I am asking for help for Lynn and her dogs (even though she didn't ask and she does not have a computer). She adopted Kenzie and Kaiser (formerly Buck) the same day I adopted Gracie. These sweethearts are truly giving her a run for her money. She absolutely idolizes these dogs, but they need some serious training. Kenzie is urinating all over the place, like even on shoes; Lynn has a huge fenced in yard and they are let out all the time. Of course, when they're in the yard they are literally digging to China. Kaiser (the boy) is such a jumper, you don't go over there in clean clothes cause he's all over you; one of our friends is little and she was bending over to smell a flower and he literally knocked her down; when you go to correct him, he's so fast you can't catch him. He has chewed all the stuffing out of all her lawn furniture and I think has got some furniture in the house. I think Kenzie has even piddled on the bed. She had them in the van the other day and they got into the groceries eating all the diet cookies. Pet Supplies Plus had given me a whole bag of discontinued leashes and collars that we're bringing to Second Chance Dobes the Sunday after Thanksgiving with other supplies and they got into those. Kaiser will out manuever you at the gate and will run around like a wild dog and not come; she's on a corner and he could get hit. Their antics are something you could write a book about and we have laughed hysterically, but for a quality life for all they really do need to get manners and under control. So guys, any suggestions. P.S. Lynn does work; but that does not seem to matter, this behavior goes on whether she's home or not. Thanks.

I am no expert, but the one thing I would never be without again are crates. First of all, this keeps them out of your stuff. Also, if you attach a short leash (like Arda uses) you can grab them on their way out. Then, one of the first things they learn is that you are in charge. You let them out, you say when, you say how fast, etc. The dogs I have had that are "crate trained" are super. It helps with every aspect of training, as far as I can tell. The dogs will be reluctant to go potty in them, and that helps with house training. You can make them settle down before you let them out (and teach them to wait), you can put them there for quiet time (when you have company, or they are getting too fired up in the house), etc. They really do learn that the crate is their "den." Mine go in theirs to sleep, and will stay in with the door open. Lilly goes to hers as soon as I start shutting off lights - she really seems to prefer sleeping there. Brownie goes on the command "Crate" but I have heard people use the comand "bed" or "home." The first few days can be loud - but if you tough it out you will be so glad you did.

Oh my, First off Does she have Crates? Refresh my memory at where you
are located. Maybe we could get a trainer that you could go to classes together

Ah, crates! They are lifesavers, aren't they, Sherri?

We're in Lake Orion, which is North of Pontiac. I haven't yet been able to find a decent, affordable place to train. Lynn works afternoons, so it would have to be a morning class for her.

This is my personal list of must have items for training any dog. I am not an expert. However, I am not sure what the qualifications are. Maybe if someone could explain them as it applies to dog training, I might be able to tell. Enough on that, here is my list of must haves.

1. A crate large enough for the dog to turn around in comfortably.
2. Some type of chain correction collar.
3. A leash about 6 feet long. I prefer leather, easier on the hands.
4. A long lead about 15 feet long.
5. A higher pitch happy voice.
6. A lower pitch firm voice.
7. A constant set of words for each action you expect from your dog

In my home a new dog will be in his crate, or on the leash, until we get some of the basics down, like sit, stay/wait, let’s go, down. When it’s time to go outside it is on leash, and before going out the door he must sit, wait, and then let’s go when I’m ready. Letting your new dog run the backyard puts him in control, not you. To have control you need a leash or long line to enforce the commands you are giving.

Obviously, this will not fix her dog issues, and I agree she needs some real help. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what to suggest.

Eric D

My aunt lives in the Lake Orion area and she used to go to community ed classes for obedience. I don't know what time they are at, probably at night, but maybe you could ge a hold of the trainer and set something up at a different time. I don't know the names of the trainers at all, but she really liked the classes and went for years with her black lab until he passed away.

Training Referrals

Lisa Laney
http://www.woofology.com/Default.htm

Brian Donovan
http://www.dogstartraining.com/

Terri Mallett
http://puptrainer.homestead.com/

Thanks guys! All of your support is so refreshing. I'm printing everything out and giving to Lynn. And again, can I bore you all and tell you what a joy Gracie is. It is such a thrill to see her so happy; what a personality, makes us laugh all the time. She talks, and I swear she tries to talk back to my teenage sons. My little Sheltie has seizures, and each time she has one, Gracie finds me to let me know. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful, loving creature!

A wonderful book is "How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It" ("How to" booklets from Dog's Best Friend) by Patricia B. McConnell. This gives you some great ways to take command in your own home...

I also have a friend that is a wonderful trainer, Maggie Ouillette, and she makes home visits. Let me know if you want her number.

YES, YES, I WOULD LOVE TO GET MAGGIE'S NUMBER. THANKS

Her home number is 734-426-6322. Just give her a call and see what you guys can arrange...

Thanks so much; you guys are so supportive, appreciate it.