Dogs development becoming static
#349271 - 11/13/2011 09:34 PM |
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At what age are dogs becoming less interested in learning new things ---- or is this a function of the trainer/relationship with owner
A small dog, he's a little over 2 now. Neutered, young.
He started lifting his leg this week. So I guess he's still learning new things!
Thoughts?
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349273 - 11/13/2011 10:00 PM |
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I think it's completely a function of the relationship with the owner/trainer. (and what a great way to word it Betty!!! I love it!!!)
I've had old dogs every bit as engaged in training new behaviors as Koenig is. It just depends on the drive/mind of the dog, I guess, and the relationship with the handler of course.
Koenig can never decide if he should squat or lift a leg. If he lifts a leg, he pees on his chest. If he squats, he pees on his leg. Dang dog can't get it figured out!
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349274 - 11/13/2011 10:27 PM |
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They like to learn as long as you like to teach them.
Some dogs have a greater need for mental work - learning and having a job to do - so they're the ones that still beg for it and keep you on your toes whereas a less drivey dog may be content to chill more and not *need* to do something like a high drive dog would.
In my own experience -
I didn't start doing anything with Missy until she was 3 y/o. I did fun random training with her until a several weeks before I lost her - because she loved it.
I didn't start Kipp in SAR until after he turned 2. His enthusiasm for the training/work hasn't lessened any as he's aged.
When I bring out the treats or toy Kipp (now almost 7 :O) and Kenzi (almost 3) will both beg to train.
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349289 - 11/14/2011 09:10 AM |
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349297 - 11/14/2011 01:38 PM |
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I think it just depends on the dog. Cali started agility classes when she was 11, almost 12. I'd done a couple months of classes when she was younger, but we hadn't gone back to it in about 9 years, she trialed in her first trial on her 12th birthday. Nexxus started agility shortly after, when she was 4.5, and just recently started Mondio Ring training. I routinely start my dogs on new things throughout their life, actually I think the new challenges invigorate them, they like having something new to learn/do.
Reading the other thread though, it sounds like maybe this is less a problem with learning new things and more an issue with the transition from "fun new game" to "job that must be performed correctly"?? I see that all the time in dogs and people LOL, they like to learn something new, but when it's time to buckle down and perform consistently, or perfect a skill, they don't want to do it anymore, don't handle the pressure well.
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349303 - 11/14/2011 04:01 PM |
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Kadi, that is exactly it, the transition from "fun new game" to "job you must do". And my attitude has changed too --- from, "Gosh, good for you, you really CAN herd, how cool!" To "since I have seen you CAN do this, I now expect you to do it, rain or shine."
It's changed from sport to working. Which is kind of how I feel about it myself with winter coming....
Time for more treats, and less pressure.
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349304 - 11/14/2011 04:01 PM |
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Kadi, that is exactly it, the transition from "fun new game" to "job you must do". And my attitude has changed too --- from, "Gosh, good for you, you really CAN herd, how cool!" To "since I have seen you CAN do this, I now expect you to do it, rain or shine."
It's changed from sport to working. Which is kind of how I feel about it myself with winter coming....
Time for more treats, and less pressure.
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349308 - 11/14/2011 05:10 PM |
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..... Time for more treats, and less pressure.
And maybe more of a "more fun" thing. That is, having a chunk of what you do together be pure enjoyment and no anxiety .... still brain-exercise, bonding, rewards, and confidence-building, but short, maybe even indoors, maybe on the way out to work .....
I don't know .... actually just thinking out loud ..... I guess I mean being sure that training doesn't ever exclude "fun new game."
eta
For me, I can become rejuvenated by watching Ellis clips. I love the newest DVD, but also, just scrolling through the zillions of little clips looking for the ones that can remind me of how enjoyable working together can be at http://leerburg.com/flix/category.php?categoryid=57 or http://leerburg.com/flix/category.php?categoryid=30&page=2 .... I don't mean a "fixit," but more of a re-inspiration about having fun with the dog. Fun for both of us.
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Re: Dogs development becoming static
[Re: Betty Landercasp ]
#349314 - 11/14/2011 05:53 PM |
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I ran across this video today on FB. It's Lindsey Sommer and her Mal Enzo. WHAT a team!!! It got me out and training today.
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