I have a "house dog" that I am training for competition. However, I have noticed that all of the trainers who have house dogs in my area seem to be having more trouble getting the dog to focus when new people / smells are present.

Does anyone know of any SPECIFIC individual that has been competitive recently at the national level (Schutzhund) who has a dog that lives in the house (not a kennel)?

Yes, Steve Robinson. He was on the worlds 5 times and his dog is every bit a "house dog". All of his and his wifes ScH dogs are house dogs, all 5 of them. They own, live on, and run a full service kennel too, so it's not a matter of need, but choice. My wife and I train ScH as well, although not national, yet... My wifes 6 year old GSD is not only a house dog, she is queen of the castle, free roam. Her 1 year old GSD is also a house dog. My mal, he sleeps in the house with us, however his interatction with me is outside. While in the house, he is crated. His name of "Wrecks" is fitting, so I dont push it. But, he will be allowed to lay in the living room when there is a bone to chew on, but not to roam "freely", we'd be out a house in short order. I tried however. I remember when I was laying on the couch and called him, he jumped up from laying down, ran, jumped over the dining room table and landed square on me and the couch. I wasn't able to breath for a few minutes from the impact. Fortunatly, he cleared the table, so the only damage was to my body.

It seems that most house dogs "expect" to be able to walk around / sniff and be free when let out of the crate during training. After all-- this is what happens at home.

As a result, they are often less focused on the handler and the ball than kennel dogs who just seem to be happy to be with the handler.

I'm wondering what Steve and others did to attain that focus during training on a new field?

Example:

During training-- the house dog is let out of crate for obedience work.
Dog is excited by new smells / people
Dog ALWAYS shows little interest in the ball at FIRST, then performs well.

Maybe I should bring the young GSD (11 months) out EARLIER and let her "settle down a bit"???

Dave, do you crate your dog for a while before training?

 Quote:

Originally posted by VanCamp:
Dave, do you crate your dog for a while before training?

Yes... it seems to make her even MORE wired, playful and distracted.

I really think house dogs are different because they USUALLY get to run the house when let out of the crate at home. 9 times out of 10... they are let out and allowed to run free in the house.

Maybe I need some way to "cue" the dog (classical conditioning) that formal training is about to occur--- time to be serious? But, I don't want obedience training to become a drag.

Try doing some work EVERY time you let dog out of crate. No free time, untill they pay the piper.

It won't be a drag if they always get to do something cool afterwards, (i.e.- run around the house like a friggin' wild animal)

Hey... thats not a bad idea <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That way... you are assured that they feel "cooped up", probably have to pee etc... but still learn to focus right out of the cage -- by using a super-quick obedience session and then play.... not bad.

I think that could definitely work. I don't do any competition so take my input with a grain of salt. But, I've gotten into the habit of working my Lab in obedience every time we go out into the yard. This started with his post-surgery rehab, where his exercise was limited by time and distance, so the yard was the best place to exercise him. Anyway, whenever I take him out to pee, he heels right next to me, looking up expectantly. If I'm not really going to work him, but just want him to "go pee pee", I have to encourage him to leave my side long enough to do so. Contrast this with my bitch, who I haven't worked nearly as much, who bursts through the door and runs out like a ball of fire to check out the yard and who or what may be out there. NO focus on me whatsoever. I know that would be different if I worked her every time I took her out. I'm sure that if I started working them right out of the crate, they'd get patterned to that, too. Your dog would probably respond the same, I imagine.

It all depends on your goals. If your goal is to get every last point out of your dog then you must kennel him. But if you are willing to loose a point or two in order to have a house companion then you can make it work with a house dog. The philosophy behind this is:

A housedog must be corrected for non competitive reasons (off the couch)

A kenneled dog lives an uneventful life and looks forward to working more (What’s out there is more interesting then what’s in here.)

A kenneled dog cannot seek others for companionship and approval. (He’ll work harder for your approval because you’re all he’s got)

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