Having fun can be training
This time training will be off leash in a secure area like a backyard or a safe rural location. Bring the no-stuff squeak toys and/or balls with you. The idea is to time a verbal "come" as the pup returns to you with the toy. So throw the toy and as the pup runs back to you, you shout, "come." With repetition, the pup will associate coming to you with a word. If he sits upon his return as many natural retrievers will and you take a gentle hold on the collar, you are approximating a rather sophisticated obedience routine we may name "the call back."
The following exercises depend totally on timing for their success. When you are out working with the pup and he sits ... immediately as the butt touches the ground say, "sit!" To set the pup up, you can use his favourite food treat. Hold the food in front of you. Be silent. When he comes right in front of you, raise the food as you slowly push it toward him, (which will raise his head and lead the body to curl under) and as he sits, say, "sit."
Any time the dog is near you and comes or sits or lies down, you can give the move a name as he does it ... i.e. "lie down." In this way, things he does naturally will be given a name he will recognize when the name is used in a more formal training session.
The pitfalls of fun
Dogs vary widely in their temperaments and their genetically, psychologically and environmentally created emotional IQ. If your pup can participate in fun and overblown active reward behaviours while retaining focus, then effusive rewards are fine. If, however, verbally gushing and petting in order to signal your acknowledgement of his compliance puts the dog off by creating a lack of ability to focus, (which includes most pups), then keep the praise quiet and low-key. Some dogs in the early stages of their training should not even be touched so that they might remain calm. The key to successful learning is that the dog remains calm.
Since your dog is so connected to you on a non-verbal energy level, you must be calm too. Frustration, anger, rushing and impatience will sabotage any hope you have to communicate with effect. In response to every action you do with your dog there is a reaction.
Make a commitment to be very observant of the dog's reactions to your training. In this way, you can eliminate the unwanted reactions by eliminating any action that elicits an escalation of excitement or inattention. Keep the silly fun for playtime. During the training times together your focus is on building a trusting relationship based on a loving master who, with fairness and skill, leads his charge to calmly enjoy the growing bond. If you catch your dog looking at you during training, you're on the right track.
Next week: Is your dog's diet an asset or a liability to your training success?
Ravinn O. West is kennel master and head trainer at Ravendale Ranche Kennel and Training Centre at Cochrane. Her latest book, The Tao of Dogs is available from www.ravinnwest.com. You may send questions or comments to her via [email protected]
