Jack Russell a devil

[theking]

...dog. Mine is just a few months old...he was to much for my mother...so she gave him to me. He is cute and loves me...but I don't know that I care to reciprocate. As far as I can determine he has one thought process..."what can I destroy next".

[bogo]

yup,i had one last year but had to get rid of him cause he chewed everything in site...sofas,clothes,shoes,pens,cell phones,the list goes on...

[Naughty]

Here's mine

[Naughty]

he's sweet and doesn't eat on anything, except his own food

[Tala]

such sweet, cute little devil doggies.

[theking]

Does anyone have experience with using a remote shock collar. I understand that there is controversy over the use of them. Are they effective when used properly. What are the pros and cons?

[Centurion]

Originally posted by theking
Does anyone have experience with using a remote shock collar. I understand that there is controversy over the use of them. Are they effective when used properly. What are the pros and cons?

Oh gawd...you are planning on using that type of collar on your dog? YIKES!

Maybe it would be best to find him a different home..for both your sakes.

[C_U_Next_Tuesday]

He just needs to be trained well, they are very intelligent dogs,..just very very high strung and can be destructive for many years if you dont nip it in the bud now.

My mom owns one and we have to put her in a kennel when i bring the kids to visit..it would send her off the rictor scale, and my daycare worker had two..enough to drive ya nuts!

Good dogs once you get them trained ..or they train you

[theking]

Originally posted by Centurion


Oh gawd...you are planning on using that type of collar on your dog? YIKES!

Maybe it would be best to find him a different home..for both your sakes.

And you base your perls of wisdom upon what...specifically?

[theking]

Originally posted by C_U_Next_Tuesday
He just needs to be trained well, they are very intelligent dogs,..just very very high strung and can be destructive for many years if you dont nip it in the bud now.

My mom owns one and we have to put her in a kennel when i bring the kids to visit..it would send her off the rictor scale, and my daycare worker had two..enough to drive ya nuts!

Good dogs once you get them trained ..or they train you

Well...nipping it in the bud...is what I would like to do...but thus far voice command and reward does not seem to be working well...and he is extremely destructive. I may investigate an obedience school...but some are disreputable...so how can one learn with reliability which are good schools and which are not?

[Spunky]

Great dogs but they need way too much attention and lots of room to burn off their energy.

[Centurion]

Originally posted by theking


And you base your perls of wisdom upon what...specifically?

Based on history. doh!

[theking]

Originally posted by Centurion


Based on history. doh!

Can you be more specific...based upon the history of what?

[NBDesign]

My father-in-law has one... cute little dog till it does the wee wee of joy? You know... where it is happy to see you and pisses everywhere? I hate dogs like that.

[GTS Mark]

My mother just got one and he is quite a wild one.

DH

[reynold]

Originally posted by Naughty
Here's mine

They are quite the little firecrackers. Need a lot of space and time to take care of them.

[theking]

Originally posted by Centurion


Oh gawd...you are planning on using that type of collar on your dog? YIKES!

Maybe it would be best to find him a different home..for both your sakes.

I really don't know why I go to the trouble of responding to someone that simply appears not to be able to comprehend anything that is posted.

I have made some "inquiries" about the use of a shock collar. "Inquiries" and "planning" are not synonymous . After input is received about inquiries then I may...or may not...enter a "planning" phase to implement the use of a shock collar.

[NBDesign]

Originally posted by theking
Does anyone have experience with using a remote shock collar. I understand that there is controversy over the use of them. Are they effective when used properly. What are the pros and cons?

Can I put one on you? See how you like it? Those are so inhumane, shit, if you cannot train an animal without the use of some harming device then you should not own the animal.

[theking]

Originally posted by NBDesign
Can I put one on you? See how you like it? Those are so inhumane, shit, if you cannot train an animal without the use of some harming device then you should not own the animal.

