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October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

Posted by PHTasha on August 08, 2002 at 15:26:26:

A lot of time has gone by since your post....and your dog is now 13 mos. old or older. So, I don't know how he is progressing with his training, etc. A smart dog is both harder and easier to train. Harder, because they test you to the limits with their ingenuity and easier because they learn pretty fast once they (a) bond firmly to you, and then (b) know what you want.

A friend who trains dogs has suggested getting your dog to focus on your face by putting pieces of hot dog (an irrestable treat in the dog lexicon) in your mouth and spitting a piece out at various times. First, of course, you have to get your dog to look at you (maybe whistle through your teeth?) and then spit out a piece of hot dog. A cluck also works if it focuses attention. A bit of this kind of work will really get your dog zeroing in on your face. Then try a command once attention is gained (one that he knows). If he performs properly, hot dog bit and praise. And so on.

For the counter surfing, try setting your dog up to counter surf by leaving something he can't resist on the counter and hiding. When he goes for it, try either a penny can (a soda can with some pennies inside to rattle) or a Scat Mat, which makes a loud noise when stepped on, or a squirt lemon or lime straight to the mouth (never the eyes!) If your dog is like mine and LIKES things like lemons and habenero peppers, try a solution of vinegar in water (20 to 1 water to vinegar). Again, go for the mouth, not above.
Setting your dog up a few times like this will put it firmly in his mind that when he counter surfs, a bad thing happens (loud noise, squirt, etc.) that doesn't harm him...just scare him enough to make him rethink it.

Tasha

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