Hot new dog trend?
Oh retractable lead, you were supposed to be so amazing. I had dreams of regulating dog-to-master distance ratios on the fly in real time. You were supposed to be multi-purpose, allowing my pup the freedom of movement and the restriction of a short-lead in one sleek glossy package. You cost upwards of 50 dollars, but I thought you were worth it. I was never told that your cord is extremely tactile/textured, and that it sticks to the things your dog encircles. Your fanciful package never listed how much of a negative influence the irregularity of distance would have on a young puppy. I have learned my lesson, and I am purchasing a normal lead tomarrow. Mabye I wont fall victim to the false marketing this time around. You should be ashamed retractable lead....
I was not aware how much of an annoyance this would cause me in the weeks to come when I purchased it. It was only today that I realised the problem. I intercepted a critical revolution-note that had no doubt spread in my local dog community. I confronted Cheez-it on the subject, he exclaimed "but all the dogs are doing it!!". I have attached a copy of said note, it's only a matter of time before this teenage-corgi trend shows up on 20/20.
Have you guys been watching Animal Planet? There is this hot new fad, all of the cool pup's are into it. It's a great dog strategy game that is sweeping the hipster-scene. It's called "Run your leash around things while your owner flails around screaming looking like an idiot in front of the neighborhood". Basically when your owner takes you out on a lead, you go into a frapping frenzy circling objects and effectively wrapping them in leash-cord. For every item you tangle up you get 1 point, and you get 2 points for each "wrap" you get on your master. There is a 5 point bonus for wrapping around other dogs, and a 25 point bonus for wrapping a Chihuahua (I hate Chihuahua's). See if you can beat my high-score of 37 in a single "wrap". Okay bark at you later!
-Cheez-it
On a more serious note:
Will a standard leash help with the leash training? He doesnt "bite" the leash, he just runs to the edge of the allowable distance and keeps pulling. I cannot even lure him back in with food!! He almost choked a chihuahua with his leash-alligator death roll.
Also, he does tricks, usually the first time I say the command. But after one or two times he starts getting impatient and flails about. He simply cannot focus and randomy checks my other hand that I use to guide him in the learning process. What are some good focus-related training procedures?
and finally...
What is up with Hiccups and dog nails? He gets the hiccups at least once a day, usually right before food-time, it's actually sort of cute. Nails, yes he has them of course, I tried trimming them today, and he wasnt having it. I can touch his paws but when I try to cut them he thinks I have food in my hand or something. I also noticed that he has all white nails except for his one "gloved" paw that has 2 black nails. What denotes the color? Does it have something to do with pigment? I would think his black nails would be on his non-white paws then...
Thanks for hearing me out!
-James
I was not aware how much of an annoyance this would cause me in the weeks to come when I purchased it. It was only today that I realised the problem. I intercepted a critical revolution-note that had no doubt spread in my local dog community. I confronted Cheez-it on the subject, he exclaimed "but all the dogs are doing it!!". I have attached a copy of said note, it's only a matter of time before this teenage-corgi trend shows up on 20/20.
Have you guys been watching Animal Planet? There is this hot new fad, all of the cool pup's are into it. It's a great dog strategy game that is sweeping the hipster-scene. It's called "Run your leash around things while your owner flails around screaming looking like an idiot in front of the neighborhood". Basically when your owner takes you out on a lead, you go into a frapping frenzy circling objects and effectively wrapping them in leash-cord. For every item you tangle up you get 1 point, and you get 2 points for each "wrap" you get on your master. There is a 5 point bonus for wrapping around other dogs, and a 25 point bonus for wrapping a Chihuahua (I hate Chihuahua's). See if you can beat my high-score of 37 in a single "wrap". Okay bark at you later!
-Cheez-it
On a more serious note:
Will a standard leash help with the leash training? He doesnt "bite" the leash, he just runs to the edge of the allowable distance and keeps pulling. I cannot even lure him back in with food!! He almost choked a chihuahua with his leash-alligator death roll.
Also, he does tricks, usually the first time I say the command. But after one or two times he starts getting impatient and flails about. He simply cannot focus and randomy checks my other hand that I use to guide him in the learning process. What are some good focus-related training procedures?
and finally...
What is up with Hiccups and dog nails? He gets the hiccups at least once a day, usually right before food-time, it's actually sort of cute. Nails, yes he has them of course, I tried trimming them today, and he wasnt having it. I can touch his paws but when I try to cut them he thinks I have food in my hand or something. I also noticed that he has all white nails except for his one "gloved" paw that has 2 black nails. What denotes the color? Does it have something to do with pigment? I would think his black nails would be on his non-white paws then...
Thanks for hearing me out!
