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By Adam Katz
Janice writes:
Good morning Adam.
Thank you for your wonderful "Secrets of a Professional Dog
Trainer!" It's the best dog training book I've used thus far.
I, however, have a tough case.
[To read about the book she's referring to, go to:
[www.dogproblems.com/secretsbook.htm]
I have 2 neutered males: Sweet docile Tarzan (11 year old
Chow)
and crazy hyperactive Hudson (4 year old American Eskimo).
Hudson definitely thinks he's the alpha and I'm working on
understanding that behavior and how to go about nipping it in
the bud with your book. What I don't know how to address is
the
fact that Hudson is hyperactive and wild. When we get ready
for
our morning walk, Hudson attacks Tarzan as soon as they both
get outside (sometimes while they're still in the house). He
bites and tears his fur and humps him. When he knows I'm going
to make him stop, he humps faster and whips himself into a
frenzy that goes as quickly as it began (like "okay, I did
that. You now have my attention for what's next.") Hudson
weaves back and forth on the leash, wanting to lead the way.
Tarzan is the usual well behaved angel. I need a few tips on
how to walk BOTH dogs together. The worst, however, is if we
should encounter another dog. I walk them at 6 AM trying to
avoid another pooch, but the situation is literally horrible
when Hudson sees another dog (squirrel, bird, cat, deer, don't
have as negative an effect). He goes ballistic! Shrieking
hysterically, flopping around in the leash, straining,
howling,
tangling himself, me and Tarzan, and wailing "let me at it" in
dog talk. I used to walk my boys twice a day, but there are
just too many dogs out in the early evening. We've been
walking
for almost 2 years. Sometimes I think he's got it and is semi
calm, but it's always because I remove him from the target dog
and go in the other direction. Sometimes the sighting is
unavoidable. He also wails like a banshee and tears at the
fence when a dog is being walked past our house and he's in
the
yard. HELP! How can I teach my beastie to calm the heck down
because I'M THE BOSS NOT HIM! I'm at my wits end. My boyfriend
has a dog we'd like to introduce into the pack. I fear Hudson
will prevent that. Tarzan is an angel all the while Hudson is
hysterical
with a puzzled look on his fur-face, wondering what's going
on.
He never retaliates any aggresive behavior displayed toward
him,
even when Hudson pulls out the hairfrom Tarzan's tail!
I'm currently using a restraing halter to walk him, which I
know is probably incorrect. I'm afraid to use a pinch collar
because I'm nervous that he'll twist and squirm his way out of
it. Also, I have 2 artificial hips that keep me from bending
and affect my range of motion. I HAVE to control this animal
for the safety of everyone concerned.
I realize Hudson is a hyperactive crazy. I refuse to be driven
insane by him and sincerely hope you can help me teach him to
behave. Thank you in advance. I am already your devoted fan.
Reading your e-zine weekly, listening to the training tapes
(great idea!) and praying for insight and strength.
ADAM REPLIES:
Thank you for the e-mail.
When you say, "I'm afraid to use a pinch collar because I'm
nervous that he'll twist and squirm his way out of it. Also, I
have 2 artificial hips that keep me from bending and affect my
range of motion. I HAVE to control this animal for the safety
of everyone concerned."
... what you're really saying is: "I'm too afraid to do
something to change and improve my situation."
Often times, the lingering problems that people have with
their
dogs are merely a reflection of the owner's own inability to
take action despite already having the solution in front of
them.
Obviously, you are smart enough to realize that you have a
problem. So that's not the issue. And physically... I doubt
that's the reason, either. It's MUCH EASIER to walk a dog on a
pinch collar than to do what you're currently doing. I can
guarantee this.
There is no way he can twist out of a pinch collar. Even if
you're paranoid, then simply double ring it with a slip
collar.
Common sense, no?
You have intelligence. You already have a solution to your
problem (page 82, 173, 224). You've got the dog. SO... GET
OVER
your fear of success and start training your dog!!!
Once you've actually started using my techniques, feel free to
write me again for more harrassment.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam
Dogproblems.com
About The Author: Adam G. Katz is the author of the book,
"Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To
The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History."
Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog"
when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine
at: www.dogproblems.com
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