Hi guys my name is Rachael and my partner (Christopher) have recently brought home a beautiful Dalmatian puppy called Rush. I just want some advice on training rush. He seems to have almost nailed the house training (only had a few accidents inside). I am curious about different training techniques that people have used to get the correct behaviour they want for their Dalmatian. Any help is much appreciated Thanks Rachael, Christopher and Rush x
Congratulations on your new puppy! I am afraid that I cannot help you but Pereg and I would like to welcome you to Breedia! We would also love to see photos of Rush!
Hi Rachael - Rush is so cute! And what an awesome name Re training, I personally go by NILIF (nothing in life is free) and get the dog to do something before getting something, such as before food, before play, etc. I feel this instills good manners into a dog, not dissimilar to teaching a child please and thank you. I also go for reward based training, and by setting the dog up to succeed (so make things very easy for him). In time, you will learn what works best for you - but while getting there, read a few books. The culture clash by Jean Donaldson is certainly worth a look I look forward to reading more about Rush and his adventures - with photos of course!
Thanks guys it's nice to be able to talk to people that are in or have been in my shoes Azz I will have a look for that book I have been looking at a few but wasn't sure which one was best. To be honest I didn't want to spend the money without recommendations on them first . I saw a book call Dalmatian savvy has any one heard of it and is it any good? The info I have had a read of on this book seems good, but I am a strong believer in if it's to good to be true it probably is when it comes to things on line haha!!
Hi I am a puppy trainer what sort of training are you looking at, Walking, recall, stay, sit, down or is it something else your after.
Hello Rachael and welcome This is a little booklet by two APDT trainers containing very useful information for new puppy owners. http://www.lynfleet.com/the_fast_track_puppy_survival_kit.html Also 'The Culture Clash' as mentioned above by Azz is a good book to have. You may find the training videos made by Carolyn Menteith of The Dogs Trust very useful.. They contain basic training for things like recall etc. http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/t/trainingvideos/#.U6IXNfn3UfU You could also consider signing up to a training class run by an APDT trainer who use only positive reinforcement methods and clicker training .If you telephone they are usually happy for you to go and sit in on a class before you sign up. http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/local-dog-trainers
Awwww wow thanks guys. As for what training we want it's for it all haha. We have got a few things working already and have started using a clicker when he is displaying the behaviour we want to see. Sounds a silly question but can I google the ADPT trainers to see if there is any in my area (Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire)
I am sure you will be able to find the sort of trainer you want in Scunthorpe - try googling and see what it comes up with. Puppy socialization classes would be great for him. I've known two dalmations very well - loved both of them! However, there was a big difference in personality. The bitch was very easy to train, the dog was quite a handful and sometimes a problem with other dogs. So I was left with the impression that male dalmations can be quite dominant, but perhaps it was just that one individual dog. Can you ask the breeder for training advice? My husband has always wanted a dalmation - and seeing your gorgeous boy is making me want one too!
Hi Rachael yes you can Google APDT but I have already put a link to the appropriate page for you in my post above . There are two pages of trainers in Lincs I don't know how close you are to them. As well as training these classes will give your puppy an opportunity to meet other puppies as part of the important process of socialisation.
Hey guys the vets I have him registered at have 'puppy parties' every Tuesday night. This is where we can take rush to meet and play with other puppies and it's free of charge which is always an added bonus. My task for this afternoon is to google some training classes around my area fingers crossed there are some that are close. Meg thank you I was half asleep when I was reading the post last nighthawk! I shall take a look at the links in a bit. I am going to go now as rush has just woken up and is full of beans haha! I will check back in when the monster is asleep again many thanks guys for your help Love Rachael, Christopher and Rush xx
Rachael I would be careful with training classes. APDT use only gentle reward based training, some others are not so good and advocate yanking puppies around on choke chains
What a gorgeous puppy and love his name x Depends how they are run but Im not a fan of Puppy Classes and they are not suitable for all pups, especially when they are let loose, they should match the puppies based on personality and play style but lots don’t and shy ones can be overwhelmed by the more bolder ones if pounced on. As for ‘trainers/Behaviourists I personally don’t go by memberships / franchises / qualifications etc. I judge a dog trainer by gut instinct and what they have achieved. I think its very important that one should check out a training club/Trainers before committing themselves. Observe classes without your dog, that way you get to see first hand the methods used and how the dogs and handlers behave. Are the trainers happy to talk with you or are you just there to pay their mortgage.
Hi GsdSlave yes I agree with what you are saying. We have been given a number of a trainer local to us that has been highly recommended which to me bodes well in my eyes. Christopher is going to give them a ring tomorrow to get some more information about what they do
Hey guys quick question Christopher and myself have been told to try pinning rush when he goes for us, which is becoming more and more these last couple of days along with snapping and growling at us. What are your thoughts on this? I am not sure about bit thought I would ask you guys see what you say Thanks Rachael
Rachael - I am not sure what "pinning" is but I do not like the sound of it. When Rush "goes" for you, stand up, cross your arms, and turn your back on him. If you react he will think that it is either a game or that he can get away with doing whatever he wants.
Yeah I totally agree with you malka. I said to Christopher I don't like the sound of it and he felt the same. So glad someone feels the same way