Interview with dog trainer Marc Scher

Want some great advice from members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers? Check out this Four on the Floor interview: four questions -- and answers -- from the floor of the 2008 APDT conference.

Thursday March 31st, 2011

Marc Scher
Trainer
St. Louis, Missouri

What's the best dog toy? Kong.

What mistake do you see owners commonly make? Repeating cues and not establishing attention from the dog.

Advice for new owners? Take a training class and be consistent with rules and boundaries.

What's the most important cue or command to teach your dog? They can't get into trouble when they're in the middle of a sit or down.

Tags Down Command Training

House traing
My puppy was totally house-trained until she home from her spaiding, and had a cone on her head. Until then she used the outdoor for everthing and our walk to the park was productive. Now. we are lucky if she piddles in the park and my dining room is where she does the duty. I believe that sending her home with a cone on was the culprit. She couldn't see, was afraid to go outside. This has set her back at lease a month. Any Ideas?
maltese/shih tzu mix ~ dental
my little girl is four years old and up until about 6 months ago, i brushed her teeth at least 3-4 times a week. now, i only get to do it maybe once a week. well, the left side is really starting to look bad aroundf her gumline. i am a certified vet tech so i do know the benefits and such of performing dentals and taking care of their teeth. i just want to do anything other than a dental at this time bc it is not bad enough to put her under for a dental, but it is to the point of tarter build-up and needs to be broken off, i dont believe it can be brushed off at this point. but is there anytning else i can do for her to help those molars? besides a dental? also how can i get her to walk with a harness? she will not move for hours if it is left on. but i believe a harness would be more beneficial for her instead of chocking her out with a collar everytime she tries to attack a squirrel or other dog!