For question #2 you might want to use the word 'settle'. I would finally get Sammie settled and it would last about 2 seconds (if that). But I kept doing it and praising her when she settled, that it didn't take too long for her just to lay there and take the praise. Now she can 'sit', 'down' and 'settle'.
It just takes time. I was told that the dog could be startled by the noise of the metal bowl, but could not react agressively. Sammie will jump and look towards the noise, but she doesn't bark or try to attack it. At first I was right there with her and would immediately kneel down beside her and let her know it was alright. Now she jumps a little, then looks at me to see how I'm reacting. If I'm not upset by the noise, she just continues on as if nothing happened. You find that as you work with her, you two will become a team. It's soooo cool!
Keep on trying and don't give up.
Good luck! |