Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject: Please HELP Training problems
Where do I start Max is getting worse not better at his classes. He is 8 months and pulls continuously even at the class all he wants is to play with the other dogs.
Stay = Max stay's then he runs away then just takes off to play I have tried being nice or Firm he still takes off He is not a foodie he comes back for the ball but then refuses to do anything else At home he does it perfectly as there is nothing better to do. we are really struggling here can some one please help as he knows when out it takes me ages to get him back.
Any help would be very appreciated it gets me down we do the exercises all week then he just does as he wants when it takes his fancy.
Cheryl
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Max my shadow
Luther 1994-2008 I will see you at the bridge sweetie
One life Live it
Could you take him to somewhere where theres alot of distractions, ie park/field when there are other dogs, people etc to get him used to distraction, if you have to get him on a long lead and stake it into the ground so if he does run he cant get far. You can get those that you screw into the ground from some pound shops rather than spending alot in the pet stores
Awww Cheryl, I do feel for you and hope someone comes along with some positive ideas.
I do remember Mischa was quite naughty when out at that age, and I just kept up with the training as you are, went to safe places so she could get the off lead need for play and nortyness out of her system, tried to breath and stay calm, we rode the storm and it came good in the end.
She is not 100% perfect even now, but she is on the whole a good girl, 3 years down the line .
Although I can't give you training tips, I can pass on the positive comments made by the trainer at our gundog class. In the class there are 6 dogs all around the 8 month mark who, when placed in a windy field, full of smells and are surrounded by other young dogs, just want to investigate, pull, sniff & play. In fact Max sounds just like the dogs in my novice class.
To give us all encouragement, the trainer said that the dogs are young, that this is to be expected from young dogs when surrounded by so many interesting things, that training outdoors in such an environment is perfect as it is a 'real' environment and that they WILL eventually get it. (The latter is my mantra )
Hasn't your trainer suggested anything regarding the pulling and breaking his Stays?
How much of the time does he disobey you and get his own way at home?
And what's he like when out on lead on a normal walk? Do you walk him or is he walking you?
For now, I'd be practising stays and recalls with him on a long line, so he can't get away with anything. The more times he buggers off for a bit of fun, the more ingrained the behaviour will become, so I'd stamp on it now. If he broke his Stay and went to run off, I'd reel him in, read him the riot act and plonk him right back where he should have been with a flea in his ear. Then keep the Stay short and sweet so he has a chance to get it right and get a reward.
I'd also be looking at just how often he stuck two fingers up to me at home and stamp on that too. I only command them what I know they know and if they don't do it first time of asking, then I make sure they do the next time. And that applies to everything from being asked to get off the sofa, to being told to come in from the garden. If I ask, then I expect them to do it, no questions.
Have you tried the Nothing in Life is Free method, where the dog has to "work" for everything it wants, whether it's a bowl of food, a fuss, or a game, as I find this helps to get the dog on my side.
Also when out on lead, I wouldn't allow ANY sniffing, stopping to pee, etc. The only time the dog stops is if I stop first. The only time it goes to the loo on lead is if I tell it to, not when it fancies it. I chop and change my walking speeds and directions to keep the dog focussed on me and make sure it is rewarded for having it's focus on me. I wouldn't put up with an 8 month old dog pulling me about and if it tried, it would get told in no uncertain terms that it won't do it again.
I'm all for praising and rewarding good behaviour and this makes up at least 80% of my training, but I'll be buggered if I ignore the bad stuff. I think they need to know when we're displeased with them, just like children do and so I tell them in a way that is perfectly clear.
Get firm with him, make him work for everything and don't take any nonsense, especially at this age, otherwise he'll walk all over you forever.
Hasn't your trainer suggested anything regarding the pulling and breaking his Stays?
Well we have started doing it over short distances with her foot on the lead she says he sees the lead as a toy today I did give him a bollocking when we were there and this calmed him a bit then we started another exercise and he got a ball and just ran off wanting us to chase him she then said I have to keep him mostly on lead or long line until he gets better.
How much of the time does he disobey you and get his own way at home?
Never at home I make him do it
And what's he like when out on lead on a normal walk? Do you walk him or is he walking you?
This is the battle he pulls I stop him put him in the sit we move we do this for ages it is the thing that he want's to get there as quick as possible on the way back lead work brilliant.
I will put him on a long line on the field his recall on the beach is really good as well 99% of the time
Thanks Jules I will give the nothing in life is free method
Cheryl
____________
Max my shadow
Luther 1994-2008 I will see you at the bridge sweetie
One life Live it
This is the battle he pulls I stop him put him in the sit we move we do this for ages it is the thing that he want's to get there as quick as possible on the way back lead work brilliant.
Ok so he is Pulling in Anticipation of having a good time, yes? How about removing that Anticipation for a while. So take him out on lead, but don't take him to have an off lead run with is mates. Only take him so far, then if he pulls, turn round and go another way. You could even build up to walking to the park but walking straight past it, so he doesn't automatically think on lead means going to have some fun.
Anticipation of Fun causes the biggest problems, whether that is travelling in the car or walking on lead. If you can mix things up a bit and make walking on lead a pretty every day/non-exciting event, then he'll be much better. Keep him guessing, don't let him think he'll ALWAYS be going to have fun.
Personally for a puller I wouldn't use SIT, as SIT is one thing, which of course you can reward them for when they do it, but not pulling is something different entirely. I'd use the "Right you pulled, so now we're not going that way" approach and keep moving briskly to get his focus back on you instead.
anticipation of fun can be a real nuisance, but is very understandable.
i picked our girl up and carried her back home for pulling the other week, she weighs 22kgs so it wasn't much fun, sat her in the hall and made a cuppa and ignored her for 10 mins.
then asked whether she fancied a walk, calmly popped lead on and she walked a treat, and has continued to do so since.
just a thought, mind you doesn't do much for my back!!
Thanks I will try these out we normally drive to the beech so he is fine with that I also still have him on a lead and collar due to the regs being enforced in our area he is a lot better when walked on a slip lead
I don't think I will be able to pick him up though
Cheryl
____________
Max my shadow
Luther 1994-2008 I will see you at the bridge sweetie
One life Live it
Few words, only commands (with the occasional high ptiched good heel thrown in)
High pitched smily happy voice when he does it
Loud, growly and deep when he doesnt
Don't be afraid to yell gruffly or loudly (just like only a 'mam' can) - Brian doesn't, I do - Max does better for me.
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