Dumb & Dumber

''Life's tough.  It's even tougher if you're stupid.'' 
-- John Wayne 

I try and answer every question I receive on dog training. I may often come across as a little on the blunt side, (some may call it brash). That is because I consider myself an advocate for dogs and not dog handlers. I am an advocate for common sense dog training and not the latest fad that appears on the horizon. Good dog training is not rocket science. It's common sense.

1. You are one dumb guy.
   
   
2. My friends pitbull got bred by a Boxer. How many heat cycles must the pittbull go through before it can have another litter of purebred pittbulls?
   
   
3. My husband beats our Maltese for peeing on the floor. It is getting aggressive, should we keep the dog when our new baby comes?
   
   
4. I dont know how in the world you can guarantee that none of them can do police work. I have seen large breed poodles that could do good bite work. I have a friend who works a lab in bite work.
   
   
5. We have 4 dogs, and one is very dominant. During one fight, it took us a long time to get him off the other dog.
   
   
6. I may sound like chicken little concerning hybrids
   
   
7. One of my female poodles accidently got in with another females litter and killed a 3 day old puppy. Should I breed this fmeale?
   
   
8. I own a CHOW mix and I cannot get home owners insurance and it is because of people like you!!
   
   
9. I think you should add hidden puppy sleeves and hidden leg sleeves to your catalog. Mario G. Velazquez
   
   
10. My collie is dog aggressive when I take it to our dog park. I know I should not take it to these places, but I still want to do it. I also do not belive in correcting my dog. What can I do to correct this dog aggression? Monda Maines
    
    
11. Anyone who needs to rely on kicking their dog's ass does not understand how he thinks and is not what I would call a responsible, nor respectable trainer.
    
    
12. Is whipping a good way to train my dog?
    
    
13. Can you make a video of pups inside a bitch before they are born?
    
    
14. I just had a litter of pups. One died from a cleft pallet. I have been crying for two days.
    
    
15. I visited a boarding kennel today. The owner brought out a litter of GSD pups that were all scarred up. He said he lets them fight because he wants
    to know which ones are the dominant pups so he doesn't have any FAG dogs coming from his kennel.
    
    
16. I plan on getting a rott,a doverman, and a german shepard. If i get them all at the same time will they all get along? If I spay and neuter them will that reduce some of the fighting? And when I do get these dogs what would you perfer to be the males and female? Please just write back at your convience.
    
    
17. Do you think we should protection train our dog in Schutzhund or through a professional trainer - or do we need to at all?
    
    
18. I searched frantically to find someone to help my husband and I and I found this site and read almost all of it...
    
    
19. Why in the world would someone need a protection dog when they have a 125 pound Rot?
    
    
20. Crate use is useful...
    
    
21. Common Sense...
    
    
22. Names...
    
    
23. Our behaviorist recommended a haltie and food treats to solve the problem of our dog biting people. She pretty much said "Every time she tries to bite someone, take her into a separate room and give her a treat." What is your opinion here?
    
    
24. Your advice is terrible !!
    
    
25. The other day my sister-in-law stopped by and my dog placed himself between her and my kids and then growled. Should I be concerned about my daughters saftey?
    
    
26. Our dog runs off for 2 hours at a time when we let her out. We tie her up when she comes home to punish her but this is not working. What can we do?
    
    
27. How to you breed dogs?
    
    
28. My teo dogs fight when I put a plate of food down for one of them. Can I let them fight it out so they stop this behavior?
    
    
29. I have a 6 and 1/2 month old male American bulldog and a 8 and 1/2 month old
    female American bulldog. My boyfriend let them out in the back yard and they
    bred. She is still bleeding, does that mean she did not get pregnant?
    
    
30. I am a security dog handler. I need to build up confidence in my Rott. Do you think I can do that by giving him a live chicken to kill?
    
    
31. My pug had puppies and I left the door open and my doxie killed all the pups. I haven't been able to pet my doxie since this happend. Is she a killer?
    
    
32. I think that American GSDs are better than German lines. The German lines are just nippy and cowardly.
    
    
33. I had a 6 month old GSD attack me. What do you think about that?
    
    
34. I hate my girlfriend's dog. What can I do?
    
    
35. How can you tell a male pup from a female?
    
    
36. I just wanted to send you a little email....
    
    
37. My 5 month old GSD lets dogs attack her when she is on a lead. Can you help?
    
    
38. Your methods only lead to trouble....
    
    
39. I dont believe in using leashes to train dogs
    
    
40. Our Vet says puppies should never be given milk from another animal. DAHHH
    
    
41. Will you do the research for me and get back to me and let me know if I should buy a pup from this breeder?
    
    
42. please consider shutting down your puppy mill operation and send those inquiries to a shelter or legit rescue
    
    
43. My therapy dog organization does not allow dogs that are fed a raw diet.
    
    
44. I stopped numbering these after 41 - just go to the bottoom of this page and read. :-)

QUESTION:

My friends pitbull got bred by a Boxer. How many heat cycles must the pittbull go through before it can have another litter of purebred pittbulls?

ANSWER:

SIX maybe SEVEN !!!

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Leerburgs First Answer:

I don’t think the problem is the dog, I think the problem is the way you are handling the dog.

Beating a dog doesn’t do anything but teach a dog how to be stressed, anxious and afraid.

There are a lot of issues here, but first and foremost is that you and your husband need to become pack leaders for your dogs, not punishers. Dogs don’t learn what we want from them by being hit.  You can call it spanking, beating, hitting or whatever but it’s not training.

The dogs crate should be a refuge, not a place of punishment. 

Please read this article about becoming an effective pack leader.   If you set this dog up as outlined in this article, there is no way he can get into trouble and you will be showing your dog in a productive way how to behave.

The first sentence in this article says it all: “You can feed water and love your dog and he will like you but he very well may not respect you. “  99% of all behavioral problems are a result of dogs not respecting their owners.  This happens as a result of poor handling and/or poor training.

 This article was written for people like yourself, people who have great intentions but not enough knowledge of pack structure.. There are links within the article that will take you to other articles on my web site.

At the end of the article I tell people that I wish I had time to train them through emails but I don’t.

Go to the  web site and read articles I have written, buy some of the training videos. We have been doing them since 1980. Go to the web discussion board and read the archives of the board. There is a great deal of information here and I make sure it is valid information. This board has almost 6,000 registered dog members like your self.  Use the search engine on the web site (it’s on the tool bar on the left side of my web page)

We also have a section on introducing dogs and babies.

 I hope this helps.

Cindy

AK's come back

Cindy's Answer

Ed and I live together he asks me to answer many of the training emails.  He sent yours to me.

I’d be interested to know where on our website you found training advice to hit a dog for making a mistake?  If it is on there, it needs to be removed because that is NOT what we advocate. There are times for corrections (but not beating or spanking) only after the dog understands what he is being corrected for.  I will wager a guess that your dog does not understand.  

Putting a diaper on a dog is basically giving him permission to pee in the house, so if he then doesn’t have the diaper on and you spank him, he won’t have a clue what is happening.

Can you point me to the information you read on our website?  I would really appreciate it.

Cindy

AK's come back

Cindy's Answer

I guess if you already know how to raise dogs and your vet gave such valuable advice, I wonder why you are wasting my time?

Everyone doesn’t have the kind of problems you are having, that’s for sure! Your email was so far out there with the spanking and diapers that I sent it back to Ed in disbelief.

Good luck with a baby, as a parent I can tell you that if you are having these kinds of issues with a small dog, then a baby will be a real challenge for you. Hopefully you use a different approach in parenting than you do in the way you “handle” your dog.

(I have some news for you, dogs don’t become protective over babies that haven’t even been born yet. Your vet gave you some very WRONG information).

Cindy

AK's come back

Cindy's Answer

Have you ever read our Dumb & Dumber section?

AK's come back

Ed's Final Comment:

You have earned a post on my dumb and dumber page.

We literally get hundreds of emails every day. People often get off on the wrong step with dogs and we help turn them around and point them in the right direction. Almost to a man they appreciate our effort.

Every now and then (not that often really) we run into people who are so stupid, who are so far off base and to pig headed they can’t see the forest for the trees they belong on this page. You fall into this category.

Some people should not own dogs. You peope are a perfect example. My god !! What planet were they born on.

Almost all Vets should not give advice on dog training because they are unqualified and lack experience. Read my article on this. If indeed a vet offered this advice he belongs on the DUMB AND DUMBER LIST TOO

I feel sorry for your dog. Actually I feel sorry for your upcoming baby. Raising dogs is a lot like raising babies. I wonder if you will spank your child for messing himself when YOU THINK HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER !!

QUESTION:

Your website is excellent and informative.

For 3-4 years we've had a male pitbull Hercules, and just last year we decided to keep 3 of his off-springs.

We saw the warning signs of one of his pups Monty, show dominance. It started when Monty would growl and mount on the other dogs-we'd just shoo them away until one time Monty and another pup stated fighting; it wasn't brutal until Hercules came in, the little puppy was easy to pull off, but for Hercules it took awhile because he was locked on.

Last week the same thing happened, only it was worser; Monty accidentally bit a family members hand and dislodged her index finger while she was trying to break up the fight. I know why the other pup joined to fight (prey drive), but why does Hercules keep doing this? And why do they only attack Monty? We have to lock them in rooms and after the second fight keep them separate, and we are planning to build a kennel. What are other methods to use? And will Hercules ever try to attack the other puppies? (they turn 1 on Easter).

Hercules only does this to Monty. Hercules is very loveable and affectionate and destroying him or Monty is far from our minds. Any suggestions?

ANSWER:

No one, including you, raises a pack of pit bulls in their home without keeping them in separate kennels for just the reason you spoke of. I found myself wondering if a "Dislodged finger" meant - bitten off or dislocated?

Unless you separate these dogs and train them, your problems have just begun. It sounds like you need to find homes for a few of them.

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Question:

I have three litters,my one little girl has never had pups but always seems very interested in the pups.We keep thinking she would love to have her own,we let her smell them sometimes while we hold them of coarse,just because she seems so curious.I have these pups in my family room all three litters.(usually have no more then two). Of course I don't let them get at each others pups,but this one time I was checking the one litter as they were only 3 days old,the phone rang and I failed to close the cage door ,my sweet litter girl that I love so dearly and has never had pups got in and helped herself to a pup brought it to me and it had holes in it where she had bite it. OH!!!!!!!!!!!! I was sick!! and mad at myself too.

My question is what caused her to do this? She is three years old and has seen many lupus and is always interested,I never ever thought she would hurt them,but never took the chance either.Boy when she could though she got ahold of it.My other bitch was having her pups we put one in the incubate to keep it dry and warm and this same female got it out when we walked away and it had a hole in it's stomach too of course it died.

Should I not breed her? She has a very good disposition and so smart. I am so sick over this,never ever had this to happen.

Could you give me some answers to this awful situation?

Thank You
S B

ANSWER:

Chalk this up to owner problems. Allowing other bitches around another dog's litter is drop dead stupid. You found out why.

My advice would be that YOU should not have anymore litters - not the dog. You need to change the way you look at dogs and breeding – these are dogs not people.

