0n (14 Oct 05) Daryl Stout wrote to ALL...

 DS>   I've had some requests for the recent PetsMart commercials on "The
 DS> Perfect Toy" with the dachshund...and "Obedience
Training" with the
 DS> great dane.


Abbie has calmed down a lot since our work with her after her Petsmart
training yet you never really are done with the work because they need
reminding quite often. :) That is if for example don't see another dog
(one they've met before or a strante one) on a regular basis they tend
to slip up on their behavior when passing those dogs by on a walk. This
is normal! (According to "Leader of the Pack"... book. Dogs are
sociable. They get excited seeing other dogs. The less often this
event occurs the more excited they get when it does. So you always
have to remind them when they forget and reward them with love rather
than at treat as in the start of their training.

The treats are to show them what it is you want them to do or not do.
After that you want the dog to be obeying YOU, rather than just wanting
a treat.

For awhile after stopping the treats on our walks, Abbie would look up
at us for one expecting it when she knew she's been good (passing a
dog without going crazy)... we verbally praise her and pet her
instead. She's getting the message. Both our dogs still do get treats
yes (after being groomed and bathed for example; for being good.)....
But when it comes to being out on a walk you want them to mind your
verbal commands directly without expecting anything else but your
approval.

This is our experience anyway. It differs with other dogs I guess. But
I've seen where when treats are over used the dog will obey ONLY when
they get a treat. Not a reliabe system.

Cindy


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