At KC bronze class this evening we were asked to get our dogs to sit still (on lead) while the trainer threw us (the people) a tennis ball. Molly leapt about wagging madly - it was just too difficult. In fact hardly anyone managed it and even those who did weren't allowed to give the ball to their dog as a reward.
Re: This exercise made me cross. Too challenging. New exercises need to be introduced at a low level of intensity that each dog can cope with. Agree that it was a great opportunity to use the ball as a reward. I've had similar experiences with some instructors who should know better (eg getting the whole class to suddenly do star jumps (which look like a recall cue) during a stay, causing most dogs to break. Made me cross too. If you think any exercise will lead to a setback in your training, just explain politely that you don't want to do it in class as your dog isn't ready, but you'll have a try at home in a calmer environment. Don't do any exercises that are going to push your dog too far.
Re: This exercise made me cross. I agree with Oberon. Sometimes a dog just isn't ready for an exercise, however well intentioned the trainer. We had a similar experience with our trainer, who was generally very good but sometimes set tasks that were too challengeing for the younger dogs. We sat the exercise out and rejoined the class afterwards.
Re: This exercise made me cross. We've been allowed food rewards but the last two weeks the trainer has started to say that we must stop giving food rewards as they are not allowed in the bronze test. I've decided not to go any more as Molly is clearly not ready for the test in 3 weeks and I just end up feeling a failure! I think I'll press on with the gundog classes I'm also attending for a while longer as the trainer is very patient. We are making progress - just slower than some! The bronze test trainer also said that gundog trainers would teach ignoring the ball. However the gundog trainer I go to tells me not to try for steadiness yet until I get really enthusiastic, reliable retrieves.
Re: This exercise made me cross. Tatze passed her KC bronze some time ago - no ball throwing was involved at all :-\ We had lots and lots of treats in training. But for the test none were allowed. That was fine as the reward marker worked for the duration. Now that I am going to be a guide dog puppy walker I will have to re-learn, they do use treats but nothing like as many as our trainer.
Re: This exercise made me cross. It will be really interesting to hear how your guide dog puppy is trained, Mags.
Re: This exercise made me cross. [quote author=Joy link=topic=6898.msg93834#msg93834 date=1404822330] It will be really interesting to hear how your guide dog puppy is trained, Mags. [/quote] I've got a huge file all about it! There are many differences - they must use a 'spending area' for toileting in the garden, no human food, no pooing or weeing on walks no balls, they must walk on a loose lead 3/4 of a dog ahead. Lots of rules on wearing and putting on the jacket which is pre-cursor to the guiding harness, so must be a happy experience. All training is positive and praise/treat based. Just not as many treats as our trainer used, she showered them with treats!
