Four weeks ago I acquired a 7 mo old female working line GSD. She's a nice pup but so far have been unable to connect with her. She's friendly but she is very aloof. I have the Michael Ellis DVD and the Marker Training DVD and have some experience with marker training but this dog has me stumped. She likes food and toys but not enough to hold her attention. I haven't skipped a feeding yet but that's the next thing I will try. My male shepherd is just the opposite so pehaps I'm expecting too much to soon with her. I realize that 4 weeks is a short time. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated - I'm willing to try just about anything to connect with her.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Quote: Barbara Inman
Four weeks ago I acquired a 7 mo old female working line GSD. She's a nice pup but so far have been unable to connect with her. She's friendly but she is very aloof. I have the Michael Ellis DVD and the Marker Training DVD and have some experience with marker training but this dog has me stumped. She likes food and toys but not enough to hold her attention. I haven't skipped a feeding yet but that's the next thing I will try. My male shepherd is just the opposite so pehaps I'm expecting too much to soon with her. I realize that 4 weeks is a short time. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated - I'm willing to try just about anything to connect with her.
Four weeks IS a short time. Good for you to be doing marker work!
Do you work with her alone sometimes (no other dog observing)? Do you have your upbeat sessions in a low- or no-distraction place? Do you have stupendous rewards (think cooked bacon pieces, or maybe real cooked bits of beef or warm hot dogs - warm for aroma - just before suppertime)?
Do you go out of your way to be fun and party down with the dog? Do you spend lots of time together, just being together?
Some dogs ARE aloof, I know well, because I have one. But he has changed quite a bit in the years since I adopted him, and what I saw as being the huge catalyst was trust. Trust (protecting, treating fairly, being a great leader) takes some time to build, but is hugely bonding.
I do work with her alone in low to moderate distraction places. I try to be as upbeat and animated as possible but perhaps I need to amp myself up even more (the older I get the harder that part is lol) This evening we will be trying cooked beef heart to see if that gets her attention. She definately is a challenge right now but I'm sure we will sort this all out in good time.
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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Maybe you could try just the opposite for the next four weeks Barbara. Just pet her and feed her. Give her more of a chance to become familiar with you. There's probably no scientific proof of this, but I think they know when you have to fake amping yourself up.
She lived with her breeder and was very bonded to this family. I realize that this all takes time but some training, especially for manners at home and in public needs to take place. Just the basics are needed right now but need attention in order to teach her. I cooked up some beef heart this evening for treats and that did catch her attention a little so will continue with that and see what happens. Will just give this relationship some time to evolve.
As far as what this pups loves - I find her favorite thing so far is playing in the water. She also loves to use her nose so perhaps I need to start teaching her tracking - we will both be learning as I have no tracking experience.
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Connecting with my pup
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