Dog Walk Woes

Well during our private lesson last night we think we have determined that Gus' problem with the DW is fear. He rushes through the thing as quickly as possible because he is afraid and the best way to deal with that fear is to get off the obstacle as quickly as possible. We spent the whole session working on back chaining the DW (full height). It went much slower than the previous session most likely because we were working on a full height DW. He really is uncomfortable with turning around on the dog walk. He especially has problems with turning around when facing towards the down side.

Our home work is to work on training the turn around on an elevated plank. I am to work this with his harness on to prevent him from strangling himself if he bails off. We will start working on this on Saturday (have to work late on Friday).

2009 Banquet Presentation

Here is the presentation as promised.

Grand Prix Course

We did a simplified Grand Prix this week. There were a few tricky areas that students had a tought time with. Specifically it was the number 6 tunnel enterance and the exit from the dog walk. The dog was looking right at the wrong enterance for the tunnel and almost every dog went off course there. As for the exit from the DW, if the handler cut laterally too soon to prevent the off course tire then the dogs were missing the contact but if they don't move soon enough then the dog was incorrectly taking the tunnel.

Gus' homework from TNC

Our last session with Debbie has me working with Gus on a "dive" under my legs to get into a down position and has hime holding it while eating. We are also working on his jumping and calming down

Flex's Homework from Session with Elicia

We meet with Elicia Calhoun to try and resolve some of Flex's escalating aggression problems and here is our home work for him:

1. When he steals something we trade the ball for instead of food.
2. Practice strangers coming over to the house.
3. Practice nose and body touch to the body wrap.
4. Work on his dishwasher issues by rewarding around the appliance and reward for the door opening and closing.
5. Reward a hand over his head.
6. Train through my legs.
7. Train under my legs.
8. Leash him for stealing.
9. Remove and crate him when he starts trying to bully the other dogs.
10. Train a nose touch to my hand.
11. One on one time.Get down on the ground with him for attention.
12. Experiment with him sleeping with just me out of the x-pen. No other dogs in the room.
13. Teach a pick up and retrieve for a reward.
14. Keep a record of any noticeable responses and any triggers for the aggression.

TTouch for Gus

So I spent the last two days working with Gus at a TTouch Seminar. All I can say is that this has been a weekend that has changed my outlook on everything. We started with Gus on edge and unable to lay down. He was hyper vigilant and barking and lunging at the other dogs. By the end of the first day he was laying down and by the end of the second he was sleeping. I was also able to put him in to a sit stay and go outside to the car. He did not move once during the whole time. People who knew Gus were amazed at his transformation. The instructor was Sage Lewis from Dancing Porcupine; she was amazing.

If you have a dog that has problems with focus or relaxation I would totally recommend this class. What a huge change in his behavior.

Important reminders for Agility

I don't remember where I got this from but this is good information to remember about Agility:

1. Run clean
2. Work every obstacle and stay focused.
3. Run my plan.
4. Trust my dog. He can do it!
5. "If you can believe it, your mind can achieve it."
6. "Concentration is the ability to think of absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary".

These are good to remember when you are working with your dog.