Joined
·
68 Posts
Recall, Recall, Recall . . . it's a real brain buster . . .
Remember a couple of important points:
Mark, Jamie and The Poodle Gangsters!
Remember a couple of important points:
- Never give a command to a pup in which you are not able to back up immediately. E.G. If you teach sit, make sure you are there to immediately enforce the sit. If you are teaching recall (come!), then make sure you have a leash (6' or longer) enforce the recall. Do this until you are absolutely confident . . . then add a couple of months to be sure!
- Each command is given ONLY once . . . a small pause . . . enforce gently! Give a treat . . . huge praise . . . My Std. Poodle female is always thanked profusely for doing her business outside - she's been house trained for some time . . .they can't get enough of it!
- You say why? Well imagine it from his/her perspective . . . how many times are you going to say 'come' until you really want it too happen? Could it be that "come ... come ... come ... - damn it dog get over here . . ." is part of the command . . or is just 'come'? or is spoken twice? How is s/he supposed to know? Remember who the instructor and who the student is(or, well is supposed to be anyway)!
- If you reward (or neg reinforcement) for a variety of 'commands' expecting a single outcome, this isn't fair! Consistency and predictability go a long way! Don't be unfair - s/he counts on YOU to ensure that commands are taught in an even-handed and consistent fashion.
- Have fun!!!! Smile laugh carry on etc etc . . . it really is a blast!
- I will tell you a terrible secret, I've trained Mastiffs to a high-level (192/200 AKC all breed, he upped up on standards, borders and etc) . . . all 200+lbs fully intact male . . . patience is a virtue . . and I never ever had an organized lesson @ the house - ever. Why? Because I never stop training . . . my entire waking interaction with my dogs is training - period. They must sit correctly before entering and exiting the front door, wait to have their collars taken off, sit before dinner, front for treat (hey, I work for a living - so can they!) . . .the list goes on and on . . . When in Pet Smart, healing is done . . . whatever . . . The only 'organized' lessons are at where I trained . . . Some will cringe at this advice, but someone with 5+ OTCHs' gave me this tidbit of advice . . . never(no 5 to 5:30pm schedules etc)/always(training is communications - treat it that way - always talk to you dog) train at home!
Mark, Jamie and The Poodle Gangsters!