Heeeeee's back!

Chewie came home from bootcamp yesterday. He was "performing" very well for the trainer and has tried "testing" us a few times since...I guess to be expected. Overall, he seems to be obeying commands more consistently.

He is very happy to be back as we are to have him. We are trying to be very consistent and continue the training she has started for him. We are not taking "no for an answer" and I think he is starting to see us more as the leaders.

There really isn't much more to report, but I'm sure there will be as time goes on and we see how he continues to progress. The trainer is scheduled for two follow-up visits over the next two weeks and we are optimistic we are going in the right direction. They also guarantee the training, so anytime after that we experience a problem or regression, we just need to contact her. I'll keep everyone posted.

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Permalink Reply by Laura & Chewie on September 16, 2010 at 6:24pm

Chewie lived at the trainer's home, went with her on other training appointments, went into stores and walked through a downtown area. He is only trained on leash so far. The only physical "tool" she used was something called the Pet Convincer which is compressed air...kind of like you spray on a computer keyboard to clean the dust out. She doesn't spray it directly at him, but in his direction. It can't hurt him, but he definitely does not like the sound. She uses corrections (not punishments) combined with some treats, but not many. Mainly what he earns is praise with an occasional treat thrown in. He definitely respects her. Now that he is home, we see much more consistency with obeying commands, but still evidence that the alpha is back...and it's not us. LOL. He is definitely showing signs of starting to accept the change in roles. She wants us to gently put him on his side five different times throughout the day to not only assume the alpha role, but as a relaxation technique. We don't mishandle him, but he needs to stay there until we release him. While he lays there, he is massaged and talked softly to, but he must stay. I'm talking about 1-2 minutes at a time.

This trainer trained under a Russian dog trainer by the name of Vladae Roytapel who has since moved to California and opened a training center there with (supposedly) lots of famous clients. After being with Chewie for a week, she definitely feels while not an aggresive dog, he is definitely a dominent one, but is very confident in his outcome. She said if she had to take him back to bootcamp, she would at no additonal charge, but feels the remainder of the training needs to be in his home where his bad habits exist. She said she will always be available to us, even if it means coming weekly for the next year. Of course, we are all hoping that won't be necessary. Seeing the progress so far, none of us think we need to worry about that.

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Permalink Reply by Carol and Banjo on September 16, 2010 at 3:24pm

Welcome home Chewie! We missed you!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey on September 16, 2010 at 4:22pm

Welcome home Chewie. Time to impress family and friends with your new found knowledge.

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Permalink Reply by Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*() on September 16, 2010 at 4:46pm

Thanks for the update and please keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by HeatherA on September 16, 2010 at 4:46pm

I'll be following this. I am curious how the bootcamps work out for people. I've heard mixed opinions on the success, and since I am really new to training - the idea is appealing. That's great she offers a guarantee. How much time has she spent training you and your family?

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Permalink Reply by Adina P on September 16, 2010 at 5:47pm

Boot camp is another term for "board and train" where the trainer trains the dog for you. Some board and train trainers complete training others start it for you.... The ones I'm most familiar with require quite a bit of work on the part of the dog's owners.