video.
February 2, 2000
I trained my Akita on your obedience tape and wanted to thank you, I am extremely pleased with how disciplined my dog has turned out to be. He is three years old and listens to me without fault.
Thank you,
Joseph O
First let me say that I am extremely pleased with the results my family has had using your Basic Obedience video. Not only has our 9mos old GSD become absolutely reliable while under basic commands, we have been able to use your philosophy and methods in the conformation ring. I cannot tell you how many times we have been approached by people who are amazed that a dog so young can self-stack and absolutely not move an inch while the judge goes from teeth to tail. While the other dogs are pulling their owners around, barking and sniffing wherever, our Thorn is a model of decorum. We have even used your methods on our three other dogs and we cannot believe we ever lived without your tape. Solicitors and visitors alike are taken aback when they see four dogs lined up in the down position waiting for the command to greet or growl. Thank you for changing our lives.
Sincerely,
Frank
Ed -
I and my husband are first-time GSD owners. We purchased your videos on Basic Dog Obedience and Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months , prior to purchasing our puppy from a breeder. Your products gave us a clear understanding on what to expect and how to proceed. We brought home Kaiser (Baron Vom Haus Lord) at 10 weeks old; he is now 14 months old, healthy and well-adjusted.
All of your advice on training techniques is sound and based in common sense, not to mention years of experience. Use of the prong collar and strong corrections have been very effective (and necessary) in Kaiser's training process. I have to question the logic of those who do not understand this. I have a very strong bond with Kaiser, but all our interactions tie into one pivotal rule... he MUST obey. Anyone who comments that correction, (coupled with praise for correct behavior) is unnecessary or barbaric in some way, is a fool. Any correction given, is ultimately for the benefit of the dog. It is for his own safety and to ensure the safety of anyone who is exposed to him. I can absolutely vouch for the effectiveness of strong corrections. It took some time for me to become comfortable with this, but I absolutely believe and agree that one good correction is better than 1000 nagging corrections. Our dog is in no way perfect, but he is learning. Through a lot of interaction and play he is developing his skills as well as discovering that we are compassionate people who love him (to quote you) "but that there are very serious repercussions for not minding."
Thank you for providing down-to-earth information and offering common sense approaches toward training. I attribute a lot of the success we've had to your advice. We've seen the benefits of purchasing a well-bred puppy along with the positive outcomes of initial and more advanced training methods.
Best regards -
Christy C
P.S. Your recipe for dog shampoo (included in Your Puppy 8 weeks to 8 Months) works wonderfully.
Ed,
I have always trained my own dogs, just basic obedience, in the past and have always accomplished what i wanted out of them. One day a friend of mine was over during a training session and asked if I was using your videos. he said that I was using a lot of the same techniques. I had never even knew that there was any videos out there that wasn't just a hoax or what I call begging your dog to do something. So he brought over your obedience tape and I watched some of it and was really impressed. then I went to your web site and was further impressed. so much so that I am ordering the complete set of personal protection DVDs
It is real nice to know that there is someone out there who knows what you know and is willing to teach it. I learned a lot in the first thirty minutes of you obedience tape that i thought I already knew. Any way I have taken up enough of your time and will close, However thanks again for all the time that you have put into these training videos! I have always believed that you can't do the job right without the right tool, and now I can do the job right.
Thanks,
Joe R
Ed,
I just would like to thank you for your DVD's on Obedience and Dominance. They were extremely informative and they will definitely make me a better dog owner. Will recommend it to every dog owner I know.
Thanks again,
Maria L
Owner of a (Stubborn)German Shepherd and a Schnauzer.
