ORIGINAL: Firefighter194
Wow that was a lot of input...... Have you written a book, if so I'll buy it..... Ok I'm just gonna work on sit and stay in different placesfor the next couple of weeks or months.... Is down stay a good thing to teach to? Should I get sit/stay down first beforeI attempt down/stay?
I was just out in the back yard and he did come back for another toy.... He dropped the one he disliked out of the 2 in front of me about 2 feet, but when I threw the one he liked he brought it back, circled me a couple times then laid down beside me. But its a start and a lot better than what was happening (not coming back).....
When the wife gets home with my camera thats in her truck,I will post a pic of the dog u r so nicley helping me with.......
One more question...... If I dont get him into water until next spring is that gonna screw him up, because the water is getting cold around here.....
No, no books. But about 40 years of experience with dogs. I've had lots of dogs, and trained a bunch over the years. Mostly Labs...
I teach "sit", "down" (which is laying down), "stay", "Heel", "Here", and "NO" During OB. A down/stay combo really isnt necessary. Just tell him "Down" and if you wanthim to stay, "Stay". SO that its 2 separate commands. Really wordy and complicated commands are a no no. Dogs are simple minded anddo best with short, firm commands.
That is good, that is progress in the right direction. Keep working on it. I assume you are a fireman... I'm sure you didnt learn all that you know today, in just one session. It takes time and repetition.
No, it wont screw him up at all. I always tell people, "Its never too late to teach a dog anything, but it can be too soon." The most important thing about intro to water is that you (the handler) are in the water with the dog. Let him know that he isnt going to sink, let him swim around your waist. If he starts to panic and huff and try to claw onto you, just put your hand under his belly and support his as you gently push him away. Make him use his back legs, or get him a floatation vest until he is comfortable swimming.