Black Russians 101
My theory on dog training is consistency and socialization, and NEVER let a puppy do something that is not going to be acceptable as an adult. Black Russians are
INCREDIBLY smart. They also can become bored by repetitive obedience
exercises that are not challenging enough. They do much better with short,
fun bursts of training. We incorporate training into every activity at our house from playing catch or fetch to sits and downs before the water or food bowl is set down, "waits" or stays before going out the door. This works very, very well.
Here are some other very important things to keep in mind, and in my opinion are what you need to know rather than anything in a training book. Only give a command one time. If the dog has mastered the command and refuses, then a correction should be given. If the same command is ignored again, then a stronger correction is needed. You do not ever need to be harsh with a BRT. You never need to yell. A stern "no" is very effective, and usually all that is necessary. If that doesn't work, then a collar correction is in order. If that doesn't work, a "time out" away from you usually does the trick in a hurry because they just want to be with you. In an extreme case of total disregard for your instruction a "beard yank" to get their attention, and a stern talking to is probably the most forceful you will ever have to be.
Black Russians are very eager to please you, but smart enough to test you
to see if they can bend the rules or get to do something their way, rather than
your way. You can't ever let them do that. You have to be 100% consistent. Your people need to know that too, or your sweet little brt will take advantage of anyone that will let him get away with breaking the rules or not minding, and that will not be optimal. Your puppy needs to know that whenever and whoever gives him a command, he has no choice but to follow the command. He will be so eager to earn your praise that this becomes a joy for both of you. Never hit your BRT. NEVER, EVER, EVER use an electronic or shock collar on your BRT, I don't care who may tell you to. This is like using one on your kid and has about the same results. It absolutely destroys the bond between the dog and you, and will cause permanent resentment of you.
A tired Black Russian is a good Black Russian. A few minutes of strenuous play a couple times of day works wonders to keep your Black Russian healthy, happy and stable. Early socialization is absolutely imparative. Have him get used to everything you can possibly think of from day one with regard to people, activities, locations, surfaces, textures, his crate, situations, everything.
That, in a nutshell, is what you really need to know about training and disciplining your Black Russian and also information that you will want to share with the people to whom you are entrusting his care. If you always follow this advice, you will spare yourself many problems. I promise.
Robin Keeling
Over the Moon Black Russians
MORE ON SOCIALIZATION:
Here at OtM, Socialization is of the utmost importance! We start from the puppies third day of life with the "Super Dog" Early Neurological Stimulation Program and Sound Desensitization, follow that up with introducing people and children of all types and sizes, then textures, crate training, potty training, leash training, grooming, challenges and continue until the day they go home then strongly encourage their new parents to continue the process. All of this is critical in the development of a confident, stable Black Russian with a great temperament and a good little citizen that adapts well to everything life has to offer in the future!
For all of you dog owners out there, socialize your puppies and dogs!
From the very first day you have them, take them with you everywhere you go, inside and out. Let them hear, feel and experience everything that they will be exposed to as adults. Let them meet all types of new people and places. if they are unsure of a circumstance, let them figure it out on their own and help them to feel comfortable until they do. This will help them build their confidence. NEVER talk "baby-talk" to a dog or act like they should be afraid, or they will be! If you say, "Ohhh, poooor Fido!", it will make your dog think that they really are "poor Fido" rather than taking it in stride and conquering it and filing it away in their brain as "stuff I'm not afraid of". This is VERY important. It is humans that make dogs afraid instead of secure. All it takes is speaking to your dog in a confident voice and letting them master it. "WOW!! Great thunder!!" is far more reassuring to a puppy than, "Oh, poor baby! Come here and let me protect you from that scary thunder!" If you let the puppy know that there is nothing to be afraid of, they won't be afraid. The earlier in the puppy's life and more consistent you are, the better off your puppy will be.
INCREDIBLY smart. They also can become bored by repetitive obedience
exercises that are not challenging enough. They do much better with short,
fun bursts of training. We incorporate training into every activity at our house from playing catch or fetch to sits and downs before the water or food bowl is set down, "waits" or stays before going out the door. This works very, very well.
Here are some other very important things to keep in mind, and in my opinion are what you need to know rather than anything in a training book. Only give a command one time. If the dog has mastered the command and refuses, then a correction should be given. If the same command is ignored again, then a stronger correction is needed. You do not ever need to be harsh with a BRT. You never need to yell. A stern "no" is very effective, and usually all that is necessary. If that doesn't work, then a collar correction is in order. If that doesn't work, a "time out" away from you usually does the trick in a hurry because they just want to be with you. In an extreme case of total disregard for your instruction a "beard yank" to get their attention, and a stern talking to is probably the most forceful you will ever have to be.
Black Russians are very eager to please you, but smart enough to test you
to see if they can bend the rules or get to do something their way, rather than
your way. You can't ever let them do that. You have to be 100% consistent. Your people need to know that too, or your sweet little brt will take advantage of anyone that will let him get away with breaking the rules or not minding, and that will not be optimal. Your puppy needs to know that whenever and whoever gives him a command, he has no choice but to follow the command. He will be so eager to earn your praise that this becomes a joy for both of you. Never hit your BRT. NEVER, EVER, EVER use an electronic or shock collar on your BRT, I don't care who may tell you to. This is like using one on your kid and has about the same results. It absolutely destroys the bond between the dog and you, and will cause permanent resentment of you.
A tired Black Russian is a good Black Russian. A few minutes of strenuous play a couple times of day works wonders to keep your Black Russian healthy, happy and stable. Early socialization is absolutely imparative. Have him get used to everything you can possibly think of from day one with regard to people, activities, locations, surfaces, textures, his crate, situations, everything.
That, in a nutshell, is what you really need to know about training and disciplining your Black Russian and also information that you will want to share with the people to whom you are entrusting his care. If you always follow this advice, you will spare yourself many problems. I promise.
Robin Keeling
Over the Moon Black Russians
MORE ON SOCIALIZATION:
Here at OtM, Socialization is of the utmost importance! We start from the puppies third day of life with the "Super Dog" Early Neurological Stimulation Program and Sound Desensitization, follow that up with introducing people and children of all types and sizes, then textures, crate training, potty training, leash training, grooming, challenges and continue until the day they go home then strongly encourage their new parents to continue the process. All of this is critical in the development of a confident, stable Black Russian with a great temperament and a good little citizen that adapts well to everything life has to offer in the future!
For all of you dog owners out there, socialize your puppies and dogs!
From the very first day you have them, take them with you everywhere you go, inside and out. Let them hear, feel and experience everything that they will be exposed to as adults. Let them meet all types of new people and places. if they are unsure of a circumstance, let them figure it out on their own and help them to feel comfortable until they do. This will help them build their confidence. NEVER talk "baby-talk" to a dog or act like they should be afraid, or they will be! If you say, "Ohhh, poooor Fido!", it will make your dog think that they really are "poor Fido" rather than taking it in stride and conquering it and filing it away in their brain as "stuff I'm not afraid of". This is VERY important. It is humans that make dogs afraid instead of secure. All it takes is speaking to your dog in a confident voice and letting them master it. "WOW!! Great thunder!!" is far more reassuring to a puppy than, "Oh, poor baby! Come here and let me protect you from that scary thunder!" If you let the puppy know that there is nothing to be afraid of, they won't be afraid. The earlier in the puppy's life and more consistent you are, the better off your puppy will be.