Angier K9 Field Notes
Dog training questions, explored on film
505 questions from 103 connected concepts. Start with a topic or search for the question you have in mind.
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505 questions
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Walking and leash skills 28 questions
Start with the walking and leash skills guide
My dog follows me everywhere. Isn't that what a bonded dog does?Read the answer in: My dog follows me everywhere - is that a good sign?Her recall is perfect - she always comes. Why do you say it is untested?Read the answer in: My dog follows me everywhere - is that a good sign?What do I actually do about it?Read the answer in: My dog follows me everywhere - is that a good sign?Isn't a dog who sticks to you exactly what obedience training is supposed to produce?Read the answer in: My dog follows me everywhere - is that a good sign?My dog is not nervous, he is a happy puppy who wants to be near me. Does this apply?Read the answer in: My dog follows me everywhere - is that a good sign?So should I stop cuddling my nervous dog?Read the answer in: My dog follows me everywhere - is that a good sign?What is a down in motion?Read the answer in: Can I drop my dog while he's moving away from me?Why does he come to me instead of lying down where he is?Read the answer in: Can I drop my dog while he's moving away from me?Do I need an e-collar for this?Read the answer in: Can I drop my dog while he's moving away from me?Where should I practise it?Read the answer in: Can I drop my dog while he's moving away from me?So how long should I heel him for?Read the answer in: Should my dog heel for the whole walk?What do I do instead, then? He pulls, or he lunges at other dogs.Read the answer in: Should my dog heel for the whole walk?Is 'he'll bite somebody' really true, or is that a scare tactic?Read the answer in: Should my dog heel for the whole walk?Why teach a heel at all, then?Read the answer in: Should my dog heel for the whole walk?My dog is nervous. Should he learn to heel at all?Read the answer in: Should my dog heel for the whole walk?Should he sniff while he is in a heel?Read the answer in: Should my dog heel for the whole walk?Why does his heel look fine and then fall apart as soon as we are actually walking?Read the answer in: Why does my dog's heel fall apart when we walk?How do I practise the entry, exactly?Read the answer in: Why does my dog's heel fall apart when we walk?How do I know whether the heel in motion is actually good?Read the answer in: Why does my dog's heel fall apart when we walk?He does not follow me round corners. Should I correct him harder?Read the answer in: Why does my dog's heel fall apart when we walk?Where exactly is he supposed to be?Read the answer in: Why does my dog's heel fall apart when we walk?Do I need an e-collar to teach this?Read the answer in: Why does my dog's heel fall apart when we walk?How many feet should the radius be?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog running off on walks?How do I actually build it? What do I do differently on tomorrow's walk?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog running off on walks?How do I know whether it is working, without a trainer watching?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog running off on walks?Isn't this just teaching him to be clingy?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog running off on walks?He was great at this when he came home and now he isn't. What happened?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog running off on walks?Do I need an e-collar for this?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog running off on walks?
Recall and coming back 43 questions
Start with the recall and coming back guide
Can a word really go bad, or is that just something trainers say?Read the answer in: Can a word go bad for my dog?What is the actual rule about the order of the words?Read the answer in: Can a word go bad for my dog?My dog is jumping up. Why can't I just say 'down'?Read the answer in: Can a word go bad for my dog?My dog is reactive to other dogs. Should I correct him when he sees one?Read the answer in: Can a word go bad for my dog?A repetition went badly and he seemed frightened. Should I try again so he doesn't learn he can get out of it?Read the answer in: Can a word go bad for my dog?How do I tell whether he is refusing or confused, before I correct the wrong one?Read the answer in: Can a word go bad for my dog?Is there anything else that can go bad, apart from the word?Read the answer in: Can a word go bad for my dog?What if my dog doesn't care about toys or food?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't care about toys or food?Isn't taking a dog's freedom away just punishment with a nice name?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't care about toys or food?Why does my dog come back slower and slower when I call him?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't care about toys or food?Do I need a long line for this?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't care about toys or food?Does this work on every dog?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't care about toys or food?Doesn't all this obedience make a dog's life smaller?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't care about toys or food?Should I let him sniff on walks, or is that letting him take charge?Read the answer in: Should I let my dog sniff before training?My dog is nervous. Shouldn't I keep him close and under control?Read the answer in: Should I let my dog sniff before training?How long should the free part be?Read the answer in: Should I let my dog sniff before training?Isn't this just the dog doing what he wants?Read the answer in: Should I let my dog sniff before training?Does this mean no corrections and no rules?Read the answer in: Should I let my dog sniff before training?Why does sniffing help at all?Read the answer in: Should I let my dog sniff before training?What if my dog would rather sniff than do anything I ask?Read the answer in: Should I let my dog sniff before training?What lines do I actually need, and in what order?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog to be off leash?How do I know when to go down a rung?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog to be off leash?Can I just drop the line instead of taking it off?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog to be off leash?How far away should he be allowed to get?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog to be off leash?How long does the off-leash part take?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog to be off leash?My dog has never tried to run off. Isn't that a good sign?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog to be off leash?What exactly does each word mean?Read the answer in: What is the difference between come and let's go?Does it really matter if I mix them up?Read the answer in: What is the difference between come and let's go?My dog comes when I call but then wanders off. Is that a recall?Read the answer in: What is the difference between come and let's go?What is the difference between 'come' and 'come here'?Read the answer in: What is the difference between come and let's go?My dog stares at other dogs on walks. Which word do I use, and when does the collar come in?Read the answer in: What is the difference between come and let's go?Shouldn't I just keep him in a heel so he can't get into trouble?Read the answer in: What is the difference between come and let's go?He blew me off for four minutes. Am I really supposed to praise him?Read the answer in: My dog ignored me and then came back - can I tell him off?Won't he learn he can ignore me if nothing happens when he comes back?Read the answer in: My dog ignored me and then came back - can I tell him off?I say come and press the button at the same time. Is that wrong?Read the answer in: My dog ignored me and then came back - can I tell him off?Should I make him sit every time he comes back?Read the answer in: My dog ignored me and then came back - can I tell him off?I think I have already ruined the word. What now?Read the answer in: My dog ignored me and then came back - can I tell him off?What equipment does a dog who bolts actually need?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog bolting or escaping?Which commands should I actually work on?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog bolting or escaping?His recall is great at home. Why does it vanish when he is frightened?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog bolting or escaping?Can you actually train a dog out of bolting?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog bolting or escaping?If he runs, what do I actually do?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog bolting or escaping?Why bother, if he mostly stays close?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog bolting or escaping?