Hey Ed,
I have been cruising your web site. for some time now and finally decided to order 2 DVD's from you. Basic O and Dominant dogs. I consider myself a "professional", But more like a Pro in training with only a few years under my belt. I teach classes, but keep my classes to under 6 dogs to allow for lots of individualized instruction, because it takes a lot to get through to these people sometimes!! I do some in home training and consultation, but don't really take on serious aggression issues and such because I know damn well I don't have the experience or knowledge to be doing it yet! I did attend a basic dog training school which taught traditional training and theory, something along the lines of what you speak of. My school was 4 months long, and over 400 hours. (CT K9 in Newington, CT) I got a pretty good base knowledge there, but it was just the tip of the iceberg.
Your DVD's were outstanding!! Wow, someone who is not afraid to use prong collars, talk about corrections, and actually demonstrate!?!?! YOu are sadly the last of a dying breed! I have ordered many a video on training and aggression and such for trainers and attended several seminars, and most have been a waste.
In my classes, I am fighting to keep our type of training alive! I get many drop outs from other training facilities that wont allow prong collars in the door and other such nonsense, or that tell them to bring bags an bags of food to class with them, and then they never follow up with the owners after a dog has learned a command, so owners don't know what to do if they don't have Bacon spilling out of their blue jeans! YOu know the story!
Thanks for your knowledge, it has inspired me! YOu should consider doing more exclusively for "pro" trainers, maybe a monthly e mail newsletter or something!!
Lesley
Connecticut
Dear Mr. Frawley-
I just wanted to let you know that I am a big fan of you and your site and have found it very informative and helpful! I discovered it when I purchased my GS pup four months ago when she was 10 weeks old, and I was searching the web for advice on crate training her. I stumbled upon your site and have been addicted ever since! My husband gets frustrated because I am on your site everyday, and read every article, even though most don't pertain to me! I had read your opinion about petsmart and wanted to share with you what I learned when I went to go purchase a dog crate from them. I was looking at the crates and an employee came and asked me if I needed any help. She introduced herself as one of the trainers. I told her I wanted a plastic crate, since I would need to bring the crate upstairs at night so I could get up with my pup at night, but keep it downstairs during the day in the family room. She looked very confused and didn't understand what I was saying- So I explained it again to her. She said their policy was to only crate train at night!! I asked what they do during the day, and she says they encourage their customers to leave the dogs out to run around all day, and you just take it outside every hour to relieve itself!! I told her I thought that would just confuse a dog, to crate it at night and let it roam freely during the day, and she said it might at first, but they soon learn!! Well, I couldn't get away from her ignorant advice fast enough, and confirmed to me right there that what you said about their trainers was totally correct!!
I also want to tell you that I have purchased your basic obedience video and also a prong collar, and they both are life savers!! My girl is now almost 6 months old, and I must confess that I stopped walking her at 4 months old because she just pulled to much!! (She now weighs 52 lbs.) It wasn't worth it because I have lower back problems and also had surgery May 28th. Well, last week I received the video and prong collar, and gave another walk a try with the new collar. No pulling!! And I was really concerned because I was only 4 weeks post -op! It truly is a miracle! My daughters think it is a cruel contraption, but I think it's a lifesaver! Otherwise my beautiful girl would never get her walks anymore!! So thank you for making these available! (The only thing I would change is I would have ordered the quick release, but I think I still may do that.)
One more rave-- I really appreciate your Dog obedience video, and am quite impressed with it. I have started reviewing some of the basic commands with my pup. She already new sit, but that was it. She is picking up the down very well, and I am truly surprised! Your advice is great. I also wanted to let you know that she is learning to "Shake hands" very quickly! I kept the 30 rule in mind, but she leaned after about 10 tries!! And something really cute happened this morning. She was with me while I was on the computer, and she had started chewing up one of my slippers while I wasn't paying attention. (I know, my fault...) I saw her, and told her "Bad girl, Bella!" Well, she got up, came over to my chair, sat in front of me, and offered up her paw to me to shake hands!! (She just leaned the "shake" day before yesterday! ) It was so cute and funny, but I tried to act stern and wouldn't accept her paw. So she rested her paw on my knee!! I had to laugh by then, and then she placed both paws on each of my knees and I cracked up!! What personality!!
