What's next?

Discussion in 'Labrador Training' started by Phoenix88, Dec 27, 2016.

  1. Phoenix88

    Phoenix88 Registered Users

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    Hey guys,
    I recently posted in a different thread and a reply I received about having enough time to continue training Dexter has got me thinking about what else I can do with him. He's 18 m/o with very good sit, lie down, go toilet (this was waivering as we have been a bit rubbish in the cold dark evenings) recall and loose lead walking is amazing with no distractions but proofing I think will be a forever thing. We are not training Dexter for work or shows and are very happy with his basic commands but maybe to keep his mind busy it would be good to add a few more? Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe matt work as I have read a bit about it in these forums, roll over was a bust as we can't get the movement right, and he barely barks unless someone is at the front door so I a quiet command isn't really necessary

    D x
     
  2. Granca

    Granca Registered Users

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    Mine enjoy playing hide-an-seek with a toy. You can play indoors or outside and use the 'sit', 'wait', 'find it' commands. After a while the toy can be well hidden so the game takes longer and involves a lot of sniffing!
     
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  3. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    You don't have to have any intention to work or compete with your dog to train for a sport. :)

    Why not look into something you can both have as a bit of a hobby? Obedience, Rally, Scentwork, Gundog training, Trick Training, Agility, Flyball...

    Just choose the right kind of class - obviously if you are just using the training as a hobby it's best to find a class that is geared towards pet dog versions, or allow for that at least.
     
  4. Joy

    Joy Registered Users

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    I've recently been teaching Molly to put objects in a box (just for fun) and she loves this game and gets really excited when I get the things out. Teaching her to put one object in a box was easy as I pointed where I wanted her to put it and clicked when she did it. Now we're using four objects (ball, dummy, can and softie) and she doesn't always get the right object consistently yet, so a bit more practice needed.
    It has the advantage of being something you can do indoors in the winter. (She still gets her walks, this is an extra activity.)
     
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  5. Phoenix88

    Phoenix88 Registered Users

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    Hi Julie,

    That's a good idea I had previously considered a sport but a lot of the courses near me require the dog to be very well behaved. Dexter is extremely well behaved on his win or around humans but put a dog into the mix and he's not the best at listening I would be quite worried in a group scenario but I will definitely look into it a bit more
     
  6. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Well, that's one answer to 'what's next?' in terms of training, in a way. :) You could train your dog to listen to you around his biggest distractions and it sounds like other dogs are one of those at least. Without doing this, you don't have a trained dog at all, because your training isn't proofed.

    Charlie was terrible at first - he still is when it gets very exciting with dummy launchers and shot etc. But normally, he's ok to fine now and we get better all the time even if in tiny steps.
     

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