Ché and Samantha enjoying their cones.

Training April 26

Ellen working on jumps with Ché.   Puppy is starting to really enjoy training.  He comes to class with lots of enthusiasm and is really paying attention to handler.  In this lesson Ellen has better body language/body energy.  She realizes that dog's attention has to be maintained at all times.  When something is happening you don't want to have happen you need to communicate that.  Ellen is also doing this better.

Need to set a date for Good  Canine Good Citizenship Progam.  Ché has to model behavior like walking without pulling on leash, meeting other dogs without barking.  Right now Ché is jumping up when he hears high pitch voice.

Training more than one dog at a time is just more fun

and who is that dog tripping over the jump....

Is that Rusty (17 years old)?

Ché waiting for next run of course that includes tire, jumps, tunnel.


Some general observations:

• You have to command and maintain the attention of the dog.  Especially when switching  handlers.
• Say the command "once".  If you say it more than once you are teaching the dog ignore you.  You have to make the command count.
• Energy of the body is primary.   Work to minmize verbal commands.  This is what we will emphasize next training session.
• Use a command voice different than just talking to dog, especially negative commands.
•  Training is not easy and requires a certain amount of patience and humility.

Ché and Samantha playing together.  At pooch park with lots of other dogs.  Ché is the pooch park savant.  He plays with so many different dogs in different styles.  Chase/be chased, on top/on bottom, bulling head on head, running after ball, hearding, and sharing stick.  So nice to have Samantha to play with.

So much sheltie love

Ché, Mya, and Samantha waiting patiently, playing catch the next food bite - kibble.  You got to love Shelties and wonder why you don´t see more of them.

You got it. I'm glad you have some weave poles at home now because learning the poles takes lots of short sessions a few times a day. Remember to keep the poles open/slanted at first.

Training Session April 12, 2010

This session we worked the weave - in/out commands training Ché to start with left shoulder and move through the poles.  The trainer moves hand with treats in and out of the poles using body maybe hips to signal Ché to weave through the pole obstacles.  These poles are 40¨ with 5¨ spikes set 24¨ apart.

In the beginning it is useful to reward tiny improvements.  This is part of the process of training.  At some point rewards are given only for perfect execution and then very little ¨work for food, the process always evolving not always improving.  The goal is the performer to on command find the entrance of the weave with his left shoulder and go in and out of the weave as fast as possible with little direction.


Other suggestions/hints:

Train both hands and both sides.  The training has to be exacting, details so that the dog understands exactly what to do.

Generally use a loud voice when to send the dog away and less energy voice for closer maneuvers.

Stay command is used when you want the dog to remain in place till you come back.  Wait command the dog is waiting for the next comand in the sequence.