Hi, This is more of a vent plus a well done to Vanilla (I know she can't read or type, but somehow she seems to have multiple conversations on here) rather than any specific advise. I ordered heaps of books and dummies a couple of months ago (Gundog Grade 1-3, Gundog clicker training etc.) as we want to take Vanilla through to Field trials etc. We even did a 'Come and Trial' earlier in the year that had its own issues. Anyhow these where ordered with a view of reading these and starting in small steps etc. after she got spayed. Positive - So while she had stitches in we worked on loose lead walking and checking in more while increasing the distance. We are lucky in that on our morning walk we can get on a Golf course and trial this. Has been working perfectly. After her stiches out, we went to the Esplanade and same behaviour re: checking in more often and very loose lead walking. So last night went to the Oval, and her biggest thing is always running up to the fence if she sees people coming. Having working on this for a while, so in the past always stayed in the middle. Plenty of distance and I get the chance to stop her through the recall instead. Anyhow last night she saw a person walking along the fence, and off she went as fast as possible. I had the whistle ready and a sardine. But first time ever she stopped after about 15m and turned and looked at me. I clicked and she came back to get a treat. Yeah well done on her, as I did not have to use the whistle . Did later but that was planned. Negative - I am new to this lark so I have been doing plenty of research to get my brain filled. My wife says I am obsessed, more when I get a 'bee in my bonnet' I want to make sure it is done right. It is amazing what you find out. Well I spoke to a person this morning on the train to work, as he saw me reading something. we got talking and I was explaining on how we are working through the retrieving process (Fetch, Hold and deliver). He proceeded to say you should try the 'Force Fetch'. He explained it too me as I had never heard of it. Yeah that is never going to happen, which also meant our conversation was cut very short. He proceeded with 'ah you are one of those clicker people', and I said 'yep and she gets treated very well and learns quickly, and we have an excellent partnership that I want to nourish further'. I did have to look at Google after he got off the train...different methods, but oh so cruel... Told my wife about the negative encounter and she just said 'take it you where your tactful self as usual?' I really don't know what she means by that... thanks for listening (or reading as the case may be)
I've stopped talking to a few friends about training as it's just too hard. I put it in the same category as religion and politics. One friend told me the Ella needed a good correction to show her I was boss. She also said that dogs live their lives to serve us and obeying us makes them happy. Another friend doesn't use punishment methods as she just doesn't train her dog at all! He's well looked after and seems pretty happy, if perhaps a little bored as he doesn't get out much but that's it. She's made a couple of comments before the suggest that I bribe Ella with food and that most dogs would do the obedience stuff we do if they were being bribed too. Like I said... I just don't talk about it any more.
I feel your pain. When I had my little terrier foster dog, I can't tell you how many people here in Spain told me I should just hang him on his leash to solve all his leash pulling and reactivity problems. I belong to a language exchange/walking group and a couple people actually tried to grab his leash and show me how to hang him properly, so I just stopped going when I knew they would be there. Then on the opposite spectrum, when I live in Germany, I have several very kind doggie friends who don't believe in ANY training, even positive. I had to curtail walks with them in Brogan's old age as I was afraid their dog-aggressive dogs (over which they are in deep denial) would hurt him. So, yeah, definitely hear you...and understand the obsession with training. Congrats on your progress with Vanilla - sounds like she is doing great!
Well done, Vanilla! Being 'your tactful self' was just what was needed. I hope you don't meet him on the train again!
@Sven, I absolutely get where you're coming from. Well done with the progress you are making with Vanilla.
This is very sensible. It is very much like religion in many respects. Except we're on the side with the scientific proof Well done to Vanilla and to you, Sven. Keep on trucking!
I don't often talk to people about training Harley as I get annoyed at comments people make. I'm not too tactful either! Well done for all your hard work, sounds like it's paying off.
What I find irritating is that snide sneering way the say oh your one if them. Its as if a kind and intelligent method to encourage good behaviour and cooperation is evil and easy.you keep going vanilla is a happy girl whos responding well to your training. I don't talk about training to many people not even on here
You've got the right idea - be as tactless as you like! Well done Vanilla for stopping to look at you, AND COME BACK AUTOMATICALLY. Just brilliant!
Well I am terrible for not being able to keep my mouth shut! I don't push my religion on people though I had a lovely walk with Bramble, who at 17 months is turning into a bit of a wild child, so back to basics with a lot of 1-1 walks. In one of her favourite spots, she was having loads of fun in a lovely pool last week. We were joined by a a really rumbustious boxer, called Lennox. He was gorgeous! The owner looked worried when he saw us, and went straight in with his apologies, desperately trying to grab lennox and pop him back on his long line. I started up a conversation to help him feel at ease, complimenting his dog, asked his name, age that sort of thing. Bramble was inquisitive, but was responding almost telepathically to my cues (she does after a lot of training..) I found out that Lennox (9 months old) had been attacked a few days ago...hence his worry when we bumped into each other..his anxiety (the owner) was very high. I felt sorry for him, he wasn't very comfortable at all. I said I was OK for them to play. He let Lennox of his lead and they both played beautifully. Bramble coaxed him into the water, teasing and flirting as she does with dogs she likes. The owner starts to relax. And ask me questions...actually he accompanied me on the rest of the walk...and seriously wouldn't stop talking! It was great, to see him go from stressed, and worried to relaxed and interested. He learnt a lot about my positive approach, and I signposted him to some good local trainers. I do hope I met up again with Lennox some day...such a nice dog. I know though that is one more dog owner who has taken positive reinforcement to heart. By the time we parted, I could hear his voice and interactions with his were completely different to when we met.
I met someone on a walk with a beagle recently who started complaining about how hard it was to train and it was the most challenging dog ever. Then he said "oh, it's pointless me complaining to you, you won't understand - labradors practically train themselves"
Oh, if only people knew that Labs are not for the old! They are very lively, boisterous and do not practically train themselves! Though I agree that Beagles are a completely different kettle of fish and have their own problems, like nose to the floor and off into the far distance!
I am a proud paid up member of the " Fluffy Brigade " . I also come across those who prefer , shall we call them , firmer methods , always ready to tell me where I`m going wrong ! Well, jog on , sorry but I have happy dogs who aren't neurotic , aren't scared of me and , I think , love me for all my fluffiness !
Well don @Sven for keeping your cool, I always admire people who can because I can't not where animals are concerned x @Beanwood, fantastic I love it when that happens. I have had the same 'success' with a rescue boy in our village, his owner was 'old school' but without him even realising I used to treat/heavily priase his dog (with his permission) for not going for Hattie and now they walk along without any issues. Slowly, slowly catchey Monkey xx
