Husky Training

[Aya]

Okay guys, Aya had her first puppy class today and all she wanted to do was play with other people and their dogs. She did not listen to me at all, I couldn't even get her to sit which she clearly knows. I've trained her since the day I got her (try to on a daily basis but sometimes no time), is this a husky thing to ignore their owners because I noticed a lot of other puppies giving their owner the attention. Aya is also very picky, she will not eat the same treat on the same day, so her treats are cycled daily. All my treats (about 5 different kinds) did not get her attention today. She hasn't been socialized much either, this was the first time she was around lots of dogs and people (she got her last shot about 10 days ago). Is this something to worry about? or would she eventually give me her attention and become less infatuated with other people and their dogs? Also, she is fine when 1 on 1 training and she knows - sit, down, shake, free (release word), stay and up (which means jump).

p.s. no offence to pet trainers out there but some are ridiculously stupid, I had a shit trainer today, she kept judging me (I talked to some other trainers after the session and they said that it's okay, Aya, just needs to socialize more). This trainer kept saying that Aya doesn't know any command or how to sit and told me to wait for Aya to actually sit then say the word 'sit' and treat her ... I'm not a trainer but this just seems to push my training of her knowing the command 'sit' backwards, that's what I think anyway. Suggestions would be great, thanks all.

[SA DA KA]

For being her first class there was a good outcome, she was with other dogs and people and maybe that excited her but overall it was a good experience for both of you and if she is doing commands for you, then that is a good start for Aya. We have had 3 Siberians very socialized, loved dogs, people, children and were taught sit pretty, stay, leave it, look, down, paw and other paw... all without a puppy class or trainer. Most important, she listens to YOU. Don't give up and maybe you just need a different instructor.

Husky Lovers in Vermont

P.S. Her Avatar picture would push us over itself. She is so cute:heartbeat:

[Austinville]

I don't know how old Aya is, but am assuming she is quite young. I wouldn't lose any sleep over what you were told. You know differently. Take into consideration that Aya hasn't been out much yet, and if as young as I suspect, the class was a great opportunity for her to meet other pups. She'll settle in, right now she just wants to socialize. Nothing wrong with that. She's still finding her place in the world - so a lesson is being learned, it just may not be what you had hoped for. She'll come around, but do remember that huskies love everyone...they're very social. Depending upon how frequently the class meets, it shouldn't take long for her to settle.

Some thoughts to ponder:

You don't say where you're taking the class. Trust me, there is a huge difference in trainers.

When I was looking for a class for Ryn, the thought crossed my mind to take one at the local pet supply store. But, after talking with different employees (about other subjects), I found that pretty much anyone can get a job at these places. I suspect 'trainers' at many (not all) have taken a couple of corporate classes, given some kind of certificate that declares them a trainer and then begin their classes. I chose not to pursue this option based on what I'd learned.

Another option was a class with 6 dogs of various breeds. The trainer sounded like she knew what was going on and I thought I'd give it a try. UNTIL I said Ryn was a Siberian. They no longer wanted my money. "That particular breed is too stubborn and we prefer not to have them in class." Okey dokey! My Siberian prefers to be in a class with a trainer who can actually train anyway!

The third option was another class of 8 dogs. Trainer said he didn't care that she was a Siberian and had worked with a couple of Sibes before with fairly good results. Bless his heart - fairly good isn't good enough for my Ryn!

Fourth call was to an individual for one on one classes as Ryn has been socialized so much since she came to me. He trained at one of the best dog behavior schools thoguh he works mainly with hunting dogs. Was a little worried, but figured I'd give him a chance............We had 8 one-on-one sessions which were honestly for me, not her. I learned, she learned and the trainer learned. Well worth the money!

[Smokey]

I agree with Becky; don't lose sleep over it because you're pup sounds super young right now. I took both my sibe and my GSD to training classes at petsmart and wasn't satisfied with them the trainer although a sweetheart didn't really work on the specific issues that my dogs needed to work on (i.e. socialization and fear of other dogs). huskies are a very stubborn breed indeed. as you said they do have a tendency to not listen and be a bit aloof. you mentioned it was your first class. i'm sure Aya just wants to socialize and be her puppyful self which is totally alright. with time she should learn to obey you (to a certain extent) even in a high distraction environment such as your class. My dogs learned...it's great that you're starting her off young! best to you!

