Re: Need a training plan

[Michael D'Abruzzo]

Hi,

Glad you like the website!

To answer your questions:

1. What kind of dogs are these? Do they like to play tug? Tug is a great game to play and tire them out if you do it properly. I would definitely suggest doing ONE at a time, but 5 minutes of tug can be better than a 30 minute walk. There is a video in the video section showing an example of how to play.

2. Definitely focus on pack structure. But it is OK to start phase 1 exercises. In the aggression rehab section there are further details under “establishing the relationship”. It really isn’t going to be so much about who goes through doors first, it really is more about who is making the initiatives and who is “in control” of all important. Working on “climb” in a very technical manner is a great place to start. Be sure there are no distractions when you start. Everything you will need around the house will branch off of that one command. We’ll coach you through it.

3. Definitely do not “yank” for anything. Especially with a prong collar you may fire the dogs up more. Stay calm and try to avoid situations for now. If you can’t avoid a situation drag away in as calm a matter as possible.

Get muzzles for sure and start doing “party hat” drills. It sounds like you have a big project ahead of you so don’t overwhelm yourself. Find a way to manage the situation and keep the dogs and yourself safe while we chip away. The muzzles will help take away the option of redirecting when we work on the leash walking. In the meantime, find time to teach what the word “heel” means , with NO distractions. You can do this around your house – one dog at a time. Don’t expect it to work on the outside yet. Everything is phase 1 at this point. This means teach what words mean and teach simple concepts that we will combine when you are ready for phase 2.

Here the youtube version of the muzzle for a reminder (there is another example in the video section:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbcJdThGG-A

Here is the phase 1 Heel. Start here on heel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi_WJN8v3ag

Don’t forget to work on CLIMB (in the phase 1 videos)

Keep in touch!!