Please answer me, Im very sad

Question:
 Hello everybody, as you can see in the title Im very -very sad right now. My english is not that good, so forgive my mistakes. My poodle bit me today. He is 8 years old and has never done it before. He has not biten anyone before. He wasnt agressive he just bit me as he was siting there, playing with a toy, and I tried to take it away from him to check something. Me and my dog are very close, I always hug him and carry him, play with him etc. He is a sweet thing, and has never bit me, even when I take FOOD from him. So now that was a shock, I thought I knew my dog. When he bit me - not bad though - he wasn't playing with me, he did it to stop me from taking his game. At first I was so shocked that didnt do anything. After some minutes I yelled at him, for the first time, since he was a puppy and let me tell you, he was shocked by this too. After some hours I did let him come to my room and hug him, but I don't know If I reacted right, and what to do to never see him bite me, or someone else again. If someone had told me that this would happen some day I wouldn't believe him. Please help if you can. :(

Answer:
It's not a surprise that he bit you when you took his toy away.
Lots of dogs will growl, snarl, snap or even BITE their owners if they are playing and try to take their toys away. It's normal for dogs to do this in the wild but should not be tolerated in a home!
Dogs don't care who you are when they bite you. They don't think "this is my owner, I love her very much, I shouldn't bite her!" They react to the situation. If you're doing something they don't like, whether you're a stranger or a loving owner, they don't care. They WILL bite.
I'm sure your dog still loves you and it's not your fault. He probably would have bitten anyone else if they did that, not just you. A good way to break the habit is to say "NO." in a low voice and if you have a leash on him, tug it and jerk it once or twice. It is not a good idea to punish 'a few minutes' after the situation.
All the help I can give.

Answer:
my dog rascal bit my mom because she was taking his bone away after he was grawling at me cause i sat on the bed and we yelled no and got out his crate put him in it(he absolutly hates his crate)so after a couple minutes like 10 we took him out let him have his bone back but first we made sure he didnt growl or anything like that
well i think that you should have said no before a couple secounds after he bit you and put all his toys away.but thats just me im not good with punishments to my animals

Answer:
A good way to break the habit is to say "NO." in a low voice and if you have a leash on him, tug it and jerk it once or twice.
That is exactly what NOT to do.
Is there any chance that he is losing his eyesight, just a thought because of his age?
I would start reading up on the NILIF program if I were you. I am sure that many more knowlegable trainers and owners will be along soon to help you more than I can. :)

Answer:
That is exactly what NOT to do.
Is there any chance that he is losing his eyesight, just a thought because of his age?
I would start reading up on the NILIF program if I were you. I am sure that many more knowlegable trainers and owners will be along soon to help you more than I can. :)
explaination? as long as you don't say it in a loud booming or intimidating voice, it will most likely get your dog's attention.

Answer:
Thanks guys, Im so concerned because he is 8 years old and this was the first time to do something like that!!! He doesnt behave like "a dog" normally, its just like a family member, can understand so many words and is so loving! It was my fault not to yell at him right after he bit me...

Answer:
I would start reading up on the NILIF program if I were you.
Thanks I'll research that :)

Answer:
explaination?
For the OP and Corgi:
http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37867&highlight=resource+guarding

