Maloo

Keep us posted with what you decide Spotted Devil. I would be very interested to hear how you go with the clubs around those areas, for flexibility etc. I used to be a member of Moorabbin, and loved it.... Many years ago. But I have moved areas now, and it is too far to travel to. But it is so true, you have to do the hard yards first, for the clubs instructors to get to know you and your ability. I find that very frusterating, as somtimes you feel you are stuck. I stopped going to actual Obedience classes, as I wasn't happy with class situation. I felt I was holding my dog back, as I didn't trust the other dogs in the class. Basically, during off lead stays (drop) I rufused to go as far away from my dog as the instructor has the rest of the class.... this was due to the stay previously (sit) a dog in the line breaking and coming over to my dog, sniffing it, and rolling around near it. I felt the instructor was not quick enough to act, and they just allowed the dog to continue rolling around and literally knocking into my dog. My dog was brilliant and didn't budge. Just looked at me, as if to say help! So when I was question as to why I wouldn't leave her during the next stay, and I commented on the other dogs behaviour. I was told I obviously didn't have enough trust that my dog could complete the excersise. This was not the case, I just wanted to make sure my dog was not put into a situation where she felt she HAD to break the excersise. Anyway, sorry to go off the track. Just feel sometimes class situations in new clubs are difficult for reasonably experienced handlers. Or people like yourself Spotted Devil, that know how they want to train their dogs, and know what is best for their dogs. Local Obedience club are somtimes too geared towards helping your everyday person, rather than noting the handlers that have inexperienced dogs, just looking ot train in a group situation for exposure.... With all that said.... If you decide to go with private lessons. I'd really be interested to know how you go? And Who you go to? I had private tuition with my previous dog when I started to trial, and I found it great. But this was with a dog that was already trialling.

Hi JulesP, dunno about the distraction classes either? Could be interesting? What sort of things do they do? I know my old club used to throw balls around, etc. during stays. Is it this sort of distraction during classes, or something completely different? I currently don't go to actual Obedience classes, as I really wasn't happy with the local club, and thought it more beneficial to do training at home. Wont go into those details, as it's sure to get off track! I guess I do like my dogs to be able to diferentiate between working time and playing time with me and having their own time too. So as for the distraction classes. I guess it would depend on the dog, and if the distraction class acts as a complete distraction or something you can use to make sure your dog is always concerntrating on you? But, I am no expert at all, so others might be able to share their opinions too? The Agility is great. My previous dog had two passes towards CD and I found was just lacking something, so that was when I started Agility with her. She loved it, and it renewed a spark in our work, so we could continue with our Obedience and gain CD title. My current dog is hard to tell. Her confidence is shattered so easily :D I would have to watch so closely I didn't raise my voice if she was heading towards a wrong obstical, and heaven forbin she knock or bump herself on the equipment. She'd just fall to pieces. I don't mean to make her out to be such a head case, she really is such a loving sweet natured part of the family. Just has confidence issues. Maybe I need some private type lessons with her? Any thoughts on that?

Lablover, she usually gets walked off the property about 3-4 times a week? But in saying that, we live on acerage also, and there is plenty going on here. Horse trucks coming and going, my neighbours ride motorbikes, and the kids are out all the time playing. We also have another property we visit about once a fortnight, and she goes down there to run around. In my opinion she is very well socialised. :D I guess this is why I am concerned it is her personality, and was wondering how others have delt with dogs like this.

