Lablover

I will watch and vote, no problem.

Great. Raven looks like he is having a ball!!!!!

From his web site: Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction and leadership. Giving them love alone doesn't create balance in their lives. Be a pack leader! Rehabilitating a dog is not about "fixing" it. It's about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you're feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt or worry—and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant. Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you're projecting internally is the message you're sending to your dog. Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog's walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog's energy in a positive manner. Don't expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries and limitations as well as love. Avoid nurturing your dog's fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog. You are the source of your dog's energy. You are the role model. Challenge the dog's mind—dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm/submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog. Dogs need "on" and "off" time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors. Dogs show us how much we can learn—they live in the moment. Try it! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I reckon, the above is not bad at all. Just to add, I think most of us have made mistakes in training our dogs, including myself!!!! I think the number one mistake is allowing the dog to make a series of mistakes, then possibly loosing our temper, instead of breaking down the tasks to drill form again.

Oh sorry, trying to run the bank (around a dam). Some water retrieves are angle entries and the dogs that take a better line (to the retrieve), are more likely to do well. I will Email you some photos, if you like.

If you are concerned about your dog accidently biting your hand, which is valid, buy an industrial strength glove. The dogs learn quickly not to accidently bite, and as your timing becomes better, the problem resolves. The questions you have asked, which I am sure K9 force will answer, are exactly what I pondered 12 months ago. Encouraging me to buy many Schutzhund productions which show training in drive, to expand my knowledge, after K9 forces seminar. Personally I found my dogs, every so often, would loose focus with multiple drills I require. It is soooooo easy to regain their focus using simple prey drive exercises. The control afterwards is OUTSTANDING. Thanks again K9 for explaining why why why why it works.

No idea, that is why I asked on this thread. LOL A small example, in retrieving trials dogs are not allowed to cheat the water (if they want to win!!). Drills are used to break down to train this concept. I swear, as the light goes on in their heads, and they realise cheating water will not result in a retrieve, .....it is like they think god damm it, your stupid, I would "find" the article so much quicker if I did not have to swim there and back, but OK already, I will waste time and swim. It must feel soooooooo good for a dog, to put up with copious amounts of drills for high level work.

Oh goodie, my favourite topic has hit page one again!!!! I love dogs with lots of drive, make training a lot easier. I have been pondering though, what do you think it feels like for a dog as it is gaining drive satisfaction. Like me eating chocolate, or enjoying a fine red wine with dinner? LOL

KK, I apologise for confusing you with somebody elses quote. It is ..........um an "annoyance", to me, when some people think of well trained dogs as robots/machines. Good luck with your dog.

Glad you had a great time. Edited: Sorry incorrect reply. Hot from mowing the lawn!!!!!

Kismet, I am interested in your translation regarding robotic dogs. For example, is a guide dog for the blind robotic?

Erny, Good writeup. Sooooooooo, do you learn anything new?

How old were these 6 - puppies doing miracle feats?. With mine, if they let go finally of my jeans, while walking about, I am happy. Puppy teeth hurt, LOL. I understand the use of voice. Heck I no no my dogs for bad choices.

Tim m99, Dr Dunbars main focus is that all training from a puppy up occurs off lead (apart from learning to walk on a loose lease). That way you don't gain any reliance on the leash (or any other tool for that matter) in the training (effectively in the long term control comes from allowing access to resources - eg require a sit every 15sec when on a walk if they want to continue walking around freely sniffing/playing/etc ). LL: But voice is certainly a tool? PS Just when I finally learnt how to quote on the old style forum, they change the board, LOL.

I am not Steve, but I think my labs, are similar to the dog you observed. Rarely I leave my dogs with others, but when I do it is with trusted friends or family. They have no issues. Ask any highly regarding boarding kennel. No dog will starve. There are many high level establishments who pass dogs to other handlers. We miss the dogs more than they miss us. Fickle creatures. They are happy to gain satisfaction from virtually anyone.

Come on you guys, tell us more about the seminar. I was keen to fly up to Sydney, until a retrieving weekend clashed. I had forgotten all about last nights Melbourne seminar.

Stupid question, I am sure, but how many were trained by the clicker? Indulge me please. :D

Thanks Geoff. Training dogs in all facets intrigues me. I am little um.......possessed, some might say, :D Could I ask you to Email me when your next training weekend is organised?. Kelpiecuddles, I know my and my dogs limitations :D I think my labs would be great on the send outs (or do you call them send aways?). I am absolutely sure they have no eye clap. Here is one of mine after being on a hidden retrieve. Working dogs, you just have to love them!!!!

Smart dogs with good training never cease to amaze me how many vocal cues and commands they end up understanding after the exercise has been taught. I thought a thread on this discussion may be worthwhile. I located a link to a study with a dog called Rico, which has been in many dog training publications etc. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/200...t-cwr060404.php

Just wanted to add, lovely to hear everyone had a great time with their dogs. Herding guy, are retriever nuts invited as observers?

Thanks. All the same, maybe a treat bag would be better around a handlers neck (same idea as the handler spitting out food). I have seen a few dogs in high level obedience trials, who have been rewarded with food and their focus changed from between handlers waist and face, thereby making the heeling not as perfect as could be possible. I am just thinking/typing out loud LOL. From time to time I think about entering a few obedience trials (edited) again, and not being so terribly focused on retrieving training and trials.

I have a question regarding treat bags please. The dog is supposed to be focused on the hander. With a treat bag being around the trainers waist, does this position cause problems as the dogs changes focus, from handlers face to bag, thereby possibly causing confusion?

Oops deleted. Sorry computer glitch. My system is tossing me out of DOL, when I post a reply.

Well done. When I have successful training days - especially with youngsters as they understand an exercise consistently , I break into song (without music). I try to refrain from singing around others, but sometimes on my own, when doing drills and concepts, I cannot help myself. My singing voice sucks. I cannot even hum in tune.

Silly question I am sure, but does the dog have comfortable bedding in the pen/crate. Was is the base made from? I would teach him to drop, at least while you are reversing. How long are your trips?. Does he sleep overnight in the pen/crate. Or buy bigger side mirrors.

Damm, your good, Cactus cautious one. Computers are still rather a mystery to me. I have been shown certain (what I call) tricks, LOL, on the computer, time and time again, but I loose patience when been taught. Strange really, as I am so patient when training a dog.