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"Bello is the first dog I have had, so there was much I didn't know about dogs. Bello is a very smart and friendly dog, but as he started growing up (he is 18 months old now), he developed this quite idiosyncratic characteristic of taking matters into his own paws, so to speak. More specifically, he barks at and tries to scare other male dogs or some strangers he considers dangerous, although he's told not to.
On one such occasion, I almost lost hold of the leash, and he seemed to be close to attacking a male poodle. That's when I decided to look for help. I searched the web for books about dogs, and Sitstayfetch caught my eye. I'm very happy I purchased and read it. I realized that the problem lay with me. I knew nothing about the importance of conveying to him that I was the alpha dog.
For example, I was completely unaware that I had to go through doorways first; instead, I always let him go first. This is but one of the useful tips I got from Sitstayfetch, and they have all helped me greatly in the past two months to establish a better and healthier relationship with Bello. I only wish I had gotten the book when Bello came to live with me 16 months ago."
-- Antonino GulliSitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets
"Hello Daniel, I adopted a Springer spaniel from ESRA (English Springer Spaniel Rescue) in January of this year. JD (which stands for Just Dog) had a few issues but was mostly a "good boy" I was told. We brought him home only to find out he needed a lot of attention and discipline.
JD was very nervous. He had been a stray when found, and he lived in his foster home for several months. I was told that JD did not like his new 'foster dad', especially when he wore white t-shirts or when he took off his belt. He also was aggressive toward other dogs, and sometimes other men. However, he was fine with kids, his foster mom and me. I must mention that he is an extremely handsome guy (as you can see from his picture!).
My boyfriend was nervous and wanted me to send JD back to his foster home. Of course, being a Springer lover, I fell in love with JD as soon as I saw him, so I did not want to give up so fast. Someone had told me about your book, SitStayFetch so I decided to look for it online. When I realize I could download it, I opted for this. I began reading and finding good ideas on what I could do immediately to try to correct some of JD's bad behaviors. One thing I did immediately was to stop allowing JD to sleep next to my bed at night. He thought he was to be the leader of the pack and would sometimes climb up in the bed with me.
I had to show him that he was not, so I put up a nice-sized crate for him in the dining room and he started sleeping in there. He actually liked going in his crate, it gave him a sense of security that he sorely needed.
Another thing I did with JD was to begin walking him with a gentle leader several times a day. I trained him to walk by my side, to sit and to walk when I began walking. He needed a firm and consistent mom and I guess I was the one! We still take daily walks and I make him work for every treat he gets from me or the kids. He has become a wonderful pet over the past 7 months but it has not been easy.
JD is now a trusted family member, a wonderful watch dog, and a playful happy guy. He has made a complete 180, and I owe it to your expertise and to the help of a trainer I hired in March. She works on many of the same principles that you/your book does, mainly using strong and persistent techniques to break bad habits. Showing the dog that he is not the boss, is key.
Thank you for your e-newsletters, too. I really enjoy these. Sometimes the problems are similar to mine and JD's, sometimes not. Your answers are always clear and intelligent. I believe you are helping many people and their dogs to become compatible friends-the way it should be!"
-- Rita Randolfi (Vero Beach, Florida)SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
"My husband and I have a very spoilt 3 year old Border Collie/ Retriever. At about 18 months old, he developed a severe case of fear based aggression towards his own territory, other dogs, strangers, anybody that comes to close to me, even people he knows, he even growled and lunged at the local vet, whom Casper knows. He has growled and lunged at a teenager walking too close to me.
He seems to have a comfort zone around him, anybody coming closer than that look out. He has earned himself quite a reputation around town for being a vicious dog, which is unfortunate, as at home he is a very placid, big softie that we can do anything with.
He has made a real spectacle of himself in the past, when out on a lead with me, in the car etc. which is sad, as that is all most people see of him, a dog that looks threatening and menacing, which he does. It is not very nice to have to say, when out walking with your dog, when people want to come up and talk to you and the dog to have to say keep your distance, don't come near the dog. By this time Casper is usually growling and they don't come close anyway, which is a shame as Casper does look very cuddly and pattable. Having never owned a dog, we thought all you had to do was to love them to bits, and spoil them, and that was it.