Okay, I lied, one more rant. To all those morons who write to you and say you hate dogs and are a cruel sadist, I say they are the most unintelligent lot of people out there. While watching your videos, you are so sweet and affectionate with your animals, talking to them in high and excited voices, they just love you. Obviously those morons have never seen you interact with dogs. My husband came in while I was watching you interact with "Morgie" by the pool, and he said "I thought you said this guy was super hard core!" I guess he figured you only talk to your dogs in stern voices! Ha, ha, I found it very sweet, and had to smile with the way you interacted with her!! So once again, Thank you for all your valuable wealth of information! I will continue to be a huge fan of yours!
Sincerely,
Cynthia
Ed,
I recently purchased your puppy training video and basic obedience. I hesitated because there are so many training books and videos and I was concerned that yours might be a little too "police dog" oriented.
That was not the case, and I count my money well spent. I only wish I had the information sooner, so that we would not have accepted a second puppy when it was offered to us. They are not quite four months old, and we now have them separated 95% of the time. We are training them together in puppy kindergarten, but on far ends of the training group. While we would not have taken the second puppy after seeing your video, (one male lab, one female shepherd), now that we have them and love them...we are going to give it our best shot.
And thanks again for sharing your expertise through video.
Sharon M
Florida
Hi Ed,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note and thank you for providing me (the public) with so much excellent information on dogs and training. I have a two year old female (spayed) Belgian Terv who is a dominant dog. I read through everything you had on your web site and then purchased your Basic Obedience and Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dog DVD's They are excellent! Yay! Finally some good, helpful information that answers the problems I'd been having.
Using your methods has made a big difference in both my understanding my dog and changing her behavior - and mine. : )
Thank you Ed, for being so generous and having a web site. that gives away so much valuable information. Your DVD's are excellent. I like the format and the way you present the information. I'll be recommending your products on my blog and to everyone I come into contact with!
Best Regards,
Marisa
The DVD edition of your Basic Dog Obedience is really packed with information, all of which has been so insightful, helpful and truly valuable. I admire what you have done to make life better for dogs and handlers alike. After watching and putting to use the information in the VHS, and DVD 1 of the set, my entire family (including Abby, our young dog) is a much happier unit.
Thanks again for all your work -- your love for dogs shows through in every moment.
Sincerely,
A.J.
Dear Mr. Frawley,
I finally purchased your Basic Dog Obedience DVD. I'm so glad I did, your methods and instruction really helped clarify for me what I should be doing with my dog. I really appreciated learning about the progressive nature of correct training as well as understanding the Rule of 30, and that my sessions should be 2-3 minutes. I just started my marker training this morning! I had my dog on a long cotton lead, another great tip! The neighbors dog was let out in his adjoining yard and I was able to refocus my dogs attention back toward me quite easily! She tends to want to bark and raise hell at the fence when this dog is out. I really love the bonding and training process with dogs. I wanted to thank you for your expertise and wonderful web site. and products. I'm glad I stumbled upon your site while on the net.
Again, thank you. I look forward to finally being able to train my dog correctly and humanely.
Sincerely,
Linda
Ed,
Got your videos and the training collars ..Basic Obedience DVD. What a lifesaver! Zorro is doing much better!
Your insight is helping make both of us happier.
Thanks!
Chris
I have purchased two videos from you the 8 weeks to 8 months, and the Basic Dog Obedience. I have found both videos to be extremely helpful. I received the basic dog obedience video two days ago. Upon receiving this video, I viewed it the same day. I must say that I learned quite a bit, and recognized instantly what I was doing wrong in my training. In the past I received recommendations and instruction from established dog trainers and found their instruction not to be correct. I believe if more dog owners would view just these two videos it would resolve many issues that we have read about in newspapers and TV with problem dogs.
