Working the "Impulse Control"

**alfi** · 01-19-2010, 09:20 AM

Since Opokki posted this video YouTube - "It's Yer Choice"

I've been working it with my dogs and especially with Forest and Carl.
I think I made a terrible mistake though

as I've been working this not only with food but with toys, objects and all kind of things.

Anyway, Carl has come to a point that not only ignores things like in the video but also doesn't play "catch" any more and waiting for me to give him the toy in his mouth or wait until I say "ok play go go go".
My problem is that he seems confused when I say this and looks at me for a couple of seconds and then he goes for the toy. You think that this is problem that I should change?...and if yes how??

Corinthian · 01-19-2010, 12:15 PM

This is a normal reaction for a dog that is learning a new approach. If you are really worried, begin playing without the distractions. I think, from your description, everything is going fine.

**alfi** · 01-19-2010, 12:24 PM

I don't really mind for him doing this as long as it is ok for the dog! Generally Carl is one of the most responsive to commands dog I own...it is just that he seems somewhat confused about what to do with the toy that caught my attention.

**Criosphynx** · 01-19-2010, 08:52 PM

Try this in a new area, different than where you trained "its yer choice" and really work on getting him to understand the verbal cues. I find also that if I sit when I normally stand, or stand when I normally sit, that can help clarify(or confuse) but its worth a shot.

**alfi** · 01-19-2010, 08:59 PM

I've tried it even in the woods...same thing!

You are saying to use a clue/verbal command for ...ok I am confused.

lol! (sorry)
In "its yer choice" there are no verbal commands right??

Sorry if I sound stupid

!

**Criosphynx** · 01-19-2010, 09:03 PM

No no your fine...its me, maybe Iam misunderstanding...

the dog is confused as to when it is ok to get a toy and when its not ok right?

so you are throwing it and hes hesitant to go pick it up?

I do its yer choice with words and without. Its "supposed" to be without.

**alfi** · 01-19-2010, 09:13 PM

Actually he is not hesitant, he just doesn't care at all until I tell him "go go catch it". That's only with toys/food/objects that I throw or are already on the floor but new to the dog. I mean he is going to play with his toys but if anything drops from me he is waiting to for me to say if it's ok to take it or not. Same with new objects/toys that either I drop or are already down.

That's actually not bad ...at least for me...but I don't know if I am doing any harm to him by this???!

Do I make sense??