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Old 05-09-2008, 06:57 PM
blisscodisco blisscodisco is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: bellingham, wa usa
Re: BAD Behavior scared the heck out of me

Both my dogs are pretty good reps for the rottweiler breed. They are friendly social, go to nursing homes and sporting events. My boy has always been a grumbler/purrer and I have learned to just warn people and if they are nervous have them pet my quiet female instead. The one area they are both very naughty on (and I know this is my fault for not ever working very hard at it) is barking like crazy idiots at the mailman/ups guys. Someone told me part of the problem is they are reinforced because the mailman always "runs" away, ie their crazy barking "worked". If I am there they do know enough, quiet etc, but sometimes I have to say it pretty loud
Keep up the positive reinforcements and I actually have "what is it?" command that means you may bark like mad until I tell you enough. We play this game with tasty treats and now I can get them to run to the door and bark and then turn and look at me. I know that seems weird to "teach" the undesirable behavior but if I can control it that is much better. At least you can turn the barking off at your command (even if it has to be a loud command).
Something else to keep in mind is a dogs memory legnth on why you are punishing them is not very long. This is something I have to remind myself of constantly as I would like to stay upset all day. But it really does not good. After the initial "time out" etc it is better to just do something positive and wait for the next training opportunity. Good luck and thanks again for giving Dodge a great loving home.
bliss
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