I am new to the forum so please be gentle.

I adopted a 5 yr old male GSD who is dominant and animal aggressive. We did Canine Good Citizen class (positive, food reward) which absolutely did not work for this dog.

My problem is that the only alternative within a 100 mile radius is a place that uses the old yank and crank method with metal choke chains. I do have to say that I bought a GSD from them before and she was a wonderful well behaved dog. I don't feel that I know enough to try training myself with just a dvd so I think I will have to go with them. This dog is too strong for me when an animal approaches on a walk so I have to do something immediately.

I guess my question really is should I ask them to use a different collar and if so which one?

I know you didn't mean to offend, but the term "yank and crank" is really a misunderstanding of good dog training. People talk about using positive reinforcement as if to say; you are either a yank and cranker or a positive reinforcer. I guess my question would be; what good dog trainer doesn't use positive reinforcement to reinforce those behaviors they want to occur again. None-the-less, this old "yank and cranker's" philosophy is; Positive reinforcement works so much better when there is a consequence to poor behavior. As for collar, I'm sure you'll get many suggestions depending on what you want to accomplish, ranging from the prong to electronics. All have their place.

DFrost

 Quote: Dana O'Meara

I am new to the forum so please be gentle.

I adopted a 5 yr old male GSD who is dominant and animal aggressive. We did Canine Good Citizen class (positive, food reward) which absolutely did not work for this dog.

My problem is that the only alternative within a 100 mile radius is a place that uses the old yank and crank method with metal choke chains. I do have to say that I bought a GSD from them before and she was a wonderful well behaved dog. I don't feel that I know enough to try training myself with just a dvd so I think I will have to go with them. This dog is too strong for me when an animal approaches on a walk so I have to do something immediately.

I guess my question really is should I ask them to use a different collar and if so which one?

I'd do and watch a session there, at the very least, before committing. JMO.

I would also order this immediately:
http://www.leerburg.com/301.htm

Here's why: I would want as much expert knowledge as I could get in order to have something on which to base an assessment of any instructor.

My personal preference in a situation where I need expert help is to get an individual to my home. It sounds like you are talking about a class?

My own training methods reflect what David says. I absolutely use motivational training, and I absolutely use corrections when needed.

I believe that she may have actually gotten the "yank and crank" phrase from this website's training articles...so let's not jump to the defense so quickly. Dana openly stated in her first paragraph that the all-positive, happy happy, food-reward crap absolutely did not work for the dog...she also stated that she got a wonderful, well-behaved GSD from the folks in question, so she's not being unnecessarily harsh.

My only objection to the yank and crankers in question would be the use of a choke instead of a prong. My bet is they'd let you use a prong (after all-it's YOUR dog!) if you enrolled in a few classes w/them. Dana, I applaud you for seeking another method after the all-positive, CGC stuff didn't work. You are absolutely correct that this dog needs to change NOW. Many would keep doing the same thing, expecting different results...or get rid of the dog. After all, there's no behavior that can't be cured by liver treats, lol! Don't let people who have never dealt with a dog like this make you feel guilty about doing what's necessary for both the dog and those he comes in contact with.

This is not a class it is a training academy. It will be individual training. There is noone else around except the all positive trainers around who will come to your home.

I ordered the video. Thanks

I didn't mean to offend and I did get the term from this website. I actually don't have a problem with the training style. I have a problem with the metal choke collars.

 Quote: Dana O'Meara

Sorry- I didn't mean to offend and I did get the term from this website. I actually don't have a problem with the training style. I have a problem with the metal choke collars.

Well, I think yank-and-crank is sometimes used to mean 100% compulsion. (It's what I mean when I say it.)

Good move, ordering the video http://www.leerburg.com/301.htm . I think you'll be well-equipped to both evaluate and participate in (if you decide it's for you) the training you're considering.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Dana O'Meara

Sorry- I didn't mean to offend and I did get the term from this website. I actually don't have a problem with the training style. I have a problem with the metal choke collars.

Well, I think yank-and-crank is sometimes used to mean 100% compulsion. (It's what I mean when I say it.)

I do the same Connie. I have everyone in the club saying that now, when they refer to specifically compulsion training. Dana, that video will help you tons. That and read as many articles, e-books & listen to as many podcasts as you can. I'd think, you'd get better results.

Last Sunday the Trainer had Six Dogs i a circle on the field, Our Pup Fred was amongst them who i may say behaved himself very well, He was Teaching them to soscalise and do as the Handler wanted them to,
One Older Dog about 15 months old, decided he wanted to have a go at the dog opposite him Barking and lunging at him Then as if from no where the trainer gave the Dog a Smack on the nose, The Dog jumped back into place he did not know where the smack came from, For the rest of the session he did not Bark or lunge at another dog
The smack never hurt him but he was taken by suprise
This trainer has been working with G.S for 40 years and i never noticed him move nor did the Dog

 Quote:

My problem is that the only alternative within a 100 mile radius is a place that uses the old yank and crank method with metal choke chains.

I would suggest posting where you are located and maybe someone can reccomend someone that can help you.

When I read post like this I always look to see where the person is located incase I know someone close to them that maybe able to help them out. It seems like 9 times out of 10 the person doesn't list their location