Views please! Gun Dog Session - and my introduction to negative reinforcement

Re: Views please! Gun Dog Session - and my introduction to negative reinforcement

Really glad you left that shocking dog class Oberon, what a cruel way to make a dog do what you want. Poor dog :'( :'(, I would like to tie a chord around that trainers toe and make him do what I want.

We use positive methods with Charlie and Hattie, but we have had to start being really firm but fare with Charlie, subsequently we have noticed a big difference in his obedience and training. I have had to be firmer as I now realise I have been way too soft and that's not good either, but this has been pretty hard for me as I am a softie. A firm voice and a stare seems adequate. Helen x

 

Re: Views please! Gun Dog Session - and my introduction to negative reinforcement

Great discussion. I hatr the thought of inflicting pain on a dog and then removing the pain when the dog does what you want. Frightful - and completely unnecessary.

However, what has been said befor about 'horses for courses' is very apt. With a big, tough boisterous male dog you may need to be more forceful or even physical than with a sensitive little creature...

With my Poppy I only need to say 'uh uh...' For lots of things, and praise her and give her treats for doing what i want. Unless she is retrieving, in which case she is completely uninterested in treats (spits them out), or even praise. The best reward for a good retrieve and return is another retrieve, for her. So like Heidrun I get the other half to pick up the dummy if she runs in (tip I got from on here, works a treat!), and also let her carry the dummy as a special sign of approval...

What works best will be different for different dogs - and their owners. Debsie, I completely understand your concern! Sounds like it might really have helped to get the message across to Brodick though...

 

Re: Views please! Gun Dog Session - and my introduction to negative reinforcement

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, this is a great forum, its really good to hear from everyone. I've digested all of your comments, agree with you Oberon and Karen, I think the trainer knew how far to go with Brodick and to be honest he coped and learnt very quickly! Cuillin was pretty much left out of the equation once he saw her nervous reaction to proceedings. What really resonates with me is what Jules said, about sensitive dogs. Brodick was pushing it a bit again this morning so he got a VERY gruff voice from me. His reaction - dropped back instantly and gave me a gloopy smile and wag (errm sorry mum), moment over, good dog again, happy happy dog...Cuillin flinched at my voice and looked worried, ears pinched, and she pulled away from me slightly. We walked on for a few moments then stopped and I got her favourite ball out and played with them both, and gave Cuillin lots of praise for her retreives, lots of good girl Cuillins, she relaxed instantly again and off we went, two happy dogs. I adore both of my dogs and I don't want to lose her trust, and am going to spend a bit of time over the next few weeks taking them out separately I think. As a first time dog owner, its been a challenge to work out how to 'run' Cuillin, as well as being super sensitive, she can also be very stubborn, so its a balancing act for me. Amazing how different their personalities are, I think I'm learning more and more about how to work with them though, as a few of you have said, there isn't a one size fits all for them. I'm going to be very careful about positive punishment, I'm just too inexperienced so better to err on the side of caution methinks...