Dog training?

I didn't buy the dog for me it's for my son that I feel needs a pet to grow up with. I'm not a dog lover but I will do what it takes for my son to be happy. I've been working w/ him quite a bit and so far he sits, gives howdy, and retrieves sticks from the pond(just not to far out). We came along way today. I took some advice to reward him and not scold him. That works much better. He's growing on me and I hope he and my son can be a good team.


SkyHi--That last post is really a little aggravating to me. You took responsibility for another life now you are frustrated at its dependence on you? It didnt choose a shitty owner, you chose it as a pet.
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--Why the hell do you think I'm trying to get advice about training him. It's just taht I have better things in my life to do than run a dog down.

Scissors--There's no such thing as an outside dog.

Either you have a dog, and you train it and care for it, or you have some ignorant fucking animal that stays tied up in your yard.

--First of all I live in a people house not a dog house that is why God gave us brains to build shelter and he gave dogs a fur coat. I know alot of people live w/ their dogs but I just can't do it. They are nasty animals. Are you saying I can't have a good outside dog?

I didn't really want to get into a discussion like this I just wanted advice on training and things like that. I am a responsible pet owner. Just a little ignorant on the behavior of dogs and how to work w/ them.

Thanks to the guys w/ the good advice. I'm learning alot here. Keep it coming.
 
I aint got much to add but I never had dogs before EVER in my life... before my Rottie.
Got her at 3 months old... and that dog was raised by me.
100+lbs and my son could walk him with me at four years old.
That dog would listen.

You boys are right. EIther you have some outside shittin' animal or a 'dog'.

do not answer to whining.
Give consistent commands.
and lots of love when they deserve it.

btw - labs stay 'puppies' longer than most dogs.
expect them to be chewing ur shit up longer.

and yeah this is something as an outside dog. I know plenty of them
 
Kenneth, basically you have to get into the mentality that the Lab pup is a baby. Just like you do your son, you have to teach it. The more time you spend with it, the better friend you will have. I know you said you got it for your son, but, I know your son, and he is not near ready to be able to care for, train, or anything else right now. Look at it like this, right now, your son, and the lab have about the same attention span. Short, very short! You will do the same things over and over to teach Mason how to do things, you have to do the same thing with Jake. Bite the bullet and spend the time with him.

Dogs can be nasty, if the owners don't take care of them. I guess by your reasoning I live in a dog house. But honestly, we don't think of Semi, or Sophie as dogs, they are more like kids, and friends that have unending love for us, no matter what we do, and will never grow up.

I know hind sight is 20/20, but I think you would have been better off finding an adult dog that was already trained. If you decide he is too much for you, let me know. I will give him a home.
 
lockedup5 said:
--First of all I live in a people house not a dog house that is why God gave us brains to build shelter and he gave dogs a fur coat. I know alot of people live w/ their dogs but I just can't do it. They are nasty animals. Are you saying I can't have a good outside dog?

I didn't really want to get into a discussion like this I just wanted advice on training and things like that. I am a responsible pet owner. Just a little ignorant on the behavior of dogs and how to work w/ them.
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Okay. Sit back for a minute and read your answer again. Think about it. Ready? If you're satisfied with what you said, you need to go ahead and get rid of the dog now. Better that than to provide your kid with a bad example of what it means to be a dog owner.

If you really want a dog that lives outside all the time, there are a few breeds better suited to the environment, but none of them ideal. Dogs are pack animals. Labs in particular have been bred to be "people" dogs. Being outside some is fine, but the dog needs time indoors with you and the kids in order to bond and learn his place within the family.

Dogs kept outside become destructive (esp true with labs and other high-activity dogs), develop barrier frustration disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, possession aggression, etc. They also don't live as long. It's not impossible to have a "good" outside dog, but the odds are decidedly against it.

