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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 08/05/2011 1:21 PM |
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I’m still on the learning curve of training and teaching a pup. I think I’m doing a pretty good for the lack of experience. I’ve been doing a lot of reading (online mostly) and watching tons of training videos, picking and choosing the methods I like, and I just ordered the perfect start today.
We were working with Dexter last night a little with my GF. He is at least starting to acknowledge that she is saying his name, just doesn’t know to listen to the command yet. When she says his name now at least he stops and looks and doesn’t just continue on. We’ll continue to work on it.
I did some looking the other day at e-collars and saw one that does the vibrate, shock (I don’t have any intention of ever using that function), and a light. I’m not sure if any of you guys have seen these, but I thought the light idea would be very cool for camping at night just to see where he is. Have you guys used this function before? Seems kind of cool. I wouldn’t be planning on using any of the functions except for the light for now if I bought it. Dexter’s 13 weeks as of yesterday 
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7929
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| 08/05/2011 10:58 PM |
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| There are allot of good ecollars out there and I would highly recommend for an shorthair. Also, not a bad idea to condition them to the collar now and if there is a light all the better. As for the rest of the functions, never say never on what you will or won't use. Nothing wrong with the stimulation when you are teaching them a reliable recall and someday you may decide you need it. A very useful tool in your training tool box. |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
   
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 08/08/2011 12:15 PM |
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Just an update. Dexter is starting to respond fairly well to my Girlfriend after this last weekend. He now comes to her when called most of the time. I had her start taking him for walks and do a little more training with him, so I think it’s paying off. To top things off the nipping/biting is starting to come to an end… Might be a little early to tell, but he seems to be getting better, he was pretty warn out this weekend.
The last walk I took him on we went to an area with some higher grass so he could sniff around, and wow, when they get a sent (of something) they just go go go… it was pretty cool to watch.
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 08/15/2011 12:04 PM |
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Texas Belle-
I could be very wrong on this, but I was told that the GSP breed was too “sensitive” to use the shock option. I’m assuming that this is not true based on what you were saying. I’m still new to this and trying to get a handle on what options are available and which ones I should use before actually implementing it in to a training program. I can’t seem to find the Collar that I was looking at the other day with the Light option built in. What kind of collar would you recommend for training? From what I’m seeing, I would be looking in the range of about $80 to $250 for a decent one. I’m not sure that I would need all the bells and whistles that a lot of them have to offer. As for the light, I found a collar that has an LED built into the collar that I’m thinking about picking up:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19390
So far everything is going well with Dexter and his obedience training. Still needs constant reinforcement on things like “Off”, but he is getting the idea. I do see what you guys mean on the recall. I started to wean off the treats so much and started using more praise. He used to listen to me about 98% of the time on recalls, but is now down to about 80%. In part I think because he is getting older (14 weeks now) and smells around the yard and gets a sent and doesn’t want to stop. Even when I switch back to more treats, it stays pretty much the same.
What website do you guys use for hosting your pictures? I’d like to get some out to share. |
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7929
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| 08/15/2011 2:03 PM |
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| No dog is too soft for an ecollar if the ecollar is used correctly. You first need to train the commands and then do the collar conditioning. After that you use the collar on the lowest setting needed to get a response. Timing is everything too because if your timing is bad you will be reinforcing the wrong thing. This is after all negative reiforcement and the dog has to understand what you are asking and how to turn off the collar. The collar I use is TriTronics Pro EXP. Probably more than you need, but I love it. |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:4476
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| 08/15/2011 3:02 PM |
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I will disagree with texasbelle.
There are dogs too soft for the ecollar.
In addition to negative reinforcement I use it to teach a dog to correctly perform thru pressure and to create momentum.
I use attrition as much as I use direct and indirect pressure to achieve results.
Using the ecollar is not difficult - its a toll that can be very helpful if used correctly.
Every dog I have teaches me -
the dogs I have now have taught me tons and tons of trainer skills.
Don't be afraid of force,pressure or the ecollar. They are all useufl tools to help train.
And then on your second dog you will see things differently and on your third dog.....
well, you get the idea
Love your dog,don't hinder progress and the two of you will have more fun than you can imagine |
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:4476
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| 08/15/2011 3:03 PM |
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What I didn't say is that soft/sensitive has nothing to do with breed but individual dog
If your breeder told you this information I would take it more seriously b/c they know their dogs or at least should. |
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7929
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| 08/15/2011 7:21 PM |
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So let me clarify a bit. I still don't think a dog can be too soft for using the ecollar properly however that does not mean I would use an ecollar on a soft dog. I use an ecollar very sparingly and only when I think the dog needs the reinforcement. The majority of what I train is with positive reinforcement and I have had excellent results using positive methods. However, I insist on a near a reliable recall as you can get, and I do use the ecollar to get that reliable recall.
