Dog Training

MrsFreeman2010

DH and I rescued a mini Aussie in March who is a year and a half. She is generally a very good dog, very loving and incredibly smart. This is our first dog and so it has been a learn as we go process. She really needs some training for basic obedience and learning to see us as dominant. DH and I have both agreed that we need to be consistent in our commands and hand signals because if we give her an inch she takes a mile any tips or tricks?

GFrunner

Thank you for rescuing!   I think you've hit the nail on the head.  First things first - be more consistent.  You MUST follow through with what you want her to do.  Good luck, I wish I had more advice for you!!!

BruinsBabe33

Definitely consistency. If you want to, look in to a K-9 training facility. (Usually retired K-9 police officers) they are very good.

poppies717

Consistency is key! We also took our rescue to training classes. Find a class that will let you both give commands. Some only allow one person to do the training with the dog.

LuckyAngel07

I want to stress that "dominance" theory is outdated.  She doesn't need to see you as dominant, just as the "pack" leaders.

Google NILIF (Nothing In Life is Free). We implemented it from day 1 with our pup and she is SO well behaved. The only areas she needs more work on are those where we haven't been consistent enough (so like PPs said, consistency is key!!).

brij2006

Will also ditto the NILIF theory.  I've used that on our Collie and she does very well.  

I will also recommend that you both are consistent with it.  My H thought I was crazy doing NILIF and didn't do it with me.  It shows, and she walks all over him. 

jt305

I agree with PP, consistency!  Rewarding good behavior is also important--ignore negative behaviors.  I would look into training in your area--some of them are super simple, not overly costly, and have really good information.  Good Luck!

KatieCutie05

Patience and repetition. Reward Good Behavior- ignore negative behavior but that depends what she's doing wrong. And figure out what drives them (treats, toys, or praise). My one dog could care less about most treats... well except hot dogs thats her weakness. But my puppy will eat off my hand if i just have a piece of his food in my hand.... and he will do anything to get that treat.... Thats why they say that dogs who are food driven are also easier to train.

BackseatDriver

I agree with LuckyAngel07. I would also recommend clicker training. I found it helped a ton with teaching basic obedience.

DangerMuffin23

We have two Australian cattle dogs. Yours looks like an Australian shepherd, but I've had one of those too. They are very very smart :-) but they can also be very stubborn. Consistent training with rewards work much better with this breed than negative reinforcement. If she's pretty mellow I'd say you can do it yourself if you are consistent EVERY . . SINGLE . . DAY. They thrive on consistency. If she's young and still kinda hyper I'd recommend having some lessons from a professional, just to help with the stubbornness! Good luck!