Makes good sense. I'll be trying it this weekend. What about the stay and come
part? I am totally against the collar myself even on my 8 lb Tito. He's an
angel by the way and was easy to train. Raina is definitely the alpha.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Please don't collar her ever even if a dog trainer or book tries to convince
you to do so...
For us "Down" was the hardest as my guy had a little alpha problem. (caused
by none other than me! LOL)
I'd like to share the training for that: (and she probably should learn it
after sit, stay)
My trainer put him on his lead than begins as always with the getting of
attention. (She liked to hold the treat between her eyes and say "Henry, look
at me", this was a trained command in and of itself worth mastering)..
then say she'd say "Down" (once!) while holding her arm aloft (with the treat
in it). To coax him to get down gently step on the leash getting him lowered
with gentle force (all the while arm is up and you are erect- not easy with
these little midgets LOL). It took a lot of patient consistency. Don't be told
it must be done with a collar as it works just fine, maybe even better,
definitley safer with a harness.
Though my guy has it now (it took awhile) when we're out of practice he will
at times not go all the way down anticipating his reward. If I toe tap as if
I'm stepping on the imaginary leash he will drop as he remembers that cue. It
sounds mean to step on the leash but is not if done gently. (My guy had a
little hissy fit the first time but he needed other assistance in the alpha
department which was all my fault as I was making him feel alpha by other
things I was doing wrong! oops)
You may ask why the arm signal is important: it is because once she gets this
you can use it if she's gotten away from you by yelling down, with arm up and
she will drop in that place...very handy should you need her to stay put in
case of danger. I cannot tell you how any times I was glad we learned it this
way. But make no mistake it takes persistence. and when we walk in my big
backyard woods (off leash) we practice it, especially the part (a bit advanced)
of staying down until mom arrives with the treat. Hope this helps,
love
michelle and henry
just a few notes for all "tricks": don't repeat command over and over, praise
generously and though its good to practice everyday, if he's not into it or
your feeling a bit impatient don't hesitate to call it off until a better time.
You should mix "training time" up with some fun games as well so its not
drudgery for you or her.
Also, puppy kindergarten is great with the right teacher. It builds
confidence and social skills with other dogs/owners. Have fun!
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Thank to all who respond.
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