What DOESN'T work

FriendsOfZoe · 03-23-2008, 09:44 AM

I saw a doodle pup at the park once and the owner brought a water bottle and sprayed her every time she barked, because the trainer said this was how to keep her from barking. I wanted to scream. I wouldn't do that in my own house, but even if she chooses to do it there, she was punishing the dog for barking while playing with other dogs!!!

And speaking of alpha rolling, I've had someone tell me that you have to roll your dog at least once a day, whether they're misbehaving or not, just to make sure s/he always knows who's boss.

I also love the "always eat before your dog" one. It will be so convenient to feed her at 9pm when I get home so that she's ready to go poop right on schedule at 3am...ooo yeah, awesome.

RonE · 03-23-2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

I saw a doodle pup at the park once and the owner brought a water bottle and sprayed her every time she barked

The hot August day that we brought Esther home from the shelter, I was trying to fill a wading pool for her in the yard, but she kept grabbing the pool and running around the yard with it.

Finally, in desperation, I sprayed her with the garden hose, thinking it would distract her from the pool.

What I failed to account for is that some dogs - one, at least - LIKE being sprayed with the hose.

Now, for alternative play on a hot day, I'll get out the garden hose and spray her, while she lunges and dodges and tries to grab the hose.

rosemaryninja · 03-23-2008, 09:53 AM

Stick your fingers in the dog's mouth and press down on her tongue to teach bite-inhibition.

RBark · 03-23-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonE

The hot August day that we brought Esther home from the shelter, I was trying to fill a wading pool for her in the yard, but she kept grabbing the pool and running around the yard with it.

Finally, in desperation, I sprayed her with the garden hose, thinking it would distract her from the pool.

What I failed to account for is that some dogs - one, at least - LIKE being sprayed with the hose.

Now, for alternative play on a hot day, I'll get out the garden hose and spray her, while she lunges and dodges and tries to grab the hose.

I think you need a fire hose.....

Darkmoon · 03-23-2008, 10:16 AM

Oh man.. You guys mean you are NOT suppose to do these things?!?!? (just kidding)

I never understood why it was so important to not feed your dog before you. It makes no logical sence to me. Now pretending to eat from the dogs bowl before he gets it I can understand. but not to eat your meal before theirs. Who wants their hungry dog sitting across the room staring at you licking their lips?

RBark · 03-23-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkmoon

Oh man.. You guys mean you are NOT suppose to do these things?!?!? (just kidding)

I never understood why it was so important to feed your dog before you. It makes no logical sence to me. Now pretending to eat from the dogs bowl before he gets it I can understand. but not to eat your meal before theirs. Who wants their hungry dog sitting across the room staring at you licking their lips?

It's because they think the alpha eats before the crew. But puppies actually eat before the alpha. So, evidently, you are telling the dog you are a puppy and he's an alpha?

I kid. At least it doesn't hurt the dog.

Curbside Prophet · 03-23-2008, 11:16 AM

Here's a myth...don't coddle a fearful dog. People are told this because it's believed the fearful behavior will be reinforced. This is not true if the behavior is classically conditioned.

In fact, if you can consistently pair the even with something pleasant you may condition a different emotional response, one more compatible with what you want.

Think of your first music recital... Even though you played the piece a thousand times in your home, you get nervous to be in front of a crowd, and you're not likely to play the piece well. But if you had someone there before your recital to calm you down, you might actually play well.

The reasoning is when both classical conditioning and operant conditioning are in play, classical conditioning rules.

That's why when people are told to gives treats to a dog that fears strangers. You're not actually asking for behavior you can control, like asking for a sit. You're trying to change the emotional response.

wvasko · 03-23-2008, 12:24 PM

I just heard this one today from a poster on another thread. Poster was told reason dog would not come to them was because they were boring. Now I understand acting excited for quicker recall is great. But a boring person can still be a great actor and get results while still being boring inside.

JenTN · 03-23-2008, 01:30 PM

Don't use a word for correction that is commonly used in the house. I am all the time saying "NO" to the kids, so Bo gets an "eh-eh".

Also, a lot of people say "down" to get a dog off furniture or when jumping on people. I say "off" so he won't be confused when I teach him "down".

Don't use a praise word that you commonly say to your dog- "good boy". I use a firm "yes".

My mother-in-law told me the other night that my THIRTEEN WEEK OLD PUPPY needs to be on a chain so he can learn to be a "chain dog"

Sure, I"ll do that right after I get him out of my bed

4dogs3cats · 03-23-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorina

I used to have a neighbor with a noisy beagle (go figure!) who obviously had a vast vocabulary and an understanding of math, because the owner would aways yell at him, "How many times have I told you to be quiet!!!???!!!"

I always wished I could throw my voice and say, "About two dozen times, today."