From what I have read about shock collars...they can be purchased with various levels of shock...ranging from the shock one recieves from rubbing your shoes on a carpet and the stactic electricity created when touching a person.

No you cannot put one on me...but if I in fact purchase a shock collar I will test the device upon myself with the full range of shock it creates. As for being harmful...from what I have read about them there does not appear to be any harm caused to the animal other then possibly some stress...and if not used properly one will not get the desired result one is trying to achieve.

Please provide me with the detailed knowledge you possess from personal experience or anecdote about the use of a shock collar.

Though you are entitled to your opinion...it will be my decision about owning...or not owning...whatever animal I choose...thank you very much.

[NBDesign]

Originally posted by theking


From what I have read about shock collars...they can be purchased with various levels of shock...ranging from the shock one recieves from rubbing your shoes on a carpet and the stactic electricity created when touching a person.

No you cannot put one on me...but if I in fact purchase a shock collar I will test the device upon myself with the full range of shock it creates. As for being harmful...from what I have read about them there does not appear to be any harm caused to the animal other then possibly some stress...and if not used properly one will not get the desired result one is trying to achieve.

Please provide me with the detailed knowledge you possess from personal experience or anecdote about the use of a shock collar.

Though you are entitled to your opinion...it will be my decision about owning...or not owning...whatever animal I choose...thank you very much.

Again, if you cannot train the animal the right way... you should not own one... I suppose hitting the animal with a newspaper is ok too?

I have 8 animals) all are wonderful pets and well behaved. They were raised with love, understanding and patience... if you cannot provide the time to properly train an animal, then you should not have one... PERIOD.

[Morgan]

my basset hound is insane

[Sly_RJ]

Originally posted by NBDesign
Can I put one on you? See how you like it? Those are so inhumane, shit, if you cannot train an animal without the use of some harming device then you should not own the animal.

A device used for animals is inhumane? Say it ain't so!

[Rorschach]

There's absolutely no need to buy a shock collar, that is an extremely poor way to train a dog. The problem is that the dog thinks it is boss, terriers are very dominant and as long as it thinks that it is dominant over you it will continue to run the house. What you need to do is establish yourself as the pack leader and I absolutely guarantee that your problems will be over.

We have a very stubborn little fox terrier and he was a nightmare as he was growing up, because we didn't understand about dogs' pack mentality. We had a training session with Barkbusters, did the training exercises they provide (which are quick and easy), and the problem was solved - we were the pack leaders and now the dog is a perfect little gentleman.

If you want to have a dog that will be well trained for life, and have a happy relationship with it, then trying to train it through pain is absolutely not the answer.

[Morgan]

you could always try bonzaipuppy~

[NBDesign]

Originally posted by Sly_RJ

A device used for animals is inhumane? Say it ain't so!

Lol... know what you are trying to say... but it's inhumane... no inhuman

[theking]

Originally posted by NBDesign
Again, if you cannot train the animal the right way... you should not own one... I suppose hitting the animal with a newspaper is ok too?

I have 8 animals) all are wonderful pets and well behaved. They were raised with love, understanding and patience... if you cannot provide the time to properly train an animal, then you should not have one... PERIOD.

Since you did not provide your extensive knowledge about the use of shock collars or any anecdotes about the use of shock collars...I will assume that you do not possess knowledge about shock collars and do not even have any anecdotal stories about the use of shock collars. Of course my assumptions are sometimes not correct assumptions.

I am pleased that you have 8 wonderful pets...but 8 is a bit much for me. I have two...a 3 month old Jack Russel...and a three year old Chinese Sharpei/Doberman mix...and she is a sweet heart. It is also good that you possess the skills of a professional dog trainer. I do not have that advantage.

I must assume that you possess little knowledge about the Jack Russell breed. This is from a Jack Russell site.

require at least basic obedience training. The dog's life may depend on it! Even well trained dogs will be tempted to chase something interesting, or even disappear into a hole while you are not looking. Off-lead is always a dangerous situation for a Jack Russell unless in a safe environment with experienced JR owners.

