Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Reactive Dog by Patricia B. McConnell Ph.D.;Karen B. London Ph.D

Author:Patricia B. McConnell Ph.D.;Karen B. London Ph.D.
Language: eng
Format: mobi, pdf
Published: 2011-04-25T09:38:00+00:00

Getting Started

Before you start training your dog to do a U-Turn, decide what verbal cue you are going to use. Ideally, it should be a sound that you can say quickly and easily. Be sure that it doesn't sound like any of your other signals-for example, if you use "No! " to stop your dog, then using "Go!" for a U-Turn is probably not such a great idea. Some examples that clients have used are "This Way," "Let's Go," (the "go" here probably doesn't get confused with "no" because the cue starts with "let's"), "Wow!," "Oh No!," "Now!," "Turn" and "Oh boy!" Avoid using words you've used before, like "Come" and the dog's name, so you can start out fresh. We're going to use "Turn" in this booklet, because that's what we want you and your dog to do, but we like the sound of "Let's Go" best when working with a dog. Most importantly, pick one that you like and that won't confuse your dog. Don't fuss too much over finding the perfect word, just be consistent once you decide on it, and use the same tone of voice you'd use when surprised yourself.

As with any new behavior, be sure to teach this exercise in a calm, quiet place. Start where you and your treats (or toys) are the only game in town. Quiet backyards or empty long hallways will make it easier for both you and your dog to concentrate. With great treats or your dog's absolute favorite toy in your right hand, stride forward with your dog on your left. (Reverse these directions if you walk with your dog on your right side.) Don't worry about getting him in a perfect heel position, but don't initiate your first U-Turn on cue if he's more than a body length ahead of you. If he gets that far ahead, just turn around and walk forward again. Now you're in front and can start your U-Turn as he gets even with you.

When your dog is beside or a tiny bit in front of you, and you are moving forward briskly, say "Turn" in an excited voice, and pivot around your right leg, turning your body to the right and continuing to move forward. You'll end up facing 180 degrees from where you were going, continuing to walk forward.

Unless you encourage your dog to turn with you, he'll probably keep going straight the other way, so help him get it right by doing one or all of the following:

1) Have a great treat or toy in your right hand, and use it to lure your dog around with you as you turn. Be sure to move the treat within an inch of your dog's nose (that might mean moving your right arm across your body to your left side where your dog's nose is), and then lure the dog around your legs as you turn, like a carrot leading a donkey.

2) Bend your knees as you turn. Most dogs respond beautifully

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