Walking Stick & Training

[danielleconn]

Hey guys..so Zoe just finished her heat cycle so we are back on our morning walk routine. Well since it's dark and I still am weary of any stray dogs I have started walking with a 5 foot stick.

I also noticed the three week lapse of regular daily walks as we had been doing, Zoe's manners have gone out the building. I am certain lingering hormones don't help. But last night she lunged (excitedly) to a boy on a bike, which she has NEVER done. Then two guys working on their truck were on the ground and she tried everything to get to them for some love. Of course once she redirected her attention on me, she got a treat.

Well this morning, we saw a cat and again instant excitement and hard to redirect. Well, I just tapped her chest with my stick and it took her excitement down from an 8 to a 3 I would say but then with my cue she focused back on me. Of course she got a treat.

Now, do you think the tap with the stick is harmful to her training? It is a light touch and it instantly calmed her to look away and back at me. I am hoping getting back into our routine again things will smooth themselves out again.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Its the same concept as the snap of a choke or the way a prong tightens (or that leash that produces a really high pitched noise when the dog pulls), the "different feel" snapping them out of their "lock" so they can pay attention to you.

I don't have a problem with it as you described, I think its going to take some care to always make sure its a light touch and not accidently whacking her cause she moved suddenly as you reached out.

 

[DennasMom]

I don't think it's a problem, either.

Do you also have a cue word that you can use with the 'tap'? Like an "eh, eh" or "hey" ?
You might be able to phase out the tap then, and get her attention just with the word... eventually...
But, if the tap works. I'd use it.