[*~KultuRe~*]

So about a year ago me and my family adopted a very adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback from the shelter. We love her to death, but she's always been very skidish and doesn't take well to discipline. Well, it doesn't help that my mom practically wipes this dogs ass for it - She baby's this dog like there's no tomorrow, and quite frankly, I'm sick of it.

For the past few months this dog has been shitting on puppy pads (and almost always missing) and for a while I thought she was just getting used to things, and that she was a puppy and that it would stop - but it hasn't. We walk her MINIMUM 4-6 times a day, and she always has at least 1 accident, usually numerous ones, and I am the only one who disciplines her. My mom seems to want to go out of her way to protect the dog and allow her to shit all over the house, apparently unaware that we are RENTING this house, and if the landlords came over tomorrow they would kick us out in a SECOND because of how disgusting this place is/smells.

I've gotten into some pretty heated arguments about what to do with this dog, and my mom wants none of it. I've tried locking her outside, only to have my mom let her in. My mother will even quickly pick up and clean her shit just to make sure I don't see it so all can be well and I won't yell or discipline the dog. This is UNACCEPTABLE, so WT's and all dog experts, PLEASE, WHAT DO I DO?? What are some tips for potty training a dog effectively, disciplining a dog, and most importantly, making a dog LISTEN.

I refuse to allow this to continue any longer, my dog is the most poorly trained dog on the face of this planet, she doesn't listen to a single word I say, and whenever I even raise my voice a little she runs to my mother and jumps on her lap and just pretends to be innocent and cute, and my mom eats it up, so any help would really be greatly appreciated, I can't stand living like this anymore. Thank you WT's, God bless you all and thank you so much for any information, you all seriously don't know how important and upset I am over this. There isn't ANY strain of Cannabis to help with the anger of waking up to THREE different sets of shits all over the house, INCLUDING ON THE WALLS :blink:

Jah bless WT's.

[WEDDY]

Watch the dog whisperer. he is the best and Free advice!

[mikibeck]

I am no expert, but I do know that you and your mother need to come to some type of agreement on how to handle the dog. She is thoroughly confused at this point and you are definitely not the alpha, but I don't think your mother is either.

You must be consistent with her and take some time each day to train her. Clicker training is good, but the timing is crucial, I don't use one. Start with the little things, make her sit before putting down her food dish. Sounds simple, but it helps them understand that YOU control things. My daughter was given a small dog a year ago. She is not fully potty trained either and it is because she does not get consistent handling. I am firmer with her than my daughter. But she does listen to basic commands and learning restraint (stay and "leave it").

I do not know much about the Ridgebacks, but they appear to be very intelligent dogs. She wants to please you. It makes her nervous when you are angry with her and hence she runs to her mom. You must try very, very hard not to be angry with the dog because she can definitely sense it.

The "leave it" command is simple: put a treat in front of the dog in your hand or on the ground. Give the command "leave it". When she starts to go for it anyway, firmly say "uh oh" (or something along those lines) and don't let her at it. You will know when she understands because will probably avert her eyes or move away from the treat. The reward is a treat, but NOT the one you told her to "leave". Small step but a start.

Our dog picked up on this after about 3 tries. If we are training with this command and I put the treat closer to her she will get up and move away.

You should also consider taking her to puppy training so she can continue to understand that you are the boss. Finally (don't laugh) check out "The Dog Whisperer" and "Me or the Dog". You can pick up really good information and begin to understand how dogs think and react. It is very helpful.

Hang in there, there is nothing like the love of a dog and I believe that Ridgebacks made very good watchdogs (at least they look as though they would).

Hope some of this helps.

Peace!

[*~KultuRe~*]

Originally Posted by WEDDY

Watch the dog whisperer. he is the best and Free advice!

This Guy???



