Quote: Megan Berry

She will do things pretty much how I want when we're at home, (ie: Down before going through a door or getting into the car is something she's about 90% on at home, but 'forgets' when we're out!)

Too much distraction too fast.

When a command is solid with no distraction, then I start to change venues, and then gradually add distraction (someone walking by with a dog on leash; someone in the yard with a ball.....). A park with strangers and dogs, etc., would be a high-level (later) distraction.

Megan,
I would never teach the down and the sit in the same training session. Not until the dog has one of those commands down rock solid would I even begin teaching the other. This is a very common mistake so don't worry. I think starting over with German or whatever language you choose is a good idea and watch your body language because inevitably your going to do something with your body that's going to communicate down to your dog and your going to have the same problem. Make sure you have it clear in your head how your going to do this or you'll just go in circles.

Michael

I was thinking more last night about the German thing, and maybe I should choose French or otherwise? If she's already confusing 'sit' and 'down', won't 'sitz' sound the same to her as 'sit', thus not really solving anything? Also, what about hand signals? Good idea, or bad idea?

Hey Megan, I think if you start over with marking you won't have to bother changing languages. It can be as simple as the tone of your voice. First work on the attention because all her obedience will improve with that alone.

Steve,

Focus is going to be the first thing I work on! After that, it's just a matter of figuring out what to work on first, second, etc.

I *was* going to order an orbee, as she's very ball driven. BUT we had to make the Motorcycle payment, so I guess I'll have to wait until next friday! lol.

First I would go from focus to sitting,then sitting in heel position, then heeling. 1step-reward,2steps-reward,3steps,,,,and so forth. Once she's sitting you can teach her the down by guiding her with food. This isnt the only way to do things, but this is a pretty simple order. This is all done with food by the way. Does this help? It's always possible I'm missing something. LOl.

 Quote: steve strom

First I would go from focus to sitting,then sitting in heel position, then heeling. 1step-reward,2steps-reward,3steps,,,,and so forth. Once she's sitting you can teach her the down by guiding her with food. This isnt the only way to do things, but this is a pretty simple order. This is all done with food by the way. Does this help? It's always possible I'm missing something. LOl.

Sounds good to me. I also work on the recall along with everything else, since it's so simple (no actual position or anything to remember) and so crucial. Even in the house, the recall can be nailed down all the time, using it for supper, for a rub, for a walk or a ride ..... for every good thing ever.

Hi Megan,

I don't have much experience training dogs...just the one you see below.

I know for me, it was really hard to take things slow and it required a conscious effort to break down what I was attempting to teach into methodical baby steps. I taught too many things at once, added distractions too quickly, and didn't exercise enough patience at times, which produced less-than-ideal results.

Often I read people advising "take some backward steps in your training" and I found that was really helpful for me. For the sloppy stuff, I went back to square one and did nothing but work on that one command until I got the result I wanted.

My dog initially confused "sit" and "down"...offered one when I asked for the other...and using verbal markers, treats and patience I eventually got what I wanted.

You can train in a different language and you can use hand signals but if it was me, I would really work on trying to correct the problem by simplifying it, both in your mind and with your dog. You'll get there.

When you're working with a dim bulb you have no choice but to be patient and take it slow. Training is a lot more challenging for the trainer when you have a bright, eager student to work with.

It'll amaze you, what you can fix by back tracking and marking the correct behavior. Another thing to consider is the clicker. I use one for certain things and it really helps.

 Quote: Sarah Morris

When you're working with a dim bulb you have no choice but to be patient and take it slow.

The best thing that happened to my own training was to take on a couple of dim bulbs. (Don't tell the Pugs in my house that I said that.) First, you will look at your GSD as an Einstein*, and second (and more important), your training will be refined enormously.

As Bob Scott said, those are the dogs who really teach us how to train.



*and so will he, as he sits on the sidelines watching the training sessions and snickering behind his paw.