perfect partners

What method are you using? I wasn't having great success with my Newf where we had to use halters and weren't allowed to use food. I left there and now use food to train her and she hasn't looked back. She now picks up new things in about 3 tries and does it enthusiastically whereas with the other method she always seemed bored and unhappy. You need to both enjoy training if you are to be successful. Using treats - doing the whole make them look up and butt hits the ground... But yosh decides to jump to try and get the treat instead of retreating back!! Then goes around in circles!! The trainer at our classes will keep trying with him. He loves the attention game (Treat in one hand and they have to pick it). Hes just so excited and has a load of fun but he doesnt like to concentrate Doing the heel walking on a leash, he always tries to run and its just one of those things that we have to keep trying. My DH is going to be buying them some new leads that hes looked into (Halti's?? off memory.. apparantly they are awesome for poodles??) and hoping we will have some more control so he listens Hes such a boof! Too smart - he can open the door and knows exactly what Im saying. He sounds very smart! Be careful with halters. They can help but if the dog lunges or you jerk on them you can damage the dogs neck. Also I found, even though I was training the dog in it, that it gave me some control when I had it on, but I had virtually no control when she wasn't wearing it. I think they can give you a 'false sense of security, so to speak. Veterinary chiropractors don't like them.

What method are you using? I wasn't having great success with my Newf where we had to use halters and weren't allowed to use food. I left there and now use food to train her and she hasn't looked back. She now picks up new things in about 3 tries and does it enthusiastically whereas with the other method she always seemed bored and unhappy. You need to both enjoy training if you are to be successful.

Hi luvsablue. We're not ready for trials yet. May do some eventually, although I just enjoy training - lots of different things. We're doing a scent detection workshop in a couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to that. I guess I'd need to join a club to learn the finer points of competing. Do you do obedience or agility trials or both? I might go and have a look at some trials - what level are you and Becky at? Do you belong to a club? I'd like to go to some of Lynda Orton-Hill's workshops too. Anyone else going to them? Huski - If you can ever get to one of Uta's seminars, I'd recommend it. I've done a bit of clicker training with horses and dogs (and my cat) but she really made you think about what you are rewarding and how to motivate the dog.

I thought the seminar was excellent too. Uta's training is very detailed but logical and easy to understand. It was interesting to watch how much more focused and motivated she could get the dogs just using simple techniques. I've typed up the notes I took yesterday and tried the focus exercise and the heeling by following the food hand with my Newfie when I got home last night and again today. Worked well - I must say that she would sell her soul for food though. Luvsablue - I looked at the dogs outside in crates to see if I could identify you that way, but there were only a couple - I think most people left their dogs in their cars because it wasn't too hot. The owner of the Rottie was sitting next to me and I'm not sure what dog was in the crate around the side but I think it was taking part too. A lot of the people seemed to know each other and I didn't know anyone so wasn't sure where to start asking. I was sitting on the middle table, at the front, facing Uta. I was wearing black pants, aqua top and at various times during the day, a grey cardigan, olive green vest, navy coat. I'm average height, slim, fair hair (a bit shorter than shoulder length) - does any of that ring a bell? Is your dog a Blue Heeler, or another kind of 'blue'? Would have been good to meet you, but maybe next time. Have you tried any of the exercises with your dog/s yet? What exercises did Uta do with the dogs on Saturday?

Look forward to meeting you too. Are you taking your dog both days? Unfortunately I won't meet Megan as I think she's going Saturday. I'm observing both days, although I am taking the dog, she will be in her crate out on the verandah luvsablue I'd like to bring my dog too but don't have a crate - hard to find one large enough for a Newf to be comfortable in it. She would stay in a drop near me but I doubt they'd want you to have a dog with you if it wasn't taking part. Not that she objects to staying home. What breed is your dog? Might help me to recognise you! Do you know what building it is in? I haven't been to any seminars there before.

Look forward to meeting you too. Are you taking your dog both days? Unfortunately I won't meet Megan as I think she's going Saturday.

Thanks everyone. After posting last night I looked up Uta Bindells and found my way to the details about the seminar. Have emailed Theresa but haven't had a reply as yet so here's hoping. Update - one spot with dog left on Saturday or spectate Saturday and/or Sunday. Have done some clicker training with my dogs, horses and cat so am going to watch on Sunday. Looking forward to it.

Where do you find out about these seminars? I'd love to go - do you know if there are any positions left or is it booked out?