Those dogs that are professionally trained and handled, are very obedient only for VERY short periods of time.

So not having the advantage of possessing the skills of a professional dog trainer...as you seem to portray yourself...and being that even professional dog trainers have a difficult time training a Jack Russell ...you will just have to live with my inquiries about the use of a shock collar.

And again...I will be the determiner of what animal I choose to own or not own...not you.

Since it is apparent to me that you possess niether knowledge about the use of a shock collar or the Jack Russell breed you have my permission to shut the fuck up.

[Rorschach]

If you look at all the top dog handlers in the world, whether they are breeding show dogs or attack dogs - NONE of them use pain training tactics. The ONLY way to establish proper training patterns is with trust and by establishing yourself as the pack leader.

Those dogs that are professionally trained and handled, are very obedient only for VERY short periods of time.

That is true only in that the dog is responding to the trainer, and a bad trainer will train the dog to respond to them, but never pass that dominance on to the owner. A good trainer will get the dog under control, pass the control onto you and then give you simple exercises that you use to maintain your dominance - it is really very simple, and lasts for ever as long as you don't let the dog get the upper hand again (ie you maintain the training when it's necessary). It also means you have a dog that does what you tell it to from respect from your leadership of the pack rather than fear.

[CDSmith]

Personally, I don't ever see myself using a shock collar to train any future dogs I may have. I've had my present dog for 13 years now, got him when he was just 5 and 1/2 weeks old. I began training him in certain things from the get-go, like consistant working on him to do his bid'ness outside.... and he had a bad habit of chewing on people's shoes early-on. I broke him of those habits the same way... consistant therapy.

Shoes: I would take the shoe and tap him on his snout with it, enough to startle him, not enough to hurt him...... and in a very deep voice I would say "NooOOO".

It got so just the sound of me saying 'NooOOO' in that low tone meant trouble, and he began to listen.

As for walking him and general training, I began using a choke-chain on him at about 8 months old or so. Some think the choke-chain is cruel, but those people simply don't know how to properly utilize it.

While walking, if he tried to pull away from me I would give him a quick SNAP and say "HEEL" at the same time, the chain would tighten then loosen quickly, but the snap was enough that he VERY quickly learned not to tug. I was amazed at how fast this technique worked and had him walking beside me in no time.

I was so impressed by the results of the choke chain, I thought of using it to cure him of his habit of jumping up on people. So I got my neighbor to come out to the park with me, stand there and try to encourage him to jump up on her. The second he jumped, I was ready and snapped him down to the ground with the choke-chain (attached to a leash of course). He was so startled it took him a second to stand back up. We waited a half minute, then she encouraged him to jump up again. He hesitated, then went to jump up and was snapped down to the ground again.

That's all it took, 2 times, and he has never jumped up on anyone again.

Now, if you encourage my dog to jump up on you, he will lay down, roll over and wait for you to rub his belly.


I stopped using the choke-chain after about a year, slowly weaned him off it, and from about 1 1/2 years old he has walked beside me obediently and has been a very happy dog because of it. I see other dog owners yelling at their dogs like mental cases all the time, yelling their freaking brains out, and I think "Hey idiot, that's not a kid, it's a dog.... try TRAINING it you fucking retard"


I cured Sully of his barking habit too, but that's a whole other story. There are tons of great training techniques, you can even find many of them on the net. I learned the ones I know from trial and error, and also from tv programs. There are a few good dog training programs on, usually on weekends, on certain channels.

[theking]

Originally posted by Rorschach
If you look at all the top dog handlers in the world, whether they are breeding show dogs or attack dogs - NONE of them use pain training tactics. The ONLY way to establish proper training patterns is with trust and by establishing yourself as the pack leader.



