dog training tips and questions

[orezok]

Our current rescue who is primarily Great Pyrenees followed by 3 herding dogs has taken the watch dog to the limit. She goes ballistic anytime somebody drives down our 700’ drive and sounds like she is going to rip their throat out if they come in the house. The good news that only an imbecile crook would try to enter given her reaction.

BUT, then there is the second part. She is absolutely afraid of anybody who actually comes in the house. After 8 months she will hide and not go anywhere near the grandkids, great grandkid or anyone else.

Go figure

 

[Dftodd]

Our current rescue who is primarily Great Pyrenees followed by 3 herding dogs has taken the watch dog to the limit. She goes ballistic anytime somebody drives down our 700’ drive and sounds like she is going to rip their throat out if they come in the house. The good news that only an imbecile crook would try to enter given her reaction.

BUT, then there is the second part. She is absolutely afraid of anybody who actually comes in the house. After 8 months she will hide and not go anywhere near the grandkids, great grandkid or anyone else.

Go figure

Our shepherd loves people. But she sounded like one of Satan's He!! Hounds when the ups driver dropped off a package tonight.

She loves people, but can't stand a delivery driver for some reason. I figure it's the ding dong ditch

 

[Eagle1]

Our current rescue who is primarily Great Pyrenees followed by 3 herding dogs has taken the watch dog to the limit. She goes ballistic anytime somebody drives down our 700’ drive and sounds like she is going to rip their throat out if they come in the house. The good news that only an imbecile crook would try to enter given her reaction.

BUT, then there is the second part. She is absolutely afraid of anybody who actually comes in the house. After 8 months she will hide and not go anywhere near the grandkids, great grandkid or anyone else.

Go figure

Not uncommon.... with GP

 

[RayIN]

How do you train a dog that doesn't respond to food? I have a dog that won't climb/descend steps (even just three steps). Offers of food/treats don't seem to have any effect.

The problem is, getting the dog to go up/down steps is critical to going in/out of the house for bathroom breaks and it is a pain to have to carry the dog in/out of the house every time. To make matters worse, the dog is extremely submissive and pees every time you pick it up.

Getting this dog to go up/down steps would solve all the world's problems.

Any ideas?

That is an indicator of painful hips in a dog. Vet time IMO.
I've seen dog breeds so inbred that they are born with weak hips, as they age it worsens.

 

[garry1p]

My Bichon Frise all 14 lbs of her is weird, shoot a gun she barks, thunderstorm she barks, fireworks she barks.

Most dogs hate fireworks or loud noise, not mine she just runs around the house growling and barking ready to kill.

Strangers come into the yard and if she is outside you would think her best friend just showed up, UPS she would like to jump in the truck.
However; if she is inside and someone drives up she will growl and bark as if we were being invaded.

 

[1 Old Man]

wow. Lots to think about in these posts. My thoughts?
1. E-collar is ok as a deterrent zap if necessary. But not to use as punishment.
I found the vibrate mode is all that's needed to get the dogs attention once she's
had a zap. I take the collar on and off randomly since I rarely carry the controller.
I'm getting good results either way.
2. Dog peeing. Sometimes not looking at the dog or trying to handle them, especially
if they are nervous or seems scared (of whatever). Might help. As stated in another post, put
their food at the bottom of the stairs. Go back inside and let the dog figure it out.
3. Don't sweat your GP or Shepherd barking etc at a strange person coming onto her
turf. As long as you can tell her to knock it off, she's doing what she is supposed to
be doing. I never scold my dog for doing her job. At least that's the way I look at my dog.
I want her to be "on guard" when at home. Inside and outside. At 11 months old, I'm not
disappointed in my dog in any way. She's a 70#+ pup and still learning

The thing someone here could help me with is....my dog doesn't warm up to other folks.
We live rural so she doesn't get to see a lot of people on a regular basis. When we take her to town
she's on lease and behaves really well. No charging or barking at people or other dogs.
But it took almost 2 days before she'd let my DIL's, G-kids or sons get close to her at
Christmas. She would shy away. UNLESS you squirt Cheese Whiz on your finger ......
is my dog a junk food junkie? Omg, what have I raised? I need her to be more relaxed
when it's obvious this is family or friends. Be more chill. Without resorting to Cheese Whiz etc

 

[jyoutz]

Not uncommon.... with GP

Yep standard GP behavior.

 

[Runner]

That is an indicator of painful hips in a dog. Vet time IMO.
I've seen dog breeds so inbred that they are born with weak hips, as they age it worsens.

I don't think so because he's only 2, a Shih Tzu, not a breed known to have dysplasia. Walks fine, regular vet visits. Has no problem jumping on/off the couch, running, etc.

 

[Runner]

Have you had the dog for very long? Peeing and refusing treats can be a response to fear. It might just need some time and patience to feel safe and at home.

It sounds like almost the opposite issue from the OP. For this dog, even a harsh word could almost be considered abusive. I'm guessing you aren't happy when the dog pees on you, and any negative response is likely exasperating the issue.

I suspect the fear needs to be resolved before the issue with the steps.

