Try putting him in a sit-stay or down-stay. reward him with his kibble- so that "human' food is just not an option at this time. Start with very short sit/down-stays when there is NO food (use voice positive praise and petting- Berners respond very well to this!)involved and increase them... now add distratction- when he is in a sit-stay in the kitchen, open the refrigerator. correct him if he gets up- by putting him back in position exactly where you left him. praise if he stays. This is a great time to use a clicker! Follow through the sam eprocedure when food is involved... My dogs lie down about 5 feet away on the "threshhold" while we eat. The dogs were getting too many handouts "oops" drops and spills- aswell as becoming quite impolite! and rather bold- denying them the 'clean-up' was going to be an up-hill battle since they very quickly learned the kids and their chairs are great sources of a grand feast! When we are done they get the "OK clean up" and they rush in and get the crumbs (making just 'washing up' of the table and chairs after a meal very easy!) I put them in a down stay while we are at the table- To start this "habit" I sat closest to them and they had leashes on- so that I could make quick corrections. In the beginning I was lucky to get a bite of food, eventually i was able to take a few bites now we can enjoy the whole the whole meal and rarely do I need to "remind them" to go lie down- our Lab mix LOVES his fleece throw beds- and he LOVES food! so to re-inforce the place he should be, we put a bed down for him there.
Here's an exerpt from my obedience classes homework-(i have actually 'combined several weeks of homework here to give you the BIG picture- w/ some explanation that normally is given in class- hope it's coherent!) LONG SIT/DOWN/STAY: With your dog sitting in HEEL position, sit/down your dog. Give the command "STAY" with hand signal same as week 1. If he *begins* (including thinking about it!) to get up, apply gentle pressure -down and back, on his shoulder blades -for a down; gentle lift head up and back w/ leash as demonstrated in class for a sit, repeat STAY firmly- but smile when you say it (your dog is learning something knew, and you want to be clear and nice not something to make your dog fear). (which is why you should avoid using the word NO during training... it is very difficult to say it without sounding cross- and NO can mean so many things...- instead give a specific command; off/down/sit/leave it...) Goal: 10 minutes. Do the same exercise while sitting in a chair next to your dog (watch TV, read.but be ready to correct!) the quicker you correct, the quicker your dog will learn what you want. Goal: 40 minutes! Release your dog with O.K. Remember start slow.10 seconds twice to five minutes once, and then increase daily by 2-4 minutes. (Eventually you pivet in front of your dog; then increase the distance and the time alternately; and add distractions...) � Long sits and downs are useful in gaining control over your dog. If your dog is a pacer, gets underfoot when you're preparing a meal, or believes that everyone who comes to the house has come to see him, use a long sit or down. HOWEVER you must be ready to enforce it, place the dog in position, and correct should he get up, before you release him. In the beginning don't expect him to remain in position for any great length of time. This is new should he break position before you release, and you don' t correct, you won't get far with this method.Don't give the command just to hear yourself say it! Gently help him back in position and give the stay command firmly. If he breaks force him into position and give a firmer stay. not louder, your dog may be many things; deafness is probably not one of them. Try to anticipate your dog getting up. Correct squirms, verbally or physically by putting him back into position.If he's broken several times, put him back into position for 15 seconds (or less if you didn't make it that far) and release WHILE HE IS STILL IN POSITION!!! Eventually your dog will do this with distractions, like bouncing balls, kids running about, someone coming to the door, food dropping on the floor.REMEMBER: SIT/DOWN & *STAY* means just that-insist upon it if you gave the command. Good Luck! Hope this helps. ~Rebecca (owned by Bernese since 1989) Canine-Corner "from hair to heel" Grooming & Training Red Hook, NY <www.canine-cornerbmd.com> and/or Mid-Hudson Kennel Association, Ltd. Referral Chair/Instructor <http://www.wiltwyck.com/mhka/index.htm> "A DOG IS THE ONLY RELATIVE YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE SO CHOOSE WISELY!" ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karen McFarlane" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Berner List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 11:18 AM Subject: Begging!! > Hi to All, > Could some of you please give me some tips about begging. Since I have been > trying Stevie on some new foods, he has turned into a begging machine. How > does one safely but firmly discourage begging. Everytime somebody in the > house gets something out to eat he wants it!! Stevie, I am sure, is starting > to think that his new name is "NO"!! I do not like to put him in his crate > when people are eating as I don't want him to think that it is punishment. > Thanks in advance for any advice. > Karen and Stevie > N.B. Canada > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.427 / Virus Database: 240 - Release Date: 12/6/02 > --- [This e-mail was scanned for viruses by Webjogger's AntiVirus Protection System]
