Up from Coosh

[Cmaentz]

Boris has finally mastered "coosh" - still need to "tickle" him with my switch but at least he does it while on a lead. He mumbles all the way down and even tried biting this morning (I pinched him hard for that). I don't need to tie him to something solid anymore. I find that standing on the lead with a knot about 18 inches from the halter allows for better control when he's cooshed. It's easier than bending down to keep him down.

Here's the new problem with MR BORIS... when I'm walking him an HE'S decided he's had enough, he cooshes, right then and there. Now I'm having a hard time making him get up! When I make him coosh I have a hard time keeping him down but when he cooshes on his own he just won't get up.

Any suggestions on how to get him up? I've tried pulling the lead, holding treats over his head, making motions with my arms... he just gives me the "what's your problem" look.

On a lighter note, I've taught him (with the clicker), to pick up a plastic toy and put it in my hands. This went well for about 15 minutes until he saw one of my little goats at the food trough. Well, he just HAD to go investigate that. At that point he'd lost interest in the toy and started munching on hay. Should I have brought him back to training? We were just playing but I didn't know if I should bring him back at that time.

I value each and everyone's opinion - please give me your thoughts on this!

[camel2]

I rub my toe up and down in the armpit area sometimes to encourage a camel to stand. Also I can't remember if you said how old he was or how much training he has already but keep your sessions brief to begin with. Be sure to end before he loses interest or gets tired. Then slowly build the sessions longer.

[Cmaentz]

Boris turned 2 in July and had minimal/basic training when I got him. He was a petting zoo camel but was sold because he was getting too big??? He leads (not well but getting better), loads & unloads very easily in a trailer - he's generally well mannered and is learning very quickly. Doesn't bite, kick, spit but grumbles a lot! I wish I was a more experienced teacher!

I'll try the armpit suggestion - sounds easy enough!

Thanks again!

[camelsinfrance]

hi
In my experience, you need to finish training at the height of their anticipation, and by your comments, it sounds like he's peaking, and then waning at the point you haven't finished! Correct me if I'm wrong.
My suggestion would be to reduce the length of the sessions, thus, when he's working with the clicker, if he swaps interest after 10 minutes - reduce your training to 5 - 6 minutes and then walk off leaving him to want more.
By extending the sessions, and bearing in mind the size of the camel - what you're doing is giving him the option to "opt out" Thus you're putting him in control of the session, by letting him decide when it's ending and not you!! Just a thought!!