Re: A new start with gundog training........ [quote author=Joy link=topic=8835.msg125499#msg125499 date=1416497561] I think they must be super-sniffy woods as I always have trouble with Molly pulling on the lead while we're there too, whereas she walks very nicely on a loose lead on pavement, even if we're walking towards an off-lead area. I've also had experience of her legging it while there, though not for ages so I hope we're over that! Glad you had a good time otherwise. [/quote] Joy, I'm really pleased that we went, Peter is lovely and as you said, very patient!! You've made me feel better knowing that Molly has legged it as well!
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Training tomorrow! So, we have been doing lots of on lead walking in woodland this week in preparation for Peter's woods tomorrow! I'm really pleased that we are now managing to walk on lead on paths through woodland, lots of about turns when she starts to pull forward or lunge. Today we walked with two other dogs off lead while I got Maisie walk on lead through the woods for short periods of time. She didn't like it at first, but soon calmed down and was really good when the other dogs came bounding past her. Work in progress, but I really see an improvement.
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Sound a like you've done your homework with great success,enjoy your lesson tomorrow x
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Love to hear about your lesson when you have a chance...
Re: A new start with gundog training........ It sounds like Maisie is doing really well with her lead walking especially with other dogs running about. You should get extra brownie points for doing your homework so well. A gold star at least. Good luck tomorrow. Have fun. ;D
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Hi all, Well the lead training practice payed off this morning, much less pulling, but still lots of work to do ;D! I kept Maisie on the lead most of the time, as, as soon as she had the opportunity she was off chasing squirrels : It was a strange mornings training. Maisie, and the other lab who is 7 months old, were not wanting to take part! We did some sit/stays but both dogs refused to stay and started to walk in, usually her stay is ok. So back to basics again with the stay. Heel work was ok though We then had a go at doing a retrieve in the fenced areas. Maisie cast off with no problem, picked the dummy up but then immediately dropped it and went off for a sniff! Even when encouraged to pick the dummy up she was not interested! She usually picks the dummy up and comes running back to me. She was far more interested in the smells around her I think. The other lab was the same. Even the trainer was a bit bemused. Maisie was definitely distracted by whatever was lurking in the woods. Although she sat a waited for her turn, she was on full alert staring into the distance. At one point she was quietly growling at something! So not a lot to report today. I'm going to continue to work on lead training and I think sit/stay needs revisiting as well before we can move on!
Re: A new start with gundog training........ These dogs keep,is on our toes, don't they! Just when you think you are making progress...sigh. Oh well, at least you have some things to work on for your next lesson. And good to know the other pooch was having trouble too. I'm sure that helped with your confidence level! O
Re: A new start with gundog training........ You never know who or what has been leaving scent. Riley can be the same, it's usually to do with girls though : he has got better but when he's distracted like that I just reel in my expectations and do simple tricks like hand touches or look at me to get him focussing back on me and then keep the gundog stuff really close and for very short durations.
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Training this morning and a much better session! Sit to whistle coming along nicely and good heal work, even with all the woodland distractions! Retrieving is still not great. As before Maisie sits and waits without running in and goes to fetch the dummy, but then drops it and wanders off for a sniff! I've jumped up and down, run around, made lots of noises like a mad woman, etc, etc, but she still doesn't seem interested. The trainer thinks she is so laid back that after the initial excitement of going to get the dummy, she can't be bothered! So we will keep on with the basics and clicker and hope the desire to bring the dummy back returns!! All in all, a good morning and the other owner and I had a few laughs at ourselves along the way.....I'm sure Peter thinks we are bonkers ;D ;D ;D
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Glad the whistle is working well I'm sure you don't look like a mad woman :
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Glad you had a good session (you were lucky as Peter cancelled ours yesterday due to bad weather). I was very impressed, when we met, with how well Maisie walked on a slip lead. Be interested to hear if clicker training the retrieve works for you - as I've said, for us it was brilliant. Just a sudden thought, what happens if you let Maisie chase something like a ball (ie don't stop her running in). Will she bring it back? I was thinking that she was keen to go after the sticks we were throwing into the lake the other day.
Re: A new start with gundog training........ Hi Joy, shame your session was cancelled. Yes, Maisie does chase after the ball, but won't bring it back - she either drops it a few feet away or just walks around with trying to get me to chase her! You're right, she was keen to bring the sticks back, I had forgotten about that. Perhaps she needs something super exciting! I've started the clicker training, but so far she just sits a looks as me waiting for a treat!!! Little madam : :