He's a 2 year old Shih Tzu and he's only lived with us (since 3 months old). He's never been mistreated in any way we are always gentle with him. Not even harsh words.

We have no idea where this submissive/timidness comes from. No kids in the house, just wife and me. For some reason, the kitchen where his food dish is located, is scary to him. He will go in to eat/drink, but as soon as he's done, scurries out.

He LOVES treats, but he won't work for them. If you stand at the top of the stairs with a treat, he will just stand there and look at you.

Here's another weird thing: there is an alcove on the front porch with a bench. If you go over and sit on the bench, he will climb the 3 steps, run over and jump up on the bench to sit with you. But otherwise, he won't go up/down the stairs consistently.

If you hold him at the bottom step and put his front paws on the step, he will then go on up the steps. Same thing going down.

This is so strange. We've had four other Shih Tzu's and none of them had this problem with steps. Our other ones even went all the way up and down the basement stairs all the time, no problem.

Other than this bizarre issue, he is a wonderful little dog. Very sweet disposition, loves to play and be close. Is very good with other people (not timid at all). Never has "accidents" in the house (other than the little squirts when you pick him up). Doesn't bark a lot or have any other "bad" habits.

 

[Runner]

Are the steps open, no riser? If so, time to install risers.

You'll need to find a motivator. What about her favorite toy? Make it a game and she'll be doing stairs in no time.

Will she go down the stairs on a leash? Off leash?

We had a dog that would do anything for a car ride.

Bribery works with dogs.

Closed-risers on both front/rear stairs. Front steps are concrete and rear are wood (both are only 3 risers).

Tried toys, no workie. Also, see my other post about how he WILL climb the steps so he can come over and sit on the bench with me. I actually do this to get him to come up sometimes, but I don't want to have to go through this ritual all the time, obviously.

We haven't really done any leash training. He will semi-walk on the leash, but after a while, he will just stop and sit. In other words, very typical puppy behavior. Won't move, even if you drag him. So, the drill is, when he stops, go back and stand beside him, then start walking again, and he will follow. Rinse and repeat. Because this method seems to work, I think he would probably do well on a leash if we ever really practiced it with him.

As mentioned we haven't really done any leash training because he never leaves the property except to go to other family homes where he is inside. In the rare occasion we are outside and away from our home, he is on a leash for safety.

I have tried the stairs with a leash and he will just sit down and not move when he gets to the top/bottom step. If you try to move, you will just have to drag him, which obviously won't work.

 

[ponytug]

Closed-risers on both front/rear stairs. Front steps are concrete and rear are wood (both are only 3 risers).

Tried toys, no workie. Also, see my other post about how he WILL climb the steps so he can come over and sit on the bench with me. I actually do this to get him to come up sometimes, but I don't want to have to go through this ritual all the time, obviously.

We haven't really done any leash training. He will semi-walk on the leash, but after a while, he will just stop and sit. In other words, very typical puppy behavior. Won't move, even if you drag him. So, the drill is, when he stops, go back and stand beside him, then start walking again, and he will follow. Rinse and repeat. Because this method seems to work, I think he would probably do well on a leash if we ever really practiced it with him.

As mentioned we haven't really done any leash training because he never leaves the property except to go to other family homes where he is inside. In the rare occasion we are outside and away from our home, he is on a leash for safety.

I have tried the stairs with a leash and he will just sit down and not move when he gets to the top/bottom step. If you try to move, you will just have to drag him, which obviously won't work.

I would be inclined to give it time. We have had animals that that grew up not around steps, or hills, or inclines, and had a hard time until they got used to them. For some, it was as if a switch flipped. They wouldn't do it, and then suddenly they were tearing up and down. The fact that he will come up a couple of steps is great. Perhaps he is worried about grip or heights, or... Looking at a flight of stairs from his perspective, how would you feel about a single 120' flight of stairs with no railing? I've been up and down a couple of those, and it certainly gets my adrenaline running.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Rockbadchild]

wow. Lots to think about in these posts. My thoughts?
1. E-collar is ok as a deterrent zap if necessary. But not to use as punishment.
I found the vibrate mode is all that's needed to get the dogs attention once she's
had a zap. I take the collar on and off randomly since I rarely carry the controller.
I'm getting good results either way.
2. Dog peeing. Sometimes not looking at the dog or trying to handle them, especially
if they are nervous or seems scared (of whatever). Might help. As stated in another post, put
their food at the bottom of the stairs. Go back inside and let the dog figure it out.
3. Don't sweat your GP or Shepherd barking etc at a strange person coming onto her
turf. As long as you can tell her to knock it off, she's doing what she is supposed to
be doing. I never scold my dog for doing her job. At least that's the way I look at my dog.
I want her to be "on guard" when at home. Inside and outside. At 11 months old, I'm not
disappointed in my dog in any way. She's a 70#+ pup and still learning

The thing someone here could help me with is....my dog doesn't warm up to other folks.
We live rural so she doesn't get to see a lot of people on a regular basis. When we take her to town
she's on lease and behaves really well. No charging or barking at people or other dogs.
But it took almost 2 days before she'd let my DIL's, G-kids or sons get close to her at
Christmas. She would shy away. UNLESS you squirt Cheese Whiz on your finger ......
is my dog a junk food junkie? Omg, what have I raised? I need her to be more relaxed
when it's obvious this is family or friends. Be more chill. Without resorting to Cheese Whiz etc

That's a tough one, not a quick one to fix by any means... I would say lots of positive exposure, some dogs are not people person, ask your guess to not crowd her or even pet her until she is ready, make the introduction outside, trying to force it (trying too hard) might just make things worse. Baby step reward the right thing. Good luck!!