Answer:
First, get your dog checked by a vet. Sometimes older dogs get a thyroid imbalance and other things which can cause changes in personality. Next.....
When we think of punishment, scolding, physical pain, causing fear, we are thinking in human terms. We are thinking that the perpetrator has comitted a "crime" which to us, is immoral, wrong and goes against our value systems of what is right and wrong. Dogs, however do not have the ability to share our morals or values. They have a completely different wiring. Punishment such as described is not what behaviorists, educated trainers and canine behavior scientists would recommend to treat any kind of aggression. It can make the problem worse by creating even more defensiveness in your dog. We're trying to get rid of that defensive feeling. That is what is causing this possession guarding in the first place. Don't turn this into a power struggle. Don't set your dog up to even have that in his mind. Proper dog handling does not mean dominance over your dog. It means training with a brain.
What your dog did is normal in dog to dog interactions....to defend his possession. When it comes to guarding his stuff from his owner, that's when the dog-human relationship has something wrong. He needs to be conditioned to accepting you around "his" food, toys or anything he thinks is his.
When you condition a dog to trusting that you aren't a threat to his things, that having you around his things is actually a good thing, then you don't have this problem.
So, go back to the beginning. Do not give him that toy which he values so highly. Find a toy that he likes, but it isn't his favorite. Create a game-like atmosphere...."we're gonna have some fun!" Get out some high value treats, like small tidbits of hot dog, other fresh meat, cheese and keep them near you on a table. Hold a treat in front of his nose while he is chewing on his toy. He'll probably drop the toy to get the treat. At the same time that you pick up the toy, give him the treat. Make it simultaneous and say, "give." (he's going to learn what "give" means) Immediately give him back his toy. (as he takes it, say, "take.") Praise him and make it like a fun game. Repeat. When he is dropping the toy into your hand and is showing signs of getting "into" the game, not worried about having his toy taken because he gets it right back, start asking for the toy first before he gets the treat instead of at the same time as you did before. "Give"......treat/praise....."take" (give the toy back) That is the sequence and it happens fast....a fun, fast, exciteable game with lots of praise and happy voice.
Next, start tossing the toy just a few feet away and encourage him to bring it to you. Retrieving is part of the fun. He brings it to you or almost to you and you say, "give"....give him a yummy treat and "take"...give it back OR.....toss it again if he loves the retrieve game. Mix it up. Do both. Then put the toy away for the time being.
Put all toys away unless you're playing this game....for a while. Once he gets so he's very willing to give his toy to you, try using a slightly higher value toy and gradually work up. Get him solid and comfortable with you taking his things, rewarding him, giving him back his things right away as a game before you raise the value of the toy.
Hand feed him instead of giving him his meals in a bowl. Ask him to sit first or lie down and give him a handful. Ask for him to shake hands (if he knows that) and give him a handful. Ask him to walk next to you nicey down the hall, and give him a handful. He's going to be earning most things he likes.
Does he want to go outside? Sit first and wait until you give him a release word. Does he want you to pat him. Sit first. Does he do something to get your attention and you look at him? Don't. Get it so you act and he reacts, not the other way around.
He just needs a refresher course in seeing that you provide his resources...the things he likes and needs. You control them. He must follow YOUR direction in order to get his goodies. Behavior which is pushy, obnoxious....do not reinforce. Sometimes we reinforce inadvertantly (by mistake). If it's attention seeking behavior, ignore him. Wait for a moment when he's being "nice" and then instigate the interaction. Later on, when he's cured, you don't have to carry all this to the extreme. But for now, I would.
Always figure out what payoff he's getting for some unwanted behavior and make sure he doesn't continue to get it. Make sure that you notice desireable behavior and let him know that you like that. Reinforce good behavior often and lavishly.
Anyone who interacts with him must do the same. He needs consistancy and a lot of reinforcement for the wanted behavior in order to learn how to interact in a way which is acceptable to humans.
Let us know how things go.

Answer:
Jerking on your dog isn't the way to get it's attention. Don't ever do that.
Dober always posts great advice, so read up on what they wrote.

Answer:
Jerking on your dog isn't the way to get it's attention. Don't ever do that.
Dober always posts great advice, so read up on what they wrote.
Works on a walk much better, actually

Answer:
Wow that was so helpfull and inspiring Dober, thank you so much! But, do you really think that he can learn this kind of things at his age, considering that I never had to train him for things like that before?

Answer:
Yes Filianna. Dogs can learn at any age. It may take a little longer because he's been getting his own way perhaps for a long time. (but you didn't notice) But when he finds out what works and what doesn't he will give up the idea of trying this possessiveness because it isn't going to work anymore. He'll keep trying for while since it's worked up to now. After a few weeks (probably) he's going to choose the behavior which works best to get him what he wants. It's a matter of manipulating his environment, setting him up to succeed (by gradual counter conditioning) at getting what he wants but getting it in an appropriate way.
A leader (you) is the one who controls his resources. A leader is not harsh, punishing, overly emotional, but is decisive, assertive, firm and affectionate. But save the affection for when he's behaving nicely. Be careful not to reinforce rotten behavior. (Reinforcers are things he likes a lot and which cause a behavior to change.)
Try not to be sad or take this personally. Dogs are dogs, not little human children with our morals. They have little brains and they're wired to be dogs, not humans. He loves you and he has emotions. But they're not exactly the same as ours. He has instincts which enabled his specie to survive and that's one of them. It's something that we need to train our dogs to go against that instinct. It's one of those things which can be done relatively easily as long as you follow the plan and make sure everyone else does too. :)

