 Exercise vs. Focus
#308709 - 12/24/2010 06:18 PM |
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So Faroh has very quickly become completely enthralled with playing fetch, and quite taken (I won't say "obsessed" yet, though it is close) with his balls! 
The problem I have is this - he would go probably 50 times in a row if I let him. This is great for burning off steam, and he is running in snow, so it's not high impact. However, after the first 10-15 throws or so (depending on the day) his focus starts to go, as does the speed. He will still ignore other dogs and people to bring the balls back, but it looks something like this.
Opinions? Should I cut him off at 10 tosses even if he is still coming back at lightening speed, and disregard the energy-burning potential?
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: phaedra rieff ]
#308712 - 12/24/2010 06:43 PM |
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Boy, at that age, burning off energy is such a good thing!!
However, you don't want him to burn out on one thing, and you want to try and end things on a "high note" with him wanting more. How about mixing it up with ball playing, then some obedience work, then a different play item (flying squirrel?) We also did a lot of "sook" at that age (in the house) and that helped mentally burn him out a bit. Your little guy sure is a cutie!
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: Barbara Schuler ]
#308714 - 12/24/2010 07:02 PM |
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Yeah, we do OB work a lot. And, we walk, a lot. And, we play tug, a lot (though not as much as usual, or as violently since he's teething somewhat). And, we track, a fair amount. lol. The fetch just actually gets him running, which nothing else does. I think having him chase another play item is only going to have the same effect, but maybe I could try it at the end again like you said...
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: phaedra rieff ]
#308717 - 12/24/2010 08:32 PM |
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If you want to burn his energy play soccer or something with him AFTER just a few good retrieves. Nothing required of it but having fun.
Right now your ending a training exercise on a failed effort.
old dogs LOVE to learn new tricks |
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: Bob Scott ]
#308718 - 12/24/2010 08:59 PM |
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Yeah, that is what I figured. I have tried playing other games with him, but he is just so nutso for the ball, but can't keep up the focus of bringing it back.
ETA - would you say there is any casual way to play fetch that won't mess up his retrieve, if his focus is off?
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: phaedra rieff ]
#308723 - 12/24/2010 10:26 PM |
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The only difference between a competition retrieve and play is all the formality that goes with it. Sit straight, fast run out on command, return and sit straight, out, etc but the act of getting the ball and bringing it back is all the same.
Now, for competition your going to use a dumbell of sorts (depending on the sport). If you get all of that formal and correct I don't think it would mess with a ball and a game but your still contaminating the game itself if you take it to a point of lost interest. That could teach the dog that on a bad day (for the dog) it may just tell you to ****off because it doesn't "feel" like it or it's paying more attention to something else.
old dogs LOVE to learn new tricks |
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: Bob Scott ]
#308725 - 12/24/2010 11:08 PM |
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I guess what I mean is - DO you think I can effectively separate the 2?
If sometimes I play casual ball with him, but don't ask for him to bring it back (I don't call "bring"), and just sort of toss it around, and he doesn't always bring it back right away, and doesn't run full speed. He will always bring it back, because he WANTS to play.
Then other times we do actual training where I don't do a lot of reps, I call him to "bring" and I require speed and focus?
Is that a pipe dream?
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: phaedra rieff ]
#308849 - 12/27/2010 12:25 AM |
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It's not a pipe dream. You can definitely play fetch casually and separate it from training, just make sure the casual is very casual.
But actually I think this poor puppy is going to be totally screwed up so the only option I can see is to send him to me. Just PM for my address. He is absolutely irresistible.
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: phaedra rieff ]
#308861 - 12/27/2010 10:17 AM |
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Very nice looking puppy. I think you can absolutely play casual fetch with you dog. I think the only thing is you don't want to complete burn him out like stated before. The game always want to end on a high note so you don't create any negative thoughts for the dog.
You can try using and different command when you are playing and dont't expect the dog to come to front just expect him to go get the ball or whatever the toy is and bring it back to you.
Mental stimulation, like Marker Training, coupled with physical excersise you do your boy good. Keep up the good work.
Kilo Gizmo Mave
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Re: Exercise vs. Focus
[Re: phaedra rieff ]
#308862 - 12/27/2010 10:58 AM |
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Do you plan on going into competition of some sort Phaedra? And is a retrieve exercise part of that competition?
If so Phaedra, remember in all 'play', you're shaping a behavior.
As a for instance, how you gonna feel about your dog dropping the (SchH) dumbell at your feet......just like the tennis ball he's so fond of?
You're shaping a behavior whatever you're 'playing/exercising' at.
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