Member Stella
MemberForum Replies Created
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I think it’s ok if they are a bit loose vs too tight. Want it snug but With wear and use they do tend to slip down a little. The key is to make sure your doing proper corrections with it (popping not pulling). Also I would be cautious with it with such a young puppy.
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In addition to what’s already been mentioned, try ice cubes ! They don’t last very long but do the trick and entertaining!
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I was told (by my trainer) only to use the bonker in extreme circumstances/behaviours and shouldn’t have to repeat too many times. So I agree you don’t want to be using it for minor correction and not something you want to use frequently, for me it was sort of a one time thing (for a few different situations). Hope it works out with the new trainer. You have to do what works and feels right.
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Welcome! I think one of the key things I did with my GSD in the beginning (from 8 weeks) was hand feed meals, I hand fed most of the meal while working on basic training and then fed the remainder in her crate. Lots of great info and support on this site 🙂
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Re cats & dogs… After the initial puppy phase we kept cat and dog separate for a while (dog crated or physicaly separated from cat), until around 8 months. We were worried they would never co-exist. I know the use of bonker ( plastic jug with coins \ pebbles) is controversial but that’s what we used. We got the dog and cat together in the same area of the house and let the interaction happen , when the dog got too intense and charged at cat we (said no) threw the bonker down , I think we only did it a couple times. We still “supervise ” and are close by when the dog is free but she knows not to “mess” with the cat . She is still VERY INTERESTED in the cat, follows her around, staring, they will get nose to nose and then it’s like now what?! Cat always has escape route , cat door to basement and upstairs of house. They share a water bowl now 😊
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Just wanted to say that I went to a trainer and they used the same “bonker” and it definitely helped me and my GSD, with reactivity towards my son, the cat and other dogs (still working through other dogs)!
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Wanted to give an update and say I agree with other members loose leash walking and respect on the leash is key, I didn’t really get what that meant , the terms are put out there but must really practice it and demand it. The correction (as Jared said) must be enough that the dog does not want to repeat the behaviour. For my dog and her reactivity what has worked (as of last nite\today) is a shake jug (emptied juice jug with a few coins inside). prong corrections were not enough. She reacted, barked and lunged at another dog and I said NO and threw the jug at the ground by her. It was a little embarrassing but had to be done , at least it was dark ! I’m sharing because I know how frustrating it can be and it seemed nothing was working but the solution is very simple make it terrible for the dog to do the unwanted behaviour and in most cases won’t have to repeat the correction as the message was received! Hope this helps.
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I am struggling with reactivity as well. 10 month female GSD. On walks she has been increasingly reactive to other dogs. She’s on a prong, I loose leash walk as best I can with her. General obedience is good. I’ve watched all the videos and others. I feel like what’s missing is how do you correct in the moment of reactivity, in real life situation? And as others have mentioned if corrections on prong aren’t working? So… I’m taking her back to trainer tomorrow fingers crossed!
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Another suggestion for lesson topic – corrections. I know some lessons touch on it but I think a more comprehensive lesson dedicated to the topic, on different types, tools, and levels of correction and guidance when to use which ones and how specifically.
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Agree, I’m with you on that :). I’ve been following Roberts videos/teachings from day one, actually months before I brought my pup home! His videos and site have been my primary go to, but also think it’s good to have multiple resources to pull from and apply what works and is applicable. I live in Ontario, Canada so it’s nice to also have a resource closer to home for in person training !