tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011331160742002368.post8162670499993106631..comments2009-04-04T20:12:07.847-07:00Beaglorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03336819430287262708noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011331160742002368.post-26093580988364714662009-04-04T20:12:00.000-07:002009-04-04T20:12:00.000-07:00Julie, it's coming up to two years since we started and while we are thrilled with the progress Duke has made, mostly around Duke not reacting to dogs on the street, we still keep treats with us on our walks. It's a good insurance policy and we still reward him for good behavior. The next step in our program with Duke is to get him to actually meet a dog on leash and behave appropriately, which if you asked me whether we could do that when I first wrote this blog post, I would have been hesitant.<BR/><BR/>So basically Duke is way better today, and if we were content to have him plateau at the level we described in this blog, our reliance on treats would be slim to none. But we always want him improving!Andrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691832715713707110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011331160742002368.post-17826756931460383562009-04-03T17:25:00.000-07:002009-04-03T17:25:00.000-07:00we have the same exact issue as you. how are things now that it's been over a year? do you still need to give treats??juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955808346587902874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011331160742002368.post-90603543931703720932008-07-07T22:31:00.000-07:002008-07-07T22:31:00.000-07:00You're totally right about negative reinforcement alienating your dog from you. <BR/><BR/>Victoria Stilwell is a fantastic trainer. I watch her show on Animal Planet here in the States.<BR/><BR/>Based on what I've read on your blog about Duke, and then seeing your video of him on a walk, I have to compliment you on the fantastic job you guys have done. <BR/><BR/>I have a very reactive terrier mix who I'm working with now. She's reactive to both dogs and new people. I know, great combination.<BR/><BR/>I've been using Kevin Behan's techniques, and had a consultation with him by phone to get some advice. She has been slowly progressing, but as you know it's a long road that requires a lot of patience and commitment. <BR/><BR/>So I just wanted to tell you how happy it makes me to see how well you've done with your own dog. It's inspiring to see how well you've done with Duke.<BR/><BR/>Great job! :)boywunderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10830622992309114927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011331160742002368.post-82725194676626806012008-07-06T18:39:00.000-07:002008-07-06T18:39:00.000-07:00bianca! i didn't get this comment until now :)<BR/><BR/>i'm glad that victoria seawell uses positive reinforcement. there are 2 dog shows that air in canada (one is made in alberta!), and unfortunately the trainers use negative reinforcement, which could potentially alienate the dog from you!happydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786041155662615708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011331160742002368.post-52617465537046218072008-01-01T04:32:00.000-08:002008-01-01T04:32:00.000-08:00hyedie, i just found your duke blog! how cute! d and i love the videos :) a beagle is the only breed we can agree on so far.....! ANYWAY, there's a great program on u.k. channel 4 called "it's me or the dog", showing positive training techniques by a behaviourist called Victoria Seawell. She uses the same "distraction" technique quite often -- giving treats, compliments, or sometimes making weird noises (she yelps, or blows a whistle) to get the dog's attention. the episodes are pretty entertaining, regardless if you have a dog!<BR/><BR/>try to find the eps, if you can! <BR/><BR/>http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/I/itsmeorthedog/index.htmlbiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13018336689160176356noreply@blogger.com