That is true only in that the dog is responding to the trainer, and a bad trainer will train the dog to respond to them, but never pass that dominance on to the owner. A good trainer will get the dog under control, pass the control onto you and then give you simple exercises that you use to maintain your dominance - it is really very simple, and lasts for ever as long as you don't let the dog get the upper hand again (ie you maintain the training when it's necessary). It also means you have a dog that does what you tell it to from respect from your leadership of the pack rather than fear.

That quote was actually referring specifically to the Jack Russell and was not a general statement about professionally trained dogs. Isn't it true that the "respect" provided the leader of the pack is established by fear of the leader.

As for professional dog trainers...I know of alot of anecdotal stories about the training that did not work for those that took their dogs to professional trainers. There apparently seems to be more bad trainers than good trainers.

Not that long ago I aquired a Doberman for outside security that had been professionally trained to be an attack dog. I was assured that he would not attack other than on command...this proved to be untrue...so I had to find the dog a new owner...one that needed a "junk yard" dog.

[Centurion]

Originally posted by NBDesign
Can I put one on you? See how you like it? Those are so inhumane, shit, if you cannot train an animal without the use of some harming device then you should not own the animal.

This is why I usually don't even bother with dealing with King. You try and get a point across, and he zooms back with "I demand extensive information from you on how you know what you know!"

Sorry King..but this ISN'T the army where you bark orders and others just do/say what you want.

[theking]

Originally posted by CDSmith

As for walking him and general training, I began using a choke-chain on him at about 8 months old or so. Some think the choke-chain is cruel, but those people simply don't know how to properly utilize it.

While I was surfing today getting info about Jack Russells and shock collars...I learned that there seems to be about as much controversy about using choke collars as there is about using shock collars...particulary choke collars that have small spikes...but it is said that choke collars in general can actually do physical harm to a dog...when not used properly...where as the shock collar cannot actually cause physical harm...used improperly or not.

Some think the choke-chain is cruel, but those people simply don't know how to properly utilize it.

The exact same thing is said about the use of shock collars.

[theking]

Originally posted by Centurion


This is why I usually don't even bother with dealing with King. You try and get a point across, and he zooms back with "I demand extensive information from you on how you know what you know!"

Sorry King..but this ISN'T the army where you bark orders and others just do/say what you want.

If your uncomprehending ass has a point to make about the subject at hand...then feel free to do so...if you don't then feel free to shut the fuck up.

[Centurion]

Originally posted by theking


If your uncomprehending ass has a point to make about the subject at hand...then feel free to do so...if you don't then feel free to shut the fuck up.

Eat shit King. That's about the only thing you can do well these days.

[CDSmith]

Originally posted by theking
While I was surfing today getting info about Jack Russells and shock collars...I learned that there seems to be about as much controversy about using choke collars as there is about using shock collars...particulary choke collars that have small spikes...but it is said that choke collars in general can actually do physical harm to a dog...when not used properly...where as the shock collar cannot actually cause physical harm...used improperly or not.

So use the collar properly then.

And I've never seen the need for the spiked ones. When the regular choke-chain is used properly, it causes a quick initial fright and very little in the way of pain, if any at all. The spiked ones and the shock collars on the other hand DO cause pain. They too work, but why go the pain route when it is not necessary?


Owning a new dog is like anything else in life that is worthwhile. Time has to go in, consistancy must be maintained, a lot of love and encouragement given, and the end result is you having a great dog, and your dog having a much happier life.

[theking]

Originally posted by Centurion


Eat shit King. That's about the only thing you can do well these days.

You have a comprehension problem...but your ability to insult is par to none...........not. You are dismissed yet again.

[CDSmith]

Btw, people have been owning and training dogs successfully for centuries, WITHOUT the use of crazy powered gadgets that shock them etc.


But it sounds like you've already made up your mind and won't be swayed no matter what I have to say, so I suppose you best get on with it then.


Best of luck to you and your dog.

[theking]

Originally posted by CDSmith
So use the collar properly then.

