Quote: Dana Martin

So, my plans are to attend the 2 week Intensive OB course with JD in Sept. down in CA. Just wondering if anyone else has attended this course and what they thought of it.

Also wondering what I can expect

Thanks!

You must be excited. Do you have any of the videos? Which (if any)?

Dana,

I was at the OB Intensive course with my GSD last April/May. At the time, I had ME's Food & Tug DVDs.

I took a lot of notes and videos. It was more "studying" then I expected.

I really enjoyed it though. Not sure about my GSD, I think the flight stressed her out and she developed some stomach issues when we were there. We flew in on a Saturday (class was on Monday) and did the two week course, then stayed for two extra days for sports clinic.

If you have any of his DVDs, watch them first, they really help

Dana, will you be able to drive?

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Also wondering what I can expect

I've not had the pleasure of attending, but I would expect you'll have a fantastic time, learn a lot and be very tired at the end of each and every day. But you know what they say... a tired class particpant is a happy class participant.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

.... you know what they say... a tired class particpant is a happy class participant.

.... snork .....

Yep.


I am filled with envy. Sometimes having multiple dogs can be a logistical nightmare. LOL

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I am filled with envy. Sometimes having multiple dogs can be a logistical nightmare. LOL

As can residing on the oppoisite coast of the country & only being able to take advantage of several of his 'local' 3-day seminars over the last 5 years.

Sure wish I lived on the west coast.(sigh)

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Dana, will you be able to drive?

If I decide to go I will be able to drive. It's only about 12 hours and I'll make it a 2 day trip. It's also just a short distance from where I used to live and will be able to stay with a very dear friend (who I haven't seen for 12 years!) for the 2 weeks instead of in a hotel. That makes the possibility of going even better (not having the added expense of the hotel).

Just don't anyone tell my mother-in-law since they only live 20 minutes away and we won't be staying with them That in itself would be too stressful for both me and JD

I don't have any of the ME videos as of yet. Still deciding on which to go with first.

He held a weekend seminar up here in the next province over. Could only do one day because it was a really busy time at work for Bob, he got one day off though.

It was a 9 hour drive for us, turned into 12 with the stops but we did it in a day. Had four dogs at the time but one of the seniors would have had a difficult time with 3 days on the road. So the two old guys stayed home with a good friend housesitting. (8 calls home in 3 days and all they did was sleep, couldn’t have been happier).

“Getting Vince assessed” for bite work was my main priority. I knew nothing about the sport, only that Vince needed a job and I was exploring his options. I’d received some bad information and was determined to get it right this time. I’d heard he was one of the best.

I didn’t have any of his DVD’s at that point (not sure if they were out then) but I was familiar with marker training. He did a bit of a lecture at first (making sure everyone knew where his basis was coming from) and then he started to perform. The guy is absolutely amazing with dogs. So gentle, so kind, so knowledgeable. Just blew me away.

It was the quickest 8 hours I’ve ever spent and 95% of it was on my feet in the field. He never took a break, making sure everyone got what they needed. I wasn’t the slightest bit tired either -got a bad case of writer’s cramp though.

He probably spent a total of about 15 minutes with Vince, but this really wasn’t about Vince. It was about him teaching me how to teach him. Two weeks would be a dream. You’ve got my envy spiders tingling.

..it's tempting -very tempting -about an hours drive for me so I'd be home every night, etc...it'd be a bit hard to get 2 straight weeks off from work though as my son is getting married this year and vacation is spent...
My dog is still a youngster just getting the basics down -but is very responsive to marker training to date -no bite inclination though so sincerely doubt she's a candidate for Schutzhund work...such a softie!
CJ, in your experience is the class good for all dogs though? Not just those going into advanced sport work? I'd like to possibly go on to UKC ob comp if I can work to competency to that level....we're still in elementary school -shouldn't think too far ahead to college!!
On the vids -I found "The Power of Training with Food" to be completely instructive re engagement and focus. I should have actually watched that one before "Basic Obedience" -Just IMHO..