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howldine asked in PetsDogs · 7 years ago

Would like Quality info to help in training a puppy of a breed/mix I've never had?

Female pup, 8 months old, spayed, UTD shots, Whippet/Pit Mix. Adopted from County ASPCA in Florida about 3 weeks ago. Back history is that the dog was with a homeless man who was then committed for mental health issues. Don't know how long he had the dog. She is incredibly people friendly/kid friendly. She appears naturally housebroken as I don't think she's ever been in a house before. She eats at a normal sedate pace and takes treats gently from fingers. She also sits fairly well about 85% of the time and then the rest of the time with mild correction. She is good with medium sized and larger dogs. She is also fairly good with my 3 indoor cats as now they mostly ignore each other. She needs a ton of daily exercise and is WICKED fast and is also extremely interested in chasing squirrels/small dogs that are outside. Some separation anxiety issues which are understandable because she was probably never separated from her homeless companion. Anyway, would like feedback on best book/video/show/blog that might help address some more advanced training issues. Anything relating to the Sighthounds or racing breeds would help. Not concerned at all about the Pit part of her- that's the loving people side. It's the Sighthound that makes her want to chase. Thanks in advance- but please don't waste anyone's time suggesting Cesar Milan- I am very familiar with him and I don't agree with most of the methods nor do I like the format of the show. Thanks

3 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Find what motivates your dog. Some dogs do anything for food. Some dogs do anything for Toys. Some do anything for a good petting. Some do anything for only one type of food, like cheese, or hotdog. Some only have interest in training for 5 minutes at a time, and others can go for an hour. Figure out what your dog is willing to work for, and then work with her in sessions that are no longer than she can tolerate. How to train your dog properly https://tr.im/p7n73

    Sign up for a dog obedience training class. It will not train your dog. It will give you training on how you can train your dog. Most people understand the idea of training, but there is a right and a wrong way to do it, and there is good and bad technique. Timing and consistency is very important, and it helps to have feedback of someone watching you who can help you improve your technique to get more efficient results with your dog.

    However, she may be somewhat anxious around other dogs, sort of like the shy kid on the playground. She will benefit from continuing what you are doing as far as asking her to sit before entering, but there are more things along those lines that will help her to calmly go in and out of the dog park. She may also benefit from going in short bursts, or only when fewer dogs are present, or avoiding times when other dogs that make her nervous are present. Maybe she just plays loud - my brother's dog is this way - or maybe she is a dogpark bully - sorry it is possible. But more likely she is just a little anxious around new dogs and she wants to play but just doesn't quite know how to do that and still feel comfortable. Don't be surprised if your dog does not actually like the dog park, and maybe she would get more enjoyment and less stress out of simply going for a good walk somewhere else.

    A wagging tail does not mean that your dog is happy or even comfortable with the situation. It means your dog is emotionally aroused. This could be a happy arousal, or it could be a nervous arousal, or it could be an aggressive arousal. Go youtube it, there are plenty of videos of 'vicious' dogs who are throwing a very aggressive fit of barking and snarling while their tail is wagging vigorously. Even police dogs who are not let off the leash to chase down a suspect can be lunging and barking and snarling, and their tails are still going.

  • Rosie
    Lv 7
    7 years ago

    I don't have any experience with Sighthounds, but if I had that mix, there are 2 things I'd be looking into. Lure coursing and agility. (I compete in agility with my Pit)

    If either of those interest you, can should be able to find groups or clubs in your area that can help you.

    Other than that, I'd search youtube for videos that are what you're looking for.

    Here is one I found on a quick search

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZPChwE8ZyM

  • Lizzie
    Lv 7
    7 years ago

    Go see the KikoPup videos on YouTube. You will find a complete, FREE dog training course that covers all kinds of things.

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