Quote:
Originally Posted by Fritz n Sophie  Janie, you are just a wealth of information! I would love for you to post your training instructions. Can I work with two dogs at once or do I need to work with them one at a time? |
To start off, I would work with one at a time and have that dog paying attention only to you. You want his or her undivided attention. Later, when dogs are fully trained, perform all commands with no problems and are used to obeying your commands, you can work them at the same time. It's also a good thing to train your dog outside so they get used to working with your outside and learn that they also need to do what you say outside with a lot of distractions. That way if you dog is taking off bolting out the door, chasing a cat or something, the command "Stop!" could get your dog to stop and wait for you to come get him and not keep chasing the cat.
A dog that works and has an interesting life learning and seeing their endeavors rewarded and knows to obey you will "leave it" when you use that term whatever they are doing. It keeps OCD behavior and other bad habits from even getting started usually but if the dog does start to drift into that, using a command to stop it each time will soon teach the dog to not even start to do it again. But if you do see an active, trained dog trying to develop a bad habit, it's a good idea to step up his activities and give him more challenges. It will reinforce his sense of accomplishment and give him confidence and a dog like that is not nearly so likely to be a nervous, unsure or possessive dog. And thank you for the kind words!
