Well, when you train dogs, you should always expect the unexpected. I know better than to have things go perfectly as planned (not that I did much planning other than to wake up and go outside). I know better than to expect a terrier not to lull me into thinking they “know” what they are suppose to be doing. I know better than taking too many steps forward too soon. I know better than to work to close to the “prey” grass too soon. I know better than to call her a a$$whole for no reason. Possibly early morning training isn’t best for my brain.
In saying all this, after the fall, the jumping, the name calling, the wildlife scents, the lack of skill at blowing the whistle and the stolen gloves, I thought that she didn’t do too badly. She responded on terrier time, which is similar to island time, but we can work on that. She was enthusiastic… maybe overly so. And she came to check on my after I went down, so that’s a bonus. You will see that I was using a verbal correction instead of running after the leash as the field was a touch slipperier then I first thought (clearly you can see this by the fall). I also didn’t want to go ass over tea kettle a second time. So I didn’t do what I would have preferred, which is to grab the leash and guide her in when she was slow to respond. There were a few things I would like to have done differently or better, but it was a good lesson learned – a cameraman would have come in handy – self videoing if not my forte.
A few tips if you are trying this out:
~Warm up with some recalls and leash in hand before you drop it.
~Make sure to use the leash to help/guide the dog if they don’t respond
~Don’t give them the option not to come, whether leash is in your hand or dragging on the ground.
~You can mark the non or incorrect response verbally.
~Regardless if you have to help with the leash, they are still a good dog for coming back.
~Make sure you are not calling too many times in a row on the long line so that you can take advantage of the ultimate reward which is going out, playing, sniffing and being a dog.
~Use a few different types of reward if you can.
~Learn how to blow the whistle in all weather … ahead of time.
~Find a cameraman.
I want everyone to remember to have a sense of humour when you train, to not take it too seriously, especially when introducing new concepts to your dog, and to remember, mistakes are ok, they are learning experiences and we can grow from them.
I will post a video in a day or so of a tiny refresh session we did on the short leash as a reminder to her of what I’m (trying) to require.
Happy training!!
Smart Dogs Canine Training Milton 