Derr!

[Weasels]

I've noticed recently that all of the best advances in training my dogs are when my immediate response is "derr, of course!"

I had one this week, when my boy was getting further away from me than I was comfortable with and I tried to call him back. I had been able to call him back from that distance before, but I was tired and late for work so I yelled "Diesel! Stop!" in a stern voice and got no response It was at least 30 seconds of yelling before he turned to me and started paying attention again. I ended up putting him in a down-stay and going to get him

Thinking about this the next day, I realised that a) I never call him 'Diesel' in training (only 'Deez') and b) I don't use that tone of voice either. Of course he didn't respond!

Yesterday he was the same distance away and started heading for another dog. This time I used "Deez! Leave it!" in my normal happy training voice and got a 180 degree turn He did try once more to go meet the dog but I called again and got the same response, then he trotted back to continue to chase the Foxdog.

Has anyone else had these "derr" moments? I'm sure there is a bunch of other obvious stuff I haven't thought of which the DOL brains trust has figured out :D

[sheena]

I had a similar light bulb go off just this week. My BC girl is not very good at strategic pairs, even though she has managed to get into the next level. Her problem is that she thinks the other dog running on the same course as her, is there to be rounded up & "I can hear mum yelling at me, but she doesn't know how important it is that I don't let this one get away" :laugh: . So this week I thought I would do some serious training with her. Hubby down one end, playing with the pup & me up the other end practicing contacts. As soon as she saw the pup having fun, it was, pick up the nearest leaf in her mouth & run off to round up the pup. Of course in frustration I yelled at her & she stuck her finger up at me, leaving me feeling cranky with myself for raising my voice. Then in my head if I put her on a lead, then she can't run off. Started again & this time when she wanted to run off, I said nothing, just gently turned her around & repeated the exercise, clicking, treating & praising her for doing it right, & after a couple of minutes I could run her off lead & she took no notice of the playing puppy. After that she was fine, it was as if she didn't understand that she had to stay with me & stay focused. Now every morning I start her off with her on lead while hubby plays with the pup & within 30 seconds she is all mine She just didn't understand until then. Good training for the pup too...if he comes running up my end hoping for a treat, I ignore him & he runs back to OH.

[Weasels]

I've had the same thing Sheena With my boy getting distracted between the tie-out spot and the start of the agility course. Ummmmm.... I have a leash sitting right there! :laugh:

I'm probably too spoilt from training my girl, who would rather run the course than do almost anything else!

Edited March 11, 2012 by Weasels

[sheena]

Day 4 & I hardly needed the leash at all this morning. She even did a perfect table with an instant drop & didn't even look at the pup when he jumped up on the table too. Now, when he comes running up, she completely ignores him & goes racing back off to OH. We are both using very yummy treats

[Weasels]

Excellent! Those are my favourite when the penny drops for both of us - I work out how to communicate properly, and the dog finally relaxes because they know what I want :) Everyone's happy!