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Woof! Bark! And also Whiiiiiiiiiine.

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D2 Feb 2019 1:00pm, 23 Feb 2019 11,105 posts	Quote Pin D2 Looking forward to the pictures DT
halfpint Feb 2019 1:44pm, 23 Feb 2019 27,622 posts	Quote Pin halfpint BBL were there any particular exercises you used to reinforce the ‘when in doubt look to the human for guidance’ message. That is essentially what the behaviourist said we need to do. At the moment we are doing the ‘nothing in life is free’ approach so he is having to work for everything. I am doing heel work and other training with him on lead when we pass anyone/dog. He can only say hello if I say it’s ok.
BaronessBL Feb 2019 5:26pm, 23 Feb 2019 7,499 posts	Quote Pin BaronessBL The only thing I suppose I did (and still do), but not that I recall as part of a formal training exercise, is use the stop (or wait) command whether on or off the lead - for example we might be on our local playing field and there will be an off lead dog on the other side of the field (Wanda might be on an extendable or possibly off lead). I would say wait and she will normally stand or sit at that point and look at me - I reward and then encourage in the other direction (easier if at the end of a long lead!) Now if we go onto the playing field and there is something going on whether that's kids playing football or dogs running about or the keep fit lady doing her class, Wanda won't rush in to investigate but will look at me first and either I'll say 'yes go and play' - for the dogs or It's OK, Leave, This Way so she doesn't go and join in with downward dog (or whatever the keep fit class is doing!!)
D2 Feb 2019 6:03pm, 23 Feb 2019 11,107 posts	Quote Pin D2 That's a really useful skill BBL
BaronessBL Feb 2019 6:48pm, 23 Feb 2019 7,500 posts	Quote Pin BaronessBL It doesn't work all the time - were a rabbit to run across the field (luckily they don't) I'd have no chance with a Wait/Stop command but with things that are not likely to be seen as prey it's fairly successful and with things that are seen as prey..... well at least she will be wearing a muzzle!
Rosehip Feb 2019 7:02pm, 23 Feb 2019 11,837 posts	Quote Pin Rosehip "Wait!" is a very useful command, I've found, and now he's getting on a bit Ralph will turn to see if I say wait, leave or go on then - unless it's a rabbit or pheasant. "wait!" is also used for descending long flights of stairs or ascending/descending steep or rocky fellsides when he's on a long lead. Took a lot of cheese and digestive biscuits to get there though.
BaronessBL Feb 2019 7:13pm, 23 Feb 2019 7,501 posts	Quote Pin BaronessBL We also use wait on things like stairs going down the cliff to the sea. Although at first Wanda was very nervous of the stairs anyway so it was more about coaxing her down. Now she is confident with them, wait is essential for every descent!
halfpint Feb 2019 7:18pm, 23 Feb 2019 27,625 posts	Quote Pin halfpint Excellent! I’ve started using ‘wait’ a lot more recently. I just need to reinforce it as much as possible and in more situations.
FergusG Feb 2019 7:28pm, 23 Feb 2019 2,993 posts	Quote Pin FergusG I actually use ‘wait’ and ‘through you come’ at the doorways in our house. Took a bit of practice, but it’s second nature now. Before that, they’d both just barge past me (bashing my kneecaps or causing me to spill my tea) when moving between rooms!
FergusG Feb 2019 7:29pm, 23 Feb 2019 2,994 posts	Quote Pin FergusG Think I also read somewhere that I’m supposed to cross boundary lines first if I’m the pack leader, so it helps remind who’s boss