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Agree that shock training is a big mistake. Negative training (taking away his chew when he growled) is what got him where he's at now.
This is what is ridiculous. Maybe she didn't train him well enough to prevent what happened but saying that taking his chew away is what got him where he is at is moronic. He was probably feeling more ballsy as dogs do as they get older and try and take stands against leaders, and he took a big chance and won(especially in his eyes). BUT, to say NEVER take things away from dogs is misguided. You should ALWAYS practice taking things from your pets their whole lives long. I have my KIDS do it as well. I always have a doberman and keeping up training on a large dog is essential, and that entails making sure the dog knows that ALL things in the house belong to US, not them, and they are allowed to pleasantly share it with us with proper behavior, and I will take whatever I want whenever I want and it is understood well. I don't care what my dogs think if they don't get it back (they 99.9% of the time do) but at no time do I even ever allow them to growl at the cat walking by, and they do get things taken away for growling, because it is unacceptable. But I can't even tell you how many times that has ever happened (only very few in the initial stages maybe 1 or 2) and never after with every single dog that I have ever owned.
There is no perfect way to train dogs as they are all individuals, regardless of the breed. I think that you have to tailor training to the individual with a mix of positive, NLIF, and some negative repercussions if necessary, and a whole lot of creative.
Wicked Felina: I'm not giving up on Charlie. I accept that we could have done things differently and we are definitely learning that now.
Jimboburnsy: Thank you!!! That's exactly the way the trainer said it (in terms of why Charlie should be boarded-- away from us). Thanks for the advice on after Charlie comes home, we will definitely be on our game. That's why I want to absorb everything the trainer is saying now and throughout the 3 weeks so I can be absolutely prepared.
Stan4: that is exactly it, Charlie thinks he owns his chews, that will definitely change.
tigafan: I agree that different dogs need different training. Charlie is the type of dog to always challenge us and in his case he needs a lot of structure.
I was very worried about the board and train scenario at first, but we talked to the trainer today, he said he hasn't even begun training yet, he's working on playing and doing fun things with Charlie and gaining his trust (taking our place--temporarily--in Charlie's mind) so that training will be effective. He said he's worked with dogs far worse than Charlie and he's never had one of his dogs be PTS because of aggression, he can always work with them. Apparently Charlie doesn't have diarrhea or anything and he's eating normally and is doing fine.
When Charlie comes home we're going to have to show him that he owns nothing, everything is ours, no toys, no getting up on furniture, no treats, so he has nothing to guard. We'll learn more about the training in a few weeks, but for now I'm pretty much assured that after training is done, we can handle it!!! This may not seem like much, but it's a HUGE weight off my shoulders just knowing that this is going to be OK.
I was even thinking that with all this training (for both me and Charlie) maybe I can start doing a doggie sport or something that really helps him use his energy and his brain! I don't think he'd be quick enough for agility, but maybe tracking or something like that... Any ideas?
He's a German Shepherd mix, he not so much high energy so flyball might not work...but maybe something where he uses his nose. I'm going to do some research on tracking...I'm wondering if older (middle-aged, really) dogs can still learn it...?
Oh and Jimboburnsy: the trainer isn't in Sugarland, he's in Webster. I can give you his info, if you need it just DM me.
Thanks so much for all the advise so far!!!! I REALLY appreciate it, it's helping me understand the situation so much better!! And I'm just so relieved that Charlie is going to be OK.
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Originally Posted by J-CityRelo
He's a German Shepherd mix, he not so much high energy so flyball might not work...but maybe something where he uses his nose. I'm going to do some research on tracking...I'm wondering if older (middle-aged, really) dogs can still learn it...?
Oh and Jimboburnsy: the trainer isn't in Sugarland, he's in Webster. I can give you his info, if you need it just DM me.
Thanks so much for all the advise so far!!!! I REALLY appreciate it, it's helping me understand the situation so much better!! And I'm just so relieved that Charlie is going to be OK.
Wicked Felina: I'm not giving up on Charlie. I accept that we could have done things differently and we are definitely learning that now.
When Charlie comes home we're going to have to show him that he owns nothing, everything is ours, no toys, no getting up on furniture, no treats, so he has nothing to guard. We'll learn more about the training in a few weeks, but for now I'm pretty much assured that after training is done, we can handle it!!! This may not seem like much, but it's a HUGE weight off my shoulders just knowing that this is going to be OK.
Excellent! I didn't mean to imply that you actually would give up on him, especially since you've gone to a professional trainer and were seriously looking for help and answers. Guess I am just sensitive to folks dumping dogs because they become a problem through no fault of their own.
I am so happy for you that you feel that huge weight off of your shoulders. Congratulations on sticking with it, and helping your family stay together ~
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I REALLY appreciate it, it's helping me understand the situation so much better!! And I'm just so relieved that Charlie is going to be OK.
