silverjackal: (Default)
silverjackal ([personal profile] silverjackal) wrote in [personal profile] nightdog_barks 2010-10-22 12:58 am (UTC)

If you go with the Halti introduce it slowly and gently -- first let her sniff it, then give a treat, then hold it open and coax her to put her nose through it, give a treat, etc. In fact that's quite enough for a first introduction. Many people just bang it on the dog, which causes the dog a great deal of distress because there's suddenly this thing on their face and they can't get it off. Slow and positive is the key, working up gradually to having it on, then letting the dog roam around the house with it on, etc. before ever snapping on the leash and walking out the door.

That said, every dog reacts individually. My hypersensitive spastic isn't at all bothered by the head collar, and I was able to put it on him in one continuous go, take it off, put it back on half an hour later, and then walk him in it later that evening. No stress, because the Fiend is weird. :D (That's actually also why I recommend the Halti as opposed to the Gentle Leader(TM). The latter is tight on the dog's face, and some dogs never adjust to it. In contrast the Halti just sits there loosely unless the dog pulls, which is an aid to training as well.)

As for your description of Chango's "fetch", that's not fetch, it's another dog-game called KEEP AWAY! Humans can't win that one. The way to teach fetch is to keep the dog in reach (using a dragging leash on long line) and *two* balls, or a ball and treats, or even two balls and treats. And you can simultaneously teach the dog the cue "give"/"drop it"/"out"/whatever you want to call it. Essentially you throw one toy a short distance, and then encourage the dog to come back with it and drop it (on their own, without you asking) for the treat and/or other toy. At that point you throw the ball again. After a couple of repetitions when the dog is returning the ball you can teach the cue (by giving it before the drop and still rewarding the behavior) or you can just work it into a chain. Once the dog has learned that if they bring the toy back and drop it the game carries on you can remove the other aids and just play with the ball. You ensure the continual return by stopping play (i.e. you turn and walk away, you don't chase the dog or ask for the toy) until it's ingrained. Most dogs catch on very quickly, as chasing and retrieving the ball is fun. It's also important not to overdo and bore the dog -- always stop before they tire, to keep the game fresh. And in Chango's case you wouldn't want her to physically overdo because she could hurt herself with overexertion until she sheds some weight and gains fitness. I wouldn't throw more than three times at first, slowly working up to five, more distance, etc.

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