Jack Russel Terriers

[Darrel]

My twenty one month old JRT has had basic obedience training. He knows to sit, shake hands and drop. Didn't quite get to learn the Stay! command.

My problem is that he only responds when HE wants to, totally ignoring me at other times. He does not respond to treats etc..

How can I get more sustained obedience from him?

[Kavik]

I'm going to ask lots of questions so we can get a better idea of what your dog and training is like

When does he obey? Not obey? - is he good in the yard but not walks etc

What have you been using as a reward?

Does he like a game of tug or fetch?

What treats have you tried?

What do you do when he doesn't respond?

[Darrel]

I'm going to ask lots of questions so we can get a better idea of what your dog and training is like

When does he obey? Not obey? - is he good in the yard but not walks etc

What have you been using as a reward?

Does he like a game of tug or fetch?

What treats have you tried?

What do you do when he doesn't respond?

[Darrel]

I'm going to ask lots of questions so we can get a better idea of what your dog and training is like

When does he obey? Not obey? - is he good in the yard but not walks etc

What have you been using as a reward?

Does he like a game of tug or fetch?

What treats have you tried?

What do you do when he doesn't respond?

[dogdude]

My advice is to go along to your local obedience club to learn all of the methods.

All dogs respond to food. You just need to know how to use it the right way. Some dogs respond better to working with toys. Again....you just need to know how to use them the right way.

Whatever you teach them, it has to be practiced daily until they are 100% solid of its understanding. Learned exercises also extinguish over time if not practiced every now and again.

[Darrel]

I'm going to ask lots of questions so we can get a better idea of what your dog and training is like :D

When does he obey? Not obey? - is he good in the yard but not walks etc

What have you been using as a reward?

Does he like a game of tug or fetch?

What treats have you tried?

What do you do when he doesn't respond?

I thank you for your prompt interest. I tried to reply, but did it wrong, so here's take two.

My JRT "Teddy", has a mind of it's own. He'll do his tricks on command just prior to his dinner. After that, I get no response from him.

I take him for a walk before his dinner, but there is too much distraction from the presence of other dogs who use the same park, to get any training responses. I've tried liver treats, cheese (which he likes usually), crisps,sausages.dog bics,etc. and,unlike other dogs, he may or may not perform for treats. He also, never comes to me when called. I often have to run away from him to make him chase me and then catch him. When I tell him off, he just gives me his paw.

[Kavik]

As you said he is too distracted by the other dogs in the park to pay attention properly. So what you can do is to build up his attention so that he will be able to do this, but it takes time.

Start by training in an environment that is not distracting, like the backyard. Use his favourite treat or toy and start with some simple commands. There are some ways you can get his attention on you using the food or toy.

What commands does he know and already perform?

I would work on sit and come first. Running away from him for the recall is a very good idea. I would put him on a long lead and practice this at home first, with treats and put a sit at the end of it when he gets to you. Once he will do this reliably in the yard, do it on the street outside the house, then gradually move to the park when there are no other dogs around, and slowly build up distractions til there are other dogs and he will do it. Keep him on lead until he will do it all the time, as he has learnt that if he is off lead he doesn't have to come. With the lead on you can let him know that he does have to come when you call regardless.

Will he chase a ball or tog a toy?

[Darrel]

Thanks for the tip to use a long lead and keep him on it till he does it always.

Yes he does like playing with a ball and play tug with his rope ball. i throw the rope ball and he comes pass me but will not give it up, I then have to run after him as part of his game. When I do get it he doesn't let go until I spin him around.

He likes to dribble a volley ball around the back yard. However, when it gets stuck in some place, he starts barking at it non stop and I have to retrieve it for him. This can be a distraction if I'm busy. Should I take it away from him when I'm not ready to play?

[Kavik]

Since he seems to like toys a lot, check out the training in drive thread

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...95&hl=drive

There are other threads too on this topic if you search. This is a way to utilise his love of tugging and fetching in training to gain focus, control and get fast, enthusiastic results. It is high energy and tiring for you as well as the dog

I would take away the volley ball when you don't want him to play with it.

I love JRTs they are goey gutsy dogs with plenty of personality :D