Booked A Session With A Trainer

[dee lee]

Remember too we're going through doggy adolescence - in a year or so the excitability should mellow a bit. I've noticed Jarrah's been getting calmer & more self controlled as the months pass - I think she's somewhere between 14-17 months now (guess from obedience trainers & vet when I got her ranged between 8-11 months, though the pound chipped her as 2yrs). People with Staffys, Amstaffys and Pit Bulls tell me that their dogs really calmed down between 2 & 3 years.

The trainer laughed and said "and maybe not" when I mentioned that I thought this too! Evie is outrageously exciteable- but at 18 months, like you I live in hope she WILL grow up and mellow!! She IS better than she was 6 months ago.

And I do feel a bit more empowered if not a wee bit overwhelmed.

Great work! So are you still going to get the harmony harness?

The trainer recommended either a halti easy walker or a sporn harness as they have special toggle thingy that you can tighten- and she will need it really tight since she pulls so hard. I'm off to get one now! :D

I do think the Harmonys are nicer looking though- but hopefully the training will pay off and I wont need one for long :p (ha ha in my dreams...)

[persephone]

Glad things are looking more hopeful- and glad that you are being equipped with some 'tools'

[Wobbly]

Updates we want updates!!!

I'm having so much trouble with backing off on affection so that my praise becomes valuable. I'm hyper affectionate with dogs, this is REALLY REALLY difficult. :p

I have to get a crate and crate train too, so Jarrah goes in the crate when guests first arrive and she gets to meet them only once they've settled in, mostly because I've failed to train my guests not pat her if she jumps on them.

[dee lee]

Updates we want updates!!!

I'm having so much trouble with backing off on affection so that my praise becomes valuable. I'm hyper affectionate with dogs, this is REALLY REALLY difficult.

I have to get a crate and crate train too, so Jarrah goes in the crate when guests first arrive and she gets to meet them only once they've settled in, mostly because I've failed to train my guests not pat her if she jumps on them.

;)

Oh Wobbly we should've saved money and got 2 dogs for the price of one sessions!!! The soul sisters strike again- no crates, but Evie has to stay outside for 10 plus minutes when we get visitors for the same reason. Serves us right for being so sociable. Luckily I had already been weaned off the kisses and cuddles last time I had a trainer- but I know how hard it is!

Updates hmm? you asked for it...

Well today I have seen some improvement- I'm nervous to say that since it could be just Evie's shock at being treated with such indifference, but she seems to be actually listening to me! Well more than usual anyway.

Biggest trouble I'm having is the obedience work and heeling. There's too much stuff going on in my head and Im so used to having walk time mean just physical excercise. I feel like I'm just muddling through, but getting better each time. Got my program emailed today so I can make sure I do it all before next monday when the trainer comes back to test me- nah just kidding, to give me a booster lesson :p .

I got the Sporn harness yesterday and its such a relief to walk without stopping every 2 paces!! :p She is still getting the hang of it (as am I) but by reinforcing heel work and lots of turns, the lead is loose more often than not!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!! I still feel a bit guilty about using a management tool rather than training but I'm sure I'll get over it. ;)

So there you have it in a nutshell- we are on the steady climb up. I feel much more aware of my contribution to this situation and my ability to get working better together. Phew, I just have to maintain... :p

I knew that training was supposed to be tiring for dogs- but I wasnt expecting to be so knackered!!

Edited August 12, 2008 by deelee2

[kateykateykatey]

Great work!!!

FWIW, I don't think you should feel guilty using a management tool for helping Evie learn to walk nicely on a lead. I think that tools like these are helpful in setting the dog up for success (and you) and alleviating some frustration. I'm not an expert-- and I'm sure lots of people will disagree with me, but IMHO if the idea of walking your dog is making your arm sockets throb at the idea of all the pulling, and thus not want to do it, using something to help her walk with a loose lead can't be bad. As a tool on its own, it's a bandaid (and as such, she'd still pull if given the opportunity) but as a tool used in conjunction with training, it's a sanity saver. JMHO.

