Larry and I are doing pretty good. In truth, he's doing a lot better than me. I'm just having some problems coming to grips with be a dog owner. We're working, I just have to realize that I can't correct for every behavior at once.
Housebreaking is going very well. He's on a good schedule and even when we deviated pretty badly yesterday, he did just great.
He's learned to sit very well, he's getting close to 100 percent. In fact today, when he was getting hyper, I gave him the sit command and he responded immediately. I was greatly happy for both of us. I am having a bit of a problem getting him to release from the sit. He's convinced that if he sits forever, I'll keep feeding him forever. Actually, that's not true. If I walk to the other side of the room, he'll break and come to me. I just need to get him to pick up on "okay" as the release word.
I know he's not getting enough exercise, but we're doing the best we can with the foul weather and low temperatures (in other words, Erie in winter).
I've given up on correcting for getting on the furniture right now. It was just wearing me out too much and putting me in a foul mood, which isn't good for our relationship. What I'd like to get him to do is not get up on the furniture unless he's invited. Believe me, he understands the invitation part already.
The last thing I want to mention now, is that as soon as I get back from my trip home for Christmas, I've really got to start the crate training. I'm sure he's acclimated to it, but he's getting in bed at night and sleeping with me for the last two nights.. I'm not happy about this, but after 20 times of escorting him off the bed, I give up. I realize this is my shortcoming, but hopefully we can get back on track soon.
He's wearing me out mentally, but I'm sure he's a good dog. The question is whether or not I'm going to be a good owner. I'm trying folks! I'm showing more patience with him than I have with anything else, but I guess I just get depressed easily.
Anyway, enough of the negative stuff. Happy Holidays to all!
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Hey Russ, two suggestions:
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2) Take the crate in the bedroom. Put him in it at night. If you are there with him in the room, he should be fine. He might fuss for a few minutes, but ignore that. He'll figure it out pretty quickly. That is essentially how I've trained all my dogs - 3 as puppies and one older.
just some suggestions! Have a great holiday!
Thanks Helen. I'll try the crate soon. I don't know why I don't like it. He loved it on the trip to Pittsburgh.
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