How do I control play time?

[samsonspoppa]

Hi everyone! Still loving Samson! Question: What methods have worked for you as far as dictating when play time begins and ends? I've read that it's important to be in control of playtime. We will play with him, and he growls and barks in a cute way, but when we are done he will continue to bark and lunge. Is there a good way to communicate to him that play time is over?

Also, aside from just saying it over and over, is there a good way to help him know his name and respond to us when we call him?

He's still a baby (8 weeks) but we want to train him well!

Thanks!

 

[madikickit]

One thing you can do, is just ignore them when playtime is over. Also if they keep running around, just tie a piece of string, i use parachute cord, very light and wont break. just use there name as much as possible. example....buster sit, buster stay....etc

 

[madikickit]

about the training, i believe that the best method is the koehler method of dog training, but that method is not for everyone, but it works great.

 

[jennw]

one thing we did to start and end playtime was to take him outside. outside is for play, inside is for quiet. when he's in the backyard all bets are off. it's almost like he was fired from a cannon! when he's inside he usually lays on the couch or plays with his "inside" toys like a treat ball to keep him busy or a squeeky toy (those rubber balls with feet or the dino shaped ones are his fave). when we're done with playtime we just bring him inside and it does the trick. it works well because my dh works from home and can't have a nut in the house

 

[Jill's boxer]

Also, aside from just saying it over and over, is there a good way to help him know his name and respond to us when we call him?

He's still a baby (8 weeks) but we want to train him well!

Thanks!

To help him learn his name, I would say his name and as soon as he looks at you, reward him with a treat. One of the first things we had to "learn" in our obedience class was to get/hold their attention--if you can start this now (and this method is how we were taught in class) you will be ahead of the game! And, as someone else said, use his name each time you speak to him "Samson, here", "Samson, dinner", "Samson, outside"...etc.

As far as ending playtime...I would continue to ignore him when you end play time and he wants to continue. If he gets no response or encouragement from you, he will eventually realize that the game is over. Once he settles down, you can then direct your attention to him--if he starts getting crazy, put him down/walk away, etc so that he realizes that not every minute is playtime...he is still young so it will take time...

***Avoid the Koehler method mentioned below--I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that was a method not approved by BW, and it is not a very progressive method of training!

 

[gmacleod]

about the training, i believe that the best method is the koehler method of dog training

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