back talk - correct or ignore?

[DenverShiloh]

I first want to give my dog Denver a compliment in that he is really, really responding well to training. I have Cesar Millan's book and video and am trying wholeheartedly to use his priciples of dog training. I walk my dog much more often than I used to. He responds well to me. He is a one year old Miniature Schnauzer. My question is this. While he DOES obey me when I ask him to sit, or down, or stay - he will often back talk me while obeying me. Is this still submission? Should I ignore him since he is doing what I ask, or should I do something to further correct him? I don't want to be overly nit picky of something he may simply outgrow, but at the same time, I don't want to give a foot hold to a future problem if this is his way of maintaining some degree of control. He is never aggressive when he does this. The sound he makes is almost like a playful whine. Anyone care to comment???

[Evanescence]

My heeler barks at me all the time when I'm training her. Its usually because she wants the cookie, or the frisbee I'm holding so badly that she just can't wait silently! but she's still obeying me, and I wouldn't consider her "talking back" but being very excited about training, which I LOVE for her to be. She's about 14 months now, and I try not to correct her too much for barking unless it gets overwhelming and annoying. Once I'm sure she wants to listen to me, and knows what I want, we'll work on the finer points in life...like shutting up every now and again, but she IS a heeler, and bred to bark way too much (in my opinion, not hers). I don't think I would worry about the "back talking" if the dog listens. Try to figure out why he's doing it, and then consider whether you need to correct it or not...

BTW - he's a cutie!!

Lisa

[DiggityDogs]

My opinion on this behavior depends on a lot of factors- I show my dogs in obedience and agility, and don't allow it because I need them to concentrate on me, not barking, and because in some instances it can get you disqualified from an event. As a pet, I don't mind it if it's not excessive. I don't allow them to demand things of me, but a bark here and there is no biggie. To correct I give a sharp snap and release (force of course proportionate to the size of the dog) and a quick NO, and go right back to what I was working on. I have found that a lot of dogs do this when I first start working with them- sometimes I think it's a bit of frustration at not quite understanding what I want yet, so often when they've figured out what I'm asking the behavior goes away. Good luck!!

[DenverShiloh]

You might think I'm crazy, but it's almost as if he's saying "alright, FINE! - if I HAVE to!". He doesn't bark, it's more like a long whine. Thanks for your input.:confused: