Does anyone here slack off sometimes in their Sheltie training?

Shelby's mom said:
Yes, we do tend to slack sometimes. Lately I have been making Shelby work for her after dinner treats. Running through our sit, shake, high five, touch, roll over, play dead and spin & twirl. And I do take her to nosework class a few times a month just to keep her socialized and for something to do. We are at level 5, and we don’t compete so we can drop in a class whenever we want.

We really have to reinforce her recall. Lately she has been holding out until we mention the word “treat”. That word will get her to come immediately. Maybe I should change the command to “treat”
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Yes! Sometimes Sandstorm doesn't come that quickly either until I say treat or cookie!
 
So true. It's so easy to get slack and when you're fighting natural instinct, or something that's really, really fun, that's the stuff that needs reinforcing.

Gosh yes, the spinning and barking when people pass is definitely something Sandstorm will get worse with and teach the puppy. Mine walked perfectly one-on-one, they listen, they walk close, check in - all the things they were taught. But put them together and the one-up-manship starts. Honestly, when you walk 2 cheeky dogs you are walking 3 dogs - they two on the lead and then the naughty monster between them. I admit I got slack too, and as Deska got older the one-up-manship got worse. Actually Deska was a dream puppy, Tully was hard work, so I put all the work into Tully and she ended up with perfect manners, and Mr D was a ratbag.
 
Gavin is way more stubborn than he used to be. I attribute it to his hearing loss. He was always so responsive to my voice and my talking to him. All I had to do was click my tongue and he would stop what he was doing and follow me. Now he likes little hugs and cheek pats mid walk to re-assure him. I have to tug on the leash all the time when he is in his wheelchair. He has very set ideas on where he wants to go! I feel like a monster tugging him this way and that, but otherwise he would always end up looking for snacks (aka goose poop).
 
Awww poor Gavin! I guess we forget how much hearing loss can affect a dog. It must be hard on them, I can see how he'd need that reassurance...that touch or movement of the leash reminds him that your still with him.
 
Piper's mom said:
Awww poor Gavin! I guess we forget how much hearing loss can affect a dog. It must be hard on them, I can see how he'd need that reassurance...that touch or movement of the leash reminds him that your still with him.
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haa haa haa. i have to pull him along with that leash. I guess my disapproving voice was strong enough he wouldn't dare disobey. Now he can't hear it, so he does what he wants!
 
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