So the largest dog I've ever trained was an English Mastiff I trained a few years ago. Jasper is my runner up. He is an immense young great dane who is so tall (and substantial) that Ace can walk under his trunk without actually making physical contact with him. Jasper is a young guy who is impulsive and undisciplined but he has a nice character and a good sense of humor. he needs discipline and direction but for someone who enjoys working with big fellows he is a joy to train.
Today all we did was working on loose leash walking (he can't feel you back there!) and Heel/Autosit with an Implied Stay. He isn't perfect yet but his leash walking improved immensely today. He lacks patience but also he is just a pup so we will be a little forgiving. It's easy to forget how young he is since he is so gigantic (seriously, this guy bantamizes most danes I work with). He is learning the word No quickly and is nice and sensitive to correction. He also LOES praise and so rewarding him is fun and easy. I think he will take to training so nicely.
Tomorrow we are continuing to introduce him to the basics and insisting on good house manners. He is a rowdy boy but he will learn how to be polite in the house. House manners are more important for this guy than the average dog because even when he is calm he is a lot for a house to contain. But we are having fun with this guy and I look forward to the next two weeks with him.
PS. The cat is not impressed with him and is being very strict with him. So far Jasper does not know what to do with something so small and bossy other than grumble at her.
Today all we did was working on loose leash walking (he can't feel you back there!) and Heel/Autosit with an Implied Stay. He isn't perfect yet but his leash walking improved immensely today. He lacks patience but also he is just a pup so we will be a little forgiving. It's easy to forget how young he is since he is so gigantic (seriously, this guy bantamizes most danes I work with). He is learning the word No quickly and is nice and sensitive to correction. He also LOES praise and so rewarding him is fun and easy. I think he will take to training so nicely.
Tomorrow we are continuing to introduce him to the basics and insisting on good house manners. He is a rowdy boy but he will learn how to be polite in the house. House manners are more important for this guy than the average dog because even when he is calm he is a lot for a house to contain. But we are having fun with this guy and I look forward to the next two weeks with him.
PS. The cat is not impressed with him and is being very strict with him. So far Jasper does not know what to do with something so small and bossy other than grumble at her.
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