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Originally Posted by Zumie05  I don't know why you guys think that what I am talking about here is micromanaging your dog. |
Maybe because that's what you SAID??
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Originally Posted by Zumie05 make sure that your dog works for everything
She must obey a command before doing anything she likes
you must also tell her when it is okay to do the things she likes |
You have to remember when writing that those with no experience will take what you say LITERALLY. Taken literally (as in what you said), this most certainly would be micromanaging. And a miserable existence!
Maxxx's astute observation is exactly why I pointed it out. You most certainly can kill your dog's spirit by not respecting and accommodating the dog for who the dog is.
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Originally Posted by Maxxx I agree with Moondog and Skip. I've noticed lately that Max was losing his spirit/dogness because I've been micromanaging him. I made him work for everything and I think that actually made him more difficult and challenging. Over the past few days, I've relaxed a bit of the training and concentrated on having more fun with him and playing and I've really noticed a difference. I still make him wait for things and follow thru with all commands I give him, but I'm no longer the "fun police" and I find he's much happier and willing to do things. Not becuase I asked, but because he wants to for his mommy... and the tug toy  |
You are right on, Maxxx. The idea is to develop a relationship with your dog that is JOYFUL for both, not a dictatorship where the dog is to be "defeated or bust".
Training is play and Play is training.