Thanks again Mr. Frawley,
Terrance
Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you for the great videos. I ordered your: "Basic Dog Obedience" DVD 302-D, "Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months" DVD 120-D, and "Raising a Working Puppy" DVD 117-D and thought that they where absolutely great! My dog Chubbers learned the down stay in 4 days and is now the most obedient and smart dog I have ever owned, all thanks to the knowledge I acquired from your videos. Now, a year from when I purchased them, he is smart and very willing to learn and also has a good food drive.
The instant recall(I think that's what it was called) that you teach in the video has already saved his life. He bolted out of our yard after two vicious pit bulls and when I called him he came right back:)I would definitely recommend these videos to anyone(especially the obedience video.)
Once again thanks, and thanks also for saving Chubbers!
Lynette
Hi Ed,
Cyber is my first dog, a GSD. I have spent weeks upon weeks trying to find a good site on raising a GSD. Only last week did I fumble across your site. I just received your dvd on basic obedience, a 6ft leash and a prong collar. On the dvd, I believe before anyone decides to make a purchase of a GSD, should first look at your dvd on basic obedience, god knows if I did I wouldn’t have had half the problems that I did. People often mistake their dog for not been intelligent enough etc for not doing a command but the real problem is ignorant handlers. I believe I came under this title. The dvd is fantastic, you really simplified it so that anyone can follow it, I say thank you. The 6ft leash, well I was just amazed at the quality and the workmanship on these leads, I have not seen anything of the like here in Ireland or any other part of Europe. And lastly the prong collar, well what can I say, you call it “power steering for dogs” and it just does that. I have spent €100’s of euro on dog trainers, collars, leads ecollars and so on, and just to buy those three items cost me under $100!! I agreed with everything you said on your dvd on halti’s, dog classes, check chains etc. On the halti,, when cyber was only a few months old my shoulder would ache from walking him, so I called in a so called professional trainer here, and she said after first looking at him that he was a hopeless case. She said get him a halti and that would do the trick, so which I did. But he still wanted to be ahead with the halti on and every time he saw a dog and tried to run over to them, the halti would cut the under of his jaw where it would rub. She also recommended citronella spray for his barking, but Cyber was too cute for that, he knew if he barked up to 15 times in a row that the holder would run out of citronella. Plus the fact that GSD are hairy the citronella never got to his nose. So can I just say Thank you, you don’t realize how much it is to find someone like you, so I say thank you again and Cyber says thank you as well for teaching his best friend.
Yours truly,
Roy
Ireland
I just wanted to write and tell you how thankful we are for your web site. We have been working Bouviers for 10 years and that is why I first contacted you and bought your tapes. Our Bouviers all have titles and are very will socialized and stable dogs. Our female even went to a local park event and my 7 year old daughter did her Schutzhund obedience with her for the trick competition. She won best trick and Best in Show. People were amazed at her obedience with my daughter and how sweet she was with the other kids and adults. I only then told them she hold titles in Schutzhund (protection sport) showed them the photo's of her and her bite. They were so impressed that a dog and do both. I told that if you dog is trained the correct way and comes from sound breeding stock this is what you should have. Protection dogs are not aggressive dogs or mean dogs. They should be family dogs that know when to do their business. Everyone loves her and our 10 year old male. I credit you for a lot of this as I have loved your articles. Keep up the GREAT WORK!!
PS: The main reason for my comment is because I have not checked your web site in quite sometime and I love all the new additions from the past years. We ended up with a rescued jack russell that was found starving and pregnant a few weeks ago. She gave birth to 6 boys 3 days ago and her milk was not letting down. I checked your web site and gave her the chicken broth ( she didn't care for water) 3 times a day and now she has plenty of milk and happy puppies!!
Thanks so much!!
Dana
Hello Ed,
Just letting you know I'm getting a lot of good information from this DVD.
My 9 month old Dutch Shepherd, Jenna, did basic obedience and basic agility so far. Next week I will start advanced obedience (Jenna does good as long as there are not too many distractions). Hope to address this in the next course, together with your advise from the DVD.
