Archive for the tag 'trainer'

Ask the Frenchie Trainer - Barking Bully Boy

gollygear July 17th, 2008

I have a 5 year old male frenchie who is very aggressive with other dogs.  I am having trouble with him even seeing another dog on walks in parks etc.    He will bark and lunge and get very upset.  It is really hard to stop this behavior  We live in the country  and he does not routinely play with dogs a lot but he does like dogs he knows a bit.   We travel a lot and so he does meet a lot of dogs and he is more and more aggressive toward them.      In every other way he is such a wonderful dog.

I am considering getting him a bark collar so he will at least not bark at dogs when he sees them but wonder if even that would work.

Thank you for any advice you can give me.

Hope writes -

From your description, it’s hard for me to tell if your boy is truly being aggressive, or just trying desperately to “meet” the other dogs. Either would fit the “barking and lunging.” Since you call it aggression, I’ll assume that’s what we’re dealing with.

There are several exercises you should practise with your boy. The first is “Leave it.” This one will apply to anything you want it to - delightful smells/trash on the ground, other dogs, people, etc. Sit with your dog in an area without distractions. Have a bunch of yummy treats. One at a time, give your dog the treats, saying “take it” as you give him each one. After a few, close your hand around the treat and say “Leave It.” He  will probably sniff, paw and perhaps nibble at your hand. Be patient. As soon as he looks away from the “cookie hand,” even if it’s just for an instant, tell him “Good Leave It!” and give him a different cookie. Randomize the “take its” and “Leave its” and practise a couple of minutes, a few times a day. When you’re sure he has the idea, you can broaden “Leave it” to anything he’s fascinated by. Be sure you do have a reward handy when he turns his attention away from the object, person, or dog.

Another good exercise is “watch.” Again, find a couple of minutes in a distraction-free zone with your dog. Have him sit in front of you. When he looks up at your face, say “Good Watch!” and give him a treat. We want him to learn that looking at your face will always be a good thing and deserves a reward.

When you’re out and about with your boy, try to be aware of your surroundings and situations that may trigger his aggressive behavior. Before he even knows there’s another dog approaching, have him sit facing you (away from the other dog) and watch! Be prepared with treats. Be sure that your dog is safe - you absolutely don’t want the other dog coming up behind yours. When you ask him to behave, you are asking him to trust that you’ll keep him safe.

The key is to be in control of the situation and to head off problems before they start. If you are fearful, nervous, or apprehensive, that emotion will travel straight down the leash and may cause your dog to become protective and aggressive. Know that you are in control and that your dog will behave. Make it happen.

If these simple, distractive techniques don’t work to control the situation, do seek help from a professional dog trainer in your area. Ask local dog clubs and dog professionals for referrals. Be sure the trainer is right for you and your dog - ask for references and, if possible, watch the trainer in action.

Good luck!
Hope

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Ask the Frenchie Trainer - Multiple French Bulldogs?

admin July 9th, 2008

I have 2 male frenchies 4 and 5 years old. Can I introduce a new female puppy into the family? (also a frenchie).

Hope writes -

One Frenchie is good, two is better and a whole pack - best of all!

Actually, I can’t really tell from the sparse information you provide whether another dog would be a good idea. Among the questions you should consider before adding a girl puppy to the mix are:

How do the boys get along with each other? Are there rivalries already in place?
How well trained are the boys? Will they teach a puppy bad habits?
How do the boys react to other dogs?
Are the boys protective of their territory? their food? their toys?
Are they healthy and fit?
What are their personalities like? Are they pretty easy-going? grumpy? short-tempered?
Do they play rough? How would you protect a puppy from their romping?
Do you have space for another dog?
Do you have time to spend training another dog?

Consider all the pros and cons. If another dog is right for your family - enjoy!
-Hope

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Ask the French Bulldog Trainer - The Little Frenchie that wouldn’t walk

admin July 7th, 2008

I wonder if you can help, I have a ten and a half week old French bulldog pup. Its not that I have a problem with him, my vet gives him a good rating for his first check, he has to go back in 2 weeks for next jabs. My issue is when I take him out to walk, i get the bulldogedness, no he wont walk, I have a small collar on him (with plenty room) and if I want him to walk i practically have to drag him. I have a lot more experience with boxers, so haven’t encountered this before, he also seem to prefer to poop indoors than out. I realise all this is probably quite normal, however how long can I expect it to last?

