Avoiding collar and harness

[Pat and Traveler]

I take Traveler's collar off when he's inside, just because it seems he'd be more comfortable without it.  He doesn't door dash, so I didn't worry about his not wearing ID.

 

Then I started having trouble getting him to hold still when I wanted to put the collar or harness on him.  Talk about a slow learner!  (Me, not him.)  For several days, when I picked up his collar or leash he would dance around, get into that 'play pose' with his front legs down and butt up in the air, bark, etc.  Usually I was in a hurry, so just chased him down.  It was annoying, because I knew he loved to go for walks or rides in the car, and the collar and harness and leash meant we were going out.  So why wasn't he cooperating???

 

Well, duh.  He was just adding another level of enjoyment to the process!  Once I realized that I was encouraging this behavior, I picked up his harness--and when he started all the fun playing and avoiding stuff, I just quietly turned around, went out the door, closing it behind me, and took the harness for a walk.  Only took about three times of leaving him behind before he was standing like an angel whenever I got the collar or leash or harness.

 

These doods are smart!!!  Takes them a while sometimes to train us, but if they keep at it they can usually get the job done.  :) 

 

Has your dood trained you to do anything?  I'd love to hear about it! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That's so funny. My son calls this "reverse psychology". When he was a kid and didn't want to brush his teeth, I'd say "that's fine, honey"..."I'm going to go call the Dentist now and make an appointment, because if YOU won't take care of your teeth, he will". He hated going to the Dentist, so that always worked. I did that with lots of things. Now he's old enough to know what I'm up to, and he'll say "don't try any of your reverse psychology on me Mom". I used it with Guinness who loved jumping when I first came in the house. I'd turn around and go right back out...spoiled all his fun.

[Pat and Traveler]

Funny! I'll have to tell my daughter about this. She's been called the 'tooth nazi,' as she's always after her kids, trying to get them to brush their teeth. And this is a great idea for jumping-up dogs. Trav has learned not to jump up on me, but it seems to be a person by person process. Next guest will get to try going in and out a few times. Reverse psychology rules!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Pat I am in your boat. Peri thinks it is a game to run from the gentle leader (goes around the snout). She walks like an ANGEL when she is on it and 90% of the time, she sits immediately and lets me put it on her. But the other 10% it's a big game for her. I have done the leaving thing, but I don't think I wait long enough. How long did you wait?

[Pat and Traveler]

Hi, Allyson! When I 'take the harness for a walk,' I'm not gone for very long. Maybe five minutes or so--just long enough so he knows he's alone. Then I come back inside, hold the harness or collar down for him again, and repeat if he doesn't stand still. Today he was backing away a bit again, so I might have to repeat the process. Sigh. Good luck to you and that adorable Peri!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I wasn't doing 5 minutes. Will try that next. She should just sit when she's told too, but this is the only situation where she won't. Again, only 10% of the time too!

[Pat and Traveler]

Hey, Allyson! Sounds like Peri is just pushing the envelope on you. She knows what she's supposed to do, but thinks maybe she can add a little extra 'fun' to the process. You might try acting really excited about taking the leader for a walk, like you and it were going to have the bestest of times out there. And let Peri see you leave, all happy with the leader. Then try not to let the neighbors see you. LOL!!