P.S. I sort of agree with the trainer in that you should say the command after she sits. or at least while she is in the process of sitting...my sibe learned this way. i would roll him over manually, then say roll over and eventually he got the point. I know it sounds strange but everyone has their own style of training. my trainer at petsmart would coax the dogs into the position she wanted them in (i.e. putting the treat to the ground for down or gently pushing a treat under the pups nose and somehow coaxing him/her into a sit position). try to work with what they tell you but if you feel uncomfortable or unsatisfied or doubtful then try a different trainer/class

[Aya]

P.S. I sort of agree with the trainer in that you should say the command after she sits. or at least while she is in the process of sitting...my sibe learned this way. i would roll him over manually, then say roll over and eventually he got the point.

Definitely agree with you on this, I'm teaching her to roll over as well and I would roll her over then click (she's clicker trained) then treat, but I told the trainer that Aya knows how to sit, it's just she didn't want to and the trainer kept insisting that she doesn't know it. So if I waited for her to sit then click then treat it almost seems like she is training me when she wants to sit - so therefore on her terms. Aya is currently enrolled in 1 of 4 acclaimed schools across Victoria and is within driving distance for me (about 20 mins), there was this other school I really wanted her to attend but its 1 and a half hour drive - too impractical so I'm testing her with this school for now, if need be I'll pay for a private trainer, but as some trainers and you guys have said so far she's just beginning and wants to socialize, hopefully within the next couple of classes she will give me her attention.

[Huskies On The Go]

Looks like you have a basic obedience problem. I know a young Canine Trainer and he will have a DVD out soon on basic obedience, when it comes out I will let you know. In the mean time you can just ask me about anything about training.

[Elyse]

When Suka was taken to his first class with me, he wouldn't listen to me OR the trainer! He was just so excited to meet and greet the other dogs, and he was 4 years old at the time! After a few sessions, he settled in and he started listening to me.

I went to PetSmart for the training, because it was the closest one available. Apparently I lucked out on the trainer, though, because a lot of people on here say that the trainers at PetSmart aren't good at all.

Even though Suka knew all of the tricks there, that I found out, it was a great bonding experience and I learned how to teach him other tricks.

By teaching the action first, and then connecting the word with the action.

[BingBlaze n Skyla]

It's was fun and exciting for her being around so many new dogs and people , give her time 2get used 2 it , she will behave around them all eventually

[Bec]

Which training school are you going to? I know a number of trainers in VIC. PM me if you'd prefer

IMO if she is that easily distracted by other dogs, more socialisation with them isn't what she needs - she needs to learn you are more valuable than other dogs.

A lot of dogs struggle going from training at home to training around distractions, this is like what we were talking about in your other thread. If you have a good trainer, they will be able to help you because this is a really common problem. Did you feed her before the training class?

[Aya]

Which training school are you going to? I know a number of trainers in VIC. PM me if you'd prefer

IMO if she is that easily distracted by other dogs, more socialisation with them isn't what she needs - she needs to learn you are more valuable than other dogs.

A lot of dogs struggle going from training at home to training around distractions, this is like what we were talking about in your other thread. If you have a good trainer, they will be able to help you because this is a really common problem. Did you feed her before the training class?

I don't feed her before training, this was a problem I had over a month ago, she is learning to obey my commands more often now, granted there are occasions where she is completely distracted. For instance, we were working on recall at training yesterday (last ten min of session), she came two out of five tries which I think was a pretty good result since she usually never comes back. And yes, you are definitely right, more socialization isn't what she needs. I had a good discussion with the 'boss' of training school about how she should learn that I am more valuable than any dog or person. As we discussed on the other thread, she loves attention so I'm learning my new tactic of 'ignoring' her, if she doesn't listen to my command once, I don't say it twice and ignore her, usually takes about ten to twenty mins before she comes to me and starts crying for attention and then we go back to training/playing. It's currently working wonders so thanks for your help on the other thread.

[Bec]

I don't feed her before training, this was a problem I had over a month ago, she is learning to obey my commands more often now, granted there are occasions where she is completely distracted. For instance, we were working on recall at training yesterday (last ten min of session), she came two out of five tries which I think was a pretty good result since she usually never comes back. And yes, you are definitely right, more socialization isn't what she needs. I had a good discussion with the 'boss' of training school about how she should learn that I am more valuable than any dog or person. As we discussed on the other thread, she loves attention so I'm learning my new tactic of 'ignoring' her, if she doesn't listen to my command once, I don't say it twice and ignore her, usually takes about ten to twenty mins before she comes to me and starts crying for attention and then we go back to training/playing. It's currently working wonders so thanks for your help on the other thread.

