JackieG
Posted : 5/27/2013 6:50:53 PM
rockdocdoolittle
I think he just choses to listen sometimes and other times just blows me off which I can understand as far as we are new to one another enviorments
Yes, they do choose to ignore us at times. Most training books will advise you to make yourself more attractive than any distraction. That's not as easy as it sounds with some dogs. I think time and the formation of a bond will help tremendously. It's very helpful to figure out what your dog loves as far as rewards.
I'm sorry if I sounded like I was scolding you. I've made plenty of mistakes with dogs as has most everyone if they're honest. Dogs are so adaptable they manage to get along with us despite our shortcomings in effective communication.
One of my favorite dog experts, Dr. Sophia Yin, suggests feeding every single kibble of a dog's regular meal as rewards for behaviors we're reinforcing (sit, here, good business, etc). The dog will learn to pay close attention to you but not in a clingy way. He'll figure out that sitting gets a piece food, as does coming to you, etc.
The time spent on teaching the basics is crucial in my opinion. Most people don't end up following through with basic obedience skills and they wonder why the dog only listens or follows commands when the dog feels like it. You should teach the basic commands using the four d's. Google the term 'four d's of dog training". Distance, duration, distraction and delivery of reward.