Hi Mandie, We had a similar problem with an 18 month old name Jude. For us, the problem was more related to her being really very shy after coming to us from the breeder and needing a lot of socialization but I do hear that Berners have a feisty stubborn streak anyways! For us, putting Jude on a leash was the more effective way to get her to go from stubborn mule to cooperative pup. If she was doing a sit down strike, if she was nervous about trying anything new, that leash somehow gave her a huge amount of confidence. She'd do exactly what we were hoping for instantly. Don't get me wrong though, we didn't tug her along on that leash! She just seemed to instantly understand that the leash meant that she was safe and needed to follow us. Of course, when she did what I was hoping for, she'd get a great big enthusiastic "good girl!" with lots of loves and when she was now comfortable I would ceremoniously remove the leash telling her "oh...you don't need this anymore, you're such a good brave girl!" She got so used to that, that we now only have to say something like "do I need to get your leash?" and touch her collar and she usually gives me a smile, an infamous Berner bump and then follows along behind me.
It sounds silly but may be worth a try. Good luck! Melissa ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2003 10:46 AM Subject: sit down strike > My name is Mandie - I have a 8 month old female named Liberty problem is when > she doesn't want to come with me - mostly in from a cool night to the inside > ( a coll 63 defrees)she goes on a sit down strike and wont budge. Then to > make sure I can't move her she lies down and rolls over. Now -if I get near her > neck and collar she mouthes me to let me know she doesn't like it. I have to > physically turn her over and lift her up from behind and push or stand her on > her hind legs! Now this behavior is popping up in other places. I don't think a > different collar is the answer - have been training to come, heal and lets go > with great treats but food doesn't matter if she doesn't want to go. Anyone > have any ideas? thanks >
