Are we coasting or are we improving? Is time so precious that we cannot invest in doing better? Looking at “Leave it” protocols, which are just another way of saying “no”. If we focus our training around what we don’t want the dog will focus on what to avoid. Focus on what we do want.
Even though today we are surrounded by many available protocols for teaching with positive reinforcement, there is still a persistence that a dog should be set-up to make an error. An error is simply the difference between my expectation and the dog’s response. No more “distractions”, but faded-in environments.
I am a person who shares life with a Border Collie. It’s like being a member of a secret society of which few people would be crazy enough to join.
Walking along a busy street with traffic can cause the dog to lunge out. Any uncontrolled movement such as joggers, bikes, other dogs doing agility will trigger the reflex to control the movement. The is a need, their purpose in life.
Well I don’t know about your evening’s entertainment at present, but it certainly is not on my TV ….. yawn …. so after some wandering around U-Know-Who I found a really tension filled, exciting sport to watch ….
This is a great introduction to the sport of Sheedog Trials. An invitation event set over three different days culminating in a gripping final.
Collies do not want to CHASE, the want to catch to prevent the ball, or sheep escaping.
They play a great role as goal keeper, and boundary guardian.
What was normal in training 20 or 40 years ago is not the same today. There are folk persistently maintaining the normal of 1976, but fortunately there are enough folk with a deeper understanding of the processes that have moved normal forwards.
When I see a dog showing a behaviour that is heading towards potential conflict, my first question is “what rewards are available?”
Preparing before you train and the final check list
What is the purpose of this video? To sell a product, to instruct or to inspire? It should be clear from the first viewing. Often we are seeing an unhealthy blend of talking head, dripping treats into bored dog, convincing you of their innate expertise.
Strange times often give birth to new insights and understanding.
Certainly a new aspect of empathy as we experience social situations that may not be of our choice.
Training with the Cup on a Stick is an elegant and simple technique of luring without the complications of luring by hand. The added benefit brings clarity to the dog, allows us to be able to clearly observe what movements the dog is learning and easily remove the lure when the training is complete.
