Lablover

There is a big competition coming up next month, training going extremely well. Have high hopes, but had crashed and burned in the past (retrieving trials - IMHO hardest dog work possible). When posters have been 99% sure that their dogs would win the ring etc, how often have you failed? And why? Nerves, your nerves that is, not the dogs?

Sweet. Why he jump around so much on his DVDs? Distraction, motivation or ???????????

My current dog - yes, but I didnt suck her yet Ummmmmmm, I have my head cocked like a confused or thinking dog......translate...... suck her yet?

Yes indeedie. Remember before the world wide web, how life was so simple? 40 years ago, I trained my cocker spaniel to jump through a burning hoop, after going to a circus and watching lions. My clothes caught on fire. Hope I have learnt a few more sensible tricks since then!!!!!!!!!

Hindsight is a great thing. Looking back, waaaaaay back, to when your dogs were a pupppy, did you see signs that the dog did not have a good training attitude? For whatever reason.

(1) I have been accused of looking outside my square, sometimes with good results. So life's good. (2) I have been accused of not keeping KISS. Keeping it (training) simple stupid. OK, but I think every successful trainer, has at least one good idea. (3) I have accused of spending too much money in educating myself to train my dogs. KISS? I often see people, after the latest book, DVD, or seminar, being a little what I call Amwayish. Almost cult like/jumping on the latest bandwagon. I think training is a science to a certain degree, psychology if you will (dogs should learn to talk!!!), but it is an art form as well. What you other posters think? Goodness I hope I make sense.

I feel another topic, probably stupid from your truly coming on.

Virtually the first time I have visited this forum on DOL. Glad I did so. Congratulations. Love the working breeds doing their jobs or in an arena showing off their talents.

Good to see referrals to trainers from owners who have received help with their dogs.

I am someone else LOL. Have you changed your expectations? More consistent, more experienced, more time focusing on this particular dog? We often blame our dogs, when often we need to change OUR behaviour/methods. I haven't changed my methods that I know of LOL, but we have had a break from training for a while and only been doing stuff at home. Maybe this could be it ?? I am also starting to teach him more tricks so maybe he is starting to have more fun ?? I really dont know but I'm liking it A break from formal training and making it fun for the dog could be beneficial. If your dog lives in the house and is with you many hours of the day and night, there are many opportunities to train. If we see the chances. Generalisation and consistency are the key. O, and fun, for both owner and dog!!!!

When being a demonstration handler with one of my labs at a previous seminar, held by K9 force and SARDA, four of us stayed at a house in Hastings. Nice inside, but in a dodgy area. Very dog friendly. http://www.dogzonline.com.au/accommodation...om.asp?name=300

I am someone else LOL. Have you changed your expectations? More consistent, more experienced, more time focusing on this particular dog? We often blame our dogs, when often we need to change OUR behaviour/methods.

Thanks for taking the time to reply everyone. Sooooooo disappointed no one had heard of Sylvia Bishop, from the UK. Heck even my obedience friends in the US think highly of her......and they have high expectations and not easily impressed.

As others have mentioned, if he is food motivated, split his meals in tiny bits and reward for good recalls. Many times per day. Poor habits are hard to break. That being said, if you think of the number of times he has ignored you, double the times.........and that is as long normally, it takes to change behaviour, except using high end aversion methods.

Tension on lead? Good for you taking her to the vet. Were any blood tests taken, ie thyroid T4? How is her HD treatment progressing. You placed her, no doubt in compromised positions, tummy rubbing for example and another dog caused her fear response. You need to find non reactive safe dogs without distractions by the the sounds of it.

Have fun.

They do.......don't they? Experience is the best teacher.

Sorry for the delay in replying. Been away training on 4 thousand acre property. Thanks Bellasperson. Meriment, for interest, how do you teach the send away?

Obedience trialling bored me, after I became focused on retriever training. Except for our first lab who achieved CDX my labs have loved obedience work. In hindsight I would have washed our initial lab, who was primarily purchased as a duck dog. She was so quiet, low drive, lovely pet and great hunter. Excellent water cheater LOL.

What THEY perceive as rewarding. They are encouraged initially with many rewards, then ..........have to work for them. Stupid answer.

K9: I think the term is "when the tailgate drops...." Gawd I am hopeless, lucky my dogs seem to understand what I am trying to say to them.

How old is Chloe? I have to admit I am a labrador lover, so I ask, is hip dysplasia considered a problem with Bealges? Does she sit square?

Trainers need people skills. But then again, some of the best trainers I have met, are pretty "average", in that regard. Some are insulting, but I judge as I view their and clients dogs.

Excelerated learning by Pamela Reid. It is not so much a training book, but a good break down on how dogs learn.