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DrWiffel

Prior Lake, MN

MH
Posts:118

12/15/2011 2:14 PM
Yep, I understand that “stay” is essentially the same thing, but I thought that “whoa” was more of a command to stop and stay (standing) wait for command. I can see how they can be used interchangeably, but the methods used for training whoa, from things I have been reading, are different. Maybe I’m wrong, but to teach whoa requires a platform, rope tied around the waist that’s anchored, and a lead attached to the collar? The stay I taught was just having the dog stay in the same place and taught it by either getting in the way, just stopping the dog, or by making a “ahhh” sound if he started to move. I started working on the new release word last night. I’m going to try and phase out the “ok” with “play”. I also worked more on the down last night. Dexter will place his chin on the ground for a second to get the treat, but how do you get him to stay like that even if it’s for 5 seconds after he takes the treat? I ordered the book last night used, but I received some messages that they ran out of the used book… looks like I’ll have to order new. I agree, let’s compare notes. Thanks guys!

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:6941

12/15/2011 3:47 PM
So, I don't use the barrel and rope to teach whoa. I teach it on the floor and start with using a leash or check cord. I first teach the stand/stay or whoa and then once they understand that with distractions, then I work the moving/stand/stay or whoa. I also incorporate the stand/stay or whoa in other situations. All of my dogs learn it, but not all of my dogs hunt. If that makes sense. I use the ahhhh as a gentle correction when my dogs are about to mess up regardless of the exercise. Well I don't require the chin on the floor with my dogs, but I would think it would be pretty easy to shape the behavior by using the clicker or a verbal queue. I use yes as my verbal queue. I have taught my dogs that yes means a treat is coming. So basically you load the word the same way you load the clicker, and then use the word as a marker. At first you mark the behavior (in this case the chin down) and immediately treat. As he starts catching on then you gradually extend the time between the marker and the treat. Check out clicker training and you will see what I am talking about. The reason I don't teach the chin down is it is very hard for a puppy, especially when you add in distractions, and I have found that as my dogs catch on and get comfortable with the down/stay they automatically put the chin on the ground anyway. It just hasn't been something that is important to me, but I do know some that absolutely require it because it is harder for the dog to break the down when their chin is on the ground.

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

DrWiffel

Prior Lake, MN

MH
Posts:118

12/19/2011 8:43 AM
Thanks again Tex. I started teaching the chin down. He gets it down, but breaks it right away after the yes marker and treat. I’ll keep plugging away at it, as it’s one of those things that’s just going to take a little time and conditioning to accomplish. So, for now, I’m not going to stress the chin down as a strict rule, but I’ll get there. I did a lot of looking in to training articles and videos when I first got Dexter, and a lot of them were recommending the clicker for training, but I do like to use the “yes”. I walked into the pet store about 5 months ago looking to buy a clicker. I asked for help to find one, and the nice lady there suggested that I use” yes” in place of using the clicker because it’s one less training tool you have to carry (or knowing me, lose it), and saved a little bit of money. I’m hoping that the book comes in this week in time for the Christmas break, so I can start doing some reading and hopefully get some more good tips on obedience. I finished that other book I was talking about with the down position. It has some good information, but I found it to be severely out dated and have already accomplished a lot of the things in the book without using their methods. The methods they were telling you to use seemed to be mostly physical. It was in interesting read, but I wouldn’t recommend the book for training purposes. Sorry for the late response, I normally try to put a few sentences while I’m at work and have some down time, but we’ve been really busy here. Thanks!

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