Sitstayfetch taught me that this is not so, there is a lot more to it. He failed miserably at Dog Training School, by this time we were getting desperate, when I ran across Sitstayfetch on the internet. Sitstayfetch has been invaluable in helping us gain control of Casper, by showing him that we are the boss, and he doesn't have to feel threatened, or feel he has to protect us, as he obviously lacks the confidence to do so. That is our job. We realize we have never been the pack leaders, and that we haven't done him any favors by giving in to him and spoiling him, treating him like a baby etc. By applying the principles outlined in Sitstayfetch to Casper, he has improved out of sight, he still has a way to go, but now we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Even from the feedback from around town, people have seen the improvement in him, and wonder how we have accomplished this.
I have recommended Sitstayfetch to several people, as they can see the improvement in Casper, even the dog school had to admit that he had improved since he was there, they gave him up as a lost cause, even suggesting putting him down. I am very grateful to sitstayfetch. Casper is getting to be a pleasure to take out for a walk, not the nightmare he used to be, I used to dread taking him out.
Thanks to Sitstayfetch, I am gaining my confidence with him, and this in turn makes him feel better. Thank you Sitstayfetch."
-- Margaret Angus and Casper (New Zealand)SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
"Dear Daniel, Your book was a lifesaver! Our 2 year old black German Shepherd, Jack, came to us from a woman who was not able to cope with him herself. When he came to us at the beginning of the year he was a total handful. He was boisterous, aggressive, skittish and unresponsive – outside the home. At home he was still boisterous and a bit aggressive but would sit or come every time.
Our White GSD Charlie was diagnosed with cancer literally 3 weeks after we agreed to take Jack and had been moping since his spleen was removed but he perked up with some young competition so we were feeling good about having them together…until we took them for walks. We almost never put Charlie on his lead – we just never need to. Jack however couldn’t be let off his lead. He would drag me along behind him and strain against me to get to other dogs or cats or people that he could see and would panic once the door was open – struggling to get out and then trying to run off. It was distressing to say the least.
Jack was born and grew up in the one village so we have gleaned a lot of information from fellow dog walkers who recognized him and have seen our progress with him. We know the woman who gave him up to us loved him but couldn’t cope with him and a toddler so we think he just stopped getting walked. He was such a nightmare we can understand why. In the first month we were at our wits end and when I bought the SitStayFetch books online we were a week from giving him up ourselves. We had the dominance training sorted from day one because we were aware that was going to be an issue otherwise but Jack had serious behavioral issues around food and walks that needed a lot of work. In the months since we got and read the books he has become a different dog! Everyone says so. We have recently been told people suggest us to friends in the area who have dog trouble and we have helped socialize several problem pups with Jack (because its good for him as much as them) all thanks to Daniel and his book giving us that extra knowledge that has really rounded out our own understanding. I recommend it ad nauseum! Jack still pulls on the lead he has good days and bad days but we are working on it (to be honest Charlie – our dream dog – has never been good on leads either). Jack now looks us in the eyes, can be walked off lead. Sits, Stays, Fetches, leaves – he is a great play mate. He sits and waits so quietly for his dinner we have honestly forgotten he is still waiting once or twice and he has come to remind us 5 minutes later! He doesn’t immediately run out if the front door is open and will happily sit outside with us if we are cleaning cars or talking out the front without dashing off. We have taken him from the most difficult, messed up dog – almost deliberately awful – to a great member of our family. He is fun. He is funny. He is a joy and we wouldn’t give him up for anything! And we wouldn’t have gotten this far without the wonderful hints, tips and explanations from Daniel in his online books. The best buy ever!! Bar none!
My other half is very good with dogs and even he was confounded by Jack but having the advice to hand in SitStayFetch just turned it all around. We honestly have had dozens of comments on how good Jack has become. No joke!
Cheers Daniel – I really appreciate all your good work has done for us!"-- Cara McLean (Cambridge, UK)SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
By now you have probably realized that all dogs are different, even if you had a dog that was of a certain breed and you got another dog of the same breed, chances are they are totally different. This is because all dog have a personality. Some dogs have a strong dominant personal which will make they change for the top position in the pack.
You are probably at the point where you are thinking where to from here. The 6 part mini course has covered a hand full of the common dog obedience and behavioral training that dog owners are experiencing on a daily basis.
Well the next step is SitStayFetch. You'll learn the most effective techniques to correct any dog with an problem, quickly and safely
I will show you how to fix any dog behavioral problem
I will show you tips and secrets to use in your everyday dog obedience training that will dramatically improve you dog overall obedience.
