Bacon - Private lessons - Take 1

Well,

Glad to report that I feel so relieved after Bacon's first private lesson. Also, glad Bacon didn't act like a little angel like he usually does when the trainer is around. He actually nipped her pretty hard and cut her hand up. She showed me how to deal with it and reassured me that he's not aggressive just gets aroused and can't control himself. Even though i've heard it on this forum, it is reassuring to hear that live and in person!!!

So, to control Bacon's hyper-arousal, we have introduced a tug game, and also working hard on his drop it, leave it, and take it commands.

The biggest thing that I picked up from the trainer is the way she stays so calm with Bacon when he is acting up. It works much better than my angry demeanor... I'm working on it, but the little devil definitely wears me down.

The staying calm bit really does work, but it's sometimes soooo difficult to put that into practise!

Glad the trainer's helping you!

I'm a big fan of playing tug with them. They will pick up on your mood so staying calm with him is very important. Glad you feel good about the trainer.

Caryll wrote:The staying calm bit really does work, but it's sometimes soooo difficult to put that into practise!

Haha, training is a two way street right?! haha...

Where in Northern California are you?

i'm in Fairfield/Suisun area. Halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento.

Aww I bet Bacon will do just great! It's all a learning curve at the mo for him. At least you doing the right thing by him and yourself

Very important that you remain calm any stress from you and the dog will pick up on it and this does not help the situation at all. Calm people = calm dogs.