:001_tt2:

[tanja]

okay i assume you dont have money for a trainer. A ridgeback is a very large and powerful dog. You must be strong too. A trainer would be best.
That said I believe in ONLY positive reinforcement training. This means setting the dog up to do well and then rewarding with food. You can also geta clicker, to help with training.After so many times of associating good behavior with treats the habit will become ingrained. Try to NEVER hit your dog, I know its popular to rub faces in meses but I think that just gets you a smelly dog,and then they are afraid of you. Itsbetter to train with love than fear.
Unfortuneatly sometimes bathroom problems are a little harder. I still dont believe your dog wants to live with poop anymore than you do. However pup could be confused by the smells.
Check it, have an accident, it gets cleaned up by my people. Then a little later pup walks by and smells that area. Well this is it, my poop place and the whole vicsous cycle starts over. just terrible.
So an enzyme cleaner to rid the floor of all smells. And your doing good to keep walking for poty training. My best suggestion is to work it hard right now, the older a dog gets the harder it is to train them.
Last thing you can withhold food a little till your dog sets up a routine. Mabey feed early morn and early eve then take it away till morning again. And dont forget how hard it is to wait when you really have to go so give many many oppurtunties to go out side.
Best of luck to you both
Tanja

[*~KultuRe~*]

tanja and mikibeck, thank you both very much for your input. Greatly appreciated.

I do have one question open to any WT who can answer...

Tanja said..

Try to NEVER hit your dog, I know its popular to rub faces in meses but I think that just gets you a smelly dog,and then they are afraid of you. Itsbetter to train with love than fear.

I would definetly agree, however I will admit that I am guilty of sticking the dogs nose in the poo (not all the way but only to make them realize that the Poo is unacceptable) I know that this is an improper way to train a dog, but how do I let the dog (Erika) know that what she has done is wrong??

One great example of this situation is last night - I locked her in the kitchen and she didn't have a mess, however, as SOON as I opened the kitchen door this morning she bolted out and ran up stairs and took a shit and piss before I even had my shoes on!! :001_unsure: I than did the normal routine of "NO! NO!" then quickly took her on a walk, where she did nothing but give me a hard time because she kept wanting to go back home and not on a walk. Then, NO JOKE, about 20 minutes later, I walk downstairs to find yet ANOTHER PILE OF I was so furious that I could barely see straight, and she's been locked outside ever since. Obviously she isn't getting that she can't piss/shit inside, so how do I enforce that rule?? I'm considering keeping her outside the majority of the time until she learns that she isn't allowed inside until she's done her business.

[LivnLifAgn]

Originally Posted by *~KultuRe~*

tanja and mikibeck, thank you both very much for your input. Greatly appreciated.

I do have one question open to any WT who can answer...

Tanja said..


I would definetly agree, however I will admit that I am guilty of sticking the dogs nose in the poo (not all the way but only to make them realize that the Poo is unacceptable) I know that this is an improper way to train a dog, but how do I let the dog (Erika) know that what she has done is wrong??

One great example of this situation is last night - I locked her in the kitchen and she didn't have a mess, however, as SOON as I opened the kitchen door this morning she bolted out and ran up stairs and took a shit and piss before I even had my shoes on!! :001_unsure: I than did the normal routine of "NO! NO!" then quickly took her on a walk, where she did nothing but give me a hard time because she kept wanting to go back home and not on a walk. Then, NO JOKE, about 20 minutes later, I walk downstairs to find yet ANOTHER PILE OF I was so furious that I could barely see straight, and she's been locked outside ever since. Obviously she isn't getting that she can't piss/shit inside, so how do I enforce that rule?? I'm considering keeping her outside the majority of the time until she learns that she isn't allowed inside until she's done her business.

After rubbing Mommas nose in the Poo and tossed outside Ya might get some help!


Get a kennel.....Put dog in Kennel.....Dog cries to get out....Take dog out side to do business...If no do business, Back to kennel!...Repeat several time until Dog Barks to get out to do-Do Business!-----Rub the Nose, Newspaper the Butt a couple times--IF Caught in the act!-- Then--With a STRONG NO!...It's out the door!!....>>A Back up to Kennel training!

Dog Will Learn!

[honeykhyber]

Originally Posted by *~KultuRe~*

tanja and mikibeck, thank you both very much for your input. Greatly appreciated.

I do have one question open to any WT who can answer...

Tanja said..


I would definetly agree, however I will admit that I am guilty of sticking the dogs nose in the poo (not all the way but only to make them realize that the Poo is unacceptable) I know that this is an improper way to train a dog, but how do I let the dog (Erika) know that what she has done is wrong??

