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Old March 4th, 2008, 07:33 AM
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CearaQC CearaQC is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,511
There's lots of stuff you can do that will help. You might feel like Hitler or a drill sergeant but it really does help.

On walks, take charge. You go the way you want and at the speed you want. Ben doesn't get to lead walks.

Sit and do tricks or whatever before food and treats. Don't free feed. I go through a whole routine of sit, give both paws and sometimes lay down for about 2 minutes before food is given. Belle has gotten so used to it, if I'm feeling lazy one day and don't make her go through all the steps, she will not go to her food unless she's done her bit for me. It's cute.

Half hour sit/stay in the home and not allowed to move. If he goes to sleep, that's ok.

Sit back away from doors when going somewhere, and coming home. People always go first, dogs last.

Sleeping in the crate is a good idea. But only gets let out when he's quiet and waiting patiently.

You choose when play time starts and when it ends. No tug of war games.

Ben should come to you for affection and not have people approach him to give affection. Leaders are approached by followers and the leader may choose to not give affection and may instead ignore.

According to some philosophies out there about dog behavior, it's said that being dominate and acting the part of pack leader can be very stressful on the dog and that a dog may very well be happier when not having to be leader.

Give Ben plenty of exercise where people make the rules, and make sure he's good and tired. As Cesar Millan says, exercise, discipline and then affection. He has a free video on Google video, called "People Training for Dogs." It's been there for several months and if Cesar didn't like it being there he could have screamed copyright to Google to remove it but they have yet to remove it.

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?doc...85827312960989

Check out the Canine Good Citizen training and tests. Or in Canada, it's called Canine Good Neighbor. You don't have to do the tests, but the training is something EVERY dog should go through, no matter the size.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BlGIUR-pzY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M7jwd4Uvm8 - watch a rescued pit bull pass the test

Please give periodic updates!! You can do this and will be successful. Just have patience for yourself and Ben.
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