No, You’re Not Being Silly: Your Dog Matters Too

[Dr. Jen's Dog Blog]

Several months ago, I had a conversation with a client during a behavior consultation that stuck with me. I wanted to address it here today, because I think it’s a secret worry for lots of dog owners – and it really shouldn’t be! The client in question had recently adopted an 8-year-old Lab mix I’ll call “Joey.” He was a sweet, friendly dog in most situations, but she had some concerns about his behavior around her grandkids – he was...
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[DennasMom]

"The trainer told Duncan to sit and stay, and pulled lightly on the leash. (This is a common technique for proofing a dog’s understanding of the “stay” command, the theory being that the dog should plant himself and refuse to move forward..."

WHAT!?!!??

I spend months and months training my dog to never, never pull on the leash, that any pressure on the leash is to be immediately removed - BY THE DOG - by moving towards (or with) me - and THIS is how you "test" the stay???
Not in any world I've ever been a part of.

I put the dog in a "stay" then to 'proof it' I dance around like a silly person, giggle, run away from them, drop treats, throw balls, etc. etc.
NEVER would I try to pull the dog out of a "stay" with the very same leash they were taught to NEVER allow tension on. Crazy trainers!!!

It what real-life situation would you ever want the dog to refuse to go with you when you pull on the leash?

 

[Nik]

"The trainer told Duncan to sit and stay, and pulled lightly on the leash. (This is a common technique for proofing a dog’s understanding of the “stay” command, the theory being that the dog should plant himself and refuse to move forward..."

WHAT!?!!??

I spend months and months training my dog to never, never pull on the leash, that any pressure on the leash is to be immediately removed - BY THE DOG - by moving towards (or with) me - and THIS is how you "test" the stay???
Not in any world I've ever been a part of.

I put the dog in a "stay" then to 'proof it' I dance around like a silly person, giggle, run away from them, drop treats, throw balls, etc. etc.
NEVER would I try to pull the dog out of a "stay" with the very same leash they were taught to NEVER allow tension on. Crazy trainers!!!

It what real-life situation would you ever want the dog to refuse to go with you when you pull on the leash?

Totaly agree. I thought that bit was weird as well.

 

[Boxergirl]

Yeah, that seemed odd to me too. I wonder if it means that the owner/handler puts the dog in a stay and someone other than the handler (trainer) pulls on the lead? I've still never seen something like that done, but it's the only thing that kind of makes some twisted kind of sense. Proofing that the dog will remain in an owner commanded stay despite what anyone else does?