Lablover

There are those who say, the latest field trials, are not comparable to the old. But due to regulations nowdays in some states, better than "nothing". In the olden days when hills seemed to move, due to the abundance of game - ie rabbits, it must have been a great - am I game to say - fun????? Quail make a nice distraction from time to time when I train on larger properties.

High level dogs require solid nerves, good health (bearing in mind the breeds used - which unfortunately tend to be the ones who suffer from health issues - hip, elbows, eyes etc) and good drive. Many government agencies around the world have various tests to gauge solid nerves. One example when Yank was tested, they felt he had excellent solid nerves. I followed while they tested him, in new situations. Loud noises, jumping up on wobbly tables, traffic etc. Nothing worried him, nothing. But then again, at was at the stage when he nose never came off the ground, LOL.

I'm upset!!!!. I have a retrieving trial, otherwise I would be there with bells on. Have a great weekend. I am sure everyone will have a wonderful time.

My bad, i thought you did both. No way, . I would not be able to hit the side of a barn, A BIG BARN.

I "do" retriever not field trials. I will PM you as hunting is not terribly PC nowadays.

For interest, what breed of dog does this instructor have? From experience (if you were that type of person) you can belittle someone's family, friends, interests but NEVER their dog, LOL.

I would have had a priceless photo. Stamp comes out of his crate like a rocket, normally with drool and foam all about his mouth. I started to do some training, and moved my whistle to my mouth. Yuck a huge gob of foam was felt on my lips. I could just imagine my face!!!!!!!!!!!!

So what is it that your dogs are doing that is costing you in trial? I'm sorry if i'm appearing vague but I'm not following your post Sorry Herr R, I thought that as you had observed retrieving trials you knew what the setups may require. Australia retrieving trials IMHO are conceptually the most difficult as the judges dictate order of retrieve and handlers are often put in poor positions to observe the dog while it works. All the same, I love the games/competitions. They say a good dog trainer can take virtually any dog from a rescue centre and in 6 short weeks have them competitive in CD and agility. This would certainly not be the case in retrieving trials, where winning is required, not a pass.

Herr R, There are two types of trials, retrieving and field trials. I should have added, I can train for concepts till the sheep come home, so to speak, with one bad "mark" (sighted retrieve) and you are probably history. I am starting to complain now, not a good thing, LOL. BTW, I agree with testing from time to time at training, but I do concentrate on concepts rather than testing.

Myszka, Too many distractions,you need to focus on one dog at a time and start with Diva fresh, not after running about with Rex.

Herr R, May I ask a question, have you ever been to a retrieving trial?

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...c=67199&hl=

This puts another slant on the subject. Make sure you do everything possible so he gains his confidence back.

OK, I admit it. I treat my labs like human children sometimes. I cannot help myself. Of course I know they are dogs, but they try so hard to understand my requirements, and we work together as a team.

How I wish 100% reliability translated into 100% success regarding retrieving trials. Oh well, we try. :D

95% is awesome, simply awesome.

Gamby, Does Gambit "check out" other distractions at other times?

95% hit rate. HR, you must be the best motivational trainer in the ................world, which you may be for all I know. To what level and/or standard of drive?

Try anything and everything you can in trying to initiate drive. If you have created "hot" spots in locations move. If the ball has caused avoidance, reintroduce slowly and carefully. Keep sessions short. I am sorry, gauging a dogs drive/handlers techniques, over the net is impossible. I have personally tested over 40 dogs drives (on mostly well bred dogs) and each is different, not to mention the handler's timing.

Myszka, I have a new harness, which I purchased in case I required it for Yank. I could mail it up to you to try.

Remember it is not a race. We need to gauge every dog as an individual, never more so at such a young age - 16 weeks. Sure there are stand outs who have had solid grounding at a young age, but I bet you the owners are experienced and know the second before focus is lost. Remember TEETHING too. Make "it" as positive experience as possible.

Get those dogs off your couch!!!!. She who has 15 sofa covers to choose from. Take the dogs separately for a while so you can concentrate on one at a time. I have taken up to 3 to obedience but the "restees" were used to be staked.

It must be frustrating when training "homework" is not done through the week also. I suppose another reason why some people do not return, as they feel guility for being lax?

Obedience clubs are boring, not enough retrieving training!!!!!! The one thing I noticed recently the pups were basically happy, displaying normal puppy behaviour etc. The more advanced dogs were not "happy". This in itself is very sad. It is a huge responsibility of teaching owners how to train. Many owners give up, and the dogs may suffer as a result.

Erny, I believe dogs laugh (if we listen hard enough) and certainly smile too. Mine laugh AT me, all the time, I am sure!!!!