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Questions:

I have a Chow Lab mix that is 7 years old and we have had her since she was 3 months old. She has always been around children and is a real lover with no aggressive tendencies. Now I just bought a new house and to my horror the insurance companies will not insure the house because of the dog. Does everyone have the same problem when they own a Chow mix or are there insurance companies which aren't so narrow minded? I am disturbed that so many of your correspondents seem to want aggressive (protective) dogs. I am sure that has impacted the attitude of insurance companies.

Jim Rhyner

e-mail: jim.rhyner@nanaservices.com

Answer:

Just to humor you I will make a few comments:

1- If it were not for people like me there would be no police service dogs, S&R dogs in this country.

2- If it were not for people like me families and women who get robbed and assaulted would not have options other than guns.

3- The VAST MAJORITY of dog bites are to family members.

4- The VAST majority of dog bites are from untrained unsupervised dogs

5- There are many more dumb asses that own normal family dogs that NEVER TRAIN their dogs that then bite people, than there are people like me who promote responsible dog training.

6- Find another insurance company and quit your crying !!

Ed

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QUESTION:

Hello Mr. Frawley,

I have been spending some time on your web site, and read many of the Q&As that were on the site as well. I have been doing a lot of surfing on the web lately, looking for answers to some training questions I have regarding my current dog, a 10 month old, spayed female German Shepherd. I rescued her about a month ago.

I certainly would not say I am a dog trainer, I have not even gained any titles with a dog. I am a working mother of two small children who is highly involved in rescuing dogs and cats in my local county, and working with the county pound to increase adoptions, spayings, etc. I often rescue German Shepherds and Rottweilers, as well as mixed breeds and all sorts of other purebred dogs. I have encountered many different personalities and temperaments in my rescue work.

I realize I am probably wasting my time, but I felt compelled to tell you how appalled I am at what you tell people to do regarding their dogs. I certainly agree with your recommendation regarding starting with basic obedience. I agree with the pack and drive information you give. An animal must know where it stands within its pack. And a dominant animal must not be allowed to get away with what I would term aggressive behavior. However, I cannot believe that you told most of these people to "kick butt," "kick ass," "put the dog through hell," "make him think he is dying or has died," etc. In the first place, I myself would never attempt such an act. It is inhumane and cruel, and could create a very dangerous situation. I have used prong collars on occasion, but only gently. As for electric shock or abusive beating, I believe these are condoned by those who cannot truly train a dog. An electric shock collar should ONLY be used in an extreme case, and ONLY by someone who knows what they are doing. Not these obvious novice or first dog owners, that most of your questions seemed to be from.

Perhaps such inhumane training is necessary to train dogs for police work. Never having been involved in such work, I certainly wouldn't know. But for the average dog owner, especially a novice dog owner, this is only going to make the dog mistrustful, and possibly aggressive. I see enough behaviorial problems with the many pound and stray dogs I work with daily, to know this to be a fact. And true aggression can never be trained out of a dog, with any method. Your suggestions are not going to improve relations between any of these folks and their dogs, but only create dogs with aggression problems, and dangerous situations for their handlers.

I don't expect a response from you, nor do I really want one. I do wish, however, you would at least post my email on your site, to give visitors some food for thought. Your method may have worked with some of your visitors, but I'd be willing to bet it is the exception, not the rule. Anyone who needs to rely on kicking their dog's ass does not understand how he thinks and is not what I would call a responsible, nor respectable trainer.

Barbara Link
Virginia

ANSWER:

You are right:

1- You don't know much about dog training
2- You don't know anything about strong dominant dogs
3- You don't understand pack drive with dominant dogs
4- You don't understand overly aggressive dogs
5- You are naive

HER ANSWER:

Pretty much what I expected from you. Reinforced my opinions. I think the humane society might be interested in your "technique" don't you?

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QUESTION:

I have read a lot of your articles and I want to ask your advice because you seem to follow your tried and true methods, not what is popular at the moment. We have an 11 week old Lab puppy that we have had since she was 6 weeks old. From the time we got her, we have worked with her to teach her proper manners. She understood house breaking within the first couple of days and is quick to catch on to almost anything we try to teach her. Most of the things you suggest in your articles, we have always done. She is not allowed in any bedroom, etc. She has a horrible mouthing problem that we have not been able to control, but she does not appear to have an aggressive personality. She will allow you to turn her on her back, touch her paws, take her food, and so forth. But lately she seems to becoming more aggressive and I am afraid we may be causing the problem. I have used treats and praise as a method of training, which she responds to fairly well. I usually work with her 2-3 times a day.

My husband on the other hand is a firm believer in whipping her if she misbehaves and if she bites him, he will knock her across the room. Needless to say, she does not bite him often; however, she will rarely go anywhere near him and it does not stop her from mouthing our children or me. Like I said, she has always responded well to treats and praise, but lately at times she refuses to obey and she will try to take the treat out of my hand if I do not give it to her. If she refuses to obey a command, like sit, I have started trying to restrain her until she sits, which turns into a horrible fight. She will twist, claw, and bite to try to get free. I try to hold her until she relents. Most of the time she will not relent and I usually end up just locking her up with nothing but bites and scratches for my trouble.

Is she too young to try to force into submission? What should I do if she refuses to obey a command? Is whipping her the right answer or is that causing her to be more aggressive? I have read anything that I can find on this subject, but everything I've read just tells me not to allow this type of behavior, not how to stop it. We do not want an attack dog; we just want a friendly addition into our family. I have ordered your training video and hope it will give me some insight into the proper way to train my puppy without worrying that she may one day take her aggression out on our children.

Thank you,
Linda Duhon

ANSWER:

Well the first thing you need to do is whip your husband the next time he whips the dog and then ask him how he liked it!

You can tell him that he needs to either learn how to train a dog or find a new home for this puppy because he is going to screw it up if he continues. Whipping a dog is stupid, dumb, ignorant and foolish. There is no nice way to put it.

You are expecting too much from this pup at too young of an age. You need to learn how to train a dog and you need to get a dog crate and use it. I can't teach you how to train a dog through an email.

I would recommend the video I produced titled Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months. I give this video to all of my puppy customers and never get questions on how to raise a pup. Read the description of the tape on my web site.

4 YEARS LATER

Four years after adding this email to my dumb and dumber section I was surprised to get a nice email from Linda. In it she indicated that she in fact did go ahead and purchase my DVD Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months and Basic Dog Obedience She wanted me to know that her family used this information in training their dog and they now have a normal happy well trained dog.

Because she was so nice in the email I offered to remove this email from Dumb and Dumber. All she had to do was say the word.

She wrote back and said I should leave it because it may help others. She just wanted everyone to know that her husband doesn't beat her and she doesn't beat him :-)

Here is what she said:

But maybe you could just add that I did email you several years later to let you know you were right, we were wrong and every single problem that we had was our fault-not the dog's. Once we bought your tapes and followed your instructions, we realized the puppy was magnificent. Smart dog-dumb handler!

Thanks again for everything.
Linda Duhon

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QUESTION:

How about some tips on how to properly breed a first time bitch that is giving me problems, and also how the pups grow inside the bitch, nice video would be great if you would make on, like, when do the pups get hair, teeth, etc. consentrate on breeding and puppies growing inside the bitch more than fighting dogs. would buy those videos or books more than the ones you have on training dogs to bite.

regards
pat

ANSWER:

Maybe you can give me a game plan on just how I am to get video of puppies growing inside of a bitch.

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QUESTION:

On December 18th I had a litter of 4 Miniature Pinscher puppies. Three very healthy, and the first runt I have ever had in my life. I noticed the first day he was in distress. He weighted 2 1/2 ozs. I began tube feeding adding a little Nutri Cal to his formula. I Live in a Very small town with not allot of help from Vets to be honest the Vets here leave allot to be desired. Anyway, I tube fed him for 10 days, Using the measurements on the can of Esebilac to insure I was feeding the proper amount for his weight He seemed to be coming along quite well, gaining weight, moving around more. He did lose his desire to suck, I figured I was just keeping his little belly full, and was willing to continue tube feeding until he was weaned if needed. I listened to his chest all of the time (I am so afraid of Pneumonia) he showed no signs. His bowels looked fine. He seemed fine. Yesterday I woke up and he was dead. I could not figure out what I did wrong. I inspected this puppy from top to bottom, something I should have done from the start and found that he had what I think is a Cleft Pallet. Could this alone kill him? At first I thought I might have injured him with the feeding tube, but my Vet said that was impossible as the tube was so soft and flexible. Can you describe to me or send me a picture of what a cleft pallet looks like? He had no outward signs of a Cleft Pallet, but the inside was awful. I have cried for 2 days wondering what else I could have done to save this tiny puppy. I have two champion Miniature Pinschers I raise very healthy puppies and have most of them homes before they are born, But this one encounter has put me out of the puppy raising business. I am simply too soft hearted. In the past, I have raised Siberian Huskies, Basset Hounds and Min Pins and this is the first puppy I have ever lost.

Thank you very much
Tina J. Bryant

ANSWER:

It is always very sad when puppies die If one is to become a breeder, it is only a matter of time before being exposed to this kind of thing. It is never easy but it happens.

HER RESPONSE:

Thank you for answering my question! Your site is worthless!

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QUESTION:

Hello Ed, I was looking for a kennel to board my bitch while she was in heat. I went to a kennel near my house to take a look at his facilities before I boarded my dog. Well all I can say is thank god I did that. Everything looked fine at first. He had a nice little set-up that was secluded with lots of land and room for the dogs. He had indoor kennels for the dogs and everything. Well I was sitting there just bullshitting with the guy, asking him how long he has been involved with dogs. He told me he has been around dogs all of his life. He specializes in German shepherds. He claimes to train for the police. Well first of all he was trying to tell me that white shepherds are just like any other german shepherd. Which I did not agree with at all. And he was telling me that alot of the german shepherds he has had, he has had to put to sleep for biting people. I knew something was up with this guy after he explained his experiences and opinions on dogs. Well He said he had a litter of German shepherd pups so I asked to see them. He brought the pups out and I noticed that the pups had scars all over their faces. I bent down to pet the pups and a couple of them dropped to the ground and started pissing everywhere. I asked him why the scars were on their faces and the dumbass told me that he lets his pups fight to show which one will be dominant because "He didnt want faget dogs in his kennel". This was his statement exactly. Well needless to say I packed my shit and left giving him my opinion on his stupidity on the way out. I think that this guy really thinks he knows alot about dogs and he claims to be an expert. In my opinion he is an animal abuser and a real piece of shit if you ask me. Do you think that this kind of behavior with his pups is considered animal abuse?(you should have seen the scars on these pups). Do you think that I should contact someone about animal abuse? I just wanted to share my opinion with someone who can agree that this moron should be castrated and then fed to his crazy schitzo dogs. Thanks for your time.

ANSWER:

You just learned a valuable lesson. There are RED NECKS hiding behind every tree. We need to root them out and expose them for the PEA BRAINS they really are.

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QUESTION:

I plan on getting a rott,a doverman, and a german shepard. If i get them all at the same time will they all get along? If I spay and neuter them will that reduce some of the fighting? And when I do get these dogs what would you perfer to be the males and female? Please just write back at your convience.

