December 28, 2012

When I’m walking my puppy and it’s time to turn for home he plants himself and refuses to budge. Using marker training methods do I correct him, drag him, lure him, formally call him, or what? I don’t want to have a fear motivated dog, what should I do?

Full Question:
My wife and I have an 18 week old Bull Mastiff (our last dog was also a BM). We have had him for 8 weeks. We purchased your video on puppies from 8 weeks to 8 months as well as Michael's video on training with food. We also have your Basic Obedience video. All of which are excellent. I have watched and re-watched. Today I ordered Michael's Recall, Tugging and Motivation videos. I read your eBook on marker training and totally agree with the concept and have been trying to apply the principles and concepts in the book and videos. I watched enough already online from the recall video to answer some of my questions. When my pup is on the flexilead for a walk and it is time to go home he will just plant himself and refuse to budge. Using marker training methods do I correct him, drag him, lure him, formally call him, or what? I know that I can be harsh and make him do it, but I don't want to have a fear motivated dog. I would like to have a bond that I didn't have with the last dog (and my wife did).
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I would use a high value reward and lure him. You can also make yourself much more interesting to the pup and put forth some energy and movement, puppies generally love to follow so don't drag or correct him. You might also be interested in the video Establishing Puppy Pack Structure. We just released it this past summer and it may give you some ideas.

Enjoy your pup!

Cindy Rhodes
User Response:
Cindy,

Thanks so much for your reply. You guys are the greatest. I am a huge fan of what ya'll do. I just didn't want to jump off the ledge, start doing the wrong thing and screw up all the marker work (still on engagement and recall) that we have been working so hard on. My new videos are due to arrive tomorrow and I am excited. I am sure I will end up getting the pack structure one also.

Thanks again

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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