9/3/2008 6:45:51 AM #

Weird, you'd think the one would learn just by watching the other! I wish I had some tips for you... I'm in the 'new puppy' boat with ya, though! So here's a little moral support.

ET @ titus2:3-5

9/3/2008 8:56:58 AM #

My husband and I have trained several dogs using a GREAT book called "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete. These monks breed, raise, sell and train German shepherds for their living. While we have in fact trained two German shepherds of our own using their simple, logical and practical methods, we've also applied those methods to training two Yorkshire Terriers. My niece is now using them to train her American Eskimo. Since the methods are based on how dogs perceive the world and how momma dog interacts with her pups (as best a human could understand), they really do work and are universal to all breeds. We've recommended this book for years and ALWAYS get positive feedback.

Here's a link to the book at Amazon.

www.amazon.com/.../ref=pd_bbs_sr_1

Good luck!

Jenn @ Casa de Castro

9/3/2008 11:30:22 AM #

The best suggestion I have, is to remember that there are a lot of ways to reward dogs, and not just with food. Some dogs I love praise, and some love attention. For example, I trained Dakota to stop jumping on people by giving her absolutely no attention (not even looking at her or talking to her) unless she is calm and sitting (and I don't let anyone else give her attention, either). Also, she knows that when I'm taking her for a walk, if she's walking in front of me or pulling on the leash in any way, then I stop (the walk itself being the reward there).

You also might want to look into clicker training, or consider taking a class at your local Petsmart (or other pet store). It did wonders for me.

Kristy

9/3/2008 11:46:03 AM #

I don't know that this works personally, but we are about to start www.clickerlessons.com . The lessons are simple and it makes sense. I have heard wonderful things about clicker training - we can't wait to start! Good Luck!

Katie

9/3/2008 5:52:10 PM #

Some people will probably be mad at me for saying this, but the way I trained my puppy, was with a bit of tough love. Giving treats worked for the sit and stay, but beyond that, my dog is STUBBORN! She'll nibble and bite, or growls at everyone who walks by our main door. She also lovessss to put things into her mouth and chew, ruining a few expensive items in the process. So we "spank" her. Not very hard to hurt her, but enough to have a slight sting so she learns not to do it. When she bites something, I smack her mouth a bit, not super hard, just a tap. Did it enough time that she's learning not to chew everything in sight. Of course when she resists the temptation, we give her treats. so its both types of reinforcements.

TransitionGirl

9/4/2008 7:49:47 AM #

I have a new puppy too - be patient.
Two puppies is often more difficult because the puppies will form a pack and not heed you. You must train and socialize them separately.

You have to be consistent with the rewards (whether treat or praise). You have to keep doing it. I tell my pup NO in a stern voice if she is nipping or doing something she shouldn't and I will move her face away from something I don't want her doing and say no (licking my face). They will get it over time. My 4 month old pup sometimes seems like she understands better than my 2 yr old dog. He is stubborn and choses to Forget things every so often.

Best of luck.

Kim

9/4/2008 9:17:32 AM #

I forgot to mention that what works so well for our pup for correction (if he's jumping, starting to chew something he shouldn't, going under the recliner, etc.) is either a LOUD clap or a squirt with the water bottle. I've also read that instead of the clap (which isn't always super reliable...sometimes I go for a loud one and it comes out more like a golf clap) is to shake a can of pennies. Most dogs HATE loud obnoxious noises so it will deter them from what they are doing. Consistency is key! Good luck again!

Katie

10/6/2008 8:02:20 AM #

It seems that you cannot always trust the standard. I have noticed dogs just have their own personalities. I have Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and each dog has its own level of response to being trained. Some just seem to fall into line and others just do not have the same response.

One thing I have noticed about this breed is that you have to be extra careful with puppies. They seem so much more sensitive as they get older - just the exact opposite to what you think. So, you have to keep this fact in mind while they are pups.

Puppy breeders