On Saturday Spot had his first "problem-solving" class at DOGS Learning Center with Carolyn.
For Masters, Spot needs to let me open up the tunnel and remove him. This was my nemesis in JR. For SR, you have the recall which was no problem for Spot because once the rats were gone, he lost interest.
So in the class, we practiced releasing him into the tunnel and opening the end and petting him, etc. We also blocked the tunnel behind him so he couldn't back up too far. I would keep my hands in the tunnel and encourage him so he wouldn't associate my hands with having to stop work.
After a couple tries I was able to have both hands in the tunnel, grab his scruff, put my hands under his chest and pick him up a little bit, then put him back down, and he was fine with it. Once I removed him, all he wanted was some treats, he didn't even look for the rats. This is really good progress!!! If he can get over this, the only other thing to work on will be honoring and we will be on our way to a Masters title!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Beginner Earthdog class
Last Saturday I took Shelby to DOGS Learning Center for her first earthdog class. We missed the first class because I was hosting my annual brunch. But we didn't miss too much, since the first class was mostly getting used to the liners and the rats, both of which Shelby has seen before.
There were 2 other dogs there. One was Carmen, a mini schnauzer and the other was Cassie, an Australian terrier. They both did well. They were pretty comfortable going through the tunnels, even when we had a couple of liners together without a gap, around a corner. They weren't afraid of the rats, but not super into them either.
I was not totally pleased with Shelby. We were inside waiting for Carolyn to come and when the 2 other dogs came in Shelby growled at them. I corrected her right away, but she was still pretty vigilant once we went inside. Once we started working, she focused on me and the work and was ok with the other dogs being near. However she did want to go over and check out their tunnels!
Shelby had no problem with the tunnels. She didn't seem scared at all, which is surprising, given that in the real tunnels she hesitated at going in. I thought she would have a stronger reaction to the rats because she's barked at them before, but she only stared and would chase them if Carolyn moved the cage.
Overall it was a nice start and I think she will do well in IQ and possibly even JR.
There were 2 other dogs there. One was Carmen, a mini schnauzer and the other was Cassie, an Australian terrier. They both did well. They were pretty comfortable going through the tunnels, even when we had a couple of liners together without a gap, around a corner. They weren't afraid of the rats, but not super into them either.
I was not totally pleased with Shelby. We were inside waiting for Carolyn to come and when the 2 other dogs came in Shelby growled at them. I corrected her right away, but she was still pretty vigilant once we went inside. Once we started working, she focused on me and the work and was ok with the other dogs being near. However she did want to go over and check out their tunnels!
Shelby had no problem with the tunnels. She didn't seem scared at all, which is surprising, given that in the real tunnels she hesitated at going in. I thought she would have a stronger reaction to the rats because she's barked at them before, but she only stared and would chase them if Carolyn moved the cage.
Overall it was a nice start and I think she will do well in IQ and possibly even JR.
OMG-this almost made me cry
Ok, I admit I'm a softy, but this is so adorable I almost shed a tear. See if you can watch this with dry eyes. :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)