We can help, definitely.

If you'd bump this post in the morning if it's not active from other folks giving you marker suggestions, that would be a great help. (I am old. LOL! And Postits are making a fringe-y coat on my computer. )

What's the HV treat?

 Quote: karel castro

But when he shifted weight, she nearly jumped onto my lap! Anyway Jazz did well for a good 15-20 minutes that I was talking to him.

15-20 minutes is a huge amount of time in my mind for a 6 month old pup to behave well. That is one heck of a down/stay!! Kudos to you!

With that being said; I think shorter successful encounters with neighbors, strangers, passerbys will be more effective in accomplishing your goal.

For instance this encounter with your neighbor was a perfect training opportunity and you did great. However; if you had ended the conversation after 5 minutes and continued walking, you would have avoided her reacting. And the less chances she has to practice the behavior you are trying to extinguish the quicker you will see her improve.

Build on small successes; something as simple as saying "Hi" to a passerby without stopping your walk and her not reacting is going to help build a foundation for more challenging training. But for now keep it simple. I think the way you handled her and the treat rewards with your neighbor sounded solid. I don't have any suggestions there.

Playimg the focus game the way Debbie explained it will enable you to say "Hi" to a passerby which will bring Jazz's attention to you and you can then mark and reward her for her attention. It won't be long before; "Hi" can turn into a "how are you doing" and that into a "do you know what time it is? until you build up to the 20 minute conversation without any anxiety on her part.

When starting out on a new training project I reward as often as possible for the smallest inclination toward the correct behavior and as the dog becomes comfortable with what I want I reward less frequently and ask for duration. I go back to continuous rewards when introducing a change of venue or distractions.

Karel,

It really sounds like you have a handle on this. Just remember don't rush it and if you are not sure she can handle a situation don't bring her into it. Goodluck!! And if you have any pictures of Jazz; please share

Thanks again for the replies. Here is a picture of Jazz:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WHb1f7tnA6Y/Sdk7m2_-O7I/AAAAAAAACXA/E_hCFJTReAs/s576/P4050022.JPG

Karel;
I would suggest the marker training video first as it is a "system of communication" to use with your dog.
Happy Training,
Roni

 Quote: roni hoff

Karel;
I would suggest the marker training video first as it is a "system of communication" to use with your dog.
Happy Training,
Roni

My post here wanders a tiny bit off topic, but I am very glad that you posted this, Roni. We have twice recently had questions about the order to buy/watch Marker and Basic Ob (which has intro to marker in it, but nothing like the Marker video).

Your answer makes the most sense. The Basic Ob video is pretty much a must-have, since it's kind of a whole "living with a dog and teaching the crucial stuff" video, but yeah, the Marker video speaks to just about all the other videos, now, I think.


http://leerburg.com/219.htm
http://leerburg.com/302.htm