Quote: Lori Hall

We were on the Dog Whisperer a couple years ago...

Totally OT but I have to say...How cool!

He has a lovely way with people and I enjoy watching that interaction every bit as much as watching him work with dogs.

Sorry for the hijack...Back to heeling.

I do try to emulate Cesar as much as I can when I walk my dog, but having the best presence ever doesn't mean jack if your dog doesn't care about you in the first place.

I tried everything he says to his customers like having the dog sit calmly before opening the door, and never letting him go outside first.

When we're on the street, my dog will stay besides me... but always "forget" to heel, and go just a couple inches ahead of me. If I say "NO" he'll get back to my side, but that only lasts a couple seconds before he "forgets" again.

The "tap/touch" thing rarely gets his attention. Truth is, he's way too busy looking at the viscinity, trying to spot a cat, dog, or bird to bark at. And if he DOES witness one, then the prong is the only thing that can (briefly) bring him back on earth.

Having a lot to do with my "presence" ? Probably. In the house, he'll sit anytime I get close to him, and look at me with his "what's up?" face. Outside, however, he gets into that drive and my presence can be wrapped up as: "that guy" who constrains him with "that leash".

He simply seems to feel I'm not in control anymore, but somewhat knows he'll get corrected if he doesn't step back if I say "NO". So he complies... but machinally, without giving me his attention at all.

Are you marker training? Have you taught attention on you while away from distractions (yard, indoors, etc.)?

Are you doing short upbeat marker sessions a few times every day?

"but having the best presence ever doesn't mean jack if your dog doesn't care about you in the first place."

You can change this!

I do short updbeat marker sessions. He's quick to light the switch up when he knows it's training time, and I do have his attention during this. But you already know that, I've posted it so many times.

You're making me realize I should bring him outside during one of those sessions.

I'll try slowly heading to the door while making him do random stuff, and see if I can keep his attention once the door is open, then try to keep his attention on the porch, then work my way to the street.

The problem now is that if I want to keep it short, by the time I get to the street the session should be about over.

Hi. I feel funny responding now as the subject has changed, but I am the girl Michele was refering to at the beginning of this topic. I am not trying to interupt the conversation going on now, so please don't take offense, it's just that I joined the other day when this topic was getting started and just got approval today. And I HAD to reply considering it's me and my dog. Whew. That was a mouthful.

Anyhow I wanted to clarify some things about my "demanding" the dog walk beside me.

Dignan is a year old 110 lb box/rottie. I got him when he was 9 wks old, and had two other dogs at the time. 2 yr old GSD, Mikka. 11 yr old pure bred mutt Abee, whom weighs 15 lbs. Dignan came into this home straight from living with his doggie pack. Mom, Dad, and his 4 brothers and sisters. The owners were horrible, and thankfully his real Mom and Dad did good at their job.

Walking on a lead in the beginning wouldn't fly, (He'd freeze.) so I let him follow off lead while I led my other two. I think his being so young, and coming from a "pack", this was natural for him to do. He was easily corrected by a "SHHHT" if he got out of line, or tried to play with the other two while walking. This I did for a week, then put the lead on him, flat collar, as his neck is non existant, and he's been fine ever since. I have never had him on a short lead, as I think Michele didn't realize the leash I use is 8 ft long, I just hold it bunched up because it drags on the ground if I don't. It is held loosely in my hand. He walks a step behind me, or right by my side. Without incident. Though sometimes he still needs to be "popped" (a quick jerk to the side)if there is high distraction. Really the only reason I have him on a leash is for other peoples fears. I have tested this (though not high distraction) and he actually stays totally behind me (at least 2 ft)when off lead and we're on a walk. This is a respect thing. I have never trained any of my dogs. I've been too busy working on the pack leader thing. I think that is where Michele wasn't understanding. I'm not training. I'm gaining respect. My dogs don't know basic commands because I haven't taught them. They do know repect. (Actually my GSD doesn't respect me yet. Trust? Yes. But she's an entire different thread! )If I look at them, they sit. If I'm standing too long, they'll lay down. I do agree though that if you keep a dog on a short lead you're not doing anything. I'm not training, I'm showing the way. And the quick "pop" that I give him, is definitely just a "touch saying Uh, focus sweetheart.". I'm doing what he knew so well when he was with Mom and Dad.
With this all said, and man did I say alot, I'm very happy to be apart of this site, and am sure I will be seeking advice, as I am starting to throw around the idea of actual obiedience training.

Shannon, welcome! I think your approach is an interesting one, and I'm glad it worked well for your particular dog.

Post in the bio section about yourself and include a photo of you and your pack. Everyone loves pictures here!

 Quote: francis daigle

I do short updbeat marker sessions. He's quick to light the switch up when he knows it's training time, and I do have his attention during this. But you already know that, I've posted it so many times.

You're making me realize I should bring him outside during one of those sessions.

I'll try slowly heading to the door while making him do random stuff, and see if I can keep his attention once the door is open, then try to keep his attention on the porch, then work my way to the street.

The problem now is that if I want to keep it short, by the time I get to the street the session should be about over.

This thread had wandered pretty far from the O.P., so I hope no one minds that I am reviving one of the "pathways."

I would like to see an update here, because there was a lot of progress that I was following, and I am hoping that the short lil marker sessions continued in the house, then maybe on the driveway, and so on.... little tiny additions of distraction and venue-change. Also hoping that the upbeat sessions of even 30 seconds go on throughout the day, and that rewards are not used as bribes (but are always handy, at this stage).

So I hope Francis will update us.