I've been considering it. Trying to figure what I can do with information provided in articles and on these forums meanwhile.

Today I worked forcus/motivation training in my kitchen. He did quite good.

Later on (I gave him a 4h break) I tried it outside. The moment I stepped outside, he got tense like usual. No matter how much I'd praise him for looking at me, he was very nervous.

Then a dog barked about 3houses away from us. Not only did he totally stop to look at me when I said gave him the command, but even when I gave him "old stuff" commands like "DOWN", he'd machinally comply, but he WOULDN'T TAKE THE TREAT I put right in his face ? I walked him away, and he settled down a little bit 5minutes later, and started to take the treats again.

As soon as I got back home, I tried some more focus training and he restarted to look at me like I was the most marvellous thing in the world. I guess I'll need to work more indoor at first to build his trust and confidence. Or maybe try other treats. I tried 2 different kinds and I went with the one he preferred (100% dried beef liver).

It sounds like you are already making progress. Good job!

You can mix the two different treats together in a bag and stretch your good treats without loosing performance from the dog, he will always expect to get the favorite treat since he gets it part of the time. He will still perform every time like it is for the better treat (picture a person parked at the slot machine, gamboling for the big pay-out).

I don't want to get in the way of any training advice that you are receiving, but wanted to give you one piece of advice from one terrier owner to another.

I started getting the best results EVER out of my dog when I finally took a breath...and relaxed.

There is a wonderful place between structure (such as daily schedules, training, exercise, etc.) and just plain old fun.

I don't want that to sound like it is taking importance off training. That is far from what it is suppose to sound.

I do want it to sound like training should be fun. There is a fine line between respect and resentment.

Throw the halter, and the trainer, in the garbage.

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

Throw the halter, and the trainer, in the garbage.

Thank you, Alyssa.

I was hyperventilating like a Victorian lady in need of smelling salts every time I read the thread. Couldn't think of a good way to say it.

Your way is very good.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

There is a wonderful place between structure (such as daily schedules, training, exercise, etc.) and just plain old fun. ... I don't want that to sound like it is taking importance off training. That is far from what it is suppose to sound. ... I do want it to sound like training should be fun. There is a fine line between respect and resentment. ...

Another fine message.

To the O.P., the reason I bring up videos in so many posts is that they are a great way to wrap the viewer's mind around a whole different way to live with the dog.

 Quote: Francis Daigle

... As soon as I got back home, I tried some more focus training and he restarted to look at me like I was the most marvellous thing in the world. I guess I'll need to work more indoor at first to build his trust and confidence. Or maybe try other treats. I tried 2 different kinds and I went with the one he preferred (100% dried beef liver).

Just so a supply issue doesn't set you back, I want to mention that tiny bits of leftover meat from your dinner in a plastic baggie will fill in great for purchased treats if you run out. These bits of real food would be perceived by your dog as very high-value treats.

Holy cow Francis,
I just check in after the weekend; I can't beleive you're still on the program this 'trainer' set up. He doesn't know what a pinch collar is? He thinks submission is what motivates a dog? What century did this guy earn his stripes in?
I thought from the tenor of your first post, you'd had it with that guy and were looking for something more in tune with the dog. Now two or three post down (check it out and think about it) you're teaching him. What does that say about his knowledge, seeing as how you are the beginner? Sharing is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but for the moment this 'trainer' can only muddy the waters for you and your dog.
You've had no success with this guy; zero, nada, zippo head way for where you want to be with your dog. And yet you go to talk with him about the relative merits of something you don't really understand or haven't even seen the results of. How can he not make a hash of it?
Francis, go back and reread your original plea. Remember your flustration as you were writing it, now try to rationalize going back to the one that steered you to where you are now. Forget that system, let it go, so far it seems you've learned alot about what not to do. It's the past remember. (what an odd juxtaposation, lol) It's gone, here and now is all that counts my friend. Here and now.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

PS.
Go throw the ball for the dog.

Yeah, the weather.
Well Francis, I don't know what to tell you. We all buy into it when we commit to having a dog. If you're a sportsman; think football, you play no matter what. Rain, sleet, snow, hot, cold, freezing cold.... doesn't matter, you play. I live in your climate zone, weather doesn't stop me or the dog.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

I'm really appreciative for the amount of feedback my post received so far. Thank you guys!

Randy, how do you adapt your activities with your dog when winter shows up ? My JRT is really "cold shy". But I guess he could enjoy it more if I gave him something more interesting to do than a simple walk.

On summer, I take him to the local soccer court where I put him on a 40ft line and let him run/smell, and toss toys around. He does seem to have the time of his life. I just wish I could train him to bring the stuff back. He much prefers to play keep away.

Do you have suggestion for weather-specific activities ?

Also, is there any way I can make him enjoy swimming ? He panics when I (gently) put him in the swimming pool, and fights like a devil in blessed water to reach the pool's sides and get the hell out.