For the past week or so Charlie has just wanted to run off in the garden into the trees when I am TRYING TO TRAIN HIM, he does a little bit of work but constantly focussing on the shrubbery. I even took Tuna out just now and he lasted 10 minutes did some stop whistle (on a training line) a bit of heel work (on lead) and that's it he's off and won't listen to me. I called him and brought him inside as I have now lost my patience . How much more does he want from us :'( Every week there is just something else to deal with. I haven't been feeling quite myself and have been slack with the hand feeding and giving him his dinner from a bowl, could that be it? Has he outgrown training in the garden and maybe he is bored of it? This happened in the paddock, it just seemed to have served it's purpose. It's seems to me as if he gets to a certain point and that's it, is that possible? I don't know what he needs. Sorry to bleat on again, but really stuck AGAIN Helen x
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS poor helen i feel so sorry for you and i am complaining about one bad day
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS Oh Helen , I feel for you , it must be so frustrating to deal with his one step forward and two back , especially when he was doing so well too I do think that maybe he is picking up your mood as you say you havent been too well ? They can be extremely tuned to our moods and tend to act accordingly . Forget today , try not to dwell , tomorrow is another day , take care xx
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS Helen,I totally agree with Kate,we have been enjoying hearing about so much progress with Charlie ,he does respond to your training ;D many of the books,internet,articles I have read say if you aren't feeling right then don't train....if you've been a bit below par( which I hope you are ok?) maybe you've not been the same as usual and he has sensed it.......I would imagine our Charlie Boy takes a lot of focus and concentration from you and David :......give yourself a break....today,tomorrow and even the next day,then pick it up.i know Charlie is high,HIGH maintenance but a couple of days won't undo your excellent work....it might even make him keener. heidrun posted in another thread that she sometimes knocks off retreives for a week....so don't have a guilt trip....have a rest x
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS Sounds sensible Helen I remember before he was pretty wild in the garden. Was it autumn too?.....is there something "winding him up"?? A wee break sounds a good idea - wait until you feel stronger. xx
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS It seems to me that he's a bit bored with the same old routine, I would agree. A different location, maybe? Or something new to learn? I know what you mean about losing focus - Simba is acting the same way when I ask him to sit when we're out and about. It's a challenge for sure. I wonder, do you do any games with Charlie that are not training- related?? Something you could do with him that isn't any type of "pressure" work, just something for fun? If you do, maybe just do that for a few days with him, get him happy to concentrate on you again, and then back to the training after you've both had a break? That way you are still bonding with him but in a fun, relaxed way.
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS When I can't engage with Lady I have a day off trying to do any training. Or try a bit of informal training like heeling then play, recall and sit then play etc. Seems to work fine like that on walks. Next day usually back to normal. Never give in! ;D
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS Just take a step back Helen, and look at it from the bigger picture. You've come so far - so for a day or two he isn't responding as you would like - in the greater scheme of things that isn't so bad... Try to chill, maybe do something else with him, and come back to the training in a couple of days with your batteries recharged. Big hugs, xxx
Re: Charlie is officially DRIVING ME NUTS helen just been reading this post again....does he need a training line in the garden,? i have none what so ever experience, ......was just thinking i recall him from the garden to the kitchen /lounge,......i am only trying to help i just feel for you so much