And I've never seen the need for the spiked ones. When the regular choke-chain is used properly, it causes a quick initial fright and very little in the way of pain, if any at all. The spiked ones and the shock collars on the other hand DO cause pain. They too work, but why go the pain route when it is not necessary?


Owning a new dog is like anything else in life that is worthwhile. Time has to go in, consistancy must be maintained, a lot of love and encouragement given, and the end result is you having a great dog, and your dog having a much happier life.

Since you have had experience with choke collars...maybe you can offer some suggestions about how to apply the use of a choke collar to prevent the dog from being destructive.

I have a fenced yard...but since I have relocated to Oregon...it has rained virtually every day that I have been here and the dog prefers being inside out of the rain. In addition I am going to have to make the fence dig proof as the Jack Russell breed is an instinctive digger. The dog will destroy anything that it can find...or jump up onto...and find. It has done damage to my carpet...my leather recliner...and my sofa...among having destroyed many smaller items.

I had the thought today that it might be viable to use a shock collar...as when I see that he is chewing on something...or jumping up onto something...that a small zzzz issued by remote control along with voice command might prevent this. Voice command and reward does not seem to impress him. The shock collar can be set to send a very miminal shock and it is more the surprise than pain that gets the animals attention.

[Rorschach]

Originally posted by theking


That quote was actually referring specifically to the Jack Russell and was not a general statement about professionally trained dogs. Isn't it true that the "respect" provided the leader of the pack is established by fear of the leader.

As for professional dog trainers...I know of alot of anecdotal stories about the training that did not work for those that took their dogs to professional trainers. There apparently seems to be more bad trainers than good trainers.

Not that long ago I aquired a Doberman for outside security that had been professionally trained to be an attack dog. I was assured that he would not attack other than on command...this proved to be untrue...so I had to find the dog a new owner...one that needed a "junk yard" dog.

Wolves in the wild establish the pecking order by fighting, but we are dealing with domestic dogs, and you can establish yourself as leader without having to actually harm the dog - there are very specific ways you do so.

If you doberman attacked someone not on your command, it is either because it was not properly trained to begin with, or you didn't train the dog and hence it didn't respect you. It's natural for all dogs, and especially dominant or aggressive breeds, to be constantly pushing the boundaries to try and get their dominance in the pack back. That's why the owner actually has to do their part in training the dog - it's not just an issue of the trainer training the dog and then it's perfect for life.

You're absolutely right about there being lots of crap dog trainers around. I'd highly recommend Barkbusters if there is one in your area, they have a very unique training system that does everything I've described above.

As far as choke chains are concerned - they are meant to be a self correcting mechanism for pulling on the lead, so the dog works out that it pulls, it gets choked. They are okay as long as they're not used as a tool to hurt the dog by yanking, and as long as you don't use one of the thin versions which can damage a dog's neck - you certainly shouldn't be using one with spikes on it! Once again though, pulling on the lead is a dominance issue - the dog thinks it's in charge, and so pulls along in front, trying to lead the way. Proper dominance training negates the need for a choker chain.

[theking]

Originally posted by CDSmith
Btw, people have been owning and training dogs successfully for centuries, WITHOUT the use of crazy powered gadgets that shock them etc.


But it sounds like you've already made up your mind and won't be swayed no matter what I have to say, so I suppose you best get on with it then.


Best of luck to you and your dog.

No...I have not made up my mind. I have had multiple dogs in my lifetime and have never used a choke collar or any other device and have had obedient dogs. This is the first time that I have had a Jack Russell and it was not my selection. If you look on the internet you will learn that the Jack Russell breed is a problem breed when it comes to obedience among other things. The one site states that more people than not rid themselves of Jack Russells before they are even fully grown.

I am inquiring about shock collars to see if anyone here can attest to their effectiveness...or if there is a good reason not to use them.

