Guess I will try that, in the meantime. Anybody have a referral for obedience classes or doggy bootcamp? Zoo, did you say you do obedience training?
^^^We did the basic training at PetSmart. It worked really well in training me how to think like her, lol. I think we both gradusted that day, not just her. Frogger
Pressed for time a bit this morning - but first things first MOM - when you play tug with your pup, DO NOT LET HIM INITIATE IT! Inotherwords, if he comes to you with the rope or whatever you play tug with, ignore it. Wait until he drops it and gives up, better yet, ask him to drop it and teach him that command - it helps when they grab dead frogs or anything else you'd rather them leave be. I teach both 'drop it' for things they have and 'leave it' for things they are eyeballing. IF you let the pup bring the tug toy to you and play with him, HE IS COMMANDING YOU. It may sound silly, but in going along with it and participating in play when he wants to do it, you are making him ALPHA, and thus the boss of you. DITTO with your son and rest of the family. EVERYONE must treat the dog the same way, or he will think he's the boss. Same goes for any other play, like bringing you a ball or Frisbee - unless you asked for it or they are fetching it. It's the little things that make a difference. Cleo, I only do the thing with the kids, and clients dogs that they work with, I'm so bogged down for the most part. If the dog flat out ignores you, like HG suggested, food can be a great motivator. However, if the dog prefers to be outside, I'd suggest motivating him slowly. Use food to get him/her to come to you outside. Tell them they are a 'good dog' and give up the treat - very small pieces in training, don't be generous with the size or they'll fill up and be done with that little exercise and let them go on their way. Do it over and over, for a few days, making the dog stay with you a few minutes longer as you go before giving up the reward. THEN, use it to coax them into the house. IF you call the dog and the dog comes to you and you force it inside, it soon figures out that coming to you means an end to what they were doing. If they can learn that sometimes you call them and they get a pet and a treat and nothing negative (in their mind) happens, then they will be more likely to come to you consistantly in the future. Doggie Psychology 101 has concluded for today. Class dismissed :wink:
