Dog Question?UPDATED!! 9,30,11

[larry merlau]

well he has settled down now that we have gotten back and he has had some frisbee time,, he is good for doctoring and pills though.. lays down like a gator on its back..

[Brent Dowell]

I don't think Bucky will ever get comfortable going for Car rides. She just gets wacky in the car.

Taking her to the Vet is always an experience. Takes 3 vet techs to hold her down to do anything. Not because she's 'bad', but just because she's so darn happy and excited.

She's good around the homestead though, and I love her and her big thick head.

[Chuck Ellis]

I haven't read through this thread thoroughly, but probably should... might pick up a hint or two to make Maggie mind better.... she's a very independent soul and if she's not in the mood to come when called, she will turn her back and ignore you...

[Jay Caughron]

We had all 17 of our Boxers get out once and lucky for us we had always picked up the box of biscuits and shook it and asked them if they wanted a biscuit and they would come running for one. The wife was out side shaking the box like mad and yelling biscuit. The all came a run'n back into the yard and set down for their biscuit.

[Vaughn McMillan]

I've had dogs on both ends of the spectrum. Some that would only come when they were darned good and ready, and others who would come instantly, whether they wanted to or not. I think a lot of it has to do with the individual dog. Sasha, our current female, really wants to please me and is like a machine on voice commands. She's got 'Come', 'Stay', and 'Leave It' programmed into her. I've stopped her in her tracks when she was charging after coyotes or raccoons. I can drop a steak on the floor in front of her and tell her to leave it, and she will. Our male (Sunny) is getting better, but he's still got some learning to do. We still won't let him out in the front yard off the leash. Sasha, on the other hand, can go anywhere off-leash and stay right with me. Since all the dogs I've had (as an adult) were pretty much grown when I got them. I can't take a lot of credit for the ones who've behaved properly, although I should also get a bit of blame for those who didn't.

Larry, I'll second the recommendations for working with Charlie on a long lead. It shouldn't take long for him to associate the 'Come' command with returning to you, especially if he gets a small snack when he does. Once you have him loose, reward him for coming (with at least some good petting and enthusiastic 'attaboys'), and if he does run off, don't scold him when he comes back. Let him know with body language and lack of enthusiasm that you're not pleased, but also thank him for returning. Or at least that's how I do it.

[Dave Hawksford]

Larry you can start out with a shock collar which you probably set very low. Use treats to back up good behavior. Jarrod has done very well with Jack. You can talk with hm if you want. Labs are very responsive but you need to be aggressive and show him who is boss.

[ken werner]

I have a friend who trained and competed with yellow lab trial dogs. He urged me to be very careful with a shock collar, that with inexperienced use, one could mess a dog up.

Long lead and treats has worked very well for me, including with the dog we got at 1 1/2 years old. I always have treats in my pocket and reward when she comes. It works great. YMMV of course.

[larry merlau]

well, vaughn i know you have dog sence, and others as well.. but here is the latest on charlies sence he has a kindergarden attitude on some things and a elementary one on others, and even will give him jr high on a couple.. its like he was graduated from differnt schools and forgot parts in each one when you play frisbee he is like the best kid ever.. will set and go into a down postion without asking most times.. then when in the truck this am he was better but still acts like he feels that he isnt gonna come back hm and when we got back home he was like a bull in a china shop.. he isnt a dog for small frail person.. i made him set and he final came out calmer.. but he has some good traits aswell just now he got into the waste basket, twice grabing a klennex got it away from each time he knows its wrong he will lay down and play lock jaw,, so i stick my fingers in there and trade him with a treat after i have said give a few times no treat till i win.. so this last time i took and waited for him to go for it again and he he got the waste basket over the head and thumped a couple times.. he didnt like that.. waited for him to settle downa nd called him to come (in the shop) he came and made him set and tham gave him a treat so he doesnt look at me as the mean guy so i and charlie are still in training i hope he learns soon

[Jeff Bower]

Larry, if you're in the shop, throw him a hunk of that MI chocolate to chew on...oh wait, chocolate is bad for dogs! Hope he gets the training down quick!

[ken werner]

Larry, it goes without saying that a big working dog like Charlie is going to need LOTS of exercise. He'll do much better with his training during and after a big walk/run.