I will show you specific commands and tricks to teach your dog
I wil show you the best way to select, buy ans raise a new puppy or older dog.
In SitStayFetch you will learn amoung other dog training tips all the anwsers you are looking for when it comes to dog training...
Did you know that your dog may not know why you are trying to correct him? Learn how to make him understand. This will remove the frustration and rapidly increase the speed of your dog's learning.
All the secrets of professional dog trainers are revealed, and best of all are easy to apply! Stop wasting hundreds of dollars!
Need to stop your dog from trying to fight with other dogs? Learn the best ways to break up dog fights and prevent them from ever happening again.
Want to know how to curb your dog’s aggressiveness? Learn six powerful strategies for training aggressive dogs.
Does your dog require urgent dog house training? Learn the dog house training techniques you must know that get the fastest results, whether you keep your dog indoors or outdoors.
Sick of having your dog race out the front door? Read my book and you’ll never have to worry about this again.
Got a dominant dog? We teach you how to deal with him.
Separation anxiety getting you both down? Find out about the best ways to make it go away.
Hate having your dog jump up on you? Learn six simple techniques to stop him jumping up on you ever again!
Neighbors getting annoyed with your pets constant barking? Maybe he doesn’t bark enough? Apply these advanced techniques so that your dog knows when and where it’s appropriate to bark.
Dog Whispering is a new, amazing and totally humane training technique. Discover the secrets to making it work for you and your dog.
What to do and look out for when there is more than one dog in the house! (pages 130-131) Use my Top Dog Maintenance Program to keep the peace! Having problems with the family cat being harassed? Learn an easy method to let your cat and dog live in harmony!
Want to stop your dog eating his own, or other dogs' poop? The technical term for this is coprophagia. We have the best ways to stop this nauseating behavior!
Having trouble with your dog pulling on the leash? Find out how to stop this behavior in ten minutes or less with my sure-fire technique.
Biting, nipping and mouthing problems can be embarrassing when you have your dog in public. Fix these dog behavior problems once and for all with my super-effective techniques.
Discover how to train your dog to learn any command. We cover in specific detail with photos, many commands such as: Okay and No , Come (Recall), Hold and Leave , Sit, Sit and Stay, Down, Heel, Seek, Stand, Beg for food, Fetch, Catch food , Climb ladders, Shake hands, Crawl, Jump, Rollover and more!
Things to consider when exercising or leaving your dog in the heat. Don’t cause him any more stress than you need to! Has your dog got sickness problems? We teach you all you need to know about many illness concerns, including stomach gas problems, motion sickness ... and what you must know about selecting a vet for your dog!
Learn powerful techniques to solve ANY dog behavior problem such as failsafe methods for dog house training (toilet training) (see the House Training bonus book), professional secrets to training an aggressive dog – no matter what the circumstances (also see Alpha Dog bonus book) digging, barking, worms, fleas, gas problems, fighting, destroying your stuff, and much, much more is covered in this comprehensive, easy to follow book.SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
"My husband and I adopted Jack (a one year old male Pug/Chihuahua mix) three months ago from a shelter (we are his third home in a year) and to put it mildly he was 20 pounds of terror-- dominate, nipping, chewing and also had separation anxiety issues. He quickly earned the name 'Jack The Nipper'.
I read a couple of books about dogs behaving badly, but felt that I needed a step-by-step approach to correct Jack's unpleasant behavior. I researched the internet and came across SitStayFetch, which I quickly downloaded, printed and read in one evening.
I immediately started with the Alpha Dog lessons and got across to Jack that I am the Alpha Mommy. I had no idea that doing something as simple as making him sit before I put his bowl of food down would make a difference in how Jack viewed me.
Jack has made great progress. He has become confident, less anxious and likes to practice commands every day. We still need to work on a few areas, but it's only been less than three months! Jack is much happier knowing that we are the pack leaders who protect, feed and love him.
I recommend SitStayFetch to everyone who has a dog as a companion. I have learned so much about dog behaviors and how to respond accordingly without yelling or intimidating. Thanks Dan for writing such a great learning tool!"
-- Susan Caruso (USA)SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
Hi Daniel,
We have a one year old lurcher. We have had him for 4 months. He wasn't trained at all when we got him but is now house-trained, doesn't pull on the lead and usually comes back when called. However, we have one remaining problem that we would love to have your help with.