Oh I'm sorry - I just saw the date of your OP and realised it was an old thread. Glad it is working out for you

[Huskies On The Go]

If you can I would go to your nearest dog trainer, and enroll her into a few classes, and afterwards see how it turns out.

[Aya]

Hi all, just like to give everyone an update on Aya's puppy training. Today was test day, and regrettably, Aya did not pass. She failed to walk by my side but was able to do every other command (sit, drop (down) and recall), which in my mind and heart is a pass anyway. She was still too distracted with other people and their dogs but at least my commands are getting through which is a start (hope I don't sound like I'm making excuses). About half the class passed and I feel a little disappointed that Aya did not pass, makes me feel a bit like a failure since I have never failed at anything in life before. I'll just have to work harder now to ensure she passes on her next test, so wish me luck.

[Huskies On The Go]

Don't worry she will get better, just keep trying okay. I am sorry for you and her. She will slowly get better. Keep trying.

[SA DA KA]

Hi all, just like to give everyone an update on Aya's puppy training. Today was test day, and regrettably, Aya did not pass. She failed to walk by my side but was able to do every other command (sit, drop (down) and recall), which in my mind and heart is a pass anyway. She was still too distracted with other people and their dogs but at least my commands are getting through which is a start (hope I don't sound like I'm making excuses). About half the class passed and I feel a little disappointed that Aya did not pass, makes me feel a bit like a failure since I have never failed at anything in life before. I'll just have to work harder now to ensure she passes on her next test, so wish me luck.

You should commend yourself for the things she is doing and just work on things that are a little more difficult at the time, so she is a social butterfly and that is good, this makes Aya and you comfortable to go anywhere that you want with her for she is "social". She is still young and all great things take time and you will have that Siberian you will be so proud of. Don't beat yourself up, you both learning this journey together.

Husky Lovers in Vermont:doglick:

[Huskies On The Go]

Good advice. Very good.

[Aya]

You should commend yourself for the things she is doing and just work on things that are a little more difficult at the time, so she is a social butterfly and that is good, this makes Aya and you comfortable to go anywhere that you want with her for she is "social". She is still young and all great things take time and you will have that Siberian you will be so proud of. Don't beat yourself up, you both learning this journey together.

Husky Lovers in Vermont:doglick:

Thanks, I'm currently working on a heel command. Not sure if I'm doing it right though. Here is how I do it: I wait for her to sit by my left side, then I say 'Heel' and we walk slowly, if she pulls I stop and wait for her to sit by my side and then say 'Heel' again etc... when she does 'heel' for about 5-8 steps I release by saying 'free' and we play (I try to use treats too but that doesn't seem to work, playing and attention is her motivation). Is this the right method of doing this? sorry I have never taught any dog how to heel before so really new to this command. Took me about one hour to get her to walk by my side for 5 steps yesterday, today it increased to 7. I think I'm making great progress and sorry but I had to come on here and brag, also went home today and kept bragging to my family about how she walked with me for 8 steps. Hope I'm doing this right, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to work at this everyday till she can 'heel' with me for about 15 steps, which when the test comes will be a definite pass. There's no way I'm going to fail a second time.

[SA DA KA]

Thanks, I'm currently working on a heel command. Not sure if I'm doing it right though. Here is how I do it: I wait for her to sit by my left side, then I say 'Heel' and we walk slowly, if she pulls I stop and wait for her to sit by my side and then say 'Heel' again etc... when she does 'heel' for about 5-8 steps I release by saying 'free' and we play (I try to use treats too but that doesn't seem to work, playing and attention is her motivation). Is this the right method of doing this? sorry I have never taught any dog how to heel before so really new to this command. Took me about one hour to get her to walk by my side for 5 steps yesterday, today it increased to 7. I think I'm making great progress and sorry but I had to come on here and brag, also went home today and kept bragging to my family about how she walked with me for 8 steps. Hope I'm doing this right, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to work at this everyday till she can 'heel' with me for about 15 steps, which when the test comes will be a definite pass. There's no way I'm going to fail a second time.

