Quote:
Originally Posted by Mayzoo  From my reading, and I have had a few dogs that fall into this category, some dogs have a hard time with abstract thinking when it comes to training. For example, a dog may sit on command 100% of the time at home, but look at you like you grew a third eye when you command them to sit elsewhere. They have to be taught sit at every location you expect them to sit. They will not generalize that term into any location other than where they were taught it.
To limit the need for abstract thinking, I try to use specific terms for specific behaviours. Such as, I use "leave it" exclusively for objects on the ground only, not for people. For Mario, I tell him "quiet" instead if he is whining or barking for attention. If he is behaving protectively at home, I tell him to "stand down" let Bailey handle it (Bailey is our outside protective doggie). Mario is not permitted to be vocal or protective outside our property at all, so keep that in mind.
The method of training is what you are already doing from what I read. Praise and reward every single time for good behaviour and you can either ignore bad behaviour or firmly state no (depending on your training philosophy). The duration between the good behaviour and the reward needs to be very short at first, then lengthen over time with success. If Scottie is quiet for 10-20 seconds after the command, reward and praise, then build from there by slowly increasing your expectations.
A scenario could look like this. Someone approaches, you reassure Scottie. If he is quiet, you praise and treat. If he is not quiet, you command quiet, then praise and treat if he is quiet for the expected time frame. In this type of scenario if Scottie were not quiet, I would tend to go with a firm, calm "No Scottie, quiet" and then praise and treat if he is. I usually warn someone if a primary goal during our discussion is to train my dog so they do not view my actions as rude.
Knowing why Scottie is barking can help, but is not a requirement. Is he being protective or is he upset/afraid? If you believe he is afraid or anxious, you might try picking Scottie up to greet others for a while. When you see someone approach, and before Scottie becomes upset, pick him up and reassure him. You greet the person and give treats when Scottie is quiet. As he improves, you may try just kneeling to pet him as the reassurance, then slowly allow him to remain on the ground.
It is a long road full of consistency and patience. |
Mayzoo, thanks for this! Really appreciate it!
I've also read and understand about the need for training indoors and out and in different environments.
We've been working on praise and reward whenever he's quiet after seeing a dog during walks. It's a very quick switch from quiet to full on defence/barking/crazy mode. I see it happen each time: he's walking, he sees a dog, he's freaking about what to do, then there's no solution but to bark aggressively. Not completely certain, but I believe he's fearful of all dogs on leashes, big or small. He's always been a fearful little one - it took over a year for him to gain enough trust to not be afraid of fiance's dad, even after seeing him all the time.
I've worked to calm him down with treats whenever we see dogs. It works for a day and then he forgets. Maybe the issue is that it's become so ingrained in his mind, it's taking a much longer time to correct it. This started over a year ago and last summer I started trying to correct it with treats. And then of course, winter rolled around last year, and I couldn't train him in the rain, so it got worse from Sept to March.
It used to be the case where if I see him starting to go crazy, I'd pick him up, and he'd be okay and calm. Now, however, even when I hold him, he's barking in his "freakout zone" and can't hear or see me. I don't have a choice now but to pick him up and cover his eyes!
I've done so much reading on training and I understand the methods to correcting behaviours, but I just can't help to wonder if it has been something subtle I've been doing to cause him to be this way
. The praise and treat, the acting confident and calm, the quick tugs on the leash to try to get him to snap out of it - I've tried it all. Yet, I know it's still my fault somehow. No other dogs are like this on the streets. I get
so envious of seeing dogs who wag their tails and are friendly when greeting people and other dogs. I considered going to a trainer, but I'm almost certain they'll be training me on what I already know.
I guess I'm just venting about my struggles. I'm sure I just need more consistency and patience (which I'm always preaching to others). It's just much harder when it's my own issue to deal with. With the number of dogs in my neighborhood, it's so stressful. To be very consistent and train with treats during each walk, he'd be sure to get a stomachache! haha..
