Training Help please

[Karen]

Have you tried a spritz from a spray bottle when he growls? You'd have to be very consistent, but maybe it's worth a shot!

[Freedom]

Thanks, Karen, will think about that.

The trainer for the classes I took the other pups to suggested I get him to FOCUS first (the first command she teaches in classes) and progress from there.

For now, at least I know I can attach the leash and he will come along.

If he snaps or bites, he gets kicked out of this rescue program, so I have to be careful not to let it escalate.

[Husky_mom]

hmm.. when Roger was little.. well.. more little.. he growled when my kid got too rough or hold him for too long.. and I simply but strongly said NO! sometimes even clapped my hands.. and he´d just look at me with sad eyes and tolerate being "hostage" longer...

he doesn´t do it anymore but he gets the no part still.. and he knows no means he´s doing something wrong and stops..

maybe as Willy is older he had his way too much.. and he needs to start from zero.. it´s not good if he growls to anyone.. but even less to you dad.. what if he reaaaaally needs to get up and can´t wait for you to come get him off.. Willy needs to know that he HAS to do what told even if doesn´t likes it/feels like doing it..

right now I think with this he thinks he´s alpha.. as he chooses to do or not what you ask.. he´d do what HE likes/wants.. so he´s choosing that too.. he needs to realize he´s not.. and maybe the focusing part is good...

maybe also bribing him off.. or just maybe "puppy" classes all over...

old dogs DO learn new tricks

[Freedom]

Thank you, Isabel.

Yes, we are including in his bio on Petfinder that he needs to have positive reinforcement obedience training.

As long as I attach the leash, he behaves and comes when we want him to move.

He is tough to bribe; I have yet to find a treat which interests him! Even bits of hot dog, once in a while he takes it but mostly he sniffs and turns his head away. After living 3 years with my Starvin' Marlin, this is quite amusing, ha haa.

[mruffruff]

Would it help to keep a leash on him all of the time? Maybe a leash is his trigger to tell him he's not in charge. It couldn't hurt to try leaving one on him for a day or two. At the very least, it would be easier to grab.

[Asiel]

Sounds like he has everyone well trained. But I think putting a leash on him before asking for something is a good idea or if he catches on to that you would have to leave it on. You could ask him for the behaviour you want and if he growls then enforce it with the leash, like getting him off your dad. Maybe rewarding the good behaviour would help a bit but as was mentioned, at this stage you'll have to be very consistent. You could work with the NILIF treatment also, this usually shows the dog that he is not the Alpha.

[Freedom]

Yes! That is what I did; used the leash, attached it to his collar BEFORE I asked him to do anything. Gave the verbal command and a gentle tug. No problems at all!

So today I used the leash a bit and didn't bother, a bit, to mix it up. He IS coming along! NO GROWLS!