Reactivity and neutrality 32 questions
Start with the reactivity and neutrality guide
If I am not using the collar, is there no pressure?Read the answer in: Why does my dog react to how I stand?Should I stand closer when the dog breaks place?Read the answer in: Why does my dog react to how I stand?Will my dog ever be able to play with other dogs again?Read the answer in: Does my dog have to like other dogs?Is it a failure if my dog just avoids other dogs?Read the answer in: Does my dog have to like other dogs?He stares at other dogs. Should I correct that?Read the answer in: Does my dog have to like other dogs?When he ignores another dog, should I do anything?Read the answer in: Does my dog have to like other dogs?My dog is brilliant with people. Why is he still terrible with dogs?Read the answer in: Does my dog have to like other dogs?He lunged at a dog and I corrected him. Why did it get worse?Read the answer in: Does my dog have to like other dogs?My dog snapped at someone. Is he aggressive?Read the answer in: Why did my dog become aggressive?Did something happen to him before we got him?Read the answer in: Why did my dog become aggressive?He only does it when he is excited, not angry. Is that still aggression?Read the answer in: Why did my dog become aggressive?Is it the breed?Read the answer in: Why did my dog become aggressive?What do I actually say about him to other people?Read the answer in: Why did my dog become aggressive?Should a higher level solve fixation?Read the answer in: My dog locks on and stops hearing meIs every incorrect position evidence of fixation?Read the answer in: My dog locks on and stops hearing meHow do I introduce two dogs that have already fought?Read the answer in: How do I introduce two dogs that don't get on?How do I know we are ready to try?Read the answer in: How do I introduce two dogs that don't get on?Where should the first attempt happen - at home, where they will be living?Read the answer in: How do I introduce two dogs that don't get on?If it goes wrong, is that my dog's fault?Read the answer in: How do I introduce two dogs that don't get on?My other dogs have changed towards her since the incident. Will the training fix that?Read the answer in: How do I introduce two dogs that don't get on?Should I send both of my dogs to training, or just the one with the problem?Read the answer in: How do I introduce two dogs that don't get on?Would getting a second dog help my nervous dog?Read the answer in: Can another dog help - or test - my dog?Can I test my dog with a friend's dog?Read the answer in: Can another dog help - or test - my dog?My dog won't leave my side. How do I teach a recall?Read the answer in: Can another dog help - or test - my dog?I have two dogs and no time to train them separately. Is that a problem?Read the answer in: Can another dog help - or test - my dog?Should I stop my shut-down dog chasing things, since I don't want him doing it later?Read the answer in: Can another dog help - or test - my dog?Does a quiet session count?Read the answer in: How do I know if my dog is actually reliable?Is one assisted success the same as independent reliability?Read the answer in: How do I know if my dog is actually reliable?Must both dogs have identical rules?Read the answer in: How do you train two dogs in one house?Does planning the split-cot exercise prove they can do it?Read the answer in: How do you train two dogs in one house?Does barking at a helper prove a dog can protect a family?Read the answer in: How is a protection dog started?Why look at a public outing too?Read the answer in: How is a protection dog started?
Fear and confidence 79 questions
Start with the fear and confidence guide
How do I know the difference between a dog who's struggling and a dog who's shut down?Read the answer in: My dog shuts down during training - what do I do?Isn't any stress bad? Shouldn't I stop the moment he looks uncomfortable?Read the answer in: My dog shuts down during training - what do I do?What do I actually do when it happens?Read the answer in: My dog shuts down during training - what do I do?My dog came back from training very obedient and very quiet. Is that good?Read the answer in: My dog shuts down during training - what do I do?He's fighting me rather than shutting down. Is that different?Read the answer in: My dog shuts down during training - what do I do?If I keep stopping, will he ever learn anything?Read the answer in: My dog shuts down during training - what do I do?What do I actually do in the minute after I correct my dog?Read the answer in: What do I do right after correcting my dog?How long should I wait before asking again?Read the answer in: What do I do right after correcting my dog?Isn't all that sniffing just wasted training time?Read the answer in: What do I do right after correcting my dog?How do I know when he is actually back to normal?Read the answer in: What do I do right after correcting my dog?My dog jumped at a loud noise. Should I comfort him?Read the answer in: What do I do right after correcting my dog?Can too much of this go wrong? What is the worst case?Read the answer in: What do I do right after correcting my dog?Does lying down mean my dog has relaxed?Read the answer in: Why would pressure ever calm a nervous dog down?Should I immediately repeat the difficult exercise to check it worked?Read the answer in: Why would pressure ever calm a nervous dog down?Why doesn't this trainer use treats?Read the answer in: Why doesn't this trainer use treats?My dog only listens if he can see the food. How did that happen?Read the answer in: Why doesn't this trainer use treats?So what do you use instead?Read the answer in: Why doesn't this trainer use treats?Is positive reinforcement-only training wrong, then?Read the answer in: Why doesn't this trainer use treats?Why won't he do it for a treat when there's another dog around?Read the answer in: Why doesn't this trainer use treats?But I told you on the form that food is what motivates my dog.Read the answer in: Why doesn't this trainer use treats?Should I use a clicker?Read the answer in: Why doesn't this trainer use treats?Why won't my dog listen when he is scared?Read the answer in: Why does my dog freeze, and why won't he listen when he's scared?He goes completely still when I ask him for something. Is he being stubborn?Read the answer in: Why does my dog freeze, and why won't he listen when he's scared?Should I push through the freeze or back off?Read the answer in: Why does my dog freeze, and why won't he listen when he's scared?Can I just turn the collar up until he does it?Read the answer in: Why does my dog freeze, and why won't he listen when he's scared?He