[Rorschach]

The good reason not to use a shock collar is that it teaches your dog to fear you rather than respect you, and it is an admission on your part that you are a weak owner who cannot control his animal.

[CDSmith]

Originally posted by theking
Since you have had experience with choke collars...maybe you can offer some suggestions about how to apply the use of a choke collar to prevent the dog from being destructive.

I have a fenced yard...but since I have relocated to Oregon...it has rained virtually every day that I have been here and the dog prefers being inside out of the rain. In addition I am going to have to make the fence dig proof as the Jack Russell breed is an instinctive digger. The dog will destroy anything that it can find...or jump up onto...and find. It has done damage to my carpet...my leather recliner...and my sofa...among having destroyed many smaller items.

I had the thought today that it might be viable to use a shock collar...as when I see that he is chewing on something...or jumping up onto something...that a small zzzz issued by remote control along with voice command might prevent this. Voice command and reward does not seem to impress him. The shock collar can be set to send a very miminal shock and it is more the surprise than pain that gets the animals attention.

I would put some cayenne pepper on the areas that the dog is likely to chew the most, for one thing. I'm sure you've given the dog a few things that he is allowed to chew on all he wants, it is now the task to get him less interested in what he can't have, and more interested in what he can have. Like I said above, I used the "light rap on the snout followed by giving the dog something else to chew on" technique. When I was out of the house I put my dog in an area where there was nothing for him to chew on EXCEPT his chew toys.

Consistency.


I also cured him of his barking habit by a long process of consistant therapy. When he was a small puppy, I would play with him in the living room. He would get all exited and run around like a mental case, but the second he let out any sort of bark -- that was it, playtime was over. I would use that low toned "NooOOO" and then sit back and watch tv. He would stand there wondering what the hell just happened, but eventually he caught on..... you open your yap, the fun stops.

ALSO... whenever he was outside on his chain at the back, if I heard him barking I would always go out and grab hold of his snout and hold it shut, again using that tone and say "NO barking".

Trust me, he's 13 now and the second I take that low tone with him he listens immediately.


The choke chain was a tool, nothing more. It worked very well and hasn't been needed for many years. In fact I think I gave it away at some point. The quick snapping technique I mentioned above was confirmed by my pet store owner, as well as both the vets I take him to, and also a few of the dog-training programs I watched. Fact is, it worked very well and there is no arguing with what works.

[theking]

Originally posted by Rorschach
The good reason not to use a shock collar is that it teaches your dog to fear you rather than respect you, and it is an admission on your part that you are a weak owner who cannot control his animal.

Advise me then...how can I teach him not to be destructive...and remember that you are dealing with a Jack Russell breed who is not easily trained by...even a professional...and when it is stated that this breed will only be obedient for short periods of time? Everything that I have applied to previous dogs that I have had as well as the other dog that I currently have...is not working...but then again the Jack Russell is only 3-4 months old. He has caused alot of damage during his lifetime and it is said that this breed pretty much remains the same throughout their life expectancy of 15 years.

[Rorschach]

Well I have an extremely ruckus foxy (which are even more energetic than jack russells) and who turned into a total terror as he got older (we've had him since he was 6 weeks old) - because we spoiled him as a puppy and I used to play fight with him all the time (which makes them more aggressive). He didn't destroy stuff so much, but he was really aggressive on the street, especially when my girl took him out - because he thought he was the leader, so it was his job to protect her. It got to the stage where she was afraid to take him out for walks because he was so naughty, and was at the point where he was going to bite someone sooner or later. I'd consider myself very good with dogs, I've had them all my life (but this was the first from a puppy), and he was just out of control.

So we got the guy from Barkbusters in. Basically in a dog's mind there are four stages of communication - first there's body language, then a growl, then a snap and then a bite. To control the dog you need a growl, and for it to take you seriously need to demonstrate to it that you can snap, but you should never take it to the level of biting (hurting the dog) - it's just never necessary. In the early days of training, when the dog is being naughty, you give it your growl (normally you use a guttural "bah" sound), and if it keeps on acting up you give it your snap - normally you have a chain in a bottle which you use as a rattle, and the dog will behave immediately provided that you've conditioned it correctly to respond the growl and snap.

