Introduction: My last entry was two months ago, Otis is now over four-month-old. This experience has been interesting to say the least. Different breeds of dogs have different tendencies. The one thing that all breeds respond to is consistency. The same thing holds true with humans. Just because it is a puppy does not mean they can’t learn or also challenge their pack leaders. With humans, we should all know better however still we challenge our coaches, leaders and mentors. Very interesting, indeed.
Progress: What has Otis learned.
- Mouthing: He does not mouth much any more. Prior, he would playfully use his mouth with those needles like teeth. He made me bleed with puncher marks on my hands, arms and nose. All we did was give him a substitute like a toy. We had to do this repeatedly. Gradually over a month or so, he reduced his mouthing. Like everything else, we the pack leaders should always praise, reward and correct.
- Walking on a Leash: This was a real issue at first. What I think the moment of truth for Otis, when his uncle, Cooper the English Bull dog came to visit. Cooper walks well on a leash and I noticed Otis watching him. From that day on, Otis got better and better walking on a leash. We did everything right prior and after. Treats, eye contact followed by reward; you name it. Yet Cooper was the best teacher by modeling the behavior. Something to this. We practice eye contact/reward and Otis Come/reward every day.
- Pooping and Peeing: This is a mixed back of tricks. In the morning, we have a routine. I usually handle the morning and after breakfast walks. Therefore, I can be rather consistent because I always do it. We go out the back door. First long pee in the same basic place followed by a big poop in the same basic place. Seems my son has a bit harder time because he does not follow the routine. After breakfast, same deal. Consistent results and behaviors.
- House Training: Not doing as well as can be expected. Otis seems to pee in little puddles all the time. Take one eye off this little guy, and find a pee. Pain in the ass. First you have to clean it then spray it so the dog does not smell his own pee. I assure you all, we are doing what all the books say. One thing I think has make a big difference, when he does do his jobs outside, we immediately give him a high value treat. Also, we over enthusiastically say “YES, good potty.” I feel ridiculous but when he does it in the house, he gets nothing. Is there some human possibilities for this approach?
- Leave it Training: All the dog trainers tell you it is very important that your dog obeys you when you say, “Leave it.” This is a behavior, training and safety issue. Otis is not perfect and needs constant re-enforcement. He is very good though. Dogs and puppies are smarter then we all think. I wonder who is training who, sometimes.
- Tricks: Tricks are just that, tricks. Some have value, some don’t. The most valuable one is simply to sit and stay. French Bulldogs tend to jump on folks. Just what they do. We never pick up Otis when he jumps on us. Instead, we give him the hand signal and verbal to sit and stay. After a few seconds, WE choose to pick him up. “Leave it” is another, we make him sit and stay even when we have food in our hand or when we serve him a meal. Always hand feed treads so the dog knows where it came from. Food is a very important tool. He has gotten progressively better. I taught him a high five which makes my world but really does nothing to make him a better dog. The hard one is “down”, still working on that.
What have I learned as a human? My wife Tami is the best. She is the one that studies daily to make this dog the best one we ever had. I am the second fiddle here. I must take my wife’s lead and watch what she does to be consistent. Recently, Tami and I are taking Otis for morning walks on the beach. Nice, right? Funny, the dog has given us the reason to take a walk together every morning. Otis love us both equal but he knows who the real pack leaders is in our family. Hope you enjoyed this blog post.