Training - Experiences, Challenges, and Mindsets

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Comment by Shari Becker on April 10, 2014 at 4:34pm

Tracey, Lexi made herself physically ill eating outside, too. Really, really sick. We found that we needed to up her meals, and we tried to make sure we weren't walking her before meals when she'd likely be starving. We kept her on a much shorter leash and we used either "No" (probably not the best command) or "drop it" when we're walking her. We also brought training treats with us, so if she left something or dropped it, we rewarded her. The trainer we consult with has a different approach to drop it. She says the word "drop it" firmly, and then drops some treats on the floor. She insists this approach works. We've been doing it at home to practice. Lexi's pretty good with "drop it" unless it's a tissue or food now, so maybe it is working.

Comment by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on April 10, 2014 at 2:58pm

Tracey, I don't know of any discussions, although I'm sure there are plenty because this is a common problem. :( Have you started teaching him the "Leave It" command? They can learn it pretty fast. It really helped with Tara at that age and it is something you can use their entire lives really as it seems there is always something interesting to eat off of the ground.  You can even bring some leaves inside and use them for training using high value treats (something better than a leaf LOL) as a reward. And you will need to work with him outside in the same way.  Is it happening mainly in your yard? Can you temporarily fence off a safe area for him that can be kept clear until he learns to leave it or out grows this stage? Just brainstorming...

Comment by Tracey & Spike on April 10, 2014 at 12:39pm

Is there a post somewhere on here that could help me prevent Spike from being a hoover vacuum outside? He puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. He's already caused a health scare because of it. I really don't want to resort to a mesh muzzle. But I don't know what to do. He is so fast. Yesterday he threw up grass and cedar leaves. We are always right on top of him opening his mouth and grabbing the offending items but sometimes we aren't and cant be fast enough. I don't want him sick again :(  

Comment by Kooper Doodle on April 8, 2014 at 12:46pm

Dianne at http://dogmasf.com is the greatest trainer here in the city!  Check her out and tell her Kooper with a K sent you. 

Comment by Deborah Brown on April 5, 2014 at 8:15am

Dr. Sophia Yin is in the San Francisco area. She is absolutely fantastic,  I love all her videos.  I know she does some group classes.  If nothing suits you or if it is not close enough, she might be a good referral source.  

http://drsophiayin.com/group-classes/classes

Comment by Lois Ehrenfeld de Buren on April 5, 2014 at 8:07am

Does anyone have experience with doodle training classes in San Francisco? I'd love to hear about them. Thanks Rajah & Lois

Comment by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on April 3, 2014 at 11:30am

Interesting article...I too thought of  "farm-dog training"  as I grew up on a farm with a dog that had no formal training yet seemed to do everything we asked of her or do it before we asked. She was better trained than Tara and yet not trained at all. :)

Comment by Jane, Guinness and Murphy on April 3, 2014 at 4:58am

I really enjoyed this article Karen.  I know my boys watch me all the time looking for clues about what I want them to do....and they can totally tell by the look on my face whether they are doing the "right thing".  There's a lot to be said for "intuitive learning".

Comment by BG and Gavin on April 2, 2014 at 3:08pm

Karen this article fits in well with my "farm-dog training" philosophy.  Thanks for posting it.This may be a fun discussion - "what has your dog learned that you did not necessarily teach him."

Comment by Diane, Hurley and Sidney on April 2, 2014 at 2:50pm

Thank goodness Hurley's trainer did not believe in treats as part of training.  We do a lot of cross communication by action.  When he wants a special treat (not related to any sort of behavior or training) he goes and sits by the drawer where I keep his things.   When I am on the couch in his favorite spot he just sits and stares at me until I move.  Now that may be reverse communication as to who should do what, but it is part of our communication.    I am always chatting with Hurley because I think he actually listens instead of tuning out like my DH.  There are so many o examples that come to mind of Hurley learning by example and me learning by his example (chuckle).  

Years ago we had a Siamese cat that learned to use the toilet to do his business by watching us.  He would even try to flush the toilet.  He also ate his food using his paw like a fork or spoon.  I always thought that was from watching us eat with a utensil.  When someone came to the door he would growl just like the dog.  Actually the cat had a more forocious growl than the dog did.  

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