I now have a problem. After the last few days watching the board, I've been thinking I should try and put a CD
on Max. In the three sanction matches I did enter him in he scored consistently high 180s and low 190s. But the pressure
got to me and Max shuts down after being corrected in formal obedience exercises (recall especially).

My problem with the recall was that after 2 recalls (or 2 exercises of the same thing) he anticipates the next command
and does his own. Eg. Recall and finish. If I don't want a finish, too bad he throws one in. That also stopped me from competing.
In a sanction match It's OK but not in a real trial. I find it hard to stop this behavior without hurting his self esteem.
He seems so proud when he does it.

He's so intelligent and tuned in to me I knicknamed him Maxwell Smartypants. His behavior frequently amused the ring
stewards. Any suggestions? Or should I just stick to agility? He will be 9 in April.
Thanks a lot <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Caniche,

Anticipation is a common problem with competitive obedience. You are not alone! Our doggies are trying to tell us they are smarter than we think they are and just want to please.

I would go back to square one with the recalls. Do them on leash (use a 6 foot leather leash or perhaps a flexi that you have good control of). As your dog comes towards you, reel him in right in front of you and tell him "sit, stay!" Then reward and release. DO NOT finish him. Work on finishes totally apart from the recall so he will learn not to associate the finish with the recall.

If he will finish on command well already, then don't work on them much at all right now. The key to avoiding anticipation is to mix up the order you give commands and NEVER train in a competition pattern. This way, when you are actually in the ring, the dog won't know what comes next and will have to wait for your command. Dogs learn and remember more quickly than we do! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Also, don't scold your dog for the anticipation. He's just trying to please you. Simply put the dog back on lead, repeat the excersize ONCE with you quietly guiding him to wait til you give the next command. Then try not to combine those commands again til you are in the ring.

Don't get discouraged! Don't just stick to agility. If your dog is anticipating your commands already, you could have an awesome obedience dog. And try not to let the pressure get to you--obedience is nothing if not fun!

Just remember that when your dog anticipates, he is trying to please you by doing what he thinks (and what you have inadvertantly taught him through repetition) comes next as quickly as possible.

Best of luck to you! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thank you Kali!
Actually the original training classes that I went to said Max would be a great trial dog. The founder of the company had dobes for 30 years and trialed hers. She subscribes to the Ian Dunbar method of training. Max and I won best dog and handler at our classes, but the pressure I felt from another training club to constantly correct him for wrong behaviours got to me and ruined him for formal obedience for a few years. Also, health problems in my family prevented me from actively persuing alternate routes.

I decided to enroll him in a novice refresher course again and see how we both do. I refuse to be intimidated again.

I know what's best for him and I will not allow myself to revert back to something that I know is wrong for his temperment and personality. Thank you to other board members for opening my eyes. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

That's really great Caniche! It's really great to see you have got the bug again and I personally wish you and Max the best, please let us know how it goes (And I'm sure you will be beaming) we look forward to your success! I think I speak for everyone on this subject. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Great news Caniche!

It really irritates me when I hear about people who think that every time a dog screws up it needs to be punished. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I am so glad that you know what your dog needs or doesn't need in that respect. Hopefully, your next CD experience with your dog will show you that most people in the obedience sport will not be presuring, but helpful and encouraging instead!

Best wishes, and keep us updated! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Lonny:

There’s a phone call for you in the main lobby.

Ok here goes. I only have a minute before Lonny gets back. Consistency is the key to training. I Say – You Do. If this model is not obeyed then a negative experience (corrections, no reward, no drive satisfaction, ect) must takes place. Not I Say – You Do unless … Again consistency is the key.
Ok shh. Lonny’s back.
As I was saying how would you feel if you were trying your best to please someone you love and you got punished for it.

(Sorry new comers. Private joke)

I feel I need to clarify a bit. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I DO agree that when a dog disobeys, there needs to be a form of correction, and consistancy is vitally important in training.

It sounded as though Caniche's dog is rather soft (correct me if I'm wrong, Caniche <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) and that he'd had some negative reactions to corrections during obedience training, so I was trying to offer an alternative to FIRM corrections with this dog. Simply the absence of a treat or a "good dog" may be enough of a correction for this dog in this situation. It is also important to realize that every dog is different and what works for one may not work for another. Also, we need to "read" our dogs and know what level of correction or praise is needed for that particular dog.

Also, there is a difference (at least in my mind) between punishment and correction. I will not punish my dog for anticipating, however, I will correct her--firmly too--she is a hard, but forgiving dog.

I always try to train with this in mind: "negative followed by a positive." When I need to correct my dog, I give TONS of praise AS SOON AS she does the right thing or the poor behavior stops.

Vince, sorry if I misunderstood your post! BTW, what's the joke? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Vince,

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Vince is Captain Correction. LOL

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Kali:

I do not think that your reply fairly represented my post. But thanks for the reply and you made some good points.

Chuck:

Thank you. It made me smile that you got my humor.