mark_mjs93 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 (edited) i have been trying to train the pup now for months, ive lost count on how many exactly but i have now had to start from scratch, its really hard work and its getting me down, making me think that he wont make it to the field its really down hearting, im trying to keep the sessions as fun as i can, but he obviously doesnt find them fun, as soon as it comes to training time his ears go back his tail is between his legs and he makes a path for the crate, so i either have to get him out of his crate or close the crate before its time for training to save that part, it may sound harsh but im at the end of my tether, its only me hes like this with and its now at the point were if he is still refusing to train by the end of this month, thats it, im giving up on training him, this may make me sound bad, but i have tried for months and i just cant, ill hand the leash over to mum and ask her to try, ill garuntee he will train with her, but still im saddend and im losing it, im going to give NTTF's 8 week obidience course if at the end of this there is no luck then im sorry but ill hang up the training kit for him any tips on how i can get him to like me more, because that is the problem, he likes my mum more, and he just bloody hates me, i have never hit him, or raised my voice directly at him, i have before raised my voice (ok full blown yelled) when he has been in the room, and i think this could be a reason, but PLEASE im at a loss, someone can you tell me how i can make my pup like me more, mum spoils him, but i dont want to do that as i want him to be strong trained rather than a wussy little over spoilt lump.... someone please i beg, nay, PLEAD for some tips, im absolutley losing it, (btw i dont get angree towards the dog in training i usually end up beating myself up about it afterwards) PLEASE i really want to see him working one day but he has forgotten all previous training, ill get some pictures of how he acts in training and ill post them, to give you an idea please SOMEONE anyone.... ATB Mark :look: i dont know whats up with me today i cant type the words i want to... i meant to type for the title Losing my friend Edited June 3, 2009 by mark_mjs93 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmooney Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 I think you have the answer in the question. You said he responds to mum and she is gentler with him, but he drops his ears and makes for the crate when you train him. He's probably just a soft dog and needs a softer training regiment along with loads of positive reinforcement. Being soft won't affect how he performs in the field, just how you train. The whole point is to make the dog want to please you by doing what you ask, not scaring them into complying. Each dog is an individual and responds to stimulus in their own way, the trick is finding the way. I had 2 English Setters: Molly and Shady. Shady I can correct with a raised voice. Molly I could have cracked over the head with a lead pipe and it was only 50% that she would have listened. Same breed but totally different dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ODG Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 Yup, similar thing with my two... Cei is a breeze, used to loud noises, yelling, arm-waving, and machinery (grew up around tree-surgeons all day) - I can beat her with a stick and she'll enjoy it! :look: Lily on the other hand is quite excitable, so I have to be careful not to get her too excited during training as she'll go mental. Same breed (Welsh Terriers) but completely different characters. Adapt the training to suit the dog - use soft commands, treats, and plenty of praise when good. Try not to discipline the bad too much at first until he warms to you a bit more. Something that's really hard is your own emotional state. I see this all the time with Lily - my partner Andy gets really frustrated with her and although outwardly he's trying to behave normally, she seems to pick up on his internal frustration and shies away from him when he gets this way. You have to try and remain calm and positive all the time. If you find you're getting frustrated, stop the training and try just paying a fun game with the dog for a while until you've both settled down, then go back to the training. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveH Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 (edited) As others have said, different dogs respond differently. My two Labs have totally different temperaments and needed to be trained in different ways - my dog needs a firm hand (give him an inch and he'll take a mile) but my bitch needs a much more low-key approach. Your comment "i want him to be strong trained rather than a wussy little over spoilt lump" makes me wonder whether you have preconceived ideas and aren't adapting your approach to suit the dog. The dog will pick up on your frustration and this will make training sessions even more stressful for both of you. If it was me I'd be concerned that the dog was trying to avoid me and I'd lay off the training for a while - play with dog instead, give it some treats when it comes to you, whatever it takes to build a positive relationship. Then start to throw in some simple training and build on small successes - masses of praise, end on a positive note etc. Edited June 3, 2009 by SteveH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jinxy72 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 (edited) u have pm :look: but it does take time and every dog is different ... some just take longer than others . Edited June 3, 2009 by jinxy72 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_mjs93 Posted June 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 i have tried all, im a soft touch when it comes to training, i am slightly hard at times but other than that im as soft if not softer than mum with him, he is fine with me sometimes but when it comes to training NOPE he is scared ofme and i dont know why :look: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jinxy72 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 could have had a bad experiance with a 'male' at some point .... and finds it easier with a female because of this ... did u know the breeder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 FORGET training and concentrate on building a relationship with the dog, forget his age, forget your aspirations on his progress, forget the lot. Get him confident and happy to see you because he knows's he'll have a good time. That doesn't mean let him develop bad habits, but you need your dog happy to see you if you want to move forward. This will not be fixed overnight, be patient, it could take weeks or months. How old and what breed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickyspringer Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 I have the same thoughts as many of the others, I have been so disheartened with my young bitch, just keep going, what breed and how old... don't even train anymore,give that a miss, build a good relationship...that is the foundation to any good training regime, HAVE FUN, you relax also as the dog will feel the anxiety going on in your head, your just need to let this dog be a pup, don't do any training, in my experience all the hrd work you put in when you have the pup, reverses between 6 & 12 months. Don't get me wrong do all the basics, Sit, Recall.But really concentrate on the fun, letting the dog "run in" when you throw the ball. Running up and down your local field,turn dirction sharply and get the dog to follow...loads of praise. You'll get there persistance is the key, and with gundog training and so on, it is honestly 1 step forward 3 steps back. GOOD LUCK YOU WILL GET THERE< need any more encouragement just PM me. Regards RickySpringer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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