Ask the Trainer
Mike Wombacher wants your dog to mind his manners. No more eating furniture, out with the carpet ‘accidents.’ Your dog’s slipper slobbering days are over. Cue the Super Hero theme music. Mike to the rescue!
As Woof Report’s resident trainer and behavior expert, Mike Wombacher’s here to answer your questions, offer advice and help you get the most out of your relationship with your pup. Maybe you’ll recognize Mike. After all, he is “America’s Dog Trainer,” the author of two best-selling books on man’s best friend, a frequent television guest, columnist for the national magazine “American Dog,” animal educator, lecturer and a recognized court certified expert.
For over 20 years, Mike has demystified training techniques in his classes, private lessons and media appearances with magical results: making dog ownership, training and responsibility easy to understand and follow at home. Lucky you, now he’s sharing his professional advice with you for free at Woof Report. Just submit your questions with the form below and Mike will answer a question each week.
We’ll notify you by email if and when your question is answered and posted. We regret that all questions cannot be answered personally. If you have an urgent issue, please contact a trainer or attend an obedience class. If you're interested in a private or group class with Mike in the Bay Area, you can reach him at Dog Gone Good! Dog Training at 415-437-0848 or visit his website at www.doggonegood.org. For a dog trainer in your area, we suggest using the 'find a trainer' feature at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers website at www.adpt.com. * required fields
Q: HELP!! My Golden Retriever, a 3 year old male almost got hit by a car today. I walk him with a choke chain and leash. He is so strong and gets so wired when he sees other dogs & people, etc. that he pulls away from me. He is aggressively friendly. He's pulled me over into ditches, etc. I don't have the strength to hold him back when he gets like this. I made the mistake of letting him off the leash during walks in the past when I first got him. Big mistake I would not repeat. What do I do? He needs exercise. Our yard is not enough room for him to exercise--so an electric fence won't help. He is an unfixed male -- for future breeding purposes. He loves people and other animals but he was analyzed at 12 weeks as being assertive, independent, and while not being 'alpha' dog, always one to challenge for top-dog position. ?
Q: How can I get my 3-year old spayed female Dachshund to come to me? If I have a treat sometimes she'll come but most of the time she just focuses on what she wants to do or chase. ? ?
Q: I think my husky, George, has separation anxiety. It isn't that he "acts out" necessarily if left alone, ie chewing, barking, digging, etc, but he exhibits a few other things... He becomes really "mopey", seemingly emotional, and will sometimes refuse to even take a treat from me once I return! He is also terrified of the gates that I put up to keep him confined to a specific room (won't even touch his toys if they are near it). Don't get me wrong, this makes things really easy, as I know he won't plan an escape.. but still. Anyhow, short of the long, I feel bad for him. I take him with me as much as I can and he isn't alone for that long on any given day. What can I do to calm him down or to make him less fearful or "emotional"? I have heard that giving a dog like this less space when alone can be helpful..? Let me know if you need more information. Thanks!
Q: How can I retrain my adult dog not to pee in the house?
Q: My doggie is a yorkshire terrier and we believe he has an anxiety problem. He is always panting especially when he gets excited upon arrival of people. At least, this is what the vet said it's believed to be. my question is, he got this way once my nephew was born - 4 years ago and after my doggie had been around for about 1 1/2. My doggie has never accepted my nephew and we are always afraid to have them both around - he bit my nephew once (lightly). He gets mad and starts panting when my nephew is around and gets very jealous. How can I change my doggies behavior towards my nephew so that he can accept and play with him? Is there any way my doggie can change his ways or is it too late? Please help - thank you!
Q: "What do you think about the collars that teach dogs not to bark? Are they mean or do they work? My lab barks at everything that walks by the house. Not sure if I want to go that route, give me your suggestions as to what to do! Thanks."
Q: "I have a 7 year old black Lab named Ebony. And she chews up EVERYTHING she can get her paws on. I have tried everything, from high fiber foods, adding green beans to her diet, and finally putting her on a chain anchored to the wall inside my home to keep her in a contained area. I hate leaving her that way, but if I want to come home to no destruction, that is what it takes. Is there anything else you can suggest to keep her from chewing? I am afraid, after 7 years, it is just a behavior that she will never get out of. I am also scared for her health, from the things she has eaten. She is "Marley" in a black coat!!!!"
Mike’s Top Ten: Why We Should Train Our Dogs
- To open a channel of communication with our dogs, young and old.
- To start our puppy off on the right paw by laying a solid foundation at an early age.
- To teach them to eliminate when and where we would like them to.
- To chew on appropriate articles and not on our limbs, clothing or valuables.
- To walk calmly on the leash without leaping or pulling.
Not to fight with other dogs or show inappropriate aggression towards people.
- To greet people appropriately, without jumping up.
- To come, sit, lie down, stay and heel when we ask them to.
- To stop unnecessary barking.
- To give us their attention and respect as leaders of their pack.
More About Mike Wombacher
www.doggonegood.org
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