Thread: Dog training problems and answers

Gidday All,

First post here on the forum.

I have been reading these dog threads with interest and thought I would chime in with a few questions to poke it along.

A little about myself. I have two GSP’s, one male, one bitch. I am starting to do more and more wing shooting. I have access to quail, rabbits and ducks currently. I have only ever hunted over my male. Male is two years and head strong as all get out. The bitch is 10 months, quite soft but still subtly stubborn. I have gone through the full circle of food rewards, games etc. to get the result I want. However as a few of you may have already guessed, behaviour/ obedience problems still exist.

I now realize, the best type of discipline for a dog, is self-discipline. I love & respect my dogs and am prepared to put in the time and effort to get them to where they need to be (as biddable members of my pack). No doubt the problem lies with my ability and knowledge as a trainer.

So here are a few questions that the answers to which will help immeasurably.

1. What is a reasonable consequence/ punishment for deliberate disobedience to a command. I have been chaining them up (isolation) away from the pack for a little while.

2. My bitch loves to jump up on people. To me this is disrespectful and needs to stop. How would you convey to her that what she is doing is wrong, and what consequence would you put in place for continued no compliance.

3. How do you teach a dog to have a solid walk at heel. My male knows where he needs to be, however is very inconsistent to the point you have to call off the walk before you explode.

I’m sure I have more questions but these will do for now.

Cheers,

James