We took Rohan up to Campcolis yesterday to meet a gun dog trainer.
We wanted to get him some one on one sessions as puppy classes are good for socialisation but he doesn't learn much as there isn't any individual time.
John Clark has a great reputation for training both working dogs and pets so we wanted to give him a go.
It took him about 5 minutes to get Ro walking to heel.
Rohan being Mister smarty pants avoided some of the training areas by responding first time and working out really quickly that if he picked the trailing lead up in his mouth he could run unfettered. I love it that he's a clever dog but Rob and I will have our work cut out trying to out smart him!
John's training methods are positive. Don't put your hands on your dog unless in praise. Strong vocal commands and firm lead work are all it takes. Rohan turned from Mr. Mischief into a dog wanting to please whoever had his lead and it was lovely to see him in his natural breed environment. It was great that he was wagging his tail the whole time so was receptive and happy in the training. Apparently if his tail was down or straight up we'd be in for problems.
John advised us that I should be the one working most with Rohan as ( block your ears Emily Pankhurst!) women are weaker when it comes to dog training. We'll both go to the sessions but I will do must of the work under instruction. Robbie just has to practice having a deep voice!
We've booked another session for a couple of weeks time.
I took Rohan out this morning and he was great, I had to check him a couple of times and felt a bit of a plank shouting heel in the street but he responded really well, gone was the straining and gasping for breath. He was a pleasure to walk.
He also taught us a better approach for dealing with Rohan's mouthing (another tooth out today!) which has worked really well as well. I think it is mostly about changing your mind set to demand your dog behaves in a certain way rather than asking it if it wouldn't mind!
As you can see from the photo's Rohan finally destroyed what was left of his puppy bed at the weekend, very please with himself he was too. he then tried to sleep in the bit that was left which he is clearly too big for. Very cute!
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