So I see the PW supervisor on Wednesday. I am going to discuss why I cannot get Rockwell’s attention in public if he is faced with any distraction whatsoever. We just got back from an unpleasant walk. It didn’t start that way but at the mid-point, that’s where it deteriorated. I had to get angry and loud to get his attention and I don’t think that should be necessary. Once I had his attention, he listened to me but if he became distracted again, I had to be the heavy again. And I hate being the bad guy. And it’s no fun. I have blogged about how when he wears his jacket and I put him on the balanced lead he transforms into a really good dog. But I should be able to have his attention without those props. I recognize that it’s something that I need to work on, not the dog. I just need to find something that works for us because whatever I am doing isn’t working. sigh.
posted by JuliaR @ 11:56 a.m.
7 Comments:
Sorry to hear that. I hope the supervisor has some good tips for you. If so, please share! I hate when I have to scold Sampson, too. I feel so bad.
Thanks Katherine. I will share for sure, if I get some tips! I think part of it can be blamed on his testicles but I am not an alpha personality, so he doesn't automatically defer to me like he does to my husband. Even after he is neutered, he may have to learn to listen to meek people (we don't know who the blind person will be who will get him) so this will be good for all of us.
I still don't have Cream's undivided attention when we're on our walks, and sometimes even when we're competing, and she's over 4 already.
Could be his youth, could be his testicles :) but one thing's for sure, if it hadn't been for the training you've given him all this time, he would never have come even close to being as good as he is now.
Be proud of yourself, things will work out.
Chin up!
I feel your pain, Julia!
Lomax is still a challenge at times, even though he's 17 months old and neutered. His distraction level is so high right now that I'm making a call to the puppy department today to see if the trainer will come out to work with us at home one day this week! Don't feel all alone there....
I know it can be frustrating when your little darling is spinning about at the end of the leash, not paying attention to commands, and making you look like a doofus in public. It's hard for me to not go ballistic sometimes, too, and I've found that when I give a correction when he's in that state, it just amps him up even further.
Here's something handy to keep in mind: I've often heard it said around these parts that whatever you're feeling will "travel down the leash," and vice versa. It's on us to be as calm and collected as we can be, when the leaping Labrador is at his most boisterous, in the hope that by some kind of doggie osmosis, he'll pick up the proper attitude.
Hang in there!
FurKids and Jenny, I really appreciate the moral support and the examples from your own experience. It helps to feel that I'm not all alone here.
Please share any tips! Boogalu has made tremendous strides in walking on a leash, but bunnies and other dogs just doom the walk. It's very frustrating. I hate yelling, but eventually 'sit' sinks in. However, if the other dog doesn't quickly move out of sight, he become uncontrollable again. He's 2 and neutered, but I think the 'hound' in him complicates things. I'm sure with you're continued work and dedication he will improve.
Sandy, I have heard that hounds are especially difficult to train because of their instincts. I will share whatever wisdom I can glean tomorrow. And then I'll see if it works!
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