I do a lot (read: all) my training with Monty in our field and the farmer's fields. Our field has some distractions - chickens, footballs, cats, other people. When I feel Monts is nice and focussed and we can step it up, we go into the farmer's field, which has new smells, long grass, tree lined and lots of wild animal tracks and smells. What we don't have is other dogs really. He's been really well socialised with other dogs and is super friendly and loves to play with all of them. My wife still takes him to agility classes. We don't however do any training with other dogs around. Is this something I should do (actual training, not just "walking")? Maybe take him to a smelly, dirty, local dog park with tramps and strangers drinking Special Brew with Pitbulls on big chains? (You can probably tell I'm not hugely keen on the idea?!) James
Re: Training locations (other dogs) If you want your dog to be able to listen to your cues when in that kind of environment then, yes, you need to proof them in that kind of environment. But, you'd probably be best building up to the tramps AND the strangers AND the pitbulls Do you know anyone with a dog that you can "borrow" to help you out with initial stages? For example, coming to your field while you're training and keeping at a distance, then gradually coming closer and closer over time to improve Monty's ability to perform with that level of distraction. Then gradually build it up - farmer's field with same dog (again, starting at a distance and gradually getting closer), then the park at a very quiet time, same thing with going back to initial distance - so you're only making one thing more difficult at a time. Gradually introduce a can of Special Brew and some soiled pants into the equation
Re: Training locations (other dogs) It's essential to train your dog in an environment in which Special Brew is being consumed by Pitbull owners. Otherwise you can't say your dog is well rounded More seriously, it would be a good idea to move on to proofing your training and recall in an environment in which there are other dogs. But doesn't agility already involve training in the context of other off lead dogs? We often go to our local dog park and, yes, there is the odd poorly socialised dog (who runs over to your dog accompanied by the owner's strained voice calling "Now say hello nicely!!!!"). But overwhelmingly our dog park experiences have been positive and we did find it a very helpful environment in which to proof our recall. So much so that we can now hardly get Obi to leave our side at the dog park... Start out with an empty/quiet dog park and build up.
Re: Training locations (other dogs) Maybe investigate some group classes, where interactions will be managed whilst fine-tuning his own social skills. We go to a Yoof club, where we focus on one skill per session. We use a 4 acre field with our trainer and usually 3 or 4 other dogs. Through a mixture of on and off lead exercises the dogs (and dog owners.. get to practice these skills in a safe environment.
Re: Training locations (other dogs) Soiled pants?! You had to take it one step further didn't you? ;D Yeah, that all sounds really sensible. Whenever he's been with other dogs it's pure play time and we just let him get on with it. He is still only a baby mind you, approaching 18 weeks. Is this something I should've done sooner or is it still early? We did do the puppy classes initially which I suppose is similar, but all on lead stuff.
Re: Training locations (other dogs) [quote author=Oberon link=topic=10605.msg157137#msg157137 date=1429265456] But doesn't agility already involve training in the context of other off lead dogs? [/quote] I think I've mentioned it before, but the agility classes are awful! It's chaos, but we do it because Monty absolutely loves it. He is not learning anything! The Yoof club things sounds brilliant.
Re: Training locations (other dogs) Don't worry, it's not too late and all of these things depend on your circumstances. There are no dog classes here for me and not really that many dogs, so it's difficult for me to proof my training against other dogs. I've only done a small amount with each other even, but that's going to change from this weekend now the winter season is over, it's warmer out and we have more time to spend doing stuff together as well as apart. OK, I have no aspirations to work my two (just as well) but nevertheless, I'm sure you're still well within the window for these things to be done.
Re: Training locations (other dogs) [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=10605.msg157144#msg157144 date=1429265908] Don't worry, it's not too late and all of these things depend on your circumstances. There are no dog classes here for me and not really that many dogs, so it's difficult for me to proof my training against other dogs. I've only done a small amount with each other even, but that's going to change from this weekend now the winter season is over, it's warmer out and we have more time to spend doing stuff together as well as apart. OK, I have no aspirations to work my two (just as well) but nevertheless, I'm sure you're still well within the window for these things to be done. [/quote] You will fnd it all on Yate common... couple days ago we came across teenagers high on sniffng lighter fuel and 2 of them hanging upside in the trees...Benson stole their rucksack whilst Casper distracted one of the other kids with low growling..and bristling hackles..I just laughed gaily...
Re: Training locations (other dogs) [quote author=Beanwood link=topic=10605.msg157148#msg157148 date=1429266329] [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=10605.msg157144#msg157144 date=1429265908] Don't worry, it's not too late and all of these things depend on your circumstances. There are no dog classes here for me and not really that many dogs, so it's difficult for me to proof my training against other dogs. I've only done a small amount with each other even, but that's going to change from this weekend now the winter season is over, it's warmer out and we have more time to spend doing stuff together as well as apart. OK, I have no aspirations to work my two (just as well) but nevertheless, I'm sure you're still well within the window for these things to be done. [/quote] You will fnd it all on Yate common... couple days ago we came across teenagers high on sniffng lighter fuel and 2 of them hanging upside in the trees...Benson stole their rucksack whilst Casper distracted one of the other kids with low growling..and bristling hackles..I just laughed gaily... [/quote] Brilliant! We can't wait! Shame we're not there longer ... but I don't imagine it will be too different on our next stop, Liverpool
Re: Training locations (other dogs) [quote author=JAYMZ link=topic=10605.msg157132#msg157132 date=1429264825] Maybe take him to a smelly, dirty, local dog park with tramps and strangers drinking Special Brew with Pitbulls on big chains? (You can probably tell I'm not hugely keen on the idea?!) [/quote] Don't you have any nice parks nearby? The average bull terrier owner on Wimbledon Common would bop you over the head with their clicker and treat bag and tell you off for using a slip lead (I'm sure you don't though ) if they heard you saying that. I think it's good for dogs to learn to behave around other dogs. I had terrible trouble with this and Charlie after a prolonged period of avoiding other dogs (for very good reasons) and it took a long time to sort out. I definitely wished I'd done more work on lead in busier areas when he was younger. But it depends what you want your dog to be able to do in the future. If you are only ever going to be in fields, around well trained gundogs, then you don't need your dog to be able to behave in a busy park, with unpredictable pets, kids, and ball games. I need Charlie to both behave in busy London parks and streets (and the tube and buses), and behave on gundog training days, weekends and holidays, so train for both environments.
Re: Training locations (other dogs) Well we actually had a bit of impromptu proofing earlier. The neighbours kids were playing football and the Montsta made a full-speed-ears-pinned-back-bee-line for the ball about 80 yards away. As he approached I did the recall whistle and he did a 180 and came back at the same speed! Such a proud moment and I think the kids were pretty impressed too. 8) On returning, he did however turn round and go straight back. The kids know not to interact with him if he's being silly, so they stood still and he decided they weren't as fun as he first thought and came back to me. Baby steps and all that...
