OB Training Question - Page 1

How can I solve a forging problem;  the bitch I am working keeps forging ahead of me;  have tried pinch, choke, thicker choke, e collar;  the minute I let down my gard she is back getting and forging ahead of me.  Really need to get her back where she belongs and to teach her to stay there.

Any help is truly appreciated.   Thx  Nan

PS:  She is a sammy girl, not GSD.  So pulling ahead is hardwired.

Is this heeling or loose leash walking?

This may help...

 

Have you tried taking a few steps back in training? It's possible that you moved onto the next step before she was fully ready.

'step' is the key word here! I am just at that point, trying to teach the focused heel to my rescue GSD. The trainer keeps emphasizing the need for constant eye contact. You practice this at a standstill, until you've nailed it completely. ONLY THEN do you try taking a few steps forward. The split-second the dog looks away, you MUST CORRECT!

My other female has gotten into the habit of forging too. It's just due to laziness on my part, and not correcting her the second she starts to get just an inch too far ahead! She's my service dog, so she isn't trained for the focused heel.

Keith is on to a good video.

Forging most often develops because of where the handler rewards from.  If you reward from the right hand or even carry in the right hand, the dog moves ahead of you anticipating this.

Reward from the left, behind the shoulder and the dog has a better chance to position properly.

Nice i learned a new thing today! I really like this video.
Thanks!
Fry

laura;  it's both;  I tried to let her go ahead on my command,  "go forward" or "OK pull";  well that did not work either.  Was trying to separate the "OK pull ahead" and the walk on leash and/or heel.  Nothing has worked.  She just keeps forging and forging;  I want her nose even with my knee, and I want her to stay there.  Nothing has worked.  Not sure the toy thing will work either as at this point I don't want to play, just work and no reward until she gets it.  She is a 4 year old bitch, not a puppy.  She however does get great praise if she tries to be good but that usually ends up with her forging ahead after praise.  so. 

Thanks to everyone,  will keep reading.  Nan

Without play, what motivation does she have to get it right? Maybe working for no reward is why nothing is working? Not to sound mean, but if "you" don't want to play, then why even bother training? Everything I do with my dog, I make a game out of, tons of play. It helps paint a picture of a happy dog and improves the bond. Whether the dog is 8 weeks or 8 years doesn't matter. If the dog knows that a ball will magically fall out from under my armpit when it does something correct, it will walk at my side in correct position because it's anticipating the reward and play that comes with it!

Another thing you could do differently is, release the dog when she's in correct position THEN immediately praise her. She can't forge when she's "free"!

Most people will want the dogs shoulder in line with their leg, you're asking her to be even further behind than competition dogs.

I agree with neuen Polizei; you need to pay the dog or it will have no incentive to work.