Hi All

I have had my westie pup for 3 months now - he is aged almost 6 months.  I have been taking him to dog training classes for about a month now and he gets on quite well.  He can sit, stay, walk to heel when told and he knows 'down' as well.  My prob is that when we come home i can very rarely get him to do a thing i say.  He will sit prob on average every 2 out of 5 times.  I am keen to get him 100% spot on with the basics as I want to start letting him off the leash and I dont feel totally confident doing this.  Please help - all advice greatly received on how to get my wee westie to be obedient outside the doggy classes!

Hi Guest
Basically its all down to practice .
I do ten minutes a day I find it easier using sausages rather than bis, practice recall at home when your westie is playing in another room or out in the garden call his/her name "??? come" when he obliges then say "sit" and treat then your release command eg: "go play" then call again periodically  I do this throughout the day,  I  let my beardie at 12 wks off lead in the park and she always comes when called also you could put a long lead on him/her when your a little more confident and you can easily stand on it if required.
Practice sit ,down etc with a treat or favourite toy ( if using a toy its better to keep a special toy that they love  put it away after training finishes you'll find he/she is more receptive because they know they only get it at special times!

I must admit its usually the other way round with me - does it perfect at home but the training goes out the window at training class because of the other distractions!!!

Why dont you join I'm sure you would find CD very informative and enjoyable

good Luck hope this helps!!

Roni

Thanks for the advice - i think the way to go is with tasty treats that I can give him when he comes to me.  The dog training class is a bit of a mystery i have to say as i thought he would be going wild with the other dogs being there but he is fine - bit excited to start with,but calmed down.  Its just at home he thinks its always playtime!  I will just have to be patient and try all avenues to get the best on for me.

Thanks again