Puppy Training

Question: Easing into puppy training?

(Posted by: on 2010-07-26 23:07:27)

Recently, my friend decided he wanted to give away his 7 month Golden Retriever, so I decided to take her. She spent a lot of time in her crate, and was never really allowed to be a puppy, which is something I totally disagree with. For being a pup, she is extremely mellow, doesn't really know how to play, and flinches very easily. Are there any suggestions/ ways to show her it's okay to be a puppy and play?

Posted by: laughing on 2010-07-26, 23:34:48

First of all, take things slow. Never try to force her into anything, don't put her into really uncomfortable situations, and any time you introduce something new don't do it quickly. Starting off, I would give her something positive. Try clicker training. You do this by clicking the clicker and then giving her a treat. By doing this she suddenly has something positive and reinforcing her good behavior. It'll build confidence and make her more sure of her correct actions. Try training her. Not just commands like sit and stay, but train her to welcome hands and affection, to be handled, and to play. If at anytime you reach to pet her and she doesn't flinch, click the clicker and give her a reward. She'll then recognize it as a good appropriate behavior and will most likely do it again. Repeat every time she doesn't flinch. When she gets a little playful with a toy, click and reward. If you train all around (from sit to being handled and touched) she'll be more confident in everything she does and will know it's correct. As of right now don't punish or really use corrections. Use small corrections when teaching commands or walking properly on a leash, but as for the flinching don't. Once she comes out of her shell more then you can add more corrections and punishments so she can learn faster right from wrong. Never encourage her to be hyper. Let her be a calm, mellow pup. Get a variety of toys and leave them in different places around the house. Use food as a play toy. I know people who put them in the cubes the dogs need to roll to get out. I know others who "hide " the food in different obvious spots for the dog to "hunt ". I know one person who throws each piece individually across the floor for their dog to run after and snatch up. Maybe if you use one or all of these techniques she'll be more playful all-around. You might want to introduce her into an also mellow dog about her size, one that isn't dominant. Having another calm play mate will help her come out of her shell some too. If she isn't friendly with other dogs skip this. Most of all just give her time. All dogs come around at some point! Good luck!

Posted by: Baraa Uyoun on 2010-07-26, 23:21:32

Have you tryed toy's or treats? Most dogs usually can't resist a good game of tug war. Just be relaxed and patient her. They are mans best friend, and as long as she's afraid instead of aggresive, there shouldn't be any reason why she wouldn't loosen up over time. It might also have to do with an illnes. you might want to take a stool sample and have it tested at an animal clinic or just schedule a regular check up