I recommend this DVD to anyone who is even considering a dog.
My name is Nora, my husband, Hans and I have a Great Dane named Thor. Thor will be 2 years old on the 7th of February. Over the past 6 months (or so), Thor has gradually begun to show territorial aggression. Thor went to socialization classes when he was just a puppy, he also completed 2 levels of obedience, through positive reinforcement training.
Thor has had no bad experiences with people, children and adults in our neighborhood have watched him grow, and Thor had always enjoyed the attention of everyone, on the street, in the car and in our home. Suddenly in mid-summer we could read Thor's body language as one of tension when certain people came near. Also, he started to bully, jump at and attempt to mouth certain individuals as they entered our home, or on the street. This is developing into a more intense problem. Having a dog that weighs 180 pounds, we are very aware of the liability that we face with Thor.
We recently had a behavioral specialist come into our home, to give us advice: ex: when he appears to become tense or aggressive when seeing a stranger on the street, distract him with treats, sit/down stays or change of direction in walking ...whatever works! She also advised that we set-up for people that we know to meet us in the street, greet him in a friendly way and give him a treat. Unfortunately, it's the other 98% of the population that we see when we are out there walking Thor, and his size alone intimidates them, they show fear, and we can feel the tension rising with Thor.
We have begun taking Thor to training again, just to re familiarize himself with people (so far, he seems to always to be happy to meet other dogs).
We have had other dogs (a Samoyed and a Sheltie), we never experienced a change in their behaviors as they matured.
Our retired trainer came by and observed Thor in our home. Of course, she showed no fear of him, and she thought that he was very well behaved, and very trainable to stop these aggressive behaviors.
Question: Do males that show territorial aggressive behavior often or generally calm down once they have reached full maturity?
We really love Thor, (ME ESPECIALLY), and want to keep him, we will do what we need to do to train him to behave. But, if it is impossible, we cannot risk having him hurt anyone, the damage that he could do is frightening! If you can give us any information to correct this behavior, we would really appreciate hearing from you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nora K
A.
I will begin by saying that I will guarantee that this problem is only going to get worse if you continue your current, ill-advised path. Territorial aggression gets stronger with
age, especially around 18 months to 3 years.
More often than not, I find myself shaking my head in disgust at these self proclaimed "Behavior Specialists". The majority of these people are experts in their own mind and lack experience or the ability to deal with serious problems. That is certainly the case with the individual who gave you the advice with this dog. It's just plain stupid advice from an inexperienced person.
Here is the problem in a nut shell. Dogs are pack animals. Territorial aggression is a pack instinct. Dogs will respond to the demands of a human as a pack leader if it's properly trained. Dogs with strong territorial aggression problems need strong pack leaders.
Because of the bad advice you have received, you have created a dangerous situation that would not have had to occur had you gotten good advice right from the beginning. As a result you need to take more extreme measures than you would normally have taken.
What this means is that this dog needs serious obedience training, which encompasses serious corrections for refusing to obey a command that he knows and understands. On a dog of this size, this has to be done with a prong collar or an electric collar. If you can not afford an electric collar and the normal prong does not work, sharpen the prongs on a grinder, (this ought to throw those behavioral wimps for a loop).
If there is the slightest inference that the dog will challenge the handler after a correction, for the safety of the handler the dog must be trained in muzzle.
When the dog will respond properly to corrections for refusing to sit, down, stay, and come in your back yard, (under distraction i.e. a stranger coming into the yard while on a long down), then it's time to take the dog out on the street. The instant you see that he is paying more attention to a stranger, even if he stiffens his body posture while walking, you say "NO !!!!!" and continue on. If he makes even the slightest inappropriate move to the stranger you give him a correction that is so severe that he thinks life is over and the devil himself is at the end of the leash. This dog must respect your correction WAY MORE than it has an interest in being aggressive at an inappropriate time. This is how you establish yourself as an effective pack leader.
