I'm a newbie with 4 dogs

[QUOTE=KOPsRobyn;4899]Hi Mo,

It is often a huge ask to train so many young dogs at the same time, so good on you for being willing to take on the challenge. Although they may all want to come out with you at once, it is important that they receive one-on-one training as you will have their complete attention and they will be focused on the task at hand. The training sessions should only be short, so the other dogs shouldn’t feel like they are missing out on much. When you take them out together, it is also a good idea to continue to reinforce the training by giving them commands, so that they will eventually be completely obedient, regardless of how distracting the environment is.

It is important that they realize that you are the alpha dog, as it is to the leader of the pack that they will look to for instruction and commands. You can do this by including a few things into your daily routine, such as insisting that you walk ahead of them doorways and when walking on the leash, and feeding them after you have finished your own meal. You must ignore them if they come up to you for attention, as they have to learn that attention from you is earned and not just given out whenever they want it. Before you pat them or play with them, give them a command, such as 'sit-stay' so that they will see that your attention is a reward for good behavior. This will also act as an incentive for the future. If you are playing a game with them, make sure it is you that chooses the toy and when you decide that you have had enough, take the toy away with you so that they realize that it is you that controls playtime. When you first come home, you should greet the rest of the household first before saying hello to them, which will help them realize his place in the hierarchy. All these things can be incorporated relatively easily into your normal daily routine, although it will require some patience and perseverance from you. You should also set aside a 'time-out zone’ that is quiet and free of distractions, where you can take them if they misbehave. It is important to remember when using ‘time-out zones’ that you completely ignore them when taking them there and make them obey a command before releasing them from there.

I hope this helps and all the best with the training![/QUOTE]


Hi,
Even though I have posted a couple of times to the forum I just wanted to let everyone know that I also have 4 dogs and a puppy. One of the dogs and the puppy are fosters and the pup goes to his new home this week. He will be 14 weeks old and will have had his last set of shots the day before he leaves me. The dog I have that is a foster is a 4 year old Border Collie and she is so very sweet and gorgeous. The ones that are mine are mixes, their names are Phoxy, Vinnie and Missy. When I got Phoxy she was so tiny and was branded a sheltie mix and I was told that she wouldn't get much bigger because she was 5 months old.

Well before I knew she was as tall as my knee and 4 feet long. She weighs about 40 lbs and hasn't even filled out yet. My one dog had passed away right after I got my Phoxy and two weeks later I got Vinnie. For awhile he was very lonely as no one except me would play with him. Now 2 years later all are happy and healthy and except for the escape problems once in awhile I have no problems with them.

Lest I forget Missy is a Chi-Weenie and she is old and all she really wants to do is sleep all day. Although she will discipline the puppy when he gets too rambunctious.

I am a retired dog trainer and I mostly sent for the course out of curiosity. But if it will help me with Phoxy's recall and escaping then I will be happy to receive it. Can't hardly wait. Below is pic of Phoxy.