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Old 02-26-2007, 05:41 AM   #9
lizziepooh_1
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ottawa
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marina View Post
LOL I just made the sound...Chewy looked confused.
That's the idea! The point of making the "ERGH!" sound is that it is a unique sound (the word "no" might be confusing because it is used in our vocabulary so often). When puppy is confused by this sound, s/he will look at you like "what the-?" Now that puppy is distracted from the first unwanted behaviour, you can either substitute behaviors (give her a toy) or give her a command (ie: "kisses" or "watch me") so that you can praise her for following a command. I would never interrupt a behaviour in a negatively physical way. I say "negatively" because sometimes I do "physically" interrupt her: when Tia is biting hard and not listening to my negative marker, I will put my thumb and forefinger in her mouth and pry her mouth open so I can introduce a toy. Although I am physically intervening, I am in no way spanking or doing anything for her to fear me.

I know you said that you don't have time for obedience classes....but it sounds like maybe you should make the time....so that the time you spend with your Yorkie will be more enjoyable and less frustrating, for both of you. These classes teach about communication, and problem solving. The class I'm taking really jams a lot of info into 1 hour....I even typed up the main points of the lesson for myself, so i wouldn't forget, and I try to practice them almost every day (I did spend $$ for these lessons, so I'm making sure I'm getting the most out of them). I don't think you will see results after just 1 1 hour lesson, but take what they teach you, practice it 2-3 times per day for 5-10 minutes each time, and see where that takes you.
HTH
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