 

[Rockbadchild]

One trick I do is when my dogs are on the hyper side because of lack stimulation (it happens on a busy or rainy day) we play search with their food portion, so instead of feeding them I take what I am suppose to give them and hide it inside the house all over at different spots a few gribble at a time, I have them searching for it and I keep putting some around behind them.


When playing/training, stop when the energy is high (before they are tired) that way you keep them interested for the next session.

 

[drssg]

He's a 2 year old Shih Tzu and he's only lived with us (since 3 months old). He's never been mistreated in any way we are always gentle with him. Not even harsh words.

We have no idea where this submissive/timidness comes from. No kids in the house, just wife and me. For some reason, the kitchen where his food dish is located, is scary to him. He will go in to eat/drink, but as soon as he's done, scurries out.

He LOVES treats, but he won't work for them. If you stand at the top of the stairs with a treat, he will just stand there and look at you.

Here's another weird thing: there is an alcove on the front porch with a bench. If you go over and sit on the bench, he will climb the 3 steps, run over and jump up on the bench to sit with you. But otherwise, he won't go up/down the stairs consistently.

If you hold him at the bottom step and put his front paws on the step, he will then go on up the steps. Same thing going down.

This is so strange. We've had four other Shih Tzu's and none of them had this problem with steps. Our other ones even went all the way up and down the basement stairs all the time, no problem.

Other than this bizarre issue, he is a wonderful little dog. Very sweet disposition, loves to play and be close. Is very good with other people (not timid at all). Never has "accidents" in the house (other than the little squirts when you pick him up). Doesn't bark a lot or have any other "bad" habits.

That's bizarre. I would have sworn this was a new dog. I got nothin'. Good luck!

 

[grsthegreat]

Can you get a friend to bring a similar sized dog over, let the dogs play. When the other dog goes down the steps, yours may follow.

I had some golden retrievers. The male loved swimming, but the female didnt like to get near the water. After several trips to lake the female kept watching the male swim, and she finally decided to try it. Afterwards she was a water hound.

 

[Runner]

Can you get a friend to bring a similar sized dog over, let the dogs play. When the other dog goes down the steps, yours may follow.

I had some golden retrievers. The male loved swimming, but the female didnt like to get near the water. After several trips to lake the female kept watching the male swim, and she finally decided to try it. Afterwards she was a water hound.

We have my Mother-in-law's Shih Tzu here for stayovers quite often. We take them out at the same time. So far, hasn't helped.

 

[grsthegreat]

That is very strange

 

[Rockbadchild]

He's a 2 year old Shih Tzu and he's only lived with us (since 3 months old). He's never been mistreated in any way we are always gentle with him. Not even harsh words.

We have no idea where this submissive/timidness comes from. No kids in the house, just wife and me. For some reason, the kitchen where his food dish is located, is scary to him. He will go in to eat/drink, but as soon as he's done, scurries out.

He LOVES treats, but he won't work for them. If you stand at the top of the stairs with a treat, he will just stand there and look at you.

Here's another weird thing: there is an alcove on the front porch with a bench. If you go over and sit on the bench, he will climb the 3 steps, run over and jump up on the bench to sit with you. But otherwise, he won't go up/down the stairs consistently.

If you hold him at the bottom step and put his front paws on the step, he will then go on up the steps. Same thing going down.

This is so strange. We've had four other Shih Tzu's and none of them had this problem with steps. Our other ones even went all the way up and down the basement stairs all the time, no problem.

Other than this bizarre issue, he is a wonderful little dog. Very sweet disposition, loves to play and be close. Is very good with other people (not timid at all). Never has "accidents" in the house (other than the little squirts when you pick him up). Doesn't bark a lot or have any other "bad" habits.

I am wondering if he is just playing dumb and/or lazy .... what happen if you leave him and ignore him at the bottom of the stairs for a while (10/15 minutes) ? I had a dachshund that was afraid of open stairs (no risers) we practices him on easier stairs then we let him down there until he figured it out... it didn't take him too long, we just ignored him and last thing I notice he was up, after that we had to coax him a bit.

 

[gstrom99]

I have a dog that won't climb/descend steps (even just three steps). Offers of food/treats don't seem to have any effect.

Any ideas?

One possability for stair issues is pain. Have a talk/exam with the vet.

 

[Runner]

I am wondering if he is just playing dumb and/or lazy .... what happen if you leave him and ignore him at the bottom of the stairs for a while (10/15 minutes) ?

I think that's pretty much it because, as mentioned, he can and does go up the stairs when he wants to (i.e., to sit on the bench with me).

If we just leave him down there, he will stand there and bark. I'm afraid to leave him out there too long because a cayote might decide to have him for lunch...