IF you could start over

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by Dougal&Little

It's never too late -- and wait is one you have to keep reinforcing anyway. I've had to just do some more work with dixie on wait. She gets so excited at the start line of agility that she keeps breaking. she's excellent at home, pretty good at the park and getting better at agility. And I can leave the front door open to get groceries out of the car a couple of trips. It just takes time and don't forget to praise them when they do it right! (that's what I always forget when i'm trying to get dougal not to bark when tied to something)

Thanks, I will work with him more. He will wait if he knows that I am very serious about it but it should be easier to get him to do so.

[LoveMyJake]

I would not have made a big deal about leaving because both of mine have separation anxiety. They get really upset if I leave or if they even see me getting ready to leave.

I really believe that it's never too late to correct bad habits. You just have to always be consistent and firm. I'm pretty happy with my boys' behavior, but I am always working with them. Yorkies are so smart and they love praise. So, they are usually pretty eager to please. I love working with them and training them, it's a great way to strengthen the bond we have.

[mommaofmia]

What is the clicker thing?

[MeganS]

I would not encourage him to beg (it was so cute when he was a puppy...now it drives us insane).
I would have been stricter about housebreaking.
Not encouraged barking.
Never would have given him table scraps.

He's a pretty good dog...but some things he does are all our fault and I wish we could go back in time.

[morningsting]

Originally Posted by mommaofmia

What is the clicker thing?

This website should help you out:

Karen Pryor Clickertraining | dog training and cat training info, books, videos, events

The clicker is great! I can't wait to start using it.

-Amy

[Thorsmomma]

[quote=sullysmum;1997680]

Originally Posted by Thorsmomma

What would you do? QUOTE]


I thought you meant life in general!!!

Well go right ahead if you want to!!

[Thorsmomma]

Originally Posted by MeganS

I would not encourage him to beg (it was so cute when he was a puppy...now it drives us insane).
I would have been stricter about housebreaking.
Not encouraged barking.
Never would have given him table scraps.

He's a pretty good dog...but some things he does are all our fault and I wish we could go back in time.

It is so dang cute when you hear that first little bark.....I totally know what you mean! This was a big thing on my list too cause the boys got a HUGE mouth!!

[kyancer]

Sebastian is my first dog, and boy do I wish I could go back in time! He is getting much better now that he's in training, and I love him dearly...but here's what I would do differently...

1)Strongly discourage barking
2)Never allow play biting
3)Watch him much closer while housebreaking to prevent accidents, and be able to correct (and clean) the accidents that do occur.
4)Enroll him in puppy kindergarten.
5)Start Obedience Training at a much earlier age.

I think that's it for now, but I'm sure there's more!

[Thorsmomma]

I think I may do clicker training next time. It just seems to make things so clear!

[vegasrush]

I have had Taz about a month and we started clicker training within 2 weeks. He is 11 months old and kinda new how to sit and shake. (But wouldn't stay put for very long). In 2 weeks he sits, lays down, shakes & gives high five. He will come most of the time when called. He used to bolt out the door at my sister in laws, now he stops when I call him. We are working on heel right now. The stay command needs more work and he is not used to all distractions yet. But for 2 weeks he has changed for the better. He also is learning roll over.

[RebelBelle]

Here's a couple:

I would have never started with the potty pads in his playpen because even after I switched to taking him outside he already thought it was "ok" to potty in the house. So its hard for him to learn how to tell me he has to go out.

I would have started brushing his teeth everyday from word go instead of everyother day or every third day cause it's still a hellish experience everyday (as is combing his face).

I would have never let anyone (friends/family) encourage the play biting or the barking.

I would have taught him better manners with guests as now he gets really excited and jumps all over them.

In general I wish I had been in a house without carpet when I first got him, so that I would feel comfortable letting him out without a bellyband. But I'm fixing that this weekend by moving... can anyone say hardwood floors throughout?