Answer:
Works on a walk much better, actually
Why would you need to jerk your dog's leash to get his attention? If he is not paying attention to you then obviously you need to re-visit some obedience training.
To the OP: I am very sorry to hear that you had this experience with your dog. Doberluv has give you great advice. ;) I hope she is able to help you and your love. Good luck.

Answer:
Thanks Doberluv I'll try everything you said! And thanks everyone for your advice!

Answer:
Why would you need to jerk your dog's leash to get his attention? If he is not paying attention to you then obviously you need to re-visit some obedience training.
To the OP: I am very sorry to hear that you had this experience with your dog. Doberluv has give you great advice. ;) I hope she is able to help you and your love. Good luck.
Things catch dog's eyes often like squirrels, another dog, etc., and sometimes dogs simply can't ignore them. A short jerk or tug on the leash will avert your dogs attention to you. When your dog is paying attention, is focused and walking by your side, the reward is no tension on the leash.
Maybe you should watch The Dog Whisperer and see it work for yourself? ;)

Answer:
Filianna,
If your dog is 8 years old and has let you take food and toys until now... then... As Doberluv said...take her/him to the vet, now!
It's possible bones or teeth are aching, your dog may be feeling crotchety from age alone. A dog that starts being snappy after a lifetime of being soft may have lots of things going on. The dog can't tell you it's hearing, sight or smell is going but imagine if that was happening to you. It would be quite scary, no?
Toothache? Imagine having toochache and somebody yanked something out your mouth too fast. You need do nothing different from routine, but your dog feels pain.

Answer:
Works on a walk much better, actually
Um, not really. It can cause harm, and fear in the dog. That's NOT what you want.

Answer:
Things catch dog's eyes often like squirrels, another dog, etc., and sometimes dogs simply can't ignore them. A short jerk or tug on the leash will avert your dogs attention to you. When your dog is paying attention, is focused and walking by your side, the reward is no tension on the leash.
Maybe you should watch The Dog Whisperer and see it work for yourself? ;)
I think you are getting your info from poor rescources. Read up a bit more.
Budys Parents, and Dober know what they're talking about.
Pulling on them will hurt them, and cause them to fear you, the leash, and walks. We can all agree that's NOT what we wnat.
There are MANY other ways to get your dogs attention. That is not one of them.

Answer:
For all who said to take him to the vet: fortunately he is ok. I had him checked this month, he only feels pain on his feet (the back feet) and he also cough some times. What I thought right now is that he could be angry with me. You see I didn't have a job since May, and I found a job now. Just started last monday, so I live him with my mother, who he doen't like a lot. He might feel strange with the new program, but then Im not sure he is my first dog, and as I said I never had this problem before. He doesnt cause damage to the house - I hear depressed dogs do that when their owners are away. Dober is right, my dog always had what he wanted, maybe not always food, but toys! I have never taken this particular toy from him when he is playing with it. Now I have it away from his, and his other toys too. Im starting this new training today.

Answer:
I think you are getting your info from poor rescources. Read up a bit more.
Budys Parents, and Dober know what they're talking about.
Pulling on them will hurt them, and cause them to fear you, the leash, and walks. We can all agree that's NOT what we wnat.
There are MANY other ways to get your dogs attention. That is not one of them.
Tell that to Cesar Millan, then. :)
It doesn't traumatize your dog like you're implying. If a dog is pulling you, you wouldn't let yourself be pulled. Obviously pulling back with all your strength can choke your dog, so the proper way to get your dog's attention or to break a fast pace is to jerk on the leash gently. Since it is fast and abrupt, it catches their attention. It does NOT hurt the dog and they do not mind at all. I have seen this method used on many dogs and within a few tries, you can get their attention.

