Not So Smug Anymore

[Poodle wrangler]

With the training, try not to set yourself up for failure e.g. calling your dog (who doesn't always come) when they're chasing a rabbit.

Practice calling them when you've got them attached to a long rope- show them a food reward, "Fido, come!" (happy voice) then walk away from them (encourages them to chase).

If they're not coming, reel them in and say, "Good dog" when they get to you (even though they weren't, really) and give reward. Doesn't take long for dog to work out coming to you is a good thing! Every time they ignore you and walk away, you're teaching them it's OK to do so. Never call them to tell them off e.g. for barking.

Food rewards are good to teach and to re-teach when they're "not listening" .

Lots of people say, "I don't want to use food", but it's more a short-term thing, then only needs to be given occasionally, if at all.

I know I'd rather have a dog who comes off leash than one who ignores me and tries to run under a car.

[BenjiMom]

Great advice PW

[charli73]

Newnewf,

Can totally sympathise and I feel your pain! Our well behaved 5 1/2 German Shepherd puppy Zoe ( first dog ever for my hubby and I ) was so obedient up until 5 months she stopped listening, didnt sit when we told her, recalls went out the window and she started tearing her toys into shreds.... There is hope! We put our foot down now that we have recognised it, and even had a home lesson which saved our sanity and now she seems to be really settling into the 'oh so Im not the boss' routine..

Hang in there, Im sure there is a light at the end of the tunnel, its just a long tunnel..

[Stewie_the_Frenchie]

fantastic charli73! That makes me feel better!

Just an update, we have upped the training at home from once every couple of days (I know, slack), to several short sessions a day and are teaching him new commands. I think this reinforces to him that we are the boss. That's another thing though, can two people be pack leader? I am leaning towards "no", just in case you are thinking - duh!

Anyway, I think it also tires his mind, which is not a bad thing. However, he is really starting to nip now (playing), and I thought he had stopped that (we close his mouth shut and growl at him), but now nothing is working - any advice? Is this all part of this wonderful ( ) stage he is going through?

Thanks for all your comments and advice guys, it's very much appreciated and taken on!

[Erny]

Both of you can be leader ..... he might see one above the other - but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that he perceives himself as on the very bottom of the heirarchy ladder.

I can only guess - but I'd suggest your dog is challenging/testing you. Perhaps you've exhibited some strengthening of your leadership skills (and yes, obedience training does help to reinforce, but is often not sufficient on its own if things are out of place at home in daily interactions), and he's testing to see if you really have what it takes, or challenging them because he recognises your efforts to climb up the rungs, but doesn't believe in them ..... or both.

[Stewie_the_Frenchie]

grrr, little bugger!

I suspect you may be right erny, I think he is definitely challenging me! That makes sense about pack order though, it hadn't occurred to me that he may see one of us as higher up, but as long as he's on the bottom, we are still leader of him! Thanks again erny!

[Pom]

My boy Griffen is going through this now at 10mths... unfortunately he's also just realised that at 55kg, he has a bit of weight behind him if he chooses not to move / sit / GET OFF THE DAMN COUCH!!!

[Stewie_the_Frenchie]

My boy Griffen is going through this now at 10mths... unfortunately he's also just realised that at 55kg, he has a bit of weight behind him if he chooses not to move / sit / GET OFF THE DAMN COUCH!!!

Oh my, Turtle is still only about 35kg...still, he's only about 20kg less than me, so I'm having trouble now!!

[Tiger_bluez]

QUOTE(Erny @ 19th Nov 2007 - 06:31 PM) *

QUOTE(Tiger_bluez @ 19th Nov 2007 - 05:37 PM) *

I can't wait for her to turn 1 year old. embarrass.gif

How come? confused.gif

Mine has just hit a year old, and for the first time is giving me 'the look'. I think she has hit adolescence (she's a big dog) and a second fear period all at the same time. She decided to be terrified of a teenager with a football on the weekend, before that wouldn't have care at all, and for the first time completely ignored a recall, just a flick of the ear showed she heard but all the other body language said 'when I'M ready, sucker.'

Guess it had to happen sooner or later, but just to suggest that the 1 year old mark isn't magic! Guess it serves me right for feeling like I'd escaped that stage!

I understand that 1 year old doesn't necessary means easier. But somehow i feel that at 1 year old that Zoya (my puppy) will pass her madness and i will much feel better about myself if i have passed that stage ( 5months-1 YO) until i am facing the next stage ( above 1 year old) LOL...

cheers

[Diva]

I understand that 1 year old doesn't necessary means easier. But somehow i feel that at 1 year old that Zoya (my puppy) will pass her madness and i will much feel better about myself if i have passed that stage ( 5months-1 YO) until i am facing the next stage ( above 1 year old) LOL...

cheers

Yes I understand, I hope it does resolve at 12 months. Mine just ate a shoe, first time since she was a little puppy so I had become complacent and left them out. I must admit I'm really not that fond of teenagers of any species, lol. I'll take the babies and the adults, and someone else can do the bit in between.