One great example of this situation is last night - I locked her in the kitchen and she didn't have a mess, however, as SOON as I opened the kitchen door this morning she bolted out and ran up stairs and took a shit and piss before I even had my shoes on!! :001_unsure: I than did the normal routine of "NO! NO!" then quickly took her on a walk, where she did nothing but give me a hard time because she kept wanting to go back home and not on a walk. Then, NO JOKE, about 20 minutes later, I walk downstairs to find yet ANOTHER PILE OF I was so furious that I could barely see straight, and she's been locked outside ever since. Obviously she isn't getting that she can't piss/shit inside, so how do I enforce that rule?? I'm considering keeping her outside the majority of the time until she learns that she isn't allowed inside until she's done her business.

I have a 3 and 1/2 year old ridgeback rescue too and she used to piss and shit in the house all the time. When I got her and still to some extent she was very afraid of people if someone would come over she would run to the furthest part of the house and hide. Whenever I would walk her she would never go to the bathroom outside, she was always too busy listening and looking around at anything and everyone. I would walk back in the house and 1 min later she would do her thing in the HOUSE! I started sending her on 4 hour hikes with a dog walker and she would come home after being out for 4 hours and still do her thing in the house!

I was really starting to lose my mind!

He's what helped Maya COMPLETELY clean of the area where she used to "go" with an enzyme cleaner (Nature's Miracle get the huge bottle) Keep the dog away from the area when you are cleaning it. (keeping the dog away sends the message this is NOT their area) CLEAN IT AGAIN...

Where does the dog sleep? I used to have mine sleep outside my room in the living room. I moved her bed to the corner of my bedroom and she instantly became like a new dog. She feels very "honored" to sleep in the "King's" room. It is very important for her to KNOW SHE IS NOT IN CHARGE! You can't let your mom be in charge she isn't an alpha and without one in the family the dog is confused and left to make descisions herself...she doesn't want to make her own decisions, she wants to please her owner but she doesn't know how to.

Ridgebacks don't like to be alone. I'm lucky and can bring my "girl" to work. This is my second Ridgeback and I've learned that whenever they are left alone they get into mischeif. Before I moved her bed into my room I could walk her go out to dinner (quick dinner back in an hour) and I would come home to a "present" in the living room.

I would also recommend you letting her "know" as many people and other dogs as possible... it will help with the anxiety she is feeling. This will help her "chill" when you are walking her and let her do her "thing" outside.

Hope this helps... feel free to ask anything else or post results...

HK

[honeykhyber]

One more thing...

When walking her try training her at the same time as this will keep her focused on you and distracted from her anxiety. Simply things like making sure she walks BEHIND you and correcting quickly and swiftly when she gets ahead of you (a quick snap of the leash if she trotts ahead) same applies if she starts dragging behind smelling everything. She must stay at your pace! If you walk faster she speeds up if you slow down she slows down... she should be watching you! Mix it up walk fast then slow..then stop making sure she stays right with you. Make her stay even if you start walking until you give her a command that what you want is for her to "leave her stay." Always walk with a bag of treats with you she will be watching you like a hawk and the possitive reinforcement is very effective.

Body languange is very important walk with your shoulders and head high.

[*~KultuRe~*]

honeykhyber, thank you SO much for your input, it was great and very helpful!!

Where does the dog sleep? I used to have mine sleep outside my room in the
living room. I moved her bed to the corner of my bedroom and she instantly
became like a new dog. She feels very "honored" to sleep in the "King's" room.

Erika has been very lucky and has always been allowed to sleep with my parents, she usually sleeps with them in their bed. However, this may end tonight because everyday we wake up to a mess, and it just can't happen anymore, so we've taken the action of putting her in the kitchen during the night. We've only done it once, but that was one of the only nights she didn't have an accident (until she ran out of the kitchen and destroyed the house faster than I had been awake) So we're messing with the possiblity of keepin her in the kitchen or even possibly outside, although we aren't too sure about that because, like you said, when those ridgebacks are left alone, TROUBLE! lol

The advice about cleaning that specific spot was very helpful, and I think may be the key - this morning when I caught her doing her thang, it was in that spot, and now that I reflect upon it, she ALWAYS goes to that one spot, so I guess it's clean clean clean and STAY AWAY AWAY AWAY! lol.

