Thank ypoou Cathy!

Christina, I would love to hand fid but he spits it all on the floor, and does not go back to pick it up! Swiping it up when it hits the floor does not get him to eat it either, he will eat any biscuit my spouse gives him but drops mine as soon as it leaves my hand.. In the house he won't eat a pigs ear, but in the backyard he will..kind of hard to bond with a dog that couldn't care less whether you were even home or not!.

On a side note, never cut your nails when you plan on typing!

Hi, Becky, I only wanted to tell what worked in my case. Sometimes this can help. I do know that all dogs are indivduls and that there are very special cases, where things can be extremely difficult. I just wanted to give my two cents (or less). I do wish you from all my heart, that you'll find a good solution, which makes your life and the life of your dog easier.
Just one more thing: Do you see any possibility to build a bond with your dog in another way? Walking, playing different games, swimming etc. Doesn't he have some activities he loves very much? And you would be the partner who can give him this?

 Quote: Christina Stockinger

Hi, Becky, I only wanted to tell what worked in my case. Sometimes this can help. I do know that all dogs are indivduls and that there are very special cases, where things can be extremely difficult. I just wanted to give my two cents (or less). I do wish you from all my heart, that you'll find a good solution, which makes your life and the life of your dog easier.
Just one more thing: Do you see any possibility to build a bond with your dog in another way? Walking, playing different games, swimming etc. Doesn't he have some activities he loves very much? And you would be the partner who can give him this?

I love everyone's advice and opinions! Bonding has become the biggest problem with him, he walks because I walk, not because he wants to, loose lead, long lead, retractable leash, he does not utilize any length, and does not show interest in sniffing, playing, and is not huge on being petted. We tried the kongs, he hates swimming, and tho he will run after the 4 wheeler and skidoo easily, he does not appear to enjoy anything. We will keep trying diff things, but I am almost considering at this point to leash him to my waist and just have him accompany me everywhere, minus the bathroom and kitchen. That would be one way to get him moving in the house, and to not shut down outside the house. His reward could be a little more time in the crate in short bursts, as breaks between my day, such as dinner prep ect, but make him join me in other activities such as bringing in the wood, shoveling and making my kindling. Thoughts?

There are a number of excellent people here that offer good advice so don't block you thoughts on different ideas from different people.

I think all here will agree with being consistent is most important.

Oh yes! especially I, who has in the beginning in training varios behaviors been inconsistent, have meanwhile experienced what a difference this makes. A part of consistency is for me also NOT GIVING UP. I was near to it, because one of my dogs doesn't pick up any object. Recently I asked Bob if it would make sense to try it with a flirt pole. He said: go on. I've tried it. First she only followed the movements with her eyes, which I rewarded. Two days ago she snapped the first time after it! Juhuuh! Maybe in the long run this will lead also to picking up something.

Telling you this I don't mean you should try playing with a flirt pole too. I just want to say: Never give up. I'm sure with enough patience you'll find some activity or whatsoever, which will attract your dog. Even if at first it seems to have no effect, don't feel desencouraged. Just see the slightest success.

To make him accompany you almost everywhere I think is a great idea. If I'm not mistaken, I think Ed Frawley gives this advice in a DVD too. Being so often with you in everyday life will make him feel being a part of you and certainly help building a bond.

Making him wait for some time in his crate I think is a good idea too. He will then probably be grateful, when you come again and undertake something with him.

Yes Bob, I will do my part def by being consistent!
Thank you Christina! In this house we both are slow learners

I find consistency the hardest for feeding.. I followed all your advice and have switched him since Sunday to morn and evening feedings. He refuses the morning feedings, and I think because he knows he is going to get the evening feed..Now we tried this when we first got him, with the same result of not eating the morning feed.
Should I skip todays evening feed, so that he will eat the morning one tmrw? I don't know how long he is going to play this game.. You can see he is deliberatly turning it down, as he turns and lays his back to the bowl.
And Bob, when you said stop all formal training, did you mean even the sits before heading out the door? Because he bolts outside if he is not put in a sit.

Good afternoon Becky,

Only in re the feeding. If you feed the dog twice a day, put the food down for a short period of time, like 5 minutes, and at about the same time for each meal each day. If the dog doesn't eat the meal, take it up and hold it for the next meal. If you split the food volume per meal based on the weight of the dog, it will only get half of the food it needs and wants. After a few days, it will begin to get the idea. The dog won't starve itself. At least that has been my experience.

I want the dogs to accommodate my schedule. I provide a really good life to my mutts. The quid pro quo is they accommodate my schedule. If a dog doesn't eat within my parameters it is either sick or testing my resolve. In either case, the food comes up and gets put down at the next meal. I do monitor for health issues.

That said, I noted your comments about women and the dog, and I certainly note the frustration in your posts. But in my experience, the training of a dog, the dog you want, boils down to consistency, as Bob emphasized. Whether it be training long downs, or a drop dead word, or any of the many commands you might want to work on with your dog, it boils down to purpose, plan, resolve, technique, routine, consistency, or whatever words resonate with your objectives. Profuse praise and gentle correction, with resolve if needed.

The expression we train the dog today for the dog we want tomorrow is not meant to be literal. Every day in every way we train the dog according the boundaries we want to establish. Stuff takes time.

This is my lecture mode, apparently. I apologize.

Put the food down, take it up. Be consistent. Be resolute. Give it time. You are scheduling the dog, not the other way around.

Mike

 Quote: Becky Niedbalka

Bob, when you said stop all formal training, did you mean even the sits before heading out the door?

I'm sure Bob will answer before long, but meantime, I'll give you my 2 cents:

IMHO, "basic house rules" like you describe above belong in the category of Good Manners and fall under Groundwork / Pack Structure protocol, rather than "formal training" -- I consider such courtesies to be part of the dog's Daily Routine of polite interactions with its owner ... I don't believe these should be skipped when putting formal Obedience lessons on hold