clarification

Hi Donna,

We do use a marker in the beginning. It provides INFORMATION to our dogs who understand the distinct meaning of the word. I do, as quickly as possible, stop the marker and just throw the food. I believe the marker allows me to let the dog know quickly that their behavior is correct and they are getting reinforced.

I am starting my young dog with this group. I have to use a scooter as I am unable to stand and walk unassisted. I started him last night with a marker to help him understand where and what he was doing. Within about 6 reinforcements I stopped using it and went to just the throw.

As far as some of the clips that are missing, let me check with one of my students who is doing a working spot to see if she is having difficulties. I would also check my own records for you.

Thank you for your really good questions.

Hi Donna,
First, THANK YOU for wanting to do things right. I love it when someone is invested in the program. Have you done any obedience? Pivots are used frequently in obedience. Pivots are small movements made with your feet/body/shoulders to slightly change position. I teach pivots to my students with an X on the floor. They have to keep their feet under them and move around to different positions. For example, a right about turn would be a 180 degree pivot facing the opposite direction. In agility, you want to keep your feet under you so they don’t become a distraction to the dog.

For example: I had a student who would pivot and throw her left leg “out.” She didn’t realize that this motion was a cue to her sheltie to move away from her. My experiences with various groups and breeds have taught me that herding dogs are much more sensitive to these actions. So with shelties, border collies, etc. we have to be very aware or our movements and motions.

Does this help?