This is less true if you're looking for a working dog to help you on your farm. But the reasoning is still true: a working dog spends all day with you, has a job and a place in the 'pack', and spends his nights guarding the sheep or chickens, etc.

Here's something else to think about: That lab is going to remain a puppy until he's roughly three years old. He's going to need intensive training and exercise for a couple of hours every day. Can you honestly say he's going to get it if he lives out in the yard? How long will it be before your son gets tired of him because when he does go outside, the dog jumps on him, and goes nuts from the excitement of a little company?

If you're not prepared to keep the dog inside when you're at home, do yourself and the dog a favor.
 
Labs, especially, need a LOT of interaction. Books and classes are good, but you have to devote time to this dog. Several HOURS a day. You have to make training the dog, teaching the dog and playing with the dog a priority. It isn't a weekend thing. If he doesn't get exercise (mental and physical) then he will do whatever it takes to release energy. He won't understand what is his to play with and what is yours that is off-limits until you teach him.

Dogs are pack animals and they aren't decision-makers. He will look to you for direction/instruction and for a job to do. Whether that is hunting or just fetching sticks and balls. If you don't step up and be the pack leader (as the Dog Whisperer would say)... then they get bored/destructive and maybe even aggressive.

How old is your son? Is he helping you work with the dog? Learning how to interact with the dog? Why do you think he needs a pet to grow up with? If you're not a "dog person" and consider them filthy, I'm just curious what the motivation is here. Sure, it is great that you are asking for advice, but your defensive responses and attitude don't seem wholly conducive to finding a solution. You are either committed to raising this dog (with your son) or you don't want to be bothered. Make that decision and stick with it, please don't make it the dog's fault.
 
Well guys I've turned to yall for advice and I appreciate some of it. I've not spent all this money and time buying a registered good bread dog for nothing. I'll tell yall I spend all the time w/ him I can TRY to get good advice from other dog owners. I provide all his necessities and he isn't just tied outside he has a good kennel in the shade w/ a good dog house. I feel I'm a good dog owner(maybe not the best) by doing these things and if someone thinks different oh well sorry. It's just a dog. Damn.

So in the end according to some of the thinking here all I'm going to end up w/ is a shitty dog. If it doesn't work out I will either sell him or take him to the pound.(or give him to Chip I guess he has dibbs on my awful dog.)

Scissors--I don't understand How am I being a bad example for a dog owner. By him not sleeping w/ me at night?

Trailhugger--My son is just 2 yrs old but I think every kid needs a pet. He's to young to help me w/ the dog but I thought maybe them growing up together would be great.
 
Re-reading my post I can see where it might come off as just a smart ass remark and I want to clarify my point.

First, I love dogs, especially labs. My dad raised them when I was a kid, and I trained them and even did some field trialing. I would estimate that I have held, fed and trained somewhere around 300 labs to different degrees in my life (one of which was just licking me in the face while I typed at my encouragement) I do not say this to brag or to hint that my opinion is all knowing or even right, I say this to establish a perspective on my feelings for dogs.

I value the life of my dogs over that of MANY people I know.

A dog is not a possession, like a race car, GI Joe, or go kart that every kid needs or deserves. A dog is living breathing creatures, and is a responsibility that far too few are actually deserving of.

I think every kid needs a gun and needs to be shown how to handle and use one, but if you go buy a pistol and hand it to a 5 year old there is a 50/50 chance he is going to die from it. A dog is very much the same way. They can be as good or as bad as you make them.

Just because you spend money on the dog or buy it things does not make you a good pet owner. Much like money wont make you a good parent. We have all heard the tale of the kid whose Dad gave him everything but a hug and then acted all surprised when the kid shot up half the class... that dog is the exact same way.

people get caught up in "smart" dogs and think they know more than they do. Right now that pup knows no difference between a piece of meat you feed it and your toddlers face. If you dont teach it that, you are to blame not it.

