Training revelations

[skye]

This week I had a training revelation, to most of you it's probably the norm ( or maybe you have found better?) but I'm big believer in the if it's good pass it on hypothesis.

First though I feel the need to justify myself with a little with history.
Although we had a dog growing up I was young during the 'training stage' and I remember very little of turning him into a 'good dog' stage.
My current oldest dog is 9 years old, I read a lot of books I attended many socialisation/ training lessons and I was lucky. She is a good dog ( bar the poo eating/ rolling!)
Rosie dog number two was harder, she is anxious, but despite this I figured we managed her behaviour well enough. Now there's Jake, who is loving, gorgeous but occasionally BLOODY MINDED!!! Worse than that he has in the past (I believe) received more than his fair share of telling off for it...putting it mildly. you raise you voice and he falls to pieces and definitely does not learn anything (unlike the other two, whom I just need to say their names in a disappointed voice to gain instant obedience)... So I returned to the training books. 9 years after the first time!

When we saw various dog trainers about rosies anxieties, clicker training came up, information was read and we 'tried it but didn't get it' but this time I went with more resolution and read

An idiots guide to positive dog training.

We are on day 5 of the new regime! The progress made already means I'm committed, I'm finding leaving the word 'no' at the door difficult but so far the newly found loyalty of all three hounds is convincing me!!! So if you are thinking of rehoming a pooch, give it go, wish I had sooner!!!
Thanks,
Skye

[angelad]

Thanks Skye, I haven't read this one, it's got very good reviews on Amazon though and a load of cheap copies - I'm going to get one ;D

[skye]

Go For it, it's nice to hear the theory behind it all rather than a do this do that.
Lemme know what you think

[Baglady]

Good 'teach yourself' training books can be priceless, but of course, you need to teach your dog to read first...

;D

Skye, I agree with you 100% - positive reinforcement is the only thing that works with my two, and it has been the touchstone of everything that we've done with Snoop. Not only does it produce results, for me, it's the most thrilling and fulfilling way to 'work' with a dog

Friends have this book available for purchase for anyone who may be interested.....



... which has also been recommended to me by Caroline Cowan ;D

It goes like this...

'How can I stop my dog barking/crying/growling/'?

'Shoot the dog'

Yep, it will work, but it won't have the 'desired outcome' So DON'T shoot the dog!!!!!!

This book explains the principles of positive reinforcement, it's funny, and is a really good read. It includes a section on clicker training (which tbh I never mastered) but for me, the value is in understanding and applying the principles, and as Skye says, realising why resorting to ever-increasing decibels of 'No'! just won't work.

We have half a boxful left, and if anyone is interested, let me know and I'll bring some down for our next Last Sunday. Yours for £2.00 (rrp £7.99) ;D

[cherylW]

ooo I'll have one please Susie ;D

Don't think I'll be able to get down there on the Last Sunday (away on a hen do - not mine tho ;D ) but I'm sure I'll see you soon ;D

[skye]

I'll take one susie, it was recommended along with the one I mentioned above but I'm too impatient sometimes and the 'idiots' one came on kindle for instant gratification!
Yeah the clicker thing is my only doubt, but now I know the reasoning behind it I'm going for it, and with all three doing it the click at least shows they all getting a treat I'm just not a fast dispenser!

I have to say ( and my other half doesn't believe yet and just thinks I'm mental) the best advice in it I read, was about calming techniques, when my three go on a woofing frenzy I've started to call them too me to break their fixation and then (on books advice) yawn a lot to show I'm relaxed. Worked a treat during the fireworks the other night.

[Baglady]

I'll keep the box in my car - Stop me and Buy One ;D

Sxx