Recent content by arklady

Consider breaking the behaviors down into small components. Often, if you go to fast with variations the dog gets confused. I tend to have people practice with left and right heels and do a backward heel all as different behaviors. Also, you can fool around and reward the position first and...

Get professional help. There can be a variety of reasons the dog is barking and for the personality change. You'll save you and your dog a lot of further aggravation if you have an assessment in home to troubleshoot the issue. Try http://www.iaabc.org/

Veterinarians don't specifically know about raw diets or how to move an animal onto one. I'd do a gradual change and use the raw as treats to begin with and slowly change over. Make sure you supply a good balance--you can also try frozen raw diets that already do that for you.

Good that you brought it to the attention. I'd spend some time working on retraining in higher distraction situations so if you face this again you'll have been luck.

Funny...and pretty true for a bunch of people.

Try rat chow with some monkey chow and fruits and veggies. I had separate cages for my two males and they were a riot. You can train them and it is a lot of fun!

TOTW is rising on the preference list for many areas but I've also recommended EVO. I think it is a matter of preference and availability. If you are not sure, get a few sample bags to use as treats and see which you dog prefers.

It is a matter of choice whether or not your go grain free. Many dogs do well on grain free--especially those pets who have allergies. As always, gradual change is the key to changing any diet.

When I did group courses (and ran the municipal programs) I did NOT have them bring the dogs during the first class. I discussed rules, equipment, and then taught a class on behavior--they had a quiz after. You can teach clicking by using a human guinea pig--it breaks the ice--and helps them...

I have a few catahoulas that I have trained out here in the west. They are really great dogs--sometimes high energy but really sweet and responsive.

Hey, I am still pretty new and getting used to things around here. There is lots to explore so have fun!

Puppies get that oral fixation and test the limits. They learn to have a softer mouth from litter mates who squeal or run off it one pup is too rough. So, there are several things you can do: Try saying "ouch!" followed by "no biting" and cease any interactions immediately when your pup bites...

In our area you actually have to file a written complaint after three calls to AC. We have one guy with four dogs who roam and terrorize those who don't know them. They are all pits without collars. He has paid hundreds of dollars in fines but does it all over again. All the neighbors like...

LMAO good strategy. Thinking about all those people I'd just like to give a raspberry to...I spend more time writing these days rather than dealing with those types.

Nice work. Welcome to the forums. I am pretty new also and getting used to this whole thing.