Sharpening up a casual lab

[Laura1812]

Hi there,

I'm after a bit of training advice for my 2yr old un-neutered lab. He is an angel im most ways, but recently he has begun to get a bit casual when out in public in regards to his response time to being called back etc.... he has basically starting doing things in his own time and if something is more interesting, particularly playing with other dogs, he basically ignores me until im yelling my head off at him.

At home, responses are much sharper. He is trained to sit, down, heel, stay, paw, play dead etc etc. When food is a reward all commands are met at lightening speed!

Also, when told to heel, you sometimes look back and he is sniffing the pavement rather than keeping up with me!!

Whats the most effective way to go about sharpening up his response times especially when in public places such as on the beach etc?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dizzydancer]

Do you have food with you? Or his favorite toy?
Also do you call him back even when nothing more interesting is going on and give him a treat so he knows comin back means food. Train him in all places- i take my pup up to the field and train him there with smells etc not just at home. He knows my pocket has food in. We also started whistle training so if voice fails that's a back up.
I'm intrigued as to how walking on pavement he can trail behind don't u use a lead? If not that's dangerous and if its an extendible one then keep it short that way if he stops to sniff u can tell him heel and give sharp tug on lead to get attention and reward when he heels.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Take him out hungry and feed him by hand from your pocket. At all times. If you want to go the whole hog like I do ONLY feed from your pockets, have an old bodywarmer and feed him from that instead of a bowl. It isn't cruel, it's just feeding from a different receptacle.

Use a whistle and drop using your voice - if I read correctly you are calling and calling and calling and he has been merrily ignoring you with no correction/consequence, you have taught him to ignore you in the nicest possible way so that ship may have sailed, he needs a new cue.

 

[Alec Swan]

.......

.......A. he basically ignores me until im yelling my head off at him.

.......B. When food is a reward all commands are met at lightening speed!

C.Whats the most effective way to go about sharpening up his response times especially when in public places such as on the beach etc?

.......

A. Speak softly and carry a big stick (metaphorically).

B. For rewards, read bribes.

C. Dogs don't learn respect whilst they have the choice as to whether they listen to you or not. Whilst lifting his own leg, your dog's also lifting yours. He is in short, pleasing himself, and toughening up a bit, in public may well teach him that you mean what you say, and you will be obeyed.

It has always been my opinion that those who use food inducements always have a dog which has the choice as to whether it should be compliant and obedient, or consider itself above such trivialities.

There are many on here who will disagree with me, but you've asked for opinions, and the above are mine!

Alec.