Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Guys,

We just adopted a beautiful new Dalmatian boy from a pet rescue in our area. We are a younger couple (24 and 28) and he is the perfect high energy dog for us. We love him a lot. He is about one year old (He was a stray before) and goes by the name Mack or Mack Dog. We take him to the dog park, he loves it and gets on well with everyone (except sometimes smaller dogs, who have there own space, he may play to rough)

Everything with him is going along pretty well, we have been working on lead training, and basic commands. The only problem is, since he is a year old, he doesn't know very much and is difficult to control. He still jumps up constantly, but not as much as he used too, now it's more of a hug which we don't mind so much. He is having a hard time with sit, but has lay down down. He still bites at hands and clothes when he gets excited (not hard) and won't come when called unless it's just us and no distractions.

We went into this knowing that Dalmatians are independent, smart dogs, and can be difficult to train when you get into a battle of wills. Any hints, tips, or ideas on different approaches we can take to helping to get him to understand and respond to commands. We do not believe in negative reinforcement or striking animals so please don't suggest.

Also, I've attached a picture of Mack, and today we adopted him a Newfoundland Mix from the Pound for him to have so he won't get lonely. He loves his new buddy.

>>Hi Guys,
>>
>>We just adopted a beautiful new Dalmatian boy from a pet rescue in our area. We are a younger couple (24 and 28) and he is the perfect high energy dog for us. We love him a lot. He is about one year old (He was a stray before) and goes by the name Mack or Mack Dog. We take him to the dog park, he loves it and gets on well with everyone (except sometimes smaller dogs, who have there own space, he may play to rough)
>>
>>Everything with him is going along pretty well, we have been working on lead training, and basic commands. The only problem is, since he is a year old, he doesn't know very much and is difficult to control. He still jumps up constantly, but not as much as he used too, now it's more of a hug which we don't mind so much. He is having a hard time with sit, but has lay down down. He still bites at hands and clothes when he gets excited (not hard) and won't come when called unless it's just us and no distractions.
>>
>>We went into this knowing that Dalmatians are independent, smart dogs, and can be difficult to train when you get into a battle of wills. Any hints, tips, or ideas on different approaches we can take to helping to get him to understand and respond to commands. We do not believe in negative reinforcement or striking animals so please don't suggest.
>>
>>Also, I've attached a picture of Mack, and today we adopted him a Newfoundland Mix from the Pound for him to have so he won't get lonely. He loves his new buddy.
>>

>>>>>>>>>>>>

A quick tip on the Jumping Up--also read my article on that at the link below my signature--is to teach your dog "Come Cuddle."

Stand with your hands on your kneecaps, palms open and facing outward toward the dog. Back away from him if he's next to you, as you say, "Come Cuddle" and wiggle your hands invitingly. Start this when he's in a quiet mood and he'll probably get it right the first time. When he's excited and you're working on it, have someone else holding him on leash to restrain and guide him to your hands.

When he masters it with you, tell him "Go Cuddle" to family members in the same position, and get friends and even strangers to do it, too, while you handle him on leash. Before long he will just aim for knees to get petted, even when hands are not there.

I "invented" this method for a young jumping dog of my own. She was very soft at that age and I needed her to love everybody but be polite--and to learn fast! It totally worked. Bet it works for you, too.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Hi Wookie! Mack is a beautiful Dalmation. You'll have to put up a picture of his new playmate. Leash training can be effective for the jumping and recall. KDD gave a very useful tip that I will be passing on as well. As for the mouthing, once he does this, all activity should cease including playtime. A verbal command should be given since pushing him away will only make him think it's part of the playtime. It sounds like you are really doing quite well with him. Please keep posting updates on Macks progress!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Thank you guys, I'll take the advice into consideration and practice.