Dog training

cap6888 · Apr 4, 2019

So my family is back into the dog game again. I forgot how having a puppy is like having a baby. But aside from the normal puppy shenanigans, I was hoping to get her into some basic obedience training. She is only ten weeks old right now, so it’s no big rush.

Can anyone give me any recommendations in the HoCo area? I’m in Elkridge specifically, but I’m sure there is something around.

And now gratuitous puppy pic......

Mightydog · Apr 4, 2019

Good looking puppy! Semivalid pic...missing the obligatory feet to make it official. Good luck with your “newborn”.

jef955 · Apr 4, 2019

http://www.ajk9.com/

Applejack K9 trainging academy

A bit of a drive, but they're top notch pros. Took our Shepherd there and went all the way through advanced off-lead obedience.

They also have tracking, agility and protection programs there too. IF you've been through their programs, they also board there at VERY reasonable rates.

Huckleberry · Apr 4, 2019

It’s never too early with any pup but especially a smart breed like a Lab

After she has had all her shots, start her off with a puppy class at Petsmart to get her socializing started.

Right now, start working on her recall and return to you and family. That behavior is one of the most important and could save the pup’s life one day.

Kimber45 · Apr 4, 2019

Tecla's K9 Academy in Elkridge I used her for both of my boxers

They also have puppy play one night a week. Great to start socialization

http://teclask9academy.com/

FrankOceanXray · Apr 4, 2019

Understand what you want first.

Potty training? Crate and frequent, routine trips out with a trigger word and reward.

Sit. Stay. Come. All can be practiced. Be consistent.

Heel. Lots of walks. You walk the dog. Not the other way.

Dogs are pack animals. They seek an alpha. If it ain't you, they will be. The dogs that walk all over their owners. That is weak or that dog is too strong for that person.

Right now, socialize to anything and everything. Parks, farms, car trips, noises, kids, cats, music, playing with paws, mimicking vet and groomer visits (picking up tail, looking in mouth, inspecting ears). Play with them like dogs. Play bow.

Read up. Watch a YT. You got it.

Monks of New Skete. Cesar Millan. Both are good sources and balance each other well.

If it is schutzhund, then go with the pros.

Mightydog · Apr 5, 2019

When we got our first pair of Golden’s in the 90’s we immediately took them in the car for “field trips”. Could be one block away to a field or 5 miles to a park. This way they didn’t associate getting in the car with just going to the vet for a shot. Never yell or smack. Remember they are like little children, just learning, and smarter than 90% of the people you meet!

Tankfixr · Apr 6, 2019

Congrats on the new pup.

I'm not in Howard County so I really can't recommend any training facilities there.

On a high note, you couldn't have gotten a better time of year to pick up a new pup. Ton's of things are going on this time of year to get her accustomed to the world she will be living in. People, baseball games in the local parks, bicycles coming from every direction. Everybody loves a puppy. Let her soak it up and it will pay off later when she crosses that 80lb, mark.

Bullfrog · Apr 6, 2019

FrankOceanXray said:
Understand what you want first.

Potty training? Crate and frequent, routine trips out with a trigger word and reward.

Sit. Stay. Come. All can be practiced. Be consistent.

Heel. Lots of walks. You walk the dog. Not the other way.

Dogs are pack animals. They seek an alpha. If it ain't you, they will be. The dogs that walk all over their owners. That is weak or that dog is too strong for that person.

Lots of good info here, and in the other posts. Just wanted to add, start with a crate sized for the puppy now, not what it needs later. If you put a puppy in a crate that it can just stretch out in, it will learn to wait to use the bathroom. If you put it in a crate that has an extra foot or so because it will grow into it, it will use the extra space as a toilet. Then you have a real problem on your hands trying to fix that habit.

Remember it is a baby, and you need to do your part and take it out in the grass every time it wakes up, every time after it eats/drinks, any time it hasn't been out in a while. Until you figure out its needs, take it out a LOT.

If it starts to go in the house, pick it up and take it out immediately, and use an enzyme cleaner (found at tractor supply, pet stores) to get rid of any trace odor spots.

No punishment for accidents, just quick removal to the 'right place'. Lots of praise and pats for going where it should go.

Right now, socialize to anything and everything. Parks, farms, car trips, noises, kids, cats, music, playing with paws, mimicking vet and groomer visits (picking up tail, looking in mouth, inspecting ears). Play with them like dogs. Play bow.

Read up. Watch a YT. You got it.

Monks of New Skete. Cesar Millan. Both are good sources and balance each other well.

If it is schutzhund, then go with the pros.

When socializing, if it reacts with fear (garbage trucks, sirens, big barking dogs behind a fence, thunder), ignore it. Show it that it is not something it needs protecting from. If it shows curiosity to something new, praise, encouragement and play with it.

People that console and comfort fearful pups reinforce the fear, and end up with big, fearful dogs.

