i am trying to train Ollie my 15mnth old rotte x collie who i have had about 2 months but if i try in the garden he run around like a mad head grabs the neatrest dog and romps around the garden with it.I tryed removing all the dog toys but he then just staryed picking anything else up like stones or barking at me, He evn does this if i have a treat in my hand and also i can't get him to lie down he will just sit there pawing at my hand. Had a go at an agility corse with him but he got way to exited and wasn't paying any attention. He is great with everything else doesn't chew mess in the house or anything like that. Another thing he does is open the back door quite cleaver really but annoying coz you have got to lock the door even when your outside.am i expecting to much from him as i have only had him 2months any suggestions?

Ollies sat here head on the computer desk with a toy wanting my atention wonder if he knows i writing about him.

You need to start with him on a lead so that you have full control. Make sure there are no distractions, if there are distractions in your garden take him somewhere so you can have a one to one with him.

You don't say what you are trying to train, but if he hasn't had any training just teach things like the sit, down and informal recalls (running back calling him to you) for now. Decide if you are going to use treats or a toy for the training, if a toy keep one special one and only use it on your terms for training, don't let him play with it on his own.

If he is excitable, you have to keep calm and only reward him when he is calm, Don't do loads of training at one time a few short sessions a day is much better. Never give him a command which you can't follow up and ensure he does it, hence keeping him on the lead.

I wouldn't try agility until you have better control of him, that will only make him more excitable.

He sounds like he is attention seeking, try and ignore him, when he goes away and calms down call him to you then to play. I will be on your terms then, not his.

Good Luck and enjoy your training.

Sandra

he's fine when on a lead and will do the basic when i have full control over him i prefur to use treats as he tends to destroy toys have tryed ignoring him and walking away and leaving him but nothing works am looking into a socialisation/training class for adult dogs as the one i used to take my others is not run any more. i am trying just to do basics like sit down heel etc he will do it when on a lead but not when off
wondering if i should try a long rope so if he ignores i can get his attention by tugging slightly. thanx for your help
Hannah

What is he fed on? Some dogs act like hyperactive kids on certain foods........

Wagg complete two and a half cups a day also had bones from the butcher about once every 2weeks and gravy bones at bedtime
should i try changing his food

Hi, we have the same problem holding Morse's attention when he's outside and you know were working on teaching him to play with us not other dogs. Well I use a long line ( clothes line) attached to his collar for safety and have been ensuring he has a good run first before training. Also learned to squeaky-speak and work at holding his attention for a couple of strides at heel or play 2 throws at a time and reward him for paying attention. When he was really blanking us we split his days complete food in 2 and put half in our pockets and only fed him when he looked at us or obeyed when outside. Its improving all the time and we dont need to halve the food anymore. Had a nice heel outside today off lead.

Hi,

I would change his food to one which has only natural ingredients and specifies what they are, ie. NO meat and animal derivatives or cereals or derivatives of vegetable origin!!

Nutro, Naturediet, James Wellbeloved or Burns are some good ones.

manda
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