-James
Comment
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Comment by James on May 26, 2008 at 4:34pm
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Thanks for all of the info!
Today he took a voyage to Petsmart, I held him the whole time because he isnt fully vaccinated yet. I got him a thin-chain training lead, it is 4' long. He doesnt seem to mind it being clipped to his collar. I also got him some random toys (as if he doesnt have enough). The lead is working good, I was looking at the gentle leader, but there wasnt any that were his size, and as "Sam" said, he is still young, he will explore. Thats what they do. He did score 6 points as soon as we got home for getting tangled with a fencepost and my neighbors dog's leg.
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Comment by Megan and Penelope on May 26, 2008 at 4:04pm
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Penelope gets the hiccups about about 30 min to an hour after she eats, everyday. Like others said, I hear, kind of a puppy thing. I attempted the nail cutting, I was only going to do one, yeah, she didn't stop biting my husband while he held her. With all the squirming, I thought I was going to get the quick so I gave up for today. She did let me clean her ears though!
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Comment by Cindi on May 26, 2008 at 12:06pm
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LOL! Cheez-it! I love your point system (and quietly agree with you on the extra points for tangling the neighborhood Chihuahua!). As has been said here, zippy leashes lead to pulling. We call it "oppositional resistance." For example, if I push on you what will you do in response? Push back, right? Same idea. When Cheez-it gets to the end of the zippy leash, it snaps and he pulls again...and it snaps...etc. You are better off teaching your dog to walk on a loose, short lead using a regular leash.
As for nails, of all of our dogs, only two are thrilled about the whole nail thing. We use dremels and they're much more comfortable than clippers - and easier on those dark nails! Patience, one nail at a time, and plenty of positive reinforcement will make it easier. Hang in there.
Hugs to Cheez-it and kudos on his point system! Thanks for a good laugh.
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Comment by Karen & Bailey on May 26, 2008 at 11:04am
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yeah i'd suggest a regular 6ft nylon leash! =) no harnesses, flexi leads, anything. Just a regular ole nylon leash. =) put the leash on in the house every so often, walk him around and teach him. reward him for not pulling, if he pulls - time out.
one thing is also, hold a really big yummilicious treat in front of you, walk backwards (if its safe of course), with arm extended and treat in hand, have him walk towards you. he should be focusing on the treat and will not run past and behind you. they taught me this method in class.
hope that helps! =D and for the focusing - i suggest the "watch me" command. i left a more detailed comment on your tricks video!
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Comment by Sam Tsang on May 26, 2008 at 10:39am
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yeah, the retractable leash gave me a few rope burns before :) during classes and training, we straightly use regular leash, long enough that we can step on. It really give you complete control. Like Sam said, cheez it is too young to have full attention, like kindergartners, they need their playtime and being a pup, instead of a long block of time for teaching, you can sneak them in here and there.
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Comment by DR, Nala & Simon on May 26, 2008 at 9:34am
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Retractable leashes are not the best for training. A regular one and a truckload of patience will do it. When Cheez-it pull, stop or go in another direction. Also have a toy or something to call to attention when he gets distracted. Somebody recommended a water spray bottle. Not to spray the dog, but close to him to pick up his interest and keep walking. Eventually, yes, eventually (sigh) he will get it and will walk next to you. One thing that helped me was the "Gentle Leader Headcollar", it bothered Bailey at first but now she knows that the GLH means a loooooong walk.
About the nails, not Bailey or Cosmo are too cooperative. They have gotten better, as every chance I got I touch their paws and play with the little toes, check them and try to get them used to me touching their paws. With the black nails be careful just go a little bit everytime. Good luck!
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Comment by Sam on May 26, 2008 at 7:45am
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James, you have quite a penchant for writing. I was grinning as I was reading this. Regarding flexi-leads I have little use for them unless doing advanced distance work. They only encourage a dog to pull and stay away. All training for pups should be on a short lead to keep them in close proximity for control. I think you now know why.
Young pups have a very short attention span. You do well to continue striving toward attention but keep your expectations more realistic. Cheez-it is very young and distracted like most pups his age. Your goal is to be more interesting then whatever else he may be attracted to. This may involve food, a squeaky toy or whatever he finds interesting on the day. No easy task.
I have corgis that have a dark nail here and there too. Yep, just their genetic make up. Dark nails are a bit more challenging to trim as the quick is not visable as it is on the white nails.
Corgis are notorious for disliking their nails done. I think lots has to do with being restrained for the process. You may consider a cordless dremmel tool. I find mine are much more accepting to it. If you do them weekly they are pretty easy to keep short. Having someone help and give him treats helps too.
Hiccups are quite common in pups. I have a young girl that gets them frequently too. They seem to grow out of this phase.
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