ANSWER:

This is foolish. It's a bad idea and destined to fail. I do not comment on bad ideas. Get a grip on your ego.

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QUESTION:

Do you think we should protection train our dog in Schutzhund or through a professional trainer - or do we need to at all? What are your recommendations?

I think that anyone who trains a dog to bite human beings (outside of law enforcement officers) is just asking for trouble. Once you train a dog that it's "OK" to take a full mouth bite on someone, you have crossed the line of pets and bonded companions and entered a world of almost constant and vigilant training requirement. The reason is that now this dog "MUST" without hesitation do everything you ask as soon as you ask it. That means working him in obedience/ protection work at least once a week for several "formal hours" involving other serious minded persons and you can never stop keeping him proficient in his discipline. He must constantly be reminded that this "new learned behavior" is only to be exercised on your command and "never" otherwise. If you do not do this, then there is the real possibility that because he has not been kept proficient, that he might miscue and mistake an argument or simple "clowning around" or even a spirited "pushing wrestling match" as a reason to inflict a bite.

I can recall seeing a less than proficient Schutzhund 3, male (Schutzhund means protection trained) several years ago, miscue on a 4 year old boy who happened to slip on the ice and fall in the direction of this "always looking for the bad guy to jump out" mental case of a poorly trained German dog. Luckily the toddler's mother had double clothing on him to keep him warm or he would have a mangled arm today instead of just teeth marks.

My feeling is this: if you live in an area where you feel you need to have a dog protection trained, then you should first deeply consider moving!

I am not a legal expert, but common sense tells me that, if you own a dog that is certified as a protection dog or titled in "Schutzhund" (protection trained) and your dog bites a child or someone on a miscue, you have a serious legal problem on your hands. I can just see your response when the Prosecuting Attorney asks you if "you actually trained this dog to bite human beings on purpose?" In Germany, this kind of Sport bite training is accepted and encouraged, but most Americans do not have that same "enjoyable sense" of dogs that are trained to bite people. Like Dorothy said in the Wizard of OZ: "We are just not in Germany anymore, TOTO..."

A German Shepherd who has been bred for high bonding instincts does not need to be taught to bite people and should be discouraged from doing so, even in play. They will react naturally and appropriately, just like you would, when someone in your family is seriously threaten. They will try to stop the invader of their family by barking (yelling) and placing themselves in between their family member and the threat. In most cases that is all that they will ever need to do. They will do what you would do in the same situation to protect a family member. They are highly bonded to their family just like you and I are. They should be well trained in obedience, but not to bite people... Their awesome presence in most cases will cause all but the seriously drugged out PCP addict to find someone else to hassle.

ANSWER:

I SO disagree with you that I don’t even know why I am wasting my time answering this. You have a lot to learn about dog training – following your thinking we should all stop driving cars because there are so many drunk drivers. We should stop hunting because there are so many accidental deaths.

I have no comment to describe people like you- I am putting this post in my DUMB and DUMBER section !!!

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QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Frawley:

I searched frantically to find someone to help my husband and I and I found this site and read almost all of it. This will probably be long but in order to get some help I must explain my situation to you in detail.

We have three dogs. One dog is fine and we got her first. She is a small-medium mixed breed, bull dog mix with very light brown eyes.. Someone dumped her off and she is very loving and loves everyone vice versa. But she likes to kill any creature that comes in the yard and has been known to kill cats with other dogs in the neighborhood. I would like that to stop but that is not my main concern. She loves people of any kind and they love her, so I am not that afraid for her or anyone else except for a skunk or possum that comes in the yard. If it does it dies. We have two cats and she hasn't shown any interest in killing them. She just chases them.

I have two other dogs and they are too mixed breeds and they were dumped out at the end of our road and I found them. They were about two months old. Now they are two years old and they are over 60 pounds. One looks just like a yellow lab and is very unconcerned about people coming in the yard. She will bark but that is it. She stops and lays down once the newness wears off. She has arthritis and she doesn't get up much. Now the problem dog, Belle. This dog is so humble and sweet around my husband and I and she even scares easy. My other dog makes her cower down to her. We had to get a training collar because she would bark in children's faces when we let her out and when we went walking. Now she knows the come command and that has helped tremendously and now she knows not to go up to people when we go walking. She is now uninterested in them when we walk and very obedient. We had to purchase an underground fence as well and that has worked for almost one year to the day and it has been a God send until today. She has been getting out without me knowing it and coming back in when she sees me come outside. My neighbors knew this but thought I knew so didn't tell me. She is very smart because she doesn't get out when I am outside and it is mostly at night or the morning. The batteries were dead in her collar so I replaced them and thought for sure she would stay in but she got out again. I did a quick reminder for her from the boundaries and the collar. well, she got out again and I made her come back in with the collar on. She didn't want to but I pulled her across and she yelped. But the times she goes out I don't hear her do that. I am confused about that. That is one of my questions. Her sibling doesn't even get close to the fence. But she does. I have the collar on tight. Too tight I think but when I pulled her across with her collar she yelped and it makes me think the connection is not good between the prongs and her neck therefore she is getting out. But the collar is on really tight. Any suggestions?

Now the main problem is with her behavior. It seems that when my mother and grandmother comes to visit she is fine now, but she use to jump at them and bark at them. But now she doesn't even get up most of the time, and if she does she just sniffs and wags her tail, not one threat. She doesn't even bark at them anymore. They only come about once every three months. Now the neighbors. When I go on a walk with her she is fine with people talking to me. I tell her no if I think she is getting too close but she never acts aggressive anymore, she just sniffs and goes on. No barking no nothing. But when she is in the yard that is another story, the same neighbor will come up and she goes crazy even without them coming in the yard. They maybe almost in the yard but she can't reach them because of the fence. I found her out of the fence this morning and she had cornered my neighbor at the mail box. I told her to come and she did. The neighbor said when the other dogs barked she got worse and started barking and biting at her. She also nipped at her grand daughter on the bike the other night. I was not told of this until today. She hates bikes too and she chases trucks inside the fence too. But when we go walking she doesn't chase trucks nor bikes. The UPS man told me that she is bad only when I am here in the house. He said that when I am gone she doesn't even get up to bark. But she is really mean when I am here. The meter reader said that as long as I don't come out she is fine but she does bark but doesn't jump towards him. Also when we have company or strangers comes up she barks and jumps at them. Not as bad as the UPS man though. What can I do to stop this behavior? We don't want to put her to sleep. Can we use the training collar to help this, if so, how? We are very afraid. I have her in the back yard in the fence now because I am afraid to let her out now. She has only gotten out a couple of times before but it was only because her collar was too loose. She had losened it somehow. She is not happy in the fence and I can't stand to see her shut up the rest of her life. Do you have any suggestions for us?

I have had Collies and even other mixed breeds in the past and I have never had this much trouble. We are trying to have children and I am a little concerned about what might happen with that situation. Although it seems she is only aggressive with people who don't live here.

Any comments will be deeply appreciated.

ANSWER:

Re-write this email in 100 words or less and I will answer it.

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QUESTION:

I bought a German shepherd that was suppose to be a protection dog and they brought him out stayed 45 minutes showed me the heal sit and down command then 10 days later after keeping the two males separated one created one out he came back and said when the protection dog is out keep them both on a leash and if they try two smell each other hit them on the nose with the end of the leash well after 3 fights and one bad where my 125lb rottie was determined to be king everything was fine and after 2 weeks the dog just up and tuned on me on night for no reason and did serious damage to my face and arm and had it not been for my rottie I would not be sending you this email how long should i have trained with this dog before letting them bring him into my home

ANSWER:

Why in the world would someone need a protection dog when they have a 125 pound Rot?

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QUESTION:

Hello there,

Our family have just purchased a 6 going on 7 week old Rottweiler Puppy.It is a male puppy and very heavy for his age,he was the biggest in the group of puppies,and the heaviest,as his present weight is 5 and a half kilograms!There are 2 things we are worried about.Just to let yopu know,we have never put any dogs in a crate and never intend to.Our puppy seems to be getting confused with which is inside and outside,after feeding and excersise and sleep,we always put him out on the grass to pee or poo.Sometimes he goes and sometimes he dosen't but most of the time we don't notice.So we let him inside again after a while(he time outside varies)And as soon as he comes in he pees on the floor.This happens every day and we are sick of it!How can we stop him doing this?

Also another problem we have with him is that when we got him and took him home etc etc,we noticed that his back legs are very very wobbly.Isd this something to do with his weight?

Please let us know soon

Looking forward to a quick reply

ANSWER:

I read emails in the morning – just after I get up. This is one that blows my mind. First – to take a pup from the litter before 8 weeks is totally wrong. To have a pup that is 10.5 kilos (that’s about 17 pounds at 6 weeks is one of the dumbest things I have heard in a long long time. Talk about a JUNK YARD breeder that must be where you got this dog from.

I guess we have to agree to disagree on the crate. You get what you cause and deserve on this issue. Stupidity breeds problems. Think of that every time your dog messes on the floor.

I will not waste my time on this. If you want my opinion – they are on my web site. I have an article on house training – but then don’t waste your time because you won’t use a crate.

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Comment:

mr frawley,

While looking at the Q&A section of your site I noticed that someone named "Mark" answered some of the questions. Could you please advise what his last name is and if possible, the web site that he runs which is mentioned thru out the Q&A section

Thank You

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QUESTION:

I emailed you about 1.5 years ago regarding my GSD being too aggressive. Your reply was was that I should turn him over to "someone who knows what they are doing, start over with a puppy, and do it right this time." This was not helpful, rather I found it to be instead insulting and rude. Upon reviewing most of your email responses this seems to be a theme. Instead of offering helpful advice as you claim to be interested in doing, you tell the owners that the dogs problems are all their fault, they don't know what they are doing, and in some cases they shouldn't have a dog due to their stupidity. Have you ever thought that perhaps they are writting to you to get help because they realize that they are making mistakes and need to learn what they should be doing? It would seem that the fact that they are motivated to learn is a very promising sign and they should be offered the assistance they are requesting, not the insults. By the way, I managed to successfully turn my alfa male around after much reading and consulting with professionals willing to help and he is now a wonderful addition to the family.

ANSWER:

You may be right in what you say – but I get about 100 emails a day and I do not have time to write a book to people. My web site is over 3500 pages and people do not read what is already there – There is a lot of excellent information. But over-all the problem with dogs is usually the people who don't understand how to communicate with their dogs. As a general rule their dogs are the way they are as a result of things that people do wrong. With that said a lot of people should not own a dog.

So if that offends, too bad! But this is the way it is!

