wow...I am so relieved to have had so many responses. It was decided that Kingston will be a "family" dog. unfortunately they have no clue on what Ed's training methods are. I left the DVD for them to watch and have yet to see anyone pick it up. I explained to them about how and why I will be doing what Im doing. they just never saw eye to eye with what Im doing. Im busting my ass getting up early and taking good care of him. I really do not have the last say in how he will be raised because after all, I do live WITH my parents..hehe. they always go back to the "my hbouse my rules" theory. by the responses here, I see a slight comprimise will be just fine. one of the main reasons (other than Ed's theories) I didnt want him to roam freely is because one day I had him on a lead and I took my eye off of him for a second, next thing I hear him whimpering and then break out into a full on cry. turns out he got his head stuck under my gate...such a sad sight !! anyway, I REALLY appreciate everyones input !!!!!

leerburg.com feels like a second family if you ask me...if anyone is ever in hawaii, swing by and say hi !!!

Sit down WITH them and all watch the DVD.

You didn't really expact anyone not as bonded with the dog as you to just pick it up and turn it on for a fun Friday evening of viewing, did you? :>D

Even though it IS totally watchable and very interesting, I think you will have to instigate it. And not by sticking it in the player and leaving the room.

Think of the discussion and understanding that will inevitably result! There is NOTHING in the DVD that anyone who loves the dog could take issue with: It's motivational training. :>

I agree Connie. the thing is, I've told my parents to watch it and learn from it. I've watched it several times myself. basically they have an "ood school" view on training. the old methods they used as kids raising their dogs is what they feel is correct. in this case its a little hard to teach old dogs new tricks...I mean old parents new tricks...lol

Swallow your pride for the good of the dog and tell your parents you want to watch it with them so they can tell you if you are interpreting everything correctly.

YOU know you are, but that gives them a chance to (a) watch a DVD with their son; (b) learn the absolute best pup-training methods; and (c) "help" you with the training.

You can do it. They might drop dead from shock, but try it anyway. Say that you would like their input on the DVD.

There's really no way that they can DISAGREE with such positive training. If they have a tiny suggestion, fine! In the big picture, who cares?

P.S. Don't let them read this thread. :>D

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You didn't really expact anyone not as bonded with the dog as you to just pick it up and turn it on for a fun Friday evening of viewing, did you? :>D

Haha!

Yeah, my family thinks I'm weird because I get so excited every time a new Leerburg training DVD arrives. I just can't wait to watch it but it's definitely more work to convince non dog family members to watch along.

Don't worry too much Collin. Ed has such a compelling and charismatic way of presenting the information that even uncaring family members will get drawn into it if you start watching it with them.

I love Connie's suggestion too. Appealing to someone's ego is pretty effective

And trust me, it is SO worth the effort of luring a parent into your DVD-watching session when you later hear them saying things like "inappropriate pack behaviour"... D

They may ignore what you have to say, but hearing the advice from an expert like Ed will convince them. (That's just like family isn't it? You can say something till you're blue in the face and it doesn't sink in, but hearing it once from an outside source and they're instant believers. Lol.)

Good luck!

If your parents were university professors, like mine, you could also sneak in a paper on dog training into their marking pile.

This is Collin's parents. How dare you speak of us that way.







LoL...just kidding it me Collin. anyway, I plan on showing them how much the DVD has helped my Kingston. after seeing that, I hope it'll spark some interest in the DVD.

I may have been a little too hard on Kingston though. he had fun during training, but it felt like work for me because I was trying too hard.

I will take all of your advice into consideration for the good of the dog. you guys are awesome... wish i could give more info to help

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This is Collin's parents. How dare you speak of us that way.

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Reminded me of Welcome Back Kotter, with the notes signed "Horshack's Mother."

Basic Obedience, done via marker training -- this is FUN. I's fun for you and fun for the dog. If it's not, then I would shorten the sessions and make sure I was beginning and ending every short session with a command that I know the dog knows and will be rewarded and praised for.

And any time you ever feel the slightest bit frustrated, do that 100% command and QUIT -- on a high note.

I find it a big setback with the handler goes too long, covers too much, or gets frustrated. JMO.

Hey Collin,

Sometimes you can talk, and discuss, and watch DVDs and some people aren't going to see the light until they see something they don't like. In this case your pup, just being a pup, may end up being more effective in getting the point across than you.

When/If mom's yard gets chewed up...or she finds the pup on the couch...or dad gets knocked out of the way going out the door...You may find your family more receptive to your ideas about training.