No! I will not do what you say ! No No No No No!
Last Saturday, I started a new type of dog training with Sofie. Two weeks ago she ran all over the neighborhood in the pouring rain (I dropped her lease while coming in from the car) and I realized that I need a better way to get her attention. Nothing I have tried for a year has worked, Treats don’t work – she is not terribly food motivated (and she actually gives her cookies to Louise). The Clicker didn’t work – maybe for the same reason, even with high value treats like real chicken. We have started the training they use for military and sporting dogs, called SportDog e-collar technique. My trainer, John, was really happy to have a ‘normal’ everyday dog like Sofie, instead of the larger Rottweiler, Pitt, Shepard, or Mastiff clients he usually has. Though Sofie was her usual stubborn, hard-headed self, she showed considerable progress her first day. I tried the collar on me and it was a vibration type feeling (actually, I do not feel it at all until level 3 and for Sofie I am mostly using level 1). I hope that you will not judge me, I really tried everything else for the last year.
I know that it is really up to me to train my dogs. I never blame the animals for not obeying commands. If they do not follow commands that really has more to do with my lack of leadership than their lack of anything. They are dogs, I am the human. I have been told you have to repeat a command as many as 1,000 times before the dog reliably gets it. I am the one that tires out before completing the training. Dogs do not have gray areas; they are black or white. They respond or they don’t. I am gray. I am not consistent. I let both the dogs push me around and because of that, I think that I have allowed them to become unsafe. Having a dog that runs into the street and does not respond is a safety hazard for them and a fear factor for me. Allowing Sofie to bark at everything or totally destroy my yard is also not acceptable. I was able to get Louise to stop barking using a lot of positive reinforcement but that method has failed with Sofie.
My wonderful little Sofie is with me 1 year this week (Yah!). I know she can be a well behaved and respectful member of the pack, but right now she is the most strong willed 40 lbs of dog that I have ever encountered. I will keep you updated on how the progress goes. Wish us luck. Now I am on my way outside to work on Come, Sit, and Break. Just another dogdaz morning at the zoo. ❤ 
DogDaz Zoo 
MaryNell
March 14, 2012 at 05:05
Good luck! And maybe an animal communicator could help? I’ve used one several times and received valuable information.
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dogdaz
March 14, 2012 at 08:17
Thanks, everything is worth a try when it comes to safety
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Sandy Steinruck
March 14, 2012 at 11:11
The dog really benefits from being educated – they want to learn. I am sure she will pick it up quickly and then you both will be happier.
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dogdaz
March 14, 2012 at 16:04
Thanks Sandy – So far, so good. – LL
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Genevieve Petrillo
March 14, 2012 at 16:04
The ecollar is a better alternative than having something terrible happen. Good luck with it!
Cupcake says, “Woof.” That means she agrees.
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dogdaz
March 14, 2012 at 16:14
Thank you Genevieve – Little Stubborn Sofie is finding that listening to Mommy pays off. Woof back at you, Cupcake.
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2browndawgs
March 14, 2012 at 19:54
Oooh you have nice positive comments on using the ecollar. Good for you. 🙂 We use ecollar to train, (although I have never heard of sportdog brand…must ask hubby). It is not nearly the torture device some make it out to be. 😆 Of course it MUST be used properly. Remember that it can only be used to reinforce something the dog already knows and not to teach a new concept. You are learning with a trainer so hopefully the trainer is very knowledgeable about the proper way to use it. Good luck!
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dogdaz
March 14, 2012 at 20:43
Thanks for the feedback 2browndawgs. I figured you may use the ecollar since you train yours for sporting. I absolutely use it for reinforcement. That is why I am the only one in the family allowed to have the controls. LOL
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eof737
March 16, 2012 at 21:37
Wishing you all the best with Sofie’s training. 🙂
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Willow WonderBull
March 17, 2012 at 09:52
There is alot of “schools of thought” when it comes to dog training. Every dog is different and I think they benefit from a combination. It depends of the dog. I have to wear a “prong” or ” correction” collar myself when I am out because I am so strong. I am not a danger to anyone just curious and anxious to greet everyone. Mom takes some flack from people occasionally, but when used properly these types of things can help to keep everyone safe. Good luck with your training :0)
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dogdaz
March 17, 2012 at 14:28
You are so right.. Lulu learns and needs different things than Sofie. No one should judge another owner unless they walk a mile (with that dog) in their shoes. Thanks for sharing.
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