Best dog training resources!

[AntiLagGC8]

Hi all,

I've recently become the slave of a little Rottweiler (10 weeks) called Luther.

He's developing rapidly and has already mastered sit, heel, shake hands, toilet training in the garden etc. He doesn't have any discernible issues although we've got some work to do on nipping and jumping up but I think that's normal.

I've read some books on Rottweiler's and did quiet a bit of research prior to getting Luther, in addition I have experience of the breed through the family.

I want to take him to puppy training classes when he's had his second set of jabs and is old enough. There are quite a few training schools in my location, any tips/recommendations on picking a school?

Also please share with me any books, videos you recommend!

Thanks!

Luther;

[ben5575]

I linked to this guy's videos on another thread earlier in the week.

I found his techniques to work really well as I share his view that training a dog should be a positive and fun thing for both you and the dog. If you invest the time to teach yourself and properly understand the psychology behind it (by watching his various videos), then you should have no problem teaching your dog obedience really quickly. Sounds like you've made a great start already! Just work your way through the videos that he links at the end, eye contact in particular is a good one as it is fundamental to everything you will do.

He uses a clicker as did I, and I think they are a worthwhile investment.

ETA that this video looks at the jumping up issue

Edited by ben5575 on Saturday 2nd January 20:42

[AntiLagGC8]

ben5575 said:

I linked to this guy's videos on another thread earlier in the week.

I found his techniques to work really well as I share his view that training a dog should be a positive and fun thing for both you and the dog. If you invest the time to teach yourself and properly understand the psychology behind it (by watching his various videos), then you should have no problem teaching your dog obedience really quickly. Sounds like you've made a great start already! Just work your way through the videos that he links at the end, eye contact in particular is a good one as it is fundamental to everything you will do.

He uses a clicker as did I, and I think they are a worthwhile investment.

Ben, thank you very much! I've just watched that video and it was fantastic, I've also shown it to Mrs Antilag.

I'm going to watch the rest of the series.

[bexVN]

Aww, can't wait to see pics of him as he grows

Positive, reward based training, small organised classes, trainer that will pay attention to the dogs as individuals, dogs off lead no more than two at a time (should never be a mass brawl of pups!)

Very early puppy classes should be less about full on training more about positive social interactions and observing the pups behaviour to scenarios.

Your vets may have a trainer they can recommend (preferably having seen them in action), be a bit cautious with word of mouth as some owners will not know what a good or bad class is. Go with gut instinct, if you are feeling uncomfortable with the way the trainer operates there may be good reason.

[AntiLagGC8]

bexVN said:

Aww, can't wait to see pics of him as he grows

Positive, reward based training, small organised classes, trainer that will pay attention to the dogs as individuals, dogs off lead no more than two at a time (should never be a mass brawl of pups!)

Very early puppy classes should be less about full on training more about positive social interactions and observing the pups behaviour to scenarios.

Your vets may have a trainer they can recommend (preferably having seen them in action), be a bit cautious with word of mouth as some owners will not know what a good or bad class is. Go with gut instinct, if you are feeling uncomfortable with the way the trainer operates there may be good reason.

Bex, thanks!

He is growing at a ridiculous rate! He has already out grown his first bed. I knew they grew quickly, I just didn't know how quickly!

I did ask the vet who was very nice but she wasn't aware of the area and didn't know his breed very well.

I've been looking at this as a reference point; http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/good-citi...

Thanks

[moorx]

APDT trainers in your area would be worth investigating also:

http://www.apdt.co.uk/

Gwen Bailey's books are often recommended:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Puppy-Take-Britain...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Train-Superpup-Unleash...

Best of luck - Luther is absolutely gorgeous

[AntiLagGC8]

moorx said:

APDT trainers in your area would be worth investigating also:

http://www.apdt.co.uk/

Gwen Bailey's books are often recommended:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Puppy-Take-Britain...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Train-Superpup-Unleash...

Best of luck - Luther is absolutely gorgeous

Moorx, thanks! There's tons of those trainers very close to where I live!

I've taken a look at the books and I'm sold so I've just got the Kindle download for perfect puppy.

[mids]

AntiLagGC8 said:

There are quite a few training schools in my location, any tips/recommendations on picking a school?

It's best to do lots of research (like you obviously are). When I got my pup last year I made the mistake of not looking into it enough and chose the class from a quick google which was a mistake. It was total chaos, too many dogs, no structure to what was being taught, I got very frustrated and all I could think of every time I attended was advice I'd read in a puppy book about how it's best to leave a badly run puppy class as they can do more harm than good so mid way through the 8 week course I stopped going.

I then did some proper research, talked to experienced dog owners and it was actually my groomer who recommended a trainer who focused on a 'calm dog' approach and so after reading some very positive testimonials I rang him to book up. He came to my house for a 90 minute visit before I could enrol to meet my dog and talk about why I wanted to do the course. When he left he did a little 5 min exercise and the end result was him walking out of my front door with my pup sat calmly alongside me in the hall. I guess it was a little party trick to sell his 'skills' to me but if you'd have said he would be able to do that 90 mins earlier I wouldn't have believed you!