If you are not physically strong enough to muscle this dog around on a leash and prong, then use an electric collar, a good one.
A lot of people do not have the temperament to do this work. They simply cannot correct at an effective level. They should find new homes for their dogs.
Just as important as a correction at the appropriate time is to praise almost to the level of distraction when the dog responds and minds. The dog must learn that there is no gray area. He must understand that if he minds he gets praised to perfection and if he doesn't mind he dies, (in his mind.) Once a dog comes to this understanding, all problems with aggression stop. These kinds of dogs find comfort in their new found rank in the pack. Now if a dog chooses to fight the handler, that's a whole new can of worms.
The answer to that is also on my web site. I will not repeat it here.
So my advice of the day is "When someone calls themselves behaviorists" grab your wallet and think about the basic rules of obedience training I discuss in this video. These rules are the foundation of ALL DOG TRAINING. Remember, most behavioral therapists are used to working with golden retrievers and pho pho dogs. They don't have a clue what to do with a really tough or dangerous dog. Unfortunately a lot of nice dogs are put down because of poor training. If their handlers had only taken a different course of training they could have made a good dog out of a problem dog.
Q.
I have a question. I have a female German Shepherd. She is of German parents. She is fairly dominant with my other dog. However, I have not been able to do a lot of socialization with her until recently. She is a little timid. Can you give me some suggestions to raise her confidence level? She is only six months old right now. She will get aggressive with me if I am playing with her, but she is scared by the littlest things when we are out in public. This is not good. I don't like it. Can you help???
Thanks!
Scott
A.
You need to socialize the dog - there is not a substitute for good socialization. The shyer she is the more she needs to be socialized.
Dogs also find security in being obedient. This comes from their pack instinct. Timid dogs are not pack leaders, they are pack followers. They want to follow and as long they understand what is being asked of them they feel comfortable when they are doing what their pack leader (you) tells them to do. That is why a well trained dog is always more confident than an untrained dog. This results from the time spent with the trainer during the training process - in addition to the confidence by doing something that it knows is correct.
Q.
I am interested in acquiring some of your videos and in fact have purchased 1, which is "Basic Dog Obedience." It was one of the most informative videos I've purchased that it encouraged me into dog training (not professionally). I only train my dogs and want them to be a good personal, family and property protection dogs. Right now, I have 3 dogs, 2 American Bulldogs (male and female) and a Rottweiler (female). I have done basic obedience with them (with the help of your video) and have achieved tremendous results.
Do you have any suggestions on what videos should I purchase next to achieve my goal of having personal protection trained dogs in my backyard? In addition, what basic equipment should I buy to help me with my training? I hope you can enlighten me. Thank you and more power!
Archie
A.
Thank you for the kind words, they are appreciated.
I would recommend a couple of tapes, The First Steps of Bite Training explains the importance of bite development and the steps a dog as young as 6 months of age must go through before it can be ready for more serious defensive training. I would suggest that you read the description of this video on my web site. If you are not 100% sure of the drives that I refer to, I would direct you to the articles I have written on this subject on my web site.
The second tape is The First Steps of Defense video that shows how to move a dog from bite development into the more serious work. All dogs that are going into more specialized training (Police Service Work, Schutzhund Work or Personal Protection Work) need to go through this phase of training before moving on.
You would need a bite tube.This will get you started, at some point (not right away) you will either need a bite sleeve. I always recommend people start with one of the soft sleeves that we sell. Once the dogs move through the training steps using the soft sleeve - you will need a hard sleeve and then one of our Frabo style muzzles that we sell. But these last things are way down the road.
Q.
I have surfed your site and I also read some of the letters sent to you about the problems with their dogs. I myself also have this problem with my 4 months old German shepherd dog. First and foremost, my dog doesn't grow with her sired mother cause my dogs mother died after his birth. So, starting on his first day on earth up to its 2nd month my dog never saw any other dog or people except us.
