Do you know how to add a photo?

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Roanne Rist

 Quote: alyssa myracle

Sounds like you need 8 dog crates.

It does to me too, and I'm quite serious.

"How to start" is by separating them and working with each dog, separately, on basic obedience (marker training is very forgiving and a great method besides) and pack structure, starting with the aggressive one(s). As Steve mentioned, any pack order that exists now is dog-dictated.

How much help do you have?

Didn't you say that you have the Pack Structure and Basic Ob videos? I'd start studying both and probably order this one: http://leerburg.com/301.htm (Dominant/Aggressive).

I'd pay attention to the marker work in Basic Ob, and post if you have any questions about it.

I'm trying not to overwhelm you, but you are going to want this: http://leerburg.com/219.htm .

But you have too many dogs in one house. I don't think anyone here is going to disagree with that. And dog fights are one of the results. So Pack Structure is probably a good starting place.

I agree too. Separate and start with the basics. It will take time, but it is well worth it. I do not allow any aggression between my dogs. and when they get pushy for my attention, I send them each to their mats to "rest" which means they lay down and relax. It sounds overwhelming when you think of all the training you have to do, don't think about all of it, just start with step one at a time. When you do you will see how rewarding it is for both you and your dogs. Dogs need to be doing something, so keep that in mind. Your job is to give them a dogs life, that means,protection, exercise, training, good food, and rewards= affection when behaving properly, and treats. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed too, but take a deep breath and begin, you can do it. and your dogs will love you for it.
May God bless you

 Quote: Sharon Empson

I agree too. Separate and start with the basics. ... It sounds overwhelming when you think of all the training you have to do, don't think about all of it, just start with step one at a time. When you do you will see how rewarding it is for both you and your dogs. ...

Roanne, I was thinking last night about a habit I have of always using the dog's name to precede a command in multi-dog situations (like my own home). I think that you need to work one dog at a time for a while and establish pack leadership with each, but you may want to start out using the dogs' names. A bit later, you may find that short marker sessions with one dog looking on as another is working increases eagerness for training in both. And a bit further down the road, you may find that marching along with a dog on either side when you walk them reinforces your leadership.

I would not start as a beginning trainer with the two-dog scenario, BTW. I'm just pointing out alternatives for after you do the work here: http://leerburg.com/groundwork.htm and here: http://leerburg.com/packstructure.htm

If you start today with the excellent free groundwork eBook, and tonight start watching http://leerburg.com/308.htm (Establishing Pack Structure), you will feel far less overwhelmed and uncertain of where to start.

 Quote: Roanne Rist

Do you know how to add a photo?

What have you gotten from the dvd so far?

I have watched bothe dvd's and like Connie said it is very overwhelming and that's why I don't know where to start. I will work with one dog the mom who seems the most dominant female and see how that goes.

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Roanne Rist

You need to work with them all, just one at a time.

You surely do have an overwhelming job ahead of you, especially if you think if it from that perspective.

Just like dog training, in which you need to break things down to their smallest elements and work on those, gradually building things up, it would be better if you could back up some and not think about how overwhelming the whole job is. Otherwise, you're likely to give up before you even begin.

So, start small. It would probably be better if you could work a little bit, at least, with each dog every day, than to pick one dog as your project while ignoring the others. You need to start with focus and attention on you anyway, and that's not very difficult to do.

Also, you can build a lot of training into their everyday lives. Some call it TANSTAAFL, others NILIF (for there ain't no such thing as a free lunch, and nothing in life is free). So, before you go in or out a door, make the dog sit until released (humans go in and out first, same with up and down stairs, in/out of gates, etc.). Before you place the food bowl down, put each in a sit, put the food down, don't let them eat until released. Assuming you exercise your dogs (?), one at a time, have one sit or down or any other command before releasing and throwing the ball or toy or offering the tug, whatever, as the reward.

Remember to use what is most reinforcing for each dog when you train. Some prefer treats (use great ones, like bits of chicken, beef, turkey, cheese, etc.), some play/toys, others petting, or whatever floats their boat. Find out. Use it. (Don't just assume each dog will work as hard for the same things, in other words.)

I would also guess that just having your undivided attention for each small session and interaction with you will be very reinforcing for your dogs.

leih

 Quote: roanne rist

I have watched bothe dvd's and like Connie said it is very overwhelming and that's why I don't know where to start. I will work with one dog the mom who seems the most dominant female and see how that goes.

Good post, Leih!

As Sharon also said, start with the basics.

I'd read this http://leerburg.com/groundwork.htm * and use all the concepts there while working on basic obedience with each dog. I'd just make a commitment to "work a little bit, at least, with each dog every day," as Leih posted.


* It's really how to be as you interact with the dog(s). I'd study it.

One small thing I would add is while you are working with the one I would have the others watching from a crate or kennel so that your not overwhelmed trying to keep control of them all.