Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Play and Dog Sports


I attended a workshop last weekend with Lync.  It was about play and how it relates to dog sports.  I learned so much and now look at training in a different way.
For example I learned that it is I that initiates play and I that decides the time to work, not Lync. As you know if you do not have your dogs full attention, no matter what you do, you are not getting the most from your training session. When it was my turn to show how Lync and I begin a training session it clearly showed that Lync has no idea or didn't want to initiate any type of work.  It's a bit complicated to explain, but I know what I need to do and that is to go back to the beginning and teach Lync to focus on me and for him to beg to work for me!  If I can do this Lync will be a happier more willing partner for me and I will get much better results.
I haven't started my training yet, but I need to set aside time each day to do so.  I have already started this with Ash so I will just add on some time for Lync.  I am excited to see how fast he catches on and how much of a difference it makes in our training as we go forward into the advanced classes.

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Walkies!



Today is 19 days since Ash's neuter.  I am going to take all the dogs for a nice run in the fenced in field I rent for them.  With the neuter and the bitter cold snap we had they have not been out for almost 3 weeks.  I have stopped feeling so guilty about that, it used to eat away at me if I didn't take them out.  Before when I only had one or two dogs I walked.  I LOVE walking, however since getting Lync that has stopped.  I can't get him to stop pulling :(  He is so strong and pulls so hard that it is very unpleasant for me and the Collies.  I have tried everything from a halti, to a no pull harness, and in desperation a pinch collar.  He has continued to pull through them all, it's extremely frustrating.  I will know better with my next flatcoat to not allow any pulling , at all, ever! right from when he is a puppy.
I could take the Collies together then Lync alone but whoever is left behind puts up such a fuss barking etc. that I just don't bother, especially because Brad works shift work and is usually sleeping when I am going out.
Anyway, I hope Ash is ok to run, it's almost been 3 weeks so I'm sure he will be.  The last thing I want is for him to bust a stich or something!
Well I better get dressed if I'm going , cheers!