The Training of Monster Man

Tryed it....he figured out he could get the treat faster by standing and walking to it.

It's just going ot take time. That's all, he's a good dog, and smart too. He'll get it eventually.

JackieG

Leave it is a VERY useful command to teach! Sounds like Sam is doing great and is a fast learner.  I have no experience with backpacks, so no recommendations. 

Thank you for reminding me, I forgot that we started work on that last night. I droped a treat in front of him, and said 'Leave It!' if he moved towards it. Then gave him a different treat. Then I moved the treat on the ground to a new spot, he moved, I said Leave it, he left it, treat. He did good. He actually got the treat once or twice before I could say the command, but it's Ok.

JackieG

 

I break up training into short segments.  I'll work on sit for a few minutes, then down and then I usually work on a command that involves movement for the dog.  Then back to a sit or down.  I think it keeps the dogs interested.  The minute I notice a dog seeming to get bored or restless (this is in early training stages) I change gears and throw a ball or play tug for a minute and then go back to training.  I have three dogs so I switch out dogs often, some outside and some inside. If I start to get frustrated or inpatient I throw the ball or play tug.  Dogs are so tuned in to our feelings that they know when we are not really into "it" and this affects their learning. My dogs love to train and we do a little every day because they consider it great fun.  Even a few minutes is very valuable. 

I was walking around our back yard letting him run and play with random Sam, Come!'s and then different command. I was on pain killers for a very sore back last night so I couldn't bend/twist a lot. That 'Hup' command came in hand for puttin his collar and leash on/off! I mix it up, I try not to ask for the same thing multiple times without another comand or two inbetween.