Trainer referral

E

Ember90710

Forums Regular
Does any one know a good trainer in the Harbor City/Torrance/San Pedro area? I need help. This is my first dog and nothing seems to work with her. She will listen to me when there are ZERO distractions or if I have a treat in front of her nose. Otherwise, she pays no attention and could care less what I do or say.
I have used on e trainer already, but she uses the prong collar and it really does not matter to Ember..she will pull and pull and choke and gasp, but it does not affect her, so I feel we have made little progress. Can anyone recommend someone (that hopefully is not too expensive?):confused2:
 
You have to build up to not needing food, and handling distractions gradually. For the treat issue, I'd use both feeding and praise, and gradually fade out the treats. Praise should be equally valuable. Start by treating every time, when that is successful, every other time, then one in three, one in five, one in ten. Always offer the verbal praise, or praise and petting, build a dog who enjoys working with you.
As for distractions, work on that gradually as well. You can't go from working in the house with no noise and no distractions to say... working in the park with everything going on. You should build from maybe being able to work in one room to being able to work anywhere in the house, then maybe to having your dog work in the backyard with minimal distractions, then maybe to the front yard, then perhaps with a person around, to many around, to another dog nearby.. so on and so forth. Just take your time and work slowly at progressing to allow your dog to be successful.
As for pulling, I've only had one that pulled. I have never used a prong collar on my dogs. The puller learned not to pull mostly by learning to heel. I rewarded her with cookies and praise for watching me, and walking in heel position, as opposed to hauling on the leash. You may only be able to get a few steps of loose leash walking at first, and I would reward frequently at first for any loose leash walking. She needs to learn what you want from her. Eventually, you should be able to ask your dog to heel, and expect the dog to stay by your side while not hauling on you.
A lot of people here though use the haltis or gentle leaders and have had a lot of success with those. You may look into using them as well.
 
it might benefit if you only walk in front of your house even if you have to pass same area 100 times, or in the block around your house. When there is nothing to pull towards, it is kinda makes it easier on you.
 
Sandy...I'd recommend a basic obedience class through your city Parks and Rec. If you don't have one offered there...you could try surrounding cities. We did that with Baron and it was reasonably priced and a very good class....and may I add...he got a trophy for 1st Place in his class! The main thing is taking the time to practice what they preach ;-). Very worthwhile ;-).. Hope this helps..
 
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