Group,
My GSP is now over six months old and doing wonderful.Her basic obedience is going well with no big corrections.Now I have a problem which I just do not know how to handle.The weather is getting warm and this has brought the presence of flies,lots of flies.My GSP has a fascination with them and tries to chase them whenever she see's them.This is starting to get in the way of her listening to me during some simple commands.Is this the time when I need to start giving her some big corrections? I would appreciate some advice and thank's in advance.
Joe Cygan

 Quote:

Originally posted by Joe Cygan:
My GSP has a fascination with them and tries to chase them whenever she see's them.

Wow, a GSP that chases flies? I figured she'd try to point them out, seeing as a GSP is a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Basically, you're not being interesting enough to your dog if she's getting sidetracked with flies (who to her are prey objects). Basically, she's telling you that you're boring and that she's still a puppy. Try working on getting her attention and keeping it, rather than correcting her for being bored. Do you use treats or is it "do it or else"? I personally don't really give that many corrections to young dogs (we work them mostly with treats and praise), they're puppies, you're supposed to be captivating their attention and teaching them and remembering that they don't really have long attention spans.

Mike,
I like your comment on "don't correct the dog if their just bored",I never really looked at it that way before.I think I'm doing good in the fun department but, I'm sure there is a million things I don't know especially since I am new and constantly learning every day.I work at home so,I'm with the dog almost 24/7. I do get out at least one long walk a day and I'm constantly playing tug a war with her.I try to make her obedience training fun and interesting.I have never given her a harsh correction.In the beginning I had some issues with her mouthiness and have shaken the back of her neck while saying "phooey" and than positive talk and praise right away.My female GSP is a very confident dog with an extremely high prey drive.The breeder who I bought the dog from, who I see almost on a by-weekly basis told me, that my female GSP has one of the highest prey drive he has ever seen and he has been a breeder for thirty-years.So,as you can see I have a fire cracker.Do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to retain her attention a little better.Thank you so much for your valuable comments.

Joe Cygan

Hi Joe, I'm no expert so take this for what its worth. My 6 mo GSD does exactly the same thing.(chases flys). For that matter anything that moves, she'll have it. I've got chickens and thats a real distraction. I cant get dressed or change the sheets on the bed or sweep the floors when she is in the house.
What works for me to keep her attention is to use her ball as a replacement for the treat. I hold her ball out where she can see it, comand a sit ,down, or whatever and when she obeys I throw the ball. It has much improved her down compared to treats.

If anyone is intersted,here is a link to pictures of my six month female GSP.

http://www.md80sim.com/mydog.html

Good looking dog Joe!