hi, I am having a hard time teaching my dog from chasing my cats. He does not growl at them, just wants to chase them and pin them down on the ground. Some say keep him teatherd to me. Not so easy.

May I ask why not so easy to tether? If you can get through the initial "spazzy" of being tethered, they do lay down after a while, especially if you give them a bully stick or stuffed kong. Tethered really is the way to go so you are right there to correct the dog. Too bad your cat doesn't have claws. (I had to say it)

 Quote: michele mcatee

May I ask why not so easy to tether? If you can get through the initial "spazzy" of being tethered, they do lay down after a while, especially if you give them a bully stick or stuffed kong. Tethered really is the way to go so you are right there to correct the dog. Too bad your cat doesn't have claws. (I had to say it)

Ditto! The trick is to tire the dog (which needs doing anyway) so that tethering is not a constant tug-of-war. This is the way to manage the dog while you are teaching something this important.

Or teaching anything that needs constant supervision.

Just remind yourself that many on this board are typing while tethered to a pup who is many times bigger and stronger than your guy.

P.S. When he can't be tethered, he can be crated. This CAN be done.

I say this with certainty from years of a multi-dog house, often with a new-adoptee-dog attached to me for his bonding/learning/housebreaking period (which can be extensive).

While I work.

When being tethered to me, will it not make quincey not over protective of me? Thats what im worried of too. At least the only problem is the cats, and the jumping up on people. Its slow but the no jumping is slowly getting better. I will try and see what he can learn and how long its going to take. My, it is going to be a bit of a hassle at first. Maybe i am a bit of an impatient with all the things he has to learn. My last dog never was a problem. Did not have to teach her much.

No, it shouldn't make him overprotective of you. Most 'protective' behaviour in dogs isn't true protection anyways.

The idea with tethering him to you is that you get to control his behaviour and be right there with him - and that he gets to learn that you are the one in charge. It's also a nice way to strengthen a bond, IMO.

If he starts to act 'protective' than it's up to you to step in and stop the behaviour. Tethering isn't just about having the dog be physically attached; you can't tether him and then let him do whatever he wants. You tether him and you teach him appropriate behaviour.

Positive training can be slower than more coercive forms of training, but it's much better. It can create a love of learning/training and being with the trainer, which is what it's all about

ok, so now that he is tethered to me, what do I do when he growls at people or squirls that go by the front door. Is that ok? I tried to move him away from the door. Doesnt really work. Should I maybe move away abit from the door and have him do some commands that he knows? Ill see if that works. Also about the sofa. Should one allow a dog sit or lay on the sofa?
He only growls at people that walk passed the door, not when they are indoor or when he is outside.

Edited by Jennifer Schnegg (03/16/2009 02:10 PM)
Edit reason: not at all people, only when they are out and he is inside

yes, im assuming that you have a GSD. You are right, the training im having to do is quite extensive, but he has learned alot already. My pup does not like rubber toys, but loves cloth sqeeky cloth toys or filled huff bone.

Are you at the front door when he growls at people and squirrels going past? How is he doing that if you're not at the door and he's tethered to you?

I would not allow him to growl, no. I personally would work to identify when he becomes aware of the people/squirrels (body language) and start to do obedience work with him then, so that you don't even allow the growling to start. It will also help to keep him mentally occupied. I would also probably give a verbal correction 'no' if he did display the growling behaviour, and I would remove him, yes, but my emphasis would be on preventing it, not correcting it.

There are various schools of thought about dogs and furniture. Personally, as long as the dogs respect your leadership and don't take furniture privileges for granted (i.e., they go on furniture when invited to do so, not at their own will) than I don't see the problem. My dogs have their own chair they are allowed up on, and that it, but they will also move if I want to sit there.

With Quincey now - I wouldn't at this point. I would work on groundwork with him and getting his behaviours (growling, jumping, nipping, chasing cats etc) under control before I would even consider extending furniture privileges. JMO though.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

Also about the sofa. Should one allow a dog sit or lay on the sofa?

I personally do not allow my dog on any furniture.

IMO you need to be really secure in knowing that your dog views you as pack leader before you allow him on the furniture...