February 15, 2013
Our 11 month old dog is very disobedient, he jumps on us, steals food from the counters and barks all the time. I feel like I need to start over with his training, is this possible?
Full Question:
I have an 11 month old Standard Poodle. We originally got the dog for our 16 year old daughter. As many kids do, she promised to care for and train the dog. We attended a 12 week training course. None of us has been consistent with the training. Other than sitting, downing and waiting he is very disobedient. I.e. barking all the time while outside, jumping up on the counters to steal food, jumping up on us, etc. etc. I feel like I need to take control of this and be the primary trainer. Please can you lead me in the right direction regarding this? I feel like I need to start all over. Is this even possible? Very frustrated at this point and I feel we may be making our dog psycho!!Thanks,
Shelly
Cindy's Answer:
One of the most important things is to take away the dog's freedom to continue making the wrong choices.
Starting over is a smart idea. If your dog isn't crate trained, then I would recommend starting there.
I'd also give this dog a positive outlet for all his energy.
Puppies and young dogs (and even adult dogs that need remedial schooling) in our home are ALWAYS leashed when they are out of their kennel. Management is the most important part of successful puppy raising.
Dogs don't automatically understand our rules, so if we don't give them clear direction they will do things their own way.
I'd highly recommend learning about marker training:
The Power of Training Dogs with Markers
The Power of Training with Food
I'd also give him some very predictable rules and leadership, this is more important than structured obedience classes:
Pack Structure for the Family Pet
We also have a number of eBooks that may be helpful.
Cindy Rhodes
Starting over is a smart idea. If your dog isn't crate trained, then I would recommend starting there.
I'd also give this dog a positive outlet for all his energy.
Puppies and young dogs (and even adult dogs that need remedial schooling) in our home are ALWAYS leashed when they are out of their kennel. Management is the most important part of successful puppy raising.
Dogs don't automatically understand our rules, so if we don't give them clear direction they will do things their own way.
I'd highly recommend learning about marker training:
The Power of Training Dogs with Markers
The Power of Training with Food
I'd also give him some very predictable rules and leadership, this is more important than structured obedience classes:
Pack Structure for the Family Pet
We also have a number of eBooks that may be helpful.
Cindy Rhodes
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