Dog Training

Let’s get this out of the way first. An old dog can be taught new tricks. Firstly, is he used to being on a leash? Knowing this can help immensely.

I’ll continue in a few once I know that part.

Granted, using treats can speed things up but I think there are far better ways. I’ll continue once I give myself breaking. Ivehaf trainers and I’ve also had success on my own means with several dogs.

He seems to love and trust me for the most, but in these situations he seems not to fully trust people. I haven't had him on a leash since early on, but he accepted it then. What bothers me about putting something around his neck is he often has a squeak that makes me think one of two things 1. He was injured by a choke chain 2. he was kept tied in the yard and the struggle with a rope injured him. I plan to get the kind of thing he wears on his body eventually, sparing his neck.

on a nice day, we would bribe our Jake with a "beggin' strip" to come inside.

worked like a charm...

Food bribes are all he responds to when he's being stubborn. I praise and love him, never scold or punish. If he's going wrong I try to redirect him.

<I'm BACK>

If you can avoid overuse of treats and subsisting lots of good dog and affection as a reward, you’d be better off as incentive that works well. If you must use small treats, youlll get successful but it can lead to ‘no pay, no play’ standoffs.

I set up obedience sessions.
1. Using the leash and comfy neck harness arrangement, start daily sessions with commands that includes, sit, down (all of the way) stay, heal (short walk around the room or outside) that she/he does NOT get ahead of you.
Oh yeah, when you’re taking the dog outside, you go out first, then the dog follows you. Being the Alpha means you lead this pack.that being said said, as part of this obedience sessions, you get the dog to come. Do it inside first as theirs less distractions. Don’t repeatedly give the commands, but try one or two times followed by encouraging language and tones. Bending and tapping your leg to show them where the dog is to’come’. One word command is best…not several such here …just ‘come’. Add this command to the list of 4 or 5. Repeat this one or times per day for awhile. If you must use treats, make them healthy treats and ‘high value’ like small chicken bits.

If you practice these daily walk around sessions, the dog will get the idea that is the expected behavior. Always keep your voice calm and encouraging. This method does work.

If the dog is hearing noise or a need to protect the property, there could be some interference or distraction.THIS IS why Using the leash, is a big help.

A vet checkup might be in order to determine his neck or throat has had some physical issues.

He will learn to trust you more as these sessions are repeated. Using encouragement and affection as a reward works wonders.

However, using no strain harness and lead is essential. Otherwise, you’re making the task of his following you quite hard. There are several relatively inexpensive harnesses that take the pressure off the front of the neck. I’ve used this on my last 3 dogs and it’s worked.

Excellent. Keep it consistent and he’ll come around.

I just thought of something else. This dog thinks his job is to be outside and / or protect the territory. The dog thinks that outside and guarding is part of his responsibility. It’ll take awhile to understand that inside and his own spot with a doggie bed is where the relaxation and safe spot is. I have my dog sleep in his properly size cage. However, a nice quiet spot with a doggie bed is fine too.

Furthermore, I never punish the dog by sending him to his bed or cage.

Sound advice, rags. Let me think on all of this for a time. I can be pretty slow reacting.

No problem. It is something with which I’ve first-hand experience. I got the brunt of it from trainers who gave me some success. Mind you, my dog still has obedience….ummm…deficits in some areas.Of course, in my case, I’ve had her since she was a small puppy from a breeder so we had a head start.