was doing brilliantly and then fell apart. Has the training worn off?Read the answer in: Why does my dog freeze, and why won't he listen when he's scared?What are you actually training if it is not the commands?Read the answer in: Why does my dog freeze, and why won't he listen when he's scared?My dog bit somebody when he was frightened. What does that mean?Read the answer in: Why does my dog freeze, and why won't he listen when he's scared?Will my nervous dog ever be a normal dog?Read the answer in: Will my nervous dog ever be normal?How can you tell which kind my dog has?Read the answer in: Will my nervous dog ever be normal?Something must have happened to her. Isn't the nervousness my fault, or the shelter's?Read the answer in: Will my nervous dog ever be normal?He snapped at someone. Is he a dangerous dog?Read the answer in: Will my nervous dog ever be normal?She's nervous - shouldn't you go easier on her?Read the answer in: Will my nervous dog ever be normal?Another trainer says he can fix her fear. How do I tell whether he can?Read the answer in: Will my nervous dog ever be normal?How can I tell whether something changed?Read the answer in: How do I build my dog's confidence?Is doing the command enough?Read the answer in: How do I build my dog's confidence?Should I let my nervous dog back away, or is that letting her win?Read the answer in: Should I let my nervous dog back away?Isn't a short leash safer with a scared dog?Read the answer in: Should I let my nervous dog back away?A noise spooks her and she runs off to hide. What do I actually do in the moment?Read the answer in: Should I let my nervous dog back away?He is frightened of one specific thing. Do I make him walk past it?Read the answer in: Should I let my nervous dog back away?If I give her freedom she will do something stupid. Shouldn't I stop it happening?Read the answer in: Should I let my nervous dog back away?So it is all freedom, then - no pressure on a scared dog?Read the answer in: Should I let my nervous dog back away?How do I actually calm a stressed dog down?Read the answer in: How do I calm a stressed dog?Isn't just letting her sniff about a waste of a training session?Read the answer in: How do I calm a stressed dog?How does negative reinforcement calm a dog down? That sounds backwards.Read the answer in: How do I calm a stressed dog?So you are not using an e-collar or corrections on a frightened dog?Read the answer in: How do I calm a stressed dog?Should I play with my anxious dog to cheer him up?Read the answer in: How do I calm a stressed dog?We have done everything and she is stuck. What now?Read the answer in: How do I calm a stressed dog?How will I know my frightened dog is getting better?Read the answer in: What does progress look like for a fearful dog?Nothing good happened on that walk. Was it wasted?Read the answer in: What does progress look like for a fearful dog?My dog will never let a stranger touch her. Is tolerating them enough?Read the answer in: What does progress look like for a fearful dog?She has started chasing things she never used to. Is the training coming undone?Read the answer in: What does progress look like for a fearful dog?She is glued to me. Isn't that the bond working?Read the answer in: What does progress look like for a fearful dog?He is only ever confident when there is a ball. Does that count?Read the answer in: What does progress look like for a fearful dog?Can I tell from one signal?Read the answer in: How can I tell what my dog is feeling?What should the observation change?Read the answer in: How can I tell what my dog is feeling?How do I know the training isn't breaking my dog's spirit?Read the answer in: How do I know the training isn't hurting my dog?Does 'we want a happy dog' mean you don't use corrections?Read the answer in: How do I know the training isn't hurting my dog?He does the command but he looks miserable. Is that still a win?Read the answer in: How do I know the training isn't hurting my dog?How do I know whether my correction actually worked?Read the answer in: How do I know the training isn't hurting my dog?Why is my dog playing tug in the training videos? I asked for obedience.Read the answer in: How do I know the training isn't hurting my dog?Does my dog know when I'm nervous?Read the answer in: How much of my dog's behaviour is coming from me?Am I causing my dog's reactivity?Read the answer in: How much of my dog's behaviour is coming from me?Shouldn't I keep him close and under control so nothing happens?Read the answer in: How much of my dog's behaviour is coming from me?My dog listens to my husband and not to me. Is that a respect thing?Read the answer in: How much of my dog's behaviour is coming from me?Should I be louder, then?Read the answer in: How much of my dog's behaviour is coming from me?Since he growled at me I've been careful around him. Is that wrong?Read the answer in: How much of my dog's behaviour is coming from me?Why does he behave worse for me than for the trainer?Read the answer in: How much of my dog's behaviour is coming from me?My dog is quiet on walks now. Isn't that what I wanted?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog reacting - for real, not just on the surface?Will an e-collar break my dog's personality?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog reacting - for real, not just on the surface?Why can't you just correct him when he reacts to another dog?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog reacting - for real, not just on the surface?Why is the programme taking so long?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog reacting - for real, not just on the surface?What should I actually be watching for, instead of obedience?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog reacting - for real, not just on the surface?Is it different if my dog isn't reactive at all - if he is just badly behaved, or if he does protection work?Read the answer in: How do I stop my dog reacting - for real, not just on the surface?How do you know when it is safe to take the gear off?Read the answer in: How do you safely work with a dog that bites?Why is my dog in a program for weeks with nothing to show for it?Read the answer in: How do you safely work with a dog that bites?My dog has never actually hurt anyone. Why are you treating him as dangerous?Read the answer in: How do you safely work with a dog that bites?Does the protective gear make him worse - does he know you are afraid of him?Read the answer in: How do you safely work with a dog that bites?What single thing most changes how hard a dog can be worked?Read the answer in: How do you safely work with a dog that bites?