XCheckR · Apr 6, 2019

We used blue line k9. But I think they are HarCo based. Worked wonders with our dogs.

bearabledust · Apr 8, 2019

I’ll second Tecla’s K9. She worked wonders with my dog aggressive rescue.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FrankOceanXray · Apr 8, 2019

Bullfrog said:
Lots of good info here, and in the other posts. Just wanted to add, start with a crate sized for the puppy now, not what it needs later. If you put a puppy in a crate that it can just stretch out in, it will learn to wait to use the bathroom. If you put it in a crate that has an extra foot or so because it will grow into it, it will use the extra space as a toilet. Then you have a real problem on your hands trying to fix that habit.

Remember it is a baby, and you need to do your part and take it out in the grass every time it wakes up, every time after it eats/drinks, any time it hasn't been out in a while. Until you figure out its needs, take it out a LOT.

If it starts to go in the house, pick it up and take it out immediately, and use an enzyme cleaner (found at tractor supply, pet stores) to get rid of any trace odor spots.

No punishment for accidents, just quick removal to the 'right place'. Lots of praise and pats for going where it should go.

When socializing, if it reacts with fear (garbage trucks, sirens, big barking dogs behind a fence, thunder), ignore it. Show it that it is not something it needs protecting from. If it shows curiosity to something new, praise, encouragement and play with it.

People that console and comfort fearful pups reinforce the fear, and end up with big, fearful dogs.

A lot like raising kids.

jtb81100 · Apr 8, 2019

I've been doing classes with my pup at Ellicott City PetSmart. Everybody I've interacted with at that location has been great. The trainer in fairly new, but does a good job. If they still sell the puppy coupon books, get one. Saved me almost $200 on stuff I would have gotten there anyway.

TexasBob · Apr 8, 2019

cap6888 said:
So my family is back into the dog game again. I forgot how having a puppy is like having a baby. But aside from the normal puppy shenanigans, I was hoping to get her into some basic obedience training. She is only ten weeks old right now, so it’s no big rush.

Can anyone give me any recommendations in the HoCo area? I’m in Elkridge specifically, but I’m sure there is something around.

And now gratuitous puppy pic......

I feel your pain I just got a 10 week Male GSD Friday, in someways they are more work then a 2 year baby, you have to keep a eye on them at all times, they will put everything in their mouths and keep you up all hours of night crying. Still you love them!

Tankfixr · Apr 9, 2019

I remember those days. From "What a cute pup." to "Thank God, the little monster is sleeping!"

Redcobra · Apr 9, 2019

My first GSD pup became a dog scared of thunder and fireworks. My next 5 were taken to the skeet/trap range as pups (far enough away to not hurt their ears) and as dogs none have ever flinched at thunder or fireworks. EVER. Go to Loch Raven or somewhere similar, sit on the bench and watch the shooters. Your pup will be rock solid concerning noise after that. IMHO.

Raina · Apr 9, 2019

I recommend Jessie's Place Animal Training. I needed a trainer who would come to my house to address behavior that didn't occur in a group class setting or in situations away from my home/neighborhood. She is based in Columbia, MD.

410-428-5074

https://www.facebook.com/Jessies-Place-Animal-Training-912590952148601/

The owner/trainer, Cynthia, is also 2A like-minded! We have some great side conversations while training. You can tell her the lady with the Scotties highly recommended her.

Outta Air · Apr 9, 2019

There is also All About Dogs. You want to talk to Gary. He's in Baltimore

443-859-0444

Trained this one myself but with a lot of help from another shepherd...there's no better teacher than one of their own. Older, more settled and a whole lot wiser!!!

HoCoShooter · Apr 9, 2019

FrankOceanXray said:
Understand what you want first.

Potty training? Crate and frequent, routine trips out with a trigger word and reward.

Sit. Stay. Come. All can be practiced. Be consistent.

Heel. Lots of walks. You walk the dog. Not the other way.

Dogs are pack animals. They seek an alpha. If it ain't you, they will be. The dogs that walk all over their owners. That is weak or that dog is too strong for that person.

Right now, socialize to anything and everything. Parks, farms, car trips, noises, kids, cats, music, playing with paws, mimicking vet and groomer visits (picking up tail, looking in mouth, inspecting ears). Play with them like dogs. Play bow.

Read up. Watch a YT. You got it.

Monks of New Skete. Cesar Millan. Both are good sources and balance each other well.

If it is schutzhund, then go with the pros.

Yep, especially the bolded part - from 8-16 weeks you need to take that dog as many places as possible and let it see and, when possible, interact with everything. Motorcycles, all different types, sizes and sexes of people, people with helmets, hats, all other animals, etc. It will pay off for the rest of it's life.

If you need training, there's several places in HoCo with stellar reviews. Canine Training Center, Off Leash K9 are two. Some use electronic collars, some don't. Some use food, some don't. etc etc.

cap6888 · May 29, 2019

Just wanted to update......

Settled on Tecla's. Only a couple classes in, but nothing but positive things to say at this point. Their facility is incredible! Our puppy has also indulged in one of their Puppy play times and one day of day care so far. She was smoked after both excursions! Great place and great people.

Dog training

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Ultimate Member

Attachments

Ultimate Member

Active Member

No One of Consequence

Active Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Active Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Another day in Paradise

Attachments

Ultimate Member

Attachments

Senior Shooter

Active Member

Active Member

Attachments

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics