Many years ago, I attended another trainer’s class so that I could teach my puppy how to behave with other dogs close by. I was disappointed to find the trainer seemed to disregard, or misunderstand, each dog’s level of training. She would do something easy, then something way over the heads of her canine students, then something else, unconnected to the previous work, that left some dogs bored and others in the dust. Even in a group class, it’s possible to assess and satisfy the needs of each individual. Without doing that, not much learning will take place.
Here all the dogs are on leash, but two of the dogs have their leashes held while the other two have their leashes dropped. The two dogs with leashes dropped are drop dead obedient. Still, a little tune-up is always a great idea to help keep them that way. The other two dogs, both rescues, have issues, and the leash will remind them that while we are aware of their issues, we still need for them to learn some basic commands.
During the class, every effort is made to engage the minds of all the dogs. While the two very obedient dogs might be bored practicing the down stay, they will get to try something new immediately afterwards. After the down stay, we always do something active, some rapid heeling, sometimes with two dogs weaving around the other two. In that way, the two moving are improving heeling skills in a place, the country, where heeling makes no sense to the dogs and is seldom used. The other two get to bullet-proof their sit stays, so each one is learning something that will stand him or her in good stead. We also like to work on jumps. Since the dogs are on a soft surface, the grass, jumps won’t harm them. And since one of the owners is a good sport, we usually have the dogs jump over him rather than over an inanimate barrier. (Thanks, Richard.) The dogs love the lively change of pace and will willing follow up with a sit stay, two on leash, two with leashes dropped.
Monk, our rescue, needs lots of practice on the recall. Mabel, our friends’ rescue, needs to understand the importance of paying attention even when there’s something else she’d rather do. Sky and Nellie are not only being good sports. They, too, are honing their skills. A little reminder that even on sunny days when the pond is calling them, when the birds are singing and the grass smalls delicious and all is right with the world, it’s important to heed your partner’s voice. After all, she may actually be calling you in for dinner.
Okay that’s very helpful. As I mentioned in a prior post, my cocker has an ATTITUDE! Every single thing has become an issue. For example, I wanted him doing his business in a particular area of my yard. Unless he’s on a leash every single time he will look at me and go some place else. When I put him in a sit stay and put my hand up towards his nose and say “stay”, he will try to mouth me. Not biting. Not growling. It’s just attitude – like telling me to get my hand out of his face! I exercise him until we both drop.
He’s exactly six months old. Yesterday I took him out of his crate and took him outside (he has a dog door too) and a few minutes later when I was standing in the kitchen I looked over and he was looking at me and pooping on my living room floor! (I must confess i yelled at him… but then quickly repented!!). I swear it’s a contest of wills, Carolyn. I feel like I know how to train a puppy for heavens sake. I’ve trained numerous since first reading Mother Knows Best years ago but everything I thought I knew has been tried again and again.
Do you think I should practically go back to square one and keep him on leash in the house when he’s out of his crate and also in the yard??? When I’m out in the back yard, I’d like to let him run around while I garden but he purposely gets in the flowers where he knows it’s forbidden. He loves testing me. I’m rereading Surviving Your Dog’s Adolesence and Dog Smart. Maybe I’m missing something that should be crystal clear? Never had such a hard time with a puppy….
I think some of what you’re doing is not going to work. First, I would not put my hand in the face of an aggressive dog. Second, the dog needs to get off your property, not go to the bathroom in a corner of it. And third, alas, if he’s six months old and things are still not working well, you probably need a highly recommended trainer to come and assess the situation for you and perhaps help you train and manage THIS dog who is clearly not like and more difficult than the others you’ve had. As always, I wish you all the best. Carol
I don’t profess to have the answers. That’s why I’ve read every book you’ve ever written and those of other dog experts. You taught when teaching your dog a “sit stay” you present your open palm towards their nose as you are saying “stay”. You never addressed how to do it with a dog who’s a little fiesty. I was simply doing what you said to do and when it wasn’t working, I asked for advice. Second, the “dog does get off my property” multiple times a week but I work full time and when I’m out mowing the lawn or working in the garden, he becomes disrespectful. I was simply asking for suggestions. And, third, he IS “working out well”. I adore him. I make mistakes. I’m the first to admit it and I didn’t want to be doing something that would undo all the great work he’s done, hence my note to you – an expert in the field. I’m fully aware that all dogs are different, Carolyn, and “THIS” dog isn’t a carbon copy of another. I’m sorry I bothered you.
First of all, since you’ve read all my books, you should know that my name is Carol, not Carolyn, as you’ve called me twice. Second, I have been answering all your comments and doing my very best to be helpful for quite a while. You have no need to be so rude to me. Since you have been complaining about your dog for months, it was fair of me to assume that his training, not the dog, was not working out well. And since you didn’t tell me that you walked him, how was I to know that. In fact, he needs to be walked several times a day, not several times a week, and that may explain some of his behavior. He’s simply not getting out into the world enough.
Though I have tried to be helpful, it’s possible that since you have trained many pups, you have gotten locked into a mode of working that was right for others but not for this dog. That is why I suggested you get a trainer. You’d be surprised what an owner can miss and what a fresh pair of eyes can see. I wish you and your pup all the best.
I’m sorry for mispronouncing your name. I knew better.
Apology…Please forgive me for being rude yesterday, Carol. You didn’t deserve it. I felt criticized and I over-reacted. I had a bad day and I’m at a loss here with my pup’s defiance and was looking for sympathy I guess or a quick fix….not sure which. I’ve prided myself on being able to pretty much train any dog. I’ve helped countless friends and co-workers over the last 30 years who were on their way to the pound with their dogs. After three or four months with me, they had a new dog and I’ve always been so proud of that! Then, bam, I get one who is so defiant and everything I thought I knew is now in question. Ha! I simply have a dog with an entirely different disposition but that’s not your fault! Again, I’m sorry and hope you can forgive me. I value your knowledge, humor, and compassion. What I said was uncalled for.
With Parvo so prevalent in my area, we weren’t even able to go outside until all his shots, etc., at four months. Boy, those four months are critical for socialization, let me tell you! So….we are starting a special class tomorrow night so hopefully the socialization will do more good than anything.
P.S. I promise I know your name. I typed on my iPad and it auto-fills some words and I don’t always catch it.
Again, I’m sorry…..An avid fan….Cindy Christensen
Dear Cindy, No problem. Thank you for the gracious apology. My feelings were hurt, too. Hurray for going to class. I think it will help your pup and give you the support and answers you need. Carol