This week was a little tricky. I realize how important my footwork and body language is to Molly, especially when off leash. A few times this week as we practiced she’d totally ignore me and wander off! We are nowhere near perfect but we’re learning to work as a team and really starting to enjoy it. At least I am, not sure about Molly!
After a week of practicing in our hotel’s hallway, we attempted the week 7 readiness exam today.
We also practiced the walk about..
It turns out uploading the video was the most challenging part of this test!
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteThis was actually a pass and well done. Molly is giving you great 'ck-in' and her AS's are stellar.
Just a few pointers for when you retake this EXAM (might as well).
1) On Molly's Sit/Stay's she 'dances' with her front feet. Her feet can't move at all on a Sit/Stay so do her Sit/Stays on her Front Place Board.
2) When you come to a Halt, make sure you aren't 'sidestepping' towards her if she's not in correct Heel position. Sidestepping creates mistrust in a handler's footwork and especially with a small dog. The fix for this is to work her on the leash first and if she's not in correct Heel position, then do the forward right diagonal step or work her against a hall/boundary or even on a raised surface so if she's to far right of you on a Halt, she falls off the elevated surface.
VERY GOOD WORK!
Thanks for the pointers!
ReplyDelete