any advice please

lisachild · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 12:36 pm Post subject: any advice please

i have a 16 month old labrador called buster i have had him since sunday i got given him free from a couple who had had him since young but cant deal with his barking and pulling bless him
right he pulls on the lead all the time what i have tryed is walking up and down out the front about 5 times before we go for a walk and he stops a bit then every min or so i say slowly good boy to him and he is getting better i think am i doing the right thing and also he has a barking prob barks at any think in doors and when we are out he trys jummying at people and barks at them no matter where they are any tips would be great his mum and dad where gun dogs

_joanne_ · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:28 pm Post subject:

I would perhaps enroll him in training classes.

Sleeping_Lion · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject:

Training classes sound ideal, you will learn a lot as a dog owner/handler, as well as hopefully having any problems solved with Buster (I used to have a budgie with that name).

Lead walking takes patience and consistency. Every time Buster pulls check him (tug on lead not hard but enough to get his attention), when he responds by stopping tugging, or even better looks back at you IMMEDIATELY praise - it is important not to use his name as a reprimand, so for example 'NO Buster' should never be used. If checking doesn't work, ask him to sit, long slow strokes down his back (not chest as this can excite them) and when he relaxes set off again - sit him again as soon as he gets ahead or you/pulls.

With the barking I suspect Buster is getting what he wants every time he does it, which is your attention? If he gets a negative consequence, such as crating or separating by putting into a room by himself he will soon learn when you tell him quiet, if he doesn't give the correct response that he will be separated for a short while. They're not daft, and he will soon work out what is happening. You may get the added response that he'll chew something when you separate him just so he does get the attention - crating is best.

But definitely I would ask for recommended training classes in your area, other LF members would be only too happy to recommend one I'm sure.

Eshiels · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 6:10 pm Post subject:

Training classes are ok. But by the sounds of it Buster thinks he's the boss, and you need to act quickly or you'll always have a problem with him.

I would have a look and see if there any professional dog trainers in your area and book a one to one. To get you off on the right foot, then maybe attend classes.

Ian

PaulNicqui · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:31 pm Post subject:

Have you tried training him with a holtey?! (Sorry about the spelling)