Cookiebaker
08-31-2005, 08:50 PM
OK, all summer long, I've dealt with a discipline issue with Malone.
See, our attic is just a closet door away from our computer room; and in the summer time we like to keep the attic fan on and the door open to get fresh air in. Problem is, Malone likes to go in there and chew stuff up. :rolleyes:
So all summer, I've worked consistently on training him not to go in there. I've tried negative reinforcement (going into a settle or putting him into a timeout in his kennel); and I've tried positive reinforcement (cookies for doing the right thing); and most of all I've tried to be consistent, and making an effort to catch him in the act. But whenever he thinks he can get away with it, he darts in there, and yesterday I kinda snapped. I decided that enough was enough and I wasn't playing any more games with him. Also, we have come to the conclusion that he actually LIKES going into his kennel for a timeout, and that by sneaking into the attic, he was getting what he wants.
So, everytime he goes in there for the last 2 days, I've made him SIT (not lay down) right beside me with no length of leash for him to go anywhere for about 15 minutes. And amazingly by tonight, he isn't even attempting to go in there. He has finally figured out that there is a consequence that he doesn't like, and it isn't a game anymore.
I'm pretty excited about this breakthrough, and that he is starting to listen.
See, our attic is just a closet door away from our computer room; and in the summer time we like to keep the attic fan on and the door open to get fresh air in. Problem is, Malone likes to go in there and chew stuff up. :rolleyes:
So all summer, I've worked consistently on training him not to go in there. I've tried negative reinforcement (going into a settle or putting him into a timeout in his kennel); and I've tried positive reinforcement (cookies for doing the right thing); and most of all I've tried to be consistent, and making an effort to catch him in the act. But whenever he thinks he can get away with it, he darts in there, and yesterday I kinda snapped. I decided that enough was enough and I wasn't playing any more games with him. Also, we have come to the conclusion that he actually LIKES going into his kennel for a timeout, and that by sneaking into the attic, he was getting what he wants.
So, everytime he goes in there for the last 2 days, I've made him SIT (not lay down) right beside me with no length of leash for him to go anywhere for about 15 minutes. And amazingly by tonight, he isn't even attempting to go in there. He has finally figured out that there is a consequence that he doesn't like, and it isn't a game anymore.
I'm pretty excited about this breakthrough, and that he is starting to listen.