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QUESTION:

I have visited your website to gain some insight about the collie we just adopted last September. She was described to us as an alpha female needing to be placed as the only dog in a household (which she is). For add'l exercise and as something to do, I have been taking her to a dog park each weekend except for the last couple months because of the extreme cold weather. In general and at the park, Kali barks quite a bit, even for a collie (she is 6 years old and was an owner give up for barking - I have no history on her background, but from what I have seen, she learned a few commands - leave it and go - but she didn't seem like she went out of the yard much because little things like goose planters and Halloween hay guys in a chair freaked her out when she first saw them with us). Anyway, at the park Kali barks A LOT!! She is seemingly bothered by the jumping the dogs do with eachother at the dog park and gets right into their faces and barks about it. She does run when other dogs are playing fetch, but not because she is interested in fetching, but because, at least what it looks like to me, that they are not orderly (she seems big on that - breed tendency I believe). Basically, whenever two dogs or more dogs are interacting, she is there in their faces barking at them. Over the last few months, she has also shown some aggressive tendencies with the dogs who will cower - she just won't leave them alone and will start snarling until someone separates them - but, at the same time, she has shown herself to back off when another dog won't take her attitude - she simply moves on. I could go into more details as I have been watching her closely at the dog park over the months - what ticks her off, what doesn't, when does she bark, when she doesn't, and I really think that she was getting much better until yesterday when we went to the dog park and she immediately started getting into everyone's face with the barking which soon after had her and a Golden Retriever got into a pretty big fight. Mind you, it was the closest I had seen to a fight - could have been a very heated escalation of two dogs not taking what the other one was dishing out, and neither dog had broken skin). But, despite that the dogs fighting are two breeds that are known for their gentle dispositions, what happened was that Kali did not back down from this dog who was not taking her crap and they fought.

Now, I know your position on dog parks, and I'm hoping you can help beyond the advise of not taking her there anymore because we walk Kali three times a day for exercise, so our issue with her and other dogs is larger. She simply goes nuts when on leash when she sees another dog. I have been working with her to put her in a sit-stay until she no longer barks or makes a noise, then she can get up to continue the walk until she barks at that dog again (which you know she does since it is still in the area), and we got back into a sit-stay, etc. until she stops freaking out over the sight of this other dog. Of course, she came to us like this and getting her into the sit-stay and not barking, but to the point of whining is a huge improvement, but the underlying problem remains - there is something about other dogs that sets her off.

It could be that she was in a fight, but we can only guess at that since she was an owner give-up and I have no information on her background. I can only speak to the time that I have had her (which is nearly six months), and I can't figure out what to do about her -- is more frequent contact with other dogs better than less frequent? Would getting another dog help her? Is there a way to train her out of this? Do I simply keep her on a leash at the park until she gets that she cannot snarl and fight with other dogs?

She is a smart dog who tried to alpha us in the first few days that we had her, but she does not any longer and we all do the little (out the door first, eat first, put her in a sit before leashing, etc.) and the big things (modified alpha roll, etc.) to put her in her place. She does seem to like knowing her place better than not knowing, and accepts it all very well - afterall, she is a collie and I do not think the breed tendencies should be discounted when speaking of her intelligence, ability to learn (which, by the way, is faster with positive reward training than the negative punishment), etc. But, what is with this other dog thing?? What do you think?

Answer:

I am sorry but my opinions on dog parks are very clear. In my opinion there is no reason to take a dog to one of these places. If you choose to do it then you create your own problems. There is no magic bullet that allows you to take a dog aggressive dog into a dog park and have them act normally. I suggest you keep reading my site.

Her Answer:

I did read Q&A section after I sent my email. Let's say that I stop taking her to the dog park (which has always been an option, and I am not looking for a magic bullet) - What about her behavior on leash during walks - how do you explain her behavior at the dog park? Seems to me that is the root problem - not whether I should be taking her there or not.

Your advocacy of the prong collar will not work with a collie, and given that the punishment method of training is not as effective for my collie in particular, the prong collar does not present itself as an option. I was already a believer in the turn your dog on-off on command/human in control of the pack way of relating to my dog before finding your website, but you seem to take it one step further, and it is that step I do not want to take with my collie.

Is your training philosophy all about correcting your dog into submission, or can you use that way of thinking and apply to the particular situation? I know I have damaged goods with my dog, but I do believe she can be fixed - but I do not have the experience of people emailing me with questions or working with dogs for a living.

My Answer:

The way you think is ass end backward. If you want to correct this behavior you need to teach this dog that aggression towards other dogs is not acceptable. To say that you do not agree with correction - well you have now created your own problem. Obviously your methods do not work, if they did the problem would be gone. To say that corrections do not work with a collie is stupid and foolish. Dog training is not breed specific. It is temperament and drive specific.

I train dogs in drive, I train dogs how to perform a command with motivators (food, toys or praise) when a dog knows the command and it then refuses to follow directions I correct it. That is correct dog training - its not CORRECTION TRAINING. You have been hanging around the DO-GOODER DOG TRAINERS too long - I call them the HALTIE PEOPLE. You have seen how much they have helped solve your probllems. Stupidity is stupidity any way you want to dress it up. What you have been doing is stupid. What you are saying is stupid. If you don't like the advice - well go away and don't waste my time.

Her Answer:

Thank you for your time - and, f#@% you.

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QUESTION:

For serious civil work I'd like to see some items missing in your catalogue:

Puppy Hiddden Sleeve (Left & right)

Puppy Hidden Leg Sleeve (Left & right)

Hand Protector (Puppy & adult)

For some of these items please look at schweikert's page.

For some of us on this side of the world it is easier to purchase dog training equipment from the USA than from Europe.

Mario G. Velazquez

Answer:

Anyone who thinks they need a hidden sleeve for a puppies has a serious misunderstanding on how to train dogs. It is ludicrous to think a puppy would need a hidden sleeve. Puppies need to be guided through training with a tender hand.

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Question:

Hi,

I have a dangerous dog. She is a spayed under 1 year Shepherd/Chow mix. I was told at the pound that she was a Shepherd/Golden. Since her tail was between her legs at the pound, I didn't see the curl in her tail until a few days later and her independent Chow nature. (No Black Tongue though)....Anyways, She is loving and sweet to us from the beginning. I had no idea she was aggressive until she bit my Mother on X--mas day. My mother had previously pet her and then Molly bit her on the back of the leg when she wasn't looking. Drew blood! I threw her down on the ground, sat on her, yelled at her...she just kept focusing in on my Mother. I almost put her to sleep the next day. The holidays were horrible...as a bunch of "strangers to her" were visiting. She was aggressive toward my Mother, 9 year old Son-in-law and Father...but not anyone else.

The next day a called a trainer/behaviorist to come out to the house. She said that Molly was protective of me and was sure she could train this aggression out of her with a "Gentle Leader" and treats. She pretty much said "Everytime she trys to bite someone, take her into a seperate room and give her a treat." I found out later that this is bulls%^t advise.

She loves other dogs and cats if no food is involved and I don't show them excess attention.

She will accept new people if I make her lay down, and let them pet her with my hand over theirs and them let them walk her on the leash and give her commands. Or I put on her basket muzzle and she eventually settles down and will accept them. (Luckily we don't have many visitors as it is a lengthy process) Once she accepts someone, she never shows any aggression again.

She is extremely aggressive toward strange children and anyone on bikes. The scariest thing is that she will let people pet her, give her treats while wagging her tail the whole time and as soon as they start to get up....she trys to bite them. Now she doesn't leave the house without her basket muzzle on.

She seems to be fear aggressive, over protective, prey driven. I don't think she is dominant aggressive.

Since she is so young, do you think she can be trained? She is so intense when she is in attack mode that she won't listen to me or any correction I give. She looks possessed. My brother and sister have NEVER seen the evil side to her and can't believe it...(she loved them immediately) I ordered your Obedience Tape and am waiting for it. I am willing to give strong corrections (right now I don't know how) I will yank her up hard with her pinch collar on and it doesn't seem to faze her. I have it on high and tight. She is only 45lb so I can yank her off the ground with no problem. Is her problem beyond that tape? Can your refer me to any trainers in the Phoenix, AZ area. Can you tell me the difference between a strong correction and beating her senseless? I have read your whole website and respect your opinion.
My husband says you are probably going to put me on your Dumb and Dumber site and tell me to put her to sleep :) I want to give her a chance at obedience first...she has none.

Thanks for your help....Dan and Cynthia Easterly

Answer:

Let me say you pissed your money away with this so called “trainer/behaviorist” – she is a perfect example of the fact that anyone anywhere can hang a shingle out and call themselves an expert. The advice you got from her is the dumbest advice I have ever heard of. This person is a drop dead idiot.

Your dog is a fear biter. Read my Q&A section on my web site about what to do with dogs like this. They will NEVER change. Your dog should NEVER be allowed around other people. I would NEVER allow people to pet her. I would train the living hell out of it . She needs to learn to mind under heavy distraction. I would put it in a crate whenever someone comes over. I would also use the DOMINANT DOG COLLAR that I sell on her. If she showed aggression to people I would hang her. But ALWAYS give a firm NO command before you hang her. You would be surprised how taking the air away from a dog teaches it that biting people is not a viable option to being afraid.

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Not that it matters to you, but i think your advice is awful and you are doing a diservice to dogs with it. Dogs need socialization to be happy, a lonely life in a crate does not provide it, they also need plenty of fresh water, not just when its convenient for the owner to provide it. Puppies mess just like babies do and pet owners have to accept this and if they cant maybe they shouldnt have dogs.

Becky

Answer:

You must be a Peta member.

Ed

I have recently acquired a wolf looking pup, who has grown quit large and more wolf looking, when looking for a companion for my huskey. In interviewing dogs for this position i was bitten pretty good (12 holes to the bone)by a 2 year duty 4 year police german shepherd, from germany, that was up for adoption who was staying at my brother in laws house until a home was found (no problems there but very unpredictable for me). I was talking to a neighbor last year and his german shepherd reached through the fence and buried his teeth in my leg and when i was a kid i coasted my bike into a store parking lot in front of a german shepherd and it bit me on the ass, as if it was mad that i got in his way, i have had my pants pulled by many a little dog. i hear the same story and news flashes about pitt bulls and rotts and they have killed many, not just a "dog" thing. For many years dalmations were reported to bite more people than any other dog. I really was looking for some information on wolf hybrids and on how to tell them from german shepherds and malmutes but in reading your article you sound like those people who say that if you own a gun it will kill people or if you drive a SUV it will kill people. You sound pretty uncredible especially since the only dog that scares me is a german shepherd. I own a pitt my marine son left me and actually is cooler than the three poms he lives with in the house, although he doesn't put up with any crap from another dog. I am not sure how i feel about hybrids because i have had this pup for six months and he seems to babyfied. I will look at other information and reflect on them all. You sound like Chicken Little, the sky is falling and do not buy a hybrid buy my german shepherds.

Rick Doucet

Ed's Answer:

I may sound like chicken little concerning hybrids – but you sound like a dumb ass red neck – which pretty much fits most hybrid owners

My position on hybrids is well defined on my web site. For those who have not read it they can go read "My Opinion on Wolf Hybrids - AKA Kid Killers"

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QUESTION:

Hello Mr. Frawley,

I have a very large 4-year-old male (neutered) Irish Setter and two small daughters - ages 2 and 4. My kids spend a lot of time with the dog and he has never shown even the slightest sign of aggression toward them. He follows them around the house and seems to view himself as their "nursemaid."

