[Adam replies: ] Generally speaking, at about four months of age… when you see adult teeth begin to come in.

2. What should I be teaching, obedience wise, with 8 month puppy?

[Adam replies: ] At eight months of age, there really isn’t ANYTHING you can’t teach dog, obedience-wise.

3. When you say pop, when teaching down command,do you mean I should pop prong collar? So for example if dog gets up from down/stay position and walk away, you said to say NO, pop leash, then say NO all way back to manhole, then pop leash again? Do you mean to pop prong or to guide him into down/stay position?

[Adam replies: ] When I say “pop” I mean to tug on leash. Make sure you’re starting and ending with slack. So, you say, “No!” then go to dog and give a pop on leash, then walk him back to spot and reissue “down” command… and then “pop” downward (or to side) on leash and put him back into down position.

5. What's difference between obedience training and sport training (i.e. Schutzhund)? Why do they say you shouldn't train your dog in obedience if you want him to be in Schutzhund? (I just want to know for my own knowledge)

[Adam replies: ] Schutzhund is a dog sport incorporates an obedience routine, as well as a protection and tracking routine. The obedience exercises are mostly route exercises, and are not trained in a street-smart context. As for why you supposedly shouldn't train your dog in obedience if you want him to be in Schutzhund… this is a myth. Some macho types will consistently over-correct their dog in obedience phase… and this will kill drive. But anyone with even a shred of common sense will avoid this predicament.

I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie)is almost two and spayed. The buff male (Peanut) is just one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly devoted, a very good listener and quick learner. He is ideal dog as he is very eager to please. Cassie on other hand is most independent and stubborn dog I have ever encountered (you've probably seen worse). She used to only listen to commands when she wanted but I have put a stop to that. I have had numerous problems with her dominant tendencies but have come a long way. She now views me as alpha and only displays aggression when she is in pain -- specifically when I brush her. She has been diagnosed with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my problem though as I think I can work through this one with use of training collar.

ADAM INTERJECTS: It's very difficult to correct pain-response aggression. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Use muzzle and restrain dog when you need to give her shots. Other times (just so that she doesn't build a negative association to muzzle) put it on, take it off, and then give her a cookie. Do this at random times.

BETH CONTINUES: Cassie displays a lot of dominance aggression toward Peanut. She growls when he tries to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I always feed her first, give her treats first, pet her first but Peanut just doesn't seem to get it. He will walk through door before Cassie but after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we walk outside. Further, I think he is trying to challenge her because playing time more recently has turned into fighting. It's more barking than anything -- to date there has been no blood. However, Cassie usually is on top of him, pinning him to ground, and he lets out this barking/yelping noise when she releases, he goes right after her again until I break it up.

She also displays same aggression toward cat. If cat comes into her "area" when she is comfortable in front of fire or if cat even walks by one of her bones she goes crazy. She'll chase cat away with growling and quickly running after her.

ADAM INTERJECTS AGAIN: You can correct this behavior. She will learn not to chase cat in house.

BETH CONTINUES: So here's big question. What do I do? Do I continue to treat Cassie as next in pack? Do I let them fight it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing cat? HELP!

Any advice you can offer will be much appreciated. Your book is great by way....

Regards, Beth