May 17, 2011

I have seen subtle signs of what I think is dominance around the house, but by all means not aggresive. Can you help me determine which collar to use?

Full Question:
Hi,

Let me say that I think your website is wonderful and full of great information. I have a problem with my 6-month old female Doberman and wasn't sure which DVDs and items to purchase for correction.

My (dog's) problem is this: I have seen subtle signs of what I think is dominance around the house, but by all means not aggressive. We've been training her and she usually does OK - that's why I want to buy your training DVD. She needs correction big-time. She hasn't realized yet that commands are to be done when I say not when she wants!! She's fine with people - friendly - HOWEVER, when we're on our walks and/or on leash and she just hears another dog she goes CRAZY. Her hair stands up and as soon as she sees the dog she lunges and wants to attack. On the other hand, people come over my house all the time with their dogs and she is very playful and not aggressive at all. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

I wasn't sure if I should buy the Dominant Dog Collar or the Prong Collar. I read in your article that prong collars sometimes make them more "excited." She always wants to go ahead of me when we walk and it seems like I'm always using the choke chain for correction.

I was planning on purchasing the Basic Dog Obediance and Living with a Dominant/Aggressive dog DVD as well as a collar.

I'm still reading through your site, but can you please help me in determining which collar and correction method I should use when she's on leash? I don't want to wait too long and make things more difficult.

I know you get alot of emails but I'm looking forward to a response. Thank you for a great website.

Regards,
Odalys
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I’m not sure you need the dominant dog dvd at this point. Your dog is only 6 months old, and most likely just needs more structure and leadership. I would not expect any 6 month old puppy to be “trained,” she’s still a very young dog. You can always go to corrections later.

I’d use a prong collar for pulling on walks, but would also advise a dominant dog collar. We use the DD collar when the dog is in a hyper excited state, using the prong can actually make them more excited. Both are great tools, when used in the right situation.

I’m going to recommend these videos for your pup:

The Power of Training Dogs with Markers
Pack Structure for the Family Pet
Basic Dog Obedience

You may be interested in training her to the electric collar once you have all the basics down - Electric collar Training for the Pet Owner.

I hope this helps.

Cindy

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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