Lablover

Poodlefan, I have not used a silent whistle as they were never regarded highly. A friend sent me a green monster (whistle - not to be confused with a picture of Shrek) from the US. That damm whistle hurt my tongue both times I tried it.

Agree. I've watched a friend fumble around in her packed bum bag looking for hers.. it must have taken over 30 seconds. That's why mine's on a lanyard. Mine's on a lanyard also. I was distracted picking up unused retrieving articles. Stupid rabbit sitting in a bush for 2 hours, while the dogs raced by. The experience took 10 years off my life.

I use a whistle for retriever training due to distances. If a had a dollar from every pet type owner, who asks if their dogs could be as obedient, as mine at training (NOTE: I did not include at retriever trials, where my older dogs become intermittent deaf LOL) or while smelling the roses, I would be a rich woman. Why do you need a whistle BTW? Most common problem whistle users have is they blow too long for a sit at a distance in training without proofing the dog. Short trills should instilled, so long blows can be saved for real emergenies. Leaving something up your sleeve so to speak. For a come in whistle there is a certain amount of practice required for example, so the dogs do not think they have been cued to sit. Two short toots close together is normally used. A good sit response to the whistle may save a dog's life one day. Especially when roads are nearby. Waffled on again...sorry. Anyway, most times in a panic situation, the whistle is not where it should be - IN THE PERSONS mouth. Been there, done that - near a train line. An experience I will never forget.

Just thought I would wish you the best of luck. 16 years break!!!!. Good for you!!! It has been a few years since I competed in obedience trials. Hopefully someone with recent experience will reply shortly.

How disappointing for those involved with the trial. Just a couple of months ago, we were wondering if it was ever going to rain again. I gotta secret. Tomorrow I am resuming obedience training.....going to a local club and all. LOL. Anything to settle a problem child down. Might even enter a few trials to boot. Luckily we are used to wet conditions.

WMR, I should imagine very dangerous. Just as silly as me with a loaded gun. How are you going to enter retriever trials in Victoria, without a gun licence. Regardless good luck. Retrieving trials, are the best fun, standing up. Frankly though training is more fun I reckon.

And field? Great!!! I could not hit the side of a barn.

WMR, Specialised dog accessories. Unfortunately they are away at the moment. Are you in a hurry? Are, you more importantly, thinking about training and trialling in retriever trials??????? Are you buying a gundog?????? So many questions, sorry!!! The most difficult aspect of retriever trialling is finding suitable grounds which require travelling. All the same, very worthwhile, if you have a good prospect and training methods. A little madness helps also. Ummm....maybe a lot, especially in higher stakes. Otherwise order directly from the US.

How long is the average time before rewarding an experienced high drive dog? I wanted to add, I am sure I would have never been able to turn Yo around without this type of training.

Kavik, I wish to apologise, if you think I am belitting you. I have been away from home for nearly a week and am relaxing on DOL. That fellow, was very annoying. A perfect example of unnecessary praise in the hope of maintaining drive (interest or whatever). I actually shouted, shut up, a couple of times, while watching the link.

Thanks for posting the photos, they were enjoyable from a working perspective. They certainly can be tire chasers, risking their lives, if not in a suitable home.

Great photos. It was lovely to catch up again also. Thanks for staying the extra time. I need more hands. He was as steady as a rock today. As they say, TIMING and consistency is important. LOL.

I'm speechless.

Firstly I like your line which includes dance like no one is watching, as sometimes when my dogs learn another link in the chain, I dance. Anyway, back to your question. Personally I like youngsters who show no fear to noise which includes various household noises. Your lab sounds as me as though he is gaining enjoyment/satisfaction in chasing. This is one test before all others I actually do when picking pups. The ones who do not give up as they chase a rag on a long piece of rope. Play/train other games with the youngster. The vaccum cleaner, rake and broom will eventually hold little value.

Works full time. Extra Wow. Puts me to shame, with training my four. Could you explain, breaks in though? I should be on my way to the Crown Casino.........see how the dog stuff distracts me LOL.

Sounds like a great dog trainer. Breaks in 10 dogs a year!!!!!!! Wow.

RealityBites, Just wondering, is your wish to go onto competitive obedience trialling?

I think and thank using any reward, I suppose mainly because I enjoy high drive dogs. The two instances which stand out particularly were with 9 week old (?), maybe 10 week old pups. They learnt to play the game very easily and as a result obedience etc was a breeze. The other instance is with a dog who had VERY serious problems due to compulsion training. IMHO, this dog would have ended up on someone else's couch, if I had not used the motivational method. I probably rewarded too often at first, especially with instance 2, but as he would shut down SEVERELY with virtuallly any command, it was worth the time and repetitions.

Denis, You seem to frequently belittle and name call, which I think is distasteful, ie Karen Overall - a clown. Have you ever met her? No one of this earth knows how dogs think. For interest how you read another article by Karen Overall. Why electric shock is not behavior modification.

Hi Lablover I just read the article for myself - not thoroughly as I don't have the time atm. It's in a published journal, so yes it is peer reviewed. There was no significant increase in cortisol (often indicative of stress) for group A - these dogs received an electric pulse the moment they touched the prey item. The other 2 groups showed significant increases in cortisol when compared to group A. Group H received an electric pulse when they did not obey a recall command having previously been trained to recall. Group R received random electric pulses that were unpredictable and out of context. Schalkea, E. Stichnotha, S. Otta and R. Jones-Baadeb, 1997, 'Clinical signs caused by the use of electric training collars on dogs in everyday life situations', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol 105, No. 5, pp 369-380. Thanks The spotted devil. Study conclusion: The results of this study suggest that poor timing in the application of high level electric pulses, such as those used in this study, means there is a risk hisk that dogs will show severe persistent stress symptoms. We recommend that the use of these devices should be restricted with proof of theoretical and practical qualification and then the use of these devices should only be allowed in strictly specified situations.

Denis, Do you know or heard of Karen Overall from the University of Pennsylvania? I would greatly enjoy to hear her views. Has your latest information, been under peer review?

There you go Pax. By sitting " there " happily they think this is one part of the chain. Break it down. As we would do with a young pup. I will send you an Email.

Denis...........scratches head......makes coffee.................reads again and.....well.....then he................ Ok ya got me, whats your post related to? Sorry Denis, you are supposed to be able to read my mind. They teach well, how to escape/avoid pressure.

this one? http://aurach2000.rivido.de/video/lennox/lennox-UO-dm-06.wmv dont blink you might miss the first about turn Took a while to download. That dog looks sore. Spine? Right rear leg? PS He has a beautiful tail. Looks like Yanks!!!!

Yeah well.......they probably think by praising they are keeping the dogs interest, rather than simply confusing their dog. Timing as we all know is very important.