For Melanie!!!

[Barley'sMom]

(for some reason it's not letting me reply or send PM... sorry everyone else)
Thanks, Melanie. It's reassuring to know that I'm not just a terrible trainer. I think we'll start working with the 20' rope today. My goal is 90% recall by the end of the month.

Now, if only I could get him to understand the significance of his shiny star report card on the fridge....

Thanks,
Angela

 

[IliamnasQuest]

I think Chazhound is a little confused right now .. I've noticed posts are ending up out of order in these threads too.

Glad I could help! Don't despair .. owning an independent breed is a world away from owning a shepherd or a golden or another breed that actually wants to work with their people .. *L*. Chows can be so extremely independent and many chow owners just end up never having their dogs off-leash. I don't like that so I work with mine a LOT. With Barley you have other breeds too, so hopefully you have a dog with a bit less independence.

Be consistent, be extremely rewarding, be patient and make yourself the most interesting thing you can. It will help - but I can't guarantee you will ever become more interesting than a squirrel or a rabbit running by! *L*

Melanie and the gang in Alaska