Aggravation!!!

[rebeccaferrell]

I know most of you can relate to the pup or dog that has selective hearing, particularly when asked to "come". Otis has always been deliberate in his response to "come"; sometimes it takes a "Otis Ferrell come here NOW". Well Lila and Otis together are deaf. Lila is so busy baying and grabbing Otis and he's too busy playing with her to even bother with coming when called. Lila bonded with Otis instead of Amos, my Johnny on the spot with commands.
So, I went back to working with Lila alone to refresh the "come" command, which she knows perfectly well. Now I'm using my 30ft tracking line and letting Otis out with her. Lila picked up on this quickly too. Treats and a lot of praise worked well. HOWEVER, when the lead is off, their brains are gone again.
I think it's time to invest in an eCollar. Marlo's demonstration of it at ELF day made perfect sense on how to use it.
My question is at what age would you use the eCollar?

[Stan]

I started Bella around 7 months but used it cautiously, she had her basic commands but this is when she started looking at me and saying nope not coming. She needs reminders occasionally-yesterday while I was mowing the grass and she straightened right up. As for using your tracking lead I would be hesitant about using it for anything but tracking. She needs to associate the lead with the tracking experience. I keep Bella's tracking lead and a totally different collar in a pack and go thru the same steps every time we are going to work. She knows if I pick up that pack and she sees her collar and lead it is go time and she becomes all business. If you need just use a long check cord different material and color than the one you are going to track with.

[CNToo]

I've been known to chunk rocks! That's been a while, though. I don't want anyone to think I'm abusing my Lacys.

We already have our hands full with Jemma Jean! She only minds when she wants too. And, here lately, she never wants to! We're working on it, though.

[rebeccaferrell]

Yesterday I was putting down some really big limerocks under the gate which is where the neighbor's dog tries to dig in and Otis digs out. But I had to open the gate to do this. Of course, little missy scooted out. She thought it a game but I was dead serious that she get back in. She would look scared for a second then go right back to play mode. I'm going to bring my lunge whip up to the gate again. That really gets their attention when they see me whacking it all around and hollaring at them. I'm sure my neighbors think I need to be committed.

[podunkheaven]

Rebecca

Once they commit you it is SO EASY to get out...we need to talk.

Cristi:

It's funny that you mentioned throwing rocks and reminded me of a "tool" for training dogs. They actually have a chain you throw at the dog to get their attention. It is called a "throw chain". It is used alot in obedience training circles when training for off lead trials.

[joyates]

Mar 25, 2010 11:52:36 GMT -6 @rebeccaferrell said:

Yesterday I was putting down some really big limerocks under the gate which is where the neighbor's dog tries to dig in and Otis digs out. But I had to open the gate to do this. Of course, little missy scooted out. She thought it a game but I was dead serious that she get back in. She would look scared for a second then go right back to play mode. I'm going to bring my lunge whip up to the gate again. That really gets their attention when they see me whacking it all around and hollaring at them. I'm sure my neighbors think I need to be committed.

Rebecca, you are cracking me up! I can so see a mental picture of you and your whip! ;D

[Stan]

I won't say it but you know Clifford and Blue Dog have a remark headed your direction about the whip image...........

[Clifford]

The image of Elvira with a whip is nothing compared to the one of her in the black leather with a mask!