The hardest part about this whole situation is my mother - My father finally caved in and told my mom off, admitting that we can't live like this anymore, and my mom continued to defend erika, claiming that we just "don't walk her enough" which is total BS because we walk her, like i mentioned, MINIMUM 4-6 times a day, when in reality I've been told by several people that it shouldn't be anymore than 2 or 3.

I do have another question, and this is a bizarre one, but how do I properly give a dog a treat? I ask this because when we first got her, the first thing I taught her was "Sit" and "Shake" after which I would always give her a milkbone - well, she got so used to it and excited that whenever I would hold the treat in my hand, she would instantly smell it and immediately sit down and give me her paw BEFORE I had even told her to sit down or shake - She just immediately knew what to do, which still means that to a certain extent she's not learning, just doing what she has to do to get the treat - so how do I properly give her a treat and actually TEACH her? Another thing, and as a Ridgeback owner you may have noticed this, and especially since she's a puppy I guess, she gets VERY excited about things, and sometimes it's soo hard just to calm her down and make her listen - For example, sometimes if I say sit or come here, she'll just get all excited and start rolling around and licking me and acting silly - It's cute and all that fun stuff, but enough is enough. When I tell her to sit, sometimes she'll immediately sit and give me paw, unaware I guess that she's not getting a treat and I didn't say "Paw" or "Shake" so she seems to kind of be in her own world sometimes lol. More than 90% of the time as well, when I ask her to sit, if she bothers to sit at all, it's only for a mere second or two until she has better things to do and wanders off, making me increasingly frustruated, leading to me raising my voice, which leads to her getting even MORE excited and unable to listen, and it's a vicious cycle lol.

Thanks again WT's, this is GREAT information and much of it will be discussed and put into action TONIGHT. Thanks again, Jah Bless WT's! Happy Medicating!

[LivnLifAgn]

I do have another question, and this is a bizarre one, but how do I properly give a dog a treat? I ask this because when we first got her, the first thing I taught her was "Sit" and "Shake" after which I would always give her a milkbone - well, she got so used to it and excited that whenever I would hold the treat in my hand, she would instantly smell it and immediately sit down and give me her paw BEFORE I had even told her to sit down or shake - She just immediately knew what to do?

........:blink:.........Well this is getting Easier!.No more treats until Dog learns to

Shit Down!......Shit Down!..............Shit Down the Street!!...Get a Treat!

[BabyBoomer]

So sorry your fur kid is giving you so many challenges.

The tips are great.

I think anything from Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer is good. The Internet is full of tips on house training.

Because so many un-welcomed behaviors have already been allowed, the challenges become more difficult. The complications are that you are starting really late in the training. It is not impossible, but more difficult.

Be the pack leader (there has to be one)

Always be consistent is your training. Same thing over and over again. You know the dog has intelligence, already sit & shake when a treat appears, so the dog is listening.

Thank you for sticking to this. The Animal Shelters are full of pet owners that don't.

Good luck.

Cyber Hugs







.

[honeykhyber]

I think Ridgebacks are born knowing how to shake (or give their paw) mine does it all the time lol... I think what it really means is "pet me" it's like she's trying to show you what she wants... just my theory... nothing to back that up.

The dog MAY NOT SLEEP IN YOU PARENTS BED! That puts her in an alpha role and she is NOT the alpha!

When the dog gets out of control grab her immediately turn her on her back and hold her there for a min. and that lets her KNOW you are the boss. This is what dogs do in packs and it's very natural for them. Don't make eye contact you don't want the dog to associate you looking at her as being negative.

And yes she should be rewarded when she goes to bathroom outside. Work on making her stay until you tell her it's ok to leave. NO TREAT if she leaves early, she's very smart she'll catch on.

Ridgeback's think they are people you need to let her know where the boundries are.

[*~KultuRe~*]

Thank you for sticking to this. The Animal Shelters are full of pet owners
that don't.

