[nagdu] Too much Sniffing

[Raven Tolliver]

Yes, of course she would have to use it at home first; that's a given.
But that is not really an issue. I have conditioned dogs to love
collars like the Halti and Gentle leader just by giving treats, toys,
and playing games while they wear it. The biggest mistake people make
when introducing the collar is babying the dog and responding to its
antics to remove the collar. But really, it's possible to get your dog
to love it or at least tolerate it without being incredibly
distracted.
The rule for everything whether it's food, working equipment or
special grooming tools is slow introduction. Seconds to a minute at a
time. Make it fun and/or associate it with yummy high-value treats.
I don't understand why so many people are opposed to using these
collars. I believe, over in the UK, people regularly work highly
distractible guide dogs in Haltis. Until I got a handle on my golden
guy's dog distraction, he wore a Halti unless we were working inside.
I understand that these collars are not for everyone. But frankly,
it's better than constantly yanking at your dog's neck. Also, I
commend Darla for trying to do something about the sniffing, rather
than just passively putting up with it as I see so many people do. All
dogs have their own little quirks and flaws, and sometimes, talking on
its own is not enough.

On 1/16/14, Brandydp <brandydp at verizon.net> wrote:
> What I find works with people or sniffing distractions is if it is an area
> you know he will sniff say leave it before the offense occurs. When he isn't
> sniffing do you say good leave it? At gdf we say good to whatever behavior.
> Also if we say leave it we are told to obediently tell the dog what to do.
> So it goes something like, leave it, straight when the dog does leave it its
> good girl good straight or good leave it. Maybe talking to him more will
> work. If he is very involved in sniffing maybe stop and sit or do some
> obedience. The issue with darla just putting on a halty is that huck hasn't
> ever worn one so before going outside and possibly having a safety concern
> with a dog trying to get it off she would need to use it at home first. A
> lot of dogs are so distracted by it that it heneers their work.
>
> brandy pinder
> Alumni Council -  second vice Chairman
> Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc®
> and America's VetDogs®, The Veteran's K-9 Corps Inc®
> Providing "Second uSight"® since 1946
>
> 371 E. Jericho Turnpike smith town ny 11766
> Cso: 866-282-8047
> Email: brandydp at verizon.net
> Cell: 304-685-4499
>
>> On Jan 15, 2014, at 10:37 PM, "Nicole Torcolini"
>> <ntorcolini at wavecable.com> wrote:
>>
>> What kind of correction are you using? Were you taught  about the high
>> collar position? Also, another piece of equipment that some people choose
>> to
>> use is a pinch collar. I personally don't like the idea, but it does work
>> for people. I have a friend who used to have a sniffy lab. She would use
>> the
>> pinch collar in its intended way once or twice, and then the dog would
>> behave.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Darla Rogers
>> Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 12:33 PM
>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>> Subject: [nagdu] Too much Sniffing
>>
>> As all of you know, I love this dog to pieces but oh that labbie nose; he
>> sniffs way too much and doesn't seem to mind the corrections. Sometimes,
>> "Leave it" works, but at other times, it works for that distraction but
>> not
>> the next.
>>
>>                Any ideas?  GDA does not use the gentle leader or haltie.
>>
>> Desperately,
>>
>> And Huck the biggest Nose of the Midwest
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Darla J. Rogers
>>
>> djrogers0628 at gmail.com
>>
>>
>>
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-- 
Raven