We got Harry when he was about a year old. We know he was ill treated etc so i made the mistake of not being firm with him when he came to live with us. He is a lovely natured Great Dane, very loving boy. On the whole he is well behaved but tends to always look for attention and can be a pain when he wont go lie down. Unlike my other dogs, he doesnt rip to shreds his toys, in fact he carries his favourite about with him all the time, like a security blanket. He has started to chew things in the house when he can.
Main thing is, he has his paws firmly under the table now and is a lot more confident, which im glad about but he is not to good about obeying for sit or lie down etc. I am going to have lots more time in a week or so as i will be working from home from then on. So im looking for tips so i can spend time with him myself. If it doesnt work i know there is a local training class but i want to try for myself with Harry then work with my other dogs(they are bouncing dogs!!!!)

Hi

I really think Harry would benefit from a reward-based training class.  We can describe to you how to teach simple things like sit and down, but it's much easier when you can see it demonstrated by someone else. 

You have to give him a reason to want to obey you - like a food reward, for example.  From a few things you say in your post, you are implying that he is deliberately trying to be rebellious or something, now he is more confident.  This just isn't how dogs think.  He may be more confident now, and that means he is going to "see what works".  You have to prove to him that "what works" is doing what you ask for, because then he gets a treat. 

If you really do want to do this by yourself, without classes, then I would recommend a book called The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson (available from Amazon).  This describes how to train all the basic behaviours and it also covers how dogs think and learn.

Have a look at: www.apdt.co.uk for a list of reward-based trainers in your area.

Just wondering if he was trained in sit and down (not lie down, that's confusing :P) before you had him?

If so, and as you say he was a rescue, he may associate any kind of training with telling off. Alternatively, if he wasn't trained, and you are training him by the modelling method (ie shoving his head up and his bum down for sit)he is simply large enough to not do it :)

Just a few thoughts, I  think he'd love a clicker class, it's a particularly good way of training as dogs end up thinking they are training you, so end up very willing

He may now just need boundaries, I believe all dogs are happier with these, whether they are nervous or strong minded, as it gives both types security. You could do this by simply asking for a sit before lead being put on, dinner, etc - it would be a great start.

Good luck
Lindsaiy
x

There are many different training methods available.  I tend to favor those that reward good behavior rather than those that punish bad, but not everyone agrees.  What works for one dog may well not work for another.

It is possible to train your dog yourself.  Make no mistake about that.  But if you have never done it before, I agree with Onetwothree.  Get this dog into OB classes and have someone help you.  Your dog will love you for it.