Dog Training

Question: A good dog training book?

(Posted by: on 2009-06-16 23:20:20)

I have 4 different types of dogs. 3 are mixed breeds and 1 is a dachshund. The dachshund is trained already. The other 3 I need some suggestions. I have 2 outside that I need to be trained to guard the property and I have one that is inside to guard the inside of the house. If it helps I know that Furby is mixed with Great Pyrenees and we think Australian Shepherd, Bully is a mixed bull mastiff. The inside guard dog is a mixed Collie. Any suggestions anyone would have will be greatly appreciated. These suggestions will also be used during my volunteer time at the local pet rescue center. Thanks.

Posted by: Nedra E on 2009-06-17, 20:21:33

I have two pyrs and an Aussie. Pyrs don't need to be taught "how to guard ". They need to understand what or who they guard. If they are livestock guardians, they are to live with the livestock. If they are property guardians, you walk them around the perimeter fenceline so they know the outer limits of their territory, and as they mature, they basically work it out to understand what they need to do. Pyrs tend to guard by intimidation, so they bark a lot at night as they patrol. If you're in an area where this is a problem, you have to keep them close to the house and keep the yard well lighted to have any chance of less barking. My Aussie is my inside guardian, and my pyrs are outside all night and much of the day. They are happiest when they have a job to do. They seem to know instinctually what to do. LIsten to their barks and learn what they are telling you. You can also join a good Yahoo Pyr group to ask questions of those who know the breed. I don't know of a good book, but others in the group do. But you don't need to train a pyr how to guard. And pyrs tend to train the other dogs in the pack how to guard. -!-

Posted by: Novarobin on 2009-06-17, 01:22:21

My suggestions for dog books are anything by Patricia McConnell, especially The Other End of the Leash and For the Love of Dog. While not step by step training books, they are full of invaluable information for successful training. (she talks alot about her Great Pyreness). I have heard good things about Ian Dunbar's training books. I read his "How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks ". That is more of a step by step puppy training, but can be applied to older dogs. I didn't love it, but again, learned alot. He uses treat training, which I didn't care for, but that was just for me and the dog I was training. Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor is a great training book. Again, not step by step but excellent. She is a proponent of clicker training. She also trains dolphins. I haven't read any books on teaching to guard. I have read books on teaching protection work such as apprehensions, etc. I am not sure what you mean by training to guard. If you had an understand of the basics of training, you could teach the dog to bark under certain cues. Other than that, you are getting into a territory where you need professional help, not something you can get out of a book. Some other great books are Bones Would Rain from the Sky by Susanne Clothier (loved it, has a bit about training) and anything by Stanley Coren.

Posted by: Adam on 2009-06-19, 01:20:08

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer guy, has several books and DVDs on dog training. His methods are fantastic. My in-laws have a boxer and they used his methods. I'm absolutely astounded at how well it worked. So my recommendation is to get anything from him (whether it be an ebook, hard copy book, or DVD).