Yeah I do Agility also, I have jumps, tunnels and weave poles set up at home. But she is much the same with that. I was doing some weaving with her on the weekend, and I tripped over (clumsy) and she bolted! :rolleyes: Would have looked quiet funny if the neighbour had seen!!! Anyway, thanks again for everyones replies! I have really enjoyed reading them, and have found them very encouraging! Thanks

Again thanks Guys! This advice is extremely helpful. I will try to concentrate on her stand, as she would prefer to automatically sit, drop, or roll over!!! :cool: I did question if she was veiwing me as a threat, so I actually tried going ot the end of the lead, and almost ignoring her, so she was standing on her own, then giving the command, and praise to encourage the stand position. so I might keep trying this approach, similar to anita's suggestion. thanks. As mentioned about the correction chain, I usually would train with one, but because of this issue, I have just been using her normal flat collar. She is never going to be a dog you can pull or anything with the lead, the minute she feels any pressure, just sits, and would be dragged along the ground rather than stand. Reading everyones comments has given me faith that positive encouragement along with patience, will help us overcome it! I'll keep you posted! Thanks!

Thanks so much for your reply's guys! It's so nice to get some other opinions. I have tried her with the food, she is not really food orientated though. And yesterday I resorted to almost making training like play time, just to make it fun and encouraging. And she was happy to bound along with me, so all hope is not lost! She sounds very similar to your dog Cosmolo, I can't get her to stand at this stage. If I attempt to touch her, she just drops. I can't put her on a "correction chain" or anything at this stage, (I have always trained my dogs with these on, just to differentiate between training and play time/walks etc.) but if she knocks my leg or something, and get a fright and the chain make a zing noise, she takes off, or just rolls on her back. I don't think she'll ever make a good "Obedience Trialling" dog, but just like your cases, it'll give me a sense of satisfaction however far she goes. Thanks again for yoour honest and encouraging replies!

I guess the heading says it all. But to elaborate a little, here is a bit more info on myself and my dog. Dog is 3 years old. I have had her since she was 8 weeks. I trained my previous dog to CD and AD. So I'm by no means expert, but have a basic understanding of Obedience requirements. Due to having a baby and other commitments, I have been slack with training for the Obedience ring. But would love to start again. My dog is very timid by nature, any loud noises, she runs and hides. You wouldn't dare growl at her or she'd just be beside herself. etc. Just basically a great big softy. Today I got her out, in the front garden, and did a little bit of basic work. Heal, sits, drop etc. All these commands she knows as basic day to day life commands. But she just seemed paniced by the whole idea? When I asked her to stand she would sit, and if I attemped to touch her, she would drop, and was unbudgable. I just tried not to make a fuss and walked forward again and tried again in a very non confrontational manner. But she just didn't seem to take to it at all. When I took her lead off, she ran and hid under a bush! ;) So, without waffling too long, what's the verdict? I'm not going to give in, but I'd love to hear from other people who trial in obedience, and see if you think I am wasting my time trying to get her to a standard of competing for titles? I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea and think I am going to give up or anything, this is just more to get a feel from other obedience competitors, on training the VERY timid dog??? Can it be done???

dogdayz, I have PM'ed you... Let me know if you get it, as I'm not very computer literate... hehe

I am quiet sure I know who and what club you are talking about. As these little dogs have approached me numerous times, so I try to avoid them. And have to agree 100% with all the comments made so far. There are numerous dogs, in levels they are not ready for. I actually question some of the instructors ability to recognise "correct" work, such as loose leads etc. And their ability to address inapproprate behaviour from dogs and mostly handlers!!! I was in class on Sunday and left upset, as I felt my dog became quiet distressed due to other handlers manners. One lady during the stays insisted on removing her dogs lead, even though her dog continued to break. She handled the situation by firstly screaming loudly at the dog, then running fast AT the dog, and stomping her feet....???? I personally don't think this was appropriate, and since my dog was sitting close to hers in the stays, I was rather annoyed that the instructor did not, firstly tell her to put the dog back on lead as it clearly was not ready to be off lead, and secondly did not explain to her that not only was stomping at her dog inapproprate, but also very inconsiderate to the other handlers. I don't think I will be returning to train at this club, as I am not prepared to put my dog in a position like this where she is clearly distressed at the end of class, due to others ignorance, for the sake of distraction training....??? Hope this doesn't sound rude, but I've been annoyed about it since Sunday.