We are not doing crate training, he has a open bed, during work hours he is in a large tiled hallway and has plenty space to play with his toys, he is not free fed. A perfect example is today I was at home for lunch for 2 hours as I am every day (we are starting the separation training hence why half a day I am back in the office), I feed him when I got in, 2 hours later despite attempting a walk and playing in his outdoor yard for over an hour he wont poop, however I come back to work for an hour, he’ll poop almost straight away, I don’t punish him for pooping as he’s only a baby and don’t believe in punishment anyway, I am just looking for frenchie specific goals that can be achieved.

In summation, I was hoping to have this under control by the 3rd or 4th month, is this an unreasonable expectation? Also, will he grow into walking and enjoying a walk?

Hope writes -

I’ll certainly try to help - we want to get your little guy off to a good start!

You may not have realized it but you have two entirely separate questions here:
How do I get my puppy to walk on a leash? and
How do I housebreak my puppy?

The second question first: if you’re not crate training, you have a long and miserable task ahead of you. Your puppy will rule your schedule, and you’ll spend a lot of time outside, standing around, waiting until the inevitable finally happens.

I’m not sure why some people are resistant to crate-training. Dogs are, by nature, den animals - most wild canids seek secure shelter in a small space. A crate or cage isn’t a punishment, it’s your puppy’s “room” - someplace to be safe, comfortable and happy. By using a crate, you’re allowing your puppy to be “good” all the time - he has no opporunity to get into mischief. Please rethink your reluctance to try crate training.

Your first question about walking on a leash is actually fairly simple to train. When the puppy is not in its crate (never, ever leave a collar or harness on a dog in a crate), put on its collar or harness. For short periods of time, while you’re paying attention, tie a short string on the collar and play with your puppy, letting it run around with the string trailing. Distract him with a toy or other game if he wants to chew on the string. In time, replace the string with a leash until he’s comfortable and happy with something “hanging” from his collar or harness.

When you go outside with the puppy on collar and leash, let the puppy sit if he wants to. Have the leash very loose - the best way to get a dog to stay where he is is to pull on him to get him to move. As soon as he gets up and moves around, tell him he’s a good boy and give him a treat. You can lure him to you with a treat if you like - praise him whenever he’s in motion. It may take some patience, but he will figure out that it’s fun to go with you. Please don’t drag him along - the more unpleasant the experience, the less he’ll want to go for a walk.

Your puppy is still very, very young. Most puppies have a “fear period” from about eight to 12 weeks. Make sure your little guy has positive experiences during this time and in the future. French Bulldogs may not be the easiest dogs to train, but they certainly are trainable. The more “work” you put in now, the happier you’ll both be in the long run.

-Hope

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Ask the Frenchie Trainer - Boys Behaving Badly

admin June 29th, 2008

Dear Hope,

We are proud owners of two very handsome male (intact, 2 ½ yrs old) French bulldogs. Max and Maddox are brothers from the same littler and have only been separated once when Maddox underwent eye surgery last year. We have spoiled them rotten and they are very loved by everyone in the household.

The last eight months we have had aggression episodes between them when visitors come, when food is around (people eating snacks) or when by accident one of them is nudged. Max has always been the most dominant but Maddox (the runt) also has a little temper. It all started by them giving each other the eye in an intimidating manner. Once one got too close to comfort the fight began and we had to pick one up and separate them. It has become now more frequent and Max will start by giving Maddox the eye if I get too close to Maddox (or anyone that they wish their attention at the time). He will growl and then charge or he will walk right between Maddox and the person who is close to him! Maddox will fight back. We separate them, one goes to the kitchen and the other normally stays in another room until we think it has passed. Yesterday, it happened twice in about 30 mins and when I tried to spank Max on his bum be went at me. He did not bite but he was really mad at me for telling him off and the spank in his bum. I read today that this is not the right way to correct behaviors so we are in need of some guidance from you since we love them both and we do not wish to separate them.

