Brian Jackson Webboard User Reg: 03-02-2004
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Loc: Lakewood, WA
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My 5 and 1/2 month old GSD puppy has just started to challenge me by lying down when I want to take him outside. I am trying to not force him so I use food to coax him along. It works ok; sometimes he gets up, takes the food and then sits and wont move unless I bring out another treat.
Should I just keep using the food or is there another apporach I should take?
Kristen Cabe Webboard User Reg: 06-09-2004
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Loc: Asheville, North Carolina
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I would first wonder whether something outside has frightened him to the point where he does not want to go back out there. Is there anything you can think of? Any bad experiences that he has had while being outside?
What do you do with him outside? Are you just taking him out there to use the bathroom, for training, or something else?
I don't think I would drag him out there if he was afraid, but when you get him outside, do fun things. Play with him, feed him, etc. Do not leave him out there by himself. Until he's willingly going outside, do not feed/play/etc. him inside. Make outside the better place to be until he is no longer afraid of going out there.
Kristen
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My Mal has a similar issue with going into her kennel. Sometimes she will gladly enter the kennel and other times as soon as I give her a command she lays down and rolls on to her back.
What I have found is food works, but eventually it becomes an expectation. Try massive amounts of praise instead. And like previously said, try to determine if there are any underlying issues about the dog and going outside.
I found that my mal hates the mud and when her kennel had dirt flooring, and it had recently rained or snowed (creating mud) I would have to physically pick her up and put her in her kennel. Now that it has a cement floor, there is not that issue. On the other hand she hates to be in her kennel for prolonged periods of time. If she has been out and has been running I can rarely get her to voluntarily go back into her kennel. Can you blame her though?
Put yourself in the dog's paws and see what comes to mind.
Brian Jackson Webboard User Reg: 03-02-2004
Posts: 125
Loc: Lakewood, WA
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Thanks Kristen, I should provide a little more information. He pulls the lay down game other times as well, like when I want him to kennel or dp some other thing he just doesnt want to do. I think he is just trying to challenge me, but I dont want to make it a fight between us and I dont want to reward him for his actions. That's why I am worried about using food everytime he pulls this.
I'm curious how you behave when he does this? Do you stand there and try to coax him?
Have you tried just walking out the door to the yard, leaving it open behind you, and going out there having a good time without him to see if he'll follow on his own?
When you put him in his kennel, have you tried tossing something irresistable in there before he has a chance to lie down?
When you do these things, just ignore the pup and do them; don't try to coax or cajole him; his own curiousity should get the best of him.
My 2yr old Golden male did the same thing last week - stopped dead in his tracks and didn't WANT to budge an inch. I looked at him and said "Fine, see ya. I'm going without you!" and walked away, leaving him to watch me.
Of course that was no fun and he was soon by my side. Tried it only once again since and, as I started to repeat the words, he got his butt in gear and went with me before I could finish my sentence.
Sounds like your's is testing you...and winning....and getting a nice little treat for his manipulation...
Proud Mom of Abbey (aka "Moo") - my true soul mate...I miss you terribly and will see you at the bridge...
Robert VanCamp Webboard User Reg: 11-28-2001
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Now, I'm a fan of positive training. . .I don't advocate using corrections while teaching a puppy obedience, but in this case if my 5 month old decided to camp out on the floor while I'm wanting to walk him outside. . .his little butt would be walked outside.
If it was out of stubborness and not fear, I would definately let him make the decision to walk or be drug. My 7 month old GSD has been totally motivational trained to this point. Doesn't mean he'll get a cookie if he ignores something he knows well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
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