Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:30 pm Post subject: How does your trainer correct?
I wonder if you can all share with me how your trainers correct bad behavior?
My training school trainer is very no nonsense and I don't know if this is the norm. Ruby knows how to do a down and a few weeks ago she refused to do it - at home I don't use force to move her into position I find a sterner tone usually does it but my trainer says we have to push them down Also the same if they don't go into a sit she roughly pushes them into it - well not roughly just no nonsense really. After she pushed Ruby into the down I was really upset but then I rationalized (as Ruby was being a pain that week) and went back last week (after working for hours and hours on her down) all was fine with Ruby last week but my friends Collie wouldn't do a wait (shes 9 months old) and when hoolying around the hall the trainer caught her and was all no nonsense again but my friend swears she tapped her behind - I didn't see this but I wouldn't be surprised.
I am all of a dither as I don't know whether I am being too soft in expecting not to ever have to correct Rubys behavior with a physical intervention from me.
I am not going to class tonight as I haven't practised as much this week and to be honest am all nervous and fearful of what will happen.
Soo I need your opinions how do your trainers deal with - rebellious pups? Am I being a woos or are there hands off methods out there?
Vicky our trainer was good very good but she NEVER pushed the dogs behind down as she told us it could damage them. If I was you I would find another trainer love xxx
Forcing dogs into position isn't teaching them anything, and is a very out-dated method of so-called "training". Positive, reward-based training is much kinder, more enjoyable for dog & owner, and more effective. I think your own reaction is telling you this isn't right - as with training children, there are, thankfully, much better alternatives to the old "no-nonsense" methods. Have a look at the APDT website, and see if there are any positive trainers near you - and even then, I would go and visit a class without the dog first of all, to make sure you're happy with the methods used. It's your dog, at the end of the day, and you must have peace of mind.
I think I'd go a few more times with the intention of watching more closely and then go with your gut feeling.
Our trainers don't tend to be very hands-on, so I'm not sure, but they do encourage me to physically plonk his bum down in a sit with my hand if he's being a real hooly pain - usually only the last 10 minutes of class when they've all got the figits. Nothing that I'd be concerned with though, and I was reassured when they made a woman go outside that smacked her border collie across the nose. They told her if they ever saw her doing it again she wasn't welcome back.
hmmmmmm to be honest Sarah I think last week was the 'go again' and see week but I have been dreading tonight all week that has to tell me something doesnt it
We start agility classes (different school) with Ruby next saturday any how so I am not in need of the current obedience class to be honest.
All I know is my trainers all use the same methods you described. They don't "force" a dog to lay down but the do put their hand on their shoulders and ease the dog to the floor (only if they know the dog knows this command and is just being stubborn).
I'm not sure how you could get a stubborn or willful dog to sit, down, wait etc, if it didn't want to, just by using treats. All dogs are different, some are eager to please and some couldn't care less and then you get a wide range inbetween.
My GDBA co-ordinator came for a visit today...Oyster jumped up her, she pushed her back down, she asked Oyster to sit and when Oyster hesitated she pushed her bottom to the floor (not in a nasty way, but in a way that meant Oyster "would" do as she was told). Now Oyster is only young, but she is a bold pup and I thought nothing of it....however if I had had to use those tactics with Mojo (Mrs Sensitive) she would have fallen apart at the seams.
Some can take a tap on the rump and don't think anything of it, some just never need it .
As you said...Ruby is going to start going to agility soon...Maybe drop the obedience work for now and see how she goes...If she starts to get really challenging, then take her back for some more obedience work (but be prepared to be more forceful, even if it's just with your voice) ...Just play it by ear
when Oyster hesitated she pushed her bottom to the floor (not in a nasty way, but in a way that meant Oyster "would" do as she was told).
Some can take a tap on the rump and don't think anything of it, some just never need it .
This is what we do, as on the rare occasion that I have to ask twice, I think a third time is teaching him to ignore me, and so I have to 'make' him do it - I'd never harm a hair on him, but have to show him who gives the commands and who obeys them.
Yep I agree with all the other replies. If you feel at all uneasy, then something's wrong.
I would not be happy with someone appearing to 'manhandle' my dog. I don't push him around and I would be very upset if someone else did even if they are paid to train him.
An farmer once told me that if her cattle dog ever needed to be corrected because it was being very difficult, not through just not understanding, but actually ignoring commands, she would smack the ground beside the dog to command his attention. Sounds odd but its suprising effective, the dog is not touched at all, mind you it only seems to work with BJ when he's dancing about playing me up. He looks at me with shock as if to say 'OK OK don't go on'.
Good luck to you and Ruby with whatever you decide.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
I wonder if you can all share with me how your trainers correct bad behavior?
Also the same if they don't go into a sit she roughly pushes them into it - well not roughly just no nonsense really. After she pushed Ruby into the down I was really upset but then I rationalized (as Ruby was being a pain that week) and went back last week (after working for hours and hours on her down) all was fine with Ruby last week but my friends Collie wouldn't do a wait (shes 9 months old) and when hoolying around the hall the trainer caught her and was all no nonsense again but my friend swears she tapped her behind - I didn't see this but I wouldn't be surprised.
.
