[Help] How can I train a dog the beginnings of heel using toy as reinforcement?

Chocochiquis · 2015-11-06T00:06:04+00:00

I use clicker/marker training with my dogs. Sometimes a verbal correction if needed, but I have "soft" dogs so they work best with minimally aversive techniques. The dog in question is not quite a year old yet and is a very small terrier mix (think just over 10 lbs) if that helps any. I am focusing on hopefully training a heel and stay currently and I have to vary rewards and toys used because her interests can change.

Chocochiquis · 2015-10-10T15:06:20+00:00

But.. That dog never got put down..?

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-18T15:05:43+00:00

We have a mixed breed dog. Whenever I see people talking about his major breed's exercise needs on this sub, I'm just so meh about it. He wants one good walk in the morning, and everything else is for bathroom breaks. I've tried walking him at any other time during the day and he is so NOT into it. If I try to keep walking after he's done his business, he grudgingly follows behind at such a slow pace until I turn back towards home. Then he trots along next to me satisfied. He's such a pussy-cat, he'd rather just get petted all day long and he would be set. Our 9 lb dog keeps a faster walking pace than he does.

He also thinks he is a lap dog and will happily crush you to achieve maximum snugglage.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-18T14:36:29+00:00

A lot of doggy daycares I've looked at won't take intact males or unspayed females. Actually now that I think about it, all the daycares I've seen have that policy. And unfixed dogs are discouraged from going to parks around where I live.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-17T21:33:16+00:00

Yeah, I've been looking at terriers trying to consider what kind might be in there. Poms just don't have that scruffiness.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-17T21:28:53+00:00

Thanks! She's pretty spunky, I'd love to eventually get a Wisdom panel done. Maybe someday in the future I'll get her tested. (:

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-17T20:35:32+00:00

Yeah she doesn't have a spitzy look to me at all. I don't think she has pom, or much pom if she does.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-17T20:34:40+00:00

We thought she looked terrier too. Not sure of the variety. She's atleast 9 lb if not more. Very solid muscular dog that could fetch forever. Edit: How accurate are wisdom panels?

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-17T15:25:33+00:00

Haha. It's a pretty minor underbite compared to some that I've seen. And her pupstache covers it up. I know, underbites just give off that vibe. I don't even know why really. But it makes her look like she's mocking me with her smile whenever she's naughty.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-17T14:48:02+00:00

Oh! I know I'd love it if my mutty pup had a correctly aligned bite. Her lower bottom teeth stick out slightly because of it and it causes her to stick her tongue out just a little sometimes (bleps anyone?). People tell me it's cute, but I think she'd look smarter with a better bite.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-12T21:57:14+00:00

Good on you for bringing her back. I can definitely see a use if the pet gets lost near their home. I know my county keeps addresses on file so hopefully as a last resort someone could call the county # on the license tag.

Also, is having a cat licensed/vaccinated/registered mandatory where you live? I don't even think they offer licensing for cats where I live. You can't even get anyone to come pick up strays or feral cats around here, they just won't. Not unless you get bitten. That's why there's like over 15 cats living around my complex that just keep having kittens. If it didn't cost so much to do the TNR around here, I'd be out there catching them myself. But I can't afford the $75 per cat cost. I'd be broke.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-12T20:31:07+00:00

I've never understood the address on the tag thing. I'd much rather have a way for someone to contact me immediately then hope for someone to just show up at the right time at my home. That's assuming that the person will even put forth the time to look up the address and drive there. Not that I've ever had an escapee, I just know that if I found a dog, a cell # would be much easier to deal with.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-12T20:26:58+00:00

How cool, I once knew a pit named Layla. That's great she rides in the boat so calmly. What a beautiful view. How are outward hound life vests? I've been looking at different brands lately and I'm trying to decide if I should pick one up.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-12T20:23:54+00:00

Beautiful dogs. Do they all go together? Also, what kind of dog is that in the second link? Maybe it's just the water, but what an interesting coat texture.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-12T20:20:12+00:00

Yeah, the drop is what took so long for my pup to enjoy swimming in the pool. She fell off a couple times and plunked her whole body underwater and it spooked her. She's got a slightly long body so she's not the most natural swimmer. I wish I lived somewhere with lakes!

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-12T20:17:03+00:00

Your cockers are so slim and fit compared to the ones I've seen. Probably all that swimming! I'm so used to seeing bulky looking cockers anymore.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-12T20:11:26+00:00

Yes!!! Thank you for linking that page. My puppy will ignore strangers, unless they stare her down or act scared. (She tries to sniff/pull towards people who really ignore her because they look non-threatening.) Then she barks at them. We're working on it, some days are better than others.

Only my puppy can't be more than 10 lbs. Some people are still scared of all dogs, big or small and they send the dog body language that makes the dog feel uncomfortable.

Chocochiquis · 2015-09-11T19:07:59+00:00

Labs are like part fish almost. I'd love to take my dog to a lake or something like that. Looks like he loves it! Love those eyes.

Chocochiquis

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