The other day my sister-in-law stopped by the house (she let herself in) when my kids were playing with the dog and I was in another room. When the dog saw her, he placed himself between her and my kids and he growled when she approached. This is the first time that he has ever growled or acted aggressively, and in fact he has met my sister-in-law a number of times before (though I or my husband was always present).

After that incident, I decided to hire a trainer to help me work with the dog. I also have not left my kids alone with the dog since that happened. Should I be concerned about my daughters' safety?

Thanks for your help,

Alannah

ANSWER:

You do not need a trainer for the dog you need a trainer for yourself. You seem to be clueless on the fact that this dog was simply trying to stop a stranger from approaching your children. What part of that is so difficult to understand?

Sounds to me like you have a great dog.

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QUESTION:

We have a dog that is a mixed breed and just a wonderful dog. She loves people, but yet will bark if someone pulls into our driveway. She's not aggressive at all and like I said just a very loving animal. She is now almost two years old and in the last week or so, when we let her outside she disappears for two or three hours, sometimes longer. She used to come right back when I would whistle for her but not lately. When she does come home, she's not panting or wet like she has been running. How can we break her of this? She hates to be tied up and we've done that when we caught her sneaking home. It's like an embarassment to her. Is there anything else we can do?

Thank You,

Laurie Stewart

ANSWER:

This is drop dead stupid handler mistake. Why would you let a dog out when its not in a fenced yard or when you don’t go out with it. Wouldn’t common sense kind of whisper in your ear and tell you that YOU ARE BEING STUPID TODAY???????

Either get a dog kennel or put in an in-ground fence.

Tying the dog up when it returns home is stupid – that is negative training.

Unless you are willing to contain this dog it will end up dead.

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I have question about dog breeding, I want to know how do dogs breed?

From: AVIS1190@aol.com

ANSWER:

Ask your parents!

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I have got 2 female dogs which fight not all the time only really when they get jealous, such as if we put a plate down for one of them and the other one comes over they start growling and then they start to have a aggessive fight.I have read how to separate them but i would like to know would thet kill each other if we left them,or is they any training we could teach them to stop fighting full stop.

Thanks

letty.

ANSWER

Have you ever thought of feeding them in separate rooms?

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QUESTION:

Good afternoon,

I have been searching for an answer to my question and have yet to find it and was hoping you could help. I have a 6 and 1/2 month old male american bulldog and a 8 and 1/2 month old female american bulldog. I was not planning to breed them, and I had a spay appointment for the female all set until she went into heat 2 days prior to the surgery. My boyfriend accidently let them outside together, and by the time I noticed, he was already locked inside her. So my question is, if she is pregnant, will she continue to bleed from being in heat or is that a sign that she isn't pregnant? I would really appreciate if you could answer my question.

Thank you for you time,

Kristin

ANSWER:

She will continue to bleed even after she has been bred.

Give your boyfriend the DUMB ASS of the year award.

If you want some good advice - find a new boyfriend.

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QUESTION:

I am a security dog handler now. I have a Rotty. Could you give me your thoughts on giving him a live chicken for a kill to increase his prey drive and a confidence builder. I'll let him taste the blood. We are training him on the sleeve. He is 2 yrs. and 4 months old. He is fighting well on the sleeve and with whip work and gun work, we just need to build his confedence up.

ANSWER:

This is the dumbest idea I have ever heard. If you ask this kind of question it reflects on how very little you know about training protection work. I suggest you start to study the work.

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QUESTION:

My pug had 3 puppies, and 5 days later I accidentally left the door open to where the puppies were, the mama pug came outside with me and while we were out, my adult female doxie killed the puppies. I am worried that there is something wrong with my doxie. I haven't even been able to pet her since this happened. These adult dogs have lived together for 4 years. Last year they had puppies together and after the puppies the doxie got spayed. Is my doxie a killer?

Thanks for your help.

Laura Black

ANSWER:

There is nothing wrong with the Doxie there is something wrong with their owner. Sorry but if the truth hurts – so be it.

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QUESTION:

We live in the country and have a 12 month old GR (not neutered). Up until the last few weeks he & the 2 &1/2 year old German Shepherd next door (not neutered) have been best buddies. Over the last week they have been at each others throat. Today I came home from work and our GR was bloody & beaten up. I talked to the neighbor and the Shepherd is in about the same shape. What can I do? Everyone seems to suggest neutering, will this help? What about if the other dog is not neutered? Should we let them sort it out themselves, or will I come home to a dead dog one of these days? Thank you so much for any advice you can give.

ANSWER:

It's too bad the dog has be get hurt because the owners are such dumb asses – have you ever heard of a dog kennel?

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COMMEMT:

I used to have an pure American Gsd named Baxter. He has great balance and agility, and he is extremely powerful. I live in Canada and often see elk in my yard. One day he ran away after something and I chased him with my fourwheeler and watched him bring down a 565 pound elk. I had to get rid of him because of this. He had excellent drive and often hunted with me. Never say that German lines are better, I currently own one and will soon get rid of him because he is timid, and is very nippy. Recently a friend of mine walked in to my house and my dog whined and then bolted. Baxter, actually went through my window after a passing car. German lines are not fierce, they are ust nippy and cowardly.

RESPONSE:

You don’t have enough experience to make these kinds of statements.

To begin with you got rid of a good dog because you did not or could not train it. You could not even train it to COME to you under distraction. So that pretty much says everything about your training abilities.

Your lack of understand of genetics is apparent in your comments on German lines.

It's nice to pontificate - but you really need to be careful because it is a reflection on
intelligence or the lack there of.

I have this saying:

You need to be careful about who you listen to on training your dog. “Everyone has an opinion on how to train your dog – just ask your mailman, your neighbor, your hair dresser, or I could point you to more web sites than I can count – the problem is that very few people have the experience to back up their opinions which results in a lot of bad information being handed out”.

You fall into this category.

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QUESTION:

hello my names Dean from Australia top site I owned a german shepherd who died of old age 13 about ten years ago I got him at 8weeks he was from old west german bloodlines imported into this country at about 6 mths I was walking him off lead when out of nowhere he launched into a full attack on me grabbing hold of my upper arm & shaking kicked him in the guts but he would not let go he only had one baby canine left this broke and he lost his grip as I kicked him again he went back about 10 feet looked me in the eyes and came at me again I was ready grabed him by throat pined him on his back with my knee in his chest he was not giving up I then had to calm him down not letting him up for about 15 mintes I let him up when he had calmed he wouldnt come near me for half hour but after that nothing like that happed again he was a great dog. also when in prey drive he would have hackles raised he had a very high prey drive if you didnt throw ball he would come after you also very posesive.Some dog people said he was alpha dog . curious on your thouhts

Regards Dean melb Aust

ANSWER:

Sounds like bull shit to me.

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QUESTION:

My girlfriend has an 11 or 12 year old Bichon dog and it keeps on using the bathroom [number 1 & 2] on her apartment floor every time I'm with my girlfriend on her bed; my girlfriend says her dog never used to do that before I came into her life.. Does this mean my girlfriend's dog is trying to make a statement?? Does this mean the Bichon is jealous and envious??? I'm really starting to HATE my girlfriend's dog because I always have to clean the dog's crap up!! Do you think this dog knows I hate it and do you think that's why it always uses the bathroom on the floor every time I'm over at my girlfriend's apartment???? I'm NOT breaking up with my girlfriend, so what's the best way to solve this problem????? Thank you, I look forward to your reply/ answers!!!

Are there any kind of mental problems or mental illnesses associated with pet owners?? If so, what kind??? Will you please give me a list of ALL of the mental problems associated with pet owners???? Thank you, I look forward to your reply/ Respectfully yours-

BRANDON

p.s. One of the reasons why I want to know is because my girlfriend puts her stupid dogs before her own health, she puts her dogs before my health, I'm ALLERGIC to her dogs, and she doesn't even care!! I take allergy pills, but they don't help that much... For some odd reason, my girlfriend seems to be addicted to having her damn dogs sleep in the same bed she & I sleep in, and that's driving me nuts; I hate it, I don't like it one bit!!! Her dumb Bichon makes the most GOD-AWFUL noise, until my girlfriend puts it on the bed with us, and that pisses me off to no end.... I mean, it's like my girlfriend needs professional help because she's far too co-dependent on her stupid dog, and I'm allergic to her damn animal.. I'm NOT breaking up with my girlfriend, I want to help her, so she will be more co-dependent on me instead of her damn Bichon!!!!!!! What can I do to resolve this matter??? Please HELP ME; thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!

ANSWER:

Find another girlfriend – what part of this is so complicated? No woman is worth this.

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QUESTION:

How can you tell which are female and male? One of my Huskies just whelped her first litter.

ANSWER:

Ask your mother not me.

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COMMENT:

Ya know I was just reading your site and I want to just send you a little e-mail telling you how worthless you are. Your just useless and if I was one of your dogs I would turn on you. You are very un-knowledgeable, you condone pit-fights, you condone animal cruelty, and your video tapes are a waste of money. You treat dogs like they are garbage and I bet you think you are a real tough guy because you can beat on your dogs. your worthless and useless and your information is garbage. Get a clue and get rid of your dogs who don't even like you because you treat them like shit, and get a new profession. hey, Mc. Donalds is always hiring you loser!

QUESTION:

hi can u help i have a 5 month old female german shepard pup and when she is out on the lead she lets dogs attack her and try to bit her and she just stands there she does not cower away she just stands there please help

ANSWER:

????

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COMMENT:

Well with only having 15yrs of experience with dog training and over 5yrs of studying animal behavior. I have found methods such as yours only lead to trouble, sooner or later. I have had to retrain 100's of dogs who's owners taught punishment instead of positive training. People come to me with the same problems as they ask you for help with 2 or more puppies at once and with the right training and love these puppies have become the best of dogs to this day. I would never be as rude as you are to the people who are just asking for your help, telling someone they are stupid is never an answer. You may also put this on your dumb and dumber section as you say because maybe people will learn there is a better way to train and love a family member.

RESPONSE:

I only have about 42 years of training – but I have an excellent photo that I need to scan that shows a person with their head stuck up their ass. Your email reminds me that I need to get that photo on my web site.

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The following is an exchange I had with an individual who does not believe in using leashes to train dogs. Just shows how completly screwed up certain people are in terms of dog training:

Ed

I have read your website on Chows and Chow Mixes. I have to say that you bring up several good points about dogs and dog owners, especially owners. However, as I scrolled down through your comments, I became increasingly aware that you had shifted from a very passive and information-like tone to a more aggressive and almost hateful tone.

I currently have two dogs. They are my first. I have never taken either of them to obedience school and both are of aggressive breeds. The older is a German Shepard Mix and the younger is a Chow Mix. I have never had problems with either of these dogs. I have kept them socialized and around children and strangers and even run with them off leash. My dogs don't have issues listening to me in public or at home.

As a relatively new dog owner, I get the general impression from your website that you don't like aggressive breeds or even owners of aggressive breeds. It may just be me taking some of your comments personally. But, is this really the message you want to send to someone who is reading your ideas for the first time? I don't really know what your stance is on Chows and probably won't because I am a little turned off by your tone throughout your website (www.leerburg.com) on Chows. It is almost like you are calling most new dog owners stupid.

