Sensitive
Timid, withdrawn pups are so easy to baby; it's a shame that coddling is the worst thing you can do for them. When Pup collapses in a heap because learning is just too difficult, verbal consolation and physical attempts to mold the jellylike body into an upright form only encourages helplessness.
Instead, keep your pace lively and help lift sprirts along with a quick, cheery word, not lingering praise. Avoid direct eye contact and verbal corrections. Proof train exercises on lead until absolutely reliable, so that swift, silent corrections can be made without using your hands. Though normally considered a poor training technique, steady pulling corrections can build a wimpy dog's confidence. They are more directional than snappy jerks and less likely to elicit a submissive response. But if Pup becomes distracted, handle as usual.
Make congratulations and corrections short and perky, ignore helplessness and keep training. With a job to do, Pup will have less time to be self-involved.

Defensive
Some dogs, particularly large, male working breeds (although it occurs in many breeds regardless of sex), can be defensive during training and must be handled cautiously to diminish the tendency. If Pup generally behaves well around the house, doesn't pull on lead, obeys commands even when distracted, but growls and stiffens when corrected, Pup is defensive.
When training a defensive dog, take extra time in the teaching phases. That will ensure better comprehension, so you will need fewer corrections. Always demand full attention by reverting to sneadkaways, if necessary, before issuing commands. Correct calmly and deliberately by firmly guiding Pup to make the right choice. Avoid eye contact, never scream at Pup or rush into her and praise sincerely for a job well done. Once you have the attention, Pup is easily motivated.
If your dog marks the house, challenges other dogs, is often difficult to control and also stiffens or growls when corrected, there is a problem with pack order. Working on sneakaways will take the chip off Pup's shoulder and establish you as leader.

Mellow or Dizzy
There is no mistaking the laid-back or easily distracted types. Keep these pups on their toes during training. They must learn that if they doze or become preoccupied, they will miss something and wish they hadn't. Chatting monotone praise and giving ho-hum corrections will frustrate them. Move swiftly through your training sessions and praise as if you were cheering on the home team.
Corrections must be sharp enough to be effective and over in a flash. Quick movement, new challenges, interesting praise and powerful corrections will keep your laid-back dog from wishing she were basking in the sun and your distractible dog from looking for her kicks elsewhere.

Restful - The Scrooge Complex
Some dogs hate work and will do anything to avoid it. If your dog is like this he is definiately capable of earning titles, but it will take a lot of fortitude for you to ignore her bad attitude and stay motivated. Pup will persistently put on a sour mug to remind you now much she resents work. She may hide in her crate when she sees you with a lead or run back to the house at every opportunity.
Amazingly, they can learn to like training and become a fine worker. But disguising work as play will never fool her.
Coaxing and bribery will not work either, so ignore her bad attitude and continue training firmly and fairly. Just as you may not be sure if you like a new sport until you spend enough time learning it, Pup will not enjoy obedience unless you keep at it until Pup does well. Develop your working relationship by following a well-structured program, praise whether Pup responds to it or not and eventually Pup will gain a sense of achievement, and possibly enjoyment, from work.

Back to top