From: mlhb@mammoth.dr.att.com (Sky Warrior)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Behaviour problem: Dog pretends he hasn't heard and slinks off
Date: 30 Jul 92 18:40:08 GMT

In article <1992Jul29.132244.1@ssrl01.slac.stanford.edu>, tcox@ssrl01.slac.stanford.edu (Tony Cox) writes:
|> Hi all,
|> 
|> 	My 5 year old, unneutered male, Australian Shepard mix, "Thufir" has
|> recently developed (two weeks back) an annoying habit which I would like to
|> break him of.
|> 
|> 	I live in the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains, in what most dogs
|> would consider doggy heaven. The nearest road is way off, and most neighbours
|> have dogs which wander around visiting each others houses, etc. etc.
|> 
|> 	Frequently, of course, it is necessary to get Thufir to come in on
|> command (at night, for example, when he likes to bark at racoons or deer).
|> 
|> 	Recently, he has discovered that human night vision isn't up to much,
|> and so will lurk in the shadows and pretend he hasn't heard the call. Worse,
|> he will ignore me and just slink off. No amount of shouting or stern words
|> will bring him back.
|> 
|> 	Of course, he comes back after an hour or so, full of smiles. How
|> does one discipline the dog then? Clearly, the pea-brain has forgotten all
|> about ignoring me, and interprets any harsh words or slaps as odd behaviour
|> from a normally reasonable master.
|> 
|> 	Does anyone have any idea what I should do?

Yes, but it will require work on your part.  Your dog has decided that you are
not worth listening to (i.e. "tunes you out")  when he wants to go do something. 
You have to reestablish your Alpha role in his mind.

First of all, you have unintentionally trained him to slink off when you call
him. (He got away with it, didn't he?)  I would put a six week moratorium on the
word "come" unless you can truly make him come inside (i.e., he'd better be on a
leash).

Second, stop shouting.  Thufir can hear you just fine; he is tuning you out. 
Change your tonality to sound like a low growl -- believe me, he'll pay attention
to you more than if you shout.

Third, don't let Thufir run around loose until he *REALLY* knows the word come. 
Yes, it is a pain in the butt taking him out on leash to relieve himself, but
that is what you must do.

Fourth, neuter Thufir.  I'm not kidding.  Neutering helps a lot of behavioral
problems.  Besides, he is a mix -- he isn't going to throw valuable puppies --
and you will help curb the pet overpopulation.

Fifth, spend two times a day for about 10 minutes practicing all the commands he
knows.  Also, keep him in a down-stay for 30 minutes once a day.

Sixth, practice the Alpha stare on him once or twice a day.  Force him to look
into your eyes for a few seconds at a time and then you look away.  Also, don't
give any treats for the next 6 weeks.  A lot of owners put themselves in
compromising positions when they treat their dogs.

Seventh, practice recalls (comes) *seven* times a day *on leash*. (One after the
other).  Give short verbal praise.

Eighth, if Thufir is sleeping on the bed, get him off and have him sleep *next*
to the bed.  You don't need to look like littermates.

Ninth, no compromising games, tug of war, etc.  Let Thufir only have one toy to
play with during this time and add a toy once a week after a month.

Tenth, buy a copy of "People, Pooches, and Problems" by Job Michael Evans.  He
has a whole chapter devoted to problems like the one you are experiencing.  My
above advice comes from his plan, the Radical Regiment for Recalcitant Rovers,
which is outlined in the book.

Good luck with Thufir.
Let me know how you are faring on retraining him.

Sky Warrior and Team:
Conan, Cuawn, Shadow, Mirin, Dancer, and soon to follow:
Jasmine and Kersel.

-- 
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