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Yes...squirrels I think will be the most challenging for us! We just can't get past that "hard stare" of his! It'll take some time, but I'm sure we'll eventually get there. Luckily for me, he's a very fast learner, and LOVES our training sessions, so he tends to make some things easy for me!
Yes...squirrels I think will be the most challenging for us! We just can't get past that "hard stare" of his! It'll take some time, but I'm sure we'll eventually get there. Luckily for me, he's a very fast learner, and LOVES our training sessions, so he tends to make some things easy for me!
When I see that he's getting that focused "hard stare" and I know he sees a squirrel or something I start talking to him.
In the past, when I wasn't paying attention and he's seen a squirrel I've had to literally sit down to hang on to his leash.
I've got a 3 acre lot with lots of squirrels and other dogs that want to visit when we go for walks.
Your neighborhood sounds like the perfect obstacle course for dog trainers!
When I see that he's getting that focused "hard stare" I start talking to him. In the past, when I wasn't paying attention and he's seen a squirrel or something I've had to literally sit down to hang on to his leash.
I've got a 3 acre lot with lots of squirrels and other dogs that want to visit when we go for walks.
Your neighborhood sounds like an obstacle course for dog trainers!
That's where I was always losing him before (right before and up to the stare). It's almost like he would completely disconnect from me. Yesterday he didn't at all, which was HUGE for us! It wouldn't have even mattered before if I talked to him, or threw chicken in front of him (yes, I tried that). He was just too intent on...whatever is was that he was focused on, he didn't even know I was there I don't think. I would literally have to stop, get in front of him, and put him to a sit to get him to calm down, but once I thought he was ok, and we'd start off again, disconnect! "In motion" has been our biggest obstacle so far...but it's getting better by the day! I'll probably give him another week before we hit squirrel alley!! lol
That's where I was always losing him before (right before and up to the stare). It's almost like he would completely disconnect from me. Yesterday he didn't at all, which was HUGE for us! It wouldn't have even mattered before if I talked to him, or threw chicken in front of him (yes, I tried that). He was just too intent on...whatever is was that he was focused on, he didn't even know I was there I don't think. I would literally have to stop, get in front of him, and put him to a sit to get him to calm down, but once I thought he was ok, and we'd start off again, disconnect! "In motion" has been our biggest obstacle so far...but it's getting better by the day! I'll probably give him another week before we hit squirrel alley!! lol
Oh yeah. I know that stare well.
Hunting instinct takes over... we're not part of the equation!
He's a beautiful boy! Do you have any idea why things fell into place yesterday?
Thank you!
I really wish I knew, that way I would know exactly what I did...or didn't do differently. Honestly, I think it's my faith in him more than anything. Before I really (and I mean really) started working with him on this issue...I always knew there would be a problem. He's always been a good leash walker, but then when it came to other factors, people, or other animals, he'd lose all attention to me.
Here lately, instead of working on other obedience training, I've solely worked on FOCUS and remaining calm. Each day I could see imporovement....and my confidence in him was building, so I guess his was too. Yesterday, as we started approaching the house with the 3 little dogs, we stopped (so I could take a moment), I talked to him and gave him some love, said..."you can do this puppy," and continued our walk. Well...he showed me that yes...in fact...he CAN do this.
I was completely floored when I said his name, and he immediately, without hesitation, turned around to look at me...I almost screamed with joy! lol
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