Meryl asked:

I have the most stubborn Golden Retriever. She, Zoe, Turns 1 years old tomorrow on Valentine’s day. ;) I’ve tried clicker training, obedience school…even the dog whistle had no effect on her when I thought the whistle was very powerful to a dog’s ear. So, other than those I’ve mentioned, what is the best training device to use now? Those shock collars? Invisibal fence? WHAT!?? lol. I mean, she is the kind of dog that KNOWS what is wrong but does it anyways behind our back and then hides! LMAO. Thanks.

Oh sorry about that…

She needs help with coming when called, not biting people and other things like trash, chasing and beating up my cat…you know, the usual puppy training.

You know what is funny? She can play dead…that was easy to teach her…but all the others are hard lol

i know north…that is why i am asking for help and not my dog

Reply:

OK, it sounds as if you’ve tried way too many different things when there are simpler methods out there.

For chasing and beating up the cat (my 10 month old does the same thing, but hasn’t hurt the cat, he just wants to play), you need to teach the OFF command. The OFF command is used to curb a dog’s chasing instinct. First, put her on a leash. Wave a ball in front of her face….then throw it. When she gets up to go after it, tug on her leash and firmly say “OFF”. If she listens and backs off, give her a treat and some praise. Repeat this until she no longer gets up to go after the ball. Even when she stops, this command needs to be reinforced and practiced regularly.

Coming when called….make it a game. Start out right in front of her with a treat. Say “Zoe, come”. When she comes to you, give her the treat. Move away and say “Zoe, Come” again…repeat this. After a while, you can incorporate other commands. You can have her sit, and stay…then move away….then say, “Zoe, Come” and give her the treat. But remember, ONLY treat when she’s completed the task. Don’t just give in and give it to her if she’s not doing what you want. Now try enlisting the help of a friend. You each take treats….one of you goes to hide, then yells “Zoe, Come”….Zoe then has to make an effort to find the person before she can get her treat. While she’s doing that, the other person hides. When Zoe has found the first person and been rewarded, you can start saying “Zoe, Come”. Move locations, get further away, etc. It’s good practice and teaches her that coming when called is a pleasant, rewarding, and fun experience.

Never call her to you for punishment. This only results in her being scared to come to you when you call because she thinks she’s going to be in trouble.

As far as biting….when she bites (I’m assuming while playing), Yelp and/or say “Ouch!” and quit playing with her.

Remember that a lot of these issues will start to lessen as she gets older. She’s in her adolescent stage right now and will remain there until about the age of 3. Most dogs really chill out once out of their “teen” years.

Make sure you Acomplia have a covered trash can. If this doesn’t help (as in, she knocks it over), you could try an automatic deterrent that will keep guard over your trash when you’re not around. These are generally sold for cats, but I assume they would work for a dog, as well. If not….well, you could always put the trash away (in a cupboard or something).

And never discipline for something after the fact. Dogs have very short memories and if discipline is given after the fact, they don’t know what it’s for.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Pr…