Quote: Jo Harker

Okay...going out on a limb...is he white and does he have genetic anomalies? He could have some problems that can't be fixed.

Shoot me later. I have had a brain damaged dog. It is something to think about.

I am reading lots of handler error (no offense!) with regard to marker training. I'd reserve genetic problems for the absolute last resort.

Good. (wipes brow)

Thanks you guys. He was just trying that because a 'nope' didn't get him anywhere. The dog would just slide into the next command and get it right and he was aiming for him getting it right on the FIRST command, not to guess it because after that he did nothing but guess on both commands.

We don't have a good video recorder, just a digital camera that could probably only record several seconds worth of stuff.

We have watched the marker training video. I bought it awhile back.

He's white. Umm..let's see. He does have a thick scar between his eyes. The mother was startled in the whelping pen and she stepped on him and scratched his head with her claw. Months ago we noticed a fresh bump on the top of his head that bled a little. Thinking he probably just hit it on the corner of a table, we let it go and it grew into a squishy, big, colored growth under the skin that you can notice from a distance. The vet said to let it go for awhile to see if it gets any bigger or if it goes away. If it gets bigger he will remove it.

Never heard of a brain damaged dog though.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I am reading lots of handler error (no offense!) with regard to marker training.

Aside from the lack of a 'nope' what is he doing wrong/should be doing? Not taking any offense here.

I think he might want to lower his expectations just a little and let the dog work into it.

Is there any chance that the dog's hearing is not good? Barring that...

Are you sure the dog is understanding the mark? Test this by randomly saying 'yes!' when the dog is near you; you should get a reaction from him (head turning in your direction, looking for the treat)

Are you careful about timing the reward to follow a second or two after the verbal marker is given? (by 'you', I mean your boyfriend, too), and also are you being careful about not reaching for the treat at the same time that you are saying 'yes'?

Are you keeping the training sessions very short? (less than 5 minutes?)

If it were me, I think I would start from scratch. Have 1 or 2 short sessions of loading the mark, using really good treats, like lightly seasoned grilled sirloin cut up into little bits.

You want the dog to really value hearing the 'yes' come out of your mouth.

Then, I would start with a simple behavior like 'touch', and move on from there...

Remember too, you want to shift context for each new command before you add duration. So, if you taught 'sit' in the kitchen, try it in the living room, and then outside before you add duration...

 Quote: Heather Perring

.... Aside from the lack of a 'nope' what is he doing wrong/should be doing? Not taking any offense here.

No focus work; marker timing; mixed training methods; introducing duration before the command was solid without it; too much duration too soon ....

I have not gone back and re-read the whole thread, but these were my vague impressions as it went along.

I would love to see a video clip. If not possible, I would love to read a step-by-step session description.

P.S. Yes, of course dogs can be brain-damaged like any creature with a bran. They mostly DO have a good solid skull.

I didn't read where you had a leash on him. He can't leave if a leash is on

Well, Lynne and I posted together, but her post is better.

Hmm..The leash idea might be good. Didn't even think of that.

About his hearing...well I don't know. He is normally good with the recall but sometimes he just doesn't seem to hear..and just continues on, same with some of the other commands, if he's not looking at you he can sometimes just completely disregard your voice. Then again...as a pup he would completely focus on dogs barking..so he can hear that.

Charging the mark...When told "yes" he won't respond very well to voice, and won't move until you hold the treat out for him to take.