Kavik

Have you decided not to try competing in agility corvus? It is loads of fun! Even when it doesn't go quite to plan and there is so much you can do in terms of breaking exercises down for precision training if that is your thing (I love doing that especially as it means I can do a lot of it at home, and practice handling at training).

I put the food on the target (on the ground) as I want him focussing down and not looking at me. I would start with his duration of the targeting behaviour.

Hi petmezz, Don't worry, I don't like -R either

I also taught a paw target. I have retaught it as I didn't get what I wanted at first (I wanted a pounce with both front feet hitting the target at the same time). I use a piece of green matting. I initially used a voice marker 'yes' but now don't. I got the idea from Ali Roukas's running contacts DVD. If you give multiple rewards in position that should help with duration. I then use a release command to leave 2o2o position (I want him focussing forward for this, not looking at me, which has also been a problem with this exercise). For me the big improvement has been when I went back to basics on my travel plank with him standing 4on on the board at the end. Using a restrained send at first (holding his collar then releasing from side) or restraining from front (this was easier at first) to get the enthusiasm, speed and position I wanted. Then adding a cue when this was reliable (only when he always gave me the pounce I wanted), then the more difficult having him stand on the end and give me the pounce on cue when I am not restraining him. Then I faded the target.

Are you using a target?

Don't forget too that the course is only the beginning of your learning. I posted on another thread that I remembered feeling like I knew so much after the course, that I was ready to jump in there and train other people's dogs etc, and now, years later (more than a decade actually ) after attending more seminars with many national and international trainers and competing with my own dogs, I realise how much more there is to learn. The course was a great starting point, but certainly not the be all and end all of training dogs.

Agree with this I don't think Kelpies are suitable dog park candidates either. They generally like their personal space and while they may run with other dogs at the park they may not like wrestling/full body slams which is how some breeds play. Knowing which play styles work together and which don't is also important.

What about world renowned trainers that criticise Cesar's methods? Do they count

I made a 'hallway' using a table on its side and a fence, then clicked for any foot movement (and like Vickie said placement of reward between front legs) , then click for movement backwards. I didn't care which foot, and probably click on front feet moving backwards.

Labradoodles are NOT Lab type dogs that don't shed!

I am not a fan of Cesar. Dislike a lot of the stuff he does. However for me one of the things that I do like is his emphasis on how the mental state of the handler effects the behaviour of the dog. If I am calmer, so are my dogs.

I think the thing is that the temperament and coat type of oodles is NOT more suited to modern living. The temperaments of most I have seen are high energy, skittish, nervous and their coats some are much more difficult to deal with than a Poodle. The oodles are marketed well but the real thing falls far short of its marketing hype.

Second the Susan Garrett DVDs - particularly Success With One Jump - IMO if you only get one agility DVD this is the one to get! Works on focus forward and essential handling techniques using one or no jumps.

Many of the Labradors I have met are anything but 'laid back'!

Dogs are NOT people. I don't see how people could draw a comparison between disabled people and these dogs with no front legs. These dogs can't eat, drink or move on their own. They could easily get stuck in a position that could lead to a slow painful death if a person doesn't notice. I don't see how that is any life for a dog :rolleyes:

Tenterfield Terriers would probably be the breed most recently recognised by the ANKC. I'd love to see the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever make that jump too. Dutch Shepherds were only very recently recognised by the ANKC

I didn't realise you were talking about sheepdog skills either as you and your dogs ROCK at agility! I have only done a handful of herding sessions - and my dog is definitely more talented than I am I have NO idea what I am doing when working sheep. Haven't done any for ages - maybe I should give it another go.

I am also told when instructing not to do too much talking but to do stuff - and that people don't want to hear the theory behind things. I do try to explain why something like circle work or targeting or walking through a ladder is important and how it links in with agility.

Maybe she needs more work on her understanding of what exactly is required for the performance of the table. (ie you need to stick on the table no matter what!). Exercises where you rev her up, send to table, run past the table with her on it, tug on the table (if she will tug) and try to drag her off the table etc. Susan Garrett does a lot of proofing on the table (and does not use great traction on her training table) so her dogs know they have to stick it.

Your post above does not make the off leash area sound well managed No way would I be taking my dogs into an area where fights break out at your feet and other dogs want to join in!

I wouldn't go to the off leash area, as you have seen it is not the safest place and certainly not the best way to build your confidence. Better to stick with training classes where the dogs are controlled, and do your walks in on lead areas or quiet parks.

Yes Kaos is my dog's call name. His registered name is Avenpart Ontario (Avenpart Wump x Avenpart Lesky). You won't see him on your dog's pedigree as he is desexed and never sired a litter

I remember thinking I knew so much when I finished the NDTF course, it is only later after doing more training, more discussion and going to more seminars that I realised how much I didn't know and how much more I had to learn I'm another who competes and who rewards their dog with food or toys (depending on situation) Always trying to improve (and there is still plenty of room for improvement!) so always looking at what I can do to improve and changes means changing or tightening criteria, which means you have to reward what you want.

Station Bred maybe? not totally sure on that though

I get confused with ADAA I have several passes from different levels but not enough of anything to make a title yet, bit frustrating.