The Spotted Devil

I'm on my way out, so can't type a long response....but at 16 weeks I wouldn't expect any puppy to be fully toilet trained and reliable. Go back to taking pup out regularly and he'll get the idea again. It takes some months until they are completely trustworthy....and no, they don't like going outside in the rain quite often

My intent was to do some serious training - although I'm sure Ziggy would prefer to do some socialising I'm not familiar with how these sessions are usually run and am certainly leaving that up to those in the know. I just wanted to organise something so I could pick everyone's brains

I learned that one very quickly with my old ACD :rolleyes: With Zig, who is not yet trialling, I train the finish separately, sometimes release him after I've returned to his side and sometimes reward when he is still in front of me. Gotta keep the clever little Devil on his toes

I did what Kavik suggested and taught the position of "front" as a separate exercise (using clicker training around the house first whilst sitting in a chair). It's worked a treat and I still use the word "front" for his formal recall - I use "come" for an informal recall and he absolutely knows the difference. Good luck!

Sounds great - 2pm it is! Thanks for the directions JulesP......probably saved me a whole lot of confusion - keep your eye out for one mad Spotty dog :rolleyes:

Ouch!

Sorry to throw another spanner into the works, but exercise such as ball throwing (to tire a dog out as opposed to being a part of training) can be a real contributer to HD. My Dally is very intense and I find that a short walk to the park and 20 mins of solid +R training tires him out more than anything. He really does spend the rest of the day curled up in his bed whilst I study. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I don't mind either way....however, I *think* there's only going to be a few showers (it may well be pouring next weekend ;) )PLUS we can be flexible with times to fit around the agility seminar. I think LP mentioned that she would prefer to do a run through the week before the trial.... Does anyone know if I could sit in on the agility seminar.....it's been a while (read "years and years") since I've trained/trialled in agility

Can I suggest you try some focus work with him? If he's looking you in the eye, he can't focus on anything else! It's something I use a lot with Zig as he is Mr Distraction - each obedience exercise begins and ends with focus. It really keeps his mind on the job, especially with stays as he doesn't get released and rewarded until he is looking right at me when I return to his side

PAX and PF both raise good points. I think my Dally is pretty challenging (he's only 16 months) but we are making good progress - mainly because I control the rewards (lots of clicker training with very high value food rewards and moving to jackpots for lovely work now) and also, rather than getting upset and stern, I use a non-reward marker. If Zig switches off when we are doing obedience (I train on my own) I say "Oh, well" very calmly and he is beginning to work out that he has lost the chance to earn a reward and tries to offer me a behaviour. Plus I try to make training fun! If he ever runs off and goes conveniently 'deaf' I just walk over to him calmly, put his lead on and his fun is over PLUS no food reward. When I let him off again, he remembers to keep an ear and eye out for me. It's much more pleasant for him if he returns when called, is rewarded, then released again. We go through this cycle every now and again in this great 'teenager' learning curve ;) All the best, Whitka

I haven't done tracking but certainly plan to.......here's a couple of handy websites which are probably the best places to start: Tracking Club of Victoria Oztracking Yahoo Group Have fun :D ETA: Sorry - my bad for not reading post properly....see you already found the club website

With a very, very OTT young puppy I never played rough with Zig or encouraged any growling (even in play). However, now that we have a strong understanding about who runs the show (i.e. me!) we have wonderful tug and growly games Sometimes, in the absolute height of his excitement and growling I'll calmly ask him to "give" me the toy, just to ensure the rules are clear - then he gets to continue with the tug game as a reward :rolleyes:

In days gone by, I walked 2 dogs on the left hand side - the ACD was always closest to my side (loyal girl) and the Beagle was on the outside.....which allowed him to catch every scent as we passed by and even get in a quick leg lift

LMAO off Erny...are we reading the same thread?

Where's a slapping emoticon when you need one Is this too extreme?

I'd love to give Zig a go on the weavers

And you wonder why I've been avoiding you LP......... Nice photo in Vic Dog BTW

OK, then....any objections to 2pm at Croydon? Speak now or forever hold your peace

Not necessarily...... I think Croydon could happen if we scheduled the session for 2pm or so? Venue doesn't worry me....just trying to keep eveyone happy

Sounds like you've been railroaded dogddude This thread has a life of it's own! Once we've agreed on location, we'll need a time....

Excellent S'n'T - I was hoping you'd pop your virtual head back in the thread

Whoo hoo! Sounds like we're going to have quite a crowd I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone! LP - why we haven't met earlier is a complete mystery Would anyone like to throw around some times? As LP and shoemonster have morning commitments perhaps they could lead the suggestions....

By process of elimination, how does this work for everyone? Saturday April 12th Afternoon As for venue.....you'll have to fight that out amongst yourselves I really don't mind KCC or Croydon.....any votes for or against? For anyone who can't make it, please register your interest on this thread anyway as I hope this won't be the last session.....depends how much The Spotted One plays up I guess :p

Still cute though

OK - I'm tending towards next weekend at this stage.......looks good for everyone....will wait for a few more responses before we look at which day/time! Oh, dogdude.....puppy cuddles