Getting a puppy to pay attention... - Page 2

GSD TRAVELS

Now I understand why Drake is such a wonderful dog.......he is so well behaved for his age, yet get a sleeve or pillow out and he is mr excitement.

Teaching him to pay attention without a bunch of excitement, anction and hype - great idea.

Personally,
I make those little kissy smoochy sounds and basicly spend all my time with a new puppy bonding,
playing with toys, learning together, adding to my collection of scars...rough housing. 
Lots of communication, words, eye contact, and grooming.
I love a pup up my arse.
Treats come in handy but I don't rely on them in place of the bonding.   Praise works better in the long run.
Long walks in new places keeps the pups attention, away from other people and animals.  Follow me or get lost and be alone, puppys don't want to be alone.
You are replacing momma and siblings and becoming the leader.
Games become training, play becomes work, and the learning never stops for either of you.
I have a tendency to spoil my dogs with effection and love but they return it and that makes the circle complete.

I can't wait for the pup I have coming now,    

 

will you teach the puppy a foreign language as well TwoMoons? It makes my toe nails curle. dont you think you humanize the pupa little too much? THINK DOG!
All the best
Ulf

I have found it easier for a puppy to pay attention when he/she is around older dogs. When i tell my older dog to "sit" she does, and then i look at the puppy and tell him the same command, and he does. I've been working with both of them to completely understand the terms: "sit, come, stay, down".

Also, referring back up to joe t's comment, I personally use chunks of bologna. I believe that has helped with my pups attention span.

K9ulf,
A dog learns sounds in whatever language you happen to speak to it.


My dog knows what I'm thinking before I say anything sometimes.   I know what they are telling me.  You just have to pay attention.   

Humanize??

I don't dress them up in cute little costumes, or talk baby talk to them.  Well maybe a little baby talk, but I also curse at them so it all evens out.

Yes they are dogs.   And friends, companions, we take care of each other, mutual dependance.

Think dog?

Whats that got to do with bonding?   My dogs aren't objects, they are part of my family. 

Maybe you misunderstood my remark about becoming mommy, I dunno.

I wouldn't trade my relationship with my dogs for yours at all.

A dog is not human, but its much more than just an animal.   Maybe you've never experienced what I am talking about.

Either way, I have no problem getting my dogs to pay attention to me or obey commands, and we trust each other.

Yes I love my dogs, they love me. 

Moons.

P.S.
I'm not being entirely honest here.  Yes I do have problems with my dogs, but they are less problems than I have with my kids, go figure.
 

 

Hi Everyone ,

First I would like to thank Athene342 for asking this  question and the rest of you for your contributions " THANK YOU ' .
For today I have learned an additional method to teach the  watch/focus.

Here's my take.
It's very important ,for you to be very clear as to what method you want to use and giveing the reward within 2 seconds .
Hold the reward Approx. 6 inches in front of your eyes as you  face the dog , say watch ,and when the dog looks at you
you reward immeadiately. Repeat this a few  times. After this when the dog knows the meaning of the word " watch" you
move the reward approx. 9 inches from the side of your head and say , " watch ". You only reward the moment he makes eye contact with you. The dog must learn, that the only way to get the reward is to make eye contact and hold it.
Then you move the reward around and slowly add distractions. You are now reaching the stage ,where you are rewarding
the dog for  FOR NOT LOOKING AWAY .

Do not try to move until the dog ignores all distractions and  watchesyou intensely for approx.  60.0 seconds or longer.

Every step requires 4 or 5 repettions

Yellow Rose and  GSDtravels imputs are excellent ,invalueable and are quite similar, I will not hesitate to follow their methods.

Trying hard to contribute , hope it helps.
 

Hi TwoMoons,
sorry if the message came over that way, I am German and sometimes we can be very direct , just cant help it.
Anyway, I have know doubt you love your dogs. I love my dogs too and they trust me 100%.
What I was pointing out is dogs can be easily overwhelmed with the way people communicate with them, they are still dogs a totally different species with different way of communications. Humans often tend to apply their values and morals to dogs, but it does not work this way. You might think I am one of this "tough trainers" who have to show all the time to the dog who the boss is. far from this I use dogs instincts in my training, rarely use a lead and never an e-collar and always try to communicate at DOGS level rather than expect the dog to understand my human values.
My dogs know their place in the pack and they love it. Just give the dog what it needs and you get what you want and never let your human ego getting in the way. Hope that makes some sense
Just have look at website to see for yourself.  www.k9ulf.com
All the best
Ulf

k9ulf
Have you entered any dogs in the UK trials to qualify for this years world Championships in Germany, seeing it is held in your own country it could be interesting
Steve

K9Ulf...  nice website, I enjoyed looking at it. 

Hi Steve, no I have not. I have only one dog with SchH3 and she is a mali. My male GSD just got his BH and is on his way to the SchH1. I will enter him next year if everthing goes ok, if not I will wait another year or until I think he is ready to compete at a world championship. He is only three(today) and there is plenty of time.
Al the best
Ulf