Positively | Victoria Stilwell | Forum

I love that you're asking all these questions and are so willing to change your approach for your girl :) Clicker training is awesome and very effective but it does take a little practice I think; and, like Judy said, free shaping for example is not for every dog- the clicker is not a magic tool it'...

I'm 6'6" tall and a former (American) football player Aah- I did wonder if you were possibly a tall and/or loud person :lol: that reminds me of something I forgot to mention: Aim for all training to be completely hands free- challenge yourself to not touch your dog or the lead ;) (if you're in...

With regards to training being fun, I think you've said it perfectly: training should be playtime :D Not in a run riot let's all go wild way, but have you ever watched a dog training class? Most people get super serious when they train 'serious' stuff like down-stay or recall- then somehow when they...

For nose work, this is how I was taught to start off: Hold dog very gently by the collar and toss 1 piece of tasty treat 1-2 feet in front of you, then immediately release dog with the cue 'find it!' The dog of course already knows pretty much exactly where the treat is so will run straight out, and...

Firstly, you sound like a wonderful and dedicated owner :D Re unwanted behaviour- prevent&manage wherever possible! How does that help you may ask? The more a dog does a behaviour, particularly something super rewarding like bin-raiding or sofa-surfing (regardless of whether it is 'good' or 'bad...

Argh I just typed up a long reply and got timed out and lost the whole post sorry! Will try again in brief points, please ask if anything's unclear!

Couple of thoughts in addition to Judy's answer: Bear in mind that there's also often a second fear period around 6 months old, on top of the fact that you already have a shy and sensitive dog, and combined with a really unfortunate incident. Ride it out gently. Don't push her. Give her time and mak...

Happy birthday Delta I CANNOT believe he's 2 already, how did that happen..!?

Judy I can't decide whether I'm horrified or bemused

Gorgeous pictures Judy enjoy the rest of your holiday!

Barking Heads is a good brand, and available from Pets at Home

Good

I'm thinking the hand signal might not be that useful because when I want Jasper to stop he's unlikely to be looking at me - he'll be eyeing up another dog or following a scent away from me. Very true- unlike me who has a dog that generally runs gleefully at me :shock: :lol: :lol: It'll work just a...

$15 for 2 months?!? I need to get a smaller dog

I've found this way works really well: dog meandering around, relatively close not doing anything in particular- I say 'stop' and immediately raise my hand above my shoulder and toss a treat just behind dogs bum (so eventually my raised hand becomes my hand signal). Repeat until you say 'stop' and d...

I agree with Judy- if it ain't broke don't fix it