Thanks Mike, for your input and adding your advice to the OB issue.

At last night's session this is what I did, based on everyone's input and a pm from a friend. When we arrived I took Lear out, left him sniff in a very small area in case he needed to potty. He did and I put him back in the car. We almost always 99% of the time do ob first so took him out and we did that (with the trainer) and Lear did very well, focused on me and made eye contact often while in a long down. Back in the car. Then did protection training. Back in the car.

I asked my trainer, whom I love and am so fortunate to have found her, what she thought the problem was with his sniffing around and lack-luster focus on me when it's just him and me on the field before everyone arrives. Asked her why he was so good at OB when she's there and never sniffs during OB training with her nearby. She flat out told me that it's because I'm not consistent with my corrections and he knows he can get away with stuff and I probably do that when it's just him and me out there. She also said not to do too much with him during that time, yet.

I have to say she nailed it. It's true. I'm not as demanding or authoritative, and thinking about it, my posture isn't even the same. I don't stand "tall", I just amble around. I guess I'm like Lear in that sense, the juice isn't in my veins until others show up for training . I'm also lack-luster until everyone shows up. So that has to change. So I've run into a situation where I actually have to be exciting - oh gosh.

Her advice was if I bring him early, take him out, let him sniff around a little, give him one command like a sit, release him and let him sniff a little more, then back in the car.

So I'm going to do what she said and pair it with Mike's advice regarding the tug by rewarding that one command with a little play on the tug. I'm going to check my posture and attitude and try to convey by both that I'm serious (and fun) and I believe that will get the message across to Lear that OB on the field with just me is as fun as being with in class with everyone.

Sandy, it sounds like you have an awesome and wise trainer! I'm glad you had a good training session and gained some new insights. I just rambled some random thoughts in a PM, but it sounds like you are already on a good track!!

YEAH!!

Beth

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I'm not as demanding or authoritative, and thinking about it, my posture isn't even the same. I don't stand "tall", I just amble around. I guess I'm like Lear in that sense, the juice isn't in my veins until others show up for training . I'm also lack-luster until everyone shows up. So that has to change. So I've run into a situation where I actually have to be exciting - oh gosh

Congrats, you learned that a lot faster then I have and I'm still having to be reminded of it. Last week at training I was told yet again to put more "oompth" in my commands with Doc. Art of this board yelled out, "Sound like Claudia Romard....Remember how she gives commands..."

I thought "hmmm, act like I'm talking to my hubby about how tall the grass is", gave the out command and Doc spit it out.

My poor hubby.

But all of you men will be happy to know, it's much more effective with Doc then my hubby. Grass is still tall.

Yes Beth, Uschi Fuchs is awesome. There are so many wonderful things I can say about her, it would fill a book. Her keen insight into the dogs (and their owners!!!) is amazing. She knows what she's doing with every step she takes while decoying. Everything is deliberate and thought out. It's like I can see her plan evolving with every session.

Lear has made incredible progress with her, and no avoidance on his part at all. She knows exactly what to do with him, always. She has boundless energy and strength and a true passion for this work. She sees EVERYTHING, even the tiniest little things that a dog is doing and that the owner is doing. And she can see these things in all the dogs and owners at the same time. She's always saying "watch your dog" (to see what he's doing at any given time). I swear she has eyes in the back of her head, she's so amazingly intuitive and observant.

What are Lear and I going to do when his training is over? I can't bear to think about it. Not only does Lear love this training, and loves Uschi, I love being around Uschi too. She's so incredibly knowledgeable and dynamic, I can't imagine not being around her twice a week . She's added so much to my life, and to Lear's.

 Quote: betty waldron

I thought "hmmm, act like I'm talking to my hubby about how tall the grass is", gave the out command and Doc spit it out.

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But all of you men will be happy to know, it's much more effective with Doc then my hubby. Grass is still tall.

Take a step back in your training, Betty. Short sessions, 4-5 times a day, using high value treats your dog...er...husband loves. Praise lavishly!

(And remember...while it takes a dog 60 or so repetitions to learn something, it takes the average husband 500 or so repetitions to get it down pat).

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Take a step back in your training, Betty. Short sessions, 4-5 times a day, using high value treats your dog...er...husband loves. Praise lavishly!

(And remember...while it takes a dog 60 or so repetitions to learn something, it takes the average husband 500 or so repetitions to get it down pat).

According to my hubby I excel at the repetition part, it's the praise lavishly or reward area that I am sadly lacking in.

Alas, I believe he is correct.

Betty and Sarah both have me cracking up! Betty, as far as the praise and rewards, could it be that our dogs are a gift to teach us how to train our hubbies?

Just kidding men! We don't really have "plans" for you :wink: