Mid-Shore Life

Lord I hope it ain't no train! B.B. Watson

Subtitle: More Adventures in Dog Training
The hyperactive lab puppy and I just completed our sixth week of dog training with Dan Salb of
http://danselitedogtraining.com/home.html[_new]Dan's Elite Dog Training. I'm thrilled to report that we BOTH passed our first test - which involved Gryffindor responding to my commands, including a complicated heeling workout, while attached to the leather leash by only a thin piece of string. (if the string breaks - you fail).

I've been frustrated to tears as I've worked to turn this unmanageable beast into a well-behaved dog. The other dogs immediately turned into model companions - but mine required more strength, perseverance and patience than I had ever imagined. I was having fantasies about shock collars, cattle prods - whatever would break the beast from his painful jumping, chewing and wildness. Dan talked me down each time, telling me to stick with the training method and have faith. He even worked extra with me, since I was having SO much trouble. It turns out I wasn't quite doing the turns and corrections right - close - but no Kewpie doll. Once I learned the correct way - I saw immediate improvement. (which explains how we managed to pass our test!)

After the dogs (and owners) passed the "string" test, Dan introduced the next step towards having an off-leash trained dog, using what he calls "The Hand of God". This involves a correction that the dog NEVER sees you do, it's as if "The Hand of God" was reminding him of his responsibility to heed your commands - and the dog returns to the safety of your side.

I had been increasingly doubtful that my wild beast was EVER going to be reliable off-leash - let alone in another 4 weeks. Griff and I and "The Hand of God" did our first training yesterday afternoon - and the results were nothing short of remarkable. On the way out of the house the beast lunged for the cat, causing me to correct him several times before he would allow the cat nearby without breaking his "stay". Off we went, practicing the "come" command using the "Hand of God" as a reminder. I only had to use the correction twice - Griff was startled and immediately began returning to my knees when he was told to "come" - no matter how quietly the command was spoken. He was listening for me - paying attention to ME! Wow!

When we returned home the same cat awaited us. Griff started to go after her - I quietly said "Griff Come" and he IMMEDIATELY returned to my knees! What magic was this???

We've been having the most problems indoors, with Griff going after the smaller dogs, children, furniture, etc. Now a simple "come" command has him leaving whatever mischief he's involved with to return to me! Did I mention...WOW!!!!!

We'll be working on this all week, and purchasing the next supplies we need for our off-leash training. I now believe Griff - and I - can actually achieve this utopia. It hasn't been easy. Not only is my dog DIFFICULT - but the training class itself is sometimes stressful. It seems like boot camp sometimes, with orders barked and corrections given. (I've suspected that Dan would dearly love to put a training collar on US, as well as the dogs!) I've messed up, I've been confused, I've been frustrated. Last week was the turning point - when what Dan had been saying for weeks FINALLY imprinted on my apparently feeble brain, and I started doing things correctly.

I know there's still a ways to go - and we'll both mess up from time to time - but I now believe we CAN do this! And...it's a GREAT feeling!