Good afternoon, the paddock that I normally use for Charlies' training had the owners horse in today but she has given me permission to use her adjacent paddock which is lined with trees at the top and much longer scrubby grass etc. I walked him around the perimeter and zig zagged across on lead just to get used to this new area, then off lead we did some ball retrieving also I hid the ball whilst he sat/waited I commended "Go get it" and he really enjoyed hunting for it (I hope that is OK to do, I don't think that is steadiness :-\ ), lots of obedience etc. really good whistle and verbal recalls. 4 stop whistles, 2 of which he ignored but the other 2 were good, so I left it at that He did flush a pheasant and pranced around for a bit : but I ran zig zagged round the field and he quickly followed me so pretty pleased with that. There were distractions, some horses in the other field and a dog yapping at the fence at the top. He did some really good non cue following me to heel which was good When he did get distracted I hid and he bombed back to find me. I was chuffed that he was watching where I was, I know he doesn't in an uncontrolled situation but that is progress for Charlie : So all in all not too bad as this is the first time in this area. Baby steps Helen xx
Re: Charlies' New Location The main thing Helen is that those steps are in the right direction , very very well done to both of you ;D Its a really good sign that Charlie didnt freak at a new location , even more so that he looked for you, that does show a connection , good news ;D ;D
Re: Charlies' New Location Gosh Helen, I'm thinking back to the days when he would rush around in the garden like a mad thing, staring up at the trees to chase the birds, completely IGNORING you... Now he leaves a pheasant and follows you! How brilliant is that?
Re: Charlies' New Location Wow Helen that is really really good....especially the pheasant bit. No way Brods could ignore post flush like Charlie did. Small steps yes all the way but very significant small steps for you two today! Good boy that Charlie
Re: Charlies' New Location [quote author=Karen link=topic=3015.msg31891#msg31891 date=1382552457] Gosh Helen, I'm thinking back to the days when he would rush around in the garden like a mad thing, staring up at the trees to chase the birds, completely IGNORING you... Now he leaves a pheasant and follows you! How brilliant is that? [/quote] Karen, he still has his crazy time in the garden and staring up at the trees, but much better : The pheasant did take off so not sure what he would have done if it hadn't I was pretty chuffed when he looked to see where I was after the excitement of a flush I just get so impatient taking baby steps all the time. Anyway, today was a good day and at least the retrieving is improving and his desire is pretty high. Thanks for all your lovely comments. Helen xx
Re: Charlies' New Location Helen,that's really good you know.....trying to chase birds IN trees....wow,Charlie likes a challenge! I love seeing you put posts on like this ,can I can tell you feel great and well deservedly x
Re: Charlies' New Location That sounds really impressive to me, you should be very pleased and proud.
Re: Charlies' New Location This is a huge improvement Helen, you have achieved so much. I am delighted for you
Re: Charlies' New Location [quote author=editor link=topic=3015.msg31969#msg31969 date=1382610444] This is a huge improvement Helen, you have achieved so much. I am delighted for you [/quote] Aw thanks Pippa, it was only one flush and he will probably let me down tomorrow : but I take what I can get and enjoy what is a very fleeting moment : I don't know if anyone else finds this, but Charlie seems to train better every few days rather than every day. Also is it OK to make him sit/wait whilst I hide the ball, I really don't want to wreck his delicate retrieve and I am not sure if that is steadiness? Your help would be very much appreciated. Thank you. Helen xxx
Re: Charlies' New Location I think you should go with what works for Charlie and you. So if he reacts better if you train every few days - then do that! And while only you can judge how strong his retrieve drive is, it sounds as though he loves your hide-and-seek games with his toy... So I would think making him sit and wait shouldn't do any harm at all - on the contrary, he's learning that sitting quietly earns him an exciting game...
Re: Charlies' New Location Thanks Karen, I will do that. Charlie does love the hide the ball game and it gets him working a little too and watching me so can't be a bad thing I guess Helen xx
