How do you get your Mastiff's focus for training sessions?

[natsan6]

I am working with Jagger on his puppy kindergarten homework (sounds so cutsie lol) but sometimes I swear he looks right at me and says, "nope not happening today lady." The trainer told me to tap him in the jowl or hind quarter area to get his attention and firmly command sometimes it works sometimes not.
Recall is what is bothering me...he can be very indifferent sometimes and I want to fix this now. I treat when he comes and praise and act like a fool and still sometimes he looks at me like I am nutso.
Any hints, tricks, miracles or stiff drinks you can suggest would be awesome

(he hates down and stay also)

 

[PuppyPaws]

Get a 15 to 20 foot long line to help with the recall. This will give you more contro over him and help you enforce the come. If you can't control him when he chooses not to obey, it will be a long, long process Good luck!

 

[agno3]

My dog will do anything for part of a hot dog. You might also want to work on a "look at me" cue. Like his name or something. Reward eye contact.

 

[ruby55]

We play look at me all the time. It really helps when you can get their undivided attention. And the lunge line (15-20 ft line) really helps too. If you call him to come & he doesn't you slowly draw him in. Then praise him when he gets to you. But he has no choice in the matter.

 

[natsan6]

I will try the lead and he absolutely loves hot dogs. He will look at me and then "nah not now look" so hopefully the lead will do the trick!

 

[angelbears]

Ditto all the above. Consistent and persistent. Don't let him win now or you will have big monsters like mine.

 

[NeoBull]

Good motivating treats, try to make it fun by using a happy tone... some people are too serious and get too easily frustrated in the teaching phase and a young puppy is going to want nothing to do with that. Teach everything as if you were teaching a fun trick and not just basic obedience commands, to a dog all commands are tricks. Watch me is a good warm up Also, keep training sessions short at this age... try for several 5min sessions throughout the day instead of one long one. It will hold the puppy's attention better, keep you from getting as frustrated, and reinforce training all day.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I try to keep them excited with lots of praise as well as keeping the sessions nice and short. I also change up the commands to keep him interested and guessing. Hope this helps good luck!

 

[natsan6]

Thank you! All of you ...he graduates "puppy kindergarten" next Tue. I feel like he is "getting" it or isn't confused as to what I want him to do, just his desire to listen is an issue. I did take your advice and change up some treats and commands and he is "deciding to listen" better, especially if I use a tiny amount of cheese or cut up hot dogs. I will do the 5 min frequent sessions now also and maybe that will help...training once I get him engaged seems to calm him and he catches on quickly...he is very vocal when I correct him it is hilarious! He "talks" back and grumbles when I make him lay "out"side of the kitchen or stay on his bed but he does it...soooo funny! I think I have a talker

 

[Tailcreek]

Avoid repeating commands several times, this teaches them that they don't actually have to obey the command right away.
Every once in a while instead of giving them one treat, give them the "jackpot" an entire handful of treats, this helps to keep their interest level up.
Make sure your voice is upbeat, encouraging and enthusiastic.
Do training sessions before mealtimes when he is hungry, vary the food rewards.
Good luck!

Jennifer
www.tailcreekmastiffs.com

 

[natsan6]

I haven't heard the jackpot trick before I will definitely try it!! Thank you for the tips!

 

[musicdeb]

Titan loves hot dogs and turkey for his reward. He can be stubborn and ignore me but the trainer told me to put him in his crate for a time out. We've been training for 4 days and he's doing fantastic on most commands but the "come" command in the house can be a challenge. The "come" command outside while walking works because I do the "surprise" training (recommended by our trainer) and I take off running the opposite way. Titan takes off running to catch me.

I believe training a dogue de bordeaux takes lots of patience, persistence, and loads of love..