We really do not want to neuter them but if this is the solution along with training then we are open to it. Any advice you may provide us with is greatly appreciated since they are like our children and we love them dearly. We just want to do what is best for them both.

Hope writes -

I admit that my dogs are also spoiled, indulged, adored and one of the greatest joys of my life. That doesn’t mean they get to run it. As the responsible adult in the family, I get to set the rules and everyone abides by them. Including the dogs.

Aggression is not to be tolerated. Neutering would certainly help your boys regain their equilibrium, as well as help them avoid health problems as they get older. Training is another crucial component in restoring peace to your household.

I do know some people who play “puppy shuffle” because their dogs won’t get along. I certainly wouldn’t want to live that way and I’m very glad you’re willing to put in the effort to train your boys so it won’t be necessary.

Max and Maddox need to know that you aren’t going to tolerate their aggression. It’s not okay, it’s not cute, and they have to stop. When you see either of them trying to “stare down” the other - get his attention by calling his name, squeaking a toy, saying “cookie” or whatever will work. If nothing else - slam a book down on the floor to get him to look. Praise him - “Good Watch!” and give him a treat. If his attention goes back to his brother - say “eh,” and praise him when he looks back at you.

Teach both of the boys to “leave it.” Without distractions, take one of the boys with you into another room and sit in a chair. Feed him delicious tidbits, saying “take it” as you give him each one. After he learns this wonderful new game (in about 10 seconds), say “Leave it” firmly, and hide the next treat in your hand. He may paw at it, or try to nibble it away. Don’t let him. As soon as his attention leaves your hand, say “Good Leave It!,” and give him a different treat. Repeat this several times, randomizing “take it” and “leave it.” It may take a few sessions to sink in, but it’s well worth it.

Once Max and Maddox know “leave it” you can apply it to every situation; each other, strangers, food, toys, other dogs, etc. You should praise them lavishly for doing as you want.

The other half of the equation is making sure that unacceptable behavior is not rewarded. If attention is what they want - don’t give it to them. Dogs don’t really distinguish between “negative” and “positive” attention - they just know they’re the center of the universe. Turn your back to them or crate them both.

Take back control of your boys. Both of them would benefit from obedience training. Try to find a good class in your area. They are the equivalent of teenagers, looking for ways to get into trouble, with hormones raging. Direct their energy positively and keep them occupied with acceptable activity. If they won’t play nicely - they don’t get to play at all.

-Hope

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Ask the Trainer - French Bulldog Puppy Won’t Potty Train

admin June 27th, 2008

I have a french bulldog who will be a year old in August.  We got him at around 5 months old, and he was used to going to the bathroom wherever he wanted.

We are having a very hard time potty training him. He is put in a crate, and does well for the most part, but still has several accidents in the house.

I know he knows he is supposed to go outside. He sometimes goes to the door, but not always.

Any Advice? Thanks!

Hope writes -

Potty training a Frenchie can be a long, tedious, frustrating process. Frenchies truly have to be convinced you’re serious about housebreaking.

You’ve started with a disadvantage - your little guy came with a bad habit and not only has to be trained to eliminate in the proper place - he has to be “untrained” not to go in the wrong place. You say that he “knows” he’s supposed to go out. I would suggest that, at this point, he knows that “out” is one of his options. He’s not convinced it’s the only one.

I’m sorry to say there’s no quick and easy fix. You’re going to have to go back to the beginning. When you’re not able to pay attention to him, he goes in his crate. If you can pay partial attention to him, he’s attached by a leash to your belt loop. If he tries to leave the room - you’re right on his heels, ready to take him out.

Establish a schedule for “potty breaks” and stick to it. If he doesn’t take advantage of a potty break to “do his business” he goes into his crate for 10 minutes to think about it. Then try again.

I know it’s not much fun, but once they get the routine firmly established in their hard little heads, Frenchies are capable of sticking to the house rules.

-Hope

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