Really getting into trouble!help needed!

[Speedy]

Hi everyone,

I own a 2 years old male Rott.I have some troubles with his training.At first i found a trainer who trains only using treats but we couldn't get goods results because of the trainer.After that i found another one who was using a chain collar to give firm corrections.At first we made really very good progress but a after a short while i had to be away from my dog for about 8-9 months.Now he is with me but i have problems controlling him.While we were apart unfortunately he bit some people because of food aggression.Now he is fine while using collar but when it's gone he does whatever he wants,he doesn't obey most of the command especially recalls.I want to start training from the begining but i don't which training method to use?

I really need advices.

[LavenderRott]

Start by searching the forum for NILIF (nothing in life is free) and start with him there. It sounds like he needs to be reminded who is the boss. I am sure that Judi will chime in here and give you some great advice.

[Judi W]

I'd say you must start at the beginning only now you need to work harder to erase his bad attitude and habits.

Methods are not "either/or". There is no reason not to use a treat or toy reward for good work and a meaningful correction for misbehavior. He is no longer a puppy and with some bites under his belt, you need to be serious because his life is at stake. I don't understand how he was given the opportunity to have more than one bite!

"fine while using collar"............. well, then leave the darn collar on him with a tab attached. Locate the trainer that you had been making progress with and sign up giving him the full history. Don't jump in without really knowing how to read your dog or you will likely be the next bite. You need to work him calmly and seriously. Don't back him into a corner but use your mind and posture to let him know that things are changed in his happy world.

Let the dog eat in peace. Solve your general problems before you start pushing on the thing that triggers his aggression. That can come later. At this point, "why" does not matter so much as changing his respect and attitude. Nothing in life is free is an excellent mantra but you also need to be proactive and get the formal training back on course.

[Rott-Wiley]

Whoever you do decide to work with, make sure you explain to them in detail the biting episode. That is very important that they know what they are going to be dealing with.

Also leave his collar on 24/7 and when you're out with him, keep him on a leash! That will solve your recall problem.

[Carina43]

Here's a good explanation for "NILIF." On the same site, you might also want to read the "Positive, Negative, Inert" article; it relates to your situation too.
http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm


Also, instead of using a chain choke collar, try a prong - also known as pinch - collar. It gives a much more effective correction than a chain collar for headstrong dogs who aren't paying attention! It was a wonderful training tool with one of my dogs.
It is also gentler on the dog's neck, despite the way it looks! Here's some information on them:
http://www.cobankopegi.com/prong.html

[Speedy]

Thanks for all of the replies.We started training and he is doing fine for now.He used to growl strangers and was very nervous and energetic but now i can feel that he is happy and calm and there is no growling.I spend much more time with him and do a very diciplined training.Meanwhile, the city i live now is a very small one and there is no trainers here so i do it myself.we'll see if it'll be more better. :)

thanks again

[poohbearsmom]

Sometimes, the life of a dog is worth travelling a few miles, and a little inconvenience for a while.

[nynewbie]

I also live in a small town & have to travel a little for obedience classes. The last one we attended was offered thru adult education at a public school in another city, but the trek was worth it. The class was only once a week, so it was not like we had to do the drive everyday.

[Carina43]

Speedy is in Turkey, travel and trainer availability is not as easy as here.
(I lived there when I was a kid for 5 years and have visited several times as an adult.)

[nynewbie]

Sorry Speedy! I didn't look at your location...I should have!

[WitcheyRed]

I totally agree with using the prong collar method. We have been very successful with the 3 males we have and their varying personalities. Your pup's personality sounds very similar to our dominant male. He's very headstrong and very smart! But learned to respect the collar and the sharp quick corrections. It does not take alot of strength on your part. Just consistency. Don't forget the verbal and physical happy reward for every time he responds to your commands correctly! We do not believe the treat method to be as productive. Also, strong sounding single word commands help. We use the german ones. The end result??? We have a very happy well adjusted dog family, all Rotties. But the dominant one needs regular tuneups. And he listens best with the collar on.
Good Luck!

[Anne]

Just want to mention here that when people say to leave the collar on the dog all the time they do not mean a choke collar or a prong collar. They are training tools only and should be taken off the dog when the training session is finished.

The only collar to leave on the dog would be an ordinary flat collar.

[Judi W]

And when the dog is properly trained, (this is a ways down the road for your boy) it is no more dependent upon wearing a collar than it would be if treat motivated and the handler has food. True training is in place when the motivators (whether corrections or rewards) are weaned.