Minty_Pups
Posted : 7/2/2006 1:07:28 PM
Hi, I strongly advise enrolling in an obedience class with your dog. Not only will it be a great chance for him to meet other dogs, but you'll also be taught how to train your dog by a professional trainer.
Earning respect from an older dog takes a lot of patience and hard work. I've found that it's the little things you do that builds up and eventually shows the dog that you're the boss. For example, make sure he's on a tight feeding schedule, and you're the one who gives him the food and has the ability to take it away. For me, I only give my dogs 15 minutes max to eat their food. If they dont, then they'd have to wait till the next meal.
Also when you walk, train your dog to heel, so he's walking behind and beside you. In a pack, the alpha always walks in the front, and the rest of the pack follows. You have to establish that you're the alpha, so he has to follow where you go.
It's normal for dogs to only respond to treats at first when you're training. Make sure you find a treat that he REALLY likes. I make my own chicken liver treats. You can find the recipe here on idog under the recipes forum. You can slowly wein your dog off of treats by using verbal praise and giving the treat after 2 or 3 commands. You can also use a toy if your dog has a favorite toy. Mine loves to play fetch, so I always mix some commands into our play time inbetween throws.