Settling and place 29 questions
Start with the settling and place guide
Do I need to teach a stay command?Read the answer in: How does my dog know when he can stop?What word should I use, and does it matter?Read the answer in: How does my dog know when he can stop?I said okay and he did not move. Is that a good thing?Read the answer in: How does my dog know when he can stop?Why does it matter how I say it?Read the answer in: How does my dog know when he can stop?He got up a second before I released him. Does that count?Read the answer in: How does my dog know when he can stop?Is it cruel to make him hold a position - or is it worse to keep him in one?Read the answer in: How does my dog know when he can stop?Does he need a treat after the release?Read the answer in: How does my dog know when he can stop?So how do I tell my dog to stay?Read the answer in: Do I need to teach my dog to stay?What do I do if he gets up before I release him?Read the answer in: Do I need to teach my dog to stay?Does this really apply to heel as well, or only to sit, down and place?Read the answer in: Do I need to teach my dog to stay?What if I accidentally say something else and he gets up - is that his fault?Read the answer in: Do I need to teach my dog to stay?My dog already knows stay. Do I have to untrain it?Read the answer in: Do I need to teach my dog to stay?How many minutes should my dog stay on place?Read the answer in: How long should my dog hold a place command?He whines the whole time. Should I let him off?Read the answer in: How long should my dog hold a place command?Is it cruel to make him lie there doing nothing for that long?Read the answer in: How long should my dog hold a place command?He gets off the bed. Should I correct him?Read the answer in: How long should my dog hold a place command?How long before this gets easier?Read the answer in: How long should my dog hold a place command?Should I tell him 'down' once he is up there, to speed it up?Read the answer in: How long should my dog hold a place command?Do I have to buy a cot, or will his bed do?Read the answer in: What is place, and what should it mean to my dog?Does he have to lie down on it?Read the answer in: What is place, and what should it mean to my dog?Can I use place away from home, without carrying a cot everywhere?Read the answer in: What is place, and what should it mean to my dog?Can I send him to place when he has been naughty?Read the answer in: What is place, and what should it mean to my dog?My dog is anxious. Is place going to make that worse?Read the answer in: What is place, and what should it mean to my dog?He did place perfectly for the trainer. Why won't he do it at my house?Read the answer in: What is place, and what should it mean to my dog?Is my dog going to forget everything when he gets home?Read the answer in: What happens in the first week after my dog comes home?How strict is strict? I do not want to be harsh with him on his first week back.Read the answer in: What happens in the first week after my dog comes home?Why does he try things in front of me and not in front of the trainer?Read the answer in: What happens in the first week after my dog comes home?He was terrible during the handover lesson. Was that my fault?Read the answer in: What happens in the first week after my dog comes home?What happens at the end of the week?Read the answer in: What happens in the first week after my dog comes home?
Owner practice after training 96 questions
Start with the owner practice after training guide
Isn't it kinder just to manage the problem and avoid the situations he can't handle?Read the answer in: Is it kinder to leave my dog uncorrected?Won't correcting him make him afraid of me?Read the answer in: Is it kinder to leave my dog uncorrected?How much discomfort are we actually talking about?Read the answer in: Is it kinder to leave my dog uncorrected?My dog isn't aggressive. He just pulls and ignores me. Does any of this apply?Read the answer in: Is it kinder to leave my dog uncorrected?My dog is nervous rather than pushy. Does the same trade apply to him?Read the answer in: Is it kinder to leave my dog uncorrected?Everyone tells me an aggressive dog can't really be fixed. Why bother?Read the answer in: Is it kinder to leave my dog uncorrected?Is my dog doing this out of spite?Read the answer in: Is my dog being spiteful?Did I cause this? Is it my fault he turned out this way?Read the answer in: Is my dog being spiteful?Something bad happened to him before we got him. Is he ruined?Read the answer in: Is my dog being spiteful?He destroys the house when I leave him. How do I train that out?Read the answer in: Is my dog being spiteful?He bit someone. Does that make him a dangerous dog?Read the answer in: Is my dog being spiteful?If nobody is at fault, does that mean there's nothing I have to change?Read the answer in: Is my dog being spiteful?Isn't it true that e-collar dogs only listen while the collar is on?Read the answer in: Will my dog only listen when the e-collar is on?Shouldn't I take it off so he learns to behave without it?Read the answer in: Will my dog only listen when the e-collar is on?Can I just hold up the remote instead of using it? He listens when I do.Read the answer in: Will my dog only listen when the e-collar is on?How often is it actually used?Read the answer in: Will my dog only listen when the e-collar is on?When can we stop using it?Read the answer in: Will my dog only listen when the e-collar is on?Why do you make everyone buy a retractable? I was told they are dangerous.Read the answer in: What equipment do I actually need?Can I use a harness instead?Read the answer in: What equipment do I actually need?How do I choose a collar, and how tight should it be?Read the answer in: What equipment do I actually need?Why do I need a raised bed? He has a perfectly good dog bed.Read the answer in: What equipment do I actually need?Why not just correct with the leash instead of an e-collar?Read the answer in: What equipment do I actually need?Does it matter how much I spend?Read the answer in: What equipment do I actually need?My dog won't do something he knew last week. Is he being stubborn?Read the answer in: Whose fault is it when a command fails?He's perfect for the trainer and hopeless for me. What am I doing wrong?Read the answer in: Whose fault is it when a command fails?A run of repetitions has gone wrong. Do I push on or stop?Read the answer in: Whose fault is it when a command fails?Does my mood actually matter?Read the answer in: Whose fault is it when a command fails?Why would a trainer admit all this on a video that is meant to sell training?Read the answer in: Whose fault is it when a command fails?Is it ever the dog?Read the answer in: Whose fault is it when a command fails?Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?Read the answer in: Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?My friend's labrador learned this in a week. Why is my dog taking so long?Read the answer in: Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?My dog is slow to lie down. Is he being defiant?Read the answer in: Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?My dog is a mix and I don't really know what he is. Does that matter?Read the answer in: Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?He's reactive. Does that mean he's going to be hard work?Read the answer in: Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?He does everything well except one command. Is something wrong?Read the answer in: Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?We're choosing a breed. What should we actually be asking?Read the answer in: Does my dog's breed decide how he'll train?Is managing something admitting training failed?Read the answer in: Should I train this or just manage it?Should I leave a known conflict available to prove the training?Read the answer in: Should I train this or just manage it?How do I know when my dog is ready?Read the answer in: When is it safe to let my dog off the leash?My dog is great off leash about ninety-five per cent of the time. Is that good enough?Read the answer in: When is it safe to let my dog off the leash?He is reliable. Can I let him off in a park that says dogs must be on leash?Read the answer in: When is it safe to let my dog off the leash?Will training fix my dog's personality?Read the answer in: When is it safe to let my dog off the leash?Doesn't the long line keep him safe?Read the answer in: When is it safe to let my dog off the leash?He does everything for the trainer. Why not for me?Read the answer in: When is it safe to let my dog off the leash?He was perfect for the trainer. Why is he ignoring me at home?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?How long does the bad patch last?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?What should I actually do in the first week?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?He knew place at the trainer's. Why won't he do it on my cot?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?Does he have to be equally obedient everywhere?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?He sits perfectly on his bed and will not sit anywhere else. What is that?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?Why does the trainer keep coming to my house instead of showing me at the kennel?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?My dog doesn't behave like that at home. Doesn't that mean the training isn't real?Read the answer in: Why does the training stop working when my dog gets home?I am paying for a board-and-train. Why do I have to learn all this?Read the answer in: Why do I need training if the trainer does the work?Why do I have to tap the collar every time, even when the word works on its own?Read the answer in: Why do I need training if the trainer does the work?My dog listens to the trainer and not to me. Is that normal?Read the answer in: Why do I need training if the trainer does the work?What should I actually do in a lesson - try to look competent, or let it go wrong?Read the answer in: Why do I need training if the trainer does the work?Why am I being taught learning theory? I just want to know what to do.Read the answer in: Why do I need training if the trainer does the work?How long until I can stop doing all this?Read the answer in: Why do I need training if the trainer does the work?Could the same result be got without an e-collar, so I have less to learn?Read the answer in: Why do I need training if the trainer does the work?How much do I have to practise every day?Read the answer in: Will the training last?Will the training wear off?Read the answer in: Will the training last?He has started ignoring the warning word. What happened?Read the answer in: Will the training last?Is it really that bad to let something go occasionally?Read the answer in: Will the training last?Can I add another trainer's methods, or something I saw online?Read the answer in: Will the training last?What should I do when something goes wrong?Read the answer in: Will the training last?He came home skinny and wound up. Is that the program?Read the answer in: Will the training last?Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?Read the answer in: Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?Why does my dog behave badly around me and perfectly for everyone else?Read the answer in: Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?There are two of us. Who should be giving the commands?Read the answer in: Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?My dog hides behind me when someone else asks him to do something. What do I do?Read the answer in: Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?Will he listen to a sitter, a groomer or my parents?Read the answer in: Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?My dog listens to my partner and not to me. Is that just his personality?Read the answer in: Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?What if my dog only really likes one of us?Read the answer in: Will my dog listen to me the way he listens to the trainer?Should every dog immediately work with everyone?Read the answer in: How does a training facility actually run a case?Does a rotating team mean nobody owns the case?Read the answer in: How does a training facility actually run a case?What am I actually buying?Read the answer in: What does a board-and-train actually deliver?Will my dog come back finished?Read the answer in: What does a board-and-train actually deliver?Why do all the session videos look the same?Read the answer in: What does a board-and-train actually deliver?What will the program not do?Read the answer in: What does a board-and-train actually deliver?Do I have to become a dog trainer?Read the answer in: What does a board-and-train actually deliver?Is this a shock-collar program, and does it just suppress the dog?Read the answer in: What does a board-and-train actually deliver?Why is my trainer being so harsh about what will go wrong?Read the answer in: Why is my trainer so blunt about the risks?My trainer gave me a score out of ten. Why not just tell me it will be fine?Read the answer in: Why is my trainer so blunt about the risks?Is it normal for a trainer to tell me my dog is not finished?Read the answer in: Why is my trainer so blunt about the risks?I feel uneasy about the e-collar but I do not want to seem difficult. Should I say something?Read the answer in: Why is my trainer so blunt about the risks?Somebody asks whether my dog is friendly. What do I say if he has a history?Read the answer in: Why is my trainer so blunt about the risks?My trainer described the correction in language that made me uncomfortable. Should that worry me?Read the answer in: Why is my trainer so blunt about the risks?Why does the trainer talk about shelters and euthanasia? That feels like a lot.Read the answer in: Why is my trainer so blunt about the risks?How many sessions does one command take?Read the answer in: How long will it take to train my dog?Why will nobody tell me when my dog will be confident?Read the answer in: How long will it take to train my dog?Is a fearful dog going to take longer?Read the answer in: How long will it take to train my dog?My dog has been there a week and I have not seen anything. Is that normal?Read the answer in: How long will it take to train my dog?What happens if a day gets missed?Read the answer in: How long will it take to train my dog?Could the program run longer than we agreed?Read the answer in: How long will it take to train my dog?Does a video prove the whole problem is resolved?Read the answer in: Why is all of this filmed?Why keep an imperfect-looking moment?Read the answer in: Why is all of this filmed?
