The Training Dilemma

What to Train and When to Train It

Buster is getting old enough to understand some things - not all things, of course - but SOME.  Those are the situations and opportunities for training we are taking advantage of right now.

Chasing cats:  

Buster thinks this is great fun.  Cats, not so much.  It started with the cats waiting at the front door wanting to get out as Buster would come in.  Right inside the door it was showdown time eye-to-eye.  The cats would turn to hightail it and Buster, being happy he was now inside the house would playfully follow along.  Meanwhile Ranae or I would be standing at the door having little power to do anything.  The solution:  Have a small lead right at the front door.  Slip it over Buster's head before letting him in.  The cats will still run, but Buster cannot follow.

Jumping up:

We almost have this one licked.  (Oh, how I will probably hate myself for saying that.)  We have started adding the word "Off" as we ask him to get his front paws off the sofa, coffee table, or chair.  He still does this when he wants to search out morsels of food that may have been left behind, but the word is replacing us having to physically remove his front feet from whatever item.

Chewing on unwanted items:

Again, we've added a word, "Leave It" to having our fingers physically remove something from his vise-grip jaws.  This one hasn't quite taken hold yet, but we have just started.  We usually replace the unwanted item with one of his toys.  

The key is trying to be consistent, use words, and categorize behavior while still letting him enjoy the wonders of puppy-hood and discovery.  It is also trying to discern what the behavior he is exhibiting today will look like when he is an adult.  Chasing cats is fun now, but could be lethal later on.

We'll keep adding things as we go along and feel he can handle it.  We'll replace some unwanted behaviors with some positive training such as scent tracking, retrieving, or obedience.