This will go in my training log as well, but I'm chuffed with my munchkins so wanted to give them a bit more exposure than there, because I appreciate not everyone wants to read about how we did sit/stays again. I've been working on a couple of concepts from a book called Control Unleashed, whereby you work on keeping your dog with you by making them want to be with you. I really thought I was doing this before, but in retrospect I wasn't; I would stop them from smelling things they wanted to smell if it meant them leaving my side etc. Now, in briefest terms, I let them have a good old sniff of things that don't necessarily fit in with my plans, but I make myself so interesting that they want to keep coming back to me. This started with a basic C&T every time they refocussed on me, or checked in. Now, when they're off-lead, I mix it up, so that sometimes they get a treat given to them, sometimes a treat thrown away, sometimes they get a snowball, sometimes a tennis ball, sometimes catch, sometimes chase. So, they don't know what's going to happen when they come back, but they know it's going to be something good. This has made an almost immediate and massive difference in how they interact with me during walks - especially when I have the two of them together, which often used to be them mooching together and not that interested in me; now I feel they are so much more connected with me, checking in all the time, asking me to play with them instead of relying on each other, hugely waggy tails and massive doggy smiles when interacting with me. Plus, their recall, which was getting dodgy only a week or so ago, has suddenly strengthened up massively - albeit I'm only using my whistle as and when I know they're definitely coming back (such as when they're already on their way), just calling out anything ("tomato!!", "philidelphia!!", "elephant!!") when they're playing will stop them in their tracks and turning to come back, because they know I'm suddenly "Fun Mum" and they don't want to miss out on anything. Love my puppies.
Re: Good results from change in my attitude It's a lot more work on my part than just "going for a walk" with my dogs, which is what we did as kids with our mutts, but it's infinitely more rewarding.
Re: Good results from change in my attitude I had a similar experience last summer on a clicker course (except my dog was a year older than yours are: ). I was a bit upset at the concept, previously having relied on "being on top of" my dog. I walked round with half of pets at home hanging around me for months - tug toys, whipit sticks, you name it, I carried it around. It was hard work - it still is - but the difference is incredible. I don't "just go for a walk" either. I walk while concentrating on my dog, and interacting with my dog. I loved Control Unleashed. Great book.
Re: Good results from change in my attitude Ooh sounds like another book on my wishlist! Really impressed with your progress, fantastic! One thing I find really challenging is trying to make myself more interesting to Benson. Casper is no problem at all, he always has half an eye on what I am doing, swear he sighs in embarrassment as I prance around waving various toys, trying to attract Bensons attention.. :
Re: Good results from change in my attitude [quote author=Beanwood link=topic=10298.msg151366#msg151366 date=1427063546] I prance around waving various toys, trying to attract Bensons attention.. : [/quote] What I found with Charlie is that he was addicted to fetch - ok, I knew that already. But what I mean is, whenever I had a toy, he just wanted me to throw it. That was all he was interested in. It was me though, that is how I played with my dog. Arguably, I didn't play with my dog, I just got him to fetch stuff. So, my trainer started telling me really firmly - stop retrieving, play with your dog. Stop it! Play with your dog. It was a bit difficult....but I realised that I had to build up his desire for other games, and it worked. I wouldn't say he is addicted to other games to the extent he is addicted to fetch, but getting there. Whipit is the thing, so long as the dog isn't too old to learn to play, whipit usually works....
Re: Good results from change in my attitude [quote author=JulieT link=topic=10298.msg151368#msg151368 date=1427063899] Whipit is the thing, so long as the dog isn't too old to learn to play, whipit usually works.... [/quote] LOVE whipit!!! Willow chewed through the cord on my pocket whipit - must be more careful watching which bit she's chewing! - so it's in the "to mend" box at the moment. :
Re: Good results from change in my attitude It's a whip (usually a horse lunge whip) with a toy tied to the end. You swing it round in a circle, and build up desire for the toy - then, you have complete control over something your dog finds highly desirable and you can use that in all sorts of training exercises. Here is Charlie having his desire built : P8080798 by julieandcharlie, on Flickr
Re: Good results from change in my attitude [quote author=Rosie link=topic=10298.msg151391#msg151391 date=1427100162] Can anyone tell me what a whipit is? [/quote] I have ordered a couple from these suppliers Rosie, coupled with the book.."Control Unleashed" All in an attempt to make myself more interesting to Benson and help with training especially with off lead distractions Another name for Whipit I believe is a flirt pole. https://tug-e-nuff.co.uk/bungee-tug-toys.html http://www.positiveanimalsolutions.com/category_s/2301.htm
Re: Good results from change in my attitude Here's a video of it in action: https://www.facebook.com/DevonDogs1?sk=app_106171216118819&app_data
Re: Good results from change in my attitude So that's another thing going on my wishlist! Thank you....
Re: Good results from change in my attitude I bought a lunge whip from ebay and got a bungee tug toy from tug-e-nuff. I now need more ... I'm sure Pongo will love it!
Re: Good results from change in my attitude This is a great post and is exactly what I'm doing with Bob right now but you have given me some new ideas. I need to bring more toys out with me, I don't do that at the moment. But I hide from him, I throw treats, I C&T when he checks in. And randomly I'll start running off in another direction squealing so he wants to chase me. I MUST remember some cat food pouches for when I'm out as well (I'm always in a rush when leaving the house so usually forget) I want some super dooper treats to welcome him back on the ODD occasion, just to keep him guessing. Lou xx
Re: Good results from change in my attitude A fun way to get them to chase you and get really excited is either to give them a gentle push in the other direction, then run away, or creep in their direction while they look at you, then take off the other way.
