Because of Bud’s awful suffering and abuse, I have been cautious about training him.
He comes when called and more or less stays, but sitting down is difficult for him to do. He resists being in such a submissive position, and I decided not to push it. I just sensed too much fear and resistance.
But his new role as a leader of the treat committee has given me an opening, and I’m walking right through it, outsmarting him for once.
The dogs have to sit and stay for a couple of minutes to get a treat. Bud balks at that
I used this calming training for energetic and excitable dogs (Zinnia is never excitable) to advance training. I sometimes back off, but I never quit. Dogs need to know that.
I hold the treat in the air and say, “sit.” Zinnia and Fate sit down right away. Bud doesn’t.
So I’m using a new approach. I wait ten or fifteen seconds and try it again, lengthening the time each time. Today, for the first time, Bud got it and sat down on command (he sometimes does it voluntarily.)
I repeated this two or three times, and it worked for him. I didn’t even notice that Fate didn’t do it. We’ll work on her tomorrow. Training never stops, as far as I’m concerned.
My dogs are spoiled, but they don’t get anything for free. I’m happy to see Bud continue to get comfortable and feel safe. He could never have done this even a year ago. The committee is fun, but also an opportunity, as is everything dogs want or love.
Fate may not want to herd sheep, but she definitely has the border collie “eye”. I think if I were a sheep and she looked at me like that, I’d go wherever she wanted me to go. Great bunch of dogs! And you’re using great training techniques, including taking advantage of little moments when you have their undivided attention.
I didn’t bother teaching my current dog “sit.” However, he knows “down”. Now that we are doing tracking and sniff work, lying down to indicate is where it’s at!! I have heard that some dogs, like sight hounds, have a difficult time sitting.
Lots of dogs hate to be in vulnerable positions, especially small, working and hunting dogs..
Just reading your section on Laurie in Dogs 0f Bedlam. So many great insights
Good for you for recognizing each of your dogs’ unique needs and personalities and incorporating that into your training! I wish more people did that. I get so very tired of people who insist on “one size fits all” training methods. I’m not a professional trainer, but I have noticed that my dogs definitely don’t respond the same way to training…or anything else, for that matter!
I wonder, how to tell the difference between fear to be submissive or is it just obstinate behavior or personality? I adopted a blind old dog who is very laid back and sweet. . He can’t see signals but listens intensely. At the voice tone of my impatient voice he hangs his head, further raising of voice he leaves or runs. Abuse? So I don’t train him . Just let him live in peace, I guess is best.