first day of training my JR to heel and to walk beside me?

Question

well i first trained him at home. this is what i did:
i had a pocketful of kibble and held some in my hand. i had the leash short but not tight to avoid tension between us. i led him beside me with the kibble in front of his face so he followed it while he was beside me so he knows that walking beside me is good. everything was great at home so then i tried it outside at night were distractions were at a minimum. lucky for me, no one walked past or interfered. when i tried it downstairs, he completely ignored the kibble (still on leash) and looked away listening to every sound there was. i tried it again and again and he did it twice successfully. i rewarded him greatly for those two. then i tried to make him sit beside me which took a lot of effort. once again, he ignored the kibble and i had to make him look at me until he finally sat. i rewarded him greatly for this as well. on the way back upstairs, i tried it and he did it perfectly just like at home and never pulled.

the minute i got him home he was still heeling and when i left him off the leash. he stood for like 5 seconds and then he sprinted off. i would very much like to have him off the leash and walk beside me just like my neighbour's jack russell as well. i know that his breed has a short attention span but am i doing things right? he is 1 and a half years old. is there anyway i can improve this training? how long will it take? thanks
mel

Answer 1

Thank you for training your dog. I have stated many times on this forum that a well-trained dog is a joy to be around.

Now that puppy has an idea of what's expected, reinforcement is key. That means daily drills in both a private and public setting (full of distractions so he'll learn that he is to behave everywhere - not just the back garden).

Praise and reward. Good practice. Go very easy on the food treats however - but praise, praise praise him for good behavior. Food treats are a good/bad thing - Yes, you'll get the positive behavior - but he'll also learn, just as a 5 year old child, to perform the expected behavior only if you offer a treat. But praise - is another matter. Wild dogs will do just about anything for approval from the pack leader. Transfer that pack leadership to you - and puppy will jump hoops for a pet and a "good doggie." Remember how good that "100%" on a math test felt? Same thing. Praise alone is a MUCH better reinforcement.

Consider enrolling in a good obedience class. A good coach will make learning easier and faster. It is also a truly fun sport that all dogs and their owners can enjoy. AND it is the basis of all other dog activities - fly ball, obstacle course, therapy certification and others.

But keep up the good work, limit the food treats and thank you for training your dog. Again, a well-trained dog is a joy to be around.

Answer 2

try and find a treat that is something different than his kibble. that he does not get regularly.