You know, from a lot of the posts I've read it seems like Betty and Anabelle often bring a certain sense of joviality to the field. Even when they're attacking unprotected decoys.

Will: When you say "concentrate for up to 8 min" are you referring to (for instance) 8 mins of focus in one position which teaches the dog patience, or 8 minutes of a sequence of commands before receiving a reward?

 Quote:

Never before have I flashed back to 5am and tried to remember exactly what I put on under my t-shirt.

You sure have some crazy doggie adventures at training, they make me giggle! It is so fun when training is fun

I have experienced some ripped clothing at the teeth of dogs, but have yet to be undressed

It's all Annabelle's fault. I suspect I have seen her whispering her tricks of the trade in Doc's ear lately. And I swear I caught her and Raya laughing in the corner last night.

I'm doomed.

But on the bright side if laughter is truly the best medicine my training group will live forever.

 Quote: david eagle

Will: When you say "concentrate for up to 8 min" are you referring to (for instance) 8 mins of focus in one position which teaches the dog patience, or 8 minutes of a sequence of commands before receiving a reward?

I thought the 8 mins of concentration meant various commands within that 8 mins (only because the "routine" involves different commands) but perhaps I thought wrong...I too, am curious...(can't get to a Flinks seminar for a while )

As for the antics and joviality and ripped clothing down in FL, well...um...all I can say is when we do the whole family Disney Land thing, while we're there, time *will* be made to make a day of training at their club, even if it involves a drive.

 Quote: lisa harrison

Mike,

JMO-I don't like treats for OB training unless it's a puppy. I want my dog working for me, not food. It is kind of like bribing your dog to obey. I will play after a training session is over if the dog has a high drive.

I see what your saying here. But look at it this way, are you going to use a toy? then the dog isn't working for you he is working for the toy. Now let me put this in human terms.

I take it you have a job? Now that job gives you cash every two weeks or so. Are you working for the job or the cash? Would you still work for that job if you didn't get the cash?.... didn't think so.

All i am doing is paying my dog. Not exactly what he loves but he knows he gets a bonus at the end of training

 Quote: lisa harrison

It is kind of like bribing your dog to obey.

This might sound like semantics, but bribery and rewarding are very different.

There are a lot of essays and articles about lures, bribes, and rewards, and how they differ, but here's a short video that demonstrates the three very succinctly:

http://hobbies.expertvillage.com/videos/dog-obedience-lures-rewards-bribes.htm

Not replying to any one person, but in general: I see Lisa's point and employ it to a certain degree with my dogs. However, it depends on the dog. I have one who works great for me w/out any reward, other than my kindness and respect. I have one who cannot for the life of her remember what "sit" means unless I make a big show out of her accomplishment by lavishing her with praise and treats. I have one who needs a harsh correction and will do what he wants to do, regardless of the toy or treat or punishment on the table. You can't be so steadfast in one training technique that you miss out on the BEST OB you can get from a certain dog. Use whatever works best, but don't underestimate the power of a good working relationship when talking about OB w/no reward. Remember that some dogs WANT to work for the handler b/c they are deeply bonded to them and doing things makes them happy. It doesn't always mean heavy compulsion, like many folks think of when someone says they don't reward for OB.

Jennifer, your post to Lisa may be true, but when you talk about OB "looking" better, I have to bring up the point that you're talking about competition. I couldn't care less about how my dog "looks" when doing OB. As long as he does it reliably, I don't care about flash or eye contact; I don't do sports or any other competition, and my OB work is all about control and safety-not "flash." Keep in mind that a dog who only works for a paycheck may or may not be 100% solid, depending on training. That "flash" just isn't important to everyone equally, so bear that in mind when reviewing Lisa's post.

 Quote: connie sutherland

http://hobbies.expertvillage.com/videos/dog-obedience-lures-rewards-bribes.htm

Great link. I knew how to use food and rewards for this but i never really connected the terminology.

 Quote: jenni williams

Not replying to any one person, but in general: I see Lisa's point and employ it to a certain degree with my dogs. However, it depends on the dog. I have one who works great for me w/out any reward, other than my kindness and respect. I have one who cannot for the life of her remember what "sit" means unless I make a big show out of her accomplishment by lavishing her with praise and treats. I have one who needs a harsh correction and will do what he wants to do, regardless of the toy or treat or punishment on the table. You can't be so steadfast in one training technique that you miss out on the BEST OB you can get from a certain dog. Use whatever works best, but don't underestimate the power of a good working relationship when talking about OB w/no reward. Remember that some dogs WANT to work for the handler b/c they are deeply bonded to them and doing things makes them happy. It doesn't always mean heavy compulsion, like many folks think of when someone says they don't reward for OB.

Jennifer, your post to Lisa may be true, but when you talk about OB "looking" better, I have to bring up the point that you're talking about competition. I couldn't care less about how my dog "looks" when doing OB. As long as he does it reliably, I don't care about flash or eye contact; I don't do sports or any other competition, and my OB work is all about control and safety-not "flash." Keep in mind that a dog who only works for a paycheck may or may not be 100% solid, depending on training. That "flash" just isn't important to everyone equally, so bear that in mind when reviewing Lisa's post.

Agree with everything you said here.

 Quote: david eagle

You know, from a lot of the posts I've read it seems like Betty and Anabelle often bring a certain sense of joviality to the field. Even when they're attacking unprotected decoys.

Will: When you say "concentrate for up to 8 min" are you referring to (for instance) 8 mins of focus in one position which teaches the dog patience, or 8 minutes of a sequence of commands before receiving a reward?

David, yeah we have a lot of fun training together.
Betty is a *very* funny person......not on purpose, of course...

The need for the eight min. stretch of concentration covers all the exercises in the SchH obedience sequence.

thread hijack

What exactly is BH? (sorry not a sports guy)

/thread hijack