As much as my doggy makes me frusturated, I would never in a million years consider getting rid of her. She's my best friend, and I love her to death! I could never do that to an animal. Once a friend, always a friend. :001_wub:

think Ridgebacks are born knowing how to shake (or give their paw) mine does
it all the time lol... I think what it really means is "pet me" it's like she's
trying to show you what she wants... just my theory... nothing to back that up

LOL, I think you're right. She's always given me her paw too, but just let me continue thinking that I've taught her SOMETHING :001_tt2:

Once again honeykhyber, I seriously appreciate the help. Me and my family had a giant discussion tonight, and I cited most of what I read here on WT, and I think things are really going to start changing.

The dog MAY NOT SLEEP IN YOU PARENTS BED! That puts her in an alpha role and she is NOT the alpha!

I realize this, but try telling that to my mother. This woman is borderline insane with how much she pampers this dog - and she'll openly admit it too, she thinks that everyone else is just making their dogs into "Robots" and don't know how to let their dogs live (Yes, I do realize how incredibly stupid this sounds, and yes, I do agree, hence the fact that I was so infuriated that I could barely see straight, see post above lol) I recall one time, a close by neighbor has a Ridgeback as well, and he was taking it on a car ride, and he was telling it specifically where to sit down and he started to raise his voice a little, and my mom got so mad that she almost went over there and said something...FOR NOTHING! He didn't do anything wrong, and I actually learned something from the guy LOL. I've also never had an animal that wasn't severely overweight due to my mom's compulsive need to over-feed animals and pamper them to extents that it hurts them. Yes, it's a daily struggle just to save my animals from themselves. OFF-TOPIC but I have a kitty whom I took in after my Grandmother passed away. She didn't have the kitty long, but I took it in and have raised it, and she is NOTHING like my other cats - she's respectful, likes other people, and DOESN'T BEG FOR FOOD. It's just so infuriating because when I try to explain this to my mother she think's I'm full of because I'm fairly young.

In reality this isn't as much disciplining a dog as much as discipling my mother, but I'm trying to teach her that her pampering is only hurting our animals.

However, I am firmly convinced that things should start changing here on forth. Thank you all for your input, you really have no idea how much it has helped. I will be applying all that I have learned, and I have learned a lot, so thanks to all who have contributed and have let me know what's help, bless you all, happy medicating and I wish you all the best of luck and positive vibes!! :thumbup:

[honeykhyber]

Originally Posted by *~KultuRe~*

I realize this, but try telling that to my mother. This woman is borderline insane with how much she pampers this dog - and she'll openly admit it too, she thinks that everyone else is just making their dogs into "Robots" and don't know how to let their dogs live (Yes, I do realize how incredibly stupid this sounds, and yes, I do agree, hence the fact that I was so infuriated that I could barely see straight, see post above lol)

It doesn't sound stupid... there are a lot of people that treat there dogs that way any many "get-a-way" with it. The thing is you have a Ridgeback she'll get much bigger and WILL TAKE OVER YOUR HOUSE!

Here's what to tell your mom... get the dog a really nice bed and she can sleep right next to her. The dog will be more comfortable in her own bed. This is true but at first it will be a day or two of adjustment. So even though you know the more important reason the dog have its own bed is because she MUST sleep BELOW your mom, she will actually like it better when she gets use to it. Wanna know how I know? My dog used to sleep in my bed!
Just last weekend I tried to put my dog on my bed to take a picture of her with my kids and she wouldn't get on it! ..RESPECT

Here's another thing... YOU can't change Erika.. you can help but your MOM is the one that is running the whole house and Erika knows that so that's who Erika follows.

Sorry I know this is long....
But make sure your mom knows that you're not turning Erika into a ROBOT... Erika wants to please your mom if your mom "teaches" Erika what pleases her Erika will be SO HAPPY everyone wins!

I've also never had an animal that wasn't severely overweight due to my mom's compulsive need to over-feed animals and pamper them to extents that it hurts them. Yes, it's a daily struggle just to save my animals from themselves. OFF-TOPIC but I have a kitty whom I took in after my Grandmother passed away. She didn't have the kitty long, but I took it in and have raised it, and she is NOTHING like my other cats - she's respectful, likes other people, and DOESN'T BEG FOR FOOD. It's just so infuriating because when I try to explain this to my mother she think's I'm full of because I'm fairly young.