Answer:
Things catch dog's eyes often like squirrels, another dog, etc., and sometimes dogs simply can't ignore them. A short jerk or tug on the leash will avert your dogs attention to you. When your dog is paying attention, is focused and walking by your side, the reward is no tension on the leash.
Maybe you should watch The Dog Whisperer and see it work for yourself? ;)
I do not live by Cesar Millan. Dog Whisperer he may claim to be, but I know better and will not jerk my dog's leash to get his attention. Why? Because I already have his attention. It's called obedience.

Answer:
Will do :rolleyes: Cesar doesn't cause BODILY HARM. He knows (for the MOST part) not to do that. All I've seen him do is "Chht!"
I think he is very smart, but his ways aren't for everybody. And he isn't GOD.

Answer:
Tell that to Cesar Millan, then. :)
It doesn't traumatize your dog like you're implying. If a dog is pulling you, you wouldn't let yourself be pulled. Obviously pulling back with all your strength can choke your dog, so the proper way to get your dog's attention or to break a fast pace is to jerk on the leash gently. Since it is fast and abrupt, it catches their attention. It does NOT hurt the dog and they do not mind at all. I have seen this method used on many dogs and within a few tries, you can get their attention.
You are wrong on so many levels. Jerking of anykind should not be done.
Liek Buddys parents said, there ARE other ways of getting a dogs attention: It's called OBEDIENCE. A click, a squeaky toy, a treat. :rolleyes:

Answer:
You are wrong on so many levels. Jerking of anykind should not be done.
Liek Buddys parents said, there ARE other ways of getting a dogs attention: It's called OBEDIENCE. A click, a squeaky toy, a treat. :rolleyes:
if you WERE to try and get your dog's attention with a treat or a toy, you would be reinforcing the behavior. Food is used as a reward and is often used when it shouldn't be. If your dog is behaving undesireably, you wouldn't want to feed it a treat to try and get his/her attention because what you're actually doing is praising him/her for doing whatever, whether it be pulling on the leash, trying to chase a squirrel, etc.

Answer:
I'm so done arguing back and forth with you.
Fact is, yanking on a leash isn't going to get a dogs attention, or make them behave. It's just not. There are other ways.
But if that what you do with your dfogs, then I feel sorry for them.

Answer:
I'm so done arguing back and forth with you.
Fact is, yanking on a leash isn't going to get a dogs attention, or make them behave. It's just not. There are other ways.
But if that what you do with your dfogs, then I feel sorry for them.
....lol.

Answer:
....lol.
I'm not sure what you find so funny:confused: Leash yanking "Cesars way":yikes: is about as silly as advise gets. His name in the professionl, educated portion of the dog training community is used as more of a punchline than a resource.
Dober gave some great advise.:)

Answer:
Dober gave some great advise.:)
never argued that

Answer:
It's not a surprise that he bit you when you took his toy away.
Lots of dogs will growl, snarl, snap or even BITE their owners if they are playing and try to take their toys away. It's normal for dogs to do this in the wild but should not be tolerated in a home!
Dogs don't care who you are when they bite you. They don't think "this is my owner, I love her very much, I shouldn't bite her!" They react to the situation. If you're doing something they don't like, whether you're a stranger or a loving owner, they don't care. They WILL bite.
I'm sure your dog still loves you and it's not your fault. He probably would have bitten anyone else if they did that, not just you. A good way to break the habit is to say "NO." in a low voice and if you have a leash on him, tug it and jerk it once or twice. It is not a good idea to punish 'a few minutes' after the situation.
All the help I can give.
Ohhh...now I see.:rolleyes: This advise with regards to resource guarding for any reason will get you into a heap of trouble. Many dog actually LEARN to resource guard using this kind of treatment.:yikes:

Answer:
I don't know what you find funny. Dr2little is very correct :)

Answer:
Corgi, I'd recommend that you base your opinions on something other than a TV show. :)

Cesar Milan, while charismatic, has a very poor grasp of dog behavior. He assumes that a yank on the leash will solve everything. If you got distracted, would you like to be yanked, or would a tap on the shoulder suffice? I don't understand the obsession with harshness . . . I can get a completely untrained, hyperactive shelter dog to pay attention to me without harsh treatment, and I'm not a miraculous trainer nor a dog "whisperer".

