We got a new dog about 8 months ago, and we feel he has finally settled in enough to hone his training (he was really stressed about the changes for a while, but now he seems comfortable). His previous owners taught him to sit, but that's about it. He's usually a very patient dog.
I'm the only person he really listens to, so he can normally get at what I'm trying to get him to do.
However, I'm having trouble teaching him to "stay."
He is very motivated by the training treats and toys I use, and sometimes he is overeager to do things I ask.
I have confused him- when I ask him to "stay," the first couple of times he ran up to me and jumped up on me. I said "down," and he got down. So I clicked the clicker and gave him a treat. Now he's got it in his head that if I say "stay," he's supposed to run up to me and jump on me, at which time I'll say "down" and he'll get a treat.
He does really well at the "down" part, and I want to reinforce that as a good behavior, but now he associates it with the command "stay."
I've kept the training sessions relatively short (10-15 minutes a couple of times a day), and cut them short when he gets too excited.
Any tips/hints?
I'm trying to get him doing more advanced stuff, but he still has some trust issues, and hasn't totally mastered the basics.
ADD: I don't know how relative this is, but he's a 7-year-old Standard Yorkshire Terrier (about as tall as a large Beagle).
How To Use Dog Training Collars
Recommended Answer:Tell him to stay with him on leash, and just curl right around in front of him. Wait 15-20 seconds, then return to his side and release him.
As he starts to settle, increase both the time you leave him and the distance you move from him.
Always return to him after a stay - never allow him to come to you.On separate training times, work on the other commands you want him to do. Given his current confusion, don't training anything else right now with the stay.
The Effects Of Dog Training Collars
- stay must be initially taught on leash with you standing toe to toe with the dog... then work up distance when you get successfull
- Here's another way to look at it.
What you might really want is your dog to maintain his sit until you release him. In effect "staying" where he's put.
So for me "Sit" means your butt is on the ground until I give you the release, no scooting forward, no dropping down, etc. Same goes for our drop. How I did this, once I had defined the cue. I would ask for a sit, and just wait a little bit before clicking and treating. Then I would increase or decrease the time, always wanting her to succeed.You always want to work on Distraction, Duration, and Distance. But only one "D" at a time ;)
ETA: Our trainers have always asked us, why we would want to create another step for our dogs. They already know sit, now just increase duration! That's all I was trying to say...
- Dog training is really pretty easy, if you aren't making any of these mistakes. The mistakes made during dog training are usually a result of frustration or just being forgetful. Are you making any of these mistakes while trying to train your dog?
1. Using Different Cue or Command Words - When training your dog you should always use the same word or "cue" during training. The use of many different words can be confusing to your dog and he will not learn what it is you want from him.
2. Physically Punishing Your Dog During Dog Training - Do you hit or smack your dog when he or she doesn't do what you ask or does something unacceptable to you? Physically punishing your dog only causes your dog to either fear you or can cause your dog to become aggressive.
3. Yelling or Shouting During Training - If you are yelling or shouting at your dog while trying to train, you are defeating the purpose all together. You want your dog to obey your commands in your calm voice. By yelling, you are only going to cause confusion for your dog Always make your commands or cues in your normal, calm voice. Using different tones of your voice is not the same as yelling or shouting.
4. Training sessions lasting longer than 10 to 15 minutes - Your dog training sessions should only last from 10 to 15 minutes. Your dog will not continue to keep his or her attention on you for longer periods than this. You need the training sessions to be beneficial and thinking that your dog will pay full attention for long periods of time is like expecting a toddler to sit in one spot for more than 5 minutes.
5. Forgetting To Praise Or Treat Your Dog EVERY TIME he or she follows a command or acts appropriately - You have to remember to give your dog praise or a treat each and every time he or she follows a command or is acting in the manner you are expecting.
6. Training When In A Bad Mood - If you are trying to train your dog when you are in a bad mood, had a bad day or are not feeling well, your dog will not get the full benefit of your efforts and this can cause you aggravation. It can also confuse your dog Always wait to train your dog when you are in good spirits.
Dog training is an important and vital part of your dog's life. A trained dog is happier, healthier and safer.
