top of page

Ace Dog Academy Answers 06.19.2024

Writer's picture: Avery GibbsAvery Gibbs

Introduction: Welcome to another episode of Ace Dog Academy Answers, where we tackle all your dog training questions!


Q1: Dealing with a Chew-Prone Dog

Question: I have an Australian Pit Mix who loves chewing on furniture despite having plenty of chew toys. We've tried sprays and redirecting her, but nothing seems to work long-term. What should I do?


Answer: Chewing is deeply ingrained in dogs, and simply redirecting them to other items often isn't effective. You're right to avoid bad-tasting sprays due to their limited success and potential mess. Here's what might help:

1 Leash Training: Use a leash to physically guide her away from furniture whenever she starts chewing. Consider a prong collar for effective correction.

2 E-collar Option: An e-collar can deter chewing behaviors effectively by making furniture less enjoyable. Start with low levels and gradually adjust based on her response.

3 Consistency: Ensure all family members follow the same approach to avoid confusing her. With persistence, you can shift her focus away from furniture towards appropriate chew toys.


Q2: Teaching a German Shepherd to Navigate Stairs

Question: My six-year-old German Shepherd struggles with stairs despite efforts to train her from a puppy. Is it too late to teach her to navigate stairs safely? What strategy should I use?


Answer: It's never too late! Begin by leash training her with a prong collar to teach leash pressure and correct any hesitation. Here’s how:

1 Leash Pressure Training: Use the prong collar to guide her gently up and down the stairs, rewarding her with praise when she succeeds.

2 Progressive Training: Start on flat ground to build confidence with leash pressure, then gradually introduce stairs in short sessions.

3 Patience and Consistency: Encourage her with gentle guidance and avoid rushing her. With practice, she'll overcome her fear of stairs indoors.

Q3: Excessive Barking During Family Dinner

Question: My ten-month-old puppy started barking excessively during family dinners, despite regular exercise and crate training. What should I do?


Answer: This behavior is common around this age due to adolescent behaviors. Here's how to handle it:

1 Crate Drills: Reinforce crate training with more structured in-and-out routines to teach patience and impulse control.

2 Calm Crate Exits: Practice calm exits from the crate, gradually increasing duration before meals.

3 Consider an E-collar: Use a low-level e-collar to discourage barking during dinner, ensuring it’s used responsibly to communicate effectively through barriers.


Q4: Affordable E-collar Options

Question: Are there budget-friendly e-collar options available for training? Most seem expensive at around $200.


Answer: Finding affordable e-collars can be challenging, but quality matters for effective training. While cheaper models may lack adequate stimulation or durability, consider these tips:


1 Quality Over Cost: Invest in a reliable e-collar suited for your dog’s needs, ensuring it provides effective simulation and longevity.

2 Alternative Methods: Explore alternative training tools like prong collars or leash training if budget constraints are a concern.

3 Long-Term Investment: A quality e-collar can last and aid in effective training, ultimately benefiting your dog’s behavior and your training efforts.


Need dog training help? Go to www.GetDogTrainingHelp.com

Need training help? Sign up for weekly tips

bottom of page