Re: Proofing.... Julie you are amazing at dog training! I mean all my silly little posts about Bob... you always have such structured advice for me. I am sure you are doing everything right. We haven't got to the Total Recall proofing stage and by all accounts that does take time, but small steps I think is the way forwards... don't expect too much too soon. But really I'm sure you have the right idea already and are doing it just fine! Lou x
Re: Proofing.... [quote author=JulieT link=topic=10293.msg151342#msg151342 date=1427059615] I think my trainer thinks he is a dog that should work - I don't mean going shooting, I think he is just too nutty to ever be around a loaded gun and all indications are, so far anyway, that he is inclined to go jump on people firing guns just because bangs are exciting : - but in theory, if he had a job to do that means some of this crazy energy goes away he'd be more sensible. It's true that he is a whole lot better when he is training hard enough to be tired. But that doesn't happen most days. [/quote] I think if he was mine and I had the time and skills I would take a leaf out of Jo Lauren's book and drill him and drill him in the hopes that worked him hard enough
Re: Proofing.... I lack the skill.... I can't get far enough for retrieving drills....no steadiness and not a reliable enough return. Otherwise, I would. Although, Jo doesn't seem to be doing drills to the extent they can be done - because her dog doesn't seem to have the personality to suit it. Charlie does, I think, absolutely.
Re: Proofing.... Yes I meant drill to the extent Jo would like to and I think this possibility is what I had in mind when I said a while ago the I thought the world would open up for you when you lick this current challenge (and I have no doubt you will by the way )
Re: Proofing.... Don't be discouraged, Julie. You are a marvel of perseverance and dedication. Charlie has come such a long way and you should be proud of all you have achieved. I'm not sure that he won't "settle down" a bit yet - I can see quite a bit of maturity in Simba that I didn't see at the beginning of the winter. Seems to me the year between 2-3 brings quite a bit of "settling". So don't despair on that!
Re: Proofing.... [quote author=Oberon link=topic=10293.msg151631#msg151631 date=1427176045] Yes, we found that with Obi. Settled a lot between year 2 and year 3. [/quote] Tatze turns two on April 1st (no fool her 'tho!) so I will be looking out for some settling down
Re: Proofing.... Rachael. Are you offering guarantees that they will calm down between 2 and 3? 'Cos a lot of us will be lining up to buy them ;D
Re: Proofing.... Julie, you are far more diligent and organized in your training than most...and Charlie is far more entertaining than most. 8) 8) 8) The combination can be staggering, but I think you're doing a great job....and you have a great relationship with a dog you love. I've had a lot of dogs in my life, a lot of different breeds and personalities, and have taken most through many life stages. I've not however, ever bothered with more than basic obedience - be a decent companion - kind of training with them...it's just not something I aspire to. I tend to overall set an expectation of what I want a particular dog to be/do and work within their parameters. I've had guardian dogs, herding dogs, silly lap dogs, and run of the mill companion dogs. So long as I keep my expectations within the realm of what their breed and personality will allow....it doesn't bring me much grief. I find that my young Bella needs a bit more mental stimulation than other of my past dogs have, and it's fun to think of ways to entertain her...and I know she is capable of learning much more than I have time to train....so I just focus on enjoying her. And I have a list of "if I had more time I'd work on...." things. As others have said, step back for a moment and look at how far you have come...Charlie is a delight to read about, and your dedication is inspiring to many....so thank you!!! ;D ;D ;D
Re: Proofing.... Ah, thanks. But Charlie is not at all well behaved - that's not false modesty, fishing for complements, it's like all this time and effort just sorts of "keeps a lid on it" if you know what I mean. I seem to spend so much time on "don't go nuts" that I don't get round to an awful lot more! I walk in busy places and it's true that Charlie has a better recall and stop than most dogs, but most dogs do not go crazy around distractions like he does. I watch them, they toddle by football and cricket games, barely looking up, while my dog is acting like a mad thing (well, not quite so much these days, unless it's a remote controlled car, obviously :). I just think either their dogs are different or the rest of the world has either endless time or much, much better skills than I have! ;D
Re: Proofing.... I think you are confusing success with achievement. If you have a boisterous, volatile dog, as both you and I do, preventing them from being an unholy nuisance to everyone around them is a major success. Though it doesn't feel like much of an achievement as you are constantly aware of them. Only you are aware of the effort it takes to 'keep a lid on it'. A couple of weeks ago someone wrote on the Forum "you have the dog you have". Oh, it was you
Re: Proofing.... [quote author=Mollly link=topic=10293.msg151656#msg151656 date=1427187748] Rachael. Are you offering guarantees that they will calm down between 2 and 3? 'Cos a lot of us will be lining up to buy them ;D [/quote] Yes. But they attract a considerable fee
Re: Proofing.... Oh yes. ;D ;D ;D I do have the dog I have - very much so. Actually, it's my trainer that tells me that and I was just repeating it. Whenever I start to moan she says "you have the dog you have", "that's Charlie", "it's part of his personality".... And it is, I love him dearly, and wouldn't swap him for the world. And I also think that I'll probably be a much better trainer of dogs by the time Charlie has finished with me... ;D ;D ;D [quote author=Oberon link=topic=10293.msg151920#msg151920 date=1427235759] [quote author=Mollly link=topic=10293.msg151656#msg151656 date=1427187748] Rachael. Are you offering guarantees that they will calm down between 2 and 3? 'Cos a lot of us will be lining up to buy them ;D [/quote] Yes. But they attract a considerable fee [/quote] I don't care. I'll pay it.... ;D ;D ;D
Re: Proofing.... Julie, your next dog will be a breeze* [size=6pt]Unless you get that Spaniel you're hankering after[/size]
Re: Proofing.... Your dedication and thoroughness to training Charlie is brilliant. Don't get disheartened when it sometimes feels like two steps forward and three back, I'm sure it will all come together eventually as he matures.....at least that's what I tell myself with mine when it all feels a bit much and very exhausting..are you sure he isn't really an ESS?!
