Curly Girl

Hi Poodle fan, Thanks for that insight. When I go to the dog park, he is less busy than when we are on the lead at training. He regularly checks in with me (has to sit, wait, gets a treat and then is told to go play again). He comes when he is directed eg, this way, to me, leave it. He walks quite happily on a loose leash and when we go home he comes happily. We walk a circuit and I watch him like I would a child at a park. I let him do his thing, but we have rules - so if he is too rough or getting over the top I go and get him, make him sit and wait before he is allowed to play goes again. Can you suggest what else I could do, or is there something obvious I am doing wrong? We go to the dog park so he gets to play with other dogs as we only have him. When we get to training, and everyone is on a leash and we stand around a bit that is when he really goes off. He yodels, he barks, he play bows, he prances on the end of his lead. I went to a training session in a scout hall and he just went silly trying to play with the other dogs. He is not as bad out doors at dog club, but he can't seem to concentrate of control himself for long. He forgets a lot of what we can do in a calmer frame of mind, and goes off with the pixies. I have bought a book called Control Unleashed which is designed to help dogs with impulse and self control issues. I have joined their list and I have seen the breathing video that Corvus mentioned. I can't get him to do a lot of the stuff yet( but we are working on it), and some of it I don't understand - for example could someone please explain what box work is? We have done the triangle of temptation, but as yet we haven't got to the bit where I can go inside. he will stay and look from the food to me and wait till I tell him free. Sorry this is so long, and thank you for your suggestions. Regards CG

Hi, I hope that one of you may be able to suggest how I can teach my 1 year old Airedale to relax around other dogs. He is not aggressive or frightened, he just wants to play all the time, with everyone, anywhere, on lead, off lead, at training, or just walking down the street. He really chills iwhen we get home from his morning or evening run or in the evening when we are watching TV. Then he just stretches out and goes straight to sleep. But when we go to dog training, with other dogs he barks, sniffs, scans the crowd. Basically he does just about anything rather than pay attention to me. I have worked on watch me, a relaxation protocol, Look at that. But doesn't seem to help. BTW he is very smart, and when he does focus he is great. I love him and I want to help him relax and enjoy a being out and about a bit more. He gets a fair bit of exercise - a 4km run in the morning, and another 2km walk in the evening, plus we do 2 or 3 x 5 minute training sessions after each outing. We go to the off lead dog park 2 times a week, plus dog club. I would appreciate any suggestions as I am not very experienced and he is my first Airedale. Regards CG

OK, maybe I have misunderstood. I would like to eventually do agility. I thought that you needed to have your dog keen on tugging to have a non food reinforcer to use when training for different agility obstacles. This is based on watching some training DVDs that a lady from my club has let me borrow. Obviously I haven't got that quite right. I do the jumping around and making silly noises which he thinks is fun for a little while, but then he goes off and does his own thing. He is very self contained. Thanks for your comments. It has given me some food for thought. CG

Hi, I have an Airedale Terrier. He likes to 'play' eg chasings or zoomies round the living room, but he isn't that keen to 'play' more formally. He isn't that interested in balls (wouldn't dream of chasing one and bring it back) and tug is not really his thing. I have tried squeaky tugs, rope tugs, an old footy sock, fleece tugs, you name it we have tugged it. He will have a bit of a go, then walk away. He doesn't get excited when he sees them. I see BCs and labs at training getting so worked up and he just watches their foolishness. I have tried a food tug, which he liked when the food was in it, but once it's gone so is his interest. I would like to do agility, but how to start with a non toy or tug motivated dog. Food on the other hand is more his bag.. where ever, when ever he's up for a snack. Any suggestions? Regards Curly Girl

Thank for that information. I will do a bit of a search. He will be about 12 months old when we get him and he is quite leggy for a staffy (that is the ish part of staffy-ish) Regards CG

Hi, I started at the rescue forum but they suggested I come over here. I'm about to adopt a rescue staffy (more staffy than not actually) and I have been told crate training is a good idea for everyone concerned. I'm sure that your experience and suggestions would be helpful in doing this. For a start, where do I get a crate? How big do I need to get it? How long in it? How often? Where in the house? All suggestions will be much appreciated. Regards Curly Girl