ETA: what's the deal with not sharing the bed? I've heard conflicting opinions about this from different dog trainers. What did yours say?

Edited August 6, 2008 by kateykateykatey

[dee lee]

Thanks Katey, that makes me feel better :p . I AM hoping that in the long run the training will infiltrate her stubborn brain and we can ditch the harness, in fact that is what the whole approach is about- changing our current pattern.

As for the bed- my trainer wasn't strictly against it, but Evie has been "passively" challenging me a lot in a few areas, the bed being one. Previously she was allowed on to the foot of the bed, by invitation only and must get off when told to. It was usually only if I was having a sleep in (OH doesnt like dogs on beds). Lately she has been creeping up from the foot of the bed and trying to lie next to me near the pillow as well as sneaking on to the bed when my husband is downstairs (doesn't seem to do it when I am there). This is apparently passive challenging behaviour and as we need to reaffirm the pack order she is currently banished from the bed.

My husband was rather happy about this!

[MonElite]

Im glad to hear that there is improvement. Well done, and good luck for the next session!

[Animal House]

Excellent progress so far Deelee, the sporn works well. ;)

See, there is light at the end of the tunnel, (it wont happen overnight, but it will happen ;)), and well worth the effort. ;)

[dee lee]

Im glad to hear that there is improvement. Well done, and good luck for the next session!

Thanks- I'm trying to be a conscientious student. Its paying off already- great training session with her this morning. Walks are still trying but I can see her getting the hang of it. Her distraction level is lessening. Not hugely but her response to me in such situations is getting better.

And again, thanks for the recommendation- I am very happy with him .

Excellent progress so far Deelee, the sporn works well.

See, there is light at the end of the tunnel, (it wont happen overnight, but it will happen ), and well worth the effort.

Thanks Caz!

You are so right. I have to remember that- patience is not one of my virtues (prob how we got in such a tangle!) .

Tell you what- its funny how NOW my kids want to pat Evie, when before they mostly ignored her . Its much harder to train THEM to get her to sit before pats. Though its probably because Evie is much calmer, so I should be happy!

All good!

Edited August 12, 2008 by deelee2

[Wobbly]

YAY Deelee - happy to hear she's calmer :cry:

The outside/crate when guests arrive I think is the same approach - Steve explained it this way - dogs are hierarchical, much like the human military, imagine yourself as the general, and your dog as a soldier under your command meeting the president (or some such esteemed houseguest). A soldier (dog) running up from behind the General (owner) to give the President (guest) a big smooch doesn't respect the generals right to speak on his behalf. Add to that the guest lavishly, regularly praising the dog for that breach of etiquette, and it becomes an ingrained habit. Guests being inherently untrainable, the crate/outside time prevents them encouraging the dog to break rank. My initial approach was so wrong - I was happy to let Jarrah be the welcoming committee before, not really aware of the hierarchical implications. I've since read an explanation similar to Steve's in Patricia McConnells "The Other End of the Leash too.

I'm luckier than you on the bed issue, Jarrah'll take as many liberties as she can get away with, but she's happy enough to fall back in line when she's gets an Uh uh, she's never issued any kind of challenge. The holding back on affection - I am still so crap at that. I've noticed Jarrah's a lot calmer too lately, I'm amazed because I'm not really putting everything into practice as much as I should - re affection and a few other things, but it seems the little I am doing has made a big difference - perhaps it's the attitude Mr Wobbly & I project now I am more cognizant of her reasons for doing the things she does.

So happy to hear everything is going good for you guys!

[dee lee]

Update: Training day #2.

I know I am much better at obedience than I was today!!! :rolleyes: Typical, never work with animals and children...

Anyway had our second session today, and it has helped me stay clear on what needs to be done. I also asked some specific questions on things I have had trouble with. Apparently time will increase the benefits of this pack restructuring and I should see most problems diminish (if I stick to my guns) in another couple of months as Evie begins to accept and understand the new rules. I am very much looking forward to that.

Though she did jump up on the trainer more than any other visitors in the last week!!! I dont think he believed me when I said she has improved there.

Poor Evie is exhausted.

Edited August 12, 2008 by deelee2