To the OP - I definitely would get him to a vet again. I know it might cost some extra money, but something new may have popped up and behavior like that isn't something I'd want to brush aside. My dog bit me a while back while I was brushing his tail. The first thing I thought was "how DARE you?". Then later, while I was checking him over, I noticed he had a lot of red, scabby sores on his tail that I was scraping with the brush. He wasn't biting because of a behavioral problem, he was just in a lot of pain.

I'd say vet first, then work on what Doberluv suggested :-)

Answer:
Corgi, I'd recommend that you base your opinions on something other than a TV show. :)

Cesar Milan, while charismatic, has a very poor grasp of dog behavior. He assumes that a yank on the leash will solve everything. If you got distracted, would you like to be yanked, or would a tap on the shoulder suffice? I don't understand the obsession with harshness . . . I can get a completely untrained, hyperactive shelter dog to pay attention to me without harsh treatment, and I'm not a miraculous trainer nor a dog "whisperer".
Cesar Millan uses dog psychology. He's studied it for YEARS. Although some things he does may look strange or harmful or just stupid, most people think that because they use HUMAN psychology on their pooches.
Besides, if you were another dog, you would punish another by biting. That's painful in itself. Dogs use nipping and biting to assert dominance, so its not like tugging on a leash will rip their throat out.
You wouldn't think of a mother not hugging and kissing and ruffling their son's hair when they're scared of the doctor, right? If a dog is scared or something, petting them will be saying "Good dog! That's good that you're afraid and whimpering and whining!"

Answer:
Here's a suggestion, why not talk to the OP about their problem instead of about Ceaser :rolleyes:

Answer:
Cesar Millan uses dog psychology. He's studied it for YEARS. Although some things he does may look strange or harmful or just stupid, most people think that because they use HUMAN psychology on their pooches.
I'm affraid that Mr. Milan has no credentials whatsoever. He was a dog groomer (self taught), a dog walker...and now he's a self proclaimed dog psychologist....no formal education. Tell me in what other profession anyone can get away with such a stretch in reality.Besides, if you were another dog, you would punish another by biting. That's painful in itself. Dogs use nipping and biting to assert dominance, so its not like tugging on a leash will rip their throat out.
The fact is that we are not other dogs. Human/dog interactions are completely different. Cesar would know this if he actually attended even the bare minimum in canine behavior education.
You wouldn't think of a mother not hugging and kissing and ruffling their son's hair when they're scared of the doctor, right? If a dog is scared or something, petting them will be saying "Good dog! That's good that you're afraid and whimpering and whining!"
This is an example of one of the few things that Cesar is right about. Comforting a dog when he's anxious or affraid is absolutely the wrong thing to do. FYI, leash corrections are also the wrong thing to do in the pressence of a trigger...someone should tell Cesar that little WELL KNOWN tidbit.

Answer:
Here's a suggestion, why not talk to the OP about their problem instead of about Ceaser :rolleyes:
Yeah Ditto ^ :rolleyes:

Answer:
Yeah Ditto ^ :rolleyes:
Jess, sometimes things are said in threads that deserve addressing. The OP was given great advise. Unfortunately, things have evolved to yet more Cesar advise and I truly believe that saying nothing is to agree.:confused:

Answer:
Ok...

Answer:
Here's a suggestion, why not talk to the OP about their problem instead of about Ceaser :rolleyes:
The OP was given horrible advice... yanking on a dog's leash? Um, no. The same person who offerered this advice to the OP brought up Cesar Millan, conversation about him is necessary and validated at this point.
As a regular of Chazhound, surely you would not want a newcomer to receive misinformation that could potentially be devastating in its outcome?
Jess, sometimes things are said in threads that deserve addressing. The OP was given great advise. Unfortunately, things have evolved to yet more Cesar advise and I truly believe that saying nothing is to agree.:confused:
Well said, Doc. :hail:

Answer:
The OP was given horrible advice... yanking on a dog's leash? Um, no. The same person who offerered this advice to the OP brought up Cesar Millan, conversation about him is necessary and validated at this point.
As a regular of Chazhound, surely you would not want a newcomer to receive misinformation that could potentially be devastating in its outcome?
Well said, Doc. :hail:
ok...

Answer:
Cesar Millan uses dog psychology. He's studied it for YEARS
Just to keep the OP from following Cesar's way, he has had NO education in animal behavior. He is a self proclaimed "dog psychologist." He relies on punishment and flooding (exposing fearful or reactive dogs to the anxiety producing stimuli) in huge quantities, up close... which causes the dog to shut down because he has no choice. He cannot escape, so he lies down, shuts down and accepts it which produces a learned helplessness, a comfort zone of familiarity no matter if it is unpleasant. He stays in that place. He stops that targetted behavior but he also stops other behaviors which are happening too. So in gereral, the dog just stops behaving. In other words, people who "train" like that want a toned down version or skeletan of a dog....a sad statement about the human race.
All the yanks cause the dog to "behave" to avoid more pain, discomfort or fear...unpleasantness. That only supresses behavior. Behavior is only a sign of a deeper issue going on inside. Cesar stops behavior but he does not stop the catalyst to the behavior. (in most cases, not all) Many of these dogs on his show are said to have reverted to their old ways.
Modern behaviorists train by conditioning and desensatizing a dog to things they are afraid of or have some kind of problem with because it solves the problem from the inside out, not covered with a bandaid. There is less chance of regression that way and it's much easier, less stressful to the dog. Dogs trained this way show more confidence, they're happier, they learn HOW to learn better because they get to think and choose more...only we set them up to "choose" the way we want. (don't tell them that though.) lol. Punishment is also just not fair to a dog who has not been trained to do the "right" thing. He doesn't know. It's not his fault that he's more interested in something else. That's just the way they are, they way they're wired. We can't expect them to think like we do and care about the things we care about. They do what works for them. They do what they do best.....be a dog.
That said, about attention: Of course, if a dog has not been trained to give attention, he is more apt to give his attention on the competing environmental motivator. (squirrels, cats, dogs, leaves blowing etc) Their instincts are so strong to be attracted to moving things that even well trained dogs sometimes can't resist. However, training a dog to give his owner attention requires, like everything else to start where there are no distractions...inside the house, then introducing a mild distraction and gradually moving up the hierarchy of distractions as the dog is able to cope with the previous, more mild ones. The motivator that the owner or trainer needs is one which will be more interesting to the dog than most, if not all environmental motivators.
So, you teach, "watch me" at home in your living room and you try it out at random times when the dog is least expecting it...different rooms, different contexts. You get it solid. Then you try it out in your yard, hopefully away from squirrels. You practice and practice. Then you add a human walking across the lawn and you practice, then maybe another dog that he knows well.
It's all about reinforcing a correct response over and over and beating out the competition with your slightly hungry dog if need be, your high value treats, a favorite squeeky toy.
There are also things you can do to re-direct his prey drive. What's just about as good as chasing a squirrel? How about chasing a squirrel? LOL. If you have two people there, one holding the leash, the other holding a stuffed animal on a rope...hidden behind her back. Dog sees squirrel in the yard. Owner says, "leave it." (already taught) For low level reaction, he gets reinforced with the stuffed animal on a rope which is going to "run." He's going to have some fun doing what he likes. He learns that by leaving the real squirrel alone, he gets what he wants...to run after a moving object. It becomes habit for him to "leave it" because only good things have happened for leaving it...(a strong history of reinforcement) But, ya gotta reinforce him quickly.....before he decides to lunge at the squirrel. The problem with most people is they wait for the rotten behavior to start and then it's light years too late to do anything about it. He must be reinforced for the correct resonse numerous times and NOT get reinforced for lunging at the squirrel. That's invigorating probably, even if he can't get the squirrel. That needs to be interrupted, prevented and the "good" behavior reinforced.
Lyric, my Doberman has stopped mid chase many times after deer, squirrels, dogs and most things. One time he didn't obey and ran after a bear with Jose, my Chihuahua. But over all, he's close to what I want.
Anyhow...the point of all this rambling is that there ARE alternatives which are absolutely effective, which are used by most trainers today who have advanced degrees in behavior, who have been training for decades. There are studies, science which supports this as well. These other ways do not include aversives such as jerking on a collar or other punishment.
Sometimes people say, "it doesn't work." Well, it does work if all or even most of the available information is learned by the trainer. You don't have to have a PhD to learn enough of this to mold a happy and well mannered dog. It does take some study, just like anything else. It works because it is behavioral law. An apple falls from a tree because gravity, a law of physics. Scientific learning behavior happens because it is a law of behavior. Dogs are not obedient to cues. They're obedient to reinforcement and behavioral laws. Overly dominated dogs are complying out of avoidance and/or fear. That is not training. That is coercion. There's a big difference.

