I am worried sick. Left his training collar on.

[rytek1]

I am at work and realized I put my 18 week old pup in his Kennel with his training collar on. Wife went out of town for the night and he will be in his kennel for 6 hours. I am so sick with worry.

[stale]

what exactly IS his training collar that you're so concerned? a flat collar or a martindale is not an issue to leave on overnight. even an e-collar isn't a cause for concern, since it won't be triggered.

about the only things i would worry over would be a promise collar/gentle leader or a check-chain.

really though, at 18 weeks, i'm expecting it's a flat collar - and it should be no big deal.

have to admit though - the adrenaline rush you get worrying about the puppies is fun, isn't it?

[rytek1]

It was his check-chain. :(

[rytek1]

He is ok. Zooming around like a crazy dog right now.

[frontierrots]

an 18 week old pup should not even know what a choke collar is let alone be wearing one.

[brunie's mom]

I agree, an 18 week old puppy should not be needing a choke chain.
Get this puppy into positive training obedience classes....and learn how to teach your pup to walk, and respond to you without the need of a choke chain.

Gina

[rytek1]

We started obedience class this past Saturdary and the trainer bases her class on the Khoeler method. She is the only trainer within 2 hours of us. So far the training has been great. We are just doing his foundation work and just walk around in the yard. The trainer does not think he is too young.

[brunie's mom]

This is the "old yank and crank" teaching.
You need to find a trainer that does positive training...and motivational. I do understand that it's hard to find a trainer close to you...but surely there must be something better?

Your poor puppy has just started his training....he has not even learned what you want him to do and he is already being corrected by the choke chain.

Your puppy should have been in Puppy Kindergarten a couple of months ago...he would be doing all of the basics already...without learning on a choke chain.

Gina

[GWFJR]

My Two Cents; I HATE the Koehler Method. Borrowed that book from the Library 25 years ago. Wanted to burn it. Not a great method for Rottys(or any other Canine) IMHO. Meant for Military Dogs as I remember. Best of Luck but I don't think your Dog will be a Great Companion using those techniques.

[rytek1]

After we went to the first meeting where she explained the method she used (no dogs on the first meeting) I did extensive research on the Koehler method. It turns out my first Rott, Chelsey, was trained in this manner as well. Although i didi't know the name of the method back then. That was 15 years ago. She was a great companion and very well behaved. I found a web sight that breaks down the styles of training into 4 camps of thought. It basically advises that you should train your dog with what you feel comfortable with. I do feel comfortable with this method. Many supporters of the Koehler method refute the "yank and crank" criticism with very eloquent arguments. Although I would also be comfortable with clicker type of training the closest trainer of that method is at least 2 hours away. I socialized him alot by bringining him to work. I am a mananger at a trucking company and have 40+ drivers a night coming in and out. The drivers love him and he loves them. He is a good boy and sits when getting attention. We are also friends with a neighbor who rescues dogs and he visits and plays with the dogs there every day. Although that is recent because I wanted to make sure he got all of his shots. They also have 2 dog friendly cats which love to tease him. He has not been off leash around them yet. He knows some basics already: "sit" "stay" "drop it" (although he ignored me a few days ago when he got a hold of some fresh kitty poop) "leave it". "go potty" "come". "no bite" "off" "kennel" He won't do "down" unless I put my hand all the way to the ground. I am going into the training with an open mind. I will let you all know how it goes. My wife is actually the one going thru the class with him. She is more empathetic then I am so she will let me know if she is not comfortable with anything

[GWFJR]

I'm going to have to admit that it has been 25 plus years since I read that book so my memory can be foggy. But I think numerous Military and Police Canines were trained with this method. And as I remember the Author insisted that you should NEVER allow your dog to play fetch with a ball. And you also taught your dog to never take anything from anyone but you. That would be alright except most of us have to leave our dogs with someone else at some point in their life whether it be a Vet's office or boarding. That Book just seemed so extreme, rigid, and unenjoyable for the Dog. But obviously there are variations and enterpretations of all disiplines. I think I focused on the term "Koehler Method".
Bottom Line; Is the Pup alright?

[rytek1]

The main issue I have with the method is that in the foundation work you dont show him what you want so its not really "fair" to the dog. It's left up to him to figure out that he needs to pay attention to you or he gets corrected. He is very even tempered and is a very confident dog. The trainer did say she does not use the harsher methods advocated in the book. Bottom line the pup is doing fine and his owner learned a lesson that won't happen again. We all may agree to disagree on the correct training methods but I realize that safety should always be put above all else.

[brunie's mom]

Big changes in the last 15 years. There is a kinder, gentler way of teaching puppies. A way that you work as a team. Things change, people change and training changes. I was also always taught the "yank and crank" method...thought it was perfectly good...and had well trained dogs. The last 2 puppies and many foster dogs later....I have found positive training with rewards much quicker and much happier for everyone. I've even taken a clicker training class! Very interesting and educational for me and my dog.

I would stay away from any of these training methods...that are so rigid and non flexible. What's going to happen when the choke chain is not working at 1 year of age? Is the e-collar next?

Just remember not to allow your dog to be manhandled...if at any time you get a feeling in your gut that this is not good, pull out.

Gina