posted 02-21-2004 01:17 AM         

Apparently the dog emptied her anal glands while in the vets exam room.

I know we have some minor dominance issues, things we are aware of but aren't having much luck with.

Here is my questions.

We have two dogs, one is 10mos old, the other is a 6mos old we rescued. What is a good way to work on dominance when both dogs need some simple dominance training.

I have read on some websites that list some characteristics of a a dog with behavior problems. How do you fix these things.

1. Dog getting on the furniture when ordered not too.
2. Dog not coming when ordered too.
3. Dog pawing at the door to get out, then not going out when you open the door.

We'll keep it to that short list for now. Once I get those issues worked out I'll go from there.

Some things we are doing.
1. Dogs sleep in crates when we go to bed, in our bedroom.
2. Making the dogs sit before we feed them.
3. Making the dogs sit before they get a treat.
4. Making the dogs sit before getting greeted when one of us gets home.

posted 02-21-2004 11:26 AM         

Having two puppies close in age can make training a challenge. Their listening skills are not the greatest and they usually follow what the other is doing - making them behave unruly. You are on the right track with the things you do (sit for treats etc.) Work on training each separately. It is very difficult to train both together. IT is far more likely each will listen to you when alone. The next step is to be consistent with each dog and make sure enough time is spent weekly on training.

To start I recommend reading a book like Jean Donaldson's Culture Clash and looking up some articles from Susanne Clothier : http://www.flyingdogpress.com/artlibreg.htm

posted 02-21-2004 03:25 PM         

You're sure the issue arose from the anal glands and not something else? That does sound like an odd reaction. Anal glands can 'pop' if they're very full and you just touch the hind area. I lifted up a dog's tail once and had them pop right in my face (you don't know 'gross' til you've experienced this!) My dog pops his when he's startled (we try to keep them emptied, though.)

posted 02-22-2004 09:44 AM         

Dogs do what has worked in the past. Have at any time your dogs been allowed on the furniture? If so breaking them from this takes some work. Otherwise when you are not there to supervise you must block off the furniture so they can not get on. Some dogs if allowed to do something even once think that its ok all the time. You can use a squirt bottle filled with water and if you catch them in the act of getting on the furniture squirt and follow with a "No" or teach them "Off" and say it like you mean it.

2. Dog not coming when ordered too.

Could be a few things.

i) Dog doesn't fully understand the command.
ii)Dog is distracted - may be paying attention to something more interesting (like your other dog). Do not call unless the dog is looking at you or aware of what you are doing. I only call "come" when I know I am in the position to set my dog up for success and I can guarantee dog will come when called. Never call come unless you are sure your dog will come. Otherwise they learn to ignore the command. Until your two dogs have a reliable recall best not to use come when both dogs are around iii)Overuse of the word "Come" can lead to this also. Before I teach "come" I teach my dogs "look" or "watch" that way I can call their name and say "look" and know I have their focus. They are more likely to come at this point if I ask them to.

3. Dog pawing at the door to get out, then not going out when you open the door.

You may need to go back a few stages If the dog asks to go out i.e. pawing or barking clip his leash on and walk him out and tell him "go pee" walk him around until he goes. Even though I am sure he is housetrained he will see that "asking" to go out means its business time - no exceptions. With young dogs they do this when they want to play, one may be enticing the other to go out for a romp. Reinforce that every time he paws the door, it means out. No exceptions.