Maureen, Consider trying out clicker training. Essentially, it's operant conditioning. You use a little plastic and metal thingy that makes a distinct "click" sound when you press it, and you teach the dog that "click is good." Basically, you start by clicking and treating together. Then, you look for a behavior you want. We started with having our dog touch our hand with her nose. Watch for the behavior, and "click" it when it happens (followed by a treat). When the dog has the "ah ha!" moment, you'll know it. (Suddenly the dog will do the behavior over and over.) Then, vary the reward. Always click it still (at this point), but sometimes give a whole handful of treats, sometimes just a "good dog!" Also, at this point, start adding a word, "touch!" and only click when you've given the command.
There's more to it than that - there are whole books written on it. But, it's a lot of fun, and you can really see learning taking place. -d Deanna Schneider Interactive Media Developer [EMAIL PROTECTED] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| Archives: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/index.cfm?forumid=5 Subscription: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/index.cfm?method=subscribe&forumid=5 Your ad could be here. Monies from ads go to support these lists and provide more resources for the community. http://www.fusionauthority.com/ads.cfm Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/unsubscribe.cfm?user=89.70.5
