I'm back.
I was thinking. Since Oliver has a history of only obeying "come" occasionally, I think you should reteach it and use a different word. Once he's learned it, only use your word that means come when you are prepared to back it up by going to get him. You don't want to let him practice refusing a come command.
As far as "no", you need to understand that no isn't really a command. Dogs learn what that should do much easier than what they shouldn't do. For instance, sit instead of jumping on me, down/stay during meals instead of begging for food, etc. This is the challenging part - it's up to You to figure out what behavior you want to replace the unacceptable behavior, then teach it. Oliver sounds more than capable of learning what you do want if it's clearly explained to him.
Does that help at all?
By the way, I like your idea of "go get a toy" instead of biting my ankles. Maybe you can try to get the command out in that second when he's about to go for the ankles but before he actually does. I don't think I'd play with the toy with him if he has first bit your ankle. He might learn that biting your ankles is how to get you to play with him!
Jeannie's suggestion to stomp your foot might help with the ankle biting and is worth a try. Be careful, though, your little guy might think you are playing a game.
__________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!
Last edited by FirstYorkie; 10-25-2006 at 07:04 AM.
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