Re-evaluating training approach

[debbiej]

for several weeks now I have been watching and thinking about some of Boris' behavior. I guess this is a branch off of the chain vs prong thread, and the advice given there kind of coming into focus for me.

that private trainer we went to helped me a great deal, but after a while I became uncomfortable with some of her methods. I think now that she (and I) misread this dog. I know it dosen't matter why a dog behaves how he does if the behavior is bad. But I wish I'd understood more about him before taking Boris to her. I have seen changes in Boris, some very very good, but some that I'm a little sorry for. It is still way too hard to keep his attention on what he is supposed to be doing, but that is my fault for not taking little steps and training more. although not by any means a fearful dog, he is acting a bit unsure of himself. ears back, looking over his shoulder during heeling exercises in class. jumpy. I need to back off the corrections, and start being a lot more positive. I tried last night, lots of treats and praise and I did start to see him relax. the class where I'm going now isn't perfect, but they believe in him, they say he is a good dog. So we are going to start class again. and maybe third times the charm.

[Judi W]

Boris has always been a good dog. You must remember, that you are not going to make him 8 weeks old again, but must work him for who he is and where he is in his learning. I understand how you feel about his worrying. He will recover from this precisely because he is a good dog and a well-balanced dog.