However the timing of introducing the growl and snap to the dog are crucial and you really need a professional to show you how to do it, because if you fuck it up the first time then the dog will never take you seriously. That's what the Barkbusters guy did, and the dog almost shit his pants, he was so shocked that a human was telling him what to do. He was really resistant as first (you can see them shaking as they fight for mental control), but after that initial struggle he was like a changed dog. The trainer gave us some other simple exercises to do (5 mins per day) that consolidate our dominance over him - and he is now a great little dog, still playful but very well behaved.

At no point was he scared of us or of pain. You can tell when a dog is scared vs. just submissive - when scared, the tail will be wrapped down between it's legs, when submissive, it will just be straight (but not curled upwards). A dog can't learn when it's scared, and dogs that are taught through fear almost always will turn on their owners at the first opportunity.

So basically, get a professional, like I say I would heartily recommend the Barkbusters system if there is one near you. The real test is that I have since used their system on a few really vicious dogs and it's worked like a charm.

[Rorschach]

And btw don't take that stuff about jack russlls to heart - I know tons of people with them and they are great dogs when trainined right, that stuff about them not taking to training is bullshit. They are very smart and very high energy though - you just need to keep their minds occupied.

[Zebra]

Here is mine. Will be 6 years old next month and still as crazy as ever.

[TomsPics]

I have two jack russells, the best hunting dogs I ever seen.

[TomsPics]

About the shock collar thing, I have not had to use it, but came close too. People who say there inhumane have no idea what it takes to train one of these dogs. This isn't a lap dog, these dogs were not designed to be pets but to hunt fox in there dens. The person who designed them in the UK was only interested in a designing a hunting breed. They can be very stubbern but if you take the time they can be great pets. Strictly being verbal somtimes doesn't work with these breeds, if one does it's rare.

[theking]

Thanks for the input people. I am going to check with a local Vet to see if he can recommend a dog trainer. I am new to this area so I do not know what is available.

[Honeyslut]

Go with a dog trainer. You can make a hunting dog behave if you train them at a young age.

I have a springer spaniel who after one slap on the butt by my hub will NEVER touch a chicken . Hell, the old guy protects them now

[Honeyslut]

Originally posted by CDSmith
I would put some cayenne pepper on the areas that the dog is likely to chew the most, for one thing. I'm sure you've given the dog a few things that he is allowed to chew on all he wants, it is now the task to get him less interested in what he can't have, and more interested in what he can have. Like I said above, I used the "light rap on the snout followed by giving the dog something else to chew on" technique. When I was out of the house I put my dog in an area where there was nothing for him to chew on EXCEPT his chew toys.

Consistency.


I also cured him of his barking habit by a long process of consistant therapy. When he was a small puppy, I would play with him in the living room. He would get all exited and run around like a mental case, but the second he let out any sort of bark -- that was it, playtime was over. I would use that low toned "NooOOO" and then sit back and watch tv. He would stand there wondering what the hell just happened, but eventually he caught on..... you open your yap, the fun stops.

ALSO... whenever he was outside on his chain at the back, if I heard him barking I would always go out and grab hold of his snout and hold it shut, again using that tone and say "NO barking".

Trust me, he's 13 now and the second I take that low tone with him he listens immediately.


The choke chain was a tool, nothing more. It worked very well and hasn't been needed for many years. In fact I think I gave it away at some point. The quick snapping technique I mentioned above was confirmed by my pet store owner, as well as both the vets I take him to, and also a few of the dog-training programs I watched. Fact is, it worked very well and there is no arguing with what works.

You can also buy "bitter apple" to put on stuff so the dog will stay away from it. It's available at the pet stores.