Starting over with Shamas. Back to Basics

[Shamas mom]

Now that winter is subsiding, and he's allowed solid food again, I've decided to take Shamas Back to Basics.

All the way back

First step: Watch Me

Of course, he's got his default Sit, which he pulls out any time he wants a positive response...but he never did learn to check-in, which I think contributed to his lunging on the leash. He recognizes that treats come from the bag, and so will sit and stare at the bag or the hand lol. I got a new clicker, which I'm not happy with-will replace that with a more comfortable one- and am marking eye contact starting in the house, and in the driveway with him on a front clip.

When not training, I'm using my two-ended leash connected to both harness and collar, for easy control. His collar is getting too big on him, possibly from stretching out so I am a bit nervous about using it exclusively in my neighborhood in case he goes after a dog.

Of course, he's doing very well compared to when I got him...but he still has a long way to go, and I think some more on-the-street training will help...especially as that's where he loses his cool.

I'm definitely open to suggestions as to order of things to teach/re-teach him this spring. I'd like him to enjoy his walks this year.

 

[Candy]

The first thing we were advised to teach at puppy training was 'Watch!' as in rewarding your dog for looking at you. I still find this SO useful now. I don't often use it, as I don't want to kind of 'wear it out' which I think can happen. I also try to mix up how I use it, sometimes for play, as in 'Watch where I'm throwing the ball' also in 'Watch me' for general attention grabbing, which is why I think we were encouraged to teach it to start with. Like I said, I'm careful not to over use it, but I do find 'Watch' very useful with my GoodGirl.

 

[Shamas mom]

The first thing we were advised to teach at puppy training was 'Watch!' as in rewarding your dog for looking at you. I still find this SO useful now. I don't often use it, as I don't want to kind of 'wear it out' which I think can happen. I also try to mix up how I use it, sometimes for play, as in 'Watch where I'm throwing the ball' also in 'Watch me' for general attention-grabbing, which is why I think we were encouraged to teach it to start with. Like I said, I'm careful not to overuse it, but I do find 'Watch' very useful with my GoodGirl.

Yes, that's where I thought I should start this time. Might actually focus on this one for a little while, as he REALLY struggles with it. It's so hard for him to look away from everything else, and focus on one thing for even a second. and in the quietness of the house, he is struggling to realize that he's meant to look at ME, not the treat bag

I bought 5 clickers, because I keep losing them. Cheap ones, with wrist bands. Perhaps marking with the clicker with be more effective than "yes!" which he finds exciting lol

Yes! I did it!.....wait, what did I do? Oh! treat! Yay!

I wonder if I can do it again......


Dramatically SITS......Where's my treat?