Dog Training Motivation needed: 1st class was tonight!

[SillyChicken]

does he like to chase? One of the excersizes we use for training pups for protection sports is this.

Take a long stick or pole 4-5', and attach a string to it about 3-5' long... then tie a small rag (washcloth sized) to the end of the string, (we use string cause it's light and can break if the dog actually catches it) looks kinda like a fishing pole... If he's game to chase things... this is a great way to tire a dog out once he gets the hang of it. Don't let him catch it until you're done playing or have another toy he likes on hand to reward him with... Swing it around in circles, back n forth etc... try not to encourage him to jump for it by taking too high over his head... keep it lower to the ground.

 

[bonnylass79]

The next easiest command would be "down." Start in the sitting position and hold the treat in your hand between his front legs, near or on the ground. This will also help incorporate the hand gesture for the down, which is lowering your open hand. If he doesn't lay down when you have your hand on the ground, use the other hand to slowly pull his front legs forward. Do not teach the down by pushing him down. It sends the wrong signals.

I would also work on teaching him to "heal." Keeping the leash in your right hand, put the dog on your left side and a treat in your left hand. Keep your treat hand right by your hip. You want him to keep his nose by your treat hand. Give him a treat every couple of steps that he walks by your side. If he falls behind, walk faster and talk to him to encourage him. If he gets ahead of you, turn around and walk the opposite direction. As he gets better, this is a great exercise is desensitize him to distractions. Walk him towards the distraction (other dogs, etc.), if he stays calm and focused on you, he keeps getting treats and you walk past the other dog. The other dog should be tied up or held by another handler. Do not let him great the other dog yet. The second that he starts to react to the other dog, turn around and walk the other direction. Walk until he's calm again, treat him for being calm, and turn around and walk toward the dog again. Don't push him too far. I would only do this for 15 minute sessions at first. And always end on a good note.

"Stay" is best taught in the down position because it takes more effort for the dog to get up. Wait until he has a solid down before teaching this next step.

 

[Brindlebtch]

I agree down is the next step. I have found it easier to teach from a stand by moving the treat back and down at a 45 degree angle so the dog just folds up backward. Have a hand in his collar and use back and down pressure. If he is very manipulatieve and doesn't want to down because it is a submissive position it will be tantrum time. Just wait it out and don't give up and above all don't let go.

If a DH or kid (sorry, don't know what you have) can help you with the call-up-and-down-the-hill game, you can put the other person at the bottom of the hill and he can run back and forth for bites of his dinner. That way you get 3 things done at one time! Teach a recall, feed him dinner, and tire him out!

 

[NellaBean]

I found an obedience class!! FINALLY! It is late enough for me to get to after work...but about 45 minutes away. It will make some really late nights for me, as it is at 8 o'clock. But whatever it takes! They also offer I believe 3-4 different levels of obedience training and agility training. It is offered by a kennel club, so I am still waiting to make sure they will take him as mixed breed, but I assume they will. This will be GREAT for him and if it works out I can continue through the other classes to keep giving him new things to learn.

I am so excited! I really have been wanting to take him to class, but it is hard to find something....

Everyone always loves Frankie wherever I take him (which is just the vets, I guess) as he is the sweetest dog ever and a bit more mellow in new situations....so I am sure they will all think I am crazy when I explain his issues.

Class doesn't start until next month, so I am going to go ahead and start working with again him now anyways. I will start working on down again, and he needs to learn to shake....it is the simplest thing I know if, every dog I have ever had has learned it in session or two. Maybe that will get his brain on the right track.


It is just me, no DH or kids....had an SO until last week, LOL. Ah well.......so can't play the up and down hill game.

Thanks for all the tips and ideas! I will try them all, to be honest

 

[bonnylass79]

AKC just started a mixed breed division so mixes can show at their shows. I don't see why the kennel club wouldn't allow him. Good luck!

 

[Brindlebtch]

The AKC clubs around here will take mix breeds for classes just fine. Just remember, successful training on a hard headed dog usually means your head has to be even harder. Just be super persistent and consistent.

 

[NellaBean]

Got my confirmation on enrollment in the class already! It starts Mid March and runs through Mid May, so we will keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. The lady said the same thing.....that mixed breeds can now compete in some AKC events. Whoo!

 

[jerryvaz]

Try to keep him as busy as possible. He tends to behave nicely when he is busy. If that doesn’t work, take him to a trainer for train that will surely work..

 

[Brindlebtch]

Good for you!

 

[NellaBean]

Well tonight was the first training class with the dogs (last week was owners only). Frankie did GREAT. He was probably the best behaved dog there. Go figure. He always is better behaved away from home than at home. I think he gets nervous and so he is "quiet". He not only sat on command, he also did down on command, and they had us start teaching stand as well. He walks nicely and is non aggressive to everyone there....I think there were 9 dogs total, all medium to large breeds. He got an A PLUS.

Part of the reason he is doing better is that i got another dog. A 3 month old chow mix...I've had her a few weeks now and she and Frankie just LOVE each other and play and play from the time I get home until bedtime. It is a nice distraction for him and a nice outlet for his energy. He is a happy camper.

So he did now how to lay down on command tonight...so apparently the few training sessions I have done with him in the past have stuck. I think next on the list is stay and leave it.