Babies and Dogs Make the Same Classic Mistake

[Adina P]

Very interesting article and reminds me of Rosco's squeaky toy adventure!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112524209&...

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I like when trainer's do proof stay's in a class situation. It gives me an idea on where I need to work with my dogs, what they are lacking. The trainers I have used always recommended that one-person train, than you can teach others in your family how you give the commands so there is complete consistency and not confuse the dog.

[Nancy Sunderland]

Very cool article, they trust us, what a great responsibility we have..

[GBK]

LOL we call our trainer "evil"when she proofs our stays, last weekend she used a toy truck she made go right between all the dogs in a sit stay, and also had a stuffed yapping toy dog.

[F, Calla & Luca]

We do that sort of thing in class when 'the temptress" as I call the trainer at times tries to get the dogs to respond with wonderful treats and leaving a stay commanded by the owner.

[Adina P]

I do think that most dogs do best if there is ONE trainer who takes them to a high level of obedience and then is able to teach others how to give the same commands and follow through...rather than each person giving slightly different training to the dog. At least when it comes to really reliable obedience... teaching the basics can easily be taught by several people I'm guessing. But I'm guessing on both. Rosco definitely obeys me more than others who may give the same command. But that's okay with me =) I know some trainers proof their dogs against ANY other stranger's commands. So that they could leave their dog in a down stay outside a store and anyone else calling the dog would get no response.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Kyoko, that is an interesting thought.Still it seems to me that even if it takes longer it's good to train dogs to obey different people. A hierarchy of obedience is probably always there though, that is, the dog will be more likely to obey the primary trainer/caregiver if conflicting commands are given at the same time.

[Adina P]

what was I thinking??? hyperlink fixed =)

[Kyoko]

I heard this on the radio this evening, and thought it was really interesting. I was wondering that if this mean when multiple people tried to train a dog, it will make it difficult for the knowledge to stick or not.....( Another words that it is better if the one designated person trains the dog in a house?)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Adina, no hyperlink--what were you thinking? It was an interesting article. I always say the similarity between children and dogs is amazing. The most surprising thing for me is that we have more dogs than children. Also i think it's smart of dogs not to generalize about people.