Gremlin_Owner
New member
Hi, I have a 6 year old Senegal that I adopted from a family 3 years ago. He's quite a character and although can be very loving, has an awful temper and can be extremely violent. My hands are in agony from the horrendous attacks that I get. So I'm trying to start from scratch with training him.
For three days now, I've been using target training with a stick (chopstick) and a clicker (and sunflower seeds - his favourites). At this point, he is following the stick wherever it goes to get a treat and a click from me, but he just can't resist biting it. I'm trying all I can to try to stop him from doing this; I don't click the clicker or give him a seed whenever bites the stick. I only ever reward him when he's gentle with it and gives it a little hold. I only ever say 'no' and take the stick away when he bites it. I make sure to keep my voice low and not harsh.
Now, my worry is that it's just my pulling the stick away that's stopping him from biting every time.... and in which case, does HE think that I'm rewarding him for feeling THAT URGE to bite?
Another thing you need to know is that I've already trained him to nod his head when asked a question and to shake hands (fingers) when asked.
When I trained him to do these things, it was with positive encouragement and sunflower seeds as rewards, so I know he's not incapable of learning.
I've also always rewarded him in the same way for allowing us to touch him, for asking for a cuddle and for being gentle natured.
So, what can I do to stop him biting the target stick so that I can make sure this training works? I'm a bit scared at the moment that he just thinks I'm rewarding him for his urge to bite.
I hope you can help.
I want my little Senegal to have the happiest life possible.
Thank you.
For three days now, I've been using target training with a stick (chopstick) and a clicker (and sunflower seeds - his favourites). At this point, he is following the stick wherever it goes to get a treat and a click from me, but he just can't resist biting it. I'm trying all I can to try to stop him from doing this; I don't click the clicker or give him a seed whenever bites the stick. I only ever reward him when he's gentle with it and gives it a little hold. I only ever say 'no' and take the stick away when he bites it. I make sure to keep my voice low and not harsh.
Now, my worry is that it's just my pulling the stick away that's stopping him from biting every time.... and in which case, does HE think that I'm rewarding him for feeling THAT URGE to bite?
Another thing you need to know is that I've already trained him to nod his head when asked a question and to shake hands (fingers) when asked.
When I trained him to do these things, it was with positive encouragement and sunflower seeds as rewards, so I know he's not incapable of learning.
I've also always rewarded him in the same way for allowing us to touch him, for asking for a cuddle and for being gentle natured.
So, what can I do to stop him biting the target stick so that I can make sure this training works? I'm a bit scared at the moment that he just thinks I'm rewarding him for his urge to bite.
I hope you can help.
I want my little Senegal to have the happiest life possible.
Thank you.