This was a tough exam. We tried it first at the high school tennis courts near our house. This is how it went.
We are still working on our heeling as you can see.
Then we did the 5 minute down/stay
Later in the evening I thought we could try a small scale version on our back patio. Less is more sometimes. I keep hearing Roxanne’s voice saying, “less done well is better than a lot done poorly!” We’ll start small and expand from there.!
I have to admit the recall was a bit hilarious. I really thought Molly was never going to make it to me. She finally got there, though and with that we ended on a high note
This has been quite the journey. I’ve never trained a dog before so I this is all new to me. It can be frustrating at times but I have to keep in mind Molly and I are a team and we’re learning together. More importantly, I have to remember to have fun and enjoy our time together.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteNot sure what you are expecting, but this Week 10 EXAM is quite good. Really.
Couple of pointers.
1) Use a 6 ' light line attached to your left waist pant belt loop OR simply tucked into your left pants pocket. Whenever Molly is off leash and NOT in Heel position, do a counter move to get her immediately INTO Heel position. Don't let her know she's 'off-leash' and is ok to lag or wander. She must never believe that it's OK to lag or wander when 'working ' or you have lost a critical advantage as her handler.
2) Unconsciously you are doing the dreaded 'sidestep' which is used to close the distance when a dog does their AS to far away. DON'T DO THAT as it trains a dog to mistrust their handlers feet and the dog will compensate by moving AWAY from their handler. Especially a little dog. How to fix? Don't let her succeed to give you a proper Tuck Sit in Heel position. If she's to far away, before her butt hits the ground on AS, shorten the distance by doing the Week 5 "How to fix a flared Sit" left turn mechanic. Or work her doing the stairs step chalk work of " Heel", do any turn and an immediate Halt. The key is to teach her every AS is in correct Heel position.
3) On Recall, have a 40' line on ground with end where you will be earning you call her. Heel her to where you will leave her on Sit/Stay for Recall. Nonchalantly connect her to the light line with tiny snap bolt..do this sleauthfully. Leave her and go stand behind her Front Place Board. Casually, as if adjusting the Board, bend over and pick up light line.
ReplyDeleteCall her and then immediately turn with your back to her and give her a sharp yank with the light line, then drop the line (only take enough steps to tighten the light line quickly), then get back in place facing her as she approaches her Front Place Board. Smile😊 at her. Now do a Finish and when she comes behind you?, you step to thr right side of Front Place Board so she comes ONTO her Board in correct Heel position.
4) On Figure 8, the speed up occurs when you come out of the dog being on the inside circle, not when the dog is doing the inside circle.
Does all of that make sense?
Yes! Thank you for the pointers! The light line will help tremendously because off leash I feel like I can’t do anything to get her back into heel position. Most likely she’s aware of that and chooses to meander or lag.
ReplyDeleteWhen I watch the videos I see the side step. Ugh! You’re right. I’m doing it unconsciously to close the gap. I have to be more aware of what I’m doing. Practicing the stair step will help. Drawing lines for me to follow should help from stepping towards her.
I love the recall idea. It’s reminds me a bit of the Longe line. That should help her with a quicker response.
Thanks again for all your help. I love the support and encouragement you provide.