But then the poor dog would've gotten in trouble for mouthing off.

omg that made me laugh out loud. Kody knows math pretty well. All I have to do is put two treats in my pocket and only give him one. If that doesnt prove Kody can count to two, what will??

Mudra · 03-23-2008, 02:57 PM

I just watched (again) the movie SNOW DOGS. Where Cuba Gooding (sp?) bit Demon's ear to make him submissive to him. =P I will never ever bite any aggressive dog on their ears. Plain silly in my opinion.

sillylilykitty · 03-23-2008, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenTN

Also, a lot of people say "down" to get a dog off furniture or when jumping on people. I say "off" so he won't be confused when I teach him "down".

I do that! "Off" for getting OFF of anything. Down is for lay down.

What do you dog people do about dogs jumping on you? Say anything? Or do you just turn around without saying anything?

Curbside Prophet · 03-23-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

What do you dog people do about dogs jumping on you? Say anything? Or do you just turn around without saying anything?

I say "sit" as the dog approaches.

RBark · 03-23-2008, 07:49 PM

Reminds me of how my father trained the dogs not to jump on him. They run up to him, and as they are about to jump on him, he knees them right in the head.

Well, I guess it worked fairly well, until we had the dumbest (and most awesome) Lab ever. He took it as a sign of affection.

That sure got my dad back to the drawing board. I don't remember how he did it afterwards, but I think it was actual training, not, you know, abuse.

Inga · 03-23-2008, 07:56 PM

I remember a trainer telling me to knee my dog in the chest as she would jump up. I was 14 years old at the time and my Rottweiler was a jumping fool. The other option was to take the leash close to the collar and jerk the dog down. My dog laughed at me for that. She out weighed me by at least 20 pounds. I have heard (though I don't know if it is true) that you can stop a dogs heart by doing that.

Mac'N'Roe · 03-23-2008, 10:19 PM

How about when they are doing something they aren't supposed to be doing...say chewing on your foot or barking while trying to get the cat to play (no...my Roe would never do either of those). But they are sooo dern cute while doing it that you can't help but laugh and smile while saying "no roe, don't do that ha ha ha ha" in a sweet voice, kind of like the one you use when praising them. Does that work?

harrise · 03-23-2008, 11:21 PM

One I witnessed today:

Man walking down street with a lab mix on six foot leash with choke chain on. Dog pulls forward, man picks front of dog up off the ground, and follows it with "HEEL!". Poor thing, I must have heard "HEEL" a dozen times before he was out of earshot.

JenTN · 03-24-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac'N'Roe

How about when they are doing something they aren't supposed to be doing...say chewing on your foot or barking while trying to get the cat to play (no...my Roe would never do either of those). But they are sooo dern cute while doing it that you can't help but laugh and smile while saying "no roe, don't do that ha ha ha ha" in a sweet voice, kind of like the one you use when praising them. Does that work?

I always correct in an even tone, then praise when there is good behavior.

Example: pup is chewing on my foot- I say eh-eh or "no bite!" and then give him something he can chew on. When he chews the appropriate toy, he gets "yes, Bo!"

I agree, its hard not to laugh when they're so cute. But I have to remind myself that an 80+ lb adult dog biting my foot is not going to be anything near cute.

Mac'N'Roe · 03-24-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenTN

I always correct in an even tone, then praise when there is good behavior.

Example: pup is chewing on my foot- I say eh-eh or "no bite!" and then give him something he can chew on. When he chews the appropriate toy, he gets "yes, Bo!"

I agree, its hard not to laugh when they're so cute. But I have to remind myself that an 80+ lb adult dog biting my foot is not going to be anything near cute.

Thanks JenTN....I was actually just kidding. LOL My two don't chew on my feet (shoot, they don't even look at shoes on the floor) I just know that I've done that once or twice..knowing it wasn't going to be effective, but couldn't keep from laughing. They next time, I was able to correct the behavior. Just tryin to lighten things up...

JenTN · 03-24-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac'N'Roe

Thanks JenTN....I was actually just kidding. LOL My two don't chew on my feet (shoot, they don't even look at shoes on the floor) I just know that I've done that once or twice..knowing it wasn't going to be effective, but couldn't keep from laughing. They next time, I was able to correct the behavior. Just tryin to lighten things up...

LOL..sounds like a day in my house actually, maybe that's why i took it seriously

2 am Sunday morning (have to be at work at 7): puppy has diarrhea in crate- me and spouse (supervised by the 2 kittens) clean it up and puppy has a meltdown over getting a bath and a blow-dry. an hour and a half later, fill up mop bucket with pine sol and hot water- start mopping (water now pine sol and poo mix) turn around briefly and back around just in time to catch an 8 month old kitten about to jump in poo mop water....

fast forward to 10 am this morning- same kitten hurks up a pile of easter basket grass- while 2 year old son is screaming "JUICE" and 6 year old daughter is asking when we are leaving....phew