He is a rescue dog who was ill-treated so rather nervous of people. However he is very friendly with other dogs - too friendly in fact. He comes back when called (usually) and obeys the 'leave' command if playing with our other dog. However, if we meet other dogs while out walking he ignores the recall command and the leave command.
We have tried walking off in the opposite direction but he will either continue to play, even when we are some distance away, or come back briefly and then run off again. If we try to get hold of him he ducks out of the way and then becomes impossible to get back on the lead. Our current method is to only let him off the lead when no other dogs are in sight and to have him on an extendable lead the rest of the time. If we see another dog while he is on the lead we walk on briskly (with him pulling and barking) and try to distract him with a treat (which never works, even with his favourite treats).
Your suggestions would be very welcome.
Thanks.
Margaret
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SitStayFetch Reply:
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for the enquiry. I believe that there are a few courses of action available to you and your dog.
No.1 "Secrets to becoming the alpha dog" This is one of the mini ebooks that you would have downloaded from the SitStayFetch site. I think that the tips in this book will help you to enforce your position as the person (or alpha dog) that your dog should listen to. To my mind this is where most problems originate from- a lack of authority on the part of the owner/trainer. So use the techniques in this book as often as you can.
No.2 Review the "Secrets to training your dog" Section in SitStayFetch The particular section (in DOG 103) that I would like you to review covers the best methods of ensuring that your dog learns and obeys your commands. These techniques are also very important as they give you the best methods for communicating effectively with your dog.
No.3 Command enforcement It is very important that when you issue a command that you are in a position to enforce that command if your dog does not obey you straightaway.
This is relatively easy when learning the first stages of any command as you are generally close enough to your dog to be able to make any correction to his behavior. The problem comes if the dog was not taught properly in the first place or when you get an older dog (such as in your case) who seems to have a mind of his own.
To overcome this I would suggest that you follow DOG 203: Commands to Start, in SitStayFetch, from the beginning. You may well have taught him some or most of these commands but it would still be worthwhile going through each one to ensure that she responds to you when you ask something of her.
Having frequent training sessions will also make him more responsive to you when you command him to do something. It is also important that you have full confidence that he will obey you before you move on to the next stage of any progression.
I would also suggest that for a start you train him in an area where there are no distractions such as your other dog or dogs in general. You need to get him focused on you so that you have his full attention.
I am sure that if you follow these courses of action, you will have a dog with a greater sense of discipline and one that will answer to you every time.
I hope this helps and good luck!
SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch TeamClick here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
"Hi Daniel, I was given an american staffordshire when he was four months and had never had a puppy before. I was looking around for a good training manual and came across SitStayFetch. I have used it right from the beginning and am abslutely amazed at how much I have learnt and how much progress Lincoln has made in the short time using the SitStyFetch guide. I am now looking at starting Lincoln on some advanced learning techniques and am very confident in usind the guide to help him along."
-- Mark De Mercurio (USA)SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
Hi Daniel,
Tamsin was attacked by another dog 3 months ago. Now, every time we go to the dog park, she shows teeth and growls at other dogs. She occasionally growls at people when I walk her and they want to reach down and pet her.
She loved going to the park (prior to the dog bite) and after about an hour she would start getting a little aggressive but I thought it was because she was getting tired of playing.
After the dog bite, she is aggressive upon entering the park and we can stay at most 10 minutes because of her behavior. I'm going to start walking her with a muzzle but would love some advice on taking her to the off-leash areas again.
Thanks,
Simone.
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SitStayFetch Reply:
Hi Simone,
Sounds like you have a difficult problem there. It isn't unusual for a dog to react the way Tamsin has after being attacked. Can you give me a bit more background on Tamsin?
Specifically:
What breed of dog is Tamsin?
Is she a well trained dog? Can she sit, stay, and wait on command?
Does she respond to you immediately?
How is she in other social situations besides the dog park?
Does she growl at strangers/dogs when you are taking her for a normal walk?
Once I have this information I can arrange a program and give you some ideas on what to do in this case.
Thanks for the enquiry.
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
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Simone's Reply:
Hi Daniel,
Tamsin is a basenji mix, although I don't know the other mix of breed. She was a Christmas present for my sister and she was told that Tamsin was a collie. My mother was going to see if anybody at her work would like a new puppy, because my sister didn't have the time to take care of a dog. When I was home for Christmas, we bonded so I've had her since she was about 8 weeks or younger...she is now 5 years old.
