Quote:

.... I don’t want him cowering at me like he’s done with the last class instructor. He runs his class with a boot of iron. Too strong for my dog. You’re right too; he’s only partially listening to me. ....

He won't be cowering or flinching if you have a motivational training philosophy. Not only does it work quickly, but it's so much easier on everyone concerned, including the trainer, IMO.

Like Michelle, I DO correct when it's necessary. But I have found that if I try always to train a command instead of a "Don't do this," and if I reward for the right behavior, it is so clear and simple, as opposed to just correcting for every unwanted behavior and kind of leaving the dog to guess, in a way, what is unwanted in this particular situation at this particular time.

If I say clearly that this is the behavior wanted, train it, reward it, proof it, and continue to reward randomly, then in a situation where an unwanted behavior might start, I can give the trained command.

The unwanted behavior doesn't happen; the wanted behavior happens; the dog is rewarded or praised; I am pleased and unstressed. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Even with infrequent help, reinforcing the place or sit several times every day will still help with making that command almost automatic to the dog.

When an unexpected visitor does come, I would call out "Just a second," and calmly take the time to snap on the drag lead. I know that my own frazzly attitude would fuel the dog's excitement, so I have to be calm and in charge.

Good for you to be asking and learning! I learn a lot on this forum.

P.S. IOW is "in other words."

Many thanks! I've ordered the DVD and he does have his drag line on. Hopefully, I have someone coming shortly to ring that darn doorbell. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Lets see if I can pass the test. I really do have a good boy and I'm not about to give up! Oh yes, we did our heel lesson today, I put his zip collar on and out we went to play, when he was tired out, we practiced heel. We will succeed with this one too thanks to all of you!

Update: He’s doing a beautiful heel now. As for the barking, I’m using his E-collar for his corrections and I’m making progress. The use of the E-collar is never abusive, only corrective. I’m using a very low level—just enough to get his attention and to mark the good behavior. I’m using a Dogtra 200NCP Gold at a level of about 20. Ed’s article on Motivational Steps to all Dog Training was so helpful in me accessing the hardness of my dog. He is hard, thankfully not aggressive, and is very quick learner! No wonder our local classes weren’t very helpful—they’re soft puppy classes. As I’ve mentioned before, this site has been so helpful.

Just wanted to share with you how wonderfully the E-collar is working in curtailing the incessant barking when the door bell rings. Of course I’m allowing him to bark when the door bell rings, however, when I approach the door, he is doing a sit, stay very nicely now. If the barking is incessant he’s getting a small zip then I’m telling him YES when he’s quiet. Progress is being made! Also, in changing his positive marker to the word YES, more progress is being made.