So smart and so infuriating

Kwalz · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:28 am Post subject: So smart and so infuriating

We just rescued our Weim, Gracie. The dog is very smart--she learned to sit and lay down in two hours, and it stuck! We're working on come and stay.

The thing that frustrates me is that when I tell her to come, call her name, or otherwise motion for her to get her docked tail to where I am ASAP, she does as she chooses. If she's not doing anything, she comes, which is how I know that she knows what I'm telling her. If she's sniffing or off-leash at the dog park, I get nothing.

I'm unsure how to discipline/reinforce behavior. She isn't always interested in treats in these situations. Any suggestions?

simis · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:08 pm Post subject:

How long have you had her? It doesn't sound like very long - have you given it enough time for a bond to form between the two of you? She has to trust you before she'll come.

h20fwlkillr · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject:

Never give a command you can not immediately reinforce. That means when giving the "here" command, you must use a lead and reel the dog to you. There can be no room for refusals by the dog.

Asarra · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject:

I got Storm started on the come command by running backwards. This seemed to always work, but she was only 8-12 weeks then and was very fixated on me. Now that she is older, it has been reinforced to the point that she comes about 80% of the time. I know, we need to work on that other 20%.

greydogs · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:35 am Post subject:

i am still working with our rescue, lakshmi. her recall is good, until there is a squirrel.

use a treat she cannot resist. the ultra of treats. and practice in a situation where success is guaranteed. first on a long line, then without.
have fun!