Hey all.. Happy 4th!!

I don't normaly post but, I am having some issues.... I have a 2 yr old Am. Staf. spayed female. She had impeccable manners.. I was proud of myself and her for the work we had done. Life happened and we had to go to the "lower 48" and stay with some family for a bit. (8 months). All that training I had done with Gabby is now gone... due to me having to be gone alot (family issues) and the family she stayed with would not continue my training values.. Off means one thing and Down means something totaly different.. No means No.. not well ok since you bugged me so much and I am tired of telling you no.... Come means come to me and sit down.. not run around me like a mad dog and then run off... Now.. we are back in Fairbanks(thank god..) and now I get the job of retraining Gabby.. man.. it was much easier when she was a pup... now she is so confused.. I say down and she looks at me like she has no clue.. I have never had to use a prong coller with her.. just a normal collar and leash.. I am concidering one now tho... She is crate trained.. but in our haste to come back to Alaska, we had to leave it behind because it wouldn't fit in the car.. so this weekend I will go get another. She is such a mess now and I am finding myself getting very angry with her.. I have to keep reminding myself that it isn't her fault.. it's mine. I should have done this or I could have done that.. I could use some encouraging words <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Hey all.. Happy 4th!!

I don't normaly post but, I am having some issues.... I have a 2 yr old Am. Staf. spayed female. She had impeccable manners...........She is such a mess now and I am finding myself getting very angry with her.. I have to keep reminding myself that it isn't her fault.. it's mine. I should have done this or I could have done that.. I could use some encouraging words <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I hope these words help: You did it before and you can do it again.

Don't think of her as a dog who regressed; just start over. Start with Day 1 as if you just got a new, untrained dog. Rejoice and praise with every step forward.

Forget about how it was. Here's a new job, and one you know how to do. Re-bond as you train her. Start a new relationship. Think of how you'll feel in a couple of months to look back and say "I did this! I didn't blame her; I didn't blame a clueless handler; I just DID it!" <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Great post Connie!

Chrissie,

I'm going to give you some advice that you will probably never hear me say again (to anyone).

DON'T get the prong collar. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Get this book instead and a whole bunch of treats.

I'm really interested to see how this turns out for you and your little lady. Keep us updated.

Thanks you guys

I am feeling better now I did go to the store and stare at the prong collers.. but didn't get one... instead I got a big bag of Yummie Chummies.. We did this once.. we can do it again!! We started our training routine as of yesterday.. back to the basics.. sit/wait/come. She does remember "Leave It" and "No", so that is good. I will keep you all updated as much as possible through this whole ordeal Is there a place for pictures on this board? Thanks again

Chrissie

 Quote:

Thanks you guys

I am feeling better now I did go to the store and stare at the prong collers.. but didn't get one... instead I got a big bag of Yummie Chummies.. We did this once.. we can do it again!! We started our training routine as of yesterday.. back to the basics.. sit/wait/come. She does remember "Leave It" and "No", so that is good. I will keep you all updated as much as possible through this whole ordeal Is there a place for pictures on this board? Thanks again

Chrissie

Oh, it won't be an ordeal. Short obedience training sessions are fun. Start and end on a high note each time (with something you know the dog knows and will do, so you can praise and reward). You could get the Leerburg Basic Ob video, which i think is really good, and pick up lots of pointers.
http://www.leerburg.com/302.htm

Pictures:
http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/159?

QUOTE: This forum is the place for a picture or two of you and your dog. Only two photos are allowed and one must contain a photo of the owner. Any posts that contain more than 2 photos will be deleted. Tell us a little about yourself if you like. It's always nice to put a face with a name. END QUOTE

Thanks again

I have the first two DVD's of his.. but unfortunatly they are back in IL getting ready to be shipped with the rest of our stuff But I watched them both several times and have based my training from them.

Today she did much better.. she is taking commands on the leash.. but not off.. so at least I know where our work needs to start Thanks again for the positive words and advice!! It is greatly appreciated!!

Chrissie

the "RE" training ought to go fast. I'm working a older dog that spent a lot of time in the kennel not getting worked and she got back into it quickley. I'll bet your pupper will be back and up to speed in a few weeks.

Hey all..

Thought I would give you an update... We are doing great!! Although.. we had a minor setback.. she got stung in the back of her throat by a ginormous bumble bee.. so no collar for her for awhile.. plus she has been a bit groggy and just wants to sleep it off.. so the most we have been able to do the last few days is just go out to potty.. with a leash around her back end instead of her front end LOL but before the bee attacked.. we were all but right at where we left off.. she and my other dog are much nicer to be around now!! WHOOT!! The only thing I have left to undo is her jumping on company.. I can get her to sit.. and when I let the company pet her.. she keeps her butt on the ground and hopps with the front end to lick them in the face... SO RUDE!! LOL Any advice on this? At the moment she gets a big NO!! SIT!! and repeat as necessary.. thank goodness I have patient company!! My plan is to do like we did the first time..(after she is better) go to the college.. with cookies.. and meet new people... alot... haha

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........Thought I would give you an update... We are doing great!! Although.. we had a minor setback.. she got stung in the back of her throat by a ginormous bumble bee.. so no collar for her for awhile.. plus she has been a bit groggy and just wants to sleep it off.. so the most we have been able to do the last few days is just go out to potty.. with a leash around her back end instead of her front end LOL but before the bee attacked.. we were all but right at where we left off.. she and my other dog are much nicer to be around now!! WHOOT!! The only thing I have left to undo is her jumping on company.. I can get her to sit.. and when I let the company pet her.. she keeps her butt on the ground and hopps with the front end to lick them in the face... SO RUDE!! LOL Any advice on this? At the moment she gets a big NO!! SIT!! and repeat as necessary.. thank goodness I have patient company!! My plan is to do like we did the first time..(after she is better) go to the college.. with cookies.. and meet new people... alot... haha

Woo-hoo! Excellent training work, Chrissie! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />