Stays Question

[Erny]

Ask for an experienced highly regarded SUCCESSFUL proven competitor/trainer to watch both of you.

Actually - whoever you chose to help you, someone who understand fear; stress; anxiety; and training. Doesn't have to be a competitor person. Could be, if that person also has an understanding and knowledge of behaviour. In your case, I think the latter is the most important at this stage.

Edited April 25, 2008 by Erny

[PAX]

If your dog has drive, I would train distance on to a toy. I think when you train distance that really helps your dogs anxiety for the groups and helps with self control and focus. If they are focused on you they will not be so worried by the other dogs.

I get my whimpy (but lots of drive) girl to hold a stay the whole length of a Football field, if she breaks, no problem we just go back to the original spot and start again. It just means she has to wait longer to get what she wants, the toy.

Also in the company of other unknown dogs, I constantly reward her. This way she thinks groups of unknown dogs have high value as she gets very heavily rewarded for sitting amongst them. This can be hard to find a group of willing people but it's worth the effort.

I hate group stays.

Edited April 25, 2008 by PAX

[Lablover]

Ask for an experienced highly regarded SUCCESSFUL proven competitor/trainer to watch both of you.

Actually - whoever you chose to help you, someone who understand fear; stress; anxiety; and training. Doesn't have to be a competitor person. Could be, if that person also has an understanding and knowledge of behaviour. In your case, I think the latter is the most important at this stage.

Sure......to be sure. But an experienced etc competitor/trainer has many opportunities to view the dog and owner, during training, ie group heeling where other dogs are close, which not only includes the "stay" requirement.

[shoemonster]

Well done on those stays last night!!!!