Since Hambone has been thyroid meds, his over aggressiveness has somewhat declined. He is now to the point ( after months of work and meds ) that he can meet a submissive female and not want to attack. Good news! He can also walk with me and not want to charge another dog ( mostly. If he does, its because I failed to read his mood ).

I'm trying to teach him to "hide" behind me when I say "hide" but that training is taking longer than I thought. ( He will not down in front of another dog--attacked a couple of years ago ).

I step in front, lead him behind me, he stands, I reward. He will do it if I initiate the movements, but not on the " word " hide. I know I am doing something wrong. I haven't had the chance to order the Marker CD, but will as soon as I can get the check in the mail. Just an update.

His fearfullness of loud sudden noises and his snapping responses are almost extinct. I found out that using bubble wrap pops to desensitize him were the best way to go with him.

Little tiny pops then the bigger bubbles, and finally I used the BIG bubbles on the floor and just casually stepped on them. Each time I increased the size of the bubble we started over again, he would startle, I would ignore, he would stand still, I would reward. He is now almost rock solid against any sudden noises, which makes it great when we walk. He may " startle ", but he doesn't make a mad dash anymore.

I am learning so much from this forum. Thanks for your patience.

 Quote: Jo Harker

His fearfullness of loud sudden noises and his snapping responses are almost extinct. I found out that using bubble wrap pops to desensitize him were the best way to go with him.

What great thinking, Jo!

So glad you are making good progress.

He is such a beautiful dog; I love his pictures.

leih

Great work, Jo.

And don't give up on "Behind" (my command for your "Hide"); it took me a few months. I was doing it with two dogs at once, but still ... I found that to be a pretty tough command to teach. Totally worth it, though!

 Quote: jo harker

I step in front, lead him behind me, he stands, I reward. He will do it if I initiate the movements, but not on the " word " hide. I know I am doing something wrong. I haven't had the chance to order the Marker CD, but will as soon as I can get the check in the mail. Just an update.

Maybe he doesn't understand that he's supposed to initiate the movement? That's an awesome idea you came up with the bubble wrap! Glad to hear he's improving.

 Quote: cathy goessman

Maybe he doesn't understand that he's supposed to initiate the movement?

Well, that would make sense since I have taught him to step behind me AFTER I do the movements.

(Wonder if starting him behind me, "Hide", reward, over and over, THEN one step from behind and "Hide" and see if he moves into position. If he does, reward, reward, and then we could just work backwards in our steps, then forwards, then the world is ours! (Could be fun).)

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Great work, Jo.

Thank you Connie!

 Quote: jo harker

... I'm trying to teach him to "hide" behind me when I say "hide" but that training is taking longer than I thought. ... I step in front, lead him behind me, he stands, I reward. He will do it if I initiate the movements, but not on the " word " hide. I know I am doing something wrong. I haven't had the chance to order the Marker CD, but will as soon as I can get the check in the mail. Just an update.

I started this command with a lure rather than a movement from me. Most of my problems came from timely markers when I couldn't really see the dog.

Ahhh...luring...( bribe him ) ...now you speak the Husky language!
Thanks!

 Quote: Jo Harker

Ahhh...luring...( bribe him ) ...now you speak the Husky language!
Thanks!

No, I don't mean bribe. They are different. Not that I have never bribed a dog, because I have, with high-value treats clearly visible while I perform some hated procedure on the dog.

But I meant lure in the sense of using the high-value treat to direct the dog into a certain position.

Lure, bribe, reward -- three different things.

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/2059_dog-obedience-lures-rewards-bribes.htm