Whilst training Barley in what ever mode when it's time to reward him he will willing come to you even try to 'break' in to your hand but once give and you try and pat/stroke him to also give praise he ducks away below your hands, he will willing give you cuddles (even if not wanted) even crying to get attention for a cuddle and lots of handling which he loves but if he has not asked for it he shy's away!!! All I want to do is give him both verbal and physical praise for doing correctly the instruction whether it be 'sit' or whatever!
Where are you trying to touch him? Many dogs really don't like their heads being patted - it's quite an aggressive movement to a dog. Are you also standing over him? Again, this is very uncomfortable body language for many dogs. I scratch Shadow's ears as additional praise, but never from on top; I'll crouch down in front of him, so I'm eye level with him, and give him a good scratching. Some dogs also don't like being petted when outside. Willow is a bit like this - she doesn't find strokes rewarding when we're out and about, so I don't use them. Remember, the dog dictates what is a reward, not you; so even if you think he should like it, if he doesn't, it means it's not rewarding.
Thanks Fiona, yeah can be if sitting on chair or even on floor its as if he is just expecting further rewards (mostly chicken rarely kibble nowadays) but must admit he's happy if you come up behind him and give him bear hugs but boy if he wants cuddles/fussing he will just bodily throw himself on you (all four stone of him) regardless of where you are, however yes I admit he loves his ears nuzzled !
Sometimes dogs duck away not because they are 'shying away from the hand' but because they are saying "no, I want treats, not pats!". He's just telling you he'd prefer a food treat as a reward - that's my guess. Just stick with the food rewards when training if he finds that to be the most motivating thing. Sounds like you get plenty of cuddle time outside training sessions
My dog is honestly addicted to his cuddles, he loves them - in the house. Particularly at the end of the day, with his tummy full, he'll demand constant cuddles and tummy rubs. Outside when training though, no way. He hates it - it's not something he wants. If I get him settled (perhaps waiting our turn for something) then he'll lean against my legs and take a scratch at the top of his tail, but that's it.
They all love different kinds of fuss. Tatze is a cuddle bum. Gypsy loves a bum scratch, just above her tail. For Twiglet it's a tummy rub every time! .
Mine only likes the tennis ball, backs off from a stroking praise on his chest, doesn't do it for him only the tennis ball!
LOL, I call those Rumbubs. In order not to be saying Bum Rubs. I think most dogs like those and they make a good reward.
Mine doesn't want physical praise/affection when we are out.......she just wants her ball either thrown or hid! At home she constantly sits on my lap and loves cuddles
Yes, thinking about Coco, he is not overly keen on praise/affection as a reward when we're out - he prefers food or a toy. I think he likes to be told constantly that he IS good, and is doing good work - I chatter all the time while we are out together.
Yes Barley loves his rump rubbed just above the base of his tail in fact he will come to me and thrust his back legs against me just for that very reason talking about cuddles at the very moment of reading all these comments he has climbed up on my legs at the computer and thrust his face against my mine as if to say OK me time now!!! Oh yes loves affection alright.