Yes, I agree a vast number of new dog owners don't realize anything about training and shouldn't own dogs. But, that sentiment is much the same with parents. Some parents shouldn't have kids. Does that mean all parents are poor parents?

The point I am trying to get at here is that it is okay to suggest some new owners should use products like a prong collar. I have never even used a leash to train my dogs, except to learn how to walk on leash. And, yes my dogs will heal on command and sit on command and stay on command no matter where they are.

I am a little offended at you talking down to new dog owners like they couldn't possibly know how to train a dog. If you become a parent, you learn real quickly how to be a parent. And, most people learn quickly about dogs as well. So, please take this with a grain of salt, as I don't really know your beliefs. I am really writing to complain about your website on chows and the shift in tones you use.

tom

You are welcome to your opinion – I don’t have a problem with that. Fact is almost all new dog owners need help. You don’t see the number of emails I get from people that fall into the DUMB category. You may want to read emails IN THE ARTICLE AND Q&A SECTIONS ON dealing with dominant dogs You can find these if you go to the list of training articles and scroll down.

I guess you missed the part of my web site that I breed police dogs (GSD’s and Mals) – 350 litters in 30 years. I think they qualify as aggressive dogs.

To say that you don’t use a leash to train is ridiculous. It reflects a complete misunderstanding of the principles of dog training – it may work in your back yard where there are no distractions but distractions are an intrical part of training. If you expect me to believe your dogs are well trained and have never had a leash – well my comment is to go blow your smoke up someone else’s *#@ because you are full of *^#@.

Ed

His REPLY:

Wow Ed,

You kiss your mother with that mouth.

My uncle was a K-9 officer in Buffalo. And, he and I have had several conversations about training dogs and using leashes. Of course, being my uncle, he really doesn't use such language with me. And, he and I, as adults, disagree on several topics about dogs.

You may be qualified to train police dogs and you may even think you are right about all of your opinions, but to say a dog can not be properly trained without a leash is to limit the capabilities of a dog and a dog owner. And, to assume I don't understand your principals of training an aggressive dog on leash is also limited. I think blowing smoke is for the people you try to catch with your police dogs.

Just look at mixed breeds with herding instincts in them, as well as aggressive breeds. Herding dogs are trained off leash, just as Retrievers are trained off leash, as well as on leash. Even an aggressive breed can be trained off leash with distraction if done properly. Isn't quite possible that you just limited as the DUMB ASSES that email you about there problems?

Or maybe you are right. Maybe it is impossible to train a dog off leash, just like it is impossible to train a human to think differently. Of course, thinking differently won't allow you to write to me like I am a competant human being, with different beliefs that you and different opinions.

I AM APPAULLED BY YOUR REPLY TO ME, REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOUR OTHER AUDIENCE EMAILS YOU.

I WILL USE YOUR MESSAGE BOARD WHEN THERE IS A REASON TO RESPECT YOUR OPINION.

UTTERLY ASHAMED OF HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE,

tom

This is a REAL EMAIL that we got on Dec 27,2005

well about a week i have a girl dog that is 10 weeks but i do'nt like to give her her food because it is to hard and we could not get her puppy food so we got her adult dog food well what i want to ask is can she eat what my familt and i eat that meabs chicken and soup and stuff like that.

An email that came on Dec 27th, 2005:

the question is that how many times do you have to breed a dog so that the breed is pure

Ed's Answer:

I was going to say 3,565 - but was afraid they may try it.

My dog won't bark

My bishon frise is 4 months old. he still can't bark! his sister is barking fine.. could there be some kind of problem with his voice box? etc.?? worried in middletown lanie-please help!

Janie

Ed's ANSWER:

A stupid question.

Her COME-BACK:

stupid question? why is that? thats mean and cold-hearted! dould there be a problem with the dog not being able to bark? try to reply nicely if u have any knowledge with this area! sorry somebody pissed in your cherrios-but it wasn't me.. my deserves an answer!

COMMENT:

Hi,

I came to your sight as I was looking for a growth chart for my new baby rottie. So, I decided to read a bit and see if I could learn anything new....

Obviously, you are an excellent "Trainer." You seem to know just about everything there is to know about training dogs.

I am not disputing this at all.

However, someone like yourself that deals with so many dogs, and show dogs, has to have this ridged system, in my opinion. It seems so impersonal and cold..

I have had dogs all my life..Im a true dog lover. I want a dog to be my companion and friend, part of my family..not in some crate all day long. I want to love it and pet it and hold it...

I have never crated my dog, nor would I ever. To me, dogs are to be loved and touched and petted and live with us and become part of the family.

I believe that it probably isn't quite as easy to do this as it would be to lock them up all day long, and I have "messes" that craters won't have, but I also believe as with all of my dogs, with love and watching them,which isnt always easy, they do learn and stop going in the house.

I just couldn't imagine buying a pet to love, then crating them til 24 months old...

My best boy, who had to be put down from cancer, was one one of the biggest rotties I've ever seen and most has ever seen 215 lbs all muscle. When I spoke he listened. People were more scared of him than he would ever have hurt anyone...he was really gentle and kind. When they were scared I would tell him to lay down and he did and stayed there. My cockers are the same way. Never crated any of them. They all sleep in my room at night and the little ones on the bed. I have a doggie door the cockers use on their own and the rottie barked at the door.

I just think, if you are getting an animal as a pet and not a show dog or performer, that crating is not allowing it to be loved the way it should be, or bond with the family like it should. Im not an expert like you just a pet lover and I just wanted you to know that Yes, it takes alot of time and watching and "NO's", but if you have the time like I do, that crating is not neccessary. My dogs, once learned to go outside, have never had an accident inside again. And as they learned the "rules" running loose in the house when they were little, I never had anything eaten, or ruined while I was gone either..I leave their toys on the floor when Im gone and that's that....

I guess Im just a lucky one with dogs.

Thanks,
Debbie

Dear Sir,

I have just come across your website and I am appalled at your training methods, this is 2006, we don't need electric collars now days or prong collar's under the ears. There are far more rewarding and kinder methods to use, but there are no suggestion of these at all on my web site.

Your questions never really answer the problems raised, just either choke the dog to death or give the dog an electric shock. So do what you want.

Do you ever look beyond these training methods? No you don't.

I pity all the dogs you use and suggest these to.

Yours faithfully
Dawn Bowling

Ed's Comment

Now this is a good one.

This women is a fool. She does not have a clue about remote collar training. She thinks remote collar training involved pain - when in fact the vast majority of corrections should simply result in a eye blink

If Dawn ever ends up with a handler aggressive dog that also tries to engage family members I wonder if she will rethink her foolishness?

I always shake my head at closed minded people like her. I am sure she thinks you can love your dog into minding you.

The fact is you would be totally lost in dealing with the kind of dogs I have had to work with in my career.

Mr.

You are one dumb guy. I have trained dogs all of my life and have had packs of dogs all of my life and never had any problems. I also love going to the beach or park to meet new dogs so my dogs stay socialized all of their lives. They never fight or have ever been in a fight since we live in a very dog friendly and dog educated city & country. Just like an american, solve everything with aggression.

I bet you love being in war in Iraq. Maybe go there and take your dogs with you.
Get real.

petlover
petlover@shaw.ca

Ed's Answer:

You are one hell of a dog trainer. I am simply amazed you took the time out of your busy day (of training your dogs) to send these points of life.

In regard to the war - please send your name and address. Maybe you want to meet a few of the muslim extremists that would like to bring our country down (because it does not sound like your an American).

An annoymous hate mailer (Donna Hall) OUTTED: LOL

Hi Ed

I was getting some hate emails from an annoymous person with an email address:
petlover@shaw.ca. After a google I see she has also harrassed you and is featured on your Dumb and Dumber page.

I wrote to the address as under an alias looking for dog training advice (I had suspected it was a local cookie-pusher trainer) and she responded to me with her name and phone number.

She likes to bash balanced trainers (on Craigslist and by writing nasty emails to pet stores ).

Anyway.....thought you would like her full name and website, in case she decides to bother you again:

Donna Hall of Hot Diggity Dogs (nice name, eh?) in Vancouver BC Canada

http://hotdiggitydogs.ca/

Hot Diggity Dogs Services
Training Located at:
3214 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC

604-202-2010

hotdiggity@shaw.ca

For what it is worth, this trainer puts all her clients in no-pull harness and one of her commandments is to never tell the dog no. Oh, and she DOES happen to have a dog-aggressive dog that she can't take places (unlike what she has told you) - guess her training methods haven't been able to turn it around.

Have fun with this information - I plan to.

Ed's Comment's

Gee wonder if Ms Donna Hall will continue to send out insulting unsoiliticed emails now. LOL

Mr. Frawley,

I live in Dallas, TX and I have a 7 year old neutered male Scottish terrier named Alex. I let him go out to get the mail with me unleashed and he ran and "attacked" a dog that was walking by with her owners. Alex has done this to other dogs many times and has never hurt the other dog. He just jumps up and growls ferociously but never bites them. Well... the man stopped me today - Saturday, and told me that the next day his wife took the dog to the vet and the vet put the dog on antibiotics, saying the dog's eye got scratched by my dog. I know the guy wants me to pay for the vet bill but I do not have the money. Dogs in this city are required to be on a leash. What should I do??? What can they do if I refuse to give them money for the vet bill(s)??? Your web site is very informative.

THANKS!!!

Ed's Answer:

This was your mistake This dog should NEVER be outside and off leash. It's not trained. If it were trained you would have been able to stop this from happening.

Pay the vet and stop being stupid. You screwed up here. Put it behind you and train your dog.

Hi. I have written to you several times in the past. I have a question that I would like a second opinion on. I have an acquaintance who baby-sits children in her home. She had a very well-behaved male GSD in the home. She fed the dog one day with the children around and allowed a three year old child to sit down next to the dog and try to play with him, stick his fingers in the dog's bowl, etc. while the dog was eating. The dog bit the child on the arm. The baby-sitter immediately took the dog to the pound because she felt he was "vicious." She thinks it is the dog's fault. I feel as though it was her own stupidity for allowing that kind of a situation. She says she wants another GSD, but unless she remedies her ignorance, I don't think she should have any dogs. What is your opinion on this subject? Thanks.

Janelle

Ed's Comment:

This woman will now be able to go to my web site – the dumb and dumber section and find this email. What a dumb ass.

Hi I dont know if you can answer my question. I have a female pitbull thats 9 months she accidently was breed to my other pit thats 7months. I hear people say that its not good to breed your bitch on her first heat. Im concirned about my dog as of how shes going to loock after she recovers from her litter. I was thincking if she was breed on her first heat I'll just skip this coming heat and breeder the next one. Is my dog gonna come back to her natural stage or i'm I going to have to skip some heats to recover what was lost

i can learn to do protection work from your website. what pages in your websites will help me out.

Ed's Comment:

Your email belongs on the dumb and dumber section. Check it out – you will find similar questions that fit your mentality.

If I had a lazier than lazy section it would go there.