The problem:
When we first let our dog walk outside our house we saw his attitude that he is afraid of any dog, cars and people that we meet along the streets. Even when we tried to let him near to a female German shepherd in our neighborhood he really scream pull the leashed as if he is so afraid. Also he never barks to strangers that go to our house because he is afraid. Sir, what will I do to make him feel like any normal German shepherd dog that is brave and not afraid to any people or dog that he meets along the way? Please give me advise and tips to regain my dogs confidence again, because I really love my dog.
Edward
A.
This is a genetic issue and probably nothing to do with the fact that the dog lost his mother. The dog is a product of poor breeding. There is nothing that you can do to change his temperament, all you can do is control his behavior. This is accomplished through very solid obedience training.
Q.
Hi Mr. Frawley:
I bought your Basic Obedience Video, and following it step by step I had a great deal of success with my dog. I had a few problems at one point two or three months ago, but your answers by email solved those problems for me. I was recently at a mounted search and rescue training, and had taken my dog with me. There was a retired police officer with our Posse who had worked with K-9 officers on occasion, and he was very impressed by the way my dog responded to my commands.
At one point he asked how I got her to do such a quick recall. I, of course, told him about your training videos and that I had simply followed that. I want to thank you for making me and my dog look good. It was a great feeling to have someone admire the way my dog obeyed me.
I have one question for you also. My dog picks up anything off the ground that looks edible and eats it. Sometimes I can get it away from her in time, and other times she will drop it when I tell her to, but not always. I think it is because she was a starving stray when we got her, and even though she eats well now old habits die hard. I am worried she will eat something bad for her, or that if someone threw a piece of poisoned meat over the fence she would wolf it down. I could not find any info on this on your web site. How do I discourage her from doing this?
Thanks again for your previous help. I recommend you whenever I have the opportunity to do so.
Use the NICK button when you have her out. I would never take her out without the collar on. When used properly it is the greatest dog training tool there is. Its also abused. With that said this issue with your dog must be controlled or she will eat something that may require surgery to remove. The NICK happens so fast she will immediately spit it out and look at the ground to see what kind of a land mine she just stepped on.
Have the dog wear the collar for two weeks. Take it on and off 3 or 4 times a day - rotate her other collar so the e-collar going on does not mean anything to the dog. Many people think they just have the dog wear a collar and that conditions them =- WRONG - it’s the act of putting the collar on that triggers the I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING mode. So on and off for 2 weeks and it will mean nothing
Good luck and thanks for the nice words.
Q.
First and foremost, thank you for the wonderful Puppy and Dog Obedience DVD's My dog is doing so unbelievably well with the training and boy does she listen! I am impressed! Wish you were here in Dallas, would love to hear you speak.
Small background....
We recently fostered a male golden retriever. We currently have a 1 year old female (boxer mix). I did what you said, as far as introducing them in the crate for a while. Lucky for us, neither of them every growled at each other. Eventually, we introduced them and they are doing fine.
At first, we thought he would be a dominant dog, but, I am wondering if the tables may have turned. They have not fought or growled at each other, but, I am looking for signs of who is try to be the more dominant dog through their postures (T-ing off, humping etc.) <-I haven't seen either.
This leads me to asking, my female will lick the male in the mouth, constantly, and he will start to lick her back in the mouth. Then they start to play. She goes for his feet and ankles, and will get into play mode, rear in the air and all. I performed a search on your web site, trying to understand the licking behavior. Needless to say, I couldn't find anything... well, not related to dogs licking dogs in the mouth :)
Can you please tell me what the licking behavior means?
If it is a dominance thing or if it is playing?
And, is it possible that two dogs can be equally submissive to each other?
Thank you in advance!
Jessica
A.
This is not a dominant dog issue its a submission issue. It sounds like you have nice dogs.