It reminds me of 2 dogs my dad bred/sold. They were triple, double recessives from the same litter...I will spare you the science but suffice to say a 1 in 32,000 chance occurred twice in one litter they were identical twins. One of which lived 16 years as a service animal for a blind lady, the other was put down at four years old for biting its owners neighbors child. Bad Dog? No bad dog owner...

While I am on that subject, buying an expensive dog or breed does very little for ensuring any quality of dog. I would estimate it at 5% breeding and 95% training. (Nature/Nurture)

So why did I make a smart ass remark?
you said

I will try to buy the book ya'll are talking about and hopefully read it. I just really get frustrated at the yapping and having to walk out and feed him then walk back and pick him up to put him in his kennel. If he would just kennel up I'd be happy for now.
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Lets look at that.
You will try to buy a book and hope to read it.
Yet you are frustrated at its yapping, and having to walk out and feed it and then walk back and put it up.

The way I read that
You bought this creature, took it away from its natural teacher and protector (its mother) for your own candid amusement. Now you are frustrated that it is hungry and expects you to feed it? And that it needs you to put it up?

how does it know to get in its kennel.
It does not until you teach it.
And yes it needs you to feed it, and it will as long as you own it. That means when you want to go on vacation you have to figure out a plan for it to be fed. You have a new responsibility and it doesn't sound like you understand or appreciate that.


I dont know you, never met ya. But Chip mentioned you have a young child. Put yourself in this situation...you are standing in Wal Mart and hear a mom in line in front of you, "I am so damn sick of that child of mine. i just brought him home from the hospital yesterday...now he wants me to feed him, cries all the damn time, and expects me to pick him up. Hell he is probably bawling his eyes out since I left him by himself to come buy me some cigarettes"...that is what I read in your post.

I am truly sorry that you thinks, "its just a dog"...and sorry for your dog. That pup can teach you and your son a million lessons. but it needs you to teach it a few first.
 
^^^1-I don't frequent book stores
2-I don't like to read.
That's why I'm asking for advice(not really asking for opinions or comments on my pet mentality)

Back on subject

Question: How do I train Jake to kennel up w/o having to make an unnecessary trip back to pick him up and physically put him in?

Beating, kicking, and hitting him w/ a stick doesn't work to well.
 
Kenneth, treats work great for about all training. Small, tasty treats.
Try and talk him in with a treat. It won't work, but try. Let him smell the treat, don't give it to him, lead him into the kennel with it, make him sit, and give him the treat. Along with the treat, a good head rubbing, side patting hug will go a long way also. do this every time! Not just when he does it alone, but every time you get him in. Reward what has happened.
Two kinds of rewards, a treat and attention. Both will take you a long way.
If by kennel you are talking about one of those chain link fence deals, do the same thing with his food.
A kennel is a lot of work, he will poop and pee in there. I found that mulch inside makes it easy to pitchfork out. Occasionally lime it to kill the smells.
Use the kennel for his protection, not his home. Every time you are out, let him out. The more he is out, the easier it will be to get him to go in when you need him too. when he is a little older, think about getting him an underground fence deal. They work great,....IF you train them to it. It has a video so not much to read!
I'd be happy to come by sometime and give you some pointers if you'd like me to.
 
WOW! You're gonna have your hands really full when the new baby gets here. Call me, I'll come get the dog when you are ready to let him go.
 
lockedup5 said:
Well guys I've turned to yall for advice and I appreciate some of it. I've not spent all this money and time buying a registered good bread dog for nothing. I'll tell yall I spend all the time w/ him I can TRY to get good advice from other dog owners. I provide all his necessities and he isn't just tied outside he has a good kennel in the shade w/ a good dog house. I feel I'm a good dog owner(maybe not the best) by doing these things and if someone thinks different oh well sorry. It's just a dog. Damn.
So in the end according to some of the thinking here all I'm going to end up w/ is a shitty dog. If it doesn't work out I will either sell him or take him to the pound.(or give him to Chip I guess he has dibbs on my awful dog.)
Scissors--I don't understand How am I being a bad example for a dog owner. By him not sleeping w/ me at night?
Trailhugger--My son is just 2 yrs old but I think every kid needs a pet. He's to young to help me w/ the dog but I thought maybe them growing up together would be great.
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The breeder should take the dog back, no questions asked.