Some people think she is mixed with a Corgi or a Pit Bull, but everyone automatically says Basenji. I've read up about Basenji's and she has many characteristics of one.
She is well-trained and knows the basic commands. She has been to obedience class around a year ago, mainly for pulling me when she walks...which is still a problem but she is getting better. She pulls especially if she sees a cat or squirrel and she is very strong. We have enrolled in class which starts this weekend for a refresher course, mainly for me. I need to become the alpha in the household.
She growls at strangers when we walk but only if they reach down to pet her and she does not growl at everyone. She is very particular on who she likes...she has always had this quality about her. She can tell who the dog people are and would bark at the neighbors coming home who did not have a dog and not at the neighbors who owned a dog.
When people come over and knock at the door she sounds very ferocious and it take awhile to calm her down, so she does not respond quickly with "No barking." She is also really standoffish with everyone at first. She acts really timid when people come over to my place but warms up to them after she acts like she is going to tear the person apart. She has never bitten anyone or another dog, but the aggression is bad enough (cujo comes to mind).
I bought her a muzzle and took her to the park yesterday evening and there were three dogs at the park and she played with them without being aggressive. I eventually took off her muzzle too.
So she has good days and moody days. She hates all basenjis with a passion and they fight without biting of course, but it sounds like a terrible cat fight. So, I leash her immediately when I see a Basenji at the park. For other breeds, it is random, although the last time at the park we only stayed for 10 minutes. It may have been overwhelming because there were so many dogs at the park? But the day before she growled at a neighbor in the parking garage and the lady stepped back and said "she's not going to bite me is she?" Also, in the past week she has growled (cujo like) at other dogs, when we are taking a walk. At first, they come up to her and the other pet owner and myself will let the dogs do their sniffing, but then Tamsin has her mood. I don't know what to say, except "Tamsin stop, let's go" and then I apologize to the other owner.
Well, thank you very much for your time.
Simone.
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SitStayFetch Reply:
Hi Simone,
As you probably know, once a dog gets into a serious fight, especially one that results in injury, that dog's natural aggressive instincts can come to the fore and be very difficult to contain. However there are a few things that you can do that I believe will help turn things around with Tamsin.
One of these is to go through a fairly rigorous training program, similar to that outlined in SitStayFetch, starting from the very beginning. As you are doing the refresher course that should help out quite a lot and you may wish to continue on with that or use both together.
The reason I am recommending starting the training program afresh is that, if the training is done properly, then you will;- Get Tamsin used to responding to you.- Be able to control her in a variety of situations.- Be able to enforce your top dog status more easily.
Those 3 things may not stop her aggressive behavior (although hopefully it will, as ideally she should wait for a command from you instead of deciding on her own course of action) but they will let you control and reprimand her effectively if she does step out of line.
I think that if she is pulling on her lead then that is also a sign that she doesn't quite understand where her place is in the family structure! In conjunction with resuming training I think that it would be worth your while reviewing “Secrets to becoming the alpha dog”. The methods outlined in that book will help establish you as the 'pack leader' and, again, make her much more likely to listen to you when you command her.
On the whole it sounds as though Tamsin has had a bad experience but from what you are saying I think that she will come through it ok. However, if you are genuinely concerned that she may bite someone, or another dog, then you should muzzle her in those situations until you are confident that you have her under control. The last thing you or Tamsin needs is a visit from the police, especially if she has previously been acting aggressively towards neighbors and the like as you stated in your email. Better safe than sorry!
Well I hope this helps. You have my sympathies with an awkward situation, but hopefully within another month or two she should have settled down.
SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards,
Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
"Hello Daniel, Your book is great, I trained one dog 15 years ago, so now when I got my new puppy I really didn't know where to start, I forgot everyhting about training a dog! Your book helped me a lot, it really refreshed my memory and I got so much more info about training without stressing out a dog or yourself. Now anytime I call my puppy to come, he rans as fast as he can, because he knows that he will get a lot of love for coming to me!!! Alpha dog is a great book also, my puppy now really knows who is the boss, and if I say "NO" he doesnt hesistate to obey! I really think that anyone who is getting a puppy should get your book!
And Thank You for a great stuff support, the replies to questions are fast and to the point."-- Anna Kovalenko (New York, USA) SitStayFetch.net
Kind regards, Daniel Stevens and the SitStayFetch Team
Click here to learn the truth about Dog Food Secrets.