Training foundations, rewards and communication 198 questions
My dog only listens when the leash is tight. How do I get him to listen to the word?Read the answer in: Why does my dog only listen when I'm pulling the leash?Isn't this just negative reinforcement? Doesn't that mean the dog is only working to avoid something?Read the answer in: Why does my dog only listen when I'm pulling the leash?How much pressure is the right amount?Read the answer in: Why does my dog only listen when I'm pulling the leash?My dog got worse after we started correcting him. Did we break something?Read the answer in: Why does my dog only listen when I'm pulling the leash?Will I be pulling on the leash forever?Read the answer in: Why does my dog only listen when I'm pulling the leash?My dog freezes instead of giving to the pressure. Do I push harder or stop?Read the answer in: Why does my dog only listen when I'm pulling the leash?Can I just pull him into a sit?Read the answer in: Should I pull my dog into position?How do I teach a position he's never done?Read the answer in: Should I pull my dog into position?Isn't forcing him into a down unkind?Read the answer in: Should I pull my dog into position?What counts as a proper down?Read the answer in: Should I pull my dog into position?My dog already lies down on his own. Isn't that the same thing?Read the answer in: Should I pull my dog into position?He's stuck. He just can't seem to do it. What now?Read the answer in: Should I pull my dog into position?He won't jump into the car. Should I lift him in?Read the answer in: Should I pull my dog into position?Why can't I just press the button when he does something wrong?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog ignores a command?What exactly do I say, and when?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog ignores a command?How long do I wait before I do anything?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog ignores a command?Won't this make my dog afraid of the word?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog ignores a command?Is there ever a time I use the collar without saying anything?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog ignores a command?My marker word doesn't do anything. He just ignores it.Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog ignores a command?Won't correcting my dog make him afraid of me?Read the answer in: What makes a correction fair?How do I know whether a correction I'm about to give is fair?Read the answer in: What makes a correction fair?When should I do nothing?Read the answer in: What makes a correction fair?How big should a correction be?Read the answer in: What makes a correction fair?But isn't using pressure on a dog wrong in principle?Read the answer in: What makes a correction fair?What do I do after I've corrected him?Read the answer in: What makes a correction fair?Does one stronger correction always mean less pressure overall?Read the answer in: Is one hard correction kinder than lots of small ones?Is the same approach used when teaching a new command?Read the answer in: Is one hard correction kinder than lots of small ones?Is coming back to me always the right answer?Read the answer in: Why does my dog do something else instead of obeying?Should I just turn the collar up?Read the answer in: Why does my dog do something else instead of obeying?Does no response mean the dog did not feel it?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't seem to care about corrections?Can a dog behave differently in another setting?Read the answer in: What if my dog doesn't seem to care about corrections?How do I know whether my correction actually worked?Read the answer in: What if correcting my dog doesn't work?It didn't work. Should I turn the collar up?Read the answer in: What if correcting my dog doesn't work?I pressed the button and my dog didn't react at all. What's going on?Read the answer in: What if correcting my dog doesn't work?Could the problem be me rather than my dog?Read the answer in: What if correcting my dog doesn't work?My dog was doing well and has suddenly got worse. Have I broken something?Read the answer in: What if correcting my dog doesn't work?Does a correction ever work and still cost something?Read the answer in: What if correcting my dog doesn't work?Is being consistent enough if the dog does not understand?Read the answer in: What is the kindest thing I can do for my dog?Does clarity mean correcting every imperfect moment?Read the answer in: What is the kindest thing I can do for my dog?What level should I have my dog on?Read the answer in: What level should an e-collar be set to?How do I know it is high enough - and how do I know it is too high?Read the answer in: What level should an e-collar be set to?Should I start low and work up, or start higher?Read the answer in: What level should an e-collar be set to?My dog is huge - doesn't he need a high level?Read the answer in: What level should an e-collar be set to?Will the level keep going up forever?Read the answer in: What level should an e-collar be set to?How tight should the e-collar actually be?Read the answer in: Why isn't my e-collar working?My dog has a really thick coat. Is it even reaching him?Read the answer in: Why isn't my e-collar working?Which side of the neck does it go on?Read the answer in: Why isn't my e-collar working?My dog was trained and now he ignores the collar completely. Did the training not take?Read the answer in: Why isn't my e-collar working?Do I need to check it again during the walk?Read the answer in: Why isn't my e-collar working?Does it hurt?Read the answer in: Does an e-collar hurt?Have you actually felt it yourself?Read the answer in: Does an e-collar hurt?Can it injure my dog?Read the answer in: Does an e-collar hurt?Isn't it cruel to use one at all?Read the answer in: Does an e-collar hurt?I am frightened of getting it wrong. What if I hurt him by mistake?Read the answer in: Does an e-collar hurt?Is there ever a moment where making the dog yelp is acceptable?Read the answer in: Does an e-collar hurt?He used to respond to 'no' and now he ignores it. What happened?Read the answer in: Why has 'no' stopped working on my dog?He listens to the word alone now. Can I stop using the collar?Read the answer in: Why has 'no' stopped working on my dog?How long do I have to do this for?Read the answer in: Why has 'no' stopped working on my dog?Can I use the vibrate instead? It feels kinder than the stim.Read the answer in: Why has 'no' stopped working on my dog?How do I know whether it landed?Read the answer in: Why has 'no' stopped working on my dog?Won't all this make my dog afraid of me?Read the answer in: Why has 'no' stopped working on my dog?How many words do I actually have to learn?Read the answer in: What are the words I actually have to remember?Why are there two correction words? Isn't one enough?Read the answer in: What are the words I actually have to remember?What is the difference between 'good' and 'okay'?Read the answer in: What are the words I actually have to remember?Does the exact sound matter? I say uh-uh, not eh.Read the answer in: What are the words I actually have to remember?Can I use the vibrate instead of the stim? It seems gentler.Read the answer in: What are the words I actually have to remember?Is the marker a warning?Read the answer in: What are the words I actually have to remember?He does