Melissa writes to me:
Hi there! I am almost half way done with “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer” so pleased with it so far! I have 2 Border Collies. A 2yr old male, Jack and a 9 mo old female, Jill. We are from USA, rescued Jack and Jill in England and now live in Amman Jordan. Huge transition for them from the fields in England to the streets of Amman!!! Jack is transitioning well, Jill is having a bit of a harder time. We rescued her at 8 wks old. She was taken from her mom at 3 wks old but was with her littermates up until we rescued her. Since we have had her she has wanted to chase cars. We have come a long way with her, but on our walks I somehow feel if I had more of her attention I could probably get through to her. She is obsessed with cars when we are out and now cats as well there are millions here, everywhere! I am sure I will find more answers as I continue my reading, but just couldn’t wait to ask…any thoughts? Thanks! Mel
Adam replies:
Hi, Melissa:
Amman, Jordan… that’s pretty cool! Do you work for the State Department? What an exciting life!
Keep reading through the Secrets book. I can guarantee you’ll get a better understanding of how to get through to your dog’s mind, by doing so.
As for your specific issues, I have some video techniques that will apply, pretty closely:
Watch this one, first– for the attention issue. Attention is the FOUNDATION of all training. If you’re not paying complete attention to me, I can’t even begin to teach you, right?
Next, watch this video– which teaches the “Come on Command”.
I would use the cars as a really good way to “proof” her, once you’re in the proofing phase.
Next, watch the boundary training video. This gives you a visual guide as to how to issue the correction. Correct her for going after a cat, firmly. (You can also use the “Loose-Leash/Attention Getter” exercise:
http://www.dogproblems.com/members/Dog_Training_Videos_Boundary_and_Perimeter_Training_For_Dogs.cfm
Remember: With my system, we look to distractions as an OPPORTUNITY to work the dog around, because if you have found things that consistently trigger your dog’s behavior, then you can use that to build the dog’s reliability.
Keep us posted.
– Adam.
Melissa responds:
Hi, Adam!
It is really nice to be in direct contact with you. Let me say first of all that I have really enjoyed reading your book. I have gained such valuable information. I am using new training methods on my dogs and results are amazing. Jill is still a handful on our walks, as you say, I think my corrections are not motivational enough…I think with many first time prong collar users, there is that hesitation, of “I may hurt the dog”. I know I am wrong to think this way, and am quickly getting over it! I find after each time I use the collar, I am deleting yet another link. I think I finally have the right fit and size. Jill is about 16 kg and I am using a med on her, Jack is 26 kg and is using a large. Jack does not need much motivation by the way. It’s my Jilly girl that wants to be the protector out there in the jungle…I should mention that she will be spayed in a couple of weeks. We waited as rules in England have them wait til after their first season wich she is just coming out of. Also, I think I need to spend more time alone with her. By the way, my husband is in the hotel industry…this is why we get round…Thanks Adam! Will keep you posted.
Melissa