I have trained my dog to sit, stay,lay down and he is down to one bark for the door. He also knows not to lick the face. But that is all i have done with him. IDK about you, what kind of dog do you have? Some dogs need jobs to do so training them alot is a good thing. Good luck!!!!!!

WE did the basics. I don't want my dogs to feel they are at attention and there to please us 24/7.

Right now they are outside barking and playing in the dirt. It is bath day so why not.

Love the topic

We trained them not to do the things that annoy us or ould be dangerous (eg not coming when called while we're out on a walk, although that's not been a problem since puppyhood). I allow them to burst out the door when open it to callers, we have home invasions where I live and I don't think it does any harm for a big black dog to check visitors out. The people who matter don't mind and the people who mind don't matter. When we leave the house for a walk the dogs stand back respectfully so we can go first, indded through all doors and gates. And we eat first, then the dogs. This is how the dominance chain is established in the wild. If the dog feels you are a strong pack leader he'll feel secure and more inclined to obey you in the things that matter.

My wife and I used to rescue Dobies. We had to stop because I am on Disability and we just didn't have the money needed to do this anymore. We still have Duke our Fawn Dobie left. We have taught him to be good and behave and be a good citizen. But that is it. We joke when he doesn't listen that he is not a trained seal....LOL

Define "highly train". If you mean advanced obedience or schutzhund, then no, and neither should you without professional help and advice. The "basics" can be taught at home and should be. All dogs should learn sit, come, stay, off, no, let go, drop it, etc. The more advanced training will take special consideration and you should not attempt such on your own. You can teach them tricks too. As far as taking away his personality by training him, well that's ridiculous. Dogs were created to serve us and most enjoy training and having something to do. Dogs are very willing to please and if trained correctly will benefit greatly from some training. You won't take anything away...you will add to your dog's development and foster a closer bond with you as he learns . What kind of dog is this? Some are easier to train than others and some need MORE than others. You will actually be doing him, and you, a favor by training him and having a dog that knows the rules and how to behave. Don't do it by yourself, though, if you have never trained a dog. You need help to make sure you do it properly or you may not get the desired results, so take a class or consult with a private trainer if you want to teach more than the "basics". Good luck and don't hesitate to offer some training to your dog...you will both be glad you did. Peace
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Not goodbye.....just until
Marmy always comes back for you
Leibchen March 12,1994 - November 15,2006