Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Quick question about the stays. With Robie, I have always used the name of the first obstacle to release him on course, and I was planning on doing the same thing with Yuzu. When I taught the stay to Robie, I used “get it” to release him to a thrown toy, food bowl, manners minder, etc. Do I need to teach a specific release word?
We did some “voguing” and lap/tandem turns today. It is cold and rainy outside, so these seemed like good options for indoors, although I continue with my struggle to get him to tug with me. Sometimes it seems to me he is looking for the food. I did remember to throw the toy, which did get him a bit more engaged. The second video is kinda long because I kept all the tugging attempts in. I must really suck at this, although Robie started out as not a great tugger and he is really great now, so I must have done something right!
Here you go!
Yes, he loves barreling down the stairs to his training room. I will try to do more outside, and I think his tugging is better outside for now because I have more room to run around. I had a hard time getting him interested in the tug this morning (video below.) I worked on the collection sandwich.
This afternoon we did a little Turn and Burn. He was happier to tug.
This is exactly what I was thinking about doing. I will do a tiny bit today and post video to see if I am getting it right. I DO understand how important the arousal management is, having 2 other birder collies with arousal issues! I appreciate you keeping me honest!
A new tugging video. I definitely went too long on the first try. Should have done the scatter BEFORE he jumped in the air for the tug. On the first try I included the whole time when he was snuffling because I wanted to ask if it was correct to wait until he was done and re-engaged with me. Hopefully the next two tries were better. I am not sure how to gauge 10 seconds without a helper to time me, lol! Looking forward to your feedback.
I know you’ve told me to let the other stuff go for now, but that completely stresses me out, lol! May I work on the exercises that involve food rewards for now?
This is great information! I was at a trial this weekend and worked on this. No video, but I can see that it is helping. When I was out in the field after Robie’s runs tossing the frizz, I was able to get some decent tugging with him and then I did a big treat scatter in the grass. The 10 second thing is eye opening! I thought I needed to wait until he really grabbed on and tugged, but I see now that the arousal management is far more important. This week that is what I will focus on. Thank you!
So I did a little bit of training, but mostly wanted to show you the tugging, oh, and humping, lol. I have to laugh or I might just cry!
This is fantastic feedback. Thank you! Once again, the snuffle mat for the win. I do the pattern games with Yuzu all the time, so he is very familiar with them. Are you saying I should start each session with them? And yes, I have been avoiding doing a whole lot of tugging because I was not sure how to fix the problem. You have given me lots to work on, and I believe you are right that I should focus on fixing that before anything else. He is the sweetest, cuddliest and silliest boy 99% of the time.
We worked on GOAT tricks, backing up and Plankrobatics today. Here are the videos:
First question is am I still talking too much? Maybe I need duct tape, lol! Anyway, on the GOAT tricks, I totally screwed up with the wobble board. He had no issue with it a few months ago, so I just threw it at him. My bad. So we backed it up and put a yoga block and towel under it.
On the backing up, for the life of me I couldn’t figure out how to throw a treat between his legs when he was so close. Also, not surprisingly, he often backs up at an angle. A few months ago I tried doing it with one side against the wall, but that really didn’t help. Suggestions?
I think he is pretty comfortable on the plank, although (as Julie says) he thinks he is enormous and can’t possible fit on smaller things.
Now for the main problem. I thought I was filming a session of tugging, but apparently I didn’t so I’ll just have to explain. The main issue, even when (and I almost think especially when) the toy is really long he keeps jumping in the air to grab the handle/my hand. Like, leaping. He got me good a couple of times today. When that happens, I feel like I shouldn’t give him a correction because I don’t want to discourage the tugging, but damn! When I try self preservation and make an effort to keep my hand out of play, it just makes things worse. I did get a few good seconds of actual tugging, where I wasn’t moving the toy and he was pulling backwards strongly. In these cases I always let him win. And at the end of play when I told him “all done” and took the toy, he jumped at my back, mouthed me and then started humping my fucking leg! Is this typical adolescent behavior? I have not dealt with this issue in the past, and I am truly at a loss. Right now, I am almost afraid to tug with him because if hurts!
We worked on the wrapping progression today. He had a few questions here and there. I will do it with toys later today. Hope you are having fun at the Open!
I used the toy for the Decel & Turn exercise and the BC Foundations exercise. All I can say is LATE, LATE, LATE! I think I am incorporating all your great advice, and then…well…not so much. I think I need to print out your comments and bring them into my training sessions. So on the Decel exercise, you want me to run forward, let him catch up to me, and continue to run forward with him right by my side BEFORE I decel, correct? And on the BC I am still waiting too long before I switch sides, so he is doing a bit of the “drunken sailor.” Anyway, short videos from today, and I will try again later. I think I am mostly struggling with the space. In my head I feel like there is not enough room to execute properly, but I am certain that is wrong, lol!
Oh, and Shane says hi!
I am sensing that our toy play mechanics are going to need some major work, so I am focusing on building these skills. This morning we worked with two toys away from the stanchion, and then two toys with the stanchion. I’m pleased with our progress, although he is still nipping my hands and clothes. Is it because I am moving the toy too much? When I added the stanchion back in, I switched to 2 identical lower value toys, and I thought that made a difference. The super furry toys are VERY high value. I realized I was calling his name from time to time, so I will try to keep my mouth shut next time! Looking forward to your comments!
This afternoon we worked on the Decel & Turn as well as BC Foundations. Here are videos.
