In need of a VERY good dog trainer...?

Question

My dog, a rat terrier, is a good dog, but he has some behavior issues that need to be resolved. Sometimes he acts like he is still a small puppy, like with the play biting and such. The main problems he is having is that he will bite when he wants something (like if he wants you to pet him), or if he steals something to play with you, like a sock, he will bite if you try to take it from him. He constantly barks out the window, and i am afraid to bring him around big groups of people because unfortunately he is not a socialized dog, and i do not want him to bite anyone. Also, he needs to be taught to walk correctly while on a leash. He has been to a trainer that was supposedly "the best in new jersey" and "could train ANY dog", but he got sent home after the second day because they couldn't approach him without him biting (even though i believe he was scared of them because he got injured by a choke collar while being there!) I wanted to know if anyone knows of any truly GOOD dog trainers in the new jersey area. I was told to contact Cesar Milan, but I am far from interested in the whole tv thing, or shipping my dog to california. Any good ideas? The dog is so sweet and very loyal, but once he gets into his episodes, he is a dog that needs to be intensely watched. Any ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

go to petco or something do my

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Answer 2

being a puppy this is natural. I have a patterdale terrier and wen he was young he was the same. Dont worry when they get older they settle down but the trouble is, is that it is really hard to train terriers. The best thing to do to socialise him is to introduce him to other dogs OFF THE LEAD as dogs especially terriers feel threatened when on the lead. gd luck.

Answer 3

i think you should hire the dog whisperer, ceaser millan, hes very good and he has his own show, so if you hire him, you'll be on tv!

Answer 4

Formal Dog training really should include the owner as it is more training for you than the dog and it will teach you the skills you need to practice with the dog EVERYDAY to reinforce the behaviors you want vs. discourage those you don't.

Not sure where you are in NJ, but Hal Wheeler's in Cedar Grove, NJ has a terrific reputation.  I would call and arrange for a consultation with them.  They do work with aggressive dogs, but on a 1x1 basis.

Answer 5

I suggest Ceasar Milan.

It's free, you'll meet someone famous, and you'll be on TV.

Ceasar is very good with dogs.

If you live in the UK I suggest calling that girl that's from "It's Me Or The Dog" she's good too.

Answer 6

if your dog is biting you then he is showing aggression.  Aggression to owners is strictly not allowed so you need to do something now and I will give you a few ideas if you like.  Be careful with dog behaviourist and trainers, some can be a bit potty and a waste of money.  Try the below

1.  Your dog must be fed after your family has fnished eating.  Put the dog on the leash and make him sit, put the food on the floor and make him stay for 2 minutes before allowing him to eat  -  pack leaders eat first and best,  he would only get leftovers in a dog pack, so no human food.

2.  If you dog ever bites or snaps at you be very decisive and firm, never accept it and never ignore it.  I would grab the dog my the scruff, give him a firm but no violent shake saying no loudly and then put him outside for 10 minutes.

3.  This dog is not allowed on seats/beds.  These are alpha positions, he is only allowed on the floor or on a low dog bed.  As you are alpha, you are allowed to stand on his bed and he must accept this, alphas sleep whereever they want, so make a point of standing on his bed, if he is on it shuffle into him and make him move, stand on the bed for 2 minutes.

4.  teach the dog a key word that you normally do not use, this is the last resort key word that you can use in the park also, I use "Oye".  Have a flattened large cardboard box handy.  Drop something like a teaspoon or teabag on the floor, when the dog approaches it yell your word and rush towards the dog, the dog must retreat away and leave you and the object alone.  Do NOT treat or tell the dog he is good, there is no reward for this word, it is an order from the alpha leader.  If the dog does not back way very quickly, grab the box and physically push the dog away, all the time yelling the word, push him out of the house.

Obedience, start with sit, stay, drop, come, then heel.  It just takes practice but the dog obeying you means he accepts you as alpha

After a few weeks of this your dog should respect you and you can  join the local obedience club.  As the dogs do not play, it will not matter if he is not socialized, but this will help him with other dogs.  It is very important to make sure that you are in control of this dog.  Try to encourage visitors, get them to ignore the dog, then let them give him a food treat when he calms down.  Try to teach him visitors are nice people who will not hurt him.  

Don't use a choke collar, use a halter or body halter.

You can also search agressive dogs on the internet, over the years I have found great websites and have learned lots of ideas.

Hope this all helps