Quote:
Originally Posted by BK911
"The goal is to have have him off leash, in our yard ( over an acre) and in public."
If I read this right, I would advise against it.
Having a dog off leash in public is just waiting for something to go wrong.
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Yup, both my Mastiffs were extremely well trained. Responded to every command the first time immediately. When the dogs have 50-100 lbs on the owners you can't have it any other way.
That said, the female at around 3 years old developed a severe dislike of certain dogs. There was no predictable pattern. She could be at the dog park with 50 other dogs having a great time and one would show up, she'd take one look, decide she didn't like it and it was on.
We are talking other dogs on the other side of a field just minding its own business. She'd charge across the field and engage.
Same with kids, around the same time she started having issues with kids who were exactly her eye level. Shorter no problem, taller, no problem. Eye to eye, not good.
I'm not a fan of shock collars or choker chains. Not much different than spanking your kids. It does not teach respect, only fear. Dogs are pack animals and the single easiest thing you can do is make it understand you are the Alpha.
That involves seemingly silly stuff like not allowing it to lead you through a door, it must always follow you.
The dog can't think like a person, you have to think like a dog.
Like, don't repeat commands, it only teaches the dog they don't have to listen the first time.
If it picks something up that you don't want it to have, don't chase it. Dog thinks, "what an awesome game, I should pick this up every time I want to play"
Don't use its name in your angry voice or when disciplining. Only teaches the dog to be afraid of its name and it won't react as well as if it only associates its name with food, getting pet, the good stuff.
Last, praise. Praise for a dog is far more valuable and effective than any shock collar.
Any time it does something you want it to do turn it into the frikken Macy's Parade celebration.
They want to please you so give them a reason to.