Obedience Tips?

jcberry

jcberry

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I am starting agility with our dog in the summer holidays. When we jump, he tends to get too over excited and playfully jump up and bite me. I have been told to practice obedience with him, has anyne got any good tips or 'sessions' I can practice?
Thanks x
 
Does your doggie know basic commands like 'lie down' and 'stay'? If he does, practise these lots(not so that he gets bored). Then call him, but before he reaches you say Lie down, and stay(this takes LOTS of practise, I still can't get it right now!!). Then when he's jumping say the lie down stay command right after hes jumped, so he won't come running at you.

Thats quite advanced though, but it'll help!!! And basically just really practise yours stays and stuff.

I'm starting agility this ummer too, well I've already started, but hopfully will start some lil comps this summer with Buddy!!

Good luck and have fun with Sam(?)!!!
 
Be gentle but firm.

Don't use Samuel's name if your telling him off, only when your praising.

So if he goes the wrong way don't go "SAM!" in a growley voice, say something like "NO!" in a bold loud and pursuasive voice and then, "Sam, here" in a nice and positive voice, never tell him off using his name. Lots of praise if he does soemthing well and just remember to have fun!!
 
Yeh, he knows 'stay' 'down' and 'sit' ermm 'here' or 'heel' . Thanks for the tips
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When he jumps up and bites you, turn around quickly and walk away avoiding eye contact. He'll soon get the message that this is not acceptable behaviour as he's not being rewarded. I would avoid using any vocals as this will be perceived as communication with him and therefore he has your attention. Far better to ignore him.
 
I suggest you also practise some general training with him, along the lines of Good Citizens' award type of training, as well as 'pure' obedience., e.g.:

1. Making him sit & wait at gates/doorways & only being allowed to come through calmly once you have gone through & sitting or standing quietly to have his lead put on/taken off.

2. Practising 'instant downs'. Only do this right up close at first & make sure he goes down first time, every time before you even think about taking a step away from him! The fact that I can drop my dogs any time, anywhere, at any distance is because they were never given the option to refuse or disobey in the early stages of their training! lol
Keep it lighthearted & maybe use a treat at first to get him going down with speed & enthusiasm.

3. Stays & learning to relax. Same principle as above but don't use food & never call your dog out of a stay. (Use 'wait' or simply 'down' if you intend to call him to you. My dogs are confident at staying because they know that 'stay' means 'stay where I left you no matter what happens & I will be coming back'....at some point! lol
They also know to 'settle' when they're not doing anything in particular, as I don't want them bouncing around getting over-excited & stupid whilst waiting for 'their turn'.

Re. the jumping up etc., a firm 'off' should suffice, backed up with 'game over' if he continues to offend. Being removed from training & put in a down is way less fun & the brighter ones soon learn to behave! For diehard offenders, a water spray or rattly tin can work wonders though!
Look where you're going (& where you want the dog to go! lol), as confusing signals excite youngsters quicker than anything, so no 'windmill arms'! lol
Keep it all fun obviously but always under control!

Agility is very exciting for young dogs & they often forget their manners! I am quite strict with youngsters & don't allow them to play with or sniff at other dogs when they go for a training session - once they're past the 'need to socialise' stage it's out of the car, in for training, back in the car. Only older advanced level dogs are allowed to charge around at the end of the night with their friends but that right has to be earned first! lol

Hope you have fun - agility is great!
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