Anyone sent their dog off to training camp??

WolfSong2000

Well the noise thing seems to be the main issue...if he's not listening to you out on walks, then he obviously doesn't see you as head of the pack, so you need to re-enforce this, e.g. eat before he does, walk through doorways before he does, don't let him on furniture, etc. He'll be much happier when he knows he has a stable place in your family "pack". It may be worth getting a special collar that sprays a puff of air into his face (never, ever touch the electric collars!), and to do this if he ignores you...say you give him a command twice, he ignores you - *puff* - this will give him a shock (not literally) and momentarily divert his attention, giving you a chance to offer the command again, rewarding him when he even looks in your direction and acknowledges the command...this is best done with a trainer initially, though, as if it's not done properly and consistently, it'll just mess the dog up even more . One way or another you need to teach him that the noise is unacceptable...one other possible method (although consult a trainer before doing this!) is to place your hand lightly round his muzzle and say "no" firmly (not shouting). In the wild, a higher-ranking wolf will place his mouth over that of a lower ranking wolf as a mild form of admonishment. Never do it hard, or ever hit the dog, but like I said, may be worth trying...

As for the collar...if he still hates it, get him a new, light-weight one. Put it on for one minute, praising the dog as you do so, and continue to praise him as long as he behaves then take it off. Continue this at intervals throughout the day, always praising "good" behavior (not cowering, etc). The idea is you're trying to enforce the idea that wearing a collar is actually a good thing, as he'll get praised for it...this is another time when clicker training would come in handy. Eventually, the dog will associate the collar with positive re-enforcement and it should become less of an issue...same for the lead..put it on for a minute, positive praise, then remove it...you don't even have to go anywhere, in fact initially I wouldn't...just sit there with your dog. Graduate this to walking round the room, then in the garden, all at a pace that the dog is comfortable with. Make it into a game for him, so he knows that if he behaves, he'll be rewarded. Proper training is all about positive re-enforcement

foreign_correspondent

I would be wary of the aversive training collars, especially as this dog actually sounds quite neurotic and very sensitive... and as you say, this method could mess the dog up further.

WolfSong2000

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

I would be wary of the aversive training collars, especially as this dog actually sounds quite neurotic and very sensitive... and as you say, this method could mess the dog up further.

It's a last resort, I agree, and should be used in conjunction with a qualified trainer as I have seen dogs go nuts from owners inadvertently using the collars wrong, however in the right hands, and if the dog isn't totally nuts (here's to hoping) they can work...my mother's used one on her retriever who is a very sensitive boy (he gets visibly upset if he thinks you're laughing at him...weird dog), and although he doesn't like it (what dog does), it has been effective...now she doesn't even have to put the collar on - she just as to show it to him - and it has the required effect.

marshallka

The spray collars would not be an option as he has problems with his eyes now and has superficial (so they say!!) corneal ulcers which he is being treated for now. He also has ALWAYS sneezed all the time when he has something in his mouth (which is most of the time).

Regards his ordinary collar he is fine with it now. He will listen on walks when he is off the lead he comes back at command and actually sits to have his lead back on but then the noise starts again. He sits at crossing the road too but just yelps. The noise is enough to turn anyone sane insane lol. I am stressed and I admit I am when I walk him.:o

vb77

Sorry you are having such problems with your dog. I wouldn't reccommend sending him away for training though however appealing it seems!
Try getting in touch with Wiccaweys collie resue. They really really know collies and are used to dealing with those with issues. They are willing to offer advice on behaviour problems in collies - and there won't be much they haven't seen!
Their website is wiccaweys.co.uk
Perhaps if they are able to help you you could donate some of the money you would have spent on sending him away to them to help them continue their work rescuing collies
Good luck

foreign_correspondent

wiccaweys would be great people to suggest a decent 'collie savvy' behavioralist in your area too!

marshallka

Thanks vb77.:beer: and you all for all the advise. I am feeling better and more positive about this already...

marshallka

Just been looking at Wiccaweys and the charge a minimum of £40 per hour plus travelling. I will give them a ring tomorrow. He has to go the vets tonight and I have been practicing the muzzle at home and then giving him treats. He obviously does not like it but seemed a little calmer and also calmer on his walks today. He has now had the serene calm um tabs for 3 days and they may have worked an incy bit but not a lot. Time will tell:eek:.

MrsTinks

Wiccaways specilise in collies and as a rescue I would personally recommend them - I have no experience in their training though but I'd certainly trust them in having their heads screwed on right
As for a good trainer... I would honestly recommend Lynne Davies - she's not cheap but certainly cheaper than a 3 week boot camp...
Serene'um will not work over night and it's not a cure.
Whilst where you are in the country will depend on whether Lynne is a possibility or not then she does have good experience and understanding of collies (mine is half collie) and she really does know what she's on about! Soon as this baby is out and I can start doing things again then we're going to group sessions there (as is my vet with her dobie btw ). She's based in MK so it's a bit of a drive for me but definitely worth it. We've been following her advice for the last 6+ months and it's showing. It's not a quick fix though and at 8+years old I'd not expect an overnight solution to your dogs problems either...
However - please don't send dogs on these boot camp training sessions unless they are residential courses where YOU have to go too... A friend of mine looked at basically doing it as a trainer (she's already a dog trainer) and she was so disgusted by the methods used and the attitudes of the people running it... whilst the money would have been handy then she couldn't with a clear conscience hand a dog back to an owner and whilst it would certainly behave for her then 2 weeks down the road with no proper training for the owner they'd be back to square 1...
If you want a dog you have to do the hard work yourself - not hand it over to someone else to do it for you and "fix" the dog.
Kira is 3 now and she's still very hard work, but I would never dream of sending her off to be trained without me going - she's our dog and our responcibility...

jimbugalee

I haven't read all of the posts on here but had a scan through so apologies if this has been mentioned previously.

Wolfsong touched on it - have you ever seen The Dog Whisperer? It talks about everything people mentioned on here but really brings everything together and makes it simple. It's about dog psychology rather than dog training.

I could ramble on about all the methods here but I would advise to watch the programme/read the books. I am certain there is nothing like real life but I think it really gives you a different perspective and an overall approach rather than trying to tackle each problem individually.

Not sure of everyone else's opinions on this?

I am happy to give specifics on approach and how you could go about working with your dog but didn't know if it was my place as although I've worked with dogs for years I'm not a dog trainer (although I'd love to be one!)

Gemma