I was just wondering do working dogs or even just well trained dogs have days when they are just not in the mood whether working or training? Or because they are so highly trained are they always up for it? Yesterday my dogs had two really good training sessions. Not perfect by any means but they did everything well and were very attentive. This morning I knew they just werent in the mood. They did something's really well and nothing bad but the attention wasn't there. I find it quite frustrating. I can't believe a working dog gets taken to a shoot but decides its not in the mood hence my question.
Re: Do all dogs have off days? Oh yes, they have off days! I have had days out with mine when they have been absolutely diabolical! ;D In field trials I have seen handlers withdrawing their dog half way through a run because they felt the dog wasn't firing on all cylinders that day, and some of these dogs had previously won awards. So yes, it happens!
Re: Do all dogs have off days? [quote author=heidrun link=topic=4148.msg49060#msg49060 date=1390393926] Oh yes, they have off days! I have had days out with mine when they have been absolutely diabolical! ;D In field trials I have seen handlers withdrawing their dog half way through a run because they felt the dog wasn't firing on all cylinders that day, and some of these dogs had previously won awards. So yes, it happens! [/quote] That gives me hope Heidrun Sam adores retrieving , we do training most days but yes, he has his days when he will retrieve beautifully but then refuse to deliver , I just tend to stop the session straight away , always tomorrow
Re: Do all dogs have off days? [quote author=heidrun link=topic=4148.msg49060#msg49060 date=1390393926] Oh yes, they have off days! I have had days out with mine when they have been absolutely diabolical! ;D In field trials I have seen handlers withdrawing their dog half way through a run because they felt the dog wasn't firing on all cylinders that day, and some of these dogs had previously won awards. So yes, it happens! [/quote] That reminds me a bit of the american show 'Toddlers and Tiaras'. Some days they ought to just turn round and head home! Dreadful programme, but if it's on, I'm ashamed to say I'll watch it.
Re: Do all dogs have off days? Lady definitely has off days but they come out always on training days when she says I just can't be bothered. I just pack up and leave it for a couple of days. She's never shown lack of interest in the real thing though.
Re: Do all dogs have off days? Thank you that makes me feel much better especially if field trial dogs do it as well. Perhaps mine are normal after all !! :
Re: Do all dogs have off days? I have thoroughly unhappy memories of my Giant Schnauzer, Gretta .... as I got her out of the car to compete in obedience and the highest level we ever got to I knew, just knew. she wasn't going to work that day. Being young and stoopid I still entered her and it was a disaster. I certainly learned a lesson that day but it never affected the love I had for her
Re: Do all dogs have off days? Yup - definitely good and bad days here. Like everyone else it seems I've learnt to trust that I know my dog and have put him away early from class or training if he's tired or a bit flat.
Re: Do all dogs have off days? I do lots of work with Charlie but now only every other day as I found with daily training he did not focus as well. He of course gets training during his walk which is necessary for the rascal :. Hattie gets training every day on her walk too, stop and recall whistle. I don't think it does any harm at all to take time off, infact what with the terrible weather and Charlie being ill he hadn't had 1:1 with me for 4 weeks and he got straight on with it this week. x
Re: Do all dogs have off days? Sheesh - I count my "on" days with Charlie! Bless him, he is not normally this bad. But yes, for sure, some days I know I'm not going to get anything done.
