Dog behavour and training

hkenn1

Can anyone recommend a recognised course on dog or animal behavour and training? We've just got a new addition and would like to work with him. He's no problems behavour wise but when i walk him he's a bundle of nerves and is scared of everything.I know he's only a baby [17 weeks]and in time he become more confident,that's when i'd like to train him to do agility or herd cattle.He's a shepherd x with ?

Paul91

got any pictures?

hkenn1

I think he's made himself right at home.You'd never guess that he's really a trained killer.Ha ha:D

F.R.

What area are you in ?

Fatcat

Hi hkenn1,
Congratulations on your new addition!
If you're in Dublin you could try Dog Training Ireland.
As your pup is fast leaving puppyhood, I would recommend that you bring him to a qualified trainer as soon as possible as his issues around walks etc. will become more entrenched as he gets older.
Puppy socialisation classes are excellent to deal with any nervousness or other issues but most classes won't accept pups over 18 weeks old as this is when they get their adult teeth
However, a good trainer will be able to work with him and bring him along. I would recommend you only work with a trainer who uses positive, reward-based training methods.
Good luck with him - he's gorgeous!

Paul91

hkenn1 wrote: »

I think he's made himself right at home.You'd never guess that he's really a trained killer.Ha ha:D

ahh look at the little baby

hkenn1

I've already got a Setter x and he's a slob.Derrick is going to need more stimulation as he's german shepherd with possibly retriever possibly newfoundland.We live in the country so cattle herding is the best option.Just need to build confidence with cows,sheep,cars,wind,rain etc.But would not be without my co-pilot.(can't get in the car without my wingman).

Paul91

was going to go to a1-k9 myself with Derrick's brother and sister (Bully and Penny) which is near watergrasshill - but broke now after 4 months of puppy raising :rolleyes:

dublindogcare

Hi,
dogs go through critical development stages in their early life. Up to 16wks pups have no fear, and will approach everything with curiosity. It is also very important to get them socialised at this point with everything you want them to accept , i.e car rides , lous noises , cows , sheep , hover , men with beards etc etc.

After 16wks you will notice that your pup now seems to be afraid of its own shadow , from this point the dog will approach everything with caution. It will be fearful of things until it (being the situation or thing ) proves it is not a threat.

After the 16wk stage it will be harder for you to get the dog socialised with all the things you yourself need him to be so make sure he is out with the cows sheep etc . Also your pup needs to learn its bite inhibition (soft mouth) before the age of 18wks - this is going to be very important for you if you want him to be a working dog.

most training schools will only train basic obedience so you will prob need to find a one2one trainer to help you

Hope this helps
Ciara

shona2

hi,
had a dog trainer come out to my house,trained me and the dog,i think i needed more training than the dog,she was great,jet is so much better behaved now, problem paws was the name of the trainer,she gives great advise over the phone to

hkenn1

Thanks for your input.We had him out with the neighbours cattle today and seems to have a knack for herding.His confidence is starting to grow now.I'll keep you all posted on his progress.:)