"Dog Listener"

[ssleighter]

Originally posted by jmb9101
Yesterday I finally got a copy of The Dog Listener...I am starting it today. So now hopefully it will help with me training my two. They are great dogs and learn quickly but its me that needs the training!

Amen....I borrowed a copy last weekend and I've already started it.

[jmb9101]

So far so good, but I was wondering, in the book, not far in, so I shouldnt be spoiling for anyone, it is talking about "ignoring" the dogs, so they know you are the alpha and make the decisions...should I start that now? It will be so hard to ignore them! She says she did it for about a day or two, and they began to understand. Wont they feel pushed aside or something? I dont want them to think I dont care about them...Did anyone else do this ignoring process? Just wondering...

I know I have a lot more to read...so god knows I'll be aksing tons of questions! Sorry!!

~Melissa

[Tulsa-Dan]

Read the entire book first. Then begin the Bonding exercises.

The ignoring isn't punishment. It is simply telling the dogs that when they demand attention, they don't get it. If they display proper behavior or behavior that is appropriate, they get all the attention they want. One doesn't withhold attention forever, just until the dog is relaxed and not demanding. THEN you call the dog to you and reward him by giving him attention, treats, games, a walk, whatever. . . just as you would normally. But the dog learns patience and that he can't demand attention from you but must earn your attention by displaying proper, calm, patient behavior.

But read the book first, then go back and work the exercises. I think it will be easier for you if you have a fuller understanding of the entire method before starting and possibly sending your dog the WRONG signals because you haven't read it fully yet, or didn't understand it completely.

Good luck.

[catneon]

originally posted by jmb9101

She says she did it for about a day or two, and they began to understand.

The important word to add here is that she did it for about a day or two before they began to understand. One important thing to remember is that this method is for life as you will see she repeats many times in the book. It is not a magic wand you use for a few weeks and then all is good forever.

Tulsa-Dan has given you great advice (when has he not given good advice hail Tulsa-Dan) make sure you read the whole book, when you have questions, write them down and continue reading, some of them will probably be answered further in the book, if not, you can always come back here and ask!!

I have to say I read the book three times before getting Gazou. I wanted to make sure I implemented the methods right. I sincerely believe it has worked very well. Gazou was by far the Alpha of his litter I knew if I didn't implement myself as the Alpha right away he would be quick to take the role, it is not something I would have wanted to correct later on with such a head strong puppy. Every where I bring him I get great comments on how well behaved he is. I also believe having implemented this now and continuing it will make his bratty (teenage) stage easier to go thru! (Any ways I hope )

Best of luck!!! and keep us updated!

Catherine and Gazou

[jmb9101]

Thanks for the info! I promise I will keep reading the book! haha! I'm a little impatient! Sorry!! Ok, going back to the book, reading till I finish, then I will start trying to train.

Thanks for the advice Tulsa-Dan and Catherine!

~Melissa

[Nemeia]

My sister back in Poland reffered me to that book, and I went online and bought it. I have both book's and I read them every now and then just to remember things. Every time I read, I learn something new. It's just wonderful...
I did have the privelage to have an e-mail corespondance with Jane Fennell and she helped me a lot too. Answerd all my questions That was very important, now I do train Max with confidence... Even though he's not really too much into training LoL

[jray]

I just finished the DL and started some of her training techniques: gesture eating, ignoring, working on come. I have notice a big difference in Oskar with the come. It was one of our hardest training points before I read DL. He is coming all of the time! We've taken him onto the 30 acre farm in our backyard and let him off leash- he loves it and turns to look at us about every 10-15 yards. we've turned in the opposite direction and he comes bolting back. I'm very happy. He is though still jumpy with company. I've asked them to please ignore, no eye contact but he doesn't "get it" with company.

Does anyone else have some tips -that use her method?

Jenny & Oskar

[gidget1]

I just finished TDL, I borrowed it from the local public library. I must say I was very impressed and am eager to start implementing the bonding excersises. I read it from cover to cover last night and re-read the bonding exercise this morning. Since I now live in an apartment I get a lot of traffic in and out by all kinds of people. Usually the kids friends. but also other tenants since I am assistant manager. I am wondering if I should maybe put a note on the door letting people know what to expect when they come to our apartment?
I did not find CC at the library and at this time cannot afford to buy it. I will keep checking the library. I am anxious to read it also.
Being a two dog household I really need these dogs to listen and be well behaved. There are times when someone comes to the door that I could just scream (but I don't) because the dogs are all over them and everything is chaos.

Marcia