Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: Ellensburg on June 28, 2010, 03:28:54 PM

Title: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: Ellensburg on June 28, 2010, 03:28:54 PM: I have trained 2 dogs before and never had an issue. I used some books but it was mostly common knowledge.

My new springer spaniel is just turning 8 weeks old and I have had him for 6 days. When I call his name he runs the opposite way EVERY time. I even have treats in my hand and if I have him on the leash and give him a jerk to come to me, he doesnt even act like he enjoys the treats...

My last dogs LOVED training as pups and I made one of them into a great hunter. I am already getting frustrated and need some tips!

Thanks
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: vandeman17 on June 28, 2010, 03:44:42 PM: It has only been 6 days so I would give it some more time to see what he does. Do you also yell his name when you are mad at him or when you reprimand him? Maybe he thinks that he is in trouble by calling out his name. :dunno: Dogs are smart and he will figure it out.
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: chrisb on June 28, 2010, 03:51:53 PM: Maybe he is dyslexic
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: bear on June 28, 2010, 04:29:51 PM: tell him to GET LOST and then see what happens.
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: Special T on June 28, 2010, 05:15:58 PM: Have you tried to run away? has worked with all my dogs... mabee your starting too quick.. :twocents: Give Ryan At long hollow retrievers a shout.. he trains springers too... He is out by cook canyon rd He would probably get you moving in the right direction....;
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: littlemac on June 28, 2010, 05:32:55 PM: this was from our obedience manual and worked well with our dogs.

1. Start indoors at the end of your dog’s leash. The indoor training is best in the beginning for a stubborn dog.

2. While he is not paying close attention to you, say his name followed by “come” in a clear, excited tone.

3. Make movements such as tapping your knees and stepping backwards.

4. As soon as your dog comes to you, praise him lavishly without causing overexcitement.

5. If he does not come, lightly tug on the leash to encourage him. Again, keep an upbeat, excited tone to your voice – show him that coming to you is a very positive thing.

6. Repeat 5 to 6 times, gradually moving outdoors. As he improves, practice it without the leash only if you have a fenced-in yard.

Tips:
1. Never use the “come” command with an angry tone in your voice. Do not call your dog to you for negative things such as punishment, baths, or pills. Go get him instead for these things.

2. Rewarding your dog with treats may be risky – treats should be used infrequently or not at all. If you call him in an emergency situation and he sees that you have no treats, he may not come to you. The reward should be something you can always provide, such as praise.

3. If your dog tries to run away from you, do not run after him – this only turns it into a game. Try turning the game around by calling his name and running away from him. He may then run after you in play. If so, say “good come” and reward him with praise. This can be especially helpful in emergency situations.
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: Gringo31 on June 28, 2010, 05:35:53 PM: Those sound better than the suggestion I had.

I was going to say to starve him out. A day without food and he would appreciate both you and your treats.
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: flinger on June 28, 2010, 06:18:31 PM: I have very limited experiance but have had good sucess with my dogs First off 8 wks & 6 days let him be a puppy before anything, find a toy he really likes keep him close and bond into a trusting friendship lots of petting while you use his name at this age you say his name and he probably is unsure especially if who you got him from had their own (pet) name they used lrt hi be a puppy and be a puppy yourself get on his level your size may be intimidating
Keep it fun ,close and soft
Good Luck
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: jetjockey on June 28, 2010, 06:57:55 PM: Are you really trying to train an 8 week old puppy to come to you? The puppy is only 8 weeks old. It has no idea what you are asking or why. All it knows is eat, poop, and sleep. It really has no idea who you are since its only been with you for 6 days. It doesn't know its name, why its not with its momma and siblings, or anything. Give it time. My Brit wouldn't come consistently until it was over a year old. Relax. Your dealing with a dog that is about equivelant to an 8th month old kid. The only thing they know is that pooping in diapers is ok, and your going to feed them. Thats it. I would just relax until the pup turns 4 or 5 months old. Then you can SLOWLY start working your dog into obedience and training. I would suggest that you don't start any real training until the dog is 1 year old. Your puppy is WAY to young to start any type of training.
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: Ellensburg on June 28, 2010, 09:30:58 PM: Update: I waited until he was hungry tonight and slowly worked him. At first he would only come about a foot but now he I am calling him from all over the house and he is leaping towards me. I don't know what clicked but he is back on track.

-Yes I am training an 8 week old puppy to come and sit and whatnot... I have done it before and I think this one is just a step behind my last springer.
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: jackelope on June 29, 2010, 10:10:59 AM: He's young yet so give him a little, then start with a leash and/or a light check cord. Call him then reel him in, then reward him when he gets to you. Positive reinforcement!! Do this a bunch then let him come to you without pulling him. He'll figure it out...he's young yet though so give him a little to grow up.
Title: Re: help with puppy!!! Please!!!
Post by: RC3 on June 30, 2010, 12:25:47 AM: you could also keep a real light check cord on him in the house and let him run with it and then before you call him get ahold of the rope so if he doesn't obey you can give him a lil tug and get a correction. Just make sure you have ahold of the rope so he has to come when he is told. Also only say it once and then tug, thats the biggest key only give the command once and enforce it "consistency". Just something you could try.