Our September workshop focused on “recall” or coming when called. Trainer Kari Hammargren talked about the importance of making the recall a positive experience for the dog. The easiest mistake we can make is to call the dog over and over until we are frustrated. Then when the dog finally comes or we go get the dog, we reprimand him for not coming immediately. This mistake can teach the dog that coming to us is unpleasant. By making the recall an unpleasant experience we teach the dog to avoid coming to us when we call. You can see how this can rapidly turn into a vicious circle of disobedience.
By making the recall a positive experience, using praise or small treats, Kari got all the dogs in the workshop to come to her when they were called. As the experience is repeated the necessity of using rewards is lessened because the dog learns by conditioning. After a number of successful recalls the response is conditioned and the dog will continue to come when called as long as the experience does not turn negative.
The next training workshop will be “Walking Nicely on a Leash”. This workshop is designed to give you the skills you need to teach your dog how to walk on a leash without pulling your arm out of the socket. Those of you who have experienced a “puller” will certainly appreciate the benefits that come with this workshop. Having a dog that walks nicely on a leash makes it much easier and safer to take your dog with you. These skills save you the discomfort of being dragged down the street and by making it easier to lead the dog, it virtually insures that the dog will be welcome in more places and get to spend more time with you.
The workshop will be held here at Woofers Grooming and Goodies on Monday, November 11th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. You can sign up right now by calling us at Woofers 253 538 0814
By making the recall a positive experience, using praise or small treats, Kari got all the dogs in the workshop to come to her when they were called. As the experience is repeated the necessity of using rewards is lessened because the dog learns by conditioning. After a number of successful recalls the response is conditioned and the dog will continue to come when called as long as the experience does not turn negative.
The next training workshop will be “Walking Nicely on a Leash”. This workshop is designed to give you the skills you need to teach your dog how to walk on a leash without pulling your arm out of the socket. Those of you who have experienced a “puller” will certainly appreciate the benefits that come with this workshop. Having a dog that walks nicely on a leash makes it much easier and safer to take your dog with you. These skills save you the discomfort of being dragged down the street and by making it easier to lead the dog, it virtually insures that the dog will be welcome in more places and get to spend more time with you.
The workshop will be held here at Woofers Grooming and Goodies on Monday, November 11th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. You can sign up right now by calling us at Woofers 253 538 0814
