Too OLD to train?????

[Charlies Mamma]

Ok I used to have an Akita (wishbone) that I took to a place called Dog House Kennel here close to where I live, they were very good to her as she had severe hip dysplasia and could not get around they would come and get her from the car and carry her in for me (she weighed 120lbs) and they just took very good care of her... anyway they have an on site a Tom Rose School for training. It looks as though they do allot of training for shows but do training for everyday people like me too. I did email them and explain my situation and they said they could help me with the areas I wanted to work in (now Im sure they would all tell me that) I did look them up online they have a site The Tom Rose School-School

if anyone with experience in finding a trainer would mind looking at it and see if you notice any red flags that I would not notice I would appreciate it.

The have free sessions on Saturdays so that you can come and see if it is what you are looking for. so I think I am going to go to one of those and see what its about...good idea?????

[Charlies Mamma]

Well, At the advise of some (capt noonie) I have stopped giving treats freely for no reason. He was used to coming to my hand for a treat when I held it up so I have used that in my favor he comes thinking there is a treat but instead he simply praised like crazy with love and hugs. Im sure he feels cheated LOL but it is progress because now I can put my hand up like Im holding a treat and call his name and he comes.

still working on the "sit" trick not sure how to accomplish it I did try the treat and bringing it up to see if he would sit but instead of sitting he just jumped up so maybe I wasnt doing it right.as I said before he waits very well to be fed. he actually goes to the bedroom doorway to wait while I fix his meal, then when I go to the bowl he moves to the living room and stays until I come out of the bedroom then he does in.

I want him to walk next to me on a leash I think my problem there is that when we walk I let him take the leash as far as it will go, (we have no traffic) but my fear is that sometimes he pulls hard and gags and I have read allot on here about collaps trachea not sure if the 2 are connected but made me think it was. if there is advise on this I would appreciate it.

Looked into the training class I had mentioned it is NOT cheap and I am NOT rich so I guess I am going to have to be it for now.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Charlies Mamma

I want him to walk next to me on a leash I think my problem there is that when we walk I let him take the leash as far as it will go, (we have no traffic) but my fear is that sometimes he pulls hard and gags and I have read allot on here about collaps trachea not sure if the 2 are connected but made me think it was. if there is advise on this I would appreciate it.

Looked into the training class I had mentioned it is NOT cheap and I am NOT rich so I guess I am going to have to be it for now.

Are you using a harness? Very important when it comes to Yorkies, imo.

I think a training class will be very beneficial. I know most aren't cheap but you will really learn a lot. I, who enjoys training by myself and taught Jackson everything he knows, even had great fun and learned a ton in our training class. The trainer guides you and helps you with things you sometimes don't even realize you are doing. I paid $165 for an 8 week agility course -- not cheap but totally worth it. I am even planning on doing some obedience courses just to fresh up what we already know.

[capt_noonie]

Glad to hear the progress! I know the fake treat trick works all the time. They won't give up an opportunity for a treat, so even if there is a chance there is nothing, they will still go for it. I do it all the time still with Uni.

The sit, I think you are holding the treat up too high. Hold it in front of his nose, then slowly bring it up just over his head, so when he tries to look at it, he rocks backwards onto his butt.

The leash thing, I have no tips, Uni is a crazy girl with walking.

[Charlies Mamma]

Originally Posted by Britster

Are you using a harness? Very important when it comes to Yorkies, imo.

I think a training class will be very beneficial. I know most aren't cheap but you will really learn a lot. I, who enjoys training by myself and taught Jackson everything he knows, even had great fun and learned a ton in our training class. The trainer guides you and helps you with things you sometimes don't even realize you are doing. I paid $165 for an 8 week agility course -- not cheap but totally worth it. I am even planning on doing some obedience courses just to fresh up what we already know.

No I do not have a harness for Charlie just a collar. maybe I will try that, will that aid in the learning to walk by me or will it simply keep him from gagging?

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Charlies Mamma

No I do not have a harness for Charlie just a collar. maybe I will try that, will that aid in the learning to walk by me or will it simply keep him from gagging?

Well.... both, LoL. In general, a harness CAN make them pull worse. But luckily they have harnesses now to help. There's one at Walmart, like the No Pull harness or something. And there is the Premier Easy Walk harness with a d-ring on the front chest (this is what taught Jackson to walk as a pup). But yep, Yorkies should always wear a harness. Even my 16lb big boy has a very sensitive throat.

[Charlies Mamma]

Well guess im off to wally world after work for a harness