If she has gone from 5 to 8 steps, then what you are doing is working. What works for you, will work for Aya. Sounds like she is praise driven first, then treat second, Our Sasha was the same way, praise driven. Great job and good luck with her test.

Husky Lovers in Vermont:doglick:

[sutsibe]

Hi all, just like to give everyone an update on Aya's puppy training. Today was test day, and regrettably, Aya did not pass. She failed to walk by my side but was able to do every other command (sit, drop (down) and recall), which in my mind and heart is a pass anyway. She was still too distracted with other people and their dogs but at least my commands are getting through which is a start (hope I don't sound like I'm making excuses). About half the class passed and I feel a little disappointed that Aya did not pass, makes me feel a bit like a failure since I have never failed at anything in life before. I'll just have to work harder now to ensure she passes on her next test, so wish me luck.

Go back, read your first post in this thread, and reconsider the "failure" idea! You and Aya have come a very long way in a short period of time. She's a puppy - compare her to a 5 year old child, and consider the attention span of one so young... Expect a lot of her, and you'll get what you want - eventually. Do expect that she will be a baby, yet, though, and as such, is only capable of so much...

When you're working on heeling, perhaps make a game of it, since she's so motivated by that. Make it fun, look down at her, make frequent turns - right, left, about (in both directions) and make it a game for her to see if she can stay right there in heel position. "Ha, ha - foooooold you!" and "Yaaaaayyyy, you DID it, good girl!" You can make it more serious, as you go on, but to begin with, it's a great way to both teach her and build a bond...

[Huskies On The Go]

Very good advice Sutsibe, that is very right on comparing Aya as a 5 year child.

[Bec]

When you talk about heeling do you mean training heel work (as in the heel position with 100% focus on you) or teaching loose leash walking?

Loose leash walking I like to train using the change of direction technique. Do a 180 degree change of direction every time your dog pulls on the leash, as soon as the leash tightens, to teach them that they cannot get where they are going by pulling on the leash. A trainer I know puts it as 'every time your dog pulls on the leash, a fairy dies' LOL.

[Aya]

Loose leash walking I like to train using the change of direction technique. Do a 180 degree change of direction every time your dog pulls on the leash, as soon as the leash tightens, to teach them that they cannot get where they are going by pulling on the leash. A trainer I know puts it as 'every time your dog pulls on the leash, a fairy dies' LOL.

That's brilliant, I'd love to teach her 'heel' but I think loose leash walking would be better to start off with (she's too easily distracted for now), thanks for the input. You really are a wise lady.

[Bec]

That's brilliant, I'd love to teach her 'heel' but I think loose leash walking would be better to start off with (she's too easily distracted for now), thanks for the input. You really are a wise lady.

LOL not really but I have been there with both my dogs!

I cannot live with a dog that is an excessive leash puller, loose leash walking is one of the first things I teach.

Formal heel work is one of the things I am most focused on getting right, obedience is one of my biggest passions and I love the look of an alert and happy dog working happily in heel work. But teaching LLW and HW are two very different things and I go abut training both in completely different ways. IMO, HW is about training a precise position and I always have a dog working in HW in a high level of arousal; whereas teaching LLW is about teaching the dog not to have tension on the leash and that they don't get where they want to go by pulling on the leash. I don't care if they are right beside me as long as there is no tension in the leash. I find it helps to remember that every time you let your dog pull on the leash they are being rewarded and reinforced for pulling.

[Huskies On The Go]

There is a way I train loose lead heel. I start with my dog in a sit position at my left side, and I take 5 paces and while I'm taking those 5 paces I am giving the "Heel" command, I also take a treat and hold it just right above the dog's muzzle and still giving the "Heel" command and when she comes up to me I reward her and mark the behavior that my dog just done. And there is also way to teach the "Heel" command, if you live in a house that has a long wall maybe around 20 to 30ft wall. What I do is also have my dog is a sit position at my left side, and I walk down that wall and while walking I'm giving the "Heel" command, and this is a beginner heeling I and my boss likes to call it, this wall is for the dog to understand that "I can't to the left and I can't go to the right, can't go froward nor can I go backwards in order to get the treat I have to stay at my owner's side". It just a piece of advice that I thought I might share seance you are having trouble. Hope this helps.

[BingBlaze n Skyla]

The way I make skyla walk 2 heel is by teaching her the watch me command , let me see if I can link a vid , people will probs find fault with it but it's a fairly old video x