So, as I’ve been saying to anyone and everyone, Turk started his dog training classes this week. He’s been an interesting case since we got him. He’s extremely intelligent and extremely stubborn and extremely anxious, which is and isn’t a great combination. It’s great that he’s intelligent, but that also means you can see the wheels turning in his head, deciding if he’s actually going to do what you say or not.
And what he usually decides is, nah. Unless you have a treat in sight. And only if he thinks that treat outweighs what he’d rather be doing. When we’re out, if he sees other people, smells something interesting, or sees another dog, it wouldn’t matter if I held a steak in front of his face, he wouldn’t listen. Which is precisely why I never got him properly leash trained, despite months and months of pretty steady attempts and a variety of techniques.
Enter professional trainers.
Turk has significantly relaxed his anxiety already because he realizes I’m in control, and we have been able to go for walks during the day, at night (he’s scared of the dark), and even at the busy lake with tons of people and off-leash dogs around. And he has stayed right at my side and has been relatively calm and relaxed. I am so excited cuz now I can actually take him places with me, and I’m the kind of dog owner who would love to take him places with me.
I know everyone loves their dog, but I really am a dog person. Before I was hauling around a baby and the ten thousand accessories she requires, I would take Turk everywhere with me, but the poor guy rarely gets out now that I can’t give them both my full attention and Turk hasn’t been trained enough to be trusted with any less than that.
The whole dog training technique debate has caught my attention again of course. Whew, that is a heated debate, much like parenting techniques. Fanatics on either side always think there’s only one way of doing things, despite differing personality types and temperaments, and that anyone who does differently must not really care about their dogs (or kids). It’s really annoying, but whatever.
Anyway, I’m feeling good, and it’s fun getting Turk out to train as well. He’s absolutely thrilled that he’s getting so much attention and so many walks, and I love that I’m not always yelling at him for one thing or another or too frustrated with him to take him out with me.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
congrats to both of you…!! it is great having well behaved dogs. somedays i’m walking 200 pounds of dog down the street and see some poor person struggling to control a 15 pound bichon or something…i get all happy!! there are many training techniques out there. hadn’t thought about it in relation to child rearing. seems like everything now is some huge competition. everyone needing to prove that they are right. whatever works for that dog that owner, that parent and that child. there are many ways to go about everything and anything. cute pictures…but then i’m partial to dog pictures!!
I miss Turk. I love seeing his picture on your blog. You will have to coach me on how not to “untrain” him when I come next week. I like to get him riled up, but not if it will cause him to start nipping at Isla. He is stubborn and cute. He knows he is cute and thinks he can wrap you around his paw.
Yeah the thing is, I’ve always wanted him not to nip at kids, thus the rule about not getting him riled up and letting him bite at you regardless of whose house he’s at.
I really should have started training when I got back I guess. It’s taking a lot of work, so I’m worried about the 2 week break. I wish I could just take him with me. Regardless of how you guys are with him, I’m sure there will be a significant amount of re-training I’ll have to do when I get back. Sigh.