I went back and re-read the original post tonight when I had more time to think and the original question was about the softness (sensitive was the word the OP used) of GSPs. I do believe that GSPs are soft, yes all of them. GSPs have an unbelievable desire to please and are typically crushed when they are corrected. Mine absolutely do not do well when I verbally correct them with a louder voice. They also do not like to be around trainers that yell at their dogs, and that is probably because I rarely yell at my dogs. However, I have not seen a shorthair wilt with an ecollar that is used correctly and wisely. As with anything, they can be miss used and I have seen shorthairs and other breeds absolutely ruined by incorrect use of an ecollar. I also do not use an ecollar before my pups are about a year old. For younger if they are not minding then they stay on a check cord so I can correct them when I need to. If you do buy an ecollar make sure it and the receiver are water proof. Also watch the distance as shorthairs can cover allot of ground fast. Mine has a mile range, but I also hike in the mountains and the range is greatly decreased in hilly terrain. Mine is also expandable up to three dogs.
As for the photo websites for hosting, I personally use webshots and have used them for years. I know others use photobucket as well. |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 08/16/2011 4:06 PM |
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Thanks. I guess that reaffirms what I have been thinking. My next question was going to be at what age is it appropriate to use the e-collar, but you’ve answered that for me also. I was reading another thread on here when I was looking for suggestions on what type of e-collar was recommended and saw that people were using them on a 6mo old pup, and saw that people had some concerns about the age.
I didn’t hear it from the breeder that the breed or my pup in particular was sensitive, but more through the grapevine. I have noticed that when you raise your voice that he does seem a little sensitive/soft, but he is still pretty young (but growing fast, it’s amazing how fast they grow). So far the only times that I’ve really raised my voice more than normal is when I catch him starting to pee on the floor, or when I catch him sticking his head in the trash can. He stops immediately, and to me, he looks a little sad. A simple no or off doesn’t seem to work in those situations and seems to need a little extra reinforcement. I’ve heard of people using spray bottles/squirt gun to keep the dog from getting into the trash, or when they don’t listen to commands to stop barking. What I’m most worried about (because this is my first pup) is that I’ll screw something up and he’ll start to have some aggressive behaviors which I absolutely do not want. With that being said, as far as the “Crazy Halos” go, I found if I just pick him up and cradle him close his mouth for a minute, so he doesn’t bit me (he’s still getting better on the biting, but needs a little work yet), he calms right down and normally falls asleep in minutes. You don’t think that would hurt him with aggression do you?
Thanks for all your responses!
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7929
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| 08/16/2011 4:42 PM |
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| I don't think you will have issues with aggression. Sounds like you are doing a good job and taking control. If you aren't already I would be taking him everywhere you can and introducing him to all kinds of new environments, people, etc. That above all things will help him as he matures. If you can, get him into obedience classes. They love the classes, great place for socializing, and great for learning. Also if you have questions your instructor will be a good resource. Shorthairs are very smart, but they are also very resilient, so not likely you will mess him up. Keep us posted on how things go. |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 09/01/2011 11:44 AM |
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Hey just wanted to share a short video that I took a couple of weeks ago. It's nothing too special, and was taken with my phone, but i just wanted to share something. He's (seems) a lot bigger now. He's a healthy 17weeks old today.
http://youtu.be/23utn5zpjZg
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 09/01/2011 11:56 AM |
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| Forgot to say he did "down" before I said the command, sense I have started to really mix it up a bit more and he does what the command is now rather then guessing and acting on what's going to be next. |
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7929
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| 09/01/2011 12:41 PM |
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| That is too cute. Looks like he is learning quickly. Loved the sit and then the anticipated down command, he is working really hard for you and that is good. Boy have I seen that stare at the treat routine with the leave it command. Nice job! |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 09/01/2011 1:34 PM |
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| Thanks! I wanted to start him on training for birds, but my PS dvd hasn't arrived yet. I had to give Jon a call to see why i hadn't received it yet left a msg. Jon (yes the real Jon) called me back to say that there was some sort of mix up and we smoothed things out and hopefully should be getting it soon. Seems like a nice guy. |
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