How is it going for those of you that are using the David Dikeman's dog training tapes?

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

I was looking over an old post in the reviews that talked about the David Dikeman's Command Performance Dog Training VHS tapes. Adina and her husband gave it great reviews. Some people were going to or had ordered the tapes. Can anyone that is using the tapes share how the training is going? Thanks! Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)

[Adina P]

I only know of one member who has been doing this...I think the other person bought it/recommended it to her son.
I personally think it is much, MUCH more difficult than clicker training. Gives great results, but requires a serious daily time commitment and does include real corrections--which not everyone is comfortable with. If you don't mind a physically involved program that uses corrections (very smartly by the way) and takes up to 1 hour a day...this is an awesome system. If you find either corrections or the choke chains offensive, clicker training is the way to go. Two seemingly diametrically opposed philosophies, but both, in my opinion, far more effective than most everything else. The reason I think so is they both have major philosophy behind it and are really well thought out....both of them are pretty "pure" and not watered down versions for the sake of popularity.

In my (biased) opinion a lot of training is sort of a 'mishmash' of tricks and tips and techniques with no real connective thread running through them. Not so with either clicker or the method that David Dikeman's tapes are based on. With DD, all parts build on the previous lessons and are cohesive and there is a plan in place to work the dog from start to finish (finish being off leash reliability) ... it's beginner through ADVANCED all the way through. But it's not for dogs under 6 months.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

We have been trying the 7 day free clicker lessons. It is going well with one doodle and the older one is doing ok. She is a bit more reserved and stubborn. I know it will take her longer to adapt because she has been in training for a longer time. Thank you for giving me some more insight into both methods. We have been taking classes using a prong training collar. We have been progressing nicely, but I am always open to other ways that might work better for our doodles. Thanks again for the info!
Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

I have used a prong collar on Abby - and tho it worked very fast - immediate correction - I thot it was too aggressive for her. (each dog is different) My son-in-law had the Don Sullivan's training CD's and collar, so I have borrowed it. The collar is the same principal as a metal prong collar, but not as aggressive. I have watched most of the first CD and it certainly makes sense to me - but I think I'm going to do the clicker training first. Maybe use just the collar for walking so she learns not to pull. She loves people and at times pulls and chokes herself and I don't want her hurting her throat.

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We used the Don Sullivan methods, with Caeleach, and she STILL pulls on lead and is NOT off-leash reliable. The DS collar didn't even get her attention (the prong collar barely does). When she gets off lead, she totally looses focus and becomes insane.

I am hoping that she outgrows it, because she is really very obedient otherwise.

We have been working with clicker training, since the day we brought her home.

It seems that different methods work with different dogs.

[Adina P]

I'm not familiar with Don Sullivan's program...but for me if someone follows a program to a T and it doesn't work for their dog...it doesn't sound like a good program.

In my opinion, the David Dikeman system should work for just about any dog if it is followed to a T -- even better if one works with a trainer familiar with the program because sometimes it's hard to tell if you are following it to a T. I for one am not very athletic or agile and had a lot of learning to do with the DD program. But all three of our dogs are excellent as far as we took them into the program. Thule never went through it all but the parts she's been through (heeling) she's excellent at.

[Kelli, Fenway, & Dustin Pedroia]

Fenway and I have been following the program and have sucessfully completed the first video, which takes you through heeling, automatic sit, down, and stay with distractions. You learn much more than those few things, but those are the main things. It's actually been really awesome. Fenway now does these things pretty consistently with some distractions. It has also been nice to have Adina's support in this too. Any time I've had questions, difficulties, or frustrations she's been right there to help with answers. If she doesn't know the answer she gets one of her expert buddies to help out. I would definitely recommend it as a great way to train. Fenway really enjoys our sessions and I do too (most of the time; I sometimes get frustrated with myself and Fenway but I think that's the case with most training programs). I'll have to let you know how we do on tape two!

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

Thank you for your input!! Yes, please update us after you finish video two. Adina goes out of her way to help people. It is extremely helpful to be in contact with someone that is familiar with the training program. Continued training success with Fenway!!
Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)

[jim eyler]

I have two sets of David Dikeman's dog training tips (VHS). If anyone is in need of a set let me know. I used his training methods with complete sucess. I believe any method takes repetition and lots of praise.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

Hi Jim,
I agree with you that any method requires dedication, repetition, and praise. I am writing down different training ideas, toys, ideas, etc. from this website for future use. Some dogs respond differently to various training methods. It is great that people are willing to share their experiences. Thanks for your response and enjoy your adorable doodle!!! Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I ordered them and watched the beginning and my new spring resolution is to actually do it with Ned, Gordie and my daughter!! I will post our success or lazy lack thereof.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Both of my dogs were trained with a system very similar to the Dykeman system, it jsut isn't on video tape. It is a good system. My son adopted two rescue huskies about two months ago (for a total of three) and says he thinks the tapes are very helpful.

In addition I am having great fun, as are my dogs with the clicker system. it is something I wanted to know how to do. So far so good.