well I guess different things work for different people, the clicker seems to work well with cally, she's so food orientated! and so far we've got through emmerdale without her moving - bless!
This is not going to be easily solved until you realise that if you want your dog to do something, it needs to be trained to do this. Its super if dogs understood that we could use a bit of 'alone time' now and then, but they don't, and if you also put food in with that, to a greedy labrador (and they mostly all are) its just too much to expect her to go and lay down alone without food being in the picture, but whilst you are eating? No chance.
Now, of course, its nice to have mealtimes without a begging dog staring at you.
The fact your dog is pacing around means she really doesn't know what you want from her. understand that. I know that she is much bigger in size than when you brought her home as a baby, BUT has she had a carefully thought through trianing programme to show her firstly what 'down' means, and then of course 'stay'. What does 'down' and 'stay' mean to her? probably nothing, which is no insult to you, but you have to teach things. You cannot expect them to magically know them honey, honestly. I know they are smart but hell they need teaching like we do.
SO, is her bed in a room where you can shut the door? Or whilst you eat is there anbother room she can be shut in that she is comfortable with? Her cage would be best but you say you don't use it or did I read that wrongly?
To begin with she will be most angry! She will bark and bark. But bear with it and be consistant and do the same thing every day for dinner. Then let her out when you are finished, take her out for a wee and then praise her like mad.
If you have seen dogs that go to their baskets when shouted at at mealtimes, its not something for their owners to be proud of. they usually go their on their bellies thinking they are being punished and not as a happy response to a calm command. make your dog different. Just if you don't wish for her to be around for a while, shut her away from you. She will accept this if you give her a radio for company and a nice selection of safe toys and some tasty biscuits to munch on.
But don't expect her to KNOW how to do something until you have worked long and hard to teaching it..... like anything in life, it only comes with time and repetitition and the same action EVERY time.
Di
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The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
Her season will not alter this, remember if she is in season not to take her out for any walks.... and that a season last 21 - 28 days even if she is not bleeding. Sorry if you know that but just to be sure, no walks from now till 21 days at LEAST after the first day you saw her bleeding.... its for the best for her, you and the dogs in your area...
Di
____________
The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
I can't give much advice I'm afraid but I can tell you about our little bundle of fun!
Oscar has his crate in the living room with us; We like to think it provides him with a secure place to rest in an area where he knows people reguarly come and go and he isn't alone.
We've taught him that 'In your bed' means to go and lie down in his crate....it took a bit of perseverence, but he picked it up. We normally only shut his crate door during breakfast, lunch and dinner. All other times he is free to come and go as he chooses and he is now retreating to his crate whenever he fancies a lie down and a bit of peace. It was well worthwhile putting the time and effort in as he is turning into a lovely little chap now.
I think you just need to be strict and set some boundaries. Maisie will eventually understand what you want her to do through repetition and reassurance.
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Cally and Anne xx
