Barbara, yes start training your dog from the first meal...! Especially working dogs. Gently at first, of course, starting with sitting before rushing to eat.. then a little longer... never hit with your hand, keep your vocal tones nice and firm, soft voice (they have great hearing and don't need any shouting, ever)... expand on your assembly of commands, make them simple and mono-sylabic, make it fun... they love to work with you... some don't also.. don't play with their mouths, that's no good, put something in there like a stick or ball... your hands are taboo.. that way they won't nip a some kid flailing his hands in a baby carriage and put you in the poor house. Don't hit, use a newspaper if things get really bad, they shouldn't have to... last, remember that they want to assert themselves sometimes.. on those days don't be insistent they always obey you or even pay attention... on those days impress upon you dog one time that you're the boss.. then leave it alone... goodluck.
Jim |