everything at home and nothing at the park. Has he forgotten?Read the answer in: Does my dog only obey when he knows what's coming?He holds a stay until I move, and then he gets up. Why?Read the answer in: Does my dog only obey when he knows what's coming?My dog anticipates - he downs before I ask. Isn't that a good sign?Read the answer in: Does my dog only obey when he knows what's coming?How do I break the pattern without confusing him?Read the answer in: Does my dog only obey when he knows what's coming?He has stopped bringing the ball back. What did I do?Read the answer in: Does my dog only obey when he knows what's coming?How many repetitions should a session have?Read the answer in: Does my dog only obey when he knows what's coming?How do I tell whether he knows the word or just knows my hands?Read the answer in: Does my dog actually know the command?Is using a treat or a leash to show him cheating?Read the answer in: Does my dog actually know the command?He does it on his bed but not anywhere else. Is that hidden help?Read the answer in: Does my dog actually know the command?It got worse when I stopped helping. Have I broken something?Read the answer in: Does my dog actually know the command?When is a command actually finished?Read the answer in: Does my dog actually know the command?He behaves for the trainer and not for me. Whose problem is that?Read the answer in: Does my dog actually know the command?Does this mean every movement needs correction?Read the answer in: Should I accept a half-done command?Should I keep repeating until the dog is perfect?Read the answer in: Should I accept a half-done command?He didn't move. Do I say it again?Read the answer in: Should I repeat the command if my dog doesn't move?How long should I wait?Read the answer in: Should I repeat the command if my dog doesn't move?Isn't a slow dog just a disobedient dog being given excuses?Read the answer in: Should I repeat the command if my dog doesn't move?My trainer told me to back up every word the first week. Doesn't that contradict waiting?Read the answer in: Should I repeat the command if my dog doesn't move?He came back but didn't sit. Does that matter enough to make something of it?Read the answer in: Should I repeat the command if my dog doesn't move?Does offering down mean my dog is disobedient?Read the answer in: Why does my dog lie down when I ask for a sit?Why not just pull the dog into the sit?Read the answer in: Why does my dog lie down when I ask for a sit?What toy should I buy for training?Read the answer in: What toy should I use to train my dog?My dog doesn't like toys. What do I do?Read the answer in: What toy should I use to train my dog?He chases the ball but won't bring it back. Is he doing it wrong?Read the answer in: What toy should I use to train my dog?How do I tell which part of the game he actually likes?Read the answer in: What toy should I use to train my dog?Can I just use treats?Read the answer in: What toy should I use to train my dog?My dog is nervous. Should I even try play with him?Read the answer in: What toy should I use to train my dog?Does his breed tell me what he'll want?Read the answer in: What toy should I use to train my dog?My dog doesn't play at all. Is he broken?Read the answer in: My dog doesn't play - can that be fixed?How do you teach a dog to play if no toy works?Read the answer in: My dog doesn't play - can that be fixed?Why does it matter? I just want him to behave.Read the answer in: My dog doesn't play - can that be fixed?He used to play and he has stopped. What does that mean?Read the answer in: My dog doesn't play - can that be fixed?My dog is fearful. Is play even appropriate for him?Read the answer in: My dog doesn't play - can that be fixed?How long does it take?Read the answer in: My dog doesn't play - can that be fixed?Can I really train a dog without treats?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog without treats?How am I supposed to play tug properly?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog without treats?Should I let my dog win? Doesn't that teach him he's in charge?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog without treats?How do I say 'out' without ruining the game?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog without treats?How much play, and how many commands?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog without treats?My dog guards things. Is playing tug going to make that worse?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog without treats?What if my dog isn't very good at the game yet?Read the answer in: How do I train my dog without treats?My dog won't take treats or toys when he's nervous. What do I do?Read the answer in: My dog won't take treats or toys when he's nervousIsn't it cruel not to comfort a frightened dog?Read the answer in: My dog won't take treats or toys when he's nervousHow do I find out what my dog will work for?Read the answer in: My dog won't take treats or toys when he's nervousWhat if nothing works at all?Read the answer in: My dog won't take treats or toys when he's nervousHe goes mad for squirrels. Can I use that?Read the answer in: My dog won't take treats or toys when he's nervousMy dog jumps on everybody. Is there anything good about that?Read the answer in: My dog won't take treats or toys when he's nervousHow do I tell whether my dog is confused or ignoring me?Read the answer in: Is my dog confused or is he refusing?Is there a way to test it rather than guess?Read the answer in: Is my dog confused or is he refusing?My dog is just stubborn. Isn't he?Read the answer in: Is my dog confused or is he refusing?He holds the stay and then breaks it every time. Is he testing me?Read the answer in: Is my dog confused or is he refusing?Isn't helping him just teaching him he doesn't have to do it himself?Read the answer in: Is my dog confused or is he refusing?What if he hesitates - starts to come and then stops?Read the answer in: Is my dog confused or is he refusing?What happens if I get this wrong?Read the answer in: Is my dog confused or is he refusing?Why does a correction teach anything, rather than just hurting?Read the answer in: How does a correction actually change my dog's mind?How will I know it worked?Read the answer in: How does a correction actually change my dog's mind?Does this mean I have to let my dog misbehave?Read the answer in: How does a correction actually change my dog's mind?Why does the trainer's 'no' work when mine doesn't?Read the answer in: How does a correction actually change my dog's mind?Is my dog being stubborn, or does he not understand?Read the answer in: How does a correction actually change my dog's mind?My dog grabs things and jumps on guests. Shouldn't I just tell him to sit?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog is loose in the house and misbehaves?What are the four windows?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog is loose in the house and misbehaves?What is calm liberty, and how is it different from place?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog is loose in the house and misbehaves?How do I build calm liberty at home?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog is loose in the house and misbehaves?My dog barks on the porch and I end up taking him inside. What should I do instead?