Answer:
"Tsst tsst!"
How the hell is a dog supposed to understand that? Cesar Milan has such little grasp of actual dog training. Unfortunately, his influence is dangerously appealing to so many people.

Answer:
Fact is, yanking on a leash isn't going to get a dogs attention, or make them behave. It's just not.
Sure it will. Dogs were trained long before people started to use mainly positive reinforcement. What do you think they used? Leash corrections.
Now, the questions is, do you want to base your relationship with your dog mainly on corrections, or do you actually want to spend the time to teach your dog what you expect and set him up to succeed?
It's not a matter of, 'this works, and this doesn't", both corrections and positive reinforcement work quite well. It's up to the people to decide if they want to start out teaching and allowing the dog to learn, or correcting and forceing the dog to figure it out along the way.

Answer:
Hello everyone. I called the vet, who know my dog from when he was a puppy - he has never caused her any trouble even when she "hurts" him and makes him cry. She didn't like what he did. She told me that I'll have to take him to a pet hospital for X rays and some other exams! I'll go this saturday. I feel guilty now, cause apparently I own a dog, not knowing basic things about dogs. Im going to read everything in the forum. To everyone who worry, I thank them very much, but I'd never hurt my dog to punish him. :yikes:

Answer:
Don't feel guilty, at least you're learning now. :) Just remember your dog isn't a human, so his biting you doesn't mean he doesn't love you. You just have to teach him it's not acceptable behavior.
Regarding Cesar Milan, he's not a qualified dog behaviorist (which I believe you actually get a degree for, or is it a license?) He's just a TV personality without much real knowledge. The local shelter sends out a quarterly newsletter to people who've adopted pets and recently sent one with an article about Cesar that basically said, "Don't listen to him, he's a hack."

Answer:
The American Humane Association made a push to have Milan's show pulled off the air due to his techniques. They ended up having to settle with a disclaimer for the show to get a profession and not to just emulate what he doe. Doubt it'll change people from doing what they see on tv, but it's a start.

Answer:
Filianna,
Please don't feel guilty. I have my fourth dog and still am learning. You are doing the right thing getting your dog checked by the vet, and I know you care about your dog. Doberluv gave some good ideas for you to try a little at a time. It just takes repetition. You can make training fun! I just started taking my puppy to obedience class to learn some training methods that are new to me. We use boiled chicken, or whatever our dogs really really like (that is healthy). This training is new to me because it has been many years since I have gone to classes. I have had dogs for many years. I had a private trainer years ago, and group classes quite a few times with each dog. The methods have changed in the years since I have been to classes. I am enjoying the new methods I am learning, and it is truely amazing to watch my doggy learn and respond (as well as the other dogs in the class). Once they learn through repetition, you won't need to use food all the time. Right now I am learning some really neat things so that in case someone drops a pill, or something dangerous, Herbie is learning to "leave it", and look to me for something better from me. Unless they are ill, I believe alot of dogs like to be challenged and learn. They love the praise and attention, and most of the time want to please you no matter what age. Your dog can learn to "leave it" in a positive way. I am sure it scared you when your dog bit you. Working with your dog and teaching him some new things may be just what you both need, especially since you are away from the house more then before. Your dog will look forward to it. Learning is fun. Let us know how you are doing. I am sure that people can help you as you work with your dog. Try some of doberluvs ideas. if you have questions as you go, ask. Try not to get confused with what some people wrote. They are giving differing opinions, and have a right to, but if you look at the advise, you will see that you were given some great training tips, fun for you, and fun for your dog. I wish I had learned some of these things when my older dog was still living. He wanted to please up to the very end! Best wishes to you.