Yesterday morning I went for the first training session which was infinitely better than those puppy classes that I attended a few weeks ago. It's not cheap and he's a fair drive from my house but I'm much happier and know it's going to be helpful. Just wish I'd done more research in the first place so keep digging until you find somewhere you are sure is going to be worthwhile.

[AntiLagGC8]

mids said:

AntiLagGC8 said:

There are quite a few training schools in my location, any tips/recommendations on picking a school?

It's best to do lots of research (like you obviously are). When I got my pup last year I made the mistake of not looking into it enough and chose the class from a quick google which was a mistake. It was total chaos, too many dogs, no structure to what was being taught, I got very frustrated and all I could think of every time I attended was advice I'd read in a puppy book about how it's best to leave a badly run puppy class as they can do more harm than good so mid way through the 8 week course I stopped going.

I then did some proper research, talked to experienced dog owners and it was actually my groomer who recommended a trainer who focused on a 'calm dog' approach and so after reading some very positive testimonials I rang him to book up. He came to my house for a 90 minute visit before I could enrol to meet my dog and talk about why I wanted to do the course. When he left he did a little 5 min exercise and the end result was him walking out of my front door with my pup sat calmly alongside me in the hall. I guess it was a little party trick to sell his 'skills' to me but if you'd have said he would be able to do that 90 mins earlier I wouldn't have believed you!

Yesterday morning I went for the first training session which was infinitely better than those puppy classes that I attended a few weeks ago. It's not cheap and he's a fair drive from my house but I'm much happier and know it's going to be helpful. Just wish I'd done more research in the first place so keep digging until you find somewhere you are sure is going to be worthwhile.

Mids, thanks for the advice!

I'm happy to drive or pay more to take him to a good place. He's very relaxed about riding in the car anyway, he's been going on trips with me!

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!

[mids]

No probs. Lovely looking dog btw

[Autopilot]

There are lots of trainers about but I couldn't say how many are any good. Our local and very well endorsed training place was pretty much next to useless when we started with our Dobermann puppy.

They seemed interested in Collies, Labs, Retrievers and Beagles, but anything black and tan or a bull breed and they just didn't really interact or seem interested. Despite their great reputation, based on our choice of breed and our experience, I'd wholeheartedly discourage anybody from going there, A complete waste of time for us.

Rotties tend to be quite obedient so you'd have a pretty good go wherever you went to but would definitely ask around and get some personal recommendations. I know a Dobermann breeder near you and happy to ask them for a recommendation if that helps?

She competes (show ring) internationally and has titles on all her dogs so would trust her recomendation on who's good. It's well worth joining a Rottie forum and getting advice from there. 'Some' dogs require really specialist training so great if you can train with people who know the breed.

[AntiLagGC8]

Autopilot said:

There are lots of trainers about but I couldn't say how many are any good. Our local and very well endorsed training place was pretty much next to useless when we started with our Dobermann puppy.

They seemed interested in Collies, Labs, Retrievers and Beagles, but anything black and tan or a bull breed and they just didn't really interact or seem interested. Despite their great reputation, based on our choice of breed and our experience, I'd wholeheartedly discourage anybody from going there, A complete waste of time for us.

Rotties tend to be quite obedient so you'd have a pretty good go wherever you went to but would definitely ask around and get some personal recommendations. I know a Dobermann breeder near you and happy to ask them for a recommendation if that helps?

She competes (show ring) internationally and has titles on all her dogs so would trust her recomendation on who's good. It's well worth joining a Rottie forum and getting advice from there. 'Some' dogs require really specialist training so great if you can train with people who know the breed.

Autopilot, thanks for the advice and I'd very much appreciate it if you could ask the breeder if they have a recommendation.

He's being very obedient and easy to train so far even with a novice trainer like myself. I'm hoping we can keep him on the right path but I'm also ready to call in a specialist if he displays problematic characteristics.

I've been on some Rottweiler forums however most seem to be American based.

Thanks again

[bexVN]

Sounds like you are doing great already, try not too worry that you'll encounter any problem behaviours, good basic training, lots of patience, acceptance of a few set backs and good off lead socialising, with relaxed but observant attitude and you will have a great four legged friend. Rotti's are just a great breed, some of my favourite patients have been rottweilers .

[moorx]

^^ This. As Bex said, find a positive, reward based trainer - they really needn't be any more than a decent pet dog trainer at this stage. Please avoid outdated theories like pack/dominance and any Cesar Millan wannabies!

If you need further recommendations, you could join and post on this dog forum:

http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showfo...

There are lots of experienced people on there, and they may be able to recommend a good trainer in your area.

[AntiLagGC8]

Thanks, I will create an account and see if anyone has any good ideas.

[Howitzer]

As a Rotweiler owner I shall give my experience of training the lovely mutt.

