The Accidental(ly) Trained Doggie

1438 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by biscuit, Dec 9, 2007

biscuit

Discussion Starter · Dec 8, 2007

A few days ago, I suddenly remembered the vet (from whom I got Bailey, the insane puppy) does obedience and agility training. Bear in mind that Bailey was at the vet's for months, so the likelihood that she got some training was pretty high.

I decided to check it out and, sure enough, Little Miss El Destructo ... er, the charming and ever obedient Bailey (who would *never* consider eating the sofa!) sat immediately upon command.

I was stunned. So I began telling her to sit regularly and praising her mightily each time.

Then, a couple of nights ago, I noticed a vexed look :angry: on Yogi's face - he was not at all pleased with this arrangement! But I was thought perhaps an extra hug would sooth his troubled mind.

But it didn't. And lo and behold, while I was busy reinforcing the sit command, Yogi suddenly bounded off the sofa, pushed little Bailey out of the way ... and sat!

Now mind you, I trained Yogi when he first came to live with me, and he loved it. The only problem was, I was so bad at it that I accidentally taught him to sit out of the blue in the most unexpected situations. :blink: So I stopped, deeming it was better to focus on him being relatively well behaved than sitting out of the blue (on walks, while making mad dashes around the yard, *whatever*).

Now, though, perhaps I can retrain him, given Bailey isn't terribly excited about sitting.

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

murraysmom

· #2 · Dec 9, 2007

That's funny, and it reminds me of when we brought Murray home:

Hansel and Gretel, the two geriatric dachshunds, were never trained to do anything- or if they they were, they had long forgotten it! Well, when I had training sessions with Murray, he got treats for sitting- the 2 doxies would come to watch, and sure enough, when Murray sat to get his treat, I would have a line of three nicely sitting doggies!

I don't know which was the stronger motivation: the treat, or jealousy over the attention he was getting!

Save

biscuit

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 9, 2007

:lol:

I'm pretty sure it was the attention that caught Yogi's eye, as I haven't yet figured out treats. Little Miss Wrecking Machin ... er, um, the darling and always well behaved Bailey :blink: has turned out to love carrots just as much as Yogi and Lady - and Biscuit - do and did. Peanut butter, however? The reaction is eh, so what? Etc.

So I haven't yet determined a desirable treat specific to training that has nothing to do with carrots. But I will.

I can say, however, she's just smart as a whip. I tell her something *once* and that's all I have to tell her. Except when it comes to the loofahs and gourds drying on the vines outside.

Save

Mikey T

· #4 · Dec 9, 2007

So I haven't yet determined a desirable treat specific to training that has nothing to do with carrots. But I will.

I can say, however, she's just smart as a whip. I tell her something *once* and that's all I have to tell her. Except when it comes to the loofahs and gourds drying on the vines outside. [/b]

UMM the treats do not have to be specific to training. Heck you can use kibble.

Loofahs and gourds sound ideal too :lol:

Save

Lightning&Stomps

· #5 · Dec 9, 2007

Stomps picked up a trick I'd taught Lightning--to bite the heads off dandelions. (I thought it was a good way to get rid of dandelions, but it's not.) Anyway, several years ago somehow I taught Lightning to bite the heads off dandelions, after which I would praise him lavishly. Stomps DID NOT like that, so he suddenly started running over and pulling the heads off. I was blown away, as Stomps knows sit and that's about it. Plus, obviously there's a very long period of time between dandelion seasons, so I'm surprised they remember from year to year. But they always do.

Save

biscuit

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 9, 2007

:lol: :lol: OMG, that's a great idea, Lightning --- I'll teach her to weed!!! :lol: :lol:

And, Mikey, I *want* a treat specific to teaching her (and Yogi) little tricks. They might love their carrots, but I'm getting realy sick of them. :blink:

Save

Yogi's Mom

· #7 · Dec 9, 2007

My dogs love hot dog cookies. I mostly use them for training or special situations. I cut them up into very small pieces about the size of a fingernail. I wrap them up in about four paper towels and put them in the microwave for about three minutes. I usually only make two at a time. They really "sweat" in there and can be messy if you don't use enough paper towels. Anyway as you can imagine it really dries out the hot dogs. I use turkey or chicken hot dogs. I keep them in the refrigerator. They really get my dogs attention.
I can't wait to see pictures of your new doggie!

Save

biscuit

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 9, 2007

Ooooh, that mght be just the ticket, Yogi's Mom! Thanks!

And hopefully, I'll get a camera this week. I just ended weeks of 12-14+ hour days, so I finally have time to get a camera. I've missed some great ones already, like the little darlings sleeping cheek to cheek and Miss Bailey standing on the living room table :blink: . But this is the week I'll finally remedy my broken camera situation!

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month