I've been doing some thinking about it and here's what I'm ultimately looking to achieve with my Australian Shepherd puppy. I understand these are long term goals and may not be sufficient for my dog. I'm just wanting to list it out here so I can get some feedback on a training plan and how to help set my expectations.
First, what I'd like is for her to enjoy being with me and follow me around (ideally off leash) as I go about my daily schedule around the house.
As part of this, I'd like her to ignore our other house dog
I guess this means I'd like her to find being with me more interesting than all the other stuff that might distract her attention.
I'd like her to act somewhat reserved around other people: don't jump up on them, don't chase after them, not to bark at them (this is all true for the kids as well, obviously)
I'd like her to act calm in my office while I work
I'd like her to fetch/retrieve and ultimately catch a frisbee
one day I'd like to be able to jog/run a 5k with her
as such, she needs to walk on a leash without pulling and come when I call
That list is mainly about my needs and mostly ignores hers. I know she needs lots of both mental and physical exercise. I'm totally cool with:
doing marker training at least once a day.
walking, throwing ball, or some other form of exercise once, twice, or three times a day
providing her toys and treats to stimulate her mind and keep her distracted
provide her a safe environment
of course, feeding her a healthy meal twice a day (three times a day for now)
The problem is I don't know if my list of "wants" is realistic given the breed of dog I have. My plan is to simply follow the 6 week guide laid out in Pat Miller's The Power of Positive Dog Training. I know my dog can easily handle that plan; I'm hopeful I can too. After that six weeks or so, I'll re-evaluate where I am and figure out where to go next.
Lori Hall Webboard User Reg: 06-12-2007
Posts: 1039
Loc: So. California coast
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All of those sound totally do-able to me, especially because she's an australian shepherd. Herding dogs are particularly tuned in and loyal to one person - the person who is their 'boss'. They live for having a job to do, so you can make those things her 'job' in life. While she is young, keep her on a short lead tethered to you as you move around the house. That way she will spend a lot of time with you and bond well - it also keeps her out of things that you don't want her into! I did that with our puppy (he's a golden retriever), and now that he's 2 yrs old, my family makes jokes about how he's 'glued to my side'! Everyone knows that wherever mom is, that's where Kasey will be! He just got used to that from day 1. Of course there were times I would put him in his crate for naps, quiet time, etc., but whenever he was out of the crate, he was with me.
Our bond was made so close, that now he constantly watches me no matter what I am doing - this makes training so much easier!
Just by looking I wouldn't say that it is not attainable but I have a few questions.
-How old is your other dog?
-Do you have any family that will be around the dog or just you? Reason I ask is to make sure they are on board with these expectations for your pup.
I think the hardest will be getting your new pup to ignore your other dog. You will need to train both of them for that and it isn't impossible but IMO isn't easy.
Aussies are very smart and easy to train but also herding dogs so they need all that metal and physical training.
What works for me is that I include some marker work/training in my walks, ball etc.. on top of the seperate marker training we do 1-2 times per day. Lots of marker work is the best way to accomplish whats on your list. Teach him what you want instead of correcting what you don't.
I don't see your list as unrealistic but for sure get some ebooks, DVD's and reading the forums from Ed which will help the puppy raising and marker work.
My pup is almost 14-weeks; I've had her for almost a month
I have 4 kids ages 11, 8, 7, and 2
Our other dog is a 3 year old Shi Tzu; she's pretty timid of other dogs and wants nothing more than to be left alone by Suzzie
I've watched Ed's Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet, Your Puppy: 8 weeks to 8 months, and The Power of Marker Training. In addition, I've listened to Ed's podcast on marker training, theory of corrections in dogs, and a couple others.
All that to say, I know a lot; but I still don't know a lot. It's been a while since I've lived with a puppy (and the last time I wasn't in charge of puppy training at all). When I back up and look where we are, I'm very pleased. Suzzie is a good puppy and we're bonding well. She responds very well to marker training. The day to day sometimes wears me down. Her being frustrated with not enough exercise, not wanting to retrieve so throwing the ball is pretty one way, being afraid of how far to walk her, not being able to take my eyes off her, worrying about keep her in her crate too much, etc....
Lori Hall Webboard User Reg: 06-12-2007
Posts: 1039
Loc: So. California coast
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I'll add one other thing after reading your last post. I too, used to be worried about all that stuff, but about 8 years ago a very wise breeder said this to me:
"Relax! Enjoy your dog! There are very few black and white ways of doing things. This is suppose to be fun for you and your dog. It's a learning process for both of you and in the long run things will turn out just fine! Don't ruin your experience by being too uptight about the 'how-to' of it all! If you're uptight, your dog will be uptight and learning will go out the window anyway!"
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Training Goals and Desired Behaviors
#237724 - 04/27/2009 06:36 PM 
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Suzzie, the Australian Shepherd
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