Re Dog Training Problems
Hi,
It sounds like your dog's not that interested in training. So you have to make it interesting again. Then like the posts above suggest, just start training from the beginning again.
If you make the training really fun/interesting using treats or your dogs favorite game (tug etc) after EACH command they get right, your dog will definitely learn lots AND will be attentive.
A good tip is to be really animated when you start, to get your dogs attention. and talk about treats/games etc. You'll see it in their eyes when they realize something fun is about to happen!!!
I've done some YouTube clips of finished tricks you can see. My dog ('Olive') has a weakness for tiny chocolate treats (special dog ones not real chocolate). As soon as i talk about treats she just focuses totally, and she'll do anything for a treat!!!
Have a look at this clip...
http://www.howtotrainadog.co.uk/dog_puppy_training_tricks_commands_video_clips_Lie_down_Beg_Spin_Lie_down.htm
It took me a couple of weeks to get Olive to do these tricks perfectly, but as i now practise them EVERY DAY, she doesn't forget them. Also when practising tricks your dog knows, only give a treat/reward when they get it right. (still keep it upbeat though, even if they make mistakes!)
The real key is to make it the best fun your dog can have (even more exciting that walkies - if you can!!!).
Some tricks/commands are simpler than others, and it's always good to take it really slowly (especially if your starting to train again from scratch). Also I've found it's important to only teach one trick at a time until they've REALLY nailed it! So it may take a week of fun twice daily, 15 minute sessions, to get 'Sit' & 'Lie Down' perfectly taught.
If your dog starts to confuse tricks (sit/lie down is a classic to confuse), just go back a little and don't start any more tricks until they've got it again.
Also as the nice people above have said, give your reward/treat
immediately after your dog's got it right (not after 2-3 seconds - immediately!). That way your dog doesn't have time to think and ponder about other things before they get the treat, so you're positively reinforcing the trick, not the pondering!!!
After a while of short daily training sessions you'll find your dog will start to pester you to do training, not you having to coax them into it! At this point you've got a dog who's eager to learn just about anything you can be bothered to teach!
Hope this helps!
PS. Always keep training fun, and you won't go wrong.
J (and Olive!)