In reality this isn't as much disciplining a dog as much as discipling my mother, but I'm trying to teach her that her pampering is only hurting our animals.

EXACTLY RIGHT

[cephas]

I had a VERY stubborn dog...this is what helped;

1) Clean the poo spot with enzyme cleaner, then drench with white vinegar (or just clean and drench with vinegar) ALMOST NOTHING withstands the smell of vinegar. After it drys, use a regular cleaner to get rid of the vinegar smell.

2)Get a crate, it is much more humane than keeping the dog in a kitchen. Dogs naturally like small enclosed spaces to sleep in. If she is not playing with you, exercising, or eating, keep her in the crate till she consistently goes outside, probably won't take too long as she sounds attached.

3) Keep the dog on leash at all times, especially in the house. Keep one eye on her at all times (a pain I know, but if you can't put her in her crate with a chew toy), when she starts to do her business inside, grab the leash and take her outside immediately! Timing is the issue here, get her to move BEFORE she actually goes....if you do this a couple times most likely she will get the message, nobody likes being interrupted before finishing their business:thumbup:.

4) Get your Mom to watch some Dog training shows, (I really like "Me or the Dog" on Animal planet)...She needs to get a clue about alpha behavior before that Rhodesian makes the house stink...or worse.......My best friend had a Rhodesian until a 3 years ago when he passed, his house still seems empty to me...Get your mom an idea of how to best treat that dog and you will never be upset with her again!


Realize I'm replying a little late...hope the info still helps....

[kennabis]

your dawgy has "you" trained..!!! this happens alot. you must become more interactive with your poochs potty breaks, and positive reaffirming must follow every deed well done (good potty boy, good boy, good potty..)

1. never let your dawgy see you pick up poo, ever, it just looks like a free ride for some "attention" as your pickin up there waste, and sayin there name over and ever again, huh, just looks like attention, everytime they get a reaction their willing to push the button...

2. take them out regularly for a potty break, if they are just layin there, hey, wanna go outside and go potty..?!? cmon..!!! go out with them, and tell them go potty, good potty..... hang out, when they go potty, let the praise flow, aahhh good boy..!!! good potty..!!! check you out..!!! you're the best at going potty "outside".... you must initiate it all....

3. dawgs do not wanna go in the house, they are clean and like a clean spot, you will never see a dawg lay in its own waste. it is for attention, they feel like they need more of your direct attention, and you will enjoy more "outside" time...

good luck

[*~KultuRe~*]

Hey all, I thought I'd just give a quick update as to how things are going now.

I think the best piece of advice has been to keep her away from the spot she used to potty in, and to clean that area with enzyme cleaner! I went out and picked up the biggest bottle they had, and not only did that stuff work like a miracle to rid the smell, but no stains either!

We've found that we have to keep her enclosed in certain rooms at a time. We generally will put her outside for the morning hours, upstairs in many different rooms such as my room or my parents room for the afternoon hours, and downstairs in the kitchen for nighttime hours, of course during all of this we walk her, play with her, and keep her company. We have found that we HAVE to keep her secured to at least one room at a time - it's when she's allowed to run all over the house and do whatever she wants that she gets into "trouble". Even if we turn our back for one second and she isn't in our sight, that's when she craps all over the house. Ever since posting this, we have only had 1 accident, and that was actually just moments ago that I'll openly admit was my fault, I didn't secure her to one room and allowed her to run all over the house and chase the kitties. Other than that, things have been really great. She won't go in any other room or spot except that one particular spot, so it's just a goal of keeping her a way from that one spot, which is somewhat difficult because it's practically in the middle of the house.

Ever since I took the advice of honeykhyber and mikibeck, things have been different. It's still a struggle to get my mother on board with some other things, but at least the potty training issue is no more. Once again, thanks honeykhyber for all your help and support! You all don't know how nice it is to be able to walk on my stairs again! :001_tt2:

Overall, things are going great now, thanks again WT's for all your input! It has really helped! Thanks!

[honeykhyber]

Glad to hear things are working out!