In the last couple of months I have been asked how to train or get the attention of the so called Hard Headed dog. This is not an easy answer since I am not right there looking at the training situation and the dog involved. Sometimes it's how the training situation is approached and your attitude not just the dogs. Sometimes you have to trick the dog into believing that it's his/her idea and not yours. I have actually seen people train with the approach and attitude that they were going to impose their will over the dog, well I'm sorry but there are dogs out there that this will not work with. Sure you can impose your will, and over a long period, the dog will do it your way but there will be no pleasure in it. The dog will act like a robot, goes through the motions gets the job done then just sits there. Sorry this doesn't work for me. I want my dogs to be the absolute best they can be because THEY want to, not because I have broken their spirit and in doing so I have created a robotic shell of what I really wanted. When training your own dog, or if you have someone else do it, you need to really think things through. You need to approach your training session with enthusiasm and a pleasant nature. Your dog can sense if you are having a bad day of it. Now I have always said, in my other articles about training, that to train you need to be consistent and do it everyday. If you are having a bad day and you need to train, do things that the dog knows, don't put them in a spot where you will end up loosing your temper and your focus. You would be surprised how quick you can work your way out of a cloudy disposition when you are doing something that is enjoyable not only to you but enjoyable for the dog. Once you have spent sufficient time, more or less going over refresher training and your mood has lifted, you can move onto new territory.
Now the strong willed dog is not one you want to try to impose anything on. You really need to think your training sessions through. Think about what you expect, what the dog knows, how you are going to approach the task and more over what are you going to do to get the dog to do what you want? Believe me this takes a lot of hands on training. You have to be ready to do things several times and do them exactly the same every time. Your dog has to understand that you are in control and he/she will do what is commanded of them when commanded. While training you have to stay on task and DO NOT let the dog deviate in any form of the training. If you tell the dog to whoa then that means whoa, all four feet on the ground, head up, tail up, looking forward and or at you while waiting for the next command. The strong willed dogs will try to take an extra step before stopping, or they will drop their heads and look away from you. This in the training ranks is called developing an out. Doing what you want them to do but at the same time not doing it exactly as desired. Anything but doing what you want them to do correctly. You have to then be ready to take control and do the correcting that is required. The strong willed dog will make this difficult but you have to stick to task. Sometimes a good tap on the end of the nose with your index finger and a controlled voice command works with the strong willed dog and then there are other times that you may need to include the electronic collar. When including an electronic collar in your training you have to make certain you understand and remember it is a tool and by no means a quick fix for anything. It is used to enforce what the dog already knows. SportDog, Innotek, DT Systems, Dogtra and Tri-Tronics all have collars that are affordable and have the options of warning ticks before the actual stimulation occurs. These are invaluable tools because you can warn the dog before shocking them and then it's their decision to obey the command or not.
Also never start the setting out on the highest point either. When using the electronic collars less is best. You can look over the entire equipment lines of the various mentions manufacturers at midwestgundog.com and also be able to ask questions and get consultations if you would like.
The thing with strong willed dogs is that they will test you at every turn. Always wanting to do things their own way. Once you understand that, and once you really learn your dogs personality, then you will be able to work out compromises. That's a funny word to use when discussing dog training but in the end that's just what it is. You will accept some of the raunchiness and stubbornness of mind or things the dog does so that he/she thinks they are getting away with something while at the same time they obey all commands in the areas that mean the most, companionship and safety.
Again if you would like to look over the product lines of the various manufacturers above just stop by midwestgundog.com.
John Wahl