[Kyle Farris]

Today I started the Hillman puppy program. Wow you would have thought I was try to hurt the poor guy by all the yipping and screaming he was doing. I hope day 2 goes a lot better than today. Any helpful tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Kyle

 

[tazman7]

I'm not familiar with the program. What did the first day cover?

 

[Hairy Dawg]

I'm not familiar with it either, but I thought it was a softer approach. I don't remember mine doing a lot of yipping & screaming.

 

[BobbyLight]

Im a few days ahead of you on the program with my puppy... when specifically was he whining?? Hillman's method should be very low pressure on the puppy especially at day one and is all about getting the puppy wild to retrieve... was your puppy crazy about retrieving before you put him on a leash?

 

[Sabireley]

Get them to chase something and keep 'em happy.

 

[T-Pines]

Hi Kyle,

As you know from watching the DVD, in any Hillmann interaction (not just in formal training), the objective is to achieve and maintain balance. It is not clear from your post what exactly is causing your puppy to become vocal, but it is a clear sign that something is out of balance.

We need more information from you.

How old is the pup and how long have you had him?

Prior to your Day 1 Hillmann session, how would you describe his general demeanor?

Describe the daily routine with your pup prior to beginning the formal Hillmann program yesterday.

In your one-on-one interactions with your puppy, what kinds of activities did you do? Was he having fun? Was he vocal? Was it easy to get him to focus on you?

Describe his attitude about play, chasing toys, social situations (people, other dogs)?

Prior to yesterday, has he been vocal? In what situations? How do you react?

Describe the Hillmann session yesterday at the moment he went from being a quiet, happy, playful, inquisitive puppy to becoming vocal. Was he expressing excitement? Fear? Your post suggests that you think your puppy was afraid of you.

The more details you can give us about your relationship with your puppy, the better answers you will receive.

Jim

 

[bcraley]

I took my now almost 8 month old through the Hillmann puppy video when he was 11 weeks old. Never once did I get any form of vocalization. Hillmann preaches it should be fun for the dog... he should be learning without even knowing it.

 

[Kyle Farris]

He is 10.5 weeks, I've had him since he was 7 weeks old. The only time he really got vocal was when I put the leash on him, as for the rest I have kept everything positve. When he is on the leash he doesn"t really want to move. It is almost like I'm dragging him and then when I do start to pull on him he starts to cough a little. The best way I have found to get him to walk with me is to trot a little and that ends up getting him going. As for the retrieving part he is totally nuts about it, there is no problem there.

 

[savage25xtreme]

Have him drag a lead where ever he goes. From the time my lil guy was brought home he always has a 10ft 1/4" rope lead snapped to his collar when we are out working the big dog. Once they get used to that restriction its not that big of a deal for you to grab a hold of the lead and tow them around, or vise versa.

Edit: Are you using a choke chain or flat buckle collar? Start off with a flat buckle and anytime they are dragging the lead use a flat buckle and keep an eye on them to make sure it doesn't get snagged.

 

[Kyle Farris]

Savage,

That is a great idea, as for the collar I've been using just the flat collar no choker yet. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Vammy]

Have him drag a lead where ever he goes. From the time my lil guy was brought home he always has a 10ft 1/4" rope lead snapped to his collar when we are out working the big dog. Once they get used to that restriction its not that big of a deal for you to grab a hold of the lead and tow them around, or vise versa.

Edit: Are you using a choke chain or flat buckle collar? Start off with a flat buckle and anytime they are dragging the lead use a flat buckle and keep an eye on them to make sure it doesn't get snagged.

That is exactly what I had to do with my pup. Mine wanted to bite the leash...so I stopped trying to lead him, and let him drag it around with him every time we go out for walks, aire, whenever outside...and he caught on in a couple of days, no more biting or tug of war with the leash.

 

[MooseGooser]

If you read the information you got with your hillman DVD..

The three basic things for a retriever to learn is
1. CHASE SOMETHING
2. walk on a line.
3. sit.

This was Day one for you?
I would expect some challenges for the 3 things you are to concentrate on in the beggining...

Day 1, i wouild just be happy,, having the dog excited about chasing something I threw for him,, and at the same time, dragging a line as he did that..

Then slowly introduce the word "sit"

I dont know if I would be to concerned right now at day 1, expecting him to be a perfect little camper, and walk with you on a line..

Remember,

1. Chase something
2. walk on a line
3.sit

and at ALLLL TIMES keep the excitement and encouragement up...

each will take patience and some time...

Keep at it.


Gooser

P.s.

I am VERY pleased at how my pup has come along following this approach..
At 17 weeks, She is pretty steady, sits on a whistle,, and has a great attitude to retrieve. Loves birds...

When I started,,, She didnt like the line,, her retrieving desire was not so high,, was easily distracted,ect ect... Just like any other typical puppy...

Gooser again