The friends’ advice they have listened to has been old-school, using stern ‘commands’, ‘no’ etc. as opposed to motivation, positive reinforcement and reward.
They will find that modern force-free methods work a whole lot better.
I know. I have used both in my time.
Why does a friendly young Golden Retriever keep jumping up and mouthing people despite being told ‘No’? She jumps up and she mouths. Golden Retriever Tilly, at ten months old, has had a good eight months honing her jumping up skills! She grabs clothes too when really aroused. She was Read more
Why does a friendly young dog keep jumping up, even when he’s repeatedly told to get down? I’m sure most of us who, over time, have had several dogs from puppies, forget what monkeys they can be when young. I have just been to see two wonderful friendly, gentle Standard Read more
Confrontational or dominant behaviour from the humans is a slippery slope that too often ends badly.
Why is Holly reactive to other dogs on lead but fine off lead? Holly is a German Shepherd with an impressive pedigree of champions – and with very big ears! A beautiful girl. She has been well trained by careful and caring owners. Reactive I was called in to see Read more