Based on your follow-up responses, that's probably the best choice at this point.
 
saf-t scissors said:
There's no such thing as an outside dog.

Either you have a dog, and you train it and care for it, or you have some ignorant fucking animal that stays tied up in your yard.
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whoa now, lets back up a little bit


so basically you are saying that outside dogs are shiity animals and those of us who have strictly outside dogs are bad people?

my dog (female lab/pit mix) is an outside dog and has never been in the house other than during a hurricane. she is sharp as a tack and just as friendly as it gets. i have a lot of young cousins who my mom babysits sometimes and daisy (the dog) has never had any kind of problem with any of them and they pull her tail, put their hands in her mouth etc. she listens wonderfully to commands. she is free to go where ever she wants but stays in the yard or at the mill save for a quick trip up the road to visit with the neighbors chocolate lab. she is with me from 8am till dark every day at work and when im gone she is with my dad.

To say that all outside dogs are uncared for, misbehaving dolts is ignorant. some outside dogs are uncared for and subsequently misbehaving but so are some inside dogs.
 
There is some great advice through out this thread. I have 5 labs and they are all great dogs. Rescued 2, one was a pup and the other is estimated over 10 years old. The oldest is 13 this year and he has to stay inside the house. We got this dog when I was 6 and now I am 19 and he is like a brother to me. We house trained one of the females in 3 days. She is smart. In my opinion labs are some of the greatest dogs, great learners, good energy, and awesome companions. I am sure that you can get Jake to listen and act how you want him to with a little work and patience. They do eat alot, and shed. But that is just more time you get to spend with your dog. If he is already sitting, giving howdy and retrieving, I say he is making good progress.
 
awheelterd said:
she is with me from 8am till dark every day at work and when im gone she is with my dad.
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That's not an "outside" dog. She may have a little house that she sleeps in, but by your own description, she spends every waking hour with a human. That's a working dog.

On the contrary, the OP has a puppy which he has recently removed from the litter, put him alone in a kennel out in the yard, and he wants us to explain to him how to "train" the dog to STFU and go in his house when commanded. He has little to no previous experience raising and training a dog, the physical separation between the household and the animal will make spending time with it inconvenient at best, and his initial attitude and follow-up posts suggest that he has neither the patience necessary nor the willingness to learn how to raise the animal. Couple that with a toddler in the house and a baby on the way, the odds of success are terribly slim. Most of the folks I know with small children barely have enough time to keep their well-trained adult dogs adequately exercised.

Not the same thing. In one case, you have a companion animal, in the other, you have a hamster.
 
Just to let everyone know Jake has not died as of 10 o'clock when I put him up. And yes w/ Chips advice I've been using treats to get him to kennel up and it works miracles. Scissors I think you have it wrong w/ me. Ive been spending 2-3 hrs close to him daily and the rest of the time he's just running around the yard. I just put him in his kennel at night and when I'm away from the house during the day and alot of times he rides in the back of the truck if I'm not going to far. I've took him the pond/creek 3 times since friday and he loves it but he will not venture out to far in the pond. I've also got him retrieving sticks from the pond and he also brings it back and sets it at my feet most of the time. So things are going pretty I think.

Scissors: If you are so worried about this dog or think you can raise it better PM me and I will price the dog to you and you can come pick it up.
 
Glad to hear things are going good. Be careful, before you know it, it won't be "Honey, I am gonna run to town for a few things" IT will be, Honey, Jake and I are gonna go to town, he needs some things, ...Anything I can get for you?"

Keep up the good work, it WILL pay off!
 
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