SUPREMELY frustrated

[roisinbutler]

I have been working on getting Ozzys manners better on the lead, he is progressing very well, and we are going for more walks around town. He is physically the strongest he has been, I think EVER, and now that the sass is back in his personality I can SEE him CHOOSE to disobey me. He knows darn well what he is meant to do, and decides to do the opposite. For instance, he just took off out of the yard ( staying at my inlaws this week house and great dane sitting) and led me on a ridiculous chase through the neighborhood until finially I snagged him.
He would not come when called, sit, stay, lie down, heel, all of which he KNOWS how to do.
This behavior of choosing to disobey and trying to lull me into playing and chasing is getting progressively worse.
WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?
we use a clicker with treats and loads of positive attention when he obeys. I can honestly SEE him choose to not listen.

 

[Sailorgirl]

Well, honestly Roisin, I'm sorry you are frustrated but I'm really happy to hear that Ozzy is feeling well enough to frustrate you!

Do you think Ozzy is feeling well enough that you might be able to take him to a formal class? I know he knows all that stuff already but maybe a refresher might help. Assuming, of course, that you talk to the instructor beforehand to explain Ozzy's limitations and what you are comfortable with.

Maybe one of our expert trainers will offer some other advice....

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

I'm so happy to hear that Ozzy has reached a point where he feels good enough to be a typical kid...and kids DO test the limits, just to make sure the folks are really still in charge. I think maybe no off lead time for a while, too.

I've been going through some of this with our little angels lately, too. At 3am, I let Lucy go out in the yard for a quick potty break. She usually just goes as far as the edge of the area that is lit by the spotlight, but this time she just disappeared into the woods for 10 minutes. I'm standing on the front porch, (not dressed to run through the neighborhood), and she is not listening. I couldn't see her, and worse, couldn't even hear her moving out there. I finally ran back inside and threw on some jeans and shoes, grabbed the flashlight, and started out the door...only to find her with her nose pressed against the front door, wondering where the heck I disappeared to! Gotta love 'em, but she's going out "on lead" for a while.

 

[NewfMom]

Kimber still tries to pull stuff from time to time. Last week the neighbors catty-corner behind us put up a new fence and got a dog. Kimber obviously wanted to go greet it. When she came to the back door on lead, I snapped the lead off for her to go in the door. She tried to pull a u-turn and go see the new dog. Luckily, I was standing next to her and snagged her by the tail. She knew she had been bad but wasn't very contrite.

Humph!!!

 

[ardeagold]

I'd have loved to see you chasing Ozzy around the neighborhood!

I know it isn't funny, because he could have been hurt, but still...there's this picture in my mind that won't go away!!

Perhaps it's time to get a little tougher. Or a lot tougher. Pinch collar and leash everywhere...period. No freedom until he's 100% on the sit/stay and recall...every time.

Positive reinforcement works well when a dog isn't distracted...or just plain decides that the treat just isn't as exciting as whatever it is he's doing. That happens a lot with hunting dogs...so, we train with a pinch collar and a check cord. The "negative" training (some feel) of the tug on the collar seems to get their attention better than the promise of a treat. Sometimes a treat just doesn't compare to a running rabbit or squirrel.

It looks like Ozzy needs a refresher Boot Camp course!

Good Luck!!

 

[roisinbutler]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. It does feel good to see him so sassy, and therefore feeling so good, but this has to stop.

Pinch collars, prong collars, can't use them, the worst part of his spine effected by wobblers is his neck. He gets walked on a harness and thats it, any lead correction can not put more stress on his neck.

 

[ardeagold]

Oh, I didn't know that...I'm sorry for even suggesting it. So...that obviously won't work. I guess you'll just have to keep at it with whatever worked before, and stay firm. He'll no doubt come around again...they do like to test us at intervals, and seem to conveniently "forget" what they know. Fortunately, they do get over it!!

Best of luck to you and Ozzy!!

 

[halimeda]

I was given this advice and I believe its the best way to have a well mannered dog.. Never, ever let them get away with something you don't want them to do. If you give a command, you better be able to carry it out. And if they aren't supposed to pull on the lead, for example, do not ever allow it to go on/for them to pull you. Even if you can't correct Ozzie physically when he pulls, you can give a firm "no", and stop walking, or turn around and go the other way. Just make sure you don't keep walking with him pulling you or he will think it is acceptable behavior. CONSISTENCY!

I hope this helps, and I am so happy to hear that Ozzie is doing so much better!!!

 

[sarnewfie]

A fenced in yard also helps if you cannot keep them onleash.
i would never ever trust mine off leash on a city lot.when i lived in the city, my boys were strictly walked on a flexi in my yards.
never allowed off leash.ever.

LOL
i can just picture you chasing ozzy to! LOL

 

[IrishMist428]

Just curious. Have you tried training him outside the house or yard with other distractions. Glad he is feeling better and I wish you luck getting a handle on his behavior. Hope you can get some help .. keep us posted.