Too smart for their own good?

puppymom · 01-25-2007, 05:21 PM

We have two 14 week old pups that we are enjoying immensely. Things are going great and they are doing well. We were having a problem with them coming when they were called so I decided to use bribery and it worked. We would go outside to potty, I would start walking back to the door when they were done and call them. At first they would just look at me as if to say "we'll come when we are ready" and I would eventually have to walk back into the yard and retrieve them. They wouldn't run, they would just stand and look at me. So I decided that when I called, if they came right away I would not only reward with praise but also a small treat. I used a liver treat broke into many pieces so the piece they would get was very tiny but they learned really quickly. It got to the point after a few trips outside that I would call and they would come running. They would get their praise and treat. So when we felt that this was now imbedded in their little minds, we withdrew the treats and kept up with the praise as we don't like to be feeding them a lot of treats. We save the treats for the big stuff! ha ha ha. So over the past few days they have reverted back to ignoring us when they are called. At first they would come running and be looking for the treat but when they now realize there are no longer treats involved its as though they are saying "no treat, forget it.......we'll come when we are ready". Does this mean we have to give treats forever to get them to come when called? Are they smarter than we are? Or are they just too smart for their own good? Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Little buggars......but they are so darned cute!

Lorina · 01-25-2007, 05:29 PM

I give treats randomly for things I taught using a treat. Sometimes he'll get a piece of a treat for doing what he's told. Most of the times, not. Once in a while, he'll get a four little pieces of a treat.

It's like playing a slot machine. If you think there's a chance you'll get a payout, or better yet a jackpot, you'll keep playing.

puppymom · 01-25-2007, 05:35 PM

Thank you for the suggestion. We will definately try that. I usually have treats in my coat pocket so we will just give them randomly and see if that helps. Thanks again for the advice.

Curbside Prophet · 01-25-2007, 05:42 PM

Once Elsa can figure out a way to pay her own bills, only then will I concede that she's smarter. No it does not mean you'll have to use treats forever. You will need to use treats to reinforce the behavior until the pup knows it better, but no it won't be forever. Once they've succeeded a lot, be unpredictable and random with treats, and then use treats very randomly if ever. Two things...first, use their portion of kibble if you don't want to use treats. Second, try not to use the command unless you know you'll succeed (wait for them to be looking and moving toward you).

Keno's Mom · 01-25-2007, 08:36 PM

What kind of pups? Have you enrolled them in puppy obedience classes? I suggest you do a few short training sessions (individual) on a leash and teach them to come when you call - NO 2nd call. You give the command, if they start coming to you, praise them. If not then reel them in and then praise.

Bribe only 1 out of 3 times. But they need to learn that when you say come (in a happy tone - never a harsh/mad one), you mean RIGHT now, not when they choose. YOU are the pack leader, not them - if they don't learn it now as pups, you are in for a heck of a problem later!

DogAdvocat · 01-25-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

Once Elsa can figure out a way to pay her own bills, only then will I concede that she's smarter.

And yet she's the lady of leisure.

Lorina · 01-25-2007, 09:14 PM

Yeah, I can't very well say I'm smarter than the pets when I'm the one serving them meals and cleaning up their poo.

(Although given the chance, the dog might be willing to "clean" the catbox for me. Ew.)

DogAdvocat · 01-25-2007, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorina

Yeah, I can't very well say I'm smarter than the pets when I'm the one serving them meals and cleaning up their poo.

(Although given the chance, the dog might be willing to "clean" the catbox for me. Ew.)

LOL. Yes, and I think I'm incredibly well trained to jump up and open the door whenever I receive the doggy command, but I keep wondering why I don't get a treat. Seems unfair.

Curbside Prophet · 01-26-2007, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogAdvocat

And yet she's the lady of leisure.

Now I have to reevaluate who's smarter...thanks DA.

puppymom · 01-26-2007, 10:01 AM

The closest puppy classes are almost 200 miles from here so that is not an option. That is why we are trying to do everything right on our own.

I had to giggle at the comments made about the pups having us trained. It is so true. I would also like to know why I don't get a treat when I jump up to open the door or spend time outside scooping poop. Not sure who has who trained! ha ha ha.

babydolwv · 01-27-2007, 01:38 AM

yeah... also with saddie to reinforce commands like sit, or lay down (which she does almost perfect and almost every time, but progress is progress) is make her sit before going out or lay down to get a chew toy... that way she sees she has to obey before getting what she wants.... however we are still working on the come command...lol