Today the trainer came again...and we learned a new command that I'd never heard before: "Place." This command is basically used to get a dog to approach any object, and stay on that object (sitting, standing, lying) until "released." The object could be a park bench, a couch, a vet's scale...whatever.
PenPen went first. She was a quick learner. Basically, what we would do is put her on the 6' leash, and press/say "Penny, Place." Then, we'd gently guide her toward the platform until she went there. If she started to move in the right direction, we'd stop pulsing on the zapper and start praising. Then, we'd slacken the leash, start to walk away, and tempt her with distractions. In the end, she was "placing" practically on her own, and staying even with crackhead Ollie running Pugtonas around her.
Of course, when it was the Little Man's turn, things were quite different. I have to admit, I am softer with him on the discipline, because he just gives me these doleful puggy eyes, and he yelps in pain like an angry Mrs. Garrett calling Tootie. Anyway, we zapped him and he jumped and yelped, acting all melodramatic. He was digging his heels in, and James was practically yanking him at first. It was torture to watch, and I almost told him to stop. I told James that I saved Ollie's life, so it is hard to be this "cruel."
I know it's for his own good.
Here's a pic of the "place" mat!
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