Thank you everyone who commented on my pleas for support recently with Rosie my 6 month lab. I have taken on board everyone's advice, read pippa's articles and spoken to the dog trainer. And I have plan for surviving the next 6 months....! I think I am expecting TOO much of her and becoming frustrated when she fails. I realise this now. So, I'm reeling it all in for both our sakes! How does this sound.... Walking to busy pubs/parks etc full of people and dogs are out. Each day a lead walk following pippa's advice about teaching to walk at heel building up literally a step at a time. So the focus is less with the hope of success. The walks are around the houses so we do meet the odd person/dog but far less than at the park and far more control as both dogs on leads. Driving to a place to walk her off lead so she can tear around with the frisbee. There's plenty of dog free spots near where I live. My perspective has been that she needs to be in the most difficult situations to get used to them but its not working for us and I've decided it's because I've maybe jumped in too soon and I need to work on the foundations building up to these situations gradually so she knows what's expected of her. Also been doing some fun training like, amongst other things, giving a high five and playing dead in response to the word 'bang' (Rosie not me!) - just to amuse the kids (&me) and she loves our training sessions as well as drumming into her the basics sit, stand, down and wait. This all feels much more manageable - what do you think? Thought I'd gently build it up and see where we are when she's a year old. Xxx Xxx
Re: New plan... That sounds like a good plan to me Although we are anxious for our dogs to be well socialised , we dont want to saturate them too much too soon . Gradual build up to new situations sounds like the best way for Rosie , glad also that you are enjoying it too
Re: New plan... It sounds good to me too - building up gradually is the way to go. And driving to off lead exercise areas is great, this was a life saver for me! Maybe pick just one thing a week to work on in addition to her exercise, and keep the goals small. Eg sitting calmly in a busy area for just a few minutes. For me, a plan is important - otherwise I find myself thinking "how annoying, he's still no better at x, y, z", then I stop and think and realise that's because I haven't done anything about x, y, z.
Re: New plan... Brill, thanks for your comments. That's a good suggestion too Julie I'll take that on board. What a steep learning curve!
Re: New plan... Jenny Ann, before we got Amy I sat and watched you tube. I think that's where I went wrong as its looks so easy watching others training! A few minutes and the dog is trained! Not TRUE! LOL!
Re: New plan... I know Jade,I agree.....those dogs are well trained before the play button gets pressed!. Great you've made a plan Jennyann.....small steps and achievable goals are definately the way forward x
Re: New plan... Thanks everyone - it's working out ok. That's why you've had no posts of me in tears for at least three days!! Puppy training Saturday so might be relapse then!!
