[ann schnerre]

here's a question for all y'all:

i have a 7 mo old GSD, i've only been using motivational methods (mark behaviors with treats) for OB b/c ultimately he'll be SCH trained.

now, i've started requiring the basic position ("by-heel") before we go out the door, and at random times after our play times (to burn off energy) and in the house, in conjunction w/"sit", "platz", "come here".

i find myself "leading" him, making encouraging noises and telling him "come here"--which to him means a close front (and he's good at it!!), adjusting myself to him so he gets the treat, --i'm driving MYSELF NUTS!!!!

so, i'm thinking: keep your mouth SHUT, stay in *my* position, let him "find" the position that he gets the reward, mark the correct position w/treat, etc. sounds good right? well, how long should i screw around for him to *find* the correct position?

also, he's food-driven ok, but he's WAY more ball/tug driven. should i keep trying different treats at this point, as he gets into drive (and i'm slow) w/his ball/tug, in seconds. remember--i'm just teaching the basic position. so stay w/treats until the position is solid? i do have access to a club, but they're kinda far away, so most of this i do on my own.

since he was 12 wks old, i've been marking "fuss" when he looks at me. so "fuss" to him means "look at mama's eyes", so i want to separate the basic position (by-heel) from "fuss".

so, help me!! he's smarter than i am probably--if even I can tell my screw-ups, you can bet he's all over them!

 

[ann schnerre]

ok, at this point i'm simply trying to train him that the "by-heel" command means to assume the basic position. no steps, nothing, simply come to my left leg and sit.

i've done virtually no compulsion training--just marking w/rewards. so i think i'll just keep on luring, then marking. AND keeping my big mouth shut until it's time for the command/mark/treat. also discovered that working him w/a wall to my left naturally helps him sit straight. so that's our goal for this week.

connie, it's for beginning competition heeling, but also down the road, recall finishes, and everyday heeling. just getting him into the position to start.

bob, you're right about the fuss command. one of the people in the club i go to occasionally (and will probably end up joining), encouraged me to mark fuss as looking in my eyes, so i did, and now he's good at it no matter where he is. so, i'm going to leave that one alone until i get the basic position, then we'll work in fuss before we take that first step off.

at least that's the plan :lol: i think a really good treat is my beginning point here. thanks for the feedback!!