Birds and Bird Dogs - Training Problem

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Training Problem

Printed From: The BaitShop
Category: Hunting
Forum Name: Birds and Bird Dogs
Forum Description: Upland birds, turkey, waterfowl - and man's best friend!
URL: http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9906
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 21:15
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Training Problem

Posted By: Rockydog
Subject: Training Problem
Date Posted: 26 January 2006 at 13:33

Guys, My two year old Black Lab pup has developed a really annoying problem. When ever anyone leaves the house he hits the door behind them like a ton of bricks. He's come very close to pinching fingers etc. but mostly it's just having the door slammed behind you as you leave. He does this by jumping up on it at full tilt. If I'm inside I can catch him and reprimand him brfore he gets there. But if the wife is there and I go out he pays her no mind at all, BAM. If I come back in and reprimand him he thinks it's a game and tries all the harder as I leave again. I've tried catching him in the act from the outside and knocking him on his ass with the door but now he waits for my shadow in the frosted glass to disappear and then he slams into the door after I go down the steps. This is a ritual with him. The door is steel but it's taking a hell of a beating too. He weighs about 70 pounds now. Oh yeah, I know basic obediance skills should take care of this but unfortunately I obviously haven't had or taken all the time he should have had. He's awfully hard headed for a lab, the complete opposite of my yellow. But possibly the most people oriented dog I've ever been around. Loves to get and give attention. Any help you can give me here I'd appreciate. RD

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When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
Thomas Jefferson

Replies:

Posted By: dakotasin
Date Posted: 26 January 2006 at 15:30

some dogs that are very people friendly do not respond well to physical behavior modifications. it seems to cause a higher desire w/ them to straighten out by expressing (verbally) your dismay w/ their actions.

first, you need to make sure the dog makes the connection that he isn't supposed to be hitting the door. then try to catch him in the act (sending somebody out the door), and then quickly and immediately get after him. a firm 'dog! no!', and then into the kennel w/ him for a minute or two. firm, quick, and consistent is the key.

you could also start by banning him from that porch - though if that's the porch he uses to go outside that won't work...

some dogs are a little more hard-headed and need physical reinforcement (e-collars are awesome, but so powerful it is possible to ruin a dog if you aren't very careful), but i can generally get what i want from a dog by using voice.

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Hunting is not a matter of life or death; it is much more important than that.

Posted By: Rockydog
Date Posted: 27 January 2006 at 14:03

Thanks for the reply. I've used an e collar on him before as he would not stop picking on the old yellow guy. When ever he had it on he was a perfect gentleman. He's smart enough that he made the connection between collar and behaving even with a dummy collar on. In reality he's like any lab another year and he'll be fine. I always figure 3 years of puppy hood with a lab. I wish I could figure out how he started this. It might be a key to ending it. RD

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When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
Thomas Jefferson