How to train a GSD/ Husky mix?

Question

I have a female (spayed) GSD/husky Mix, that I got form a animal shelter last year for a early Christmas present to myself. She's a VERY sweet and silly dog, but she's bullheaded like all Huskies. She doesn't listen to 90% of commands. She knows sit, stay, and no. Thats it. She loves people . She's okay on walks she doesn't pull, but when we go to park and theres another dog close by she'll throws all weight (65-7 lb.) on the harness ( she slip out of all collars) barks, deep growls, the works. I want to take she to training classes, but I don't think thats a go idea.

Answer 1

you just have to train her like any other dog...sit,heel,lay down etc...why do you think its a bad idea???to train her in classes???

Answer 2

You may want to try reframing your view of your dog - instead of calling her 'bullheaded' (which BTW is a human characterization) you may want to think of her as a very quick learner who needs more challenging things to do. She also could benefit from learning some self-control, which you can help her with.

Leslie McDevitt's book Control Unleashed is an excellent resource for helping teach self-control.

Your dog also sounds like she might be fairly reactive (the lunging, barking and growling at other dogs). You can help her with this as well.

Positive only methods work best with these types of dogs since punishment tends to worsen their reactivity/stress.

For now keeping her far enough away from other dogs so she doesn't get to practice her reactivity is your best management tool.

Training classes are an excellent idea for any dog. But your dog may benefit more from one on one training until you get some of her dog reactivity under control.

You may want to consult with an animal behavioral specialist or at least find a trainer with a good success rate with reactive dogs (check references and again, positive ONLY is very important).

This group may also help:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Pos-4-Reac...

it is positive only, so joining does require that you have total respect for your dog and use only positive methods (or at least only discuss positive methods).

Most reactive dogs are also fearful to some degree (at least of their triggers). See link below.

Answer 3

Sounds like she needs some good firm training. Training a dog is a lot like teaching a child to do something, if they do something and you give in once they will remember and try it again. The key is to be patient and persistent with her and show her that you are in charge. Be firm but not mean with her to show her you are the leader and she is to obey you. A personal trainer will definitely help if you choose to go that way.

Good Luck!

http://www.designermixes.org

Answer 4

I have a 12 year old female GSD/Malamute mix. She can be dog aaggressiveat times also. Mostly with other female dogs, she wants to make sure they know she's the Alpha female. I have to keep a close eye on her and make sure she is secure if there are other dogs around. At the same time I remain completely calm. If I am nervous or anxious about the situation she sill be too. Calm assertive control is the key.

My dog is also very stubborn. She knows all the commands, but will try to ignore me like a rebelling teenager. I think cconsistencyis important, don't let her get away with it.

Rewards are a must! My dog responds to them 100x better than scolding. Even if it's just and excited "Good ggirl" and a pat on the head.

If you want to take her to classes I would call your vets, shelters, etc. They should be able to give you names of classes that would be best for your situation. Talk to the people teaching the class about it and see if they think she could safely be involved and benefit from them.

Also, try the book "BE THE PACK LEADER" by Cesar Milan. There are aa lotof good tips in there.

FYI my GSD/Malamute mix is 110 lbs and we adopted a male 4 lb chihuahua last year. They get along great and even eat out of the same food dish. There is hope!

Best of luck!