Hello, I was reading your article on aggressive dogs because my sister has a St. Bernard named Zues and they are going to put him to sleep because they are going to have a baby in October and they are scared that he might hurt their baby or anyone who doesn't know Zues. Zues is a very lovable and protective dog to everyone he knows well, but to new people he barks at them, even when they take him on walks, they are scared that he might hurt someone. They got a dog trainer and at first Zues tried to bite him, but then Zues was scared of the trainer, and that's it, he didn't learn anything else but sit, stay,. Zues is only 2 years old and i guess i just want to know if you think this is a bad idea of putting him to sleep, he is such a lovable dog, is there any way to train him to not be so protective of his owners? We don't think that he would hurt their baby, we'd never leave him alone with Zues, but we're scared he might hurt someone, so i guess it is a good idea because even if we think it might happen we shouldn't let it. Or would their be any St. Bernard rescue shelters that would maybe take him in.

Thank you,
Meghann

Ed's Comment:

These people are stupid. Drop dead idiots. I have written an article on how to introduce dogs and babies - I should add this email to show people how STUPID some people are - or maybe add it to my DUMB AND DUMBER section.

Did they never think about just trying to find another home - rather than killing the dog ???

Why do you say a dog has to have the right bloodline?I have a fearful Rhodesians ridgeback/gsd/ pit bull mix and it will protect me 100%.The dog is not socialized and keep in my apartment and taken out for a walk once every 2 months. fearfully DOGS make better guard and protection dogs!!!!! I tie my dog on a play ground and leave him there where children play and the dog lears to bark and became aggressive with people! you don't have to have any blood line to dog protection work

Ed's Comment:

Your level of stupidity is only matched by your lack of experience and big mouth.

A person does not need a helper for attack training. I have trained my 1 year old staffordshire bull terrier (basically a mini pitbull) by myself. I Made a big doll 5-6 feet tall and put a stick in the dolls hand and scared the dog with the doll. some days i put on the doll different color shirts so he would think it was a different person....now he will bite any one near me....This method works great my dog is barking at the door and growling at a few people walking by me on the street. This proves you don't need a helper to train dogs for protection!!!!!

Ed's Comment:

Boy do you have a lot to learn about dog training.

My advice would be to go down to the slums of a large city and give your newly trained dog a try out. That proves everything.

Hello:  My daughter that is 44 let her American Bulldog female get with her American Bulldog male that she got from the same liter.  I told her to have one for them neutered.  She had nine puppies and all but 4 died.  Then she let it happen again.  How stupid!  She had 6 more and all but three died.  She had 2 more dead puppies 5 days after she gave birth to first 6.  I am sorry but this just isn't good.  Is that why they died.  She is now going to give the mother to a man that lives on a farm.  The poor dog will probably get with other dogs there.  Can you give me some information to tell her other than don't breed or own dogs. 

Thanks,
Paula

Ed's Comments:

If this were not so sad I would tell her not to get rabbits and/or mice for pets. This kind of comes under the catagory of "We can pick your friends but not our relatives."

Shame on you for telling people that they should never take their Chows to dog parks or allow people to pet their Chow. How very misinformed you are. You are just perpetuating the negative stereotype of Chows.  I have had Chows my entire life.  What kind of life is it for a dog that never gets to socialize with other dogs?

David R. Goyer

Dear Mr Frawley

WOW. I came to to your site re dog matters NOT for war justification I be blunt

1/ By your insane comments further endanger your sons life.

2/ The Zionist Jews control your country via the media & by default are the elected government 3/ Your slag-off of Islam? What the hell do you know about this?
Except what your read in the controlled Zionist media.

RE YOUR ATTACK ON VON FORELL KENNELS IN AUSTRALIA I read your crap & Kris's on his site.Would seem to me your a wanker & your the one without ethics....but his is the American way these days.

Please show some courage by letting Kris have his say on your site(maybe he's as bad as you but give him his say) or is it just easier selling your dogs to Australian drug dealers like Maurice?

Dr Phil Watson PHd
alphaomgea1@gmail.com

Ed's Comments:

I am always impressed with the stupidity of bigots - especially when they CLAIM to have a PHD. From my experience - people who find the need to put "PHD" behind their names have erectile disfunction.

Maybe adding your email address to this post will let people see what you really are - which is somehwat worse than a "wanker" (whatever that is)

By the way - I have never sold one dog to Austrialia and have never heard of anyone in Austrialia named Maurice.

Another email about DR PHIL:

Dear Sir

1/ YOUR OFFENSIVE EMAIL
Dr Phil Watson contacted you re his concerns/both for your son & the GSD breed- email me re - your pleasure/displeasure as I'm sure the case may
2/ THE USE OF ELECTRICITY on dogs.Maybe I should 'ZAP' you into compliance. Hence BANNED IN AUSTRALIA & most non- third world countries
3/ Your Threats ....& they allow FOOLS like you to be a  weekend cop
4/ Your threat of placing info like this on your site to push your purpose,
If you believe in free  speech, which I'm sure you don't,publish this
5/ Should I forward all this to a Ji-Had site. Naming You & Your son's info?
You are a fool

Mr God
stazsi@hotmail.com

Ed's Comments:

How can I not take an email like this seriously - especially when it's from somone whose email address is "MR GOD."

Dr. Phil sure has some influential freinds. Sorry that I had to put your and Dr Phiuls photo at the top of this web page.

Ed, Just found your site while I was looking for a new dog park.  I would like you strongly reconsider your comments on page http://leerburg.com/dogparks.htm.  Instead of starting out with "Why they are a bad idea," perhaps - "Educated yourself and the dog before you go."

Recently moved back to anytown, usa from Denver. I have been to three parks in Denver, over the last 8 years...  During this time frame I have taken three dogs (see photos).  Usually my trips consist of about 1.5 hours in the afternoon/evening, three times a week.  On the weekend I would stay 3 to 4 hours.  Not once have I ever seen a dog fight or human fight at a dog park, though I have had countless hours of fun.

Additionally, please consider shutting down your puppy mill operation and send those inquiries to a shelter or legit rescue. Why must you make money off the backs of animals w/o a choice?  If the armed services were paying for kids, would you knock up your wife for the income?

JR

Jesse Roland
jesse5280@yahoo.com

Ed's Answer

I can't include what I told this stupid fool because I have made an effort to remove prfanity from my web site. With that said I treat people the way they treat me and this dumb ass got told a lot more than "PULL YOUR STUPID HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS!!!"

STUPID VETS ADVICE

Here is a series of emails we got from a lady who then went to her Vet to confirm our advice. The DUMB and DUMBER portion of this belongs to the dumb ass Vet - needless to say I have a web page on STUPID VET ADVICE - with 45 years experience in owning and training dogs I have come to the conclusion that a Vet has to earn respect. They dopn't get it just because they have DMV behind their name.

Dear Mr. Frawley:

I don’t even know where to begin.  I have a two week old puppy that, in my eyes, if anything could go wrong with a puppy, it has happened to her.  Her mother only had her, thank goodness.  By the time she was three days old she had contracted some type of either bacterial or fungal infection of the skin on her abdomen, the vet wasn’t sure.  Either way, her skin was badly infected and rotting away.  The vet gave me an antibiotic and skin cream.  Two days later her left eye became swollen with infection, which forced the eye to open some so the infection could get out.  I went back to the vet and go some eye drops.  Two days later she became hypoglycemic and began to have seizures.  Thanks to your website, I was able to get that to stop.  Now that all of that is under control, I have yet two more problems.  I had been tube feeding her, but because I’m now having to go back to work my husband will be taking care of her and he isn't that comfortable with tube feeding, so we’re now bottle feeding.  SHE WON’T BURP!!!  It is so frustrating.  I can work on her for an hour and not get her to burp one time, and what’s so bad is I can hear the air inside of her stomach and her intestines.  She is so hectic trying to look for more food that it takes her a while to settle down, then when she does settle down she falls asleep, but NO BURPS!  The vet told me he is not as concerned with her burping as he is with her going to the bathroom.  Which is my other problem, she has no problem urinating, but she is having a hard time with bowel movements.  I think it’s because of the antibiotic she’s taking.  Last night I finally got her to have a bowel movement, first one in 12 hours, and it was solid, not hard as a rock, but solid.  I have been giving her a drop or two of infant gas medicine to help with the air trapped inside her, but I don’t want her body to become dependent on it.  So, I’m coming to you again, you’ve helped me in the past, for some expert advice.  How on earth can I get her to burp and do you know what I can give her as a natural laxative to help her with her bowel movements?  I so appreciate any help you can give me.  Thank you so very much.

Sincerely,
K arrie Adams-Buoy

Here was our answer:

I don’t get too worried about puppies burping after they are fed.   I would make sure she is fully hydrated, as many times this is why puppies become constipated.

I would be adding a bit of water to her formula and if she still isn’t passing stools regularly, ask your vet to show you how to give a bit of IV solution under the skin.

If you haven’t read this, I would suggest it. http://leerburg.com/bottlefeeding.htm

Here is what this person wrote back:

Ed's comment:

When I stopped laughing I thin realized that these two fools (the vets) pointed out a potential new business idea. We could start a DOG MILKING BUSINESS - hmmmm I bet $50.00 a gallong would not be out of the question.

We recommended that this girl read the contents of the crap her Vets sell as for puppy mmilk replacer. Does it say DOGS MILK? LOL I think not.

I will say that puppies should never be given cows milk. Goats milk is not cows milk and puppies trive on our home made formula.

I suggest that people read the testimonials on the home made puppy formula on my web site. Then read the testimonials from the people who have saved litters of pups by using it over the crap vets sell.

Too bad I dont have these fools names and address - I would post it here.

Ed Frawley

Cindy Frawely,

I read your comment on the leerburg web site that you will not breed any more german shepherd puppies with strong working drive for 2007 and 2008, Well I'm going to buy a GSD puppy from a GSD Kennel in canada, its called woodside germanshepherds. if you could check with them for me about the types of puppys they produce. can you reply back to me to see whether they are capable for police service work

Johnmichael Musaazi       
jmmusaazi@yahoo.co.uk

Ed's Answer:

So you want me to do your research for you, call these people for you, look at the bloodlines for you. Maybe I should buy the dog - bring it to England and then train it for you. Anything else you would like me to to? Like shovel your driveway or take your garbage ouit?

I am interested in pusuing Therapy Dog training (www.therapydogs.org) and a raw diet is not allowed.
My 4 m.o.german shepherd puppy has received a raw chicken thigh for lunch every day since 7 wks.

How to wean off a raw diet?

Thanks,
Mary

Ed's Answer

Mary,

I chose to add this email to my dumb and dumber page because of this organization and not because of you. You are just being mislead.

My answer to you is to walk away from this org. This is one of the dumbest requirements I have ever heard. I wonder what they do about dogs that lick their ass? Do they think this would spread germs? What about a dog that just stuck his nose on another dogs but? Would that dog spread germs?

My advice is to walk away from these fools. They don't deserve your hard work.

