Dog training help - "wounded" dog carry

[SquarePizza]

Been asking around dog training forums, but its not going anywhere.

I would like to train my 7 month old pit to ride across my shoulders, wounded dog extraction style. But I am seeking advise on training tips to encourage it calmly and trusting. When to treat, what steps to take, etc.


The reason for this is my little guy got in some barbed wire that neither of us saw on a walk this week. He was fine, but it got me thinking that a carry skill could be useful if he ever gets a leg or paw injury away from the truck/house.

 

[DavidK]

It is a common technique. Just start slow and do it for short times. Start by holding him in your arms. once used to that, start with over the shoulder. Talk calmly with lots of praise. Perhaps a doggie treat afterwards.

 

[PDXGS]

First, find out what he responds to with more enthusiasm - food or toy?
Then work slowly,using that reward, in steps, towards the desired behavior.
I work with dog teams for wilderness search and rescue. We always have doggie first aid in our survival packs.
Super glue, duct tape, sterile saline, gauze bandages and wraps and a medical stapler (not for the timid or untrained).
You might also consider asking your vet for a tranquilizer like ACEin the event that your wounded dog can't calm down enough on his own. Injured dogs also tend to guard their wounds and can get defensive/ bitey...a gauze muzzle wrap can help with that but it needs to be used cautiously....especially if the dog is hot or in hot weather.

 

[Napsters]

I would second starting slow. Pick a time when it is just you and the dog so it is not too distracted.

 

[303_enfield]

Muzzle the dog first. The best trained dog is still a Wolf when it is hurt. I have been bitten more then once because my partner (K9) was injured. Muzzle, immobilize, treat and evac.

Good luck!

 

[Mustafa]

I started carrying my GSD over my shoulder from the very start at 10 weeks. Like everyone said, very short amounts of time at first. I give her treats when she is in the position to encourage the behavior and to check that she is not too stressed (They won't eat if they are too stressed by something). At 6 months, I can basically carry her as long as I want like that now. Sometimes I end our hikes with a few hundred yards of carry so we can both practice.

 

[Anvil_X]

another thought- consider training for multiple carrying positions as well. my buddy's dog got a pretty severe abdominal goring at the hands of a Javelina a while back, and that's not a fireman's carry kind of wound.

 

[Unknown]

I trained my dogs with the command "Carry" when I wanted to pick them up and put them in the car, onto a vet's table etc. I would merely say the word "Carry" then put one arm in front of his chest, one arm under his butt and pick them up. The vet thought it was a great aid.

It is the same with your dog. Choose a word, and pair that word with a reward and an activity. Perhaps begin with the word when your dog is standing, and merely put your head between his legs without lifting. When he gets used to that, use the same word, and gently push upward with the back of your neck onto his sternum, then reward him. It may require having a friend keep the dog in position for you to start.

You might also teach him the command "Stand" where he simply stands on all 4 legs. It is the precursor to many other commands.

Love and reward always works better than frustration or anger. You have to teach the dog what TO do. It won't help to get upset when your dog does the wrong thing, or doesn't get it.

I have had pits, labs, border collies, little tiny dogs, and they ALL want to please their human. All they want is to know how to succeed and feel they got it right. If you use love and reward, they will work their ass off for you. Pits are great dogs, very smart, tenacious, and hard workers.

 

[Snake-Eyes]

... You might also consider asking your vet for a tranquilizer like ACEin the event that your wounded dog can't calm down enough on his own...

Acepromezine, or "ACE", should never be used on a Boxer. It's known to cause first degree heart block, a potentially serious arrhythmia of the heart. It also causes a profound hypotension (severe lowering of blood pressure).
ACE also can cause problems with herding breeds, giant breeds, and some sight-hounds.
Regardless of breed, if your dog has a seizure disorder, ACE could promote a seizure.

I know the OP has an "Argentinian Mastiff", but I just wanted to pass the info to those who might have one of these affected breeds at home. If you ask your vet, they may or may not know about the cautions. Just ask them to look it up on "VIN", the Veterinarian Information Network.

And, yeah, a medical stapler is a tricky-but-useful tool, but you need a cooperative patient or a good "holder"...

 

[PDXGS]

Good point- shop around for a good vet who has experience with working dogs. Try any meds you get on your dog before you head into the field. Some dogs are hyper reactive to meds while other, our Chesapeake for example, are drug sponges. Know how your dog reacts to various stresses- fireworks send the Chessie into a panic but she can be loaded into a helicopter with almost no help....If your dog is a wingnut get it a flack vest/chest protector. We work with a German shorthair that will leap into trees and over cliffs at 40 MPH...all the time expecting us to keep up...he's a wonder to watch but he's always getting scrapes and cuts

 

[Bloody_Tailgate]

I know it's been said already, but be careful with an injured dog. My uncle found out the hard way that even a friendly docile lab turns into a different animal when protecting a wound. His dog of 6 years was hit by a car, he went to carry her off the street and as soon as he touched her, she reached back and bit down on his forearm. She didn't let go the entire time he was carrying her back to he yard. In a remote location, this would result in 2 victims in need of assistance.