Answer:
Great advice Doberluv.

Answer:
My sweet Zafit suffered a stroke. Thats what happened to him the time he bit me. It was a very small one, and doctors gave me medications and told me not to worry that much about it, because a dog stroke isn't as serious as a human stroke. I have to watch him, to see if that happens again. I give him lots of spagetti now. For some reason he ju loves spagetti. I took his food away once to see what will happen, and he didnt react at all, he just stood there looking at me, and shaking like saying "please, please, please give it back". I don't really want to train him, now. Im scared for my baby :(

Answer:
Really! Oh, I'm so sorry for your worry. I'm glad you took him to the vet and hope there will be no more episodes.
He may like spahgetti but it isn't nourishing for him. It's pretty acidic and just not a dog diet. He really needs his dog food which has meat and lots of protein.
Training him doesn't have to be some awful, arduous thing. It should be fun and light, with a game playing atmosphere. Dogs enjoy learning things. They enjoy that kind of interaction with you. If you don't teach him little things along the way because you feel sorry for him or if you let him have his way about things because you feel sorry for him....if you fuss over him too much, he may develop some real behavior problems.
Of course you want to love him up and watch over him extra carefully. There's nothing wrong with that. Just be careful you still interact with him as you would a dog.....because he is a dog. And his little mind works differently than ours. He doesn't know he had a stroke. He probably feels fine now and isn't looking back.
Does the vet think he'll be OK for now? I'm so sorry for your worry. It's really hard when things go wrong, isn't it. Take care. I'll be thinking of you and your little fur friend. Let us know how he does.

Answer:
Yes Dober, the vet thinks he'll be ok, since the episode didnt cause him paralysis. But... well she wasn't happy and she didnt ENSURE me that this won't happen again. She said that we'll have to watch him. I know what you mean with the spagetti thing, but I dont think it will hurt him to eat what he really loves rarely of course and I just give this food to him with his meat and everything. Do we humans always eat what is good for us? Anyway life is going back to normal and I'll try to teach him new things, but as I feel that I will lose him (and thats something the vet didnt want to take out of my mind) I see this all as pointless. Its ironic that I titled this thread "Im very sad" reffering to the bite, and now I have to handle this. Thanks a tone for your great advice.

Answer:
One more thing. I Know that I do a lot of things wrong with my dog, but the fact that I want whats best for him does not change. And I know that I did the right thing to seek help in this forum, since you guys MADE me take him to the vet, wich I'd never think by myself. So Im greatful and want you all to know that.

Answer:
This is a scary thing and I know how you must feel....that dread. I feel that dread sometimes quite a bit because I have a Doberman. Dobermans have a huge propensity to bone cancer (and other cancers) and dilated cardiomyopathy. You would not believe how many Dobermans die prematurely on account of these things which, careful as I was to choose a breeder with lower prevelence in her lines, still.....it's in all the lines. There are Dobes who die at age 3 or 5 or 6...way too young. And it's always in the back of my mind that he may not reach a nice, "healthy" life span of 10..that I'll lose him early. All we can do when something like what happened with your dog is try to enjoy each day and give them the best, happiest time and just love 'em.
I didn't realize you meant once in a while with the spahgetti. Yes, I don't see anything wrong with it for a treat sometimes. (just no onions. They're toxic to dog...really toxic)
As far as the teaching of some basic obedience or some tricks, that's not a waste IMO. Dogs generally love to have something to do with their minds. They have good minds and they get bored and depressed, I think if they don't get to use them. It's never a waste. That idea too, isn't good for you because it puts you in the mind set that he is definitely not going to be around for long. And you don't know that. This could have been an isolated thing and he may have a long, healthy life. Live your life with him... and have him live his life as though none of this happened and he's going to be fine. At least try. And you know what? That just may very well be the case. In fact, I'd almost want to get a second opinion if it isn't too late. That vet may have been wrong. What tests did she do to determine that he had a stroke? Did she do blood tests and find what is excreted during a stroke?
At any rate, enjoy your dog and make his time happy and enriching (from a dog's point of view) and that's all any of us can do.
(((hugs)))