I hijacked a Gary Wilkes thread, and since I am currently training my first beagle puppy in years, this is a good time to make this it’s own discussion.
Gary Wilkes was instrumental in solving a training problem I was having. I just learned clicker training, had a new puppy at the time – Marcie (Bettner’s Byte of Magic, AX OAJ AXP AJP ) and Patty (UCDX Weaver’s Peppermint Patty, UD).
I could not figure out how I could train any other dog in one training section, but couldn’t get Marcie to learn something very fast. He summed it up – in order to hunt, they have to rely on random behavior. Since I’m a computer scientist, I sum it up as “Beagles are the ultimate random number generator.”
I’m seeing the same issue with Jamie (Tesoros Hunt the Moon). My agility instructor seemed a bit dismayed that he hadn’t learned many tricks since I got him.
BUT, I have been focusing on getting him not to bite – and he rarely does not, and didn’t bite her this time – though he had every other week he’s seen her.
I have also been focusing on conformation behavior. Stand on a table, let mom pose you and let mom examine your butt and mouth.
We can’t do much leash behavior, he hasn’t had his shots yet, and it’s HOT in Texas. There isn’t room in my house at the moment.
He is learning hand touch. Teaching that is interesting. I train him in his playpen, and it’s put hand in area, click when he touches it. But in between clicks, it’s wander around EVERYWHERE but my hand.
He did that behavior in front of her. He is also learning his name, though I suspect all the beagles alert to any beagle in the houeshold’s name. Also they alert to beagle, as in “I need beagles”.
Again, that randomness gets in the way. It’s never – oh, I got click and treat for what I did a moment ago. It’s “let me try a different behavior and see if I get clicked for that’'. So it’s a LONG time. Especially in comparison to working with a breed that was bred to be trained.
Any suggestions beside, be patient?
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