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog is loose in the house and misbehaves?Is it not kinder to keep him under control so he cannot get it wrong?Read the answer in: What do I do when my dog is loose in the house and misbehaves?Does the leash come off at the end, or not?Read the answer in: How do you get a dog to listen without a leash?Will I have to use the e-collar forever?Read the answer in: How do you get a dog to listen without a leash?Why does the order matter so much - word first, then the collar?Read the answer in: How do you get a dog to listen without a leash?He listens to the trainer and not to me. Why?Read the answer in: How do you get a dog to listen without a leash?Could you get the same result without an e-collar?Read the answer in: How do you get a dog to listen without a leash?My dog jumps or panics when he feels the collar. Is the level too high?Read the answer in: How do you get a dog to listen without a leash?How long should I train my dog for each day?Read the answer in: How long should a training session be?How much of that fifteen minutes should actually be commands?Read the answer in: How long should a training session be?How do I know when to stop?Read the answer in: How long should a training session be?He has gone flat halfway through. Should I push on and finish properly?Read the answer in: How long should a training session be?My dog just came home from a board-and-train. How much should I practise?Read the answer in: How long should a training session be?It is hot. Should I skip training?Read the answer in: How long should a training session be?Is there anything I should only do once or twice in a session?Read the answer in: How long should a training session be?How many repetitions is too many?Read the answer in: Can I practise a command too much?Does one failure mean the command needs retraining?Read the answer in: Can I practise a command too much?Does one good repetition prove the skill is finished?Read the answer in: How many repetitions should I ask for?Must I get a good repetition before stopping?Read the answer in: How many repetitions should I ask for?Can I use the longest filmed session as a safe target?Read the answer in: Can it be too hot to train?Does a slow down mean the dog is refusing?Read the answer in: Can it be too hot to train?Is a compliant session wasted?Read the answer in: Should I stop my dog before he misbehaves?Should I recreate the hardest situation at home?Read the answer in: Should I stop my dog before he misbehaves?Is the hardest possible distraction the best starting point?Read the answer in: What should I use to distract my dog when I test him?Does success outside prove success at home?Read the answer in: What should I use to distract my dog when I test him?How many minutes a day should I practise the commands?Read the answer in: Where and when should I train my dog?Where should I actually take him?Read the answer in: Where and when should I train my dog?Should I avoid other dogs and people while we are still working on this?Read the answer in: Where and when should I train my dog?My dog is nervous. Is a busy store going to make him worse?Read the answer in: Where and when should I train my dog?A stranger interrupted us and the whole walk was a write-off. Was that wasted time?Read the answer in: Where and when should I train my dog?He is perfect at the park we always go to. Is that good enough?Read the answer in: Where and when should I train my dog?Is there any point training somewhere boring?Read the answer in: Where and when should I train my dog?What are the three Ds?Read the answer in: Why does my dog obey at home but not outside?He lies down on grass in a second and will not do it on concrete. Is he being stubborn?Read the answer in: Why does my dog obey at home but not outside?Which one should I raise first?Read the answer in: Why does my dog obey at home but not outside?How do I actually raise one, in practice?Read the answer in: Why does my dog obey at home but not outside?What else changes a command besides those three?Read the answer in: Why does my dog obey at home but not outside?He does it perfectly on his bed and nowhere else. Which D is that?Read the answer in: Why does my dog obey at home but not outside?What should I use as a distraction?Read the answer in: Why does my dog obey at home but not outside?Does success mean the whole command is finished?Read the answer in: How do I know what I'm actually asking for?Should the standard ever change?Read the answer in: How do I know what I'm actually asking for?Why might the first session show little obedience?Read the answer in: What happens in a first dog training session?Should an assessment capture every issue?Read the answer in: What happens in a first dog training session?Should every unusual behavior be trained away?Read the answer in: How many rules should my dog have?Does moving on place always break the rule?Read the answer in: How many rules should my dog have?How do I teach my dog to make better choices?Read the answer in: How do I teach my dog to make better choices?My dog knows all his commands and still does it. Why?Read the answer in: How do I teach my dog to make better choices?Isn't it enough that I can hold him on the leash?Read the answer in: How do I teach my dog to make better choices?What am I allowed to let him do? What counts as a bad choice?Read the answer in: How do I teach my dog to make better choices?Doesn't letting him get it wrong just teach him he can?Read the answer in: How do I teach my dog to make better choices?My dog is nervous. Surely I should manage him more, not less?Read the answer in: How do I teach my dog to make better choices?What does success actually look like?Read the answer in: How do I teach my dog to make better choices?How good does my dog actually have to be?Read the answer in: How perfect does my dog have to be?My friend's dog does things mine cannot. Should mine be able to?Read the answer in: How perfect does my dog have to be?My dog lies down when I asked for a sit. Is that disobedience?Read the answer in: How perfect does my dog have to be?How do I know if the walk is good enough?Read the answer in: How perfect does my dog have to be?Will training change who my dog is?Read the answer in: How perfect does my dog have to be?How will I know the program worked?Read the answer in: How perfect does my dog have to be?Is a session without obedience doing nothing?Read the answer in: What happens before any training starts?Is assessment finished once cooperation starts?Read the answer in: What happens before any training starts?Does urgent need prove a stronger method is better?Read the answer in: Is there one right way to train a dog?Is obedience irrelevant for a fearful dog?Read the answer in: Is there one right way to train a dog?Does a suitable job automatically solve behavior problems?Read the answer in: Is my dog in the wrong home?Does the trainer’s confidence prove the dog settled?Read the answer in: Is my dog in the wrong home?Does holding equipment prove the same thing as the target response?Read the answer in: What comes first in bite work?Was Bullet shown completing this progression?Read the answer in: What comes first in bite work?Why does the handler’s voice matter?Read the answer in: What does the person in the suit have to do?Can this prove the dog knows a genuine threat?Read the answer in: What does the person in the suit have to do?
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