Ed

Question:

At 57, I fear I've made a dreadful mistake! Recently losing our 9 yr. old German Shepherd to cancer, we felt we had to fill the void by finding another even though we have 2 Aussies and a Golden Retriever. What we got was a 6 1/2 wk. old pup with mange and parasites from a puppy mill now closed. The pup was not socialized and is a terror to try and train. We've had 2 pack attacks by the other dogs brought on by a correction nip,leading to fear flight and prey drive then attack. We've both been bitten in the process trying to break it up. The pup now 4 mos. is separated from the adult dogs by barricades in our home and each going outside different times and different doors. Though we hate the thought of having to find her a another home, we are at wits end to integrate the pack and resume our once peaceful lives. The pup is very strong willed and will not allow me to trim her nails unless she's asleep. Then I may get only 1-2 cut a day. The 2 1/2 yr. old spayed female Aussie appears to want to get ahold of the pup and kill her. She just attacked her again last week though the pup showed only submissive posturing.

I have reviewed several of your e-books and video on pack structure but am not finding my answer. Any advice or suggestions I'm open to hearing if you'll please reply.

Rena
springcaribe@southslope.net

Answer:

I think that blaming the pup for not fitting into the pack is not the problem. The problem is that by adding a 3rd dog you now have a pack and in every pack there are different dynamics. You needed to introduce the puppy in a different manner than which you did.

It also sounds like all your dogs need more leadership and structure if they are taking upon themselves to attack a puppy! I would start with our Groundwork program for ALL your dogs and the video that picks up where the article leaves off. Pack Structure for the Family Pet.

I believe that this DVD could really help you. It's titled DEALING WITH DOMINANT AND AGGRESSIVE DOGS http://leerburg.com/301.htm and was a 5 year project. I think the Aussie needs some work here, along with the groundwork. If I had a dog that even "looked like" she wanted to show aggression to a puppy that dog would be under my strict control and supervision 24/7.

Your GSD puppy sounds like a normal pup, that merely needs to be taught the rules and also to feel protected by you. It appears from your email that she's not getting either of those things. Puppies need to be taught what we expect from them, they don't just magically understand about nail trimming or anything else.

Your Puppy 8 weeks to 8 months
The Power of Training Dogs with Markers
The Power of Training Dogs with Food

Three dogs is always more challenging than 2 and it appears that your Aussie is in charge of the pack order, not you. I think if you take the time to establish more rules and boundaries with all of your dogs and teach the puppy some behaviors using reward based training you will be able to work it all out. If you don't want to invest the time or energy, then I'd rehome the puppy soon before she gets attacked again. It's not fair to her.

Cindy

Rena's Response:

You've miss-understood. I HAVE a pack of 3 dogs and have added the GSD pup. And I have already viewed the video: Pack Structure for the Family Pet." Originally, the Aussie was the main one to play with the pup. But suddenly, when my spouse corrected both for some rough play, the Aussie took it upon herself to correct and over corrected. That caused the Aussie to bite, drag and shake pup, causing pup to yip and go into fear flight. Fear flight and yipping caused prey drive and thus the pack attacked pup.

Currently, my vet has put the Aussie on clomipramine and she will wear a muzzle during our next exercise with Bark Buster's instructor. He was present during the last attack.

Does this shed any new light on my predicament?

Rena

Cindy's Response:

It doesn't matter if you have 3 or 4. I believe the issue here is that the dogs are making too many decisions on their own. My advice is the same whether you have 2 or 3 or 10 dogs.

I also ABSOLUTELY disagree with meds being given in these kinds of situations, when it's a matter of training and management. It can work as a last resort but I get several emails every day where people are medicating their dogs for acting like DOGS. I get angry at the vets who prescribe this.

You can take my advice or not, but I will guarantee you that obedience training alone is not going to change anything unless you change the way you live with your dogs on a daily basis. Your situation is a common one.

What happened to your puppy is why I don't ever advise letting people put a new dog or puppy into a pack situation without rock solid groundwork and leadership in place. I hope that you will at least read the links I sent.

Cindy

Another Email from Rena:

I am not blaming the puppy. Merely, the pup was not socialized by the mother/litter and should NEVER have left the litter @ 6 1/2 wks. Too many issues!

And yes, no one hates drugs/meds more than myself. It truly is a last resort. Same with the muzzle. In my 57 years of having many dogs throughout life, I have never medicated nor muzzled a dog and actually, until the last couple of pups, never owned a kennel.

The Aussie instigating the attacks was attacked by my Golden and GSD when she was about 5 mos. old. She left the litter @ 7 weeks and was not socialized properly. Trying to fit into her new pack she raced out the door with the 2 adult dogs and tore her dew claw. Yelping in pain sent the 2 dogs into prey drive or pack mentality and they attacked nipping her into fear flight. No skin was broken and there were no more "confrontations." As my GSD was taken down slowly with the cancer, the Aussie began to move into the dominant role. I believe she has fear aggression combined with sibling rivalry. Since the GSD's passing, this Aussie has now become afraid of storms, fireworks, etc. which NEVER bothered her before.

I do NOT feed raw food. It is not as holistic as you may think. Raw meat is full of bacteria and parasites. My dogs are NOT wolves or coyotes or I could open the back gate and let them live in the woods where those animals reside. They are fed a good high quality food with beef/chicken the first and main ingredient AND NO BY PRODUCT CRAP! Every dog in your photos looks malnourished and under fed. I think you need to be more understanding of what I'm trying to get across to you and not pushing for a product sale.

Rena

Cindy's Response:

I'm not pushing for a sale... I'm telling you to read the links I sent you.
FREE!

It seems to me (maybe I'm misinterpreting your emails) that when I give advice, you make excuses for what you are doing. If you don't want my advice, I really don't mind. I am guessing I have a bit more experience in this type of situation and am merely offering that to you.

As for what you are saying about the dogs in my photos, WHAT??!!!
Malnourished and underfed? What the heck are you talking about? I never ever brought up what you were feeding your dogs? I find you to be rude, arrogant and insulting so with that I suppose we should end the conversation right now.

You write to us for advice and then insult? Thank goodness the majority of emails I get each day are nothing like this.

Cindy

Rena's Response:

Only truthful! I believe I've struck a nerve? Being far older than you I believe I am the one with more experience. You're talking Malinois, I'm not. You need to "tone down" your advice responses and NOT act like a know- it-all! Take another look at your dogs. They look like they need a good meal- not raw meat. Dogs are dogs and wild animals are wild animals. Maybe you need to enlist the aid of a good vet and educate yourself about the dangers of feeding raw diet? In all actuality, I don't know where you appeared from. I emailed Ed Frawley with my question. What are you his secretary?

Rena

Ed's response:

You need to go someplace else for your free information. Copping an attitude like you did does nothing but make me mad.

For your information Cindy is my wife. She forgot more about training dogs last week than you have learned in your entire life. That's obvious to me from your emails. Your comment on the raw food is a joke. Your comment on being older than Cindy should translate into you knowing more about dogs is about the stupidest statement I have heard in the past couple of years - maybe ever.

What you have written is so insulting its not worth commenting. As Cindy said - your emails belong in our DUMB and DUMBER section of our web site. Have a nice life and the next time you feel like acting like this - think about it first because there can be ramifications.

Ed Frawley

Another Response from Rena:

You've just made some horrendous mistakes.
1. You never use email to label a consumer a BITCH. You will have your email service and web site shut down.
2. If you use my email or name on your web site, better get yourself a good attorney.
3. You would show more common sense if you'd use Cindy as your secretary.
4. The web site you replied to was a hoax. My job is to check people like you out. I close down puppy mills and report abuse and neglect and put the offenders behind bars.
5. In addition to all of the above, I have a full media backdrop to broadcast "pet scammers" and make the authorities and public aware.

So, I advise, be careful with that anger as you never know who you're actually dealing with at the other end of a computer! I set up a scenario and you both fell into the trap. Nor do I feel the need to label myself as Capt; president, CEO or anything else.

R. Nevada
help@advertisinginspiration.com

Question: How in the world do you socialize the dog if you can't take it anywhere, and if you do you shouldn't let it walk on the ground or floor?

how do you socialize your dog if you can't take it anywhere because you don't want to vaccinate? Over and over this site says he doesn't approve of vaccination. Then he turns around and tells us much aggression in dogs could have been prevented if they were socialized as puppies?

How in the world do you socialize the dog if you can't take it anywhere, and if you do you shouldn't let it walk on the ground or floor?

What a nitwit...

Answer:

Dear What a Nitwit,

I think you need to continue reading because you are missing the point. I don’t vaccinate any of my dogs and take them everywhere. I train in ringsport, agility and obedience and have never had any issues.

You simply use your brain and common sense and don’t take them to areas where strange dogs go to the bathroom, or let them walk around on the floor at a vet’s office or pet warehouse type supermarkets. There is risk involved in any decision. Socialization doesn’t mean letting your dogs have unlimited contact with other dogs or environments, it’s simply exposing your dog to new experiences and environments. If you don’t like the FREE information on our web site than feel free to not take it. 

Cindy

A Response:

Dear Cindy,

Thank you for your answer, I had written your husband without receiving a reply and could tell by your web site that maybe if I insulted someone an answer would come forth. Sorry about that, but it does seem to be how things work around here.

Oh, NOW I see, parvo and such doesn't live at the ringsport, agility or obedience classes. But, they do live at places you or your husband don't approve of, like Petsmart and the Vet's office. Damn. Smart viruses

Cathy

Email:

I would like to start off by telling you my story. I live in Concord, NC. I had a four year old pit bull named Kila who just had her 3rd litter of puppies. Here is where the story gets interesting a day after having the pups Kila became very aggressive (this is a dog I raised since a pup that is trying to bite me). We had to have her put down. I got your recipe for the formula off the internet to bottle feed my pups. A week into there little lives they started dying painful deaths one at a time. The vet said your  formula probably killed them the egg yolk gave them salmonella. So in turn I believe you should take your puppy formula recipe off your web site. So no one else has to have the horrible week and the loss off money I had. I lost around $1200 just in puppies. Not to mention having to see all the little puppies suffer and die.

Thank you,
James Revis
jrevis@live.com

Ed's Response:

James,

Let me tell you something. Your vet is an idiot and you’re not far behind the fool. You are a first class JERK. You killed your dog because she was maternal. You are not only a dumb ass you are a first class jerk.

In the last 35 years I have bred close to 400 litters. So I have a tad bit of experience with breeding dogs – probably a hell of a lot more than your idiot vet.

Just to let you know – it is not that uncommon for females (even females that fools like you raise from a puppy) to become aggressive for a period of time after they whelp a litter. There are many reasons for this happening. Some just do it while others become aggressive because the owners are dumb asses that do not provide a calm quiet safe location where the mother can be by herself. They always get over it. It take a little time but they get over it.

With that said there are idiots and dumb asses (like yourself) who just go off and kill the female.

As far as the puppy formula goes – puppies have about as much chance of dying from FRESH egg yolks (and salmonella in them) in my formula as you do in winning the lottery. Read the testimonials to the formula. You’re the only person who has ever written me such a stupid email. I have a web page on my site for idiot vets - http://leerburg.com/vets.htm 

I also have a dumb and dumber web page – that's where I put your email because this is the most ignorant stupid email I have received in a long long time.

If you want some advise James – get out of the breeding business and stick to eating and breathing because that seems to be the only thing you are qualified to do.

Regards,
Ed Frawley