At first it was easy, we managed to stop the ankle nipping relatively easily, just firm commands and ignoring him did the trick there eventually.

We took him for early morning walks near the pubs when they were loading the barrels so he got used to the noise. Past schools at home time and lots of walks when fireworks night was on, he is now very calm in noisy and busy situations which is fantastic.

Recall took a while, he eats a lot and gets lots of strenuous exercise instead of long walks. A 2 hour walk a couple of times a week and lots of 10 minute walks followed by 30 minutes throwing a ball about. Despite his hunger when outside a roast chicken wouldn't tempt him back on command, he always took the long route, his squeaky ball did though. He has an extra large Kong tennis ball as he was nearly swallowing his normal tennis balls. Now he is as good as gold when around other dogs playing ball.

His guarding instinct is very good, he has chased away a pair of dogs who took him by surprise when I had my son with me, they came barking and once they had run away he was back to normal. He may seem quite chilled at times but he is still alert.

You DO imo need to be forceful with him, when we play he is 48 kilos of muscle, barely any fat on him so he can get a bit much when he gets excited. I see play as being a good way to be the dominant one and still keep a tight bond. Not every command is kept by a cuddle and a treat.

We had his balls lopped off at 15 months, absolutely zero difference in behavior and if anything he started eating more and not gaining any weight.

Food, ours is fed on raw and he eats a lot, not far off 2.5 kilos a day when you add his lunchtime treat. I make the food, sometimes it needs to de-frost and he wont do more than sniff it until I tell him to eat. It was by far the best command I ever got him to follow 100%. Even when my son shoves his hand into his bowl mid meal he stands back and waits. It was also good to see him only eat when my son (21 months) tells him to eat. You see a lot of fat Rotweilers but when kept healthy and in full sprint it's an impressive sight.

After months of excellent work from the dog, good obedience etc he would still randomly, every couple of weeks or so, dart off to grab a leaf on the wind, crisp bag blowing etc which was a worry as he darted into the road on a couple of occasions and when that weight does a lunge, it can be hard to catch. This was despite him being utterly perfect on walks for 99% of the time. One time too many and I yanked him away and ended up nearly giving the poor boy whiplash and then gave him a sharp bosh on the nose followed by holding him tight to my side for the rest of the walk. Better to have that than him headbutting a passing car.

He's a lovely dog, great companion and affectionate but you do need to keep on top of them, they do like to be in control.



Making friends is always good.



Hard work and testing but couldn't be prouder when he is doing his thing and showing his speed and power.

Dave! (Excuse the random structure of the reply)

[AntiLagGC8]

Howitzer, thanks very much. That's very interesting and I see parallels between your dog and Luther.

Can I ask about the reason for strenuous exercise over walks? Is that just preference? - Whatever the reason he looks in super shape!

Was he your first Rottweiler or have you had them before? Did you do obedience training in a class?

Luther has zero recall at the moment when in the back garden. If he sees anything, he's off and nothing seems to interest him in coming back!

[Howitzer]

AntiLagGC8 said:

Howitzer, thanks very much. That's very interesting and I see parallels between your dog and Luther.

Can I ask about the reason for strenuous exercise over walks? Is that just preference? - Whatever the reason he looks in super shape!

Was he your first Rottweiler or have you had them before? Did you do obedience training in a class?

Luther has zero recall at the moment when in the back garden. If he sees anything, he's off and nothing seems to interest him in coming back!

I do strenuous exercise more than long walks as firstly it gets him really working and also he gets to dart about. I think this helps his bones develop properly rather than lots of time doing the same motions again and again. Also you can tire him out in 30 minutes very easily without having to go far, much better than the same 10 minute stroll through the town each day imo. It also means he really stretches out and concentrates on the ball.

He is my first dog but the wife has had 4 now since a child, growing up with them and pretty much looking after each one.

No obedience training, in Peterborough the classes are either stupidly expensive or they can't be bothered to return calls and emails. I think it would have been beneficial for us but once you find something he really loves then use that for his recall. He has had the odd slip up but nothing terrible by any stretch.

Enjoy the puppy stage, they grow far too quick!

Dave!

[moorx]

On the topic of exercise, you probably already know this, but please don't over-exercise him as a pup, while his bones are developing. The rule of thumb AFAIK is 5 mins for each month of age, although I believe you can do that amount twice per day.

Agreed, though, Dave's rottie is a fine figure of a dog!

[bexVN]

moorx said:

On the topic of exercise, you probably already know this, but please don't over-exercise him as a pup, while his bones are developing. The rule of thumb AFAIK is 5 mins for each month of age, although I believe you can do that amount twice per day.

Agreed, though, Dave's rottie is a fine figure of a dog!

Yes it is though it is actually hard to stick to that strictly! but a useful guide, a fellow nurse is a labrador breeder, high quality bred etc but she doesn't stipulate this rule too much. More it's the type of exercise than length of time (so avoid rough terrain, running up stairs/steps and lots of hilly walks.)