The Unbiddable Dog

There are basically two groups of dogs as far as training is concerned. There are those easy to train dogs like Labradors, Golden Retrieves, German Shepherds, etc. These are dogs that when you say “fetch the paper.” They gladly do it and ask to do it again. These are dogs that will do your bidding. They are usually in the sporting and working dog breed groups. They want to work for you. Then there are the not so easy to train dogs. Terriers and toy breeds can be among this group. These are the dogs that see themselves as self employed. When you say “fetch” they look at you as if to say “Why would I do that?” These are usually dogs that are independent by nature and make their own decisions without consulting you first. These are the unbiddable dogs. They don’t always do your bidding.

So how do you train this type of dog? I tell people they need to first find what it is that this dog really wants. What is his currency? It could be food it could be a toy that can be chased or it could be affection. Next, I tell them to picture the task that they want their dog to do. It could be something as simple as learning to lay down on cue. Now is the tricky part. I tell them to break the task into much smaller sub-tasks. Each time the dog offers any behavior that brings him closer to accomplishing the task, he is rewarded. After the dog has consistently offered that smaller behavior then ask him to do slightly more by offering another behavior that works towards our final goal. Every time the dog does a behavior that is in route to the goal, the person must pay the dog with his currency (not yours).

Let’s use the example of having your dog lay down. Let’s say that the dog’s currency is baked chicken. I would start with getting the dog to first sit and give the dog a piece of chicken as a reward. Once I got the dog to consistently sit with the reward, I would then work onto having him lower his nose towards the ground. I would no longer reward for just the sit. I would now wait for him to lower his nose. When the dog consistently offered the lowering of his nose while in a sit, I am then going to work on him stretching a foot forward and rewarding that behavior. I will continue to reward all his behaviors that lead to him lying down. Once he is down, I will give him the food reward, praise and anything else that makes this dog happy.

This can be used for coming when called, stay, tricks, behavior modification, you name it. The problem people have with this method is that it requires a lot of patience and persistence. The trainer must go slow and be methodical. Every step towards the final goal must be celebrated to the dogs standards. Once the dog’s currency has been discovered each new task will become easier and easier. The dog may not become Lassie but he will be more willing to work for you.

 

Sallie Palmer started her dog training profession as a police canine officer. She now teaches group and private classes in Willits and Ukiah. For more information about Sallie and Well Mannered Mutts go to www.wellmanneredmutts.net or call 707-463-3647.