Training yourself

Elocin87

Thanks for all of the advice it's all really helpful. I keep forgetting that dogs don't communicate like us and Charlie is a puppy and that I can't expect him to be perfect. I'm a perfectionist (which I know is bad) but I know that I can't make Charlie into the perfect dog. I think part of this is because I love him so much I couldn't stand it if anything happened to him (I'm terrified of him getting hit by a car) so I want him to be the best fast to help protect him. Also Minnie's death is fresh on my mind and I really cannot stand to lose another dog it was 3 years ago but if I think about it I start to cry and there is still a big hole in my heart. I really love Charlie and can't stand for anything to happen to him.

My first dog was abused and attacked two people so he had to be put down. I want the exact opposite for Charlie and I guess this makes me freak out a bit.
Charlie's going to his first play group in about an hour so I'm going to practice loose leash walking when he's tired and there are less cars on the street.

I've been practicing his walking on my neighborhood street. It's a dead end so there aren't too many cars but there are a lot of distracting pebbles and pinecones I thought about going to the park to practice since there is more room to move around. And I had no idea about dogs not generalizing with their commands so I guess I'll start practicing "sit' and "look" outside too. I guess that explains why Minnie never would sit outside.

fawkese1

i totally understand! seriously, i am sort of a freak about my dog, but for the same reasons, i want to do everything i can to make sure that he has a long happy life, and he didn't get a very good start at it.... you are doing really well tho, just remember the whole slow and steady mantra, but really, you are leaps and bounds ahead of a lot of people, you are actively seeking answers and trying things... lots of people don't even do that much... keep asking questions, and trying stuff out, and you will be fine... let us know how the loose leash training goes... good luck... oh and have fun at charlie's play group

Criosphynx

this

Elocin87

Thanks I'm determined to train Charlie the best I can so that he's well-behaved around different sorts of people, animals, and in new situations. And I will be asking questions until I'm told to shut up (and even if I'm told to shut up that doesn't mean I will). That's just who I am. And although I do freak out a lot I do notice progress. He doesn't try to jump on the horses and cows any more and he doesn't leap on new dogs. And today when my neighbor was petting him, he sat when he wanted attention

Charlie did better today on his walk I think part of it was because I was relaxed. We ran into 3 neighbors and they all commented that Charlie was walking much better than he was last week (he wasn't yanking my arm out which was awesome). Charlie had a blast at play group. There were about 12 other dogs and puppies so by the end Charlie was very tired (it was so nice). He made a buddy and got a not so secret admirer; a male dalmatian that followed him around trying to hump him. It was really great to see him get to play nicely after having a dog aggressive dog (I'm sighing with relief).

And my reward is a puppy who is quietly chewing on the carpet I shall redirect him to his bone.

fawkese1

@ this.... life is just full of wonderful little rewards like this....

MySoulmateEmmy

Your so right Elocin, I also think it is not just about training the dog but yourself to be consistent and connect with the dog in a way you both can understand each others wants and needs. (sounds like human relationships too, and maybe a bit of training might be involved to get the SO's to understand you too, haha! )

~MSE

wvasko

1. I'm not going to say how to train a dog but if a lot of corrections are used it's just nagging a dog, a proper stiff correction is easier on dog and trainer.

2. Again whatever method of training is used a daily training log/journal should be kept, as it helps keep you on top of things.

fawkese1

just to clarify my post (no worries about it tho) i was more of a compulsion trainer before, and now i am mostly PR... that's what i meant by "lots of corrections" not that i used corrections constantly and totally agree on the nagging

this is a great idea!

Criosphynx

I keep telling myself I should keep a journal. All the pros recommend it, so they must be onto som'thing

wvasko

Many years ago on a bird dog winter training trip (2 months) a young GSP I turned loose on 1st day had 26 stops to pee/etc in a 30 minute run. 60 days or so later I entered the dog in 2 AKC derby trials, he placed 2nd in 1st trial and won the derby in 2nd trial. What a change in 60 days and it was gratifying when reading the journal to see how the actual change took place. It's easy to forget stuff while training, especially on a time period that you can compare to when then running/training other dogs if a log is kept.

If you make mistakes, guess what, it's also there in writing. This down the road should build a better trainer.