collar question

Hey Barb, That will all come with time. When you are in "training mode", try switching up your rewards. Offer food, toys, play, chase, wrestle games, etc. Also, use his distractions to your advantage. If he is REALLY interested in sniffing the ground, use that as a reward. As for a couple of commands, some focus, etc. then when he does well, reward by allowing him to sniff the ground for a bit. Same goes for if he really wants to go see a person or another dog, ask him to do a couple of tasks first, then reward with a visit with the person or dog.

That way you are moving him away from thinking about "bribes". Food is a great reward, but if the dog becomes reliant on the food before they will do a task, then the food has become a bribe. Be creative and figure out what ELSE will work as a reward and start incorporating that into your training.
 
If you're interested in positive training (pretty much the exact opposite from the way Cesar Milan "trains"), go on-line and check out Ian Dunbar and his way of training.
 
Thanks. I am open to anything! I believe that pretty well anything out there as far as techniques go will work, its just finding what is best for your dog.
 
GeeRome, you have a Romeo too!!!

I totally agree with your views on Cesar. I've been reading up extensively on canine and wolf behaviour and think that his methods are too physical and forceful. Alpha males in a wolf pack don't usually use force but simple non-physical body language. I have been reading the Dog Listener by Jan Fennel. She too expouses the need to establish an Alpha status but her methods are great - set the example as a quiet, gentle but firm and confident leader.

I believe in the whole 'alpha' position and how it would greatly help your relationship with your dog, and, to be honest, have in my inexperience, tried some physical methods like scruffing the pup. I only needed to do it 2 or 3 times before I realised the effect it was having on Romeo and I stopped completely vowing never to break his trust in me ever again. I am now firmly his Alpha using non-physical methods and I can tell that he trusts me and is a confident and happy puppy! While only 6 months old, he's not afraid of other dogs or people, and when I take him to a park off leash he would always keep close by, if he walks in front, he would turn to look at me and see if I'm there! I never had to teach him that.

I think GeeRome's ideas are GREAT and will definitely try them with Romeo!! GeeRome should definitely write a book on her methods!
 
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