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#256130 - 11/03/09 11:26 PM
Some intermediate questions regarding training
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Claudette Martz
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 06/12/09
Posts: 27
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Hello, Leerburg! I thank this site and all of you for how
much I have learned about dog training so far. Truly, thank
you. I have a 9-month-old GSD who has come a long long way.
I got him when he was 3.5 months old, so he is a little doggy.
I have made huge strides with him but now I'm at the point
where I see some failures in my approach and I hope to get
advice from you guys.
The main issue is the pulling on leash problem that many of
us have. It seems I have taught him to pull, come back to me/
pause when I use a 'whoa' command, get a treat, and then
pull again. Over and over. I'm looking for ideas to try to
train a constant 'near me' kind of idea. I'm very new to
dog training but I am doing my best hehe! Usually when I am
working on this, I have him tethered to my belt loops and I
stop when there is tension on the leash. Most of the time I
spend actually is tethered like this, so we work on it a lot.
When he's not driven to our destination, he's really good.
About half the time, I'd say. Otherwise he's a little pulling
demon.
I have a good HS prong collar for him, that for now
I have just been putting it on and off, for different times/
activities, in case I choose to use it later. I am not
against prongs but I feel if I can teach him this using
drives he will learn it better. I should mention I am in
New England and am facing some big problems with a forging
dog/ice on the street, and an older mother that will be
injured if we can't conquer this soon (we co-own).
Perhaps I'm just frustrated because we are still learning
what his food sensitivities are, so I am limited in the
treats I can give him. For example, right now I have his
kibble only and his favorite balls to work with. He likes
the kibble but it's not exactly thrilling. His ball, he
is a maniac for but you can see it's limiting when you're
working a dog!
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#256218 - 11/05/09 11:41 AM
Re: Some intermediate questions regarding training
[Re: Claudette Martz]
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randy allen
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 08/30/07
Posts: 1605
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For what's it's worth Claudette,
I've always taught the formal heal first, then 'the walk' lastly. Sorta a graduate study course if you will.
I say a graduate course because usually by the time they reach that stage they know a large number of commands that can help them learn what is really a quite difficult exercise for them. Anything within leash range is okay......just don't get too interested because we're moving.
By the time I teach that routine, they respond well to all other verbal commands, it makes it easy to direct the dog without harsh corrections. And if the leash is needed, try to get the verbal in before the line gets taunt......nay. walk. You just have to be on your toes for awhile.
If I were trying to use food as enforcement rather than verbal. I don't know how I'd approach it.
I don't allow the dog hardly any leeway in front of me. No forging. About two foot ahead is all I allow, and thats iffy. Anyways I expect the dog to be aware at all times of me and what I'm doing. I am not following the dog. He is coming with me.
Though I might mix up how I train the walk command with my present pup. He's got a prefect SchH heel at five months. Wrapped around my leg, looking me in the eye expectantly, prancing smartly. Ugh, drives me crazy.
If I were to command heel in a crowded area he'd happily be running into anything that comes our way. Time for another word and teach a variation of heel.
But as a recent graduate of the Strom School of Animal Behavior, I'm sure Strider and I can get there.
Thanks Steve!
My check is in the mail.
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#256242 - 11/05/09 05:08 PM
Re: Some intermediate questions regarding training
[Re: randy allen]
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Claudette Martz
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 06/12/09
Posts: 27
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Thank you, Steve and Randy. The little stinker usually does
the normal pulling while scenting, with an added bonus of
spectacular bolting when he sees a critter like a cat haha. 
Even so, we do have some good improvement, when I think of
what it was like at first. Thanks for the great tips too,
Randy. I have to keep in mind your advice about making it
more about me. When we first got him, he didn't seem to like
walking away from home or car past a certain distance. So
most of our walking has been puppy-style, bopping about,
following scents and generally having a good time.
Even now, he is pretty good on the way 'out' and pulls
more on the way back--so that part is driven by some
anxiety, I think. He starts to get hectic from stopping
so much and then gets the zoomies. Funny and annoying at
the same time...
I'm pretty sure once I start playing walk leader that will help a lot.
I've been slowly transitioning as he ages and is deciding
that walks are a great thing